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Game 55: Reds at Mets (7:10 PM ET) – Abbott vs. Brazoban

UNDATED: Manager Davey Johnson of the New York Mets sit on the dugout during a season game. Davey Johnson managed the New York Mets from 1984-1990. (Photo by: Andrew D. Bernstein/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Cincinnati Reds have brooms on their mind tonight in Queens, as they’ve already taken the first two games of the three game series against the New York Mets on the road in Citi Field. Now, they’ll send Andrew Abbott to the mound in the best form of his season to help make it happen.

Dating back to April 30th, Abbott has fired 28.0 IP across 5 starts, yielding just 3 ER in the process (good for a 1.29 ERA). He’s out-pitching his peripherals – something he’d done repeatedly over the last two excellent seasons – and is once again making it known that his approach to inducing weak contact might actually be a path to success given his left-handed arsenal.

Huascar Brazoban is who stands in the way of the red-hot Reds offense, at least to begin things. He’s a reliever by trade, so we’ll maybe see just a pair of innings from him before the Mets lean deeper into their bullpen.

First pitch is set for 7:10 PM ET. Lineups for both clubs are listed below!

Today’s Lineups

REDSMETS
Blake Dunn – RFCarson Benge – RF
Elly De La Cruz – SSBo Bichette – SS
JJ Bleday – LFJuan Soto – LF
Sal Stewart – 3BMark Vientos – 1B
Eugenio Suarez – DHMarcus Semien – 2B
Nathaniel Lowe – 1BA.J. Ewing – CF
Spencer Steer – 2BEric Wagaman – DH
Tyler Stephenson – CBrett Baty – 3B
TJ Friedl – CFLuis Torrens – C
Andrew Abbott – LHPJonah Tong – RHP
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Where to watch Cincinnati Reds vs. New York Mets: Live stream, start time, TV channel, odds for Wednesday, May 27

The Cincinnati Reds, ranked third in the NL Central with a 29-25 record, face the New York Mets, who are fifth in the NL East with a 22-33 record. The New York Mets are favored with a -120 moneyline compared to the Cincinnati Reds' +100. Starting pitchers are Andrew Abbott for Cincinnati, with a 3.97 ERA, and Huascar Brazobán for New York, with a 1.73 ERA.

  • Cincinnati Reds: 29-25 (No. 3 in NL Central)

  • New York Mets: 22-33 (No. 5 in NL East)

  • Spread: New York Mets +1.5

  • Moneyline: New York Mets -120 (52.2%) / Cincinnati Reds +100 (47.8%)

  • Over/Under: 8.0

Cincinnati Reds: Andrew Abbott (4-2, ERA: 3.97, K: 38, WHIP: 1.46)
New York Mets: Huascar Brazobán (3-1, ERA: 1.73, K: 19, WHIP: 0.92)

Weather: 81°F at first pitch

Ballpark: Capacity: 42,136 | Roof: Open | Surface: Grass

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Rangers DFA five-time All-Star Andrew McCutchen after rough start to 2026

Andrew McCutchen #4 of the Texas Rangers bats in the seventh inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park on May 16, 2026 in Houston, Texas.
Andrew McCutchen #4 of the Texas Rangers bats in the seventh inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park on May 16, 2026 in Houston, Texas.

Andrew McCutchen is out of a job. 

The five-time All-Star was designated for assignment by the Rangers on Wednesday to open up a roster spot for free agent infielder Nicky Lopez. 

After getting nine hits in 21 at-bats, including a home run and three doubles, during a brief spring appearance, McCutchen, 39, made Texas’ Opening Day roster after signing a minor league deal in March. 

He was plugged into the Rangers’ lineup as their designated hitter on Opening Day.

Andrew McCutchen of the Texas Rangers looks on prior to the game between the Houston Astros and the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field on Monday, May 25, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. MLB Photos via Getty Images

McCutchen, who won the 2013 National League MVP with the Pirates, has struggled in two months since then, hitting just .192 with one home run in 92 plate appearances. 

He’s been even worse of late, getting just two hits in his last 22 at-bats dating back to May 7. 

McCutchen will now hit the waiver wire, where another team could take a flier on the veteran bat.

If he clears waivers, the Rangers could attempt to keep him in the organization, although McCutchen will likely look elsewhere for a big-league role.

McCutchen’s possible end in Texas comes after he was spurned by Pittsburgh, the franchise that drafted him No. 11 overall all the way back in 2005, over the offseason. 

Andrew McCutchen of the Texas Rangers bats in the seventh inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park on May 16, 2026 in Houston, Texas. Getty Images

After spending his first nine MLB seasons with the franchise, McCutchen returned to the Pirates ahead of the 2023 season. 

Despite maintaining that he wanted to come back in 2026, the Pirates looked elsewhere, bringing in veteran slugger Marcell Ozuna and first baseman Ryan O’Hearn. 

McCutchen would later voice his displeasure at not being invited to the Pirates’ annual preseason fan fest in January.

If this is it for McCutchen, he would finish his career hitting .271/.364/.455 with 333 home runs and 220 stolen bases. 

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2026 NBA Draft early entry tracker: Full list of declarations, withdrawals, returns

The 2026 NBA Draft received fewer early entry candidates than usual as more prospects opted to return to college basketball with lucrative NIL deals.

With only 71 candidates, it marked the lowest number in more than two decades. But not all received an invitation to the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago. For those who did, after meeting with scouts and team executives, players used that feedback to decide whether to remain in the draft or return to college.

Several players opted to return to college before the pre-draft process even began, a trend viewed as beneficial to both the NCAA and NBA.

Thomas Haugh (Florida), Braylon Mullins (UConn) and Patrick Ngongba II (Duke) are among those who were widely considered potential first-round picks but opted not to test the waters. Others, including Pryce Sandfort (Nebraska), Alex Condon (Florida), Joseph Tugler (Houston) and David Mirković (Illinois), made the same decision.

While more than 25 early entry candidates are expected to remain in the class, others have yet to announce their decisions and several have already confirmed their return to college basketball.

Per NCAA rules, players have until 11:59 PM ET on Wednesday, May 27 to withdraw from the 2026 NBA Draft and remain eligible to play college basketball.

Players who have completed their college eligibility are automatically eligible for the 2026 NBA Draft. Among them are Yaxel Lendeborg, Bennett Stirtz, Joshua Jefferson, Tarris Reed Jr., Zuby Ejiofor, Alex Karaban, Ryan Conwell and Braden Smith.

Early entry candidates who have yet to announce a decision

Koa Peat participates in the 2026 NBA Draft Combine at Wintrust Arena.

  1. Meleek Thomas (Arkansas)
  2. Tounde Yessoufou (Baylor → transfer portal)
  3. Jeremy Fears Jr. (Michigan State)

Early entry participants from NBA/G League Combine to return to NCAA

Matthew Able participates in the 2026 NBA Draft Combine at Wintrust Arena.

Two asterisks denote that the player was invited to the G League Combine and later received a call-up to the NBA Draft Combine.One asterisk denotes that a player was originally invited to the G League Combine.

  1. Amari Allen (Alabama)
  2. Tyler Tanner (Vanderbilt)
  3. Milan Momcilovic (Iowa State → transfer portal)
  4. Malachi Moreno (Kentucky)
  5. Rueben Chinyelu (Florida)
  6. Billy Richmond III (Arkansas)
  7. Flory Bidunga (Kansas → Louisville)
  8. Matt Able (NC State → North Carolina)
  9. Andrej Stojakovic (Illinois)
  10. Jacob Cofie** (USC)
  11. Aiden Tobiason* (Temple → Syracuse)

Early entry candidates expected to remain in 2026 NBA Draft

AJ Dybantsa participates in the 2026 NBA Draft Combine at Wintrust Arena.

This list is based on consensus draft projection, reporting, and comments made at the 2026 NBA Draft Combine.

  1. AJ Dybantsa (BYU)
  2. Darryn Peterson (Kansas)
  3. Cameron Boozer (Duke)
  4. Caleb Wilson (North Carolina)
  5. Keaton Wagler (Illinois)
  6. Darius Acuff Jr. (Arkansas)
  7. Kingston Flemings (Houston)
  8. Mikel Brown Jr. (Louisville)
  9. Brayden Burries (Arizona)
  10. Aday Mara (Michigan)
  11. Nate Ament (Tennessee)
  12. Labaron Philon (Alabama)
  13. Hannes Steinbach (Washington)
  14. Cameron Carr (Baylor)
  15. Karim Lopez (International, Australia)
  16. Jayden Quaintance (Kentucky)
  17. Morez Johnson Jr. (Michigan)
  18. Dailyn Swain (Texas)
  19. Christian Anderson (Texas Tech)
  20. Chris Cenac Jr. (Houston)
  21. Ebuka Okorie (Stanford)
  22. Koa Peat (Arizona)
  23. Allen Graves (Santa Clara → transfer portal)
  24. Isaiah Evans (Duke)
  25. Henri Veesaar (North Carolina)
  26. Jack Kayil (International → Gonzaga commit)

Other early entry prospects (non-combine participants) returning to NCAA

Michigan Wolverines guard Elliot Cadeau (3) celebrates after their win against the UConn Huskies in the national championship of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament between the and the Michigan Wolverines at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Two asterisks denote a player who received but declined an NBA Combine invitation. One asterisk denotes a player who received but declined an invitation to the G League Combine.

  1. Juke Harris** (Wake Forest → Tennessee)
  2. Elliot Cadeau* (Michigan)
  3. Isiah Harwell* (Houston → Gonzaga)
  4. Alijah Arenas* (USC)
  5. Anton Bonke (Charlotte → Michigan State)
  6. Keanu Dawes (Utah → Kansas)
  7. Sebastian Rancik (Colorado → Florida State)
  8. Cruz Davis (Hofstra → Texas Tech)
  9. Eian Elmer (Miami OH → Wisconsin)
  10. Bryson Tucker (Washington)
  11. Dennis Parker Jr. (Radford → Kansas)
  12. Colby Garland (San Jose State → Georgia Tech)
  13. Gabe Dynes (USC → Louisville)
  14. Finley Bizjack (Butler → West Virginia)
  15. Rowan Brumbaugh (Tulane → SMU)
  16. Kennard Davis (BYU → Missouri)
  17. LeJuan Watts (Texas Tech → Washington)
  18. Shane Blakeney (Drexel → South Carolina)

Other remaining international early entry candidates

Among this group, Luigi Suigo and Sergio De Larrea received combine invitations, but only Suigo attended.

  1. Luigi Suigo
  2. Sergio De Larrea
  3. Alex Samodurov
  4. Vsevolod Ishchenko
  5. Bassala Bagayoko
  6. Pavle Bačko
  7. Francesco Ferrari
  8. Mohammad Amini

The withdrawal deadline for international early entry candidates is 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, June 13.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2026 NBA Draft early entry tracker: Full list of prospects decisions

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Royals vs. Yankees game 56 thread

After blowing a lead in the ninth on Monday and a drubbing last night, the Royals once again find themselves on the verge of a sweep at the hands of the Yankees. Kansas City has not been able to rebound from a slow start and now has too many pitching injuries. At least today they have someone they planned to have starting games for them this season to begin with. Can the Royals win one against the Yankees? Can they blow it again? Does it even matter at this point? Find out tonight!

It does look like a lopsided pitching matchup with Gerrit Cole vs. Noah Cameron. However, Cole has not rebounded to his Cy Young levels since returning from Tommy John last season. This will be his second start of 2026 and in the first one he was able to limit hits but did not get much swing and miss while walking more than you would like. For his part, Cameron got off to a rocky start this spring and has two consecutive quality starts with the last one being an impressive outing.

It is a very standard lineup from KC today with Jensen behind the dish:

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Dodgers vs Rockies Prediction: Odds, recent stats, trends, and best bets for May 27

The Dodgers ( ) routed the Rockies ( ), 16-5 on Tuesday, and have won the first two games of the series. Los Angeles has a chance to sweep as Shohei Ohtani takes the mound.

Los Angeles is the listed as the largest favorite (-423) of the entire baseball season for the series finale with Colorado. The Dodgers won the last two Ohtani starts 4-0 in each game and he's allowed seven hits over 12.0 innings. Los Angeles is 4-4 in Ohtani's eight starts. In the last 13 games overall, Los Angeles is 11-2 and has one of the best offenses and the No. 1 ERA from the pitching staff (2.11).

Colorado has lost four straight games and seven of the past eight. In that eight game span, the Rockies have been outscored 53-22. Over the last 14 games, Colorado ranks last in ERA (6.34) and the offense has a .230 batting average (19th). Colorado is now 2-4 versus Los Angeles and lost three consecutive outings.

Let’s dive into the matchup and find a sweat or two.

We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch first pitch, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long.

Game details & how to watch Rockies at Dodgers

  • Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2026
  • Time: 10:10 PM EST
  • Site: Dodger Stadium
  • City: Los Angeles, CA
  • Network/Streaming: MLB TV

Never miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out.

Odds for the Rockies at the Dodgers

The latest odds as of Wednesday:

  • Moneyline: Los Angeles Dodgers (-427), Colorado Rockies (+326)
  • Spread: Rockies +1.5 (+147), Dodgers -1.5 (-178)
  • Total: 8.0

Probable starting pitchers for Rockies at Dodgers

  • Wednesday's pitching matchup (May 27): Shohei Ohtani vs. Tomoyuki Sugano
  • Rockies: Tomoyuki Sugano

2026 stats: 53.2 IP, 4-3, 3.86 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 28 Ks, 15 BB

  • Dodgers: Shohei Ohtani

2026 Stats: 49.1 IP, 4-2, 0.73 ERA, 0.84 WHIP, 26 Ks, 16 BB

Who’s Hot? Who’s Not

  • The Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani is hitting .270 with 51 hits and 89 total bases over 189 at-bats
  • The Dodgers’ Will Smith is hitting .248 with 38 hits and 28 strikeouts over 153 at-bats
  • The Rockies’ Troy Johnston is hitting .321 with 53 hits and 73 total bases over 165 at-bats
  • The Rockies’ Ezequiel Tovar is hitting .216 with 40 hits and 51 strikeouts over 185 at-bats

Rotoworld still has you covered with all the latest MLB player news for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!

Top betting trends & insights to know ahead of Rockies at Dodgers

  • Favorites of over -400 odds are 4-4 on the ML in the last eight games
  • The Dodgers are 29-26 ATS and 12-15 ATS at home
  • The Rockies are 29-27 ATS and 16-15 ATS on the road
  • The Dodgers are 31-24 to the Under, ranking third-best
  • The Rockies are 30-25 to the Under, ranking seventh-best
  • The Dodgers are 16-11 to the Under at home, ranking fourth
  • The Rockies are 17-14 to the Under on the road

Expert picks & predictions for tonight’s game between the Rockies and the Dodgers

Rotoworld Bet Best Bet

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Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information and weather forecasts.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projection next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Wednesday's game between the Rockies and the Dodgers:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Dodgers on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Dodgers at -1.5.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Under on the Game Total of 9.0

Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:

  • Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
  • Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
  • Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
  • Trysta Krick (@Trysta_Krick)
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Report: Kings Interview Former Oilers Head Coach Jay Woodcroft

The Los Angeles Kings have been busy at the start of the offseason as they prepare to hire their next franchise head coach. There have been plenty of rumors and options LA has been considering since the offseason, with names like Bruce Cassidy and Peter Laviolette at the top of the list. 

But Wednesday afternoon, a new report from NHL insider Frank Seravalli stated that Jay Woodcroft, who reportedly interviewed with Los Angeles last week, is also expected to interview with the Toronto Maple Leafs later this week. 

Seravalli also reported that Woodcroft is viewed as a "strong candidate" for Toronto's coaching vacancy and remains a strong candidate to return behind an NHL bench next season. 

Woodcroft becomes the second confirmed candidate connected to the Los Angeles Kings coaching search this offseason, after reports earlier this week also linked former New York Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette to interviewing for the Kings coaching job. 

Kings Have Their Sights Set On Stanley Cup Winning Head CoachKings Have Their Sights Set On Stanley Cup Winning Head CoachThe Los Angeles Kings have shown interest in multiple suitors for their Head Coach opening and have even had preliminary conversations with a former Stanley Cup winning bench boss.

Woodcroft and Laviolette are the only confirmed coaches with whom LA has been granted an interview. Additionally, Bruce Cassidy is a name that the Kings are still keeping a strong eye on, but the Vegas Golden Knights have not yet granted permission for Los Angeles to speak with him.

Here's why Woodcroft makes sense as a potential head coach for the Kings. The former Oilers head coach took over Edmonton as an interim in the 2022 season and led the team to a  26-9-3 finish and a berth in the Western Conference Final.

In the 2022–23 season, his first full season as head coach, he led Edmonton to a 50-23-9 record and set an NHL record for the most efficient power play (32.4%).

Woodcroft has experience leading young, talented players and elevating their play, including Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, and has consistently operated one of the league’s most dangerous power plays. 

The same style of play can appeal to the Kings' young talent, who struggled to generate offense consistently around Quinton Byfield and Brandt Clarke, something that can change moving forward with Woodcroft behind the bench.  

This past season, he helped lead the Anaheim Ducks to the playoffs as an assistant coach under head coach Joel Quenneville for the first time since the 2017-18 season, and the Ducks defeated his former team in the first round.

Woodcroft's fresh and young, offensive-minded approach brings something new and interesting to the Kings' coaching position compared to some of the veteran candidates linked to Los Angeles. 

Los Angeles may view him as a long-term coach who can help elevate their young talent into stars. 

Image

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GameThread: Tigers vs. Angels, 6:40 p.m.

May 26, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Tigers right fielder Wenceel Perez (46) slides in safe at home in the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Detroit Tigers (21-34) vs. Los Angeles Angels (21-34)

Time/Place: 6:40 p.m., Comerica Park
SB Nation Site: Halos Heaven
Media: Detroit SportsNet, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network
Pitching Matchup: RHP Casey Mize (2-3, 2.47 ERA) vs. RHP José Soriano (6-3, 2.44 ERA)

PlayerGIPK%BB%GB%FIPfWAR
Mize843.225.16.434.82.521.5
Soriano1166.127.910.251.93.091.6

Lineups

ANGELSTIGERS
Zach Neto – SSColt Keith – 3B
Mike Trout – CFKevin McGonigle – SS
Vaughn Grissom – 1BDillon Dingler – C
Jorge Soler – DHRiley Greene – LF
Wade Meckler – LFZach McKinstry – RF
Jo Adell – RFSpencer Torkelson – 1B
Oswald Peraza – 2BWenceel Perez – CF
Donovan Walton – 3BGage Workman – DH
Logan O’Hoppe – CHao-Yu Lee – 2B

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Dodgers’ record spending caught in middle of mayhem as potential MLB lockout looms

Labor negotiations are underway between Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association.

And already, the Dodgers are getting caught up in the middle of the mayhem.

As expected, the Dodgers are in the middle of labor negotiations between MLB and the MLB Players Association due to their record-breaking spending. AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh

With the league’s current collective bargaining agreement set to expire Dec. 1 of this year, the MLBPA made an opening proposal to the league on Wednesday, in the first big step of new CBA negotiations.

In it, the MLBPA proposed the institution of a “competitive integrity tax” that would penalize lower-spending teams that don’t clear a $150 million payroll threshold. The MLBPA’s proposal also included raising the threshold at which bigger-spending teams are charged competitive balance taxes –– aka, luxury taxes –– from $244 million this year up to $300 million next season.

That, unsurprisingly, is where the Dodgers came in.

In a statement released to multiple outlets from MLB, the league pointed to the two-time defending champions to counter the MLBPA’s tax-related suggestions:

“The MLBPA’s proposal would reduce the amount [of money] transferred to lower-revenue Clubs, weaken the Competitive Balance Tax, and lead to even more payroll disparity than exists today. For example, under the Union’s proposal, the Dodgers would pay less in luxury tax payments, giving them an additional $70 million to spend on payroll.”

Rob Manfred as served as the MLB commissioner since 2015 and is scheduled to step down in 2029 after serving his third and final term.
Getty Images

That the Dodgers have become a political football in what are expected to be heated CBA talks is not surprising.

In the last two years, their on-field success and unprecedented roster spending have raised concerns about MLB’s competitive balance and financial parity.

Last year, the team set a new MLB record with a $415 million luxury-tax payroll. This season, they are projected to top that total with $419.6 million currently on the books, according to Cots Baseball Contracts.

For reference: The Marlins have a league-low projected luxury-tax payroll this year of just $82 million –– less than one-fifth the Dodgers’ unprecedented amount.

“We appreciate the union making a set of proposals and we look forward to continuing the bargaining process and working towards solving the competitive balance problem our fans are telling us needs to be addressed,” the league’s statement said. “We understand their proposals are designed to benefit players. Unfortunately, they do not address and in fact exacerbate the competitive balance problem our fans are telling us we must address.”

Bruce Meyer is the interim executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association. AP

There has been much speculation that the league will push for a strict salary cap in the new CBA –– as opposed to the soft cap currently in place that allows teams like the Dodgers to spend as much as they want, so long as they pay taxes on every dollar spent over the CBT threshold.

The expectation is that talks will be contentious and that the league will lock players out when the CBA expires at the start of December, potentially putting the start of next year under threat.

The Dodgers, because of their gaudy (albeit legal) spending and rise to dynasty status over the last half-decade, figure to loom large throughout the process.

One proposal in, they are already being invoked in negotiations.

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John Tortorella Learned How To Listen To His Players Since Taking Over Golden Knights

LAS VEGAS -- The Golden Knights weren't the only ones who needed to relearn about themselves when John Tortorella took over as coach on March 29.

Turns out, the grizzled veteran coach who's been known to ruffle some feathers with an abrasive approach became a student, too.

"In the short time I've been with them, I watched them and listened to them," Tortorella said Tuesday night after the Golden Knights clinched a berth into the Stanley Cup Final. "I've learned a ton from them. I've learned ... I think coaches overcoach. I think we overcoach, and I think we get in the way sometimes.

"This group here, especially after me being with younger teams prior to this, I hope to be a better coach and learned more to have some listening skills when you're dealing with veteran players."

The Golden Knights were on the brink of being eliminated from playoff contention after losing 19 of 27 when former coach Bruce Cassidy was fired and Tortorella was brought in to spark life into the team.

Vegas closed the regular season on a 7-0-1 run, won the Pacific Division, won 12 of 16 in the playoffs - including their last six - and now return to the Stanley Cup Final for the third time in the team's nine-year existence.

Vegas beat the top-seeded Colorado Avalanche in four games, taking Games 1 and 2 in Denver and then sealing things at home in Games 3 and 4, including Tuesday's 2-1 clincher at T-Mobile Arena.

"I think it's just the way that he communicates with us on a day-to-day basis, his message, his demeanor," Vegas star center Jack Eichel said. "I think it's definitely felt like a group effort, and he's constantly coming to us for feedback, and I think his message has been received really well."

Eichel said it's been the cohesiveness between Tortorella and the players that made the transition from Cassidy, who led the team to its first Stanley Cup title in 2023, seamless with eight games left in the campaign.

"I think the guys have a lot of confidence in him, and really believe in what he's saying," Eichel said. "And I think he's done a good job of getting the most out of the group, so it's definitely been a collective group effort."

Tortorella also said coaching an elite group with playoff experience and great chemistry allowed him to differentiate between two coaching philosophies.

"I think in the regular season, I wasn't here much during the regular season, sometimes you coach at them," Tortorella said. "During the playoffs, you coach with them. So it gave me an opportunity to be with them and understand what they see. And with such a veteran group, I learned a ton.

"Hopefully, we play a few more games and continue to learn more and succeed together."

The Knights await the winner of the Eastern Conference Final between the Montreal Canadiens and Carolina Hurricanes, who lead the series 2-1.

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Mason Plumlee's cheap shot on Jared McCain in fourth quarter upgraded to flagrant foul

On a night when the referees seemed to want to inject themselves into every aspect of the game, this cheap shot by Mason Plumlee was somehow not deemed a flagrant foul when it happened in the fourth quarter.

Fortunately, the NBA league office saw it differently and upgraded the foul to a flagrant on Thursday.

The league defines a Flagrant foul 1 as "unnecessary contact committed by a player against an opponent." This unquestionably was that. A Fragrant foul 2 is "unnecessary and excessive" contact, and this was in the running for that, too.

McCain scored 18 points of his 20 points in the second half on Tuesday night as the Thunder pulled away and picked up a comfortable Game 5 win to go up 3-2 and put themselves one win away from a return trip to the NBA Finals. It wasn't just Plumlee, Bismack Biyombo also had a hard late-game foul on McCain, apparently trying to establish the Spurs' toughness. If that was the plan, they should have done it in the first three quarters when the game was in doubt, rather than looking frustrated in the final minutes.

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Braves at Marlins game thread: May 21

Boston, MA - May 26: Boston Red Sox third baseman Isiah Kiner-Falefa steals second base in the fifth inning. The Boston Red Sox played the Atlanta Braves at Fenway Park on May 26, 2026. (Photo by Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) | Boston Globe via Getty Images

Braves go for another series win in a rematch of pitchers-and-teams-they-faced-two-weekends-ago (but not the same pitching matchup as in any of those games).

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Mets vs. Reds: Lineups, broadcast info, and open thread, 5/27/26

Jonah Tong #21 of the New York Mets delivers during the seventh inning against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park on May 22, 2026 in Miami, Florida

Mets lineup

Carson Benge – RF
Bo Bichette – SS
Juan Soto – LF
Mark Vientos – 1B
Marcus Semien – 2B
A.J. Ewing – CF
Eric Wagaman – DH
Brett Baty – 3B
Luis Torrens – C

SP: Huascar Brazobán (RHP), followed by Jonah Tong (RHP)

Reds lineup

Blake Dunn – RF
Elly De La Cruz – SS
JJ Bleday – LF
Sal Stewart – 3B
Eugenio Suarez – DH
Nathaniel Lowe – 1B
Spencer Steer – 2B
Tyler Stephenson – C
TJ Friedl – CF

SP: Andrew Abbott (LHP)

Broadcast info

First pitch: 7:10 PM EDT
TV: SNY
Radio: Audacy Mets Radio WHSQ 880AM, Audacy App, 92.3 HD2

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Game Thread: Pin ‘em to the Matz

ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - MAY 20: Steven Matz #32 of the Tampa Bay Rays looks on during a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Tropicana Field on May 20, 2026 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Go Rays!

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Hawks promote Onsi Saleh from GM to president of basketball operations following playoff season

ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Hawks promoted general manager Onsi Saleh to president of basketball operations and signed the executive to a long-term contract extension on Wednesday.

The Hawks announced the new title and contract one year after Saleh was promoted from assistant general manager to general manager, replacing the fired Landry Fields.

Saleh was the runner-up to Boston's Brad Stevens in voting for NBA Executive of the Year last month. Saleh received one first-place vote, 10 second-place votes and six third-place votes.

The Hawks finished sixth in the Eastern Conference at 46-36 before falling to the New York Knicks in the first round of the playoffs.

“Onsi possesses a rare combination of valuable leadership qualities and a clear vision that will position our franchise to compete at a championship level," Hawks principal owner Tony Ressler said in a statement.

"He is a gifted communicator and talent evaluator, widely respected by his peers within the NBA community. He has already demonstrated a level of decisiveness and acumen that has changed the trajectory of our organization, and we are delighted to have him lead our basketball operations for a very long time.”

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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA