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Report: NHL to implement a playoff salary cap beginning this season

NHL: Stanley Cup Playoffs-Winnipeg Jets at Dallas Stars

May 11, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; A view of an NHL puck with logo during the game between the Dallas Stars and the Winnipeg Jets in game three of the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The NHL will implement a playoff salary cap and remove team dress code requirements beginning this season, a person with knowledge of the situation said.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Wednesday because the decisions had not been announced.

The league and Players’ Association agreed to those changes as part of a new collective bargaining agreement that begins in September 2026.

The sides opted to make the playoff cap and dress code policy adjustments immediately rather than waiting another year. Teams will be required to submit a cap-compliant 20-player roster for each playoff game.

Several teams over the past decade have used the lack of a postseason cap to win the Stanley Cup or make a deep run, with players on long-term injured reserve not returning until the first round. Chicago did so with Patrick Kane in 2015, Tampa Bay with Nikita Kucherov in 2021, Vegas with Mark Stone in 2023 and Florida with Matthew Tkachuk this past year, going on to become champions, and it was all allowed under the current CBA.

Extending the regular season to 84 games from 82, reducing the maximum length of contracts and other changes will go into effect in 2026-27. Until Sept. 15, 2026, players can re-sign with their own teams for up to eight years or join another for up to seven - and that will go to seven and six, respectively.

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EXCLUSIVE: Reilly Smith Funny Moment With Comedian Another Highlight In Enjoyable Summer That Included Contract Extension To Stay Home

Vegas Golden Knights right wing Reilly Smith (19) warms up before game two of the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Edmonton Oilers at T-Mobile Arena.

LAS VEGAS -- Reilly Smith's phone began blowing up around 4 am on Wednesday, with non-stop text messages.

A viral video from comedian Will Burkart hit social media late Tuesday, with the Vegas Golden Knights' left wing sitting front and center during a recent show.

The punchline: Burkart had no clue who he had just called out.

Burkart: "What's your name sir?"

Smith: "Reilly."

Burkart: "Are you working during the week?"

Smith: "Not in the summer"

Burkart: "Are you a teacher?"

Smith: "I'm not"

Burkart: "You're not, silly me. What kind of job do you have?"

Smith: "I'm a hockey player."

Burkart: "Who do you play hockey for? Is this like a... how high are we?"

At that point, as it will be opening night against the Los Angeles Kings on Oct. 8, the crowd immediately cheered in unison: "Go Knights Go! Go Knights Go!"

With the 34-year-old wearing a coy smile that had a "yep, that's me" all over it and his proud wife, Melissa, smiling ear-to-ear during the exchange, Burkart told Smith, who signed a one-year, $2 million extension this offseason to stay with the Knights, he was honored to have him in his audience.

Of course, the moment wouldn't have been complete if Smith hadn't pulled out his teeth when the comedian asked if his choppers were still intact.

Nevertheless, Burkart commended Smith for downplaying his celebrity status when initially being called out, remaining lowkey.

But that's Smith. One of the most genuine professional athletes to ever represent Southern Nevada, and someone who will long be known as a fan favorite since first joining the Knights via trade during the 2017 expansion draft.

Always has been.

"Thankfully, there were a lot of other members in the crowd who did recognize me, so I didn't have to talk too much; they filled in a lot of the gaps," Smith said during a phone interview with The Hockey News. "I'm grateful that the people in this community are ... everyone here in Vegas has always been so nice and kind.

"They never ask for anything. They're always just, 'It's really nice to meet you. Didn't want to bother you.' It's always been very nice and very kind in this community, in this market. So, me and my whole family, we're very grateful for the people that we're able to live around, and it's been awesome. Just a lot of really nice people in this community, and we're very thankful to be living here."

STAYING HOME

After being shipped to Pittsburgh two weeks after the Golden Knights won the Stanley Cup in 2023, and then later to the Rangers, things were different for Smith.

While his production slipped, as he registered just 69 points in 134 games combined with the two franchises, it was more than that.

The Smiths knew the inner glow they got from the place where the veteran's star shone brightly, and the city where they brought their first child into the world, had dullened.

Las Vegas had become home, and that hadn't changed, regardless of the sweater he wore on game nights.

Thus, after returning at the deadline last season, Smith said it was nice to get his extension out of the way this summer, as he enters his 15th NHL season, knowing he won't have to move Melissa and their two daughters: Isla, age 2, and Navy, age 1.

"It's really nice," said Smith, who's played in 919 games and has his 1,000th-game milestone in sight, provided he stays healthy this year. "It was a big selling point on signing a contract here, having a no-trade part of that. My whole family loves it here. I love how much my kids enjoy it here. I feel like they're just outside so much more and just enjoying life a little bit better.

"So, for me as a dad, that's probably the highlight of everything for me. There's other parts of staying here that are unbelievable. The commute to work every day, and the people that I met eight, nine years ago, they're still in the organization, and being able to see those faces all the time, not just the players, but also the staff members that do a lot of work behind the scenes. Everyone has gone way above in making this feel like home for us. So, to be able to stay here for another year, it's pretty special."

As he's gotten older, Smith said he's learned how to do contextualize different aspects of his career, like being traded as a family man as opposed to being a younger player.

And from a mental health aspect?

"That's why I go to comedy shows, keep everything light," Smith said with a laugh. "But in the grand scheme of things, (being settled with family) makes your life more full. The traveling part is the hardest part. If you have kids, you got to put them into a new school, you have to find new friends for them. There's just so many different aspects.

"Playing on three different teams in the last two years, there's a lot of that movement, and there's a lot of stuff away from just playing hockey that you have to focus on and think about. And then, even at that, if you're not playing probably up to what you expect of yourself, there is a little bit of added doubt that comes in there. I think I've learned over many years and many trades that you just have to take it one day at a time, and every day is not going to be your best day, but tomorrow can be better."

Smith, who has 553 career points, has 297 points in 420 games with the Golden Knights.

During the postseason, Smith has 70 points for the Golden Knights, including 14 during the championship run in 2023, when he was the second player to hoist the Stanley Cup after captain Mark Stone.

"I think I've realized over the last couple of years, playing on different teams, it's hard to make the playoffs, and teams want to do that every single year," Smith said. "I was very fortunate to play on this Knights team that we made the playoffs pretty much every single year, and everything was kind of easy. And then you can get moved to a different team for whatever reason, and things aren't as easy, but you're expected to win. You're not, and it takes a toll, not just on yourself, but on everyone in the organization, top to bottom.

"So those little pressures can add up, and they can turn on your mind a little bit. And it's easy to get down on yourself. It's nice to have a good support system around you, whether it be you know your wife, your kids, your family, your extended family, and friends. Because when teams aren't winning, it's easy to go down a little bit of a dark turn."

THE NEXT CHAPTER

With Vegas general manager Kelly McCrimmon pulling off the biggest acquisition of the offseason, luring Mitch Marner from Toronto, the Knights are once again one of the favorites to win the Stanley Cup.

Smith figures to play a prominent role, again, as he did in the team's first run to the Cup Final in 2017 and during the title run in 2023.

"I think expectations as a team are always sky high," Smith said. "Winning a cup a few years ago shows us that this group can do it. That expectation wasn't created a couple of years ago. It's been there for a while, and I don't think it's going to change anytime soon, especially how management pushes to get better every single year."

Aside from being 81 games away from the 1000th of his career, Smith could potentially reach the 600-point plateau, being just 47 away. He's most certain to get his 300th point as a member of the Knights.

But just as humble as Smith was in the front row of Burkart's recent comedy show, one of Vegas' original beloved misfits downplayed the notion of personal gains for the upcoming season, as he's looking forward to contributing in whatever way coach Bruce Cassidy asks of him.

"I think personally, I try my best just to think of the season as just, let's enjoy every day," he said. "Let's have very optimistic mindset and in the process, getting better. Now, there's personal things that I want to get to, and those would be great, but I think if you put yourself in a positive mindset where you're really enjoying every day, it kind of takes care of itself, and one kind of pushes the other one.

"And so there are a lot of things to love about being back here in this organization, and I just want to soak it all in and take it day by day and just enjoy the ride and see where we're at, at the end of season."

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Boston's Roman Anthony is expected to miss the rest of the regular season with an oblique injury

BOSTON — Red Sox rookie Roman Anthony is expected to miss the rest of the regular season after he was placed on the 10-day injured list on Wednesday with a left oblique strain.

The 21-year-old Anthony departed Tuesday's 11-7 victory over Cleveland after striking out in the fourth inning. An MRI revealed the extent of the injury.

There is no timetable for Anthony's return, but manager Alex Cora said players are typically sidelined for four to six weeks with this kind of oblique issue.

Entering Wednesday's action, Boston was 2 1/2 games back of AL East-leading Toronto. It also was in position for the second AL wild card.

“We keep going,” Cora said of how his team will deal with the loss of Anthony. “At one point, he’s going to be part of it, so just got to be patient, keep pitching, keep putting good at-bats, keep playing.

“I told him to envision (American League Championship Series) first at-bat. Put that goal in your mind and hopefully it happens.”

Anthony missed two games last month with mid-back tightness, but the outfielder said Tuesday night that this injury felt worse.

The Red Sox also recalled infielder-outfielder Nick Sogard from Triple-A Worcester before Wednesday night's game against the Guardians.

Anthony, one of baseball's top prospects, made his major league debut on June 9. He is batting .292 with eight homers and 32 RBIs in 71 games with the Red Sox.

Anthony, a second-round pick in the 2022 amateur draft, signed a $130 million, eight-year contract on Aug. 6.

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“Big Difference Right Away”: Lucas Raymond Praises Todd McLellan Ahead Of First Full Season As Head Coach

While the Detroit Red Wings ultimately fell short of qualifying for the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season, a key positive they carried into the offseason was their performance under new head coach Todd McLellan, whose tenure from late December onward translated to a 96-point pace over a full 82-game campaign.

Forward Lucas Raymond, who reached a new career-high 80 points after scoring 27 goals with 53 assists in his fourth NHL season, noted that he and his teammates immediately noticed a difference in McLellan’s coaching style compared to Derek Lalonde, who was dismissed after a 13-17-4 start to the campaign.

Raymond, who is in Milan, Italy as part of the NHL European Player Media Tour, also believes that beginning the upcoming season with McLellan behind the bench will reap serious benefits for the Red Wings. 

Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features. 

"It was good, it was really good," Raymond said of the difference under McLellan. "Just when he came in, obviously it's not easy, I can imagine as a coach coming in mid-season to a team and trying to implement your stuff, but for us, I felt a big difference right away, and I think with him getting a full training camp and a full summer with all the training staff and the organization to push in his direction, it's going to benefit us a ton." 

Raymond, whom the Red Wings selected with the fourth overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, made his NHL debut for Detroit in the 2021-22 NHL season along with fellow rookie Moritz Seider, who would go on to win the Calder Trophy as the NHL's best first-year player. 

"Just coming in my first year and with Mo, it was kind of nice coming in together and we've had a similar journey," he said of playing alongside Seider. 

Raymond also expressed appreciation for being teammates with both Dylan Larkin and Patrick Kane, the latter of whom he referred to as "hilarious" to be around. 

"Obviously Larks as a captain, I've played with him pretty much my entire career from my first year," Raymond said. "Just having that guidance is huge, and it's not just developing into a great friendship where we can support each other, and it's nice to have someone where you can go through with that.

"Kaner is Kaner, it's fun to have him around," Raymond said with a chuckle. 

"He's hilarious and he's so much fun to be around and learn from," Raymond continued of Kane. "I try to soak in as much as possible with everything he's done. But I feel like peopel might not see that side of him too often, but he's actually a funny guy." 

Raymond, Kane, Larkin and the rest of the Red Wings are scheduled to begin Training Camp from Traverse City, Mich. later this month on September 18. Following eight pre-season games, they'll open the new season against the Montreal Canadiens at Little Caesars Arena on Oct. 9. 

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Blackhawks Prospect Anton Frondell Has A Big Year Ahead Of Him In Sweden

Earlier in the summer, it was revealed that the Chicago Blackhawks would sign Anton Frondell to his entry-level contract, but he would play the 2025-26 season with Djurgården of the Swedish Hockey League. 

It seems to be the consensus that this is the right move for him and his development. The Blackhawks likely aren't chasing the playoffs, and Frondell can have another year in Sweden to work on his game with other Swedish players. 

On Wednesday, Cam Robinson of Elite Prospects posted that Frondel would be playing on a "kid line" in Wednesday's preseason game. Viggo Bjorck and Victor Eklund were his linemates, and there was a lot of energy. 

Cam Robinson (@Hockey_Robinson) on XCam Robinson (@Hockey_Robinson) on XWord around the campfire is Djurgården will roll a Kid Line in their SHL preseason game tomorrow Viggo Björck - Anton Frondell - Victor Eklund That's fun.

During the game, Frondell scored a highlight reel goal that showed off his speed, tenacity, and overall skill on the ice.

While in stride, Frondell controlled a stretch pass by batting it down to himself with his hand, and then fighting off two defenders to get a quick but powerful shot on net. 

SwehockeyGIFs (@swehockeygifs) on XSwehockeyGIFs (@swehockeygifs) on XAnton Frondell 🚨 Joey LaLeggia 🍎 #difhockey 🎥 Tv4 Play

It is just a preseason goal against lesser competition than what he'll see in the NHL, but that doesn't take away from how much skill it takes to pull off a move like that. There has to be a certain level of effort in one's game to score a goal of that caliber. 

Frondell, while being teammates with former Blackhawks forward Marcus Kruger, is primed to have a big year with Djurgården. The 2025 third overall pick may not get the most ice time on his team, but the overall tools are there for him to take full advantage of what he's given.

By the time he comes to North America full-time, he will be ready for a chance at the NHL. His goal is to be a complete 200-foot player by the time he gets to the big leagues. After the draft, he compared himself to Florida Panthers star Aleksander Barkov.

With the players that the Blackhawks already have in the system, he would fit in perfectly if he reaches that level of play. Becoming as good as Barkov is a tall task, but the style of play will be welcomed with open arms by the organization. 

Visit The Hockey News Chicago Blackhawks team site to stay updated on the latest news, game-day coverage, player features, and more.

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Big first inning dooms Phils in 6-3 loss to Brewers

Big first inning dooms Phils in 6-3 loss to Brewers originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

MILWAUKEE – It was Bark at the Park Night at Milwaukee’s American Family Field on Wednesday and canines were plentiful throughout the stands.

Phillies pitcher Aaron Nola got dogged for five runs in the first inning as the Brewers beat the Phillies, 6-3.

Just ten batters in, Nola had allowed a walk, hit a batter, gave up two singles, a triple, a home run and those five runs as the Phillies fell to 80-59 on the season but kept their lead in the National League East at five games as the New York Mets also lost.

In his previous outing last Thursday, Nola allowed three hits, two walks and three runs in his first inning. Not really what anyone wanted to see from Nola, especially after Zack Wheeler was lost for the season.

“My command was off to start out,” said Nola, who fell to 3-8. “They did a good job of putting the bat on it and putting it where we weren’t. I just kind of felt off, especially in the first. Felt like I settled in a little bit.

You saw it out there in the first. I wasn’t that crisp. I just got to make pitches. I think the first inning is kind of biting me in the butt the past couple of times. I feel like it’s been all year, even before I was hurt. Usually through the game it’s that one inning that’s kind of given me trouble.”

Milwaukee star outfielder Christian Yelich was a late scratch to the lineup with a lower back strain. It didn’t seem to matter much to his teammates, especially in the big first inning.

Brice Turang started it off with a walk before Jackson Chourio, who filled in for Yelich, was hit by a pitch. A William Contreras single loaded the base before Sal Frelick singled to center in front of Harrison Bader, scoring Turang. The Phillies centerfielder’s throw to third skipped past Alec Bohm and allowed Chourio to also score. Isaac Collins then smashed his second home run of the series to right field for a 5-0 lead.

In his last start, Nola was aided by his teammates who scored 19 runs and belted 20 hits, including seven home runs, four by Kyle Schwarber.

He didn’t get that support on Monday.

After Milwaukee (86-54) got their sixth run on an RBI double by Turang in the fourth, the Phillies countered with a run in the fifth. Nick Castellanos and Edmundo Sosa singled to start the inning and Castellanos scored on a single by Trea Turner. But Schwarber struck out and Bryce Harper hit into a fielder’s choice to end any threat of a bigger comeback.

“We have to figure that one out where he comes out and he’s got his command,” said Thomson of Nola. “In the first inning he was getting behind in the count and almost like he’s trying to make that perfect pitch and getting further behind in the count. We’ll figure that one out. But after that he settled in and gave us five innings and he was better. Not quite Nola-like but he was better.

Does Thomson have the confidence that Nola will become Nola-like before the playoffs?

“Full confidence, really,” he said. “I think in ’22 or ’23, one of the years we were coming into the playoffs he wasn’t throwing all that well. As soon as the playoffs started he got it going. I always have confidence in him because he’s always prepared and he competes. The bright lights don’t affect him.”

Weston Wilson hit a 444-foot bomb to left in the seventh, his fourth of the season, with Castellanos on first to cut the lead to 6-3. But that was all the bark the Phillies had left in them as they’ll try to win this three-game series Thursday afternoon.

“I think it shows we’re resilient,” said Wilson, who collided with Harrison Bader in left center as the two were chasing a double in the gap. “I think even though we get down early it’s not over for us. We’re going to play baseball and just try to grind our way back.”

Having used six relievers in Monday’s wild win, manager Rob Thomson had to have Nola eat up some innings, and he did after the woeful first. Nola went five innings and allowed six hits, six earned runs, walked two and struck out six. Going into the game, Nola had a 7-2 record with a 2.64 ERA in 14 starts against the Brewers since 2016.

Milwaukee starter Jose Quintana improved to 11-5 as he was pulled after Wilson’s home run. In his six and one/third innings, he gave up seven hits, three earned runs and struck out six.

The Phillies had nine hits on the night but left eight on base. Turner, J.T. Realmuto and Castellanos each had two hits.

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Alperen Sengun outduels Nikola Jokic, Turkiye hands Serbia first EuroBasket defeat

It was Baby Jokic's day.

In a showdown of All-Star NBA centers, it was Alperen Sengun's day as he outdueled Nikola Jokic and was the key reason Turkiye handed Serbia its first loss of EuroBasket, 95-90, in what was the highest level of play we have seen so far in the tournament.

With that win, Turkiye remains undefeated and takes Group A, while Serbia falls to 4-1 and second in the group.

Two other teams punched their tickets on Wednesday for the knockout round and the final 16 of EuroBasket.

In a straight-up win-or-go-home game from Group A, Portugal got 15 points from Celtics center Neemias Queta and then were able to hang on after he was ejected in the third quarter to beat Estonia 68-65. In Group B, Montenegro needed only to beat winless Great Britain to advance, but the British earned the win instead, creating a three-way tie at 1-4 for the final knockout round spot. Based on point differential, Sweden – led by Miami's Pelle Larsson — advances to the next round.

With that, four of the Round of 16 knockout games are set, all to be played on Saturday:

Turkiye vs. Sweden
Serbia vs. Finland
Latvia vs. Lithuania
Portugal vs. Germany

The most star-studded game of those four will see Jokic and a deep Serbian side taking on Utah's Lauri Markkanen — who has been a force in this tournament — and Finland.

There are two remaining spots in the round of 16 from Group C, and they will be set on Thursday.

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Mets looking for answers to solve Ryan Helsley's woes

Mets reliever Ryan Helsley had another rough outing in Wednesday's loss to the Tigers, giving up a three-run home run in the seventh inning to put Detroit up for good, 6-2.

The former two-time All-Star closer's ERA has ballooned to 11.45 over 14 appearances with New York since being acquired at the trade deadline from St. Louis. Overall, he's given up 14 earned runs in just 11.0 IP.

It's hard to make sense of Helsley's performances since joining the Mets, as he was pitching to a 3.00 ERA over 36 appearances with the Cardinals. Even manager Carlos Mendoza is confused by the poor outings, but the team will continue to look for answers to solve the right-hander's struggles.

"Yeah, I mean that's the frustrating part here," Mendoza said. "This is a guy, you look up and it's 102 [mph] and they continue to take some really good swings. Then the way they're taking the breaking ball, too. And I don't think it's tipping-related; he's made some adjustments.

"Talking to Hef [Jeremy Hefner], how do we help this guy? Because right now we're not doing it. When you got that type of stuff and they keep hitting it, something's going on here."

Mendoza pointed out that some of Helsley's issues come from not getting the right amount of elevation on his fastballs. The home run to Kerry Carpenter was a 100 mph fastball low and inside, allowing the lefty to turn on it with a 106.3 mph exit velocity and send it into the right field stands.

"I think for me, that's the biggest thing, his ability to elevate the fastball," Mendoza said. "We saw it again today, that homer there is a fastball in the power zone for the lefties. When he's effective, when he's at his best, he's able to elevate the fastball and right now we're not doing that."

Helsley said it's tough to figure out what's wrong when "everything's falling," but he knows he has to keep working when given the chance to pitch.

"Just trying anything and everything," Helsley said. "Feels like [I] make a good pitch and it gets hit and then mistakes obviously get hit as well. Seems like everything's falling. Obviously can't walk guys and got to compete out there. Just keep trying to get after it when I'm out there."

The reliever then noted that he needs to "get back to the basics" to improve his pitch execution.

"Yeah, I would say it's been OK, could probably be a little better," Helsley said. "Feels like guys are swinging at 100 like it's 91 right now, so when you feel like you got to be perfect out there, it's not a good thing. Just trying to get back to the basics and start at square one. Try to get back to form and be myself and help the team win."

Helsley was also asked about changes he's made to his delivery to avoid tipping pitches, saying they've gone well and he'll become more comfortable with those adjustments over time.

"A few things, I'm trying to work on it all," Helsley said. "Obviously, the hands have changed and the positioning has changed. It's felt pretty good, honestly, overall. I didn't love it at first and I think obviously the more I do it, the more I get comfortable with it."

Mendoza thought today's situation, with the Mets down 3-2 in the seventh, would have been a good spot for Helsley to right his previous outings. He still believes in him going forward and shot down any notion that pitching in New York has anything to do with his issues.

"I wouldn't say New York, this guy is a closer," Mendoza said. "Closers, especially when you're that good... Whether it's New York, St. Louis, whatever the case might be, big league players are going to go through stretches where it's hard. But I wouldn't put it on New York, this guy's built for it."

Starter Clay Holmes, who also struggled over 4.2 IP on Wednesday, spoke from experience as a closer about Helsley's rough stretch and expressed his and the team's belief in him.

"I've been traded midseason, I've been a closer, I've had a lot of success there, had some failures there," Holmes said. "I mean, there's a lot that goes with all this stuff. Especially moving teams, moving roles. You're in a playoff chase. There's a lot that goes on there. The game's never as easy as it is. When you add some of those things, there are times you may not be your best.

"I think we all have a lot of confidence in Ryan. Obviously, his stuff's still there, he has the makeup, he has the work ethic. You've got to keep moving forward and keep believing in yourself and finding ways to get better... Like I said, he has the makeup, he's putting the work in, he wants it. Guys like that, you can see him coming out the other end really good. It's just times like this can get rough."

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Matt Chapman puts suspension appeal aside with multi-homer game in Giants' sweep

Matt Chapman puts suspension appeal aside with multi-homer game in Giants' sweep originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

There was no doubt about it: despite picking up a one-game suspension hours prior to first pitch, Giants infielder Matt Chapman was going to do whatever it took to play on Wednesday night at Coors Field.

An appeal later, Chapman was eligible to play, which he did in grand style, hitting two home runs that powered San Francisco to a 10-8 win and a sweep of the Colorado Rockies.

In other words, it was Chapman’s revenge game. 

“It’s obviously unfortunate that I have to get suspended probably, but I wanted to appeal it to see what we can do,” Chapman told reporters after the Giants’ win. “I want to be out there and help this team no matter what. 

“Every game is super important for us, so the fact that I was able to be out there and make an impact is huge.” 

The impact was felt early on. Chapman gave the Giants a 1-0 lead in the second with a 450-foot shot to center field off Germán Márquez.

Chapman’s second home run came after San Francisco had retaken Colorado’s 5-4 lead. It was his second multi-home run game this season and the 14th of his career.

The Giants, now four games behind the New York Mets in the National League wild-card race, have homered in a San Francisco era-record 17 straight games.

Finally, the bats undeniably are hot for Chapman and Co.

“It’s good. Better late than never, I guess, right? It’s been a lot of fun,” Chapman added. 

“We obviously hit a rough patch, but I feel like we’re coming into our own right now and playing good baseball. We’re just trying to keep it rolling.” 

A final verdict on Chapman’s suspension has yet to be made, but in the meantime, there’s no doubt the Giants will need him as they look to keep their postseason dream alive.

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Jordan Hicks' Red Sox tenure goes from bad to worse in ugly outing vs. Cleveland

Jordan Hicks' Red Sox tenure goes from bad to worse in ugly outing vs. Cleveland originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Jordan Hicks had a rough couple of months to start the season with San Francisco. He switched coasts in the Rafael Devers trade, yet the change of scenery didn’t help. In his first month with his new team, the right-handed reliever had a 4.91 ERA a 1.636 WHIP.

Yet Hicks felt encouraged after something clicked in Houston. He told reporters that he’d “take some ownership, throw the pitch I know is right and have that conviction.”

Nearly a month later, that new approach has not helped.

Hicks was called upon to replace Brennan Bernardino with two outs in the top of the first on Wednesday night at Fenway Park, a planned bullpen game for Alex Cora’s team after winning the first two games of the series against the visiting Cleveland Guardians. With Cleveland already up 1-0 and with a runner on first base, Hicks actually came through with a strikeout to end the inning, needing just three pitches to retire Jhonkensy Noel.

It was a positive step, but the good feelings were short-lived.

With Hicks being sent back out for the second inning, Bo Naylor led off with a double before No. 7 hitter Gabriel Arias sent a 414-foot homer flying over the left field wall.

C.J. Kayfus then followed that one with a ground-rule double to right, and then No. 9 hitter Brayan Rocchio singled.

Both of the runners left on base by Hicks scored, giving him the ugliest of final lines: four hits, four runs (all earned) in just 1/3 of an inning.

(Of note: Cleveland entered the game with an MLB-worst .224 team batting average, scoring the fourth-fewest runs in baseball this season while ranking second-to-last in team OPS.)

On a night when the Red Sox could have used an emotional lift after learning that Roman Anthony is likely out of the rest of the season with an oblique strain, Hicks’ outing ensured that the team — and the home fans — would be in for a long, painful evening. After taking a 7-1 lead in the second inning, the Guardians went on to win 8-1.

Hicks entered the game with a 6.38 ERA since joining the Red Sox. That ERA is now up to 8.20. His WHIP with the Red Sox is at 1.982.

Including his 13 appearances with the Giants, his ERA sits at 6.95 on the year.

Clearly, the “dominant late-inning reliever” that chief baseball officer Craig Breslow welcomed back in June has not panned out for the Red Sox.

To a large extent, that should have been expected. Despite elite velocity, Hicks has never fulfilled the dreams that numerous GMs have had for him in the big leagues. From 2018-23, he made 212 appearances and posted a 3.85 ERA with a 1.299 WHIP. His strikeout totals were high, but so were his walk totals.

Regardless, the Giants gave Hicks a four-year deal in free agency in 2024, reportedly outbidding Boston for the reliever’s services. Yet just a year later, after Hicks had compiled a 5-12 record, 4.83 ERA and 1.478 WHIP, the Giants were comfortable shipping him to Boston in the Devers deal.

It’s most likely his inclusion in that franchise-altering trade and the two years left on his contract that have kept Hicks on the roster to this point. He hasn’t pitched like a big league pitcher, and as the season has gone on, he’s made it increasingly clear that Alex Cora can’t trust him in any big moments … or even, apparently, in the second inning of a 1-0 game.

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Shohei Ohtani feeling 'under the weather,' scratched from pitching start in Pittsburgh

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani waits on deck during the first inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates in Pittsburgh, Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
The Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani waits on deck during the first inning of Tuesday's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. (Gene J. Puskar / Associated Press)

The Dodgers have had an illness running through their clubhouse lately.

And on Wednesday, it forced an alteration in their pitching plans.

While Shohei Ohtani was in the Dodgers’ lineup as designated hitter for their game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, the two-way star was scratched from his scheduled pitching start at PNC Park after feeling “under the weather” the past few days, according to manager Dave Roberts.

“When you’re sick and potentially dehydrated, the tax of pitching in a game wasn’t worth it,” Roberts said.

Read more:‘Want to see that edge.’ How Dodgers hope Teoscar Hernández turns around difficult season

Instead, Emmet Sheehan will take the mound for Wednesday’s game, while Ohtani’s next pitching appearance will be pushed to “sometime this weekend” against the Baltimore Orioles.

“Just to give him a few more days to recover,” Roberts said.

Ohtani’s sickness certainly didn’t seem to hamper him at the plate Tuesday, when he had two doubles and a career-high 120 mph exit velocity on a solo home run — his 46th of the season and 100th as a Dodger.

However, Roberts said Ohtani’s pregame catch play on Tuesday was cut short, and that the risk of overexerting the reigning National League MVP by having him make a full-length start Wednesday wasn’t worth it.

“The toll of taking four or five at-bats versus pitching five innings, there’s no comparison,” Roberts said.

Ohtani’s symptoms have included chest and sinus "stuff" as well as “a deep cough,” Roberts added.

Several other Dodgers players have dealt with similar issues recently. Max Muncy was so sick last week, the team sent him home to rest and delayed the start of his minor-league rehab assignment to this week.

“We’re trying to manage it,” Roberts said. “But there are guys that are just not feeling great right now.”

Roki Sasaki unlikely to rejoin Dodgers this season

Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki throws in the outfield before the Dodgers host the Minnesota Twins on July 22.
Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki throws in the outfield at Dodger Stadium before a game in July. (Eric Thayer / Associated Press)

When rookie pitcher Roki Sasaki began a rehab assignment last month, in an attempt to return from a shoulder injury that cost him most of his debut MLB season, Roberts said the calculus would be simple for the Japanese phenom.

If he performed like one of the Dodgers’ best 13 pitchers, they’d find a spot for him on the big-league roster. If not, they wouldn’t.

After four triple-A outings, the latter has become the somber reality for the 23-year-old right-hander. And now, his chances of rejoining the big-league roster this season look all but dashed.

On Tuesday, Sasaki once again underwhelmed with the club’s Oklahoma City affiliate, giving up four runs (on a pair of first-inning two-run homers) in a five-inning, two-walk, two-strikeout performance. His fastball, which was advertised as a 100 mph weapon when he signed with the Dodgers this offseason, dipped back down to a 94.4 mph average. Overall, he now has a 7.07 ERA during his recent rehab stint. And on Wednesday, Roberts said there are no plans for Sasaki to rejoin the major-league team for now.

“The performance, the stuff hasn’t been there," Roberts said. "Against triple-A hitters, you would expect more."

Sasaki, of course, still figures to be a key piece in the Dodgers’ long-term pitching plans.

Because he signed as an international free agent, the team was able to secure him for six seasons of control at the cost of only a $6.5 million signing bonus. In time, they remain hopeful he can realize his potential as a possible MLB ace.

This year, however, has become a lost cause.

In eight MLB starts at the beginning of the season, Sasaki suffered from a lack of velocity and wild command while posting a 4.72 ERA in 34 1/3 innings. The theory then was that his nagging shoulder injury was partially to blame. But lately, Sasaki has continued to struggle even after returning to what Roberts said was 100% health.

“Roki has gone through a lot this year, and he still has a ton of talent,” Roberts said. “We just want to see more.”

The Dodgers certainly don’t need Sasaki to make a World Series run. They currently have six starting pitching options on the big-league roster, and a bullpen that is getting closer to full health thanks to this week’s activation of Michael Kopech and the expected returns of Alex Vesia (who will begin his own rehab assignment with Oklahoma City on Wednesday) and Brock Stewart later this month. Brusdar Graterol could also be a late-season option after missing all of this year recovering from shoulder surgery, but his outlook remains unclear.

Read more:'We’ve got to find ways to win.' Inconsistency haunts Dodgers again in loss to Pirates

“The bar is high right now, because we’re in a pennant race,” Roberts said.

Still, when Sasaki arrived as a much-hyped (albeit still-developing) prospect in the offseason, the idea was that he could immediately contribute in the big leagues.

Instead, his fastball is still lacking life, his performances remain inconsistent, and his plan for the rest of this season is up in the air. Roberts said the organization is set to “huddle together and figure out what’s best for Roki and how we can get the most out of him."

“To warrant pitching on our staff right now, there’s got to be urgency on his part and really dominant performance,” Roberts added. “That’s the level of where we’re at.”

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

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NBA launches investigation into alleged Kawhi Leonard 'no show' endorsement deal to skirt salary cap

Kawhi Leonard had a $28 million endorsement deal with a now bankrupt environmental startup where he did no work, essentially a "no-show job," for a company Clippers owner Steve Ballmer had made a $50 million investment in, per an investigation from Pablo Torre Finds Out (PTFO), reported Wednesday on his podcast. That investigation claims the Clippers tried to circumvent the salary cap with this deal.

"We are aware of this morning's media report regarding the LA Clippers and are commencing an investigation," NBA spokesman Mike Bass told NBC Sports.

That company in question was called Aspiration, a "green bank" whose model was to do large amounts of tree planting to gain carbon credits for its corporate clients. Aspiration had a long list of celebrity endorsements including Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert Downey Jr. and Drake. Leonard agreed to his endorsement deal in 2021; however, the deal was not made public and Leonard never made an appearance or so much as a social media post for Aspiration, PTFO reports.

In 2021, prior to Leonard's endorsement deal (but after Leonard signed a four-year, $176 million contract extension to stay in Los Angeles), Clippers owner Steve Ballmer made a $50 million investment in Aspiration. The company became a founding partner in the Clippers' then-under-construction new home, the Intuit Dome. Ballmer often emphasized his plans to make the arena a green building.

Torre's reporting works to connect Ballmer's donation and Leonard's endorsement deal through internal documents and comments from multiple Aspiration employees, alleging a functional workaround for the NBA's salary cap — something that would bring the wrath of the league down on the Clippers, if true.

One source, described by PTFO as a former Aspiration finance employee, said: "We went through a litany of really, really top-tier name contracts. And then, 'Oh, by the way, we also have a marketing deal with Kawhi Leonard' — and that if I had any questions about it, essentially don't, because it was to circumvent the salary cap." Leonard's deal with Aspiration gave him the ability to reject anything he didn't want to do for the company with no consequences, PTFO reported.

The Clippers vehemently deny all the accusations, stating that neither Ballmer nor the Clippers had ties to Leonard's endorsement deal. They also state that the team severed ties with Aspiration after the company failed to fulfill its end of the agreement with the team and Intuit Dome.

The Clippers sent this statement to NBC Sports:

"Neither Mr. Ballmer nor the Clippers circumvented the salary cap or engaged in any misconduct related to Aspiration. Any contrary assertion is provably false. The team ended its relationship with Aspiration years ago, during the 2022–23 season, when Aspiration defaulted on its obligations. Neither the Clippers nor Mr. Ballmer was aware of any improper activity by Aspiration or its co-founder until after the government instituted its investigation. The team and Mr. Ballmer stand ready to assist law enforcement in any way they can."

It is unknown — or, at the very least, has not been proven — whether Ballmer had direct knowledge of Leonard's endorsement contract with Aspiration.

While all of this with the Clippers was going on, Aspiration and its business model were falling apart. A federal investigation into Aspiration and its eventual bankruptcy led to co-founder Joe Sanberg pleading guilty two weeks ago to defrauding investors of more than $248 million. That investigation is ongoing, as is the bankruptcy. In that bankruptcy, the Clippers, Forum Entertainment (another Ballmer company, this one for a popular concert venue about a mile from the Intuit Dome) and Leonard's LLC are the three largest creditors, The Athletic reports.

Back in 2019, when Leonard first came to the Clippers after helping lead the Raptors to a title, there were multiple reports that Leonard's adviser, business partner and uncle, Dennis Robertson, made unreasonable requests such as sponsorship deals, a house, a plane on call, and more — all of which would have violated the CBA. (The Lakers reportedly felt they got played in their Leonard pursuit.) The NBA investigated the matter but found no wrongdoing on the part of the Clippers. That case was several years before and is not directly tied to this investigation.