LAS VEGAS — An overtime-forcing 3-pointer was undoubtedly the highlight of Chris Cenac Jr.’s pro debut for the Boston Celtics at Vegas Summer League on Friday night. But our favorite moment came earlier when Cenac tried one of the most ambitious putbacks in summer league history and nearly impaled a teammate in the process.
Crashing hard from the 3-point line on a Curtis Jones miss, Cenac skied from the dotted line, caught the long rebound with one hand, and tried to use his 7-foot-5 wingspan to hurtle the ball near the rim. Poor Dillon Mitchell got caught underneath the soaring Cenac Jr. and the two crumpled to the court together after the failed attempt.
“He almost took me out on a putback,” cracked Mitchell after practice on the campus of UNLV on Saturday.
It’s usually Mitchell and his 38.5-inch vertical launching himself over opponents. He was able to laugh off getting a taste of his own medicine.
“I can understand how other people feel when I do it now,” said Mitchell. “So it was a good feeling for me to feel it.”
Cenac Jr., the 27th pick in June’s draft, posted 14 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 blocks over 29 minutes off the bench in his Boston debut. He rescued the Celtics in the final seconds of regulation, knocking down a buzzer-beating, corner 3-pointer off a pretty feed from Milos Uzan.
Mitchell, the 40th pick in June’s draft, finished with four points, two blocks, and two steals over 26 minutes in a starting role.
Cenac Jr. and Mitchell bring the sort of raw athleticism that the Celtics haven’t exactly been overflowing with in recent years. The Celtics need to thrust the two rookies into their player development machine and hope they can tap fully into each player’s raw potential.
Cenac Jr. is only 19 but he moves effortlessly around the court, easily changing direction and exploding towards the basket. We don’t suspect this will be the only time he tries an overly ambitious dunk attempt on the summer stage. He’s springy even off two feet. And Cenac Jr.’s length disrupts opposing shooters regardless of where they pull up from.
Mitchell floats in the air, too, and his pro debut was highlighted by both a loud, left-handed putback and a transition block where he again seemingly floated long enough to smother an opponent’s layup attempt.
After Saturday’s summer practice, and before watching film together, Mitchell and Cenac Jr. engaged in a brief impromptu dunk contest.
“Just Chris being Chris,” said Mitchell.
So who has the advantage in any dunk contest? Mitchell responded immediately.
“Chris … his length,” said Mitchell. “I’ll give it to Chris.”
Boston’s overflowing collection of young wings will complicate a pathway to playing time for the rookies, but it’s easy to see why Boston invested in their futures. The Celtics need an infusion of athleticism and it didn’t take long for Mitchell and Cenac Jr. to prove they can bring that.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 10: Khaman Maluach #10 of the Phoenix Suns drives to the basket during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on July 10, 2026 at the Thomas & Mack Center 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 Stephen Greathouse/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
When it comes to Summer League play and former Blue Devils, we forgot to check on Khaman Maluach. As expected, he had a lot of work to do as a rookie, and played 25 games in the G League for the Valley Suns.
He is playing for Phoenix in the Summer League, and on Sunday, he had a nice game against New Orleans.
Maluach finished with 15 points, 15 rebounds, and 2 blocks.
Here are two really good back-to-back plays by the former Duke big man. On the first, he rolls to the basket for a nice pick and roll, and on the other end of the court, watch how he shifts out, then goes back to block the shot.
He’s gotten a lot of reps in since getting drafted last year and he’s noticeably more muscled as well. This could be a good year for him, possibly even a breakthrough.
With another heat wave ramping up in Philadelphia, conditions could be ideal for the long ball at Citizens Bank Park on Monday as the 2026 MLB Home Run Derby takes center stage of All-Star Week festivities. After all, former Philadelphia Phillies manager Charlie Manuel used to call this time of the summer in the Northeast "Hittin' Season."
Junior Caminero is the only other hitter in the field who has Home Run Derby experience, as he finished runner-up in the event last season. The remaining five spots are first-timers, including Munetaka Murakami of the Chicago White Sox, who returned last Friday from a month-plus stint on the injured list with a Grade 2 right hamstring strain.
Here's what to know about the 2026 MLB Home Run Derby:
2026 Home Run Derby field: Who is participating?
Below is the list of players that are competing in the 2026 MLB Home Run Derby:
There is no bracket for the first round of the Home Run Derby, as all eight hitters will be entered into a single pool. The event turns into a bracket in the second round between the players who finished with the top four home run totals from the first round. It'll be a traditional head-to-head bracket with No. 1 vs. No. 4 and No. 2 vs. No. 3 to determine the matchup in the finals.
2026 MLB Home Run Derby: Dates, TV channel, streaming options
Date: Monday, July 13
Time: 8 p.m. ET
Location: Citizens Bank Park (Philadelphia)
Streaming options: Netflix
The 2026 MLB Home Run Derby is set for 8 p.m. ET on Monday, July 13 at Citizens Bank Park, the home of the Philadelphia Phillies and the site of the 2026 MLB All-Star Game. Netflix will exclusively stream the event.
PHILADELPHIA — The roars of Broad Street will be put to the test in this Home Run Derby.
How much does homefield advantage matter? We’ll surely find out Monday, July 13, when Philadelphia Phillies superstars Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber lead an eight-man field into the 2026 version of this made-for-TV spectacular.
Harper and Schwarber know each other quite well in this context: It was Harper defeating Schwarber in the finals of the 2018 Derby at Nationals Park, Harper’s final season in Washington. This time, it might be Schwarber with the upper hand, given the major league-high 88 home runs he’s spanked since the start of the 2025 season.
Who raises the trophy? USA TODAY Sports breaks down the eight contenders for Derby glory:
1. Kyle Schwarber, Phillies
Look, home-field advantage does matter, given the knowledge of your own yard’s nooks and crannies. And Citizens Bank Park has its share – though very hitter friendly, there are a few gaps and straightaways you wanna stay away from. It’s an easy bet to say Schwarber has more power, local knowledge and solid Derby experience to top this field.
2. Bryce Harper, Phillies
We originally had Harper slotted third, but that was before Harper revealed his Derby pitcher: Los Angeles Dodgers third base coach Dino Ebel. Dino’s not just a father of back-to-back Brewers babies; he’s also a batting practice and Derby pitching wizard.
Ebel guided Hall of Famer Vladimir Guerrero to the title, and he did so again two years ago for Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández. The man understands pacing and timing and knows how to spot it. While Harper claimed he’d only swing off his dad – his pitcher for the dramatic 2018 title over Schwarber – we’re saying Ebel is an even better match.
3. Junior Caminero, Rays
Possibly the only man in the field who can prevent a Philly championship. Caminero was just 22 years old a year ago, when he nearly became the youngest player to win a Derby. Alas, he ran out of gas in the finals, mustering 15 homers to fall to Cal Raleigh.
He did manage 44 home runs, averaging 435 feet in distance (thank you, super balls), including 21 in the first round. And nobody comes in hotter, as Caminero slugged 13 homers in the last 19 games of the first half.
4. Jac Caglianone, Royals
Perhaps someone will emerge and surprise us all, but the drop-off from three to four in this field feels pretty massive. While Caglianone has just 14 homers, the 6-4, 250-pound second-year slugger has perhaps the most raw power this side of Schwarber. Getting to it in games is always the last step for a young power hitter, but nothing’s stopping Cags from putting on a show here.
You cannot downplay the 20 home runs Murakami hit in his first 55 major league games, including the first three of his career. It’s probably the most underplayed feat of this first half, given the significant doubts and contact worries that accompanied Murakami to Japan.
Alas, he suffered a hamstring injury shortly thereafter, missing six weeks and returning just three days ago. It’s Murakami’s first big-league season and his first All-Star Game and Home Run Derby, and he hasn’t hit a home run that counts since May 28. A lot for one dude to handle – but it will be fascinating to see him take to the spotlight.
6. Ben Rice, Yankees
Don’t look now, but this dude has overtaken Caminero for second in the AL in home runs, smashing 29 during a first half in which the Yankees have aimed to stay afloat without Aaron Judge. His lefty stroke would seem tailored for the cozy right field corner at Citizens Bank, and he’s aiming to become the first Yankee to take home the Derby title since Judge in 2017.
Yet this is an entirely different sea he’s swimming in here and like Murakami, this will be his first exposure to the All-Star rigamarole. A nice dark horse pick, but will see if he has the juice to hang.
7. Willson Contreras, Red Sox
Hey, why not? Now 34, Contreras may not get too many more cracks at the All-Star Game, so might as well cross of the Derby on his career to-do list.
Contreras has ripped 20 homers this year, though his career high is just 24, established when he was 27 years old in 2019. Can Contreras outkick the back of his baseball card?
8. Jordan Walker, Cardinals
Fun fact: Walker is more than a year older than Caminero, even as he seems like the new guy on the block in this group. Yet it took four tries for Walker to stick in the majors, making him one of the more compelling stories among the group of All-Stars.
He scorched 22 first-half homers and leads the majors with 74 RBIs. Yet the key to the Derby is knowing thyself and applying your strengths to this format. Walker's absolutely figured it out on the field, but performing under this spotlight is a different animal.
Feb 17, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Former NBA player Jermaine O’Neal watches his son SMU Mustangs forward Jermaine O'Neal Jr. (not pictured) during the second half against the Louisville Cardinals at Moody Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Former NBA All-Star Jermaine O’Neal recently revealed that he came close to committing to Kentucky following the Wildcats’ 1996 national championship before head coach Rick Pitino gave him advice that changed his life.
Speaking on the Str8 to Da League podcast, O’Neal shared that Kentucky was his top choice coming out of high school and that Pitino had heavily recruited him, making multiple in-home visits with O’Neal and his family.
“I was going to go to Kentucky. Shout out to Rick Pitino, man. Like he recruited me, and this was like the realest thing, man. My mother loved him, man. She loved him,” O’Neal said.
According to O’Neal, Pitino’s honesty ultimately convinced him to skip college and enter the NBA Draft.
“He was sitting in our living room, he came four times on visits, and he said, ‘Look, everything I know about you and your family, the struggles, the things you’re going through.’ He said, ‘We’re going to be good with you, or we’re going to be good without you. Would love to have you, but you should go pro.’ That was the realest thing, bro. When he said that, it made complete sense.”
O’Neal went on to become the No. 17 overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft by the Portland Trail Blazers, and had an 18-year NBA career that included six All-Star selections, three All-NBA Team honors, and averages of 13.2 points and 7.2 rebounds across more than 1,000 career games.
While Kentucky fans can only imagine what could have been, O’Neal’s comments offered another example of Pitino’s reputation for putting players’ long-term interests ahead of recruiting victories.
There has not been a hometown champion for the MLB Home Run Derby since Bryce Harper won it in 2018 as a member of the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Will that drought come to an end this year? By Harper himself?
Harper, in his eighth season with the Philadelphia Phillies, and Kyle Schwarber, the Phillies DH who is the MLB home run leader, will certainly look to do that for the home crowd at Citizens Bank Park on Monday, July 11. But six other hitters are looking to take home the trophy and chain themselves.
The Home Run Derby will have a slightly different look this season, as MLB changed the format of the event. There will no longer be a time clock for the eight hitters to compete under, and instead will have a finite number of swings to take in each round.
Here's what to know:
Where to watch 2026 MLB Home Run Derby today?
Streaming option: Netflix
The 2026 MLB Home Run Derby will not be broadcast over linear or national television. Instead, the event will be streamed exclusively on Netflix. Monday's event is the first of three consecutive years that it will be streamed exclusively on Netflix.
MLB Home Run Derby start time today
Date: Monday, July 13
Time: 8 p.m. ET
Location: Citizens Bank Park (Philadelphia)
The 2026 MLB Home Run Derby is set for 8 p.m. ET on Monday, July 13 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.
2026 MLB Home Run Derby field
Below is a look at the full 2026 MLB Home Run Derby field:
In just a few hours, the ever-so-cinematic and ruckus night of the MLB All-Star Week festivities that showcases some of the top power hitters in the league will begin at 8 p.m. ET on Monday, July 13 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.
The 2026 MLB Home Run Derby will have a new look to it for the first time in over a decade, and that isn't just implying the fact that Netflix will exclusively broadcast the event on its streaming service. MLB has also changed up the format of the event.
Here's everything to know about the format for the 2026 MLB Home Run Derby and more:
2026 MLB Home Run Derby rules, format explained
For the first time since 2015, the MLB Home Run Derby will have a new format. The 2026 edition of the Home Run Derby will no longer have the time clock that was added to the event in 2015, and instead will go back to a pre-2015-esque look where hitters will have a finite number of swings to take.
The new format includes 20 swings in the first round, followed by 15 swings in both the semifinals and finals for advancing hitters. Should a hitter add a home run on swing No. 20, or the final swing of a round, they'll continue swinging until they don't hit a home run, i.e., until they record an "out."
As was the case in the last two seasons, those who have the top four home run totals from the first round will advance to the semifinals (second round), where they’ll then be put into a bracket and seeded based on their home run totals from the first round and go head-to-head to determine the two finalists.
Should there be a tie in the field following the first round, home run distance will serve as the tiebreaker. The tiebreaker for the second round and finals will be a three-swing swing-off.
What are the changes to the 2026 MLB Home Run Derby?
The biggest change to the MLB Home Run Derby this year is the removal of the time clock that the eight hitters would be restricted to. There won't be any additional rounds of swings given as well, which had been given in the past based on home run distance and other qualifications.
How many people are in the MLB Home Run Derby?
The MLB Home Run Derby consists of eight hitters. Click here to view the 2026 Home Run Derby field.
2026 MLB Home Run Derby: Time, TV channel, streaming options
Date: Monday, July 13
Time: 8 p.m. ET
Location: Citizens Bank Park (Philadelphia)
Streaming option: Netflix
The 2026 MLB Home Run Derby is set for 8 p.m. ET on Monday, July 13 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. It will not be broadcast on television. Instead, it will be streamed exclusively on Netflix, with the play-by-play being handled by Matt Vasgersian and analysis coming Barry Bonds, CC Sabathia, Hunter Pence and Anthony Rizzo.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 03: Ben Rice #22 of the New York Yankees celebrates his third inning two-run home run against the Minnesota Twins in the dugout with his teammates at Yankee Stadium on July 03, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After a terrible stretch of play in late June/early July, the Yankees closed out their first half on a high note by sweeping the Nationals. It wasn’t without stress, as it took late inning comebacks against a Nats bullpen that just had nothing going for it to come away with all three of their wins, but considering how down bad this team was for even a single win a week ago no one is complaining. Riding off the coattails of their split with the Rays, the sweep brought New York to a very decent 5-2 record on the road trip entering the All-Star break, and they sit three games behind first place. That’s still entirely within their reach, but they’ll need a bit of help on top of them keeping this good momentum going once they return to the field.
In the meantime though, it’s time to celebrate the best accomplishments of the team with their All-Star representatives, and the festivities begin later tonight with the Home Run Derby. Ben Rice will be among the participants, and we’ll have an open thread for the event itself up much like our usual game threads. Before that, we open our day with a recap of the MLB Draft as Michael gives his thoughts on the 2026 class the Yankees now have waiting in the wings. Matt covers the Rivalry Roundup featuring a Rays loss to bring the AL East race a game closer, Josh reminisces on DJ LeMahieu’s pair of incredible and ill-advised contracts and the production he brought with them as his birthday falls on today, and Jeremy mulls over the options that the Reds could provide in a potential trade. Later in the day, I’ll be opening up the mailbag for more of your questions, and then I’ll also recap the Derby when all is said and done.
Today’s Matchup:
All-Star Home Run Derby
Time: 8:00 p.m. EST
Streaming: Netflix
Venue: Citizen’s Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA
Questions/Prompts:
1. How far will Ben Rice make it in the Derby? Surely he has a better showing than Jazz Chisholm Jr. had last year, right?
2. Was John Schneider out of line for choosing his own guy in Dylan Cease as the All-Star Game starter before Cam Schlittler ruled himself out?
Toledo managed just one hit in the series finale, losing 5-0 and finishing the week 2-4.
Indianapolis’ Connor Wietgrefe retired the first 13 batters he faced. Brett Callahan broke up the perfect game with a one-out double in the fifth. He made it to third after tagging on a Jace Jung flyout but never scored. \
Just one hit for Toledo today in a 5-0 loss to Indianapolis – this 5th inning hustle double from Brett Callahan. pic.twitter.com/P5fgjhUzjX
Wietgrefe stayed in through the eighth and didn’t allow another baserunner. His replacement, Landon Tomkins, walked the first batter he faced, Cal Stevenson, before retiring the next three batters.
Sawyer Gipson-Long took the loss for the Mud Hens after allowing five runs (four earned) over as many innings. He broke down in the second, hitting two batters and giving up an RBI single with two outs. A wild pitch put both runners still on base in scoring position, but they jogged home on a P.J. Hilson home run — his first with the Indians.
An error by Stevenson at first base allowed Jhostynxon Garcia to score from first. That’s the unearned run for SGL. At least he retired seven of the last eight batters he faced.
The bullpen was actually good, throwing three perfect innings with a combined six strikeouts. Yilbert Diaz strukc out the side in the sixth, Brennan Hanifee went 1-2-3 in the seventh and Enmanuel De Jesus had a pair of strikeouts in a 1-2-3 eighth. None of Toledo’s four pitchers allowed a walk, either.
Erie ended the series against Harrisburg tied with a 3-2 win that needed extra innings to decide.
Justice Bigbie was the hero in the 10th, singling home Viandel Pena for the win. Pena wasn’t the automatic runner on second to start the inning, though. That was Patrick Lee, who got caught in a pickle between third and home while trying to score on a ball back to the mound. Bigbie was lucky to get up, too, because Seth Stephenson needed an error to reach base before him. Fortunately, it all worked out in the end.
Erie led 2-1 from the fifth inning into the ninth. Tanner Kohlhepp blew the save in the weirdest way possible. Johnathon Thomas tapped a ground ball to third with Maxwell Romero Jr. on second. Romero ran straight to the bag while E.J. Exposito waited for the ball to get to him. Exposito was standing next to the bag and in the basepath, so Romero had no choice but to run into him, albeit softly.
The ball got by Exposito because he was physically pushed out of position, and Romero charged home as Max Burt went to collect it where the grass meets the dirt. The throw would have gotten to home just in time, but it went straight into Romero’s legs. Safe. Truly bizarre stuff.
SeaWolves manager Tony Cappuccilli argued, but the umpires didn’t overturn the call after a brief meeting. He stormed back out and got tossed before crossing the third-base line.
Compared to all of that action, the rest of the game was relatively boring.
Both teams scored in the first. Harrisburg got Devin Fitz-Gerald home on a bases-loaded single. Branden Boissiere tried to score as well, but Seth Stephenson gunned him out at home from center field.
Erie responded in the bottom half of the inning, scoring on a first-and-third play where the runner got stuck in a pickle, allowing the runner on third to score. It’s a good idea when Stephenson is the guy on third, even if it was unintentional.
The only other run in the game was an RBI single from Pena in the fifth. Patrick Lee set up the scoring opportunity with a double two batters prior.
It was a good day for the pitching staff. Max Alba went 3.2 innings, allowing just the one run on three hits and three walks while striking out three. Trevin Michael got the next four out and was in line for the win while Johan Simon, Yoniel Curet and Wandisson Charles recorded inning-long holds without any trouble. Kohlhepp ended up getting the win, pitching the 10th.
Simon was the best of the bunch despite a walk. He struck out the side, and Charles had a pair of strikeouts.
Bigbie: 1-5, RBI, K
Lee: 1-4, 2B (1), R
Kohlhepp (W, 5-2)(BS, 1): 2.0 IP, R, ER, 0 BB, 2 K
Coming Up Next: Erie returns from the All-Star Break on Friday at 7:05 p.m. for a three-game series on the road against the Richmond Flying Squirrels.
Fort Wayne TinCaps 9, West Michigan Whitecaps 1 (box)
Despite a 9-1 trouncing on Sunday, the West Michigan Whitecaps were the only Tigers affiliate to win a series this week, taking things 4-2 against the Fort Wayne TinCaps.
Still, this was an ugly loss. Only five hits for the offense, and none of them were particularly loud. Stephen Hrustich had the only extra-base hit, a double in the ninth when the ‘Caps already trailed by eight runs. Hrustich had a single in the second, too, for the only multi-hit day in the lineup.
The lone run scored in the sixth on a double play off the bat of Bryce Rainer. At that point, it was still 3-1 and in between three-run homers from Fort Wayne. Rayner Castillo allowed the first but managed to get through five innings.
Preston Howey gave up the second in the seventh and was responsible for another run in the eighth after giving up a leadoff walk. CJ Weins got the rest of the eighth, but allowed two runs to score on three straight hits. Colin Fields got through the ninth just fine despite two hits.
Coming Up Next: West Michigan returns from the All-Star Break on Friday at 7:05 p.m. for a three-game series on the road against the Great Lakes Loons.
Lakeland Flying Tigers 9, Dunedin Blue Jays 4 (box)
Lakeland beat Dunedin 9-4 on Sunday to finish the series tied at three games apiece.
Caleb Leys went two scoreless innings, walking one batter and striking out none. The Flying Tigers’ offense gave him an early lead to work with, though, scoring a pair in the top of the first. Jordan Yost walked and stole second. Jude Warwick drove him in with a double. Warwick stole third and came home on a bad throw from the catcher.
Dunedin made thing interesting with runs in the third and fourth off Lakeland’s bullpen. Alistair Tanner didn’t have very good command, but there might be a reason for that. He threw just 13 pitches, walking the leadoff man and hitting another batter, before leaving the game with an apparent injury. It doesn’t look great.
RHP Ali Tanner just returned from the IL today, but he leaves after 13 pitches with an apparent injury. Fastball velocity dipped noticeably against the final batter he faced. pic.twitter.com/cpKQI4Bb0R
Jose Guzman took over for Tanner and induced a sac fly for the run to score. He worked through the fourth, giving up his own run in the latter frame he pitched. Still, Guzman takes home the win because Lakeland managed to score a third run in the fourth to maintain the lead throughout the game.
The big inning was the sixth for the offense. Nick Dumesnil doubled to score Edian Espinal, Jesus Pinto walked, and both moved up a base on a groundout. Hunter Dobbins drove both of them in with a grounder through the right side. Zach MacDonald had his own single to the right side, and Beau Ankeney reached on an error that allowed Dobbins to score.
Connor Fenlong got his first hold with Lakeland, working four innings. He was really good for the first three frames, but a single and a homer put two runs on his final line. Fenlong had two walks and some wild pitches, so it’s not all peaches and roses, but it was enough.
Lakeland got those runs back, though, scoring in the eighth and ninth. Dobbins had his third hit and fourth RBI of the day, driving in Carson Rucker, and Jesus Pinto brought Warwick home in the final inning. Donye Evans closed it out, working around a leadoff base hit.
Coming Up Next: Lakeland returns from the All-Star Break on Friday at 7:05 p.m. for a three-game series on the road against the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels.
PITTSBURGH, PA - APRIL 27: A detailed view of a warmup puck is seen prior to Game Five of the First Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG PAINTS Arena on April 27, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images
Depending on where you are located in the United States, the weather outside feels the opposite of what you expect when thinking about Pittsburgh Penguins hockey. For those of use living in Western Pennsylvania, the past few weeks have felt more like living on the surface of the Sun than anything resembling hockey weather, though being stuck inside an ice rink right doesn’t sound like the worst idea.
We now approach mid-July, the doldrums of the NHL offseason are preparing to set in. The Stanley Cup has been awarded, the NHL Draft has passed, and the bulk of free agency has come and gone. There will be the occasional signing or minor more along the way to pique some interest, but short of a blockbuster, news will slow to a trickle until we approach training camp in September.
As we prepare to enter this slow season, let’s take some time quickly to catch up on some news you may have missed over the past few weeks while enjoying summer or trying to stay cool.
Pens Points…
There will be some big news surrounding the 2026-27 NHL season announced this week, with the full release of the regular season schedule set for Thursday. Opening night matchups will be revealed on Wednesday. This will mark the NHL’s first season moving to an 84 game slate. [NHL]
Ben Kindel was a revelation for the Penguins last season as a rookie. Now he’s looking to build off that success in his second season and he’s busy working on his game back home in Vancouver this summer. [Pensburgh]
As Kindel puts the work in to improve his game and continue developing, all fans can do is hope that what we saw from him as an 18 year old rookie is just scratching the surface of just how talented he could be. [The Hockey News]
Right now, the Penguins roster is loaded with players and questions still have to be answered about where exactly everyone fits in. While there are still moves to be made and the summer still young, one area that needs addressing is down the middle at center. [Pensburgh]
Back before the NHL season ended, news leaked out that Kyle Dubas was interested in big game hunting this offseason instead of just adding on the margins in free agency. Although that big prize hasn’t yet been landed, there is one name that keeps being tied back to the Penguins. [The Athletic $$]
Arturs Silovs was one of the pending restricted free agents who resigned with the Penguins last week. There were some bumps in the road for Silovs this past season, but a strong showing in relief during the playoffs gave him some momentum heading into next season. [Penguins]
Along with Silovs, the Penguins agreed to contracts with three others last week. Those names include fellow goaltender Joel Blomqvist (two-year deal), the recently acquired David Gustafsson (one-year deal), and Egor Chinakhov (three-year deal) who broke out in a big way for the Penguins after being acquired. [Penguins]
It may be slightly old news at this point, but in case you have been fully tuned out for the offseason up to this point, the Penguins added six new names to the organization at the 2026 NHL Draft. [Penguins]
One of those new faces has already put pen to paper on his entry level contract with the Penguins. Second round pick Tomas Galvas signed his three-year deal last week. [Penguins]
Brady Tkachuk left Ottawa. Leo Carlsson signed an offer sheet to leave Anaheim. Zach Werenski was involved in trade rumors. Big names across the NHL are exploring options outside of where they have spent their entire careers. All that just further emphasizes the loyalty of Crosby, Malkin, and Letang. [The Athletic $$]
There has been an infusion of youth into the Penguins system in recent years, but a lot of those players are currently waiting for a shot in the NHL. If Kyle Dubas wants to let that youth moment flourish, it’s time to give those players a real shot at making the roster. [The Hockey News]
After just one season in Pittsburgh, the Penguins moved on from Parker Wotherspoon, dealing with to Vegas in exchange for defenseman Kaedan Korczak, a younger player with a bit more contract flexibility. [The Hockey News]
Again in more old news but an ICYMI just to cover all the bases, the Hoffman family completed their purchase of the Penguins in June and received approval from the league. A few days later, the new owners met with local media to discuss their plans for the franchise. [Penguins]
It's break time, and look what we have here across Major League Baseball: Five relatively red-hot divisional races.
Four divisions are either tied or separated by no more than three games as the All-Star break mercifully arrives. The NL Central features a five-game bulge, but it's almost certain the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers will extend their drama long into September. As for the NL West? Well, the Los Angeles Dodgers can pulverize the tension out of anything, holding a 12 ½ game lead.
And then there's the AL Central home to the tightest race of all and the biggest surprise.
The Chicago White Sox roared into the break, sweeping the Athletics back to Yolo County by a combined score of 24-2 and staying in lockstep with the Cleveland Guardians atop the division. It's a far cry from their 32-65 mark at the break last year, to say nothing of their 27-71 mark on their way to a record 121 losses in 2024.
As the White Sox climb to No. 10 in USA TODAY Sports' power rankings, the dreams are only getting bigger and better.
"In our heads," White Sox shortstop Colson Montgomery told reporters, "we just are like, ‘How are we not going to be a playoff team if we just play like we are playing right now?’”
A look at our updated rankings:
1. Los Angeles Dodgers (-)
Just an absolute death grip on the division - and the entire National League.
2. Milwaukee Brewers (-)
Glorious first half ends with a thud: Swept at Pittsburgh, and the Miz taking a little siesta.
3. Tampa Bay Rays (-)
Something old: Evan Longoria's No. 3 retired. Something new: Catcher Nathan Flewelling named Futures Game MVP.
4. Atlanta Braves (-)
Matt Olson hits the break with 25 homers, but just six in his last 27 games.
The Sharks saw a glimpse of a promising future last season as Macklin Celebrini and company contended for a Stanley Cup playoff spot before ultimately being eliminated the final week.
However, their luck took a turn when they jumped from the projected ninth-overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft to No. 2 via the lottery drawing.
However, Todd Marchant, Sharks director of player development and senior advisor, says the team is not going to get ahead of themselves when it comes to making a decision on whether or not the rookie is NHL-ready.
“His play will dictate where he’s ready, but he’s a very talented player,” Marchant told NBC Sports California’s Ted Ramey. “We’re just super happy to have him as part of our arsenal of good young players and joining players like Mack, Will Smith and Michael Misa.”
Marchant explained that every player’s journey is “a little bit different,” but also mentioned that the Sharks liked what they saw of Stenberg’s performance at the 2026 IIHF World Championship in Switzerland.
“Absolutely,” Marchant told Ramey when asked if he was impressed by Stenberg. “These players nowadays, they are so much more advanced at 18 and 19 years old than ever were before so we’re really excited that he can be a San Jose Shark and it’ll be interesting to see where he ends up.”
While the Sharks are uncertain whether Stenberg will begin the 2026-27 season with the NHL club or somewhere else, the promise that the No. 2 overall pick has shown on the ice is something for the team to be excited about.
The Athletic | Brendan Kuty ($): Those hoping to see Cam Schlittler pitch in the All-Star Game are likely to be disappointed. While maintaining that he will be “ready if they need me,” Schlittler intends to use the break for the Midsummer Classic to rest for an all important push in the second half. Interestingly, AL team manager John Schneider announced that he was planning to pick his own pitcher with the Blue Jays, Dylan Cease, to start the game for the AL despite Schlittler’s superior first half and Schlittler’s initial willingness to pitch on what would have been a between-starts bullpen day. Schlittler also admitted that he did not want to overextend himself by ramping up to game-level effort and potentially risk a sluggish recovery for his first start out of the break.
ESPN: The Yankees completed a three-game sweep of the Nationals to end the first half with the wind in their sails, and they did so in historic fashion. They overcame an eighth-inning or later deficit in all three wins for the first time in franchise history since May 19-21, 1910, playing as the Highlanders and sweeping the Cleveland Naps. They won their last four games before the break to cap off a 5-2 road trip, coming just in time after their worst stretch of the season, to sit three games behind the Rays for first.
MLB.com | Jared Greenspan: There’s a new Pettitte in pinstripes. In the eighth round of the 2026 Draft on Sunday, the Yankees selected Luke Pettitte with the 248th pick out of Dallas Baptist University. The son of Andy Pettitte, Luke began as a right-handed pitcher who posted a 3.19 ERA in 17 games before undergoing Tommy John surgery. Unable to pitch his junior season, Pettitte became a full-time DH and slashed .337/.403/.693 with 16 home runs and 48 RBI.
MLB.com | Bryan Hoch: The Yankees have finalized their 2026 MLB Draft class, with a potential 20 new faces joining the organization. They went with a pair of left-handed pitchers for their first two picks, and their first pick, Hunter Dietz, is considered by many evaluators to be the best left-handed pitcher in the Draft. They rounded out their first day of picks with a catcher and an outfielder, and on the whole went with a balanced approach, selecting eight pitchers and 12 position players and 16 college players versus four out of high school.
Colorado Rockies general manager Josh Byrnes | Kyle Cooper | Colorado Rockies
The Colorado Rockies are a team in the midst of a rebuild. With this in mind, the staff at Purple Row thought it would be useful to revisit the “State of the Position” series that we ran in March to see where things stand. We’ve asked authors of the spring articles to re-evaluate their earlier remarks with an eye toward the August 3 trade deadline.
Purple Row’s “State of the Position” series is largely evaluative: Where are the Rockies now compared to where they ended the previous season, and how are they positioned going forward?
Right now, the answer is that we don’t know.
The signs seem to be positive: Players are enthusiastic about what’s happening; we see more examples of technology, analytics, and communication in action; and some of the too-early stats are promising. Still, spring training numbers mean nothing.
We know more now, so let’s consider what we’ve learned since president of baseball operations Paul DePodesta and general manager Josh Byrnes took the helm of the Colorado Rockies.
(I realize the front office rebuild was considerably more extensive than these two executives. However, the focus here will be on DePodesta and Byrnes.)
What the evaluative criteria are
One of the things that irritates me is a tendency among sportswriters to randomly assign grades — it’s something I’ve complained about extensively. Creating a fair assessment instrument first requires creating clear criteria, so here are mine for this evaluation:
Infrastructure building
Acquisitions
Communication
The first one, we simply cannot evaluate. We don’t know what the Rockies are doing behind the scenes, both in terms of building an effective analytics system and ensuring clear communication throughout their MiLB system, Moreover, they are unlikely to tell us since this is information organizations do not share. But let’s assume the Rockies are making progress on that front. We certainly know they are trying a lot of new things this season. Hopefully in October, DePodesta will give fans a better sense of what they have learned.
With the other two criteria, however, we can do some systematic evaluation.
Where the Rockies are now
Acquisitions — The draft
Purple Row spent last weekend covering the Rockies MLB draft moves, and although it’s too soon to know how any of this will play out, here’s what we know so far.
Acquisitions — Free agent signings & trades
DePodesta said from the beginning that in 2026, one goal was to “raise the floor,” and part of that strategy involved signing more (and better) free agents. Here’s how those players have done so far.
Michael Lorenzen (1 years @ $8 million) — 6.46 ERA in 92.0 IP; 0.9 fWAR
Jose Quintana (1 year @ $6 million) — 5.27 ERA in 41.0 IP; 0.3 fWAR
Tomoyuki Sugano (1 year @ $5.1 million) — 4.80 ERA in 84.1 IP; 0.4 fWAR
Clearly, fWAR doesn’t indicate everything these players have contributed. For example, Sugano’s role as a reliable pitcher and Castro’s versatility is something the numbers simply cannot reflect. But none of these signings has been a wash.
While the pitching numbers are dismal, the Rockies needed pitchers, and getting pitchers to sign in Colorado is no easy feat. Do the Rockies want better pitchers? Yes. But the group they have now has allowed the Rockies to be more competitive than they were in 2025.
Trades and acquisitions
Brennan Bernadino (LHP Boston Red Sox) for Braiden Ward (OF) — 3.05 ERA in 38.1 IP; 0.6 fWAR
The first three trades have done very well for the Rockies in terms of on-field production. Bernardino and McCarthy are likely trade candidates (especially the former). TJ Rumfield looks to be a cornerstone of the franchise going forward, a fact underscored by his inclusion in Rookie of the Year conversations. The Rockies have desperately needed a true first baseman since CJ Cron, and Rumfield has delivered on that front.
Julien, however, has not been as productive as the Rockies would have liked. The numbers indicate one consistent quality: He gets on base. However, that has come at a cost given his defensive numbers (-4 DRS; -3 OAA).
Claims
Troy Johnson (1B/OF Miami Marlins) — .304/.377/.421; 0.6 fWAR
RJ Petit (RHP & No. 23 PuRP via Rule 5 Draft) — 60-day IL
TJ Shook (RHP via MiLB Rule 4 Draft) — 9.53 ERA in 5.2 IP; -0.1 fWAR
Keegan Thompson (RHP Cincinnati Reds) — ABQ
Adding Johnston was a clear win for the Rockies. He has been a solid offensive presence and provides defensive versatility.
The most notable additions here, for now, are Sullivan and Romano. Sullivan is serving the traditional role of the backup catcher and provides leadership in the clubhouse. (He has the added benefit of an occasional appearance out of the Rockies bullpen.) Romano will be a player to watch. If the former All-Star can return to form in the Rockies bullpen, he will prove to be a shrewd pick up.
For me, the grade in this category remains “Incomplete.” We will need to see how these players finish the season and how DePodesta and Byrnes handle the trade deadline before a meaningful evaluation is possible.
Communication
Here it is possible to assign a grade: A.
In embarking on this rebuild, the Rockies understood that clear communication with other teams and fans was essential, and that has happened.
The media no longer writes about the “opaque” Rockies. Instead, they are operating as a typical MLB team. In recent comments to media, both DePodesta and Byrnes have stressed they are in constant communication with other teams about possible trade candidates in addition to considering what those organizations might have that would benefit the Rockies.
Case in point? Here’s video the Rockies dropped on Thursday:
This marks a clear change from previous front offices, and the trade deadline should be an exciting time for Rockies fans.
In terms of improving communication with fans, I am not sure what more this front office could do. DePodesta and Byrnes regularly answer questions from local media, and DePodesta, for example, recently had lunch with the Denver SABR chapter to answer questions. Are they giving away any secrets? No — and who would want them to? But there is a clear sense that DePodesta and Byrnes understand the importance of rebuilding relationships with their community.
The change from previous years borders on startling.
Final thoughts
The initial results from the new Rockies from office are promising. This is a team that is well into its rebuild and is making fundamental changes to improve.
Are the Rockies a good baseball team? No.
Are they an improved baseball team? Absolutely. And in addition to that, this is an entertaining baseball team that gives fans a reason to watch games until the end and to have hope about the future.
The front office’s grade at this point remains an Incomplete, but all indications are that they are making steady improvement.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 9: Darryn Peterson #22 of the Utah Jazz drives to the basket during the game against the Washington Wizards during the 2026 NBA Las Vegas Summer League on July 9, 2026 at the Thomas & Mack Center 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 Candice Ward/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Darryn Peterson has now played four games as a member of the Utah Jazz. Two in Salt Lake City in the SLC Summer League and two in Las Vegas. It is highly doubtful that he will suit up for the Jazz again this summer, as Sarah Todd of Deseret News reported that he will be held out of the game on Monday night against Caleb Wilson and the Chicago Bulls. He could play in the subsequent game against the San Antonio Spurs on July 15th, but if I were a betting man, I would assume he probably won’t. Four games will likely be all we get from Darryn Peterson in the 2026 Summer League, which raises the question: did we see enough from our second-overall pick to remain excited about his potential to become one of the best players in the NBA?
<p>LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 9: Darryn Peterson #22 of the Utah Jazz looks on during the game against the Washington Wizards during the 2026 NBA Las Vegas Summer League on July 9, 2026 at the Thomas & Mack Center</p> | NBAE via Getty Images
Alright, let’s face it: if you are ACTUALLY trying to draw hard conclusions from Summer League about whether or not a player will be successful in the NBA, you are better off just guessing. The level of competition simply is not very good, and the sample size and team context make it unreasonable to base everything on Summer League. We have seen players like Jalen Brunson be extremely mediocre in Summer League while a guy like Trey Lyles looks like the next league MVP. The player’s work ethic, health, and team developmental staff will largely determine the heights that they will achieve, and Summer League is merely a showcase for their talent.
That being said, I have been seeing an inordinate amount of discourse around Darryn Peterson’s summer league performances. From turnovers to efficiency to defense and everything in between. Some of that discourse might just be rage-baiters from our nation’s capital who finally have hope again for the first time since peak John Wall. But some is coming within the walls of the Jazz fanbase itself. Should we worry about his shooting efficiency? What about his playmaking? Is he gonna be the 4th best player in the class? What I did was compile some stats from the Summer League performances of players comparable to Darryn Peterson to see where his stats (yes I know it is summer league) compare to their stats (again, yes, I understand it is JUST summer league).
Player
PPG
FG%
3P%
FTA
AST
TO
Stocks
Darryn Peterson (4)
25
43%
38%
5.5
5.5
5
2.25
Damian Lillard (4)
26.5
44%
38%
7
5.3
3.8
0.5
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (4)
19
46%
25%
3
4
2
3.3
Donovan Mitchell (2)
28
36%
27%
8
1.5
4
6 (STL)
Devin Booker (2)
26
47%
60%
7.5
6.5
3.5
1 (BLK)
Cade Cunningham (3)
18.7
43%
50%
0.7
2.3
4
4
Tyrese Maxey (2)
26
50%
29%
5.5
4.5
2
3
Jamal Murray (5)
19.6
44%
17%
12
6
3
2
As you can see, Darryn’s stats over 4 games in Summer League are actually very comparable to those of other similar guards during their time in Summer League. Please DO NOT misunderstand the message I am trying to send with these stats. All of these guys listed above, besides Darryn, have been to All-Star Games, made All-NBA teams, won MVP awards, played in the NBA Finals, and won championships for their respective teams. Can you say confidently that Darryn Peterson will reach those same milestones with the Utah Jazz based purely on his 4-game Summer League sample size? No. But you also shouldn’t stop yourself from being excited about having a prospect that could do that.
LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 9: Darryn Peterson #22 of the Utah Jazz and AJ Dybantsa #4 of the Washington Wizards walk on the court during the 2026 NBA Summer League game on July 9, 2026 at Thomas & Mack Center 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 Ryan Stetz/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Listen, Jazz fans, I get it. This is uncharted territory for us here in Utah. We aren’t used to having the guy that all the national media wants to talk about. We aren’t used to primetime, box-office matchups involving us. Frankly, we aren’t used to drafting prospects that don’t take a little searching and wishful thinking to find something we like about their game, especially early on in their careers. I am asking politely to just sit back and enjoy this era of Jazz basketball we are about to embark on. This is real life: the Utah Jazz have the number two overall pick in the 2026 draft. His name is Darryn Peterson, aka “Bucket Jones”, aka “The Boogieman”. He is real, and he is an absolute stud. Nothing he has done in Summer League should deter your excitement for the future of the Utah Jazz. While not an end-all, be-all by any means, his Summer League stats are actually pretty comparable to some of the best guards in recent memory. Through four games in Summer League, it appears that Darryn Peterson is just as good as advertised.
