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6 things you probably don't know about Adolis Garcia

6 things you probably don't know about Adolis Garcia originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The Phillies made it official Tuesday morning, signing outfielder Adolis Garcia to the club, and we know quite a bit about the newest member of the Phillies already. But we took a look beyond the baseball card to find some things you may not know about the Cuban slugger.

  1. Keeping It In the Family

Garcia’s older brother, Adonis, also played pro ball. He was signed by the Yankees in 2012, then by Atlanta in 2015. He reached the majors with the Braves, playing three seasons before his release in early 2018. The two brothers were united as teammates with Gigantes of the Dominican Winter League in 2019.

2. Hold Your Phone, He’s Got a Cannon!

He packs some serious heat, bringing one of the strongest outfield arms in all of baseball. His average throw is measured at 91.9 mph, among the best in MLB. According to MLB Savant, he was a plus-1 Outs Against Average in 2025, tied for 12th among 36 qualified right fielders. Nick Castellanos ranked 35th, with a minus-12.

Check out this seed in the 2023 World Series:

3. Dealt for Chump Change

Garcia produced so little for his first MLB team, the St. Louis Cardinals, that they traded him to the Rangers in the 2019 offseason for cash. No players, no prospects. Straight cash, homey. He spent most of 2020 at the Rangers’ training site before bursting onto the scene in 2021, hitting 31 homers, making the All-Star team and finishing fourth in AL Rookie of the Year voting.

4. They Call Him What?!?

His nickname is not a flattering one. He is affectionately known by fans as “El Bombi,” which sounds cute, until you find that bombi is short for “bombilla,” which means “light bulb.” Garcia was given that nickname by the neighborhood kid growing up in Cuba, because he thought Garcia’s head resembled a light bulb.

5. Getting His Derby On

He is a two-time participant in the Home Run Derby during the All-Star festivities. In 2023, he hit 17 homers in the first round at T-Mobile Park in Seattle. Unfortunately, he drew Tampa’s Randy Arozarenam who walloped 24 on his way to the finals. The following year, at his home stadium, Globe Life Park, he improved upon on his first run, hitting 18, but again, not enough to make it past the opening round.

Imagine Citizens Bank Park this summer with not one, but two Phillies sluggers going swat for swat in the Derby.

6. Late Getting the Signals

He didn’t watch a World Series game on TV until he was 23 years old. He was unable to watch in his native Cuba, which makes it nearly impossible to see anything but state-run programming. In 2016, Garcia defected, becoming a citizen of the Dominican Republic, where he was able to watch the Cubs and Guardians in the Fall Classic, seven years before helping the Rangers win the Series himself.

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NBA Cup 2025: Knicks, Spurs looking at NBA Cup as stepping stone towards loftier goals

LAS VEGAS — The NBA Cup is not the NBA Finals. It is, however, something more than just a regular season game — putting half a million dollars per player on the line will have that effect.

Yes, Knicks or Spurs players want to grab that bag. However, they also see the Cup as a stepping stone to where they want to be next May and June.

"I think history is kind of showing that if you can make it to this Cup, then you can win a championship," San Antonio's De'Aaron Fox said.

Last season, Oklahoma City lost in the NBA Cup championship game but went on to win the NBA title in June. The Lakers, who won the inaugural tournament in 2023, did so with essentially the same core that won the NBA title three years before. Los Angeles beat an Indiana team that advanced to the NBA Finals last season.

The stepping-stone analogy particularly resonated with a young Spurs team looking to grow into a contender.

"It's a high-stakes game that both teams are going to be very invested in winning," San Antonio's Victor Wembanyama said. "It just shows that we are preparing and we will pass the next step for more significant games in the playoffs. This is a complicated explanation, but it's as simple as that: As competitors, we want to win every game, and this one brings something new on the table, so we want to win it even more."

"Being able to have this, obviously it's not going to be the exact same, but you get a little glimpse of what it could be like playing in the Playoffs and the different officiating," Fox said. "No matter how much they say they don't officiate the games differently in the playoffs, we all have eyes, and we can see it. But being able to play in as many of those games, it definitely helps you come playoff time."

These Knicks have more playoff experience — they were in the Eastern Conference Finals last season — but also see the Cup as a path forward.

"I think the Cup is big for us just for the energy it brings to our team…" Karl-Anthony Towns said, adding that the energy and winning foster belief this team will need in the postseason. "I think it brings great energy to the team, great mojo to the team. It also brings that feeling of winning. No matter if it's the Cup, NBA Finals, winning any game, when you get that feeling of winning, it's addictive. Obviously, I want us to have that mindset where we're addicted to the next championship if we can win this one."

Can Knicks stop Wemby? Can the Spurs stop Brunson?

As for the game itself, Wembanyama's return against the Thunder in the semifinals changed the dynamics. While the Spurs' speedy guards — De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper — can all get downhill and touch the paint, Wemby adds another dynamic.

"You're not going to be able to guard a guy like that one-on-one," Knicks coach Mike Brown said. "You try to put length, size, physicality at the point of attack when it comes to him, but it's got to be five guys guarding the basketball at all times… But we have some pretty good defenders with length, and hopefully they can, at the point of attack, try to make it as difficult as possible with him, knowing that they have help behind them."

The Spurs have their own defensive challenge in slowing Jalen Brunson. San Antonio is loaded with long defensive wings who are strong at the point of attack, but so did Orlando in the semifinals, and Brunson dropped 40. In the quarterfinals, it was Toronto with their long, rangy defenders, and Brunson dropped 35 on them.

What might be the story in this game is the Knicks' 3-point shooting. Under Brown, the Knicks get 37.4% of their points from beyond the arc, ranking in the top 10 in the league. With Wemby patrolling the paint, New York may need those threes coming over the top of the defense to win this one.

Towns said the key for the Knicks is to keep doing what got them to this point—and to the Eastern Conference Finals last season.

"Everything for us is about execution," Towns said. "I think that's what's made us really good recently playing basketball is our execution. So we've just got to go out there and find a way to do that for 48 minutes."

If they do, if they win the NBA Cup, it's something to build on.

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NBA Cup 2025: Knicks, Spurs looking at NBA Cup as stepping stone toward loftier goals

LAS VEGAS — The NBA Cup is not the NBA Finals. It is, however, something more than just a regular season game — putting half a million dollars per player on the line will have that effect.

Yes, Knicks or Spurs players want to grab that bag. However, they also see the Cup as a stepping stone to where they want to be next May and June.

"I think history is kind of showing that if you can make it to this Cup, then you can win a championship," San Antonio's De'Aaron Fox said.

Last season, Oklahoma City lost in the NBA Cup championship game but went on to win the NBA title in June. The Lakers, who won the inaugural tournament in 2023, did so with essentially the same core that won the NBA title three years before. Los Angeles beat an Indiana team that advanced to the NBA Finals last season.

The stepping-stone analogy particularly resonated with a young Spurs team looking to grow into a contender.

"It's a high-stakes game that both teams are going to be very invested in winning," San Antonio's Victor Wembanyama said. "It just shows that we are preparing and we will pass the next step for more significant games in the playoffs. This is a complicated explanation, but it's as simple as that: As competitors, we want to win every game, and this one brings something new on the table, so we want to win it even more."

"Being able to have this, obviously it's not going to be the exact same, but you get a little glimpse of what it could be like playing in the Playoffs and the different officiating," Fox said. "No matter how much they say they don't officiate the games differently in the playoffs, we all have eyes, and we can see it. But being able to play in as many of those games, it definitely helps you come playoff time."

These Knicks have more playoff experience — they were in the Eastern Conference Finals last season — but also see the Cup as a path forward.

"I think the Cup is big for us just for the energy it brings to our team…" Karl-Anthony Towns said, adding that the energy and winning foster belief this team will need in the postseason. "I think it brings great energy to the team, great mojo to the team. It also brings that feeling of winning. No matter if it's the Cup, NBA Finals, winning any game, when you get that feeling of winning, it's addictive. Obviously, I want us to have that mindset where we're addicted to the next championship if we can win this one."

Can Knicks stop Wemby? Can the Spurs stop Brunson?

As for the game itself, Wembanyama's return against the Thunder in the semifinals changed the dynamics. While the Spurs' speedy guards — De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper — can all get downhill and touch the paint, Wemby adds another dynamic.

"You're not going to be able to guard a guy like that one-on-one," Knicks coach Mike Brown said. "You try to put length, size, physicality at the point of attack when it comes to him, but it's got to be five guys guarding the basketball at all times… But we have some pretty good defenders with length, and hopefully they can, at the point of attack, try to make it as difficult as possible with him, knowing that they have help behind them."

The Spurs have their own defensive challenge in slowing Jalen Brunson. San Antonio is loaded with long defensive wings who are strong at the point of attack, but so did Orlando in the semifinals, and Brunson dropped 40. In the quarterfinals, it was Toronto with their long, rangy defenders, and Brunson dropped 35 on them.

What might be the story in this game is the Knicks' 3-point shooting. Under Brown, the Knicks get 37.4% of their points from beyond the arc, ranking in the top 10 in the league. With Wemby patrolling the paint, New York may need those threes coming over the top of the defense to win this one.

Towns said the key for the Knicks is to keep doing what got them to this point—and to the Eastern Conference Finals last season.

"Everything for us is about execution," Towns said. "I think that's what's made us really good recently playing basketball is our execution. So we've just got to go out there and find a way to do that for 48 minutes."

If they do, if they win the NBA Cup, it's something to build on.

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"It's Special": John Leonard Excited For Upcoming Red Wings Debut

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Detroit Red Wings head coach Todd McLellan announced on Monday that forward Patrick Kane, who scored the 498th goal of his NHL career during their 4-0 victory on Saturday against the Chicago Blackhawks, will miss at least the next two games. 

In Kane's stead, the Red Wings decided to call up forward John Leonard from the American Hockey League's Grand Rapids Griffins, where he led all AHL scorers with 19 goals scored in 20 games. 

During Monday's practice, Leonard skated in Kane's spot on the second line alongside Alex DeBrincat and Andrew Copp, and all signs point to him making his regular-season Red Wings debut on Tuesday evening against the New York Islanders. 

Leonard, who already has 70 games of NHL experience with the San Jose Sharks, Arizona Coyotes, and Nashville Predators, is looking forward to the opportunity. 

"I think any time you get to play in the NHL, it's special. I'm excited for the opportunity, and it's obviously a historic organization to be a part of."

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Leonard is playing in his first season with the Red Wings organization, having signed a one-year, $775,000 contract with the club after playing last season under contract with the AHL's Charlotte Checkers. 

He enjoyed a productive campaign in Charlotte, tallying 36 goals while adding 25 assists in 72 games, and followed that up by contributing eight goals with six assists in 18 postseason games. 

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As the AHL's current leading goal scorer, he hopes to bring the mentality that's made him successful to the Red Wings. 

"I think I just want to bring the same kind of mentality, use my speed and be a good 200-foot player. Responsible in both ends, being able to get pucks up on the walls and hopefully create some offense." 

A Massachusetts native, Leonard grew up a Bruins fan but is appreciative to continue his NHL career with a historic club like the Red Wings, who are in their centennial campaign. 

"I grew up in Massachusetts so I watched a lot of Bruins hockey," he said. "The Red Wings are an Original Six team, so it's special to be a part of." 

The Red Wings will face the Islanders on Tuesday evening beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET. 

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Something For Islanders To Consider When It Comes To Travis Mitchell

Rookie defenseman Travis Mitchell has done a fine job in stabilizing the New York Islanders' third defense pairing with Alexander Romanov out.

Alongside Scott Mayfield, Mitchell has kept things simple in his 11:06 average minutes per game, with a goal on three shots, five blocks, and 11 hits.

While we don't know if general manager Mathieu Darche has plans to upgrade that position externally in the near future, given that his team is hovering near the top of the Metropolitan Division and Eastern Conference, and the fact that he has the finances with players on Long-Term Injured Reserve, he does have something to consider when it comes to Mitchell.

If Mitchell plays against the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday and then against the Vancouver Canucks on Friday, he will lose his waiver exemption.

He has played eight games. He loses his waiver exemption once he plays 10 games.

That means, if the Islanders want to recall defenseman Isaiah George at some point -- he just returned to game action with Bridgeport after missing a month with an upper-body injury -- Mitchell will require waivers — or another player like Adam Boqvist. 

Isaiah George Back In Action With Bridgeport, Giving Islanders Another Defensive OptionIsaiah George Back In Action With Bridgeport, Giving Islanders Another Defensive OptionDefenseman Isaiah George returns from injury, injecting speed and defensive prowess into Bridgeport. Will he earn a call-up to bolster the Islanders' blue line?

The Islanders could place someone on injured reserve but carrying eight defenseman seems like overkill.

The Islanders do lack defensive depth -- albeit not at the left-side defense position -- but risking the loss of someone who has provided stability is not ideal. 

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Right-handed pitcher Adrian Houser, Giants reportedly agree to two-year contract

Right-handed pitcher Adrian Houser, Giants reportedly agree to two-year contract originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The Giants bolstered their starting rotation on Tuesday.

San Francisco agreed to a two-year, $22 million contract with right-handed pitcher Adrian Houser, ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported, citing sources.

Houser, 32, went 8-5 and posted a 3.31 ERA with 92 strikeouts and 38 walks in 125 combined innings pitched with the Chicago White Sox and Tampa Bay Rays last season.

Selected by the Houston Astros in the second round of the 2011 MLB Draft, Houser made his MLB debut with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2015 before returning to the minors for a few seasons and finally sticking at the major-league level starting in 2019.

Houser was traded from Milwaukee to the New York Mets in Dec. 2023 and signed with Chicago as a free agent in May of last season before he was dealt again to Tampa Bay before last summer’s trade deadline.

Over parts of nine MLB seasons, Houser has a career 40-44 record with a 4.06 ERA in 733 2/3 combined innings pitched.

It’s unclear exactly how San Francisco might use Houser next season, but he, at the very least, should provide valuable veteran depth in the starting rotation.

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Kings reportedly have disconnect between veteran players and coach Doug Christie

Kings reportedly have disconnect between veteran players and coach Doug Christie originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The 2025-26 NBA season has not gone well for the Kings.

To put it lightly.

While Sacramento (6-20) has struggled on the court, things might not be going well behind the scenes, either.

Andscape’s Marc Spears reported, citing sources, in a story published Monday that there is a “disconnect” between some of Sacramento’s veteran players and coach Doug Christie and his staff.

Spears also reported, citing a source, that the Kings are expected to explore trades of their veteran players, with the NBA’s Feb. 5 trade deadline seven-plus weeks away.

Many have criticized the fit of star players, such as Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, Domantas Sabonis, Russell Westbrook and Dennis Schröder together on the court, and believe Sacramento’s collection of talent creates for a mismatched roster.

Christie is in his first full season as Kings coach after taking over for Mike Brown, who Sacramento fired midway through the 2024-25 season. In 78 games between last season and this season combined, Christie’s Kings are 33-45.

And if they continue to struggle, could significant roster changes soon be on the way?

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Columbus Blue Jackets (32 pts) vs. Anaheim Ducks (41 pts) Game Preview

The Columbus Blue Jackets are home to take on the Anaheim Ducks at 7 PM. 

Anaheim Ducks - 20-12-1 - 41 Points - 6-4-0 in the last 10 - 2nd in the Atlantic

Columbus Blue Jackets - 13-13-6 - 32 Points - 2-5-3 in the last 10 - 8th in the Metro  

Blue Jackets Stats

  • Power Play - 19.0% - 17th in the NHL
  • Penalty Kill - 71.6% - 30th in the NHL
  • Goals For - 92 - 23rd in the NHL
  • Goals Against - 111 - 29th in the NHL

Ducks Stats

  • Power Play - 17.9% - 22nd in the NHL
  • Penalty Kill - 75.0% - 28th in the NHL
  • Goals For - 114 - 3rd in the NHL
  • Goals Against - 108 - 24th in the NHL

Series History vs. TheDucks

  • Columbus is 31-29-1-8 all-time, and 16-13-0-5 at home vs. Anaheim.
  • The Jackets are 0-2-4 in the last 6 games at NWA against the Ducks.
  • The CBJ went 0-1-1 vs. the Ducks last season.

Who To Watch For TheDucks

  • Leo Carlsson leads the Ducks with 17 goals and 40 points.
  • Troy Terry leads the team with 24 assists.
  • Lukáš Dostál 12-6-1 with a SV% of .905. He started and won last night against the Rangers.
  • Goalie Carter Ville Husso is 5-3-0 with a SV% of .888.

CBJ Player Notes vs. Ducks

  • Zach Werenski has 10 points in 14 games against Anaheim
  • Boone Jenner has 7 points in his last 15 games against the Ducks.
  • Sean Monahan has 29 points in 35 games vs. Anaheim.

Injuries 

  • Erik Gudbranson - Upper Body - Missed 24 Games - IR - No timeline for a return
  • Mathieu Olivier - Upper Body - Missed 9 Games - IR- No timeline for a return

TOTAL MAN GAMES LOST: 63

How to Watch & Listen: Tonight's game will be on FANDUEL SPORTS NETWORK. Bob Wischusen will be on the play-by-play. The radio broadcast will be on 97.1 THE FAN, with Bob McElligott behind the mic doing the play-by-play. 

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Giants sign right-handed relief pitcher Jason Foley to one-year contract

Giants sign right-handed relief pitcher Jason Foley to one-year contract originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The Giants added additional bullpen depth on Tuesday.

San Francisco signed veteran right-handed relief pitcher Jason Foley to a one-year MLB contract, the team announced Tuesday afternoon.

Foley, 30, last pitched for the Detroit Tigers in 2024 before undergoing right shoulder surgery in May of this year to repair his anterior capsule that sidelined him for the 2025 season.

In 69 appearances in 2024, Foley posted a 3.15 ERA with 46 strikeouts, 20 walks and 28 saves in 60 innings pitched for Detroit.

Foley made his MLB debut with Detroit in 2021, and from 2022-2024, his 189 1/3 innings pitched ranked fifth among American League relievers during that span.

The Giants’ expectation is that Foley will be back pitching midway through the 2026 MLB season.

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Former Sharks Forward Signs With New Team

Former San Jose Sharks forward Dylan Gambrell has found a new home, as the Iowa Wild has announced that they have signed him to an American Hockey League (AHL) contract for the rest of the season. 

Gambrell spent all of this season down in the AHL with the Cleveland Monsters, where he recorded 13 goals, 12 assists, 25 points, and a minus-6 rating in 54 games. This was after he had 14 goals, 22 assists, and 36 points in 66 games with the Toronto Marlies during the 2023-24 season.

Gambrell last played at the NHL level during the 2022-23 season with the Ottawa Senators. In 60 games with the Atlantic Division club that campaign, the former Sharks forward recorded four goals, six assists, and 10 points.

Gambrell was selected by the Sharks with the 60th overall pick of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. In 110 games over four seasons with the Sharks from 2017-18 to 2020-21, he posted 10 goals, 13 assists, 23 points, and 130 hits.