BOSTON, MA - APRIL 19: Ron Harper Jr. #13 of the Boston Celtics during Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers at TD Garden on April 19, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Winslow Townson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After declining his $2.6 million team option to clear the path for negotiating a long-term deal, the Boston Celtics have signed former Rutgers basketball standout Ron Harper Jr. to a three-year deal worth $9 million, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
This season, Harper appeared in 29 games for Boston and performed well overall despite seeing limited minutes. In those 29 games, he averaged 4.2 points on 41.8% from the field. He split time with Boston and their G-League affiliate, the Maine Celtics, this year. For Maine, Harper averaged 24.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.6 blocks per game while shooting 45.5% from the floor. He saw his time in the major leagues increase over the season and played relief minutes in the team’s playoff series against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Harper earned his opportunity after spending much of the past three seasons in the NBA’s G League, where he sharpened his skillset. Coming out of Rutgers in 2022, Harper was signed to a two-way contract by the Toronto Raptors, where he made his NBA debut, before getting waived in December of 2023. He then signed with the Boston Celtics on a two-way contract before signing a two-way contract with the Detroit Pistons on January 6th, 2025. He was then resigned by Boston in August of 2025 on a training camp contract that turned into a two-way contract. His performance for the team last season turned that two-way contract into a full three year deal.
Harper Jr. left Rutgers basketball as one of the most legendary figures in the program’s history, highlighted by his buzzer-beating three-point shot to beat No.1 Purdue. He earned second-team all-Big Ten honors his senior season and was named an AP All-American honorable mention as well.
He now joins his brother Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey as former Rutgers players with a spot on an NBA roster.
WEST PALM BEACH, FL - MARCH 14: Miguel Ullola #68 of the Houston Astros pitches during the game between the Washington Nationals and the Houston Astros at Cacti Park at the Palm Beaches on Friday, March 14, 2025 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Trevor Gallagher/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The Houston Astros are calling up pitching prospect Miguel Ullola, according to a report from Chandler Rome of The Athletic.
Ullola, 24, is ranked as the Astros #11 prospect per MLB.com. Ullola was converted to a reliever this season in an effort to help him with his command issues and be someone the team could potentially call up to help the big league club this season.
This season, Ullola is 1-4 with a 5.48 ERA for Triple-A Sugar Land, along with a 1.55 WHIP. In 47.2 IP, he has walked 35 and struck out 64.
Since moving to the bullpen May 30, he has allowed only 3 runs in 10 appearances ( a 3 run HR) over 10 IP. He’s allowed 8 hits, 6 walks, and struck out 16.
Rome believes that Kai-Wei Teng, who admitted to some arm fatigue after today’s game, is a likely candidate to be sent down. Rome asserted that Teng was seen in manager Joe Espada’s office after the game, indicating he may have been getting informed he was being optioned.
The Astros are calling up pitching prospect Miguel Ullola, source tells @TheAthletic
Expect the corresponding move to involve Kai-Wei Teng, who has minor-league options remaining and was seen being brought in to manager Joe Espada’s office after today’s game. https://t.co/yM18eTGOaT
Teng threw a career-high 136.1 innings in 2022, but hasn't thrown more than 86 innings in any season since 2023. After today's outing, he's already thrown 64 innings.
John Mozeliak, shown before a spring training game in 2025, is the Angels' interim general manager and a consultant to team president Molly Jolly. (Justin Ford / Getty Images)
John Mozeliak is in Anaheim for one clear-cut reason: to set the foundation for the Angels to get back on track.
At his introductory news conference at Angel Stadium on Saturday, the team’s new baseball operations consultant and interim general manager laid out his vision for success — while acknowledging recent woes — alongside Molly Jolly, one day after the first-year Angels president relieved general manager Perry Minasian of his duties amid his sixth straight losing season.
“Obviously, [the Angels] lacked consistency in terms of when you think about winning, right? Because that’s the proxy,” Mozeliak said. “There’s a lot of things we can use to determine if the organization is healthy or not. … Where Molly and I are connecting on this is like, we understand wins and losses matter, but how do you get to a place where that becomes consistent?
“Look at the best clubs in baseball [and] what you admire; whether they’re large-market or small-market, they have a philosophy, they have direction, and they stick to it, right? … That’s ultimately what we need to do here, and that’s hopefully something I can help bring to them.”
Mozeliak spent 18 seasons (2008-25) as general manager of the St. Louis Cardinals, a tenure consisting of 10 playoff appearances and a World Series victory in 2011.
The 57-year-old intends to “audit” the Angels in this new role alongside Jolly, with plans to hire a general manager by the time Mozeliak’s contract is up “sometime in December.”
“I brought on board John Mozeliak to assist me in preparing a baseball operation strategy as well as guide me in the search for a new general manager,” Jolly said, mentioning that her decision to fire Minasian and bring in Mozeliak had brewed for weeks.
“I did this because John has a proven track record of building and maintaining winning baseball cultures, and my goal is to bring that here to the Angels.”
Mozeliak didn’t rule himself out as the long-term answer at general manager and was emphatic about not speaking in absolutes. However, the longtime executive said he’d rather help Jolly “bridge the gap” during the Angels’ transformative period before anything else.
The Angels have plenty of gaps entering Saturday’s matchup with the Athletics. The Angels are tied for last in the American League with a 34-49 record while on the road to a 12th consecutive finish out of the playoffs.
And all of that is before mentioning the “sell the team” chants that flood the right-field upper deck at Angel Stadium at each home game as ex-Angel Shohei Ohtani thrives with the Dodgers.
Mozeliak understands that the Angels have lacked direction in recent seasons. He asked for patience in rebuilding the team alongside Jolly.
“I knew coming in, this isn’t going to be something where Molly and I had a light switch and everything just starts working perfectly,” Mozeliak said. “It’s not going to work that way. … I would ask for some patience. We need a little time to sort of work through this … when we come out on the other end of this tunnel, we hope to be in a very successful place.”
Jolly said of Angels fans’ discontent, “I know what’s happening. I see it, I hear it. Fans have a right to have their voices be heard. Didn’t influence the decision that I wanted to make, but we all want to win. Our owner wants to win. I do. The fans deserve that, and that’s what we’re going to work toward.”
Mozeliak acknowledged he’d already forgotten some names of Angels personnel he was introduced to Saturday. But he also said that first-year manager Kurt Suzuki and the rest of the coaching staff’s jobs are secure through the season.
“I met with most of them this morning, and I told them they’re all fine for this year,” Mozeliak said. “There’s nothing they have to worry about. We’re not making any coaching changes right now. I really just need to get to know them, right?”
Mozeliak spoke to Suzuki on Saturday and said that he and his staff are “very impressive.”
Across the board, Mozeliak — who hasn’t yet met owner Arte Moreno since moving into this role — is focused on knowing who the Angels are at this point, with an “aggressive timeline” looming in the background.
With that said, Mozeliak shared that he isn’t “overly concerned” with the Aug. 3 trade deadline, nor is he worried about the MLB draft, which starts July 11.
“My philosophy on the draft is to let the scouting director and his team do their jobs,” Mozeliak said. “The only real input I’m going to have is … understanding their process … and then if there are some financial decisions that are being banked into who we pick and why.”
Jolly brought in Mozeliak to help the Angels hire their fourth full-time general manager since 2012.
And while many might believe not much will change as long as Moreno remains the owner, Jolly said she has “autonomy” to assess the Angels’ baseball operations and is “confident in my authority and scope within the organization.”
Those invested in the Angels will believe it when they see it.
“When I think about the Angels right now, I just look at it as a very opportunistic time here,” Mozeliak said. “New leadership on the business side; we’re going to put a great team on the baseball side.
“But it’s going to be a place that I hope, in a couple years, we’re all proud of.”
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - JUNE 26: Darryn Peterson arrives at the airport after being drafted as the second overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft at Salt Lake City Airport greeted by fans on June 26, 2026 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Everything has been coming up Millhouse for Utah Jazz fans the last two months, and the last week has been no different. It started with a successful draft night, when the Jazz got their guy, Darryn Peterson.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 23: NBA commissioner Adam Silver shakes hands with Darryn Peterson after he is drafted second overall by the Utah Jazz during Round One of the 2026 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 23, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It was a draft with a legitimate debate between two incredible prospects over who should be the #1 pick. Either way it went, Utah was going to come out with a top-tier, top-pick caliber prospect to add to their young, exciting core.
Draft night was a whirlwind of events, but it was a breath of fresh air listening to Darryn Peterson, who looked legitimately happy to come to the Utah Jazz, even excited.
Darryn Peterson's father always knew he was going to make it to the NBA 🥹
"When you look back at all those workouts that your dad put you through, did you guys ever think it would lead to this? The number two pick in the NBA Draft?"
Darryn Peterson says he wanted to be picked #1, but Happy to be picked by Utah. Met with the Jazz in Chicago and had great conversations.. but adds about being drafted along with other freshman, "I'm coming for these guys like I've been coming for them my entire career." pic.twitter.com/Xzevf4CViX
With the draft over, Peterson was immediately caught up in the rush of joining the Utah Jazz. He talked with the front office and was ready to get started right away.
It was a great job by the Jazz and Jazz fans to meet Peterson. The excitement online for him is palpable, and it was nice to see that visualized when he dropped down in Utah.
And with that, the next day would be the press conference, and the Jazz did a great job with that as well. Utah has done a great job of rising for this moment, probably the biggest moment in the last twenty years.
The press conference was today and it’s well worth the watch.
Peterson has been fantastic as he’s joined the team, and each soundbite feels like confirmation of what Jazz fans have wanted for a long time: a player ready to go for a title, and is happy to do it with the Jazz.
Darryn Peterson into press conference. Jazz have the practice facility completely decked out. This is way different from past rookie intro pressers. DP is a lot different than most rookies too pic.twitter.com/BD4kuigZ0X
It’s hard not to get excited about all of this with everything that’s happened over the last five years for Jazz fans.
Yes, Jazz fans have gone through four years of rebuild/tanking/losing (whatever you want to call it), but it wasn’t just the last four years. The final years of the Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell era were not fun either. With infighting among teammates and players clearly trying to work their way out of Utah behind the scenes, it’s been rough.
But all that feels like a distant memory now, and Darryn Peterson is healing a lot of wounds. His infectious smile, competitive attitude, and obvious love of basketball have been music to Jazz fans’ ears. And despite him saying and doing everything perfectly, there’s still that small part of you that wonders if it’s all a dream. Well, Jazz fans, it’s real. Peterson is now in Jazz gear and in Utah, the place he’s calling home.
So, Jazz fans, I give you permission to pinch yourselves all you want because you aren’t waking up. This is all real. Go buy that jersey you’ve been waiting for, get those tickets for Summer League and the regular season. Jazz basketball is back, and so are all the fans that might have taken a sabbatical. I, for one, am ready, and I hope you are, because this is going to be a lot of fun. It’s time to now soak it all in and enjoy the ride.
Jun 27, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Michael Wacha (52) throws against the Chicago White Sox during the first inning at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images | Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
Against the White Sox this afternoon, the Royals lost their fourth straight game, this one a 2-1 comedy of errors in which the Royals failed to bunt home a run, had a runner thrown out at third after scoring their lone run, had an infielder trip on second base, and had an infielder leave after being nailed by a throw from his pitcher in a rather sensitive area.
Your 2026 Kansas City Royals, everyone.
This loss, which drops the Royals to 34-50, was no fault whatsoever of starting pitcher Michael Wacha. Wacha continues his solid tenure with the Royals, pitching into the eighth as he surpassed 100 pitches. In the end, he recorded 7-and-2/3 innings allowing six hits and just one walk while striking out seven. The White Sox scored just a single run against him. He left with a runner on second, but Daniel Lynch IV (more on him in a minute) recorded the final out of the inning. Wacha recorded a no-decision.
The bad times for the Royals started in the top of the second. With one out, Michael Massey singled before Salvador Perez banged one down the line that unfortunately hopped the wall for a ground-rule double. With one out and runners on second and third, John Rave struck out looking. With two outs and runners on second and third, Nick Loftin, whose day would become much, much worse, struck out swinging.
In the sixth, the Royals threatened again when Bobby Witt Jr., playing in the field for the first time for about a week, doubled with one out. But Jac Caglianone popped out and, get ready for this, Lane Thomas struck out swinging.
The following inning, the Royals had their best scoring chance yet. Massey singled. Relief pitcher Tyler Tolbert subbed in as a pinch runner and promptly stole second. Tolbert stole third as Salvy struck out. Then Starling Marte walked.
One out, runners on the corners. Surely Loftin will drive home Tolbert.
Well, Loftin bunted, and his bunt went directly to Chicago’s pitcher, lefty Sean Newcomb, who fielded it and then flipped the ball from his glove to the catcher, Drew Romo. Tolbert didn’t have a chance.
Still, the inning continued. Isaac Collins walked to load the bases with two outs and to turn over the lineup. Carter Jensen extended his hitting streak with a sharply hit ball to right to score Marte. Royals lead, 1-0, with Bobby Witt Jr. coming up–
Oh, wait, no. The video above hilariously cuts off, but Loftin, for some reason, took a wiiiiide turn around third. Romo fired it to the White Sox third baseman, Miguel Vargas, who tagged Loftin for the out, ending the threat.
Sometimes all you can do is laugh.
Down 1-0, Chicago came right back as, ugh, Andrew Benintendi singled to left. With one out, Chase Meidroth hit a ball up the middle. It looked to me like a double-play ball, but then Tolbert couldn’t make the play. Looked like he stumbled over second on his way to field it. Regardless, it led to runners on the corners with one out. Luisangel Acuna, who pinch-ran for Benintendi, scored on a groundout by Braden Montgomery to tie it at 1-1.
In both the eighth and ninth innings, the Royals went down in order. Professional job, hitters.
The bottom of the ninth, though, takes the cake. With runners on first and second and none out, Montgomery laid down a bunt. Lynch fielded it while running toward the third base line. He hesitated for a second before firing the ball to Loftin at third for the force out. Except…well…it was a bit of a low throw that Loftin didn’t catch. Instead, it him, uh, below the belt, if you will, and Loftin collapsed like a house of cards. Dude left the field on his own accord, but looked shaken. Deservedly so.
John Schreiber relieved Lynch. After striking out Junior Perez, Jacob Gonzalez singled home the winning run.
Jun 21, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Logan Gilbert (36) throws against the Boston Red Sox during the first inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images | Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
While the Mariners’ streak of scoring three or fewer runs didn’t end last night, they were able to pull out a win against the Guardians on their home turf. Another win would clinch the season series, so it would behoove the M’s to continue their winning ways – but maybe with some more runs this time around.
Lineups:
It’s another shaken up lineup tonight, as Dominic Canzone is rewarded with his hot hitting by being placed in the third spot. Cal Raleigh moves down to sixth, the lowest he’s batted in quite some time. Logan Gilbert is on the hill tonight, but unlike the previous plan, he will not be piggybacked, with Emerson Hancock set to start tomorrow.
Gabriel Arias gets the start at the hot corner over Daniel Schneemann, but the Guardians are running out a similar lineup to last night’s otherwise. Slade Cecconi – who Cleveland acquired in the 2024-25 offseason for one Josh Naylor – will be on the hill, and he’s coming off a stretch of four straight starts allowing two or fewer runs.
May 20, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Kyle Harrison (52) throws the ball against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images | David Banks-Imagn Images
After a nice 6-2 victory on Friday night, the Brewers will look to secure another series win over the Cubs in the second game on Saturday night.
Left-hander Kyle Harrison gets the start for the Brewers, while the Cubs will deploy a left-hander of their own in David Peterson, who they acquired in a trade with the Mets earlier this week.
Harrison, 24, is coming off his first appearance in which the Brewers lost in more than two months, dating back to April 11 across 10 starts. He didn’t look bad in that one, as he exited with a lead against the Braves after allowing two runs on four hits and no walks with seven strikeouts over 6 1/3 innings. For the season, he’s 8-1 with a 2.50 ERA, 3.05 FIP, and 87 strikeouts over 72 innings.
Peterson, 30, spent the first seven years of his career in New York before the trade this week, meaning this will be his first non-Mets appearance. After a great season in 2024 (2.90 ERA, 101 strikeouts over 121 innings), he struggled a bit in 2025 (4.22 ERA), but he’s been even worse in 2026 (6.09 ERA over 68 innings across 16 appearances (eight starts)). His last appearance was a four-inning start against the Phillies, when he allowed five runs (four earned) on six hits and a pair of walks, striking out five in a 6-2 loss.
It’s a lefty-heavy lineup, as Jackson Chourio leads off, with Brice Turang and William Contreras to follow. Andrew Vaughn bats cleanup and Gary Sánchez slides into the five-hole as the DH. Blake Perkins, Sal Frelick, Cooper Pratt, and Joey Ortiz round things out.
First pitch in this one is at 6:10 p.m. on Brewers.TV and the Brewers Radio Network.
Jun 3, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Andre Pallante (53) pitches against the Texas Rangers during the first inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images | Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
After a pitcher’s duel Friday night, the St. Louis Cardinals and Miami Marlins will tangle again Saturday night. It appears that Dustin May will skip his start and Andre Pallante will be Saturday night’s starter for the Cardinals and while the Marlins say that Ryan Gusto will take the mound for Miami. First pitch is set for 6:15pm central time at Busch Stadium. The game TV broadcast will be handled by Cardinals.tv.
Could LeBron James return to the Heat this offseason? According to an NBA insider, he doesn’t rule out the possibility of a reunion between James and the Heat.
NBA insider Brian Windhorst spoke about how much he admired the Heat organization and said he believes James feels the same.
“I admire the Heat organization so much. And I value the relationships that I created those years, and I look back, and I learned so much covering that team. And I learned so much listening to Pat Riley,” Windhorst said. “… I learned so much about the Heat mentality, which I still have so much admiration for.”
LeBron James is an unrestricted free agent and will decide his future this summer. Corey Sipkin for NY Post
Windhorst went on to say positive things about the Heat: “By the way, I think LeBron might feel somewhat the same, because he still mimics some of the stuff that Pat Riley and Erik Spoelstra would say.”
During the 2010 offseason, James made his infamous free agency announcement, “The Decision,” in which he announced on live TV that he would take his talents to South Beach to join the Heat.
As James departed for South Beach, so did Windhorst, who covered the Heat from 2010 to 2014.
When James left the Cavaliers to play in Miami, that’s when the Heat created their “Big Three.”
The “Big Three” consisted of James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.
The trio helped James win his first NBA title in 2012, when the Heat defeated a young Thunder roster that featured Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden.
During James’ time in Miami, he won two NBA titles with the “Big Three” and also won two NBA MVPs and two Finals MVPs.
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NBA insider Brian Windhorst believes LeBron James still has a strong admiration for the Heat.
After an NBA Finals loss to the Spurs in 2014, James departed Miami and made his way back to the Cavaliers. He delivered on his promise of bringing Cleveland an NBA title.
May 24, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles pitcher Brandon Young (63) pitches in the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images | Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images
The season series of the Battle of the Beltways is split so far, with two wins each for the Orioles and Nationals. The O’s struck the most recent blow with their 3-1 victory in last night’s series opener at Camden Yards. Now they’ll try to make it two in a row as they turn to Brandon Young, their most reliable starter.
Read that phrase again: “Brandon Young, their most reliable starter.” Entering the 2026 season, I don’t think any Orioles fans would’ve ever anticipated we’d be using those words. And yet, the second-year right-hander has been one of the most remarkable stories of an otherwise tough O’s season. Young, who was something like ninth on the rotation depth chart when the season began, is now 6-2 with a 3.07 ERA in 12 impressive starts. The Orioles have a 10-2 record when he pitches. He’s a stopper, folks.
One of Young’s few poor outings this year, though, came against these Nationals in Washington on May 17. In that game, he allowed two runs and eight baserunners in 3.2 innings even after being staked to a five-run lead, and the bullpen had to bail him out of a bases-loaded jam in the fourth. He gave up a dinger to a fellow Young, Jacob Young, who is not in the lineup tonight.
The O’s are facing lefty Foster Griffin, a former first round pick who couldn’t stick in the majors initially but has made an impressive return to MLB after three years in Japan. The southpaw has a 3.15 ERA in 16 starts this season. Jackson Holliday, who was back in the lineup last night after missing time with a groin strain, returns to the bench tonight. And third catcher Chadwick Tromp, who played six games for the Orioles last season, makes his first appearance for the Birds after they reacquired him last month. He starts in place of Samuel Basallo against the southpaw.
Orioles lineup:
LF Taylor Ward SS Gunnar Henderson 1B Pete Alonso DH Coby Mayo RF Tyler O’Neill 3B Blaze Alexander CF Leody Taveras 2B Jeremiah Jackson C Chadwick Tromp
RHP Brandon Young
Nationals lineup:
LF James Wood 1B Luis García Jr. DH José Tena SS CJ Abrams CF Dylan Crews LF Daylen Lile 3B Jorbit Vivas 2B Nasim Nuñez C Drew Millas
WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 25: Jorbit Vivas #84 of the Washington Nationals throws to first base after forcing out Brandon Marsh #16 of the Philadelphia Phillies in the seventh inning at Nationals Park on June 25, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) | Getty Images
This feels like a game that the Nationals really need to have. They have lost 4 in a row, with the first three coming in brutal fashion. This offense has shown resiliency all season long, but has the bullpen kicked them in the teeth one too many times?
Blake Butera is going with a very lefty heavy lineup tonight. Dylan Crews is the only natural right hander in the lineup, playing in center field and hitting 5th. Jose Tena is hitting third despite a .465 OPS in his last 30 games. Luis Garcia Jr., Jorbit Vivas and Drew Millas make their first starts of the series. Nats ace Foster Griffin will be on the mound.
With Griffin on the bump, the O’s are responding by going righty heavy. Gunnar Henderson is the only natural lefty in the lineup. That means Jackson Holliday and Samuel Basallo are out of the lineup. Chadwick Tromp, who had a big moment against the Nats as a Brave, is now catching for the O’s. Brandon Young has had a nice year for the O’s, and he is on the mound.
This is a huge game for the Nats, who need to stop the bleeding. They have not had many big winning streaks or big losing streaks this year. Hopefully that trend keeps up with a win tonight. They have the right man on the mound. Follow along in the comments down below and let’s go Nats.
Jun 27, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Texas Rangers first baseman Jake Burger (21) celebrates with teammates after scoring against the Toronto Blue Jays during the fifth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images | Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images
The Texas Rangers scored seven runs while the Toronto Blue Jays scored four runs.
I was thinking it. You were thinking it. We were all thinking it.
The Rangers hadn’t scored since the third inning last night and were facing Dylan Cease who entered the game leading the American League in strikeouts on his way to a likely All-Star nod as a first half contender for the AL Cy Young award.
Texas, meanwhile, was sending Cal Quantrill to the mound for his second start of the season. Even then, he was only starting because Jack Leiter recently had ankle surgery. Before that Quantrill had been a member of the bullpen as the long relief/mop up guy.
In fact, Quantrill hasn’t even been built up to make a traditional start so loaded with about 50 pitches today, Quantrill was tasked with potentially getting the ball to Winston Santos, who would be making his MLB debut if he entered the game.
So yeah, despite winning the first two games of this series against a fell .500 straddler club, the deck felt stacked against the Rangers.
Baseball is a funny sport, though.
Instead of giving us the expected, Quantrill tossed four shutout innings and the Rangers knocked Cease out of the game the next half inning as, even though he struck out ten, he allowed four runs on four hits and five walks. The Ranger lineup worked hard to get Cease out early as it took him 107 pitches to collect 14 outs.
Like the other two games in this series, the Rangers scored in the first inning. This time it was via a two-out RBI single from Jake Burger as Cease had committed a real pitching sin by allowing a couple of two-out walks. The real satisfying inning came in Cease’s last, as in the top of the fifth, the Rangers put up a crooked number for a five-run frame – all with two outs – that included the rarest 2026 Rangers unicorn of them all: a two-out, bases loaded hit.
Again like the previous games in this series, the Rangers needed that outburst as immediately after Quantrill left, the Jays scored a couple in the bottom of the fifth and then two more an inning later. Sandwiched between those two rallies, Corey Seager hit a solo home run to help extend Texas’ lead for a bullpen that had to piece together most of the innings today and likely with Jacob Latz unavailable from the outset.
The star in that regard was Peyton Gray. After Robby Ahlstrom and Joe Ross has each allowed a couple of runs following Quantrill, Gray came in and tossed 2.1 scoreless innings with four strikeouts to quiet down the Jays and help finish off the win with Tyler Alexander grabbing the save with a scoreless ninth.
It was a victory that seemed unlikely from the outset. No real starting pitcher. No Wyatt Langford in the lineup. No Latz to save the day. Ultimately though, it was no worries and no problem as Texas locked up a series win ahead of tomorrow’s finale.
I was thinking it. You were thinking it. We were all thinking it. Everyone except for the Rangers apparently.
Player of the Game: Burger lead the way with three hits, including two RBI hits for the first two runs of the game. Alejandro Osuna had a couple of hits, including the RBI hit with the bases loaded. Elias Diaz continues to make an impact and delivered the biggest blow with a two-out, two-run double following Osuna’s hit.
But it’s hard to ignore the efforts from Quantrill and Gray today. Quantrill kept putting up zeroes early to allow the Rangers to work over Cease and then when the Blue Jays started to battle back in the middle innings, it was Gray that shut them down.
Up Next: The Rangers go for a four-game sweep (or are we calling that a mop now?) of the Blue Jays with a noontime getaway game featuring RHP Kumar Rocker making the start for Texas opposite RHP Shane Bieber for Toronto.
The Sunday finale first pitch from Rogers Centre is scheduled for 12:37 pm CDT and will be aired on the Rangers Sports Network.
Jun 16, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves catcher Drake Baldwin (30) celebrates with first baseman Matt Olson (28) after a home run against the San Francisco Giants in the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Ha-Seong Kim is getting a third straight start at shortstop and batting ninth, as he continues to set a torridly awful pace for value and production this season. Drake Baldwin is catching and batting cleanup and the Braves really need him to find his swing again, as he has struggled since returning from injury. That last of the lineup is pretty bleak as Mauricio Dubon has been the best of those batters by a wide margin this season. Good luck against Logan Webb today.
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 19: Rui Hachimura #28 of the Los Angeles Lakers is guarded by Keon Ellis #23 of the Sacramento Kings in the second half at Golden 1 Center on December 19, 2024 in Sacramento, California. 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) | Getty Images
First, the Brooklyn Nets traded their long-serving player, Nic Claxton, to the Chicago Bulls in a three=team deal that sent them Julius Randle, a three-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA player. Then came the NBA Draft where they selected the highest pick they’ve had in 16 years as well as a second second, part of the Claxton-Randle deal. After that, Marc Stein and Jake Fischer of the Steinline ignited rumors of “legitimate interest” in Mitchell Robinson, the New York Knicks center whose rim protection would certainly fill a need.
Now, Stein and Fischer are touting two other veteran free agents as players the Nets could be interested in when the clock strikes 6:00 p.m. in New York Tuesday, permitting teams to start making calls to free agents not their own. The two report that Keon Ellis, the 3-and-D shooting guard who played last year with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Rui Hachimura, the 6’8″ Los Angeles Lakers power forward.
Keon Ellis, meanwhile, appears less likely to stay in Cleveland … unless the Cavaliers lose (Dean) Wade.
One anticipated landing spot for Ellis is Brooklyn, where the defensive-minded guard could reunite with Nets coach Jordi Fernández, who was an assistant in Sacramento during Ellis’ Kings tenure.
Brooklyn keeps coming up as a likely suitor, too, for the Lakers’ Rui Hachimura, league sources say. The Nets and Spurs are two teams we’ve heard have interest in adding Hachimura’s services, while the Spurs are also faced with resolving Harrison Barnes’ future as the veteran forward heads to unrestricted free agency.
The Stein Line reported Friday that the Knicks’ Mitchell Robinson is another Nets target. Brooklyn can operate as a salary cap team with more than $40 million in space if it executes free agent signings before going through with the multiteam trade that will ultimately land Julius Randle with the Nets.
At first glance, not knowing what Sean Marks & co. are planning, the two would seem unlikely matches for the development-oriented Nets. But we’ve been surprised before.
In the case of Ellis, how would the 26-year-old fit with the Nets kiddie corps of guards — er, playmakers — that includes last year’s rookies Egor Demin, Nolan Traore, Ben Saraf and Drake Powell as well as incoming rookie PG Mikel Brown Jr. and two point forwards in Danny Wolf and Joshua Jefferson who range in age from 20 to 22? Did we mention veteran Terance Mann who’s still owed $31.5 million over the next two seasons and is favorite of the coaching staff? Ellis would likely come cheap and Brooklyn has both cap space and money. The undrafted 26-year-old has never made more than the vets minimum. He is a certified 3-point threat with a career average of 40.7% from deep.
Hachimura is a big but he’s not so much a center but rather a big power forward and the Nets already have two of them in Michael Porter Jr. and Julius Randle. They are more in need of rim protection rather than 3-point shooting at which Hachimura excels, hitting 39.4% from deep over. He averaged only 3.3 boards last year however, slightly lower than his 4.6 career average. He was paid $18.3 million last season. Could he and Ellis come off the bench?
One thing Stein and Fischer have harped on of late is that the Nets are tired of losing. (Who among us isn’t?) In their reporting Friday on Robinson, they had this to say:
[T]hey appear intent on putting a credible team on the floor next season after unreservedly tanking this past season and winding up with the No. 6 pick in May’s draft lottery.
There are of course other decisions to made on the Nets own free agents and soon: Sunday is the deadline for Nets to exercise options on Day’Ron Sharpe and Ziaire Williams’ $6.25 million options, then Monday, they have to decide options on Josh Minott and Malachi Smith. It’s also the last day for teams to make qualifying offers to players eligible for restricted free agency. In Nets case, this applies to Noah Clowney. There’s also MPJ’s extension.
Marks has been promising people months of excitement so it’s best to wait. He’ll surely be asked a bunch of questions Monday when he and the team’s three draft picks meet with the media at the Brooklyn Basketball Center at 3:00 p.m. ET Monday.
On Saturday morning, Keith Smith reported that the Nets have tendered a two-way qualifying offer to Chaney Johnson who played on a two-way last year. He’ll soon be joined on a two-way by Tyler Bilodeau, the 6’9″ forward the Nets drafted in the second round earlier in the week.
Jun 21, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen (24) delivers a pitch in the fifth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
The Colorado Rockies kicked off their road trip with yet more hijinks late in the game. Entering the game down 7-0, the Rockies proceeded to score eight unanswered runs to take the lead against the Minnesota Twins only to lose in extra innings due to sloppy play. Now the Rockies will look to win their first game of the series against the Twins, hopefully without the drama, but who are we kidding? The Rockies are surprisingly one of the best teams in the league when it comes to late game offense.
Making the start for the Rockies is Michael Lorenzen, who now has three straight starts of five or more innings. His last time out, Lorenzen went 5.1 innings against the Pittsburgh Pirates, but gave up four earned runs on seven hits with a home run. He struck out five batters.
Since simplifying his approach, Lorenzen has been performing much better on the mound. His ERA for the season is down to 7.11 and he has a solid body of work against the Twins. In seven appearances he holds an ERA of just 2.86 with 23 strikeouts over 28.1 innings.
The starting pitcher for the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul is right-handed rookie Mike Paredes, who made his debut earlier this season. Paredes holds a 4.05 ERA over five appearances, three of which were starts, entering today’s game with 11 strikeouts in 20 innings.
His last time out, Paredes worked five innings against the Arizona Diamondbacks while giving up two earned runs on six hits and three walks with one strikeout. The 25-year-old has a four pitch arsenal consisting of a four-seam fastball that averages 93 MPH, a changeup, a sweeper, and a cutter.
First Pitch: 5:10 p.m. MDT
TV: Rockies.TV
Radio: 850 AM/94.1 FM KOA Rockies Radio Network; KNRV 1150 AM (Spanish)
