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NBA insider reveals there’s ‘growing belief’ that Cavs are favorites to sign LeBron James

HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 24: Bronny James #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Houston Rockets during Round One Game Three of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 24, 2026 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. 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 Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The Cleveland Cavaliers are one of the handful of teams that are hoping to land LeBron James in free agency. According to those around the league, the Cavs are the favorites to do so.

NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer revealed that the Cavs are the leader in the clubhouse. They reported that “there is growing belief among teams competing for James’ signature that the lure of the 41-year-old playing out his final chapter with the team that drafted him — compared to, say, early favorites Golden State — is looking more and more like the scenario to beat.”

Additionally, Stein and Fischer mention that the Cavs could be keeping a roster spot open so that they can trade for Bronny James from the Los Angeles Lakers, if LeBron were to sign with Cleveland.

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The possibility of Bronny joining LeBron in Cleveland would also make sense. The Cavs don’t necessarily need another 6’2” guard, yet, Bronny does have some upside. His outside shot and feel for the game are quite good. That’s a solid combo to start with. And, if taking a flyer on Bronny is the price for getting LeBron to sign, it’s a deal you’d happily make.

This latest report confirms a lot of what has been out there the last few days. The Cavs appear to be in a good position to land James, and there hasn’t been a whole lot of reporting in recent days to really suggest another team has a great shot at this point.

There are certainly other teams that can make compelling cases for LeBron from a basketball perspective. The Minnesota Timberwolves and Philadelphia 76ers come to mind as teams that can — and have been public about their pursuit of the King’s services. Yet, it’s difficult to envision a situation where James potentially ends his career in a uniform he’s never worn before.

That all said, it’s important to remember that it’s difficult to predict what exactly LeBron will do. Only he knows what he truly wants from a team in presumably the last chapter of his career. All we can say right now is that things continue to point toward a last dance in Cleveland.

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Mohamed Diawara’s chance to prove himself a key storyline in Knicks’ summer league

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows New York Knicks forward Mohamed Diawara #51 puts up a shot during the first quarter, Image 2 shows Pacome Dadiet of the New York Knicks shoots a basketball during practice, Image 3 shows Guard Oziyah Sellers #4 of St. John's Red Storm shoots the ball as Guard Darryn Peterson #22 of Kansas Jayhawks attempts to defend
The Knicks will have plenty of storylines to monitor during the NBA Summer League.

The Knicks told us how they felt about Mohamed Diawara by locking him up to an extension before the restricted free agent could test the open market.

Leon Rose & Co. are obviously very high on the 6-foot-9 wing, after a better-than-expected rookie year in which the 51st overall pick in the 2025 draft appeared in 69 games and made seven starts.

The front office and Diawara agreed to a multiyear deal worth over $10 million, according to The Post’s Stefan Bondy.

It is a hefty raise after Diawara earned $1.27 million last season, the lowest on the team.

Next up for Diawara is summer league in Las Vegas, beginning next Friday.

He is the main attraction on a roster that also includes second-round pick (47th overall) Tyler Nickel out of Vanderbilt and 2024 first-round pick Pacôme Dadiet.

The best thing that can be said about a non-rookie in summer league is that he doesn’t belong there.

Mohamed Diawara attempts a shot during the Knicks’ Dec. 25 game. Charles Wenzelberg

The Knicks would obviously like that to be the case with Diawara.

This is an opportunity for him to prove himself after falling out of coach Mike Brown’s playoff rotation.

He will likely be featured.

The Frenchman had a strong first season, averaging 3.6 points, 1.4 rebounds and shooting 36.9 percent from 3-point range in 9.2 minutes.

His offense surprised the Knicks.

He was projected as a potential elite defender due to his impressive length (7-foot-4 wingspan) and athleticism.

Diawara enjoyed a breakout performance in a Dec. 29 win against the Pelicans in which he made four 3-pointers and scored 18 points, and broke into the regular-season rotation in December.

“Mo is not afraid,” Brown said then. “He’s the most confident young man I’ve been around. He’s got a chance to be really good.”

The Post takes a look at other things to watch for the Knicks summer league team:

Dadiet a potential trade chip

The clock could be ticking on the 6-foot-9 Dadiet.

Diawara appears to have passed him.

In two years, Dadiet has played in only 47 games as a Knick.

Over the next few weeks he has a chance to impress.

The better he performs, the better for the Knicks.

Pacôme Dadiet attempts a shot during a June 12 practice
for the Knicks. NBAE via Getty Images

Dadiet could be a trade chip, with the team looking to avoid the second apron, and with roughly $6.5 million to spare.

He is owed $2.98 million next season.

Dadiet doesn’t turn 21 until July 27, is relatively inexpensive and could interest another franchise.

Moving him would free Rose up to add another center of significance to pair with Andre Drummond as Karl-Anthony Towns’ backup after Mitchell Robinson was lost to the Celtics in free agency.

Familiar name

Former St. John’s guard Oziyah Sellers agreed to a summer league deal with the Knicks and should get the chance to potentially earn a training camp invite — either from them or someone else if he performs well in Sin City.

Oziyah Sellers attempts a shot during a March 22 game for St. John’s. Charles Wenzelberg

The 6-foot-5 Sellers helped the Johnnies repeat as Big East regular-season and postseason champions and reach the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1999.

He’s a lights-out 3-point shooter — Sellers made 37.8 percent of his attempts from distance in four seasons in college — and defended better than expected in his one season in Queens.

For St. John’s last winter, Sellers averaged 10.3 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game.

Others to watch

Nickel is the lone Knicks draft pick on the team — fellow second-rounder Jack Kayil of Germany isn’t on the roster.

The 6-foot-8 Nickel is a big-time shotmaker who averaged 13.5 points and shot 40 percent from 3 last year on 7.6 attempts for Vanderbilt.

There is always room for shooters with size.

An intriguing name is former Michigan State guard Jaden Akins.

Akins was a G-League All-Star last season while playing for the Motor City Cruise — the Pistons affiliate — averaging 14.7 points, 4.8 assists and shooting just under 36 percent from 3.

He went undrafted in 2025 and signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Pistons.

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Dodgers vs. Padres: game chat

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 20: Yoshinobu Yamamoto #18 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts during the second inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Dodger Stadium on June 20, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ryan Sun/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Yoshinobu Yamamoto meets the Padres for the second straight week.

Saturday’s game info

  • Teams: Dodgers vs. Padres
  • 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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Patrick Ewing joins Wizards staff as an assistant coach

Patrick Ewing smiles at the camera before the NBA Finals game.
Patrick Ewing is pictured during a June 8 game.

Patrick Ewing is returning to coaching after serving as an ambassador for the Knicks the last two seasons.

The legendary center who remains one of the greatest Knicks players ever — present throughout their recent championship run and parade, too — has joined the Wizards staff as an assistant coach, according to a Saturday ESPN report.

Ewing previously served as the head coach for Georgetown — his alma mater — from 2017-23, leading the Hoyas to a Big East Tournament championship and NCAA Tournament appearance in 2021 before winning 13 games combined across the next two seasons and getting fired.

Patrick Ewing is pictured during a June 8 game. NBAE via Getty Images

Then, in October 2024, Ewing returned to the Knicks as a “basketball ambassador assisting both basketball and business operations,” according to a team announcement at the time.

“As I said the day my number 33 lifted in the rafters at MSG, I will always be a Knick and I will always be a New Yorker,” Ewing said in a statement at the time. “I can’t wait to get started in this new position and to officially be back with the organization that I love so much.”

That meant Ewing became a central figure again more than two decades after his 15-year tenure in New York City ended with 11 All-Star Game nods and plenty of playoff heartbreak.

In his two years back with the Knicks, they advanced to the Eastern Conference finals before falling to the Pacers and then won the championship — with their recent run to the title fueled by a 13-game winning streak.

Patrick Ewing is pictured during a December 2025 Knicks game. Corey Sipkin for the NY Post

Before the Finals series against the Spurs began, Ewing told The Post’s Steve Serby that he felt “like I’m a part of it” because of the Knicks ensuring that former players are back.

“What I would tell them is they have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Ewing, who fell short in the 1994 and 1999 NBA Finals, told Serby about what his message would be to the Knicks before the ultimate series. “No one knows if it’s going to come back around. When we got there in ’94, I definitely thought that we were going to have another opportunity in ’95 — take advantage of this opportunity.”

And now, Ewing will return to coaching with a Wizards team that only won 17 games last season en route to landing the No. 1 overall pick — selecting BYU’s AJ Dybantsa — but has plenty of talent to work with.

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Wallabies were brave and brilliant against Ireland but still miss some key ingredients | Daniel Gallan

If Australia can keep playing with the same amount of ambition, skill and speed they showed in Sydney, they will trouble anyone in the Nations Championship

Did anyone inside the sold-out Allianz Stadium, or watching around the world, really expect Ben Donaldson to slot the game-winning kick at the death? A few minutes earlier, when his team still held a slender five-point lead, he had the ball on a tee a little closer to the poles and a little further away from the right touchline. That effort curled across the face of goal and never threatened to sneak inside the upright.

This one was more of a challenge. Just about the toughest challenge a right-footed kicker can encounter. He struck it better but started it too far to the right without the requisite bend. And as the ball sailed wide, it seemed to carry with it the story of Australia’s afternoon. Brave and brilliant, frenetic and entertaining, but ultimately still missing some crucial ingredients as they went down 31-33.

Continue reading...
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Utah Jazz vs Atlanta Hawks recap and final score: DARRYN PETERSON

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - JULY 4: Darryn Peterson #22 of the Utah Jazz looks on during the game against the Atlanta Hawks during a 2026 NBA Salt Lake City Summer League game on July 4, 2026 at Jon M. Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

It’s happening!

The Utah Jazz have themselves the star they were looking for to add to an already solid young core. From the moment he stepped onto the floor, Jaz fans were cheering his every move, hoping for a performance that would match the hype.

And that’s exactly what happened. Peterson scored from all different levels, whether it was at the rim, in the mid-range, or making step-back threes. His game is as advanced as you could have ever hoped for. It’s truly remarkable how advanced his command of the floor already is. At no point was there any question who the best player on the floor was. And it was no easy task either. Atlanta gave Peterson everything they had defensively. Multiple times, Peterson would be double-teamed, even in the full court, and he handled it surprisingly well. There’s some room for improvement on his turnovers (8), but his playmaking was solid. Multiple times he set up plays for others that were either bobbled or missed.

That all said, you have to reach a lot to find any fault with Peterson’s debut. For the game, he ends with an incredible stat line of:

28 POINTS
5 REBOUNDS
2 ASSISTS
11/21 FGM
4/7 3PM
27 MINUTES

But it wasn’t all just Darryn Peterson. There were others that deserve mention as well.

Cody Williams was great and looked stronger and more comfortable. He handled the ball well and provided a release valve for Peterson when he was double-teamed. For the game, Williams scored 17 on 8/13 from the field and 1/1 from three. He also grabbed 5 rebounds and had 1 assist, 1 steal, and 2 blocks.

He also had an absolutely FILTHY dunk in the fourth quarter.

Utah also had a really nice game from Ace Bailey. Bailey looked big and fluid, and it translated really well on the floor. He scored 10 points on 4/8 shooting with 6 rebounds, a steal, and a block. But that was in just 19 minutes. Bailey looked like he tweaked his back and appeared to be wearing a heat pad during the game. What’s exciting is how comfortable Bailey looked. He was hitting his midrange and enveloping ball handlers with his quick feet, elite length, and size. If Bailey can defend like he did and also score efficiently, it’s going to be very hard for the Jazz to keep him off the floor. It’s rare to get his impressive mix of tools.

Finally, I want to give Blake Hinson some love. His energy was great, and he’s a sharpshooter who should get time this season. He is a big body and plays hard, and I have a hard time not seeing the Jazz wanting to give him minutes. In all honesty, I’m not quite sure why he hasn’t already gotten regular NBA minutes with another team. He’s a prototypical NBA body and can shoot the threads off the ball. There’s no reason why he shouldn’t be getting regular minutes for the Jazz this season.

All in all, it was a fantastic night for Jazz fans. The golden age is here and it’s off to an absolutely incredible start.

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San Diego Padres at Los Angeles Dodgers

LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 03: Jackson Merrill #3 of the San Diego Padres celebrates during the game between the San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers at UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium on Friday, July 3, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Nicole Vasquez/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

San Diego Padres (43-44) at Los Angeles Dodgers (58-31), July 4, 2026, 7:10 p.m. PST

Watch: Padres.TV

Location: Dodger Stadium – Los Angeles, Calif.

Listen: 97.3 The Fan

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Jacob Latz is an All Star

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JUNE 19: Jacob Latz #67 of the Texas Rangers reacts after the final out is made to defeat the San Diego Padres at Globe Life Field on June 19, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Texas Rangers reliever Jacob Latz has been named to the American League All Star team, it was announced today. He is the Lone Ranger representative.

Earlier this year I said I would be surprised if Latz made the All Star team, something I based more on how players are selected and the overall numbers game rather than the merits of his case. Since then, though, he’s built an even stronger case, particularly with a great June that saw him named A.L. Reliever of the Month, such that at this point I’m not surprised he got the nod.

Latz is tied for third in the American League in saves, with 18. He has a 1.71 ERA in 42 innings over 33 games.

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D-backs vs. Brewers Discussion

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, WYOMING -JULY 23: Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone's largest hot spring, is nearly 300 feet wind and 121 feet deep. The thermophiles give the spring its vibrant colors on the edge on July 23, 2024 in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. (Photo by Jonathan Newton/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Today’s Lineups

BREWERSDIAMONDBACKS
Brice Turang – 2BKetel Marte – 2B
Christian Yelich – DHGeraldo Perdomo – SS
Jake Bauers – LFCorbin Carroll – RF
William Contreras – CGabriel Moreno – DH
Garrett Mitchell – CFAdrian Del Castillo – C
Andrew Vaughn – 1BNolan Arenado – 3B
Sal Frelick – RFMax Kepler – LF
Cooper Pratt – SSIldemaro Vargas – 1B
Joey Ortiz – 3BTommy Troy – CF
Brandon Woodruff – RHPMerrill Kelly – RHP

Happy Fourth of July, folks. May you all leave this holiday, in possession of exactly the same number of fingers with which you entered it. The depth of this preview is potentially constrained by the burgers and hot dogs being ready, at which point, it will come to a rapid conclusion, as I make a beeline for the dining room. Until then, I’ll do what I can. We’ll see whether Kelly can end his losing streak, currently at five consecutive appearances. He’s the first D-back since Shelby Miller in 2017 to lose five starts in a row. Miller also did it the year before. The last to lose six in a row was the Big Unit in June/July 2008. A rare bad spell by Johnson, with a 7.94 ERA in those six starts.

The franchise record holder, however, is Edgar Gonzalez, who dropped seven consecutive L’s during the trauma that was the 2004 season. He started ten times that year, and went 0-9 with a 9.32 ERA. The tenth? Well, that was easily his best start of the year: a Game Score of 64, thirteen points more than any other start. He took a shutout into the seventh, and allowed two runs over seven, but Mike Fetters coughed up four runs immediately in relief, and the D-backs lost that as well. One more fun fact, Silvino Bracho appeared in 24 consecutive losses as a D-back, including his first 23 appearances of 2016. He only took the L in two of those.

And with that, I hear the sultry sounds of Mrs. S yelling from elsewhere in the house. So that’s my sign! See you in the thread, post-dinner.

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Avalanche Sign Veteran Defenseman Christian Wolanin To One-Year, Two-Way Deal

Christian Wolanin has spent years proving he belongs one phone call away from the NHL. On Saturday, that call came from the Colorado Avalanche, who signed the veteran defenseman to a one-year, two-way contract.

The deal carries a salary of $850,000 at the NHL level and $400,000 in the AHL.

It’s a depth move designed to handle injuries, call-ups, and the long grind of an 84-game season that inevitably creates openings on the blue line. However, there's a clear incentive built into the deal: if Wolanin puts in the work and performs well enough to earn a promotion, he can cash in on NHL opportunities and NHL paydays. Even at the AHL level, however, $400,000 remains a solid salary.

The former 107th overall pick in the 2015 NHL Draft brings both experience and production in the minors. Wolanin has bounced between NHL opportunities and extended AHL stretches throughout his career, carving out a reputation as a steady puck-moving defenseman who can run a power play and contribute offensively when given the chance.

That offensive profile has followed him at nearly every stop. From his junior days in the USHL through his time at North Dakota, Wolanin steadily climbed the ladder before reaching the NHL with the Ottawa Senators. In 79 NHL games split between Ottawa, Los Angeles, Vancouver, Buffalo, and St. Louis, he has recorded six goals and 17 assists for 23 points, with his more consistent impact coming in the American Hockey League.

Across more than 300 AHL games, Wolanin has been a reliable offensive presence from the blue line, highlighted by a standout 2022–23 season with the Abbotsford Canucks when he posted 55 points in 49 games. He followed that with another strong stretch the next year and most recently added 31 points in 53 games with the Providence Bruins, continuing a long track record of production wherever he lands.

There’s also a familiar hockey lineage tied into the signing. Wolanin is the son of Craig Wolanin, a former NHL defenseman who played more than 600 games and won a Stanley Cup with the franchise during its Quebec Nordiques era after the move to Colorado in 1996.

For Wolanin, it’s another opportunity to stay in the mix and push for NHL minutes over the course of the season.

Image
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Game #89: Marlins at Athletics Game Thread

Jun 23, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Athletics pitcher Aaron Civale (45) throws during the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images | Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

Happy Fourth of July everyone! Anyone else ready for some fireworks tonight?

First we got a game to take care of. The A’s host the Marlins for the second of three during this holiday weekend. It’s Aaron Civale on the mound tonight for the Fourth, hoping to get the A’s back in the win column.

The A’s lineup tonight:

The Marlins meanwhile are countering Civale with former Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara. He’s not the same pitcher he was pre-injury but he can still shut down a lineup on any given day of the week.

And the Marlins’ starting nine:

Let’s go A’s!

Follow the Game:
Watch:
Athletics – NBCSCA

Listen:
Talk 650 KSTE, KVMX 92.1/105.5, A’s Cast

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2026 MLB All-Star Game: Full rosters for American and National Leagues

The full rosters for the 2026 MLB All-Star Game were revealed on Saturday, July 4.

The 96th edition of the Midsummer Classic will be held at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia on Tuesday, July 14.

The Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Dodgers and the host Philadelphia Phillies are sending five players apiece to the All-Star Game, tied for the most in the league.

Here are the full All-Star rosters for the American and National Leagues:

More: MLB All-Star Game rosters revealed as Bryce Harper earns 'Legend Pick' nod

American League

Starters

  • C: Shea Langeliers, Athletics
  • 1B: Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Blue Jays*
  • 2B: Ernie Clement, Blue Jays
  • 3B: Junior Caminero, Rays
  • SS: Bobby Witt Jr., Royals
  • OF: Mike Trout, Angels
  • OF: Byron Buxton, Twins
  • OF: Aaron Judge, Yankees
  • DH: Yordan Alvarez, Astros

Pitchers

  • Bryan Baker, Rays
  • Dylan Cease, Blue Jays
  • Aroldis Chapman, Red Sox
  • Jacob Latz, Rangers
  • Parker Messick, Guardians
  • Drew Rasmussen, Rays
  • Joe Ryan, Twins
  • Cam Schlittler, Yankees
  • Cade Smith, Guardians
  • Ranger Suarez, Red Sox
  • Louis Varland, Blue Jays
  • Michael Wacha, Royals

Reserves

  • Catcher: Dillon Dingler, Tigers
  • Catcher: Adley Rutschman, Orioles
  • Infielder: Travis Bazzana, Guardians
  • Infielder: Nick Kurtz, Athletics
  • Infielder: Kevin McGonigle, Tigers
  • Infielder: Ben Rice, Yankees
  • Infielder: Miguel Vargas, White Sox
  • Outfielder: Randy Arozarena, Mariners
  • Outfielder: Cody Bellinger, Yankees
  • Outfielder: Riley Greene, Tigers
  • Designated hitter: Yandy Díaz, Rays

National League

Starters

  • C: Drake Baldwin, Braves
  • 1B: Freddie Freeman, Dodgers
  • 2B: Ozzie Albies, Braves
  • 3B: Max Muncy, Dodgers
  • SS: CJ Abrams, Nationals
  • OF: Brandon Marsh, Phillies
  • OF: Juan Soto, Mets
  • OF: Andy Pages, Dodgers
  • DH: Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers

Pitchers

  • Chase Burns, Reds
  • Jhoan Duran, Phillies
  • Raisel Iglesias, Braves
  • Max Meyer, Marlins
  • Mason Miller, Padres
  • Jacob Misiorowski, Brewers
  • Eduardo Rodriguez, Diamondbacks
  • Chris Sale, Braves
  • Cristopher Sánchez, Phillies
  • Paul Skenes, Pirates
  • Logan Webb, Giants
  • Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Dodgers

Reserves

  • Catcher: William Contreras, Brewers
  • Catcher: Hunter Goodman, Rockies
  • Infielder: Luis Arraez, Giants
  • Infielder: Bryce Harper, Phillies
  • Infielder: Otto Lopez, Marlins
  • Infielder: Matt Olson, Braves
  • Infielder: Sal Stewart, Reds
  • Outfielder: Corbin Carroll, Diamondbacks
  • Outfielder: Pete Crow-Armstrong, Cubs
  • Outfielder: Jordan Walker, Cardinals
  • Outfielder: James Wood, Nationals
  • Designated hitter: Kyle Schwarber, Phillies

*Will not participate in All-Star Game.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2026 MLB All-Star Game: Full rosters for American and National Leagues

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Kodai Senga finding some new life in bullpen as Mets career potentially hangs in balance

New York Mets pitcher Kodai Senga (34) pitches throws a pitch against the Atlanta Braves during the sixth inning at Truist Park.
New York Mets pitcher Kodai Senga (34) pitches throws a pitch against the Atlanta Braves during the sixth inning at Truist Park on July 3, 2026.

ATLANTA — Kodai Senga’s failures as a starter haven’t extended into his new bullpen job. 

It’s still too early to declare the Mets right-hander a success as a reliever, but a second straight solid outing Friday at least provided doses of optimism for a struggling pitcher in need of a boost. 

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“The preparation is different,” Senga said through his interpreter after allowing one earned run over 2 ²/₃ innings against the Braves. “There isn’t much rhythm going into it, but the job is the same: I try to do my best, try to put up zeroes, try to contribute to a win.” 

Senga’s previous relief appearance was last weekend against the Phillies when he allowed two earned runs over five innings.

Even with his recent success, Senga owns an 8.66 ERA this season, which says everything about his work as a starter. 

It could be a last shot for Senga, who is signed through next season, to show he still belongs in a major league uniform. 

New York Mets pitcher Kodai Senga (34) pitches throws a pitch against the Atlanta Braves during the sixth inning at Truist Park on July 3, 2026. Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images

“One thing that is different, simpler: The data aspect is not going into each line of each start thinking about what pitches I can throw, what locations I can throw to each hitter versus now being a reliever I am just given the data that the team provides and going out there and pitching, so that is different for sure,” Senga said. 

The Mets can use the bullpen as an avenue toward improving Senga, allowing him a return to the starting rotation — Sean Manaea took such a path earlier this season.

They also could decide Senga is best suited for the bullpen and leave him there. 

Senga’s quality of stuff suggests he could be used as a high-leverage reliever, not just inserted to provide coverage for multiple innings. 

New York Mets pitcher Kodai Senga (34) walks to the dugout after pitching against the Atlanta Braves during the seventh inning at Truist Park. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

“He’s throwing the ball really well,” interim manager Andy Green said. “When he comes in, the first couple of innings [Friday] it was an electric fastball. The forkball really plays — it’s been really good. I know he’s given up a couple of home runs, but I think you have to like the look of it. The way it looks he can pitch a leverage one inning. He’s got that one inning as well. If the need arises, he gave us three strong innings [Friday].” 

Last year at this time, Senga was on the injured list, nearing his return from a hamstring injury that forced him to the injured list for a month.

Senga had a 1.47 ERA and was regarded as ace material for the Mets rotation. 

But Senga struggled after his return from the IL and ultimately agreed to pitch the final month at Triple-A Syracuse. 

Senga had two solid starts this season but began to struggle in April and was placed on the IL with lumbar spine inflammation in his lower back.

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He bombed in two June starts upon returning and was sent to the bullpen. 

Would Senga embrace a relief role full-time? 

“It doesn’t matter where I pitch,” he said. “If I am given the ball, I am going to go out there and pitch. I have started some games this year and haven’t operated well as a starter, so it doesn’t matter if I start in the second, third, eighth or ninth. Whatever inning it is when I am given the ball, I am going to continue to do what I can to help the club.”