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Max Fried exits with elbow injury as Yankees fall to Orioles, 7-0

The Yankees lost for the sixth time in their last eight games, falling to the Baltimore Orioles by a score of 7-0 on Wednesday afternoon. 

Here are the takeaways...

-- Max Fried never looked right on the mound. The lefty lasted just 3.0 innings before being pulled from the game, as he was seen heading down the tunnel with members of the training and coaching staff after the third. 

The team later announced that Fried exited with left elbow posterior soreness, and that he will be evaluated by team doctors and get imaging on Thursday, in what could potentially be a huge blow to the Yankees' rotation.

Fried was missing up and away to right-handed-hitters routinely, as just 34 of his 61 pitches went for strikes.

The lefty allowed three earned runs on five hits with one walk and two strikeouts in 3.0 innings pitched.

-- Paul Blackburn relieved Fried, and the right-hander allowed a two-run homer to Adley Rutschman in the bottom of the fifth inning. Spencer Jones nearly made a terrific play, but the ball hit off his glove and bounced over the wall for homer, making it a 5-0 game.

It wasn't a great day for the bullpen overall, as Blackburn and Ryan Yarbrough combined to allow four runs.

-- Anthony Volpe was back in the starting lineup for the first time this season. Called up on Tuesday with Jose Caballero going on the IL, Volpe came up in a big spot with runners on the corners and two outs in the fifth inning, but went down swinging to end the inning. 

Volpe went 0-for-3 with a strikeout, and also committed a fielding error on a routine ground ball in the eighth inning.

-- Kyle Bradish had a terrific afternoon on the mound for the O’s. The righty faced the minimum through the first three innings, allowing only a Trent Grisham walk. Jazz Chisholm Jr. finally notched a double with one out in the fifth to break up the no-hit bid, but Bradish shut the Yankees out over his 6.0 innings, allowing just one hit while striking out seven and walking three.

--That Chisholm double was the Yankees' only hit of the afternoon.Jones reach base twice on a pair of walks.

Game MVP

Blaze Alexander, who went 3-for-4 with two RBI and two runs scored.

Upcoming schedule 

The Yankees are off on Thursday before beginning the Subway Series against the Mets on Friday night in Queens. 

Cam Schlittler will face Clay Holmes, with first pitch at 7:15p.m.

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Padres bats make noise, but not enough to make up for Waldron’s blunder

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MAY 12: Miguel Andujar #41 of the San Diego Padres hits a solo home run against the Milwaukee Brewers during the sixth inning at American Family Field on May 12, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Usually when the San Diego Padres score four runs, they can eke out a win with their strong pitching staff. Tuesday night, that was not the case.

The Friars jumped out to a 2-1 lead in the top of the fourth inning. Unfortunately, that lead was immediately lost with starter Matt Waldron surrendering five runs to the Milwaukee Brewers in the bottom of the fourth. That might’ve been due to some bad luck, but it was a rough ending to an otherwise solid outing.

Waldron had been pitching much better lately, giving up only four runs across his previous 10 innings. That solid performance was made to look like a blip with his return to mediocrity yesterday. It seems more and more likely that newcomer Lucas Giolito will take Waldron’s spot in the rotation.

The offense turned a corner, with Miguel Andujar driving in two runs with a solo homer and an RBI double. If they can build on that production in tonight’s game, it would be a major turning point for San Diego.

Taking the mound

Jacob Misiorowski (MIL) v. Michael King (SD)

Misiorowski has been doing what he does best: throwing baseballs as hard as almost any human can. He’s been much more successful than last season, with his fastball run value going from ranking in the 63rd percentile (2025) to the 86th (2026). In his first eight games, he owns a 2.45 ERA and 0.95 WHIP.

The young phenom has anchored this Brewers rotation. He has been one of the best pitchers in the National League, giving Milwaukee a shot at staying in contention in the stacked NL Central division.

King has been just as much of an ace as he ever has been for the Friars. He’s pitched to a 2.76 ERA in 45 2/3 innings, with his sinker and changeup being his most valuable pitches.

He pitched a gem in his last outing against the St. Louis Cardinals, giving up one run across six innings. If he can do that again against a Brewers club that has struggled to score runs, tonight may turn out to be quite the pitcher’s duel.

Batter up!

Manager Craig Stammen made just about the most offense-focused lineup he could, putting Fernando Tatis Jr. at second base so Nick Castellanos could play right field, and having Andujar DH. That didn’t end up working out fully, with the Friars only scoring four runs in their loss.

  1. Jackson Merrill, CF
  2. Fernando Tatis Jr., RF
  3. Manny Machado, 3B
  4. Miguel Andujar, DH
  5. Xander Bogaerts, SS
  6. Gavin Sheets, 1B
  7. Ramón Laureano, LF
  8. Sung Mun-Song, 2B
  9. Rodolfo Durán, C

Andujar is the only player who’s faced Misiorowski and, though it’s a small sample size (two at-bats), he’s batting 1.000 with a 2.000 OPS. Duplicating that would go a long way toward a San Diego win.

The lineup knocked eight hits last night, but couldn’t take advantage of all of their opportunities. They’ll need to do a much better job tonight if they hope to force the rubber match tomorrow.

Relief corps

With Bradgley Rodriguez serving as an opener for Waldron, the Friars used three relievers to get through the game. It was basically a bullpen game with Waldron only going 2 2/3 innings. Wandy Peralta and Yuki Matsui combined to pitch 4 1/3 scoreless innings.

With that, the bullpen has plenty of options for tonight’s game. Jason Adam, Jeremiah Estrada, Ron Marinaccio, Mason Miller and Adrian Morejon will each be readily available for Stammen to turn to. All but Marinaccio are obvious high-leverage options for the Friars.

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Canadiens’ Newhook Stays Hot Despite Loss

The Montreal Canadiens might have failed to take a 3-1 series lead over the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday night, but that wasn’t because of Alex Newhook. The speedy winger has goals in four of the last five games, and he was the one who first got the Habs on the scoreboard in their 3-2 defeat.

Earlier in the series, Tage Thompson said that everything he touched turned to crap. Newhook is experiencing the exact opposite; it seems like everything he touches turns to gold. With a pair of goals in Games 2 and 3, he became the first Canadiens player since Mark Recchi in 1997 to score multiple goals in consecutive playoff games.

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In the same span, Ivan Demidov has also gathered three assists, which will go a long way to making the young Russian more confident. The rookie has struggled to make an impact in these playoffs; he’s yet to find the back of the net, so having someone on his line who can at least complete his plays is essential.

As for Jake Evans, four of his five assists this postseason have come in the last three games while playing with Newhook and Demidov. There’s no doubt that Evans is not in the right chair; he’s not a second-line center, but it works well for the Canadiens, and they have to roll with it for now. 

On Tuesday night, Newhook had five shots on goal and seven attempts on net while landing three hits on the forecheck. He’s the only Canadiens player to sport a Stanley Cup ring, he knows what it takes to earn the right to lift Lord Stanley’s mug, and he’s leading by example on the ice.

If some still thought Kent Hughes paid a high price to land Newhook in a deal with the Colorado Avalanche when he sent a first-round pick, a second-round pick and Gianni Fairbrother to Denver, they have quieted down lately. The winger still has another year on his contract, but if he can keep playing as he has all season (in the 42 games he played) and in these playoffs, he could end up being with the Canadiens for a long time.

Follow Karine on X @KarineHains Bluesky @karinehains.bsky.social and Threads @karinehains.  

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Yankees lefty Max Fried pulled from his start at Baltimore after only 3 innings with a sore elbow

BALTIMORE (AP) — New York Yankees left-hander Max Fried was pulled from Wednesday’s start at Baltimore after only three innings because of elbow soreness.

The three-time All-Star is expected to be examined Thursday by team physician Chris Ahmad in New York. The Yankees have an off day then.

Fried headed straight up the tunnel after Baltimore scored twice in the third inning, and the Yankees had Paul Blackburn warming in the bullpen while batting in the fourth. Fried allowed three runs and five hits.

In his previous start at Milwaukee, he permitted five runs in six innings.

Fried has repeatedly dealt with blister issues on his left finger, making four trips to the injured list from 2018-23 while with Atlanta and taking an extended layoff around the All-Star break last year.

He was an All-Star in 2025, his first season with the Yankees. The 32-year-old has posted a 3.21 ERA in 10 starts this season.

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Why Josh Hart brought a dog to practice with Knicks playoffs on hold: ‘Whatever makes good vibes’

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Josh Hart brings a dog with him to Knicks practice on May 13, 2026, Image 2 shows New York Knicks guard Josh Hart holding, “Bucky”, a Bernedoodle puppy while speaking to the media after practice at the New York Knicks training facility in Tarrytown, New York
Josh Hart with dog at Knicks practice

Step aside, Jalen Brunson.

Josh Hart may have a new best friend.

Hart brought a friend’s dog to practice Wednesday, and Bucky the Bernedoodle came into the interview room with him afterward.

Josh Hart brings a dog with him to Knicks practice on May 13, 2026. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

“We’re a dog-friendly establishment. It’s good vibes around here,” Hart said. “Whatever makes good vibes, we’re good.”

The Knicks have been off since completing a series sweep of the 76ers in the Eastern Conference semifinals. They are still awaiting their next opponent, either the Cavaliers or the Pistons. The two teams were tied 2-2 in their best-of-seven series entering Wednesday.

Bucky the Bernadoodle made his presence known. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

The earliest the next round could begin is Sunday.

The Knicks seem pretty relaxed. They are even bringing dogs with them to work.

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“Every day, we’re focused on ourselves,” Hart said. “Obviously, we don’t know who we’re going to play. If we continue to just focus on ourselves and take care of the things that we can take care of, we’ll be in a good position. So that’s all today was — the next couple of days — until we figure out who we’re going to play.”

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Matthew Schaefer wins Calder Trophy in unanimous vote

I’m not crying you’re crying. | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer was surprised by his family — and his adopted family, the Martins — during a Good Morning America TV performance with the Calder Trophy on Wednesday.

That the 18-year-old phenom took the prize for the NHL’s best rookie in 2025-26 is no surprise; but the way the news was delivered was a poignant, touching moment for a kid who’s been through a lot and turned his story into an example and inspiration for children facing similar heartache. Watch his reaction, and his dad reminding him this is a good day, in the tweet below:

The vote to award Schaefer the top spot was reportedly unanimous: all 198 voters listed him at the top of their ballot. That’s a historic achievement not seen in three decades.

It just adds to the list of historic superlatives from his rookie season when he won over Long Island and beyond.

There are too many to summarize, so just check it all out from the Islanders’ team release:

Schaefer is the sixth Islander to win the Calder Memorial Trophy, joining Mat Barzal (2018), Bryan Berard (1997), Mike Bossy (1978), Bryan Trottier (1976), and Denis Potvin (1974). He is also the 13th first-overall pick to be awarded the Calder and just the fourth defenseman to do so, joining Aaron Ekblad (2015), Berard and Potvin. Notably, three of those four defensemen played for the Islanders. Schaefer is the eighth player to win the award in their 18-year-old season. At 18 years, 223 days on the final day of the regular season, Schaefer is the youngest Calder Trophy winner in NHL history.

Schaefer had a record-breaking rookie campaign in which he registered 59 points (23 goals, 36 assists) over 82 games. He tied Brian Leetch’s record for the most goals by a rookie defenseman in a single season. Schaefer also set NHL records for the most points by an 18-year-old defenseman, average time on ice by an 18-year-old skater (24:41) and the most overtime points (4) by a teenage defenseman. He added another notable milestone on March 24, logging 31:59 of ice time, the most in a single game by any NHL teenager since the statistic began being tracked.

Among his historic accomplishments, Schaefer became the youngest defenseman in NHL history to reach both 20 goals and 50 points in a season. He is the first rookie defenseman to lead his draft class to the 20-goal mark and is one of just four rookie defenders ever to reach that milestone. Schaefer is also the youngest player in league history to score an overtime goal and the youngest blueliner to record a power-play goal, game-winning goal, multi-goal game and to have a point in his NHL debut. 

The Hamilton, Ontario native led all rookies in average time on ice, power-play goals (8), and shots on goal (222), while tying for first in goals and overtime goals (2). He ranked second in power-play points (18), third in assists and points, tied for third in game-winning goals (4) and fifth in plus/minus rating (+13). Among NHL defensemen, Schaefer finished second in goals and shots on goal, tied for second in power-play goals and ranked ninth in takeaways (38). He led the Islanders in TOI, plus/minus rating and power-play goals, tied for the team lead in overtime goals and ranked second in goals, assists and points. 

Schaefer led all NHL defensemen with 38 penalties drawn and was second overall behind Connor McDavid (56). His drawn penalties were the most by a rookie defenseman since P.K. Subban (40) in 2010-11.

Within the Islanders’ record books, Schaefer set franchise highs for the most goals, points, power-play goals, overtime goals and game-winning goals by a rookie defenseman in a single season. He became the fifth rookie – and third rookie defenseman – in franchise history to appear in all 82 games and was one of four Islanders skaters to play a full schedule this season. His 23 goals were the sixth-most in a single campaign by an Islanders blueliner and the most since Hall-of-Famer Denis Potvin in 1981-82, while his plus/minus rating was also the best by an Islanders rookie defenseman since the 1992-93 season. 

Pretty, pretty good.

My goodness, we’re going to have some fun watching this kid play for hopefully a very long time.

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Francisco Alvarez undergoing surgery, heading for long IL stint as Mets’ injury problems worsen

New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez is removed from the game after hurting himself on a swing.
Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez (4)is removed from the game during the sixth inning after hurting himself on a swing against the Tigers.

Yet another Met is set for an extended period on the sidelines.

Starting catcher Francisco Alvarez will undergo surgery for a right meniscus tear, Carlos Mendoza said Wednesday, and the manager hopes for his return in six to eight weeks.

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The 24-year-old has become the latest Mets starter on the shelf — joining Francisco Lindor, Luis Robert Jr. and Jorge Polanco.

Mendoza added that a firmer timeline for Alvarez, who was initially placed on the 10-day IL, will be known after his procedure. The manager tipped Luis Torrens to get the bulk of the starts in the meantime, with call-up Hayden Senger filling in behind him.

“I don’t want to sit here and speculate,” the manager said. “All we know is we have to wait until they go in there and find what we got.”

Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez (4) is removed from the game during the sixth inning after hurting himself on a swing against the Tigers. Robert Sabo for NY Post

Alvarez, who has played in all but four games this season, injured his knee during an awkward sixth-inning swing Tuesday against the Tigers. The Venezuela native lost his balance as he fouled a ball away and then limped off the field without facing another pitch.

He’ll be replaced behind the plate by Torrens, who has elite defensive instincts but just a .208 batting average.

Alvarez is the third Met to encounter a meniscus issue this year, following injuries to Mike Tauchman and Jared Young.

“We’re always looking, especially if guys continue to get hurt with the same injury,” Mendoza said of his team’s injury trend. “But it’s hard to pinpoint. There’s years where you’re dealing with hamstrings. … It seems like this is the year of the knee.”

For Alvarez, it’s the latest in a spate of injuries in his Mets career, after he missed significant time with hand and wrist injuries the past two seasons.

New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez (4) hurt himself on a swing. Robert Sabo for NY Post

“You feel for him. You feel for the person, for the human,” Mendoza said. “When you feel like he’s getting time to develop, to continue to learn, play — he hasn’t had that run, playing every day, go through struggles, find a way to get through it and keep going.”

Robert (back) and Polanco (left Achilles and right wrist) seem a ways away from a return. Mendoza said Lindor, who strained his left calf April 22, underwent an MRI exam Wednesday.

Alvarez’s injury quickly quashed some of the excitement around A.J. Ewing’s tremendous debut start Tuesday.

“Guys got to step up. I’ll continue to sit here and say the same thing,” Mendoza said. “A lot of teams are going through adversity. A lot of teams are dealing with injuries, we’re one of them, but we got to keep going.”

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Looking for a Ray of hope, Dodgers offense faces star lefty

Apr 10, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Miguel Rojas (72) singles in the sixth inning against the Texas Rangers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

For mere mortals, an off-day means an off-day, but for Shohei Ohtani, the definition of it is a bit different. For the fourth time this season, the Dodgers will take the field without Ohtani as their designated hitter. If the recent track record serves as an indicator, it’s one of those bad with him and worse without him moments for the Dodgers offense. In the two most recent games without the reigning back-to-back NL MVP hitting, the Dodgers have scored one run in each, wasting a pair of great Ohtani outings, as his performance on the mound has been second to none in the National League this season.

Held in check by the bottom of the Giants’ rotation over the first two games of this series, the Dodgers’ offense will have a far more difficult challenge this time around. One of the few bright spots of what’s been a melancholic season for the Giants, Robbie Ray will face the Dodgers for the first time this season, having missed them in the earlier series at Oracle Park. As they look for anything to be optimistic about, the Dodgers might rely on the fact they’ve seen Ray well in recent duels—in fact, the former Cy Young winner allowed a combined 10 runs in back-to-back losses against the Dodgers in September of last year, his last two starts of that campaign.

Dalton Rushing filled in as the Dodgers’ DH in the other three times Ohtani took a seat, as they all came against left-handers. However, with multiple righty platoon specialists on the bench, it’s unlikely that Rushing will retain that position even if a minuscule sample size actually has him faring well against southpaws, going five for 15 this season. Miguel Rojas is likely to start over Hyesog Kim in the infield, leaving the DH spot to either Alex Call or Santiago Espinal, with the advantage to Call based on their 2026 numbers.

Wednesday’s game info

  • Teams: Dodgers vs. Giants
  • Ballpark: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles
  • Start time: 7:10 p.m. PT
  • TV: SportsNet LA
  • Radio: AM 570 (English), KTNQ 1020 AM (Spanish)
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How potential Nets are looking at NBA Draft Combine

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 12: Darius Acuff Jr. looks on during the 2026 NBA Draft Combine on May 12, 2026 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Tamez/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Putting together any pre-draft content that doesn’t drag on about the latest bone-shattering shot Brooklyn took on Saturday will be quite difficult for us here at NetsDaily. Like legendary Scott Sterling, we’ll be up to the challenge, but it’s not going to feel good.

Yes, the Nets will be picking sixth overall in this year’s draft. They fell back three spots while a handful of other teams, already with blue chip talent, lallygagged past them. With the Houston Rockets possessing swap rights over Brooklyn’s first next year, the team will almost surely have to wait two more years before getting another shot at a top three daft pick.

But while the Nets may not have the pick, but they do have a lottery pick, and it’s already time to address how the guys being mocked in their selection area are looking. The NBA Draft combine is currently taking place. Here’s how popular Darius Acuff Jr., Kingston Flemings, Keaton Wagler, and Mikel Brown Jr. have done thus far.

Anthrometric Measurements

These measurements were taken on Monday. Here’s how each prospect stacked up. If you’d like to check out hand sizes and weight, you should be able to see results on here on NBA.com

Height with Shoes
  • Wagler: 6’5.”
  • Brown Jr.: 6’3.5”
  • Flemings: 6’2.5”
  • Acuff Jr.: 6’2.”
Standing Reach
  • Brown Jr.: 8′ 4.5”
  • Wagler: 8′ 4.”
  • Acuff Jr.: 8′ 2.5”
  • Flemings: 8′ 2.5”
Wingspan
  • Brown Jr.: 6′ 7.50”
  • Acuff Jr.: 6′ 6.50”
  • Wagler: 6′ 6.25”
  • Flemings: 6′ 3.50”

No surprises here, although Acuff’s wingspan helps compensates for his height. Brown Jr. and Wagler have both been touted for their positional size, while Acuff, and especially Flemings, have not. If you’re in the business of putting together mock drafts, know that Brooklyn largely prioritized positional size with their picks last year.

Brian Lewis reported that Wagler will meet with the Nets on Thursday. Brown Jr. said playing for Brooklyn a “great opportunity.”

And Acuff wants you to know what you’ll be getting if you take him.

Lewis also reports Aday Mara, the 7-footer from Spain and Michigan who’s rocketing up mock drafts and local Zuby Ejifor of St. John’s, a projected second rounder, will meet with Brooklyn on Thursday.

Strength & Agility

Official metrics for all these players have yet to be posted on the NBA’s official site. However, we were able to gather a few from what’s been reported on X (formerly Twitter).

Shuttle Run
  • Flemings: 2.69 seconds
  • Brown Jr.: 2.89 seconds
  • Acuff Jr.: 2.93 seconds
  • Wagler: 3.00 seconds
Three Quarter Sprint
  • Acuff Jr.: 3.06 seconds
  • Flemings: 3.07 seconds
  • Brown Jr.: 3.24 seconds
  • Wagler: 3.27 seconds
Standing Vertical Leap
  • Flemings: 33.5 inches
  • Brown Jr.: 33.5 inches
  • Wagler: 33.0 inches
  • Acuff Jr.: 31.5 inches
Max Vertical Jump
  • Flemings: 40.5 inches
  • Brown Jr.: 39.5 inches
  • Acuff Jr.: 36.5 inches
  • Wagler: 36.0 inches

I’d argue Flemings is the big winner here. His athleticism is why he’s just as much in Brooklyn’s pick range as the aforementioned larger prospects. His original max jump was reported at 41.5, but later dropped to 40.5. Nevertheless, the kid can get up.

Shooting Drills

Shooting drills often garner the most attention during the NBA combine. The Nets would wise to pay attention here as well. Last season, Brooklyn posted the league’s worst field goal percentage. They also averaged the 11th most threes per game, yet ranked last in 3-point percentage as well.

Spot-up shooting
  • Acuff Jr.: 18/25 (72%)
  • Brown Jr.: 18/25 (72%)
  • Flemings: 15/25 (60%)
  • Wagler: 11/25 (44%)
Shooting off the dribble
  • Wagler: 25/30 (83%)
  • Acuff Jr.: 24/30 (80%)
  • Flemings: 21/30 (70%)
  • Brown Jr.: 18/30 (60%)
3-point Star Drill
  • Flemings: 19/25 (76%)
  • Brown Jr.: 16/25 (64%)
  • Acuff Jr.: 13/25 (52%)
  • Wagler:12/25 (48%)
Free throw attempts
  • Wagler: 10/10 (100%)
  • Brown Jr.: 10/10 (100%)
  • Flemings: 8/10 (80%)
  • Acuff Jr.: 7/10 (70%)
Side-mid-side
  • Flemings: 18/28 (64.3%)
  • Acuff Jr.: 13/26 (50%)
  • Wagler: 12/28 (42.9%)
  • Brown Jr.: 19/27 (70.4%)

As you’ll see, the shooting talent is pretty widespread, arguing there’s no clear winner hear. With offense being the lead selling point for Acuff, I think it’s fair to say it would have been nicer to see him shoot better during the 3-point star drill.

And while these metrics are fun to compare, I’d like to echo what Sam Vecenie of The Athleticsaid earlier this week. When you’re evaluating a player, game tape and stats from the previous NCAA season should trump this week’s combine results. At the end of the day, it’s a game, not a test you’d take in gym class.

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Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey has surgery on his right ankle, expected to be ready for camp

CHICAGO (AP) — Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right ankle and is expected to be ready for the start of training camp, the team announced on Wednesday.

The Bulls said he will be sidelined from basketball activities for three months. Giddey averaged career-highs in scoring (17 points), assists (9.1) and rebounds (8.3), though hamstring and right ankle injuries limited him to 54 games — his lowest total since his 2021-22 rookie season with Oklahoma City.

The Bulls finished 12th in the Eastern Conference at 31-51 while missing the playoffs for the fourth straight year. But they will have a different look next season.

Chicago hired Bryson Graham as executive vice president of basketball operations to replace the fired Arturas Karnisovas. The team is looking for a new coach after Billy Donovan opted to resign against ownership's wishes and avoid a potentially awkward situation with the new front office.

Chicago has nearly $60 million in salary-cap space and two first-round draft picks, including the No. 4 overall selection.

___

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA

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Lakers have interest in retaining Marcus Smart

LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 9: Marcus Smart #36 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder looks on during the game during Round Two Game Three of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on May 9, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The Lakers got a lot of things right with how they constructed their 2025-26 roster.

One of those players who worked out so well was Marcus Smart.

Luka Dončić, heavily recruited him and other Lakers players spoke glowingly about Smart the moment he was signed.

Even with the high expectations about what he could be for this team, Smart somehow overachieved.

He was an elite backcourt defender for the purple and gold and proved that he could once again be a durable player. Smart played in 62 games, the most he’s participated in since the 2021-22 season, when he was with the Boston Celtics and was the Defensive Player of the Year.

In the postseason, he was invaluable. Smart started in every playoff game and had played great defense on superstars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Now Smart has a decision to make. He has a player option, so he can either return at $5.3 million or test out free agency. According to reporting by Dan Woike of The Athletic, the Lakers would like their partnership with Smart to continue.

Smart, whom Dončić recruited in free agency, could opt out of his deal and seek a longer-term contract. The Lakers have interest in retaining him.

It makes sense for the Lakers to want Smart back. He played well above even the rosiest of expectations of him. If he accepts his player option, it’s a no-brainer for him to return.

Now, if he does opt out and another team gives him an offer he can’t refuse, he might be gone regardless of the Lakers’ desires. But that’s part of the business, that is the NBA. Even teams can’t fully control what happens to the players they like.

The good thing is that the 2025-26 season was a success from the Smart perspective. He started for the Lakers, the superstars loved him and his play helped them beat the Rockets and advance to the second round of the playoffs.

If he wants to run it back, he can just opt in. And, even if he doesn’t, the Lakers have an interest in bringing him back and making him a core part of their team.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.

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Mets' Francisco Alvarez placed on IL with right meniscus tear

Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez, who left Tuesday's game against the Tigers after injuring his right knee while swinging the bat, has been placed on the 10-day IL due to a meniscus tear.

Alvarez will be getting surgery as soon as possible, manager Carlos Mendoza said on Wednesday. Mendoza added that the hope is that Alvarez can return within six-to-eight weeks, but that the team will not know the specific timeline until after the surgery is performed. 

Luis Torrens will get the bulk of the playing time behind the plate in Alvarez's stead.

Hayden Senger, who was called up to replace Alvarez on the active roster, will serve as the backup.

Alvarez was having a slightly above average season with the bat, slashing .241/.317/.393 (.710 OPS) with four home runs and five doubles in 128 plate appearances across 37 games.

Defensively, Alvarez had been struggling a bit, especially when it came to blocking balls in the dirt -- he was in the ninth percentile in that category, via Baseball Savant. 

Alvarez is the fourth member of the Mets' regular lineup now on the IL, joining Francisco Lindor (calf), Luis Robert Jr. (back), and Jorge Polanco (Achilles).

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Max Fried injury update: Yankees ace leaves start with elbow issue

New York Yankees ace Max Fried left Wednesday afternoon's game in Baltimore after only three innings and 61 pitches due to left elbow posterior soreness, the team announced.

The left-hander was not particularly sharp in his outing, giving up three runs and five hits in his three innings of work before giving way to reliever Paul Blackburn in the top of the fourth.

The start of the game was moved up several hours because of storms forecast for the Baltimore area later in the day.

In nine previous starts this season, Fried has posted a 4-2 record and 2.91 ERA over 58 2/3 innings.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Max Fried injury news and updates for Yankees ace's elbow issue

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Red Sox Bingo is here! Win a prize!

May 4, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Boston Red Sox left fielder Jarren Duran (16) celebrates after he hits a three run home run in the seventh inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Last year, Dan and I recorded a pre-season podcast where we drafted spots for a Red Sox Bingo card that we never ended up making. I never ended up making. It was me. Despite that, we recorded a pre-season podcast this year where we drafted spots for a Red Sox Bingo card that I never ended up making. Thankfully, Jake Roy made it this year, about a month ago, in like an hour. I’m only now posting it for the same reason I didn’t make or post last year’s at all: I am very irresponsible!

And yet I am creative, and thanks to Dan and Jake for help bringing this to light. For those of you who listened to and remember the podcast, it should be noted that I edited some of our entries to account for new information and to clean up the “uncs just riffing” vibes. Enough chitchat tho, here it is:

The first thing you might notice about this is that some items have already happened. The center square, for instance, and Jarren Duran having a fan incident. They’re not the only ones. But the first person to reply “Bingo!” to any OTM-related account when they have one wins a prize, not that I know what it is. But I’ll buy it. Play and win! At least there’s something left to play for, amirite?

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Cade Cunningham Picks, Predictions & Best Bets for Cavaliers vs Pistons on May 13

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Cade Cunningham took over late in the first round to propel the Detroit Pistons past the Magic in seven games. But life has been even harder against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

These Cade Cunningham picks do not expect the Pistons’ star to erupt in Game 5, but that is somewhat a compliment to the Cavaliers and somewhat a recognition that defense tends to rule the day the further you get in the postseason.

Make sure to also check out our complete Cavaliers vs. Pistons predictions for May 13.

Cade Cunningham prop pick

Cade Cunningham best bet: Under 9.5 assists (-130 at bet365)

Yes, Cade Cunningham has cleared this prop twice in this series through four games, but each of those successes came by just the hook, while when he fell short, he did so with just seven assists in Game 1 and six in Game 4.

There is a reason oddsmakers are juicing this Under. The Over might be the more fun bet, the one encouraged to the casual viewer, but it is also the distinctly less likely winner.

The Under is even more likely in the postseason. The pace grinds to a halt.

In the regular season, the Cleveland Cavaliers averaged 100.7 possessions per game; in the postseason, that has fallen to 95.91. The Detroit Pistons averaged 99.88 possessions per game in the regular season, now 94.82 in the postseason.

Do not be scared of Unders in the postseason; they are more likely than ever.

Cade Cunningham same-game parlay

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Cade Cunningham Under 9.5 assists

Cade Cunningham Under 26.5 points

Cade Cunningham Under 2.5 threes

+290 at bet365

Do not consider this shade toward Cade Cunningham. He has played very well this postseason. But each of these props has been elevated further than they should have in this series. Do not take the bait.

The pace is only going to slow down further. Cleveland’s defense is only going to become more physical. And Cunningham is going to have to work harder on his own defensive responsibilities, too.

Cunningham has already topped out at 27 points in this series, cracking that prop just once, and he has hit three 3-pointers in a game only once. In fact, he has taken only 5.5 threes per game in this series — compared to 7.6 per game in the first round.

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