DETROIT (AP) — Dylan Larkin played for the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday night for the first time since asking for a trade, getting stripped of the captaincy, reporting to training camp, missing the start of the season because of injury and getting booed by home fans during introductions prior to their first game.
The crowd booed Larkin when he touched the puck for the first time on his opening shift. Larkin was then slow to get back defensively, and Ottawa's Tim Stützle scored off the rush less than three minutes in.
Coach Todd McLellan said following the morning skate that Larkin would play against the unbeaten Senators as long as the 30-year-old center was cleared by doctors. Larkin was activated off injured reserve prior to taking the ice for pregame warmups.
Larkin is a Michigan native who has played his entire NHL career with Detroit, which last made the playoffs in his rookie season a decade ago. That is the longest active drought of any of the league's 32 teams.
Fans at the home opener taped over Larkin's name with such things as “Loser," “Traitor” and “Leavin" and at times chanted, “Sell the team."
Larkin initially last spring gave the Red Wings only three destinations he'd accept a trade to — Florida, Minnesota and Vegas — before reportedly adding more possibilities in recent weeks.
A lengthy road trip against strong opponents like these — beginning with the defending Stanley Cup Champions, no less — is sure to put Vancouver through a grind.
For Jake DeBrusk, who is just coming off a case of the flu that saw him sit out of Saturday’s 4–1 win against the Calgary Flames and Sunday’s 3–2 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights, this task will be even more difficult.
Tuesday morning’s practice ahead of Vancouver’s flight to Raleigh was DeBrusk’s first time practicing with the full team since skating as an extra on Friday ahead of the weekend games. On Saturday, Canucks Head Coach Manny Malhotra revealed that DeBrusk was out with the flu.
On Tuesday, DeBrusk revealed that his illness had actually begun much earlier than Saturday.
“I initially felt it, actually, the day of the game in Edmonton,” he said in a media availability. “It was a long off-season, long year. You obviously want to play in the first game and the home-opener, but I think obviously the medical staff stepped in. They did their job and they told me that I probably should take some time off.”
In his first practice back with the team, DeBrusk was noticeably a little hoarser than usual, but still managed to emit energy.
Fittingly, in his first practice back, Canucks Head Coach Manny Malhotra had the players bag-skate to end things off. It was a good test of the lungs for the Canucks winger, but also served as a reminder of what state he’ll need to be in to play in Vancouver’s next game.
“I was able to do it, which is great. But I’ve obviously got to test the lungs. That’s the biggest thing right now. It was obviously an air-conditioned building. It sounds like a simple thing, but I feel [it] as soon as I walk in here. So I’ve got to go through it. If I want to play in the next game, I have to do these steps.”
Because of the fact that he’s missed half of Vancouver’s games throughout the start of the regular season — and had to deal with symptoms during the other two — the forward noted that it feels like he has yet to actually start the season. With that, comes those first-day-back feelings of excitement.
“I’m starting off at zero, so it’s been positive. Obviously the last two days I’ve been doing kind of nothing. But to be able to skate today, see the guys, it gives you energy, feeling for them. Everyone’s in a good mood, and it’s nice to be back in the room.”
Vancouver’s first game of their six-game road trip takes place against the Hurricanes on Thursday at 4:00 pm PT.
Sep 26, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks left wing Jake DeBrusk (74) looks on against the Seattle Kraken during the third period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Simon Fearn-Imagn Images
Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, don't forget to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News.
For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.
Oct 5, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) celebrates with guard Bones Hyland (8) after scoring a basket in the second quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
After drubbing the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday, the Wolves are back in action on Wednesday to take on the Indiana Pacers. One game in and I’m already happy to never have to look at the Timberwolves in their 1920’s Bathing Suit jerseys ever again. See below, Andrew Wiggins looking more like he’s playing in a bath tub with a Toxic Avenger themed bath bomb than getting ready for an NBA season.
In back-to-back plays in the second quarter, Minnesota got out on the break. The first one was off an errant pass, the second one off a defensive rebound. Both times the Wolves moved as a pack down the court, making the defenders second guess if they should play the shot or the pass. On the first sequence, Bones Hyland found Jonathan Kuminga for the dunk of the night. A few seconds later on the second sequence, Ant found Rudy Gobert for an easy alley-oop. Bucks head coach Taylor Jenkins quickly called for a timeout to try and lift his team’s spirits after a thorough shellacking.
For this new vibes focused iteration of the Timberwolves, continue to look to the skies for more of these plays. I expected this to be a specific benefit that Melo could bring, and I am encouraged to see the rest of the team searching for those looks. Against a Pacers defense who has stronger rim protection and rebounding, there may be less opportunities to get on the break, but it should remain a point of emphasis.
As Conan the Barbarian replied to the question, “What is best in life?” I say, “To yam it on your opponent, to see their heads hang low under the basket, and hear the lamentation of their fans.”
Pass the Ball in the Half-Court
Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Balls are two incredible scorers. They can light it up from distance and are masters at creating space to get themselves open. Several times in the first half against the Bucks, both of them heaved shots from deep shortly after crossing half-court. There will be times for shots like this in the regular season, but if I’m head coach Chris Finch, I’m asking my stars to take this opportunity in preseason to get into the flow of the offense. Neither player figures to play any minutes in the second half, so these reps are essential to build the rapport and muscle memory that can carry through a season.
TJ at the Rim
Terrance Shannon Jr. is a runaway freight train to the hoop. He only shot one time in the first half on Monday, often looked to spray the ball to outside shooters instead. It was heartening to see TJ take on pseudo-point guard duties when Melo is off the floor. Some of this might be how teams defend him and knowing his predilections, so going to the pass early will open up the avenue to the cup in the future.
In the second half, Shannon shot four more times before heading to the bench. He slammed home one massive dunk, but missed his other three attempts all on account of getting fouled. Overall he shot six free throws in the game. Going forward, this will be a vital skill for the Wolves as they have a dearth of players seeking to finish through contact and put the opposing team into foul trouble.
Haliburton’s Return
It has been a full season since Tyrese Haliburton has played an NBA minute. The last time he did, he was leading the spirited Pacers to a potential upset of the overwhelming favorite Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals. He tore his Achilles and the rest of the basketball world wept. The Thunder went on to win and everyone wondered if the Pacers magical run could have gone the distance had Haliburton remained available (They were tied when he got injured.)
Now, after a woeful 2026 campaign, Indiana has shifted gears from what Haliburton was driving before he went down. Gone is Myles Turner, the outside shooting big who helped spread the floor. In is Ivica Zubac, a terrific pick-and-roll partner. Much like the Wolves, the Pacers need to build new connections amongst their starters if they hope to compete against an imposing Eastern Conference. This will be their first preseason game and it’ll all take place in the stadium where Haliburton went to college.
Prediction
It’ll be a feisty and frenetic game where both teams use the first half to get a sweat going with their starters. All of the Wolves talk of pace will be pressed against a team that mastered it en route to the 2025 Finals. Both teams defenses will be caught flatfooted and it will be a high scoring affair. After that, a mad dash to the finish where the deep bench bounce off each other like pinballs against bumpers as the score ratchets up in fits and spurts.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 05: Miles Bridges #22 of the Phoenix Suns plays against the Detroit Pistons during a pre season game at Little Caesars Arena on October 05, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Phoenix Suns have one game logged in the preseason books, a game from which you really can’t take too much away. After all, it’s preseason. This is an empty canvas for the coaching staff to experiment with rotations and manage minutes, while giving players an opportunity to try things they’ve worked on throughout the summer against real, aggressive competition. And the Suns certainly faced aggressive competition in their first matchup.
They opened against the Detroit Pistons, one of the top defensive teams in the league last season after finishing with the best record in the Eastern Conference. It was a great opportunity for Phoenix to go out there and attempt to match aggression with aggression.
I don’t put too much stock in the 32 turnovers, especially considering the majority came in the second half when the Suns rolled out their second and third units against Detroit. Do you like to see it? Absolutely not. You’d hope for better ball handling and more responsible facilitation, but credit the Pistons. Their pressure was constant and consistent throughout every phase of the game. That is something the Suns can learn from.
There’s only one thing that concerns me, and that was the free-throw shooting.
I’ll credit the Suns for their aggression and willingness to attack the cylinder. This has been a challenge for recent Suns teams. Phoenix ranked 29th in attempts inside of 5 feet last season, so any movement that swings the pendulum in the other direction is appreciated. As a result of that aggression, the Suns got to the line for 33 free throw attempts. In the first half alone, when we saw the majority of the starters and rotation players, Phoenix attempted 21.
The problem was converting them. The Suns finished 17-of-33 from the line, good for 51.5%. Even in the first half, they were only 13-of-21, or 61.9%.
That certainly will, and must, improve. Because what’s the point of driving downhill, playing physically, attacking the rim, and drawing fouls if you ultimately can’t convert the opportunities you create?
Last season, Phoenix ranked 28th in the league in free throw attempts and 15th in free throw percentage. It marked the first time since the 2018–19 season that the Suns failed to finish in the top 10 in free-throw percentage. That makes the line an area of opportunity for this team.
Defensively, the Suns are going to compete night in and night out. They’re going to pressure the opposition and attempt to generate extra possessions. But given their personnel, they don’t project to be an elite three-point shooting team. They’ll need to generate points however they can, and the free-throw line should be one of those avenues, given the tenacity and ferociousness of this roster.
Is it something to be concerned about? In the short term, sure. We’ll see if it becomes a trend, whether this is a team that can consistently get to the line but struggles to convert once it gets there.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 9: Johni Broome #22 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives to the basket during the game against the Detroit Pistons during the 2026 NBA Las Vegas Summer League on July 9, 2026 at Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by David Becker/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Milwaukee Bucks have signed former Philadelphia 76ers forward Johni Broome to a training camp deal, the team announced today; in a related move, the Bucks will waive John Butler Jr. Philadelphia selected Broome with the 35th pick of the 2025 NBA Draft, but he spent most of his time with the Delaware Blue Coats on a two-way deal. In the G’, he averaged 21.8 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 3.2 APG, 1.5 BPG, and 1.1 SPG in 26 games before undergoing surgery to repair a torn meniscus in February.
Despite dominating in college with Auburn and playing well with the Blue Coats, Broome struggled in the NBA. He made just 11 appearances for the Sixers last year, posting 0.9 PPG and 1.5 RPG, mainly in garbage time. Moreover, he has yet to develop a consistent perimeter jumper; he shot just 22.9% from beyond the arc in the G League, and is undersized as an NBA center. As such, the bully-ball brand that made him a consensus All-American in college has yet to translate to the NBA. Although he’s produced consistently in the G League, it remains to be seen whether Broome can develop into the high-IQ big scouts hoped for.
This offseason, Broome was traded to the LA Clippers to clear cap space ahead of their signing of guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. The Clippers then waived Broome a month later amid a roster crunch, leaving him without a team ahead of the 2026-27 season.
As mentioned, to make room for Broome—who will join Milwaukee on a non-guaranteed deal—the Bucks bid farewell to John Butler Jr. Butler joined the Wisconsin Herd a few seasons ago after bouncing around the G League, averaging 9.4 PPG, 5.8 RPG, and 1.7 BPG; he is still expected to rejoin the Herd for the upcoming season, though.
Looking ahead, Broome will likely compete for Milwaukee’s open two-way slot as the preseason continues. If he permanently joins the Bucks, he’d slot in behind a frontcourt rotation that includes Myles Turner, Kel’el Ware, and Jericho Sims at center (along with a lot of unknowns at power forward). That depth could prove necessary ahead of an 82-game season.
Moments before the Los Angeles Dodgers and Atlanta Braves kicked off Game 3 of the NLDS, Tyler Glasnow had a memorable press conference with the media.
Glasnow’s presser came to an abrupt end after he was asked only three questions.
His response after being asked the three questions was only three words.
“Done? F— yeah.”
"Done? F*ck yeah."
Tyler Glasnow was thrilled that his pregame presser only lasted three questions. pic.twitter.com/JTwjenzQ4e
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow gives a 3-word reaction ahead of clash with Braves. AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill
Glasnow eagerly gave a thumbs up to the members of the media and walked off the stage.
It’s unknown as to why Glasnow was asked so little, but with his presser behind him, he can now focus on the task at hand.
Potentially pitching in an elimination game on Wednesday.
Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Chris Sale pitching in Game 3 of the NLDS against the Los Angeles Dodgers. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
For Glasnow, the expectation is simple. If the Dodgers win on Tuesday, he’s pitching on Wednesday to move them to the NLCS for the third season in a row.
If they lose on Tuesday, then he’s pitching to save their season.
The series is tied at 1-1 as both teams endured a scorching heat wave that struck Dodger Stadium last weekend; the two teams are out in Atlanta to play Games 3 and 4 of the series.
Tyler Glasnow is expected to start in Game 4 of the NLDS against the Atlanta Braves. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Game 2 of the series happened during a high-90 degrees Sunday evening when Atlanta got the best of Blake Snell, forcing him to exit the game in the fourth inning.
In the seventh inning, Michael Harris hit a double out to right center field that brought in Matt Olson to make it a 3-1 lead. Muncy homered in the ninth, but it wasn’t enough as Josue De Paula popped out to Austin Riley, ending the night.
With Game 3 underway, Yoshinobu Yamamoto got the starting nod against Chris Sale.
Manager Dave Roberts installed a new lineup card for the Dodgers, as four-time MVP Shohei Ohtani is hitting fifth for the first time in his career since 2020, when he was a member of the Los Angeles Angels.
If the series is forced into a Game 5, it will be played on Friday, Oct. 9 at Dodger Stadium.
Semyon Varlamov goes for the miracle tonight, starting an NHL game at age 38 and for the first time in two years following two partial knee replacements.
“You ask everyone and they had the same feeling, he gave that vibe that, ‘I’m going to do it, I’ll be the first one in history to ever do it,’” Islanders center Jean-Gabriel Pageau said after the morning skate. “I think we all felt it. It’s a hard feeling to explain, but to see the commitment and the determination that he had in his eyes, it was fun to watch. It was fun to be part of that journey…”
He’ll do it in the New York teams’ first rivalry meeting of the season, with the host Rangers already off to a 3-1 start while the Islanders (1-1) have only played twice.
#Isles at practice Heineman-Horvat-Palmieri Schenn-Ritchie-Eklund Duclair-Pageau-Holmstrom Palat-Ciikas-Maccelli Extra: MacLean Pelech-Schaefer Romanov-Pulock Stanley-DeAngelo Extras: Kessel, Mayfield Sorokin (starter's net) Varlamov
Fried’s girlfriend is pregnant and due any day now. Tuesday, Fried said he did not wish to talk about the “personal stuff,” but he acknowledged the exciting development for his family while stating that whatever happens, he will be on the mound.
Access the Yankees beat like never before
Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Greg Joyce about the inside buzz on the Yankees.
“I’ve got a really supportive family that understands that this is my job, and it’s not going to affect what happens [Wednesday],” Fried said over Zoom from Yankee Stadium, where some Yankees worked out on the eve of a must-win Game 3.
Not that he needed further incentive to attempt to make quick work of the Rays.
Perhaps the lefty is better built to neutralize a pesky Tampa Bay lineup than Game 1 starter Gerrit Cole (five innings, one run) or Game 2’s Cam Schlittler (4 ¹/₃ innings, four runs, two earned). Fried, an athlete with the deepest pitch mix on the team, is less strikeout-reliant than his rotation mates. Plus, the Rays owned the sixth-worst OPS against southpaws this season (.678) and the fifth-best mark against righties (.751).
Both Yankees options for the start — Fried and Carlos Rodón — are lefties, and pitching coach Matt Blake said there wasn’t much debate about the arm they preferred first, with Rodón set for Game 4.
Yankees pitcher Max Fried and his girlfriend Reni Meyer-Whalley attend an introductory press conference at Yankee Stadium, Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
“Max has been one of our guys, and we want to ride with him here,” Blake said of Fried, who is now fully built up after missing 2 ¹/₂ weeks in August with an elbow bruise and limited the Red Sox to one run on three hits in six innings of Game 2 of the wild-card series.
Fried pitched twice this season — allowing seven runs in 14 ²/₃ innings (4.30 ERA) — against a Rays lineup that offers some of everything except strikeouts.
Their top three can demolish pitches, as Jonathan Aranda demonstrated to Cole. They all make contact, as Liam Hicks and Chandler Simpson, in particular, demonstrated to Schlittler. They will run (3-for-3 in steals) and they will pressure a Yankees defense that looked rattled Monday.
“They do all the little things, and they can also have the big inning,” Fried said. “They’ve got some power.”
So he will not be surprised by the opposing lineup. Or messages that could change his personal life forever. Or manager Aaron Boone walking to the mound early, at the first sign of trouble, in a game in which the Yankees bullpen could be emptied and Cole is expected to be among those available.
“There’s nothing else to save anything for,” Fried said before his 24th career playoff game. “So for me, I understand that the leash is probably going to be pretty small, and we have to do whatever we can to win.
“For me, it’s just leave everything out there, and we have to win tomorrow’s game.”
Former Knick and current 76ers center Ariel Hukporti suffered a torn right Achilles tendon during Philadelphia’s preseason opener on Monday night.
Hukporti, 24, was injured during the first quarter against the Knicks at Xfinity Mobile Arena, and an MRI on Tuesday confirmed the injury. The team said that he will undergo surgery.
The big man signed with the 76ers in the offseason to a one-year, $3.4 million contract after playing on the Knicks’ championship-winning 2025-26 team.
New York Knicks center Ariel Hukporti reacts to a call during the first quarter of Game 2 of the NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Philadelphia 76ers, Wednesday, May 6, 2026. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
“When I came back in the locker room, I went to go check on him, ” Brunson said. “Sad to see. Obviously, we’ll pray for him.”
Philadelphia 76ers center Ariel Hukporti (55) sits on the court after an injury during the first quarter of a game against the New York Knicks at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Monday, October 5, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Knicks head coach Mike Brown also wished Hukporti well after the exhibition game — a 120-97 New York loss.
“We hope Ariel — whatever is wrong with him — he has a speedy recovery and he’s back on the floor,” Brown said. “You hate to see anybody go down with an injury, but especially somebody who is a caliber person who Ariel is.”
ESPN reported that the Sixers are eligible to apply for and receive a $1.7 million disabled player exception.
Per the report, Philly is only $1.8 million below the first apron and would not be able to bring in someone to replace Hukporti without waiving another player or making a trade.
BROOKLYN, NY - SEPTEMBER 28: Julius Randle #30 of the Brooklyn Nets poses for a portrait during NBA Media Day at the Brooklyn Nets HSS Training Center on September 28, 2026 in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Ready or not, it’s time for Brooklyn Nets basketball.
If you aren’t aware by now, it’s a new era in Brooklyn and it should include less tanking, more winning. They’ll face off against the Charlotte Hornets to kick off this so-called new era — both tonight for the preseason debut and also for the Nets season opener on Oct. 21. Preseason doesn’t get much hype, but you can count on the Nets to play hard. After all, most of the regular season rotation is active.
On the other hand, Mikel Brown Jr. rolled his ankle early in training camp and won’t suit up. Sean Marks told reporters at Media Day that he doesn’t anticipate this being a serious injury.
Game Info & Broadcast Details
Who: Brooklyn Nets at Charlotte Hornets
What: Preseason
Date: Tuesday, Oct. 6
Time: 7:00 PM ET
Location: Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC
Channel: YES on DAZN or NBA TV
Injury Report: Who’s Out?
Nets: Mikel Brown Jr. (ankle) and Joshua Jefferson (back).
Hornets: Grant Williams (hamstring), Kon Knueppel (hamstring), Coby White (calf), and Kylan Boswell (knee).
💬 Discussion
Share your thoughts and react, but please be respectful. NetsDaily prides itself on being a safe space for Nets and basketball fans alike to have healthy conversation. Reach out to Anthony Puccio or Net Income with any issues.
New York Mets' Jorge Polanco speaks with hitting coach Jeff Albert during Spring Training at Clover Field in Port St. Lucie, Fla., Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.
It’s not the complete overhaul that occurred last October, but the Mets are again changing their coaching staff.
Jeff Albert, who oversaw major league hitting, and Danny Barnes, the team’s quality assurance coach, will not return next season, the Mets announced Tuesday.
A club source indicated no further changes to the coaching staff are expected.
New York Mets’ Jorge Polanco speaks with hitting coach Jeff Albert during Spring Training at Clover Field in Port St. Lucie, Fla., Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
Under Albert’s watch, the Mets finished 20th in MLB in scoring at 4.31 runs per game. The Mets were 23rd in MLB with a .706 OPS.
Troy Snitker and Rafael Fernandez, hired as hitting coach and assistant hitting coach, respectively, under Albert, will return.
Barnes spent five seasons on the Mets coaching staff, relaying analytical information to the players.
Kai Correa (bench coach), Justin Willard (pitching coach), Daniel McKinney (assistant pitching coach), Gilbert Gomez (first base coach), Tim Leiper (third base coach), José Rosado (bullpen coach) and J.P. Arencibia (catching instructor) are the other coaches expected to return.
The Mets also announced that batting practice pitcher Kevin Mahoney won’t return.
Albert, Barnes and Mahoney could return to the organization in other roles but are free to speak with other teams.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 28: Jeff Albert #61 of the New York Mets looks on during batting practice before the game against the Washington Nationals at Citi Field on April 28, 2026 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Mets have announced that they are making coaching changes in the wake of an unsuccessful 2026 season. Jeff Albert, Danny Barnes, and Kevin Mahoney will not return to their major league roles next season.
Albert joined the Mets in 2022 as the Director of Hitting Development after four years as a hitting coach with the Cardinals. He became the Director of Major League Hitting in October 2025 after Eric Chavez and Jeremy Barnes left the organization. The Mets offense ranked 23rd in batting average, 24th in OPS, and 23rd in wRC+ in 2026.
Barnes joined the Mets as a major league assistant coach to Buck Showalter in 2022. He was the Strategy Coach in 2024 and 2025, and became the Quality Assurance Coach in 2026. Barnes formerly pitched for the Blue Jays. Mahoney, a Batting Practice Pitcher, was with the Mets for two years and was formerly with the Yankees organization.
While the Mets are open to all three returning to the organization in different roles, they are also free to speak to other clubs.
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 04: Manny Machado #13 of the San Diego Padres blows a bubble while batting against the Milwaukee Brewers during the fifth inning in game two of the National League Division Series at American Family Field on October 04, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) | Getty Images
We’ve got a pair of National League Division games today!
First Game: Braves vs. Dodgers
Series tied 1-1
5pm CST
This is the “I wish both teams could lose” series. The Dodgers are, well, the Dodgers, and the Braves are fine but definitely no San Diego or Milwaukee. God, can you imagine a Dodgers v Brewers NLCS with the Dodgers winning again? Gross.
Man, I wish both teams could win here. The Padres are a blast and always little brothers to the more successful Dodgers, but on the other hand the Brewers are definitely the “Small Market Team” to beat in this year’s playoffs. The Brewers have a lead right now, but they have to clinch it in California.
LeBron James fulfilled his dream of becoming the first NBA player to play alongside his son.
Now it’s Bronny’s turn to fulfill his dream.
He wants to be respected as an NBA player. And we all know that was a nearly impossible task while sharing a locker room with LeBron, who’s not only his dad but also one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
Bronny turned 22 years old on Tuesday. He’s entering his third season with the Lakers. He’s the third- longest-tenured player on the roster. And he’s no longer under his father’s shadow after LeBron left for the 76ers in free agency over the summer.
It wasn’t a flashy statline by any means, especially not during a time of the year when coaches are experimenting with different lineups, stars are shaking off rust and fringe players are trying to earn a roster spot.
But Bronny doesn’t need to be flashy. He needs to do the small things. He needs to be dependable. Consistent. He needs to undisputedly prove that he’s an NBA player without being in his father’s oversized orbit.
Now’s his chance.
He has been trying to blaze that path for a while. He has been trying to shake off the nepotism label. He has been keeping his head down and putting in the work.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James poses for pictures with NBA photographer Adam Pantozzi during media day in El Segundo, Calif., Monday, Sept. 28, 2026. AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill
After he had a 17-point, five-rebound and three-assist performance against the Bucks as a rookie in March 2025, ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith even acknowledged that he “might have been wrong” about Bronny’s NBA readiness.
Last season, Bronny went on to earn playoff minutes against the Rockets and Thunder.
This season, he has a new challenge. Really, a new opportunity.
He finally can prove that his NBA career no longer has anything to do with his father. LeBron is out of the locker room. Bronny is on his own.
It’s something he’s clearly embracing.
“I mean, he’s got his own path, and I got my own,” Bronny said at Lakers media day when asked about LeBron leaving the Lakers. “So he knows that I want to make a name for myself and continue my career and keep growing as a player. And he knows that I want to focus on that.”
Bronny spent the first week of Lakers training camp trying to build his “defensive instinct.”
During the offseason, he devoted himself to working on his craft, with one of the focuses being his jump shot.
“I’ve been in the gym all summer working on fluidity and the speed of my release, stuff like that, moving,” Bronny said at Lakers practice on Saturday. “Tied into that, just running a lot. I’m the same weight, 215 or 220-ish, but still slim so I can move fast. Just getting in the gym every day and continuing to keep a routine.”
Los Angeles Lakers player Bronny James (9) is shown during media day at the UCLA Health Training Center in El Segundo, Calif., Monday, September 28, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Next season should be telling.
Bronny can finally show the world what he can do without accusations that his father is holding the door open for him. The cries of nepotism will be quieted if he can thrive while LeBron is on the other side of the country.
Really, ever since Bronny entered the league as the the 55th overall pick by the Lakers in the 2024 NBA Draft, he has had an impossible task.
LeBron has been the face of the league for two decades. He gets treated differently by players and staffers. Imagine being his son. Imagine being a rookie or a second-year player sharing a locker room with him.
While Bronny spent the last few years talking about how cool it was to play with his father, it’s obvious that he’s also excited to now have a chance to step out from under his father’s enormous shadow.
“I think for me, just the motivating factor of creating my own path and my own career makes me want to get up every day and work hard,” Bronny said.
Bronny James (9) of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket while guarded by Emanuel Sharp (34) of the Sacramento Kings during the second half of a preseason game at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California, Monday, October 5, 2026. Getty Images
It’s easy to root for Bronny.
He went from having a cardiac arrest that threatened his life as an incoming freshman at USC to making good plays in NBA games. He’s the son of a billionaire. He doesn’t need the scrutiny and pressure of being LeBron James’ son in the NBA. He’s doing this because he loves this.
He earned the respect of his coaches and teammates. He’s likable. He’s humble.
But his detractors were always the loudest ones in the echo chamber.
Even though Bronny was playing better than nearly anyone picked near him in the draft, he was always held to a different standard. He was LeBron’s kid. His bloodline meant that he had to suffer a spotlight that wasn’t meant for him.
Well, that spotlight has moved to Philadelphia.
Bronny is now on his own to forge relationships and earn playing time without one of the most powerful people on the planet standing in the room watching.
And if he does that, his detractors will finally be screaming into a void.
LeBron is gone.
And Bronny now has his first real chance to prove he’s where he’s supposed to be.
In theory, for a team that needs to win three straight games to extend its season, the Yankees should have a shot with Max Fried, Carlos Rodón and Cam Schlittler in line to start.
Except there are two ways to sabotage the strong pitching the Yankees pinned their October hopes on, and they have shown both through the first two games of the ALDS: horrific defense and a disappearing lineup.
Access the Yankees beat like never before
Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Greg Joyce about the inside buzz on the Yankees.
And so, the Yankees returned home on the brink of elimination, needing to find their gloves and their bats starting in Game 3 on Wednesday against the Rays to avoid another early start to the offseason.
“I feel like this group has done a really good job all year of bouncing back [from] a tough game, through some tough moments in the season and handled it all very well,” manager Aaron Boone said Tuesday. “So that’s my expectation this time. It has to be. Obviously we’re completely up against it now.
“So we got to bring it on [Wednesday] night. But we also got to — it’s that level of focus with some calm to the whole situation, too, because you don’t want to get in a situation where you’re pressing out there, trying to do more than you’re capable of. It’s about doing your job right now.”
The Yankees will try to become the first team to come back from a 2-0 deficit in a best-of-five series since they did it in the 2017 ALDS against Cleveland.
New York Yankees pitching coach Matt Blake speaks with pitcher Max Fried on the mound in the sixth inning of Game 2 of the American League Wild Card Series against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium, Wednesday, September 30, 2026. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
Boone said he was considering lineup changes for Game 3 against Rays right-hander Nick Martinez after using the same batting order for the first two games. Ben Rice and Austin Wells are a combined 4-for-12 with two home runs, two doubles and a walk, but the rest of the lineup is just 1-for-46 with two walks.
“The rest of us got to step up a little bit more,” said Ryan McMahon, who could be replaced by José Caballero at third base, with his bat not offering much and his error the first of four the Yankees committed in Game 2.
New York Yankees third baseman Ryan McMahon reacts after making an error in the first inning of Game 2 of the ALDS against the Tampa Bay Rays, Monday, October 5, 2026, at Tropicana Field. Charles Wenzelberg for New York Post
The way the Yankees looked at the plate through the first two games of this series was reminiscent of too many games this summer, all without Aaron Judge, when they did not offer much resistance against opposing starters. They have yet to take a lead against the Rays after never trailing against the Red Sox in their wild-card series.
“I think for us, it’s just going to be working some at-bats against their guys,” Spencer Jones said. “We’ve been getting out early in counts and killing our momentum. So for us, I think it’s just going to be about lengthening those innings, whether it be long at-bats, walks, those kind of things. We haven’t really applied a lot of pressure on that side yet.”
New York Yankees center fielder Spencer Jones reacts after striking out swinging in the seventh inning of Game 1 of the ALDS against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field, Saturday, October 3, 2026. Charles Wenzelberg for New York Post
Of course, the Yankees also need to play cleaner baseball behind their pitchers, which they knew was essential coming into the series. Boone sat in his office at Tropicana Field on Saturday afternoon, a few hours before the first pitch of Game 1, and reiterated the need for the Yankees to take care of the ball. That came against the backdrop of opposing teams’ scouting reports on the Yankees over the years including to put the ball in play and put pressure on their defense.
“You got to beat us somehow,” Boone said.
The Rays certainly have. In Game 1, they combined shutdown pitching from Drew Rasmussen with taking advantage of Austin Wells’ brutal baserunning blunder in the eighth inning. In Game 2, they continued to put the ball in play and watched the Yankees crumble, their four errors — and a handful of defensive miscues on top of those — opening the floodgates for another Rays win.
The Yankees have largely been better defensively this year than they were in 2024, when it proved to be their downfall in the World Series. But when the defense and baserunning and hitting against strong pitching all come up small in the postseason, it fuels a recurring nightmare the Yankees have lived through in recent Octobers.
“You have to flush it and not let it affect you, but at the same time use it as motivation to kind of stop it right there and prove that that doesn’t define you, or that isn’t the character and it was just kind of like a freak game,” Fried said Tuesday. “It’s important to have a little bit of pride and to be able to say, ‘That’s not us — and we’re going to prove it.’ ”
