ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 01: Chris Sale #51 of the Atlanta Braves pitches in the ninth inning during Game Three of the Wild Card Series between the Atlanta Braves and the Philadelphia Phillies at Truist Park on October 1, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Matthew Grimes Jr./Atlanta Braves/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The drama is at least partly behind us. The Braves feel like they’re getting Full Strength Chris Sale for Game 3.
So, what does that mean? Or, more specifically, what does that mean in light of a game after an off day, but also after the Braves went Johnny Much-of-the-Staff in Games 1 and 2 of this series?
Sale went 6 1/3 in his outing against the Phillies. He averaged right around six innings a start over the course of the season. In his two starts against the Dodgers, he went seven and nine. Of course, the answer is, “He’ll go as long as something resembling prudent,” but I guess my question is, what’s that gonna be? Will it be another six-ish innings, or will the Braves feel compelled, if he’s rolling and stuff is close, to push him further than they otherwise would given the usage of the rest of the pitching roster earlier in this series?
I’ll say that he pitches into the seventh but doesn’t finish it, like his first postseason start. What about you?
Sep 3, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles second baseman Blaze Alexander (23) advances to third base on Baltimore Orioles center fielder Luis Robert Jr. (88) (not pictured) fly ball against the Boston Red Sox during the first inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
When the Orioles acquired Blaze Alexander, Jordan Westburg was reportedly only suffering from mild oblique discomfort. The team did not yet know that the former All Star would undergo Tommy John surgery and miss the duration of the season. Jackson Holliday, primed for a breakout year, suffered a broken hamate bone the day after Baltimore made the trade.
Mike Elias missed on plenty of things in 2026, but he was right to trust his instinct that the team needed more infield depth. Alexander was out of minor-league options, so he was always going to make the team, but many projected the 27-year-old to beat out Jeremiah Jackson for a utility spot. Instead, Alexander broke camp as the team’s starting second baseman.
As it turned out, Alexander needed some time to adjust to his new role. Craig Albernaz still leaned on his defensively versatility—Alexander appeared at second base, shortstop, third base, and all three outfield positions by the end of April—but he received at bats like an everyday player. The former Diamondback slashed a disappointing .177/.250/.210 over his first 25 games in Baltimore.
Briefly, fans wondered if Arizona had gotten the best of Baltimore. The Orioles sent right-handed reliever Kade Strowd and two prospects to the Diamondbacks, and the O’s could have used a reliever with Strowd’s 1.71 ERA from 2025.
That notion changed in a hurry. Alexander broke out in the month of May with a .365/.403/.508 line over 25 games. The team struggled to find its footing, but Alexander kept his foot on the gas. He slashed .359/.417/.547 over 23 games in June and carried a .375/.429/.531 line through nine games in July.
Alexander’s strong play helped get the Orioles somewhat back on track. They entered the All Star break riding their first four-game win streak of the season, and a playoff run still felt somewhat obtainable at 46-51. Unfortunately, Orioles fans cannot have nice things.
Royals reliever Lucas Erceg fired a quick-pitch fastball inside to Alexander. The ball struck Alexander and caused a non-displaced fracture in his left hand. The benches cleared, but no punches were thrown. Even after securing an elusive fourth consecutive victory, the 2026 Orioles took another gut punch.
Alexander remained out of the lineup until the end of August, but the team managed to tread water in his absence. Coby Mayo steadied his defense at third base while emerging as one of the league’s best hitters against left-handed pitching. Holliday heated up with a .368/.500/.421 slash line in the month of July. The lineup suffered when Adley Rutschman and Samuel Basallo went down with injuries, but the team avoided a complete collapse after the trade deadline.
Alexander returned on August 28. The O’s completed a sweep of the Athletics and returned to .500 when Colton Cowser made a game-saving catch against the Rockies. With Alexander back, and the Orioles sitting at 69-69, the postseason felt completely obtainable.
Of course, that’s not how things worked out. Baltimore suffered a letdown in Colorado before melting down against the Red Sox. Alexander, to his credit, attempted to generate a spark in the Boston series, but his teammates simply were not up to the task. The Sox essentially ended Baltimore’s playoff dreams with a four-game sweep. Alexander hit the injured list a few days later with back spasms and missed the remainder of the season.
Alexander ranked as high as Arizona’s 11th best prospect in 2023, and he posted 1.7 WAR with the Snakes in 2025. Baltimore enticed the Diamondbacks to part ways by offering Strowd, Wellington Aracena, and José Mejía. Aracena was ranked Baltimore’s 26th best prospect at the time.
In a surprising turn of events, Strowd made only two appearances for the Diamondbacks last season. He posted a 6.02 and 1.748 over 46.1 innings at Triple-A Reno. Aracena went 2-5 with a 4.83 ERA before posting a 6.91 ERA over six starts at Double-A. Mejía slashed .251/.367/.373 between Low and High A.
Alexander is still out of minor-league options, but he’s under team control until 2031. Baltimore’s infield faces plenty of questions with Westburg’s health, Holliday’s bat, and Mayo’s glove. There’s definitely room for Alexander on the roster, and he’ll continue to earn everyday at bats if he swings it like he did last season.
The path to playing time could be easier in the outfield, but Alexander’s glove plays better in the dirt. The Orioles need to get better defensively next season, and Alexander has yet to play like a plus defender in the outfield. Gunnar Henderson remains entrenched at short, and the O’s would love to see Holliday and Westburg lock up their positions. Will the Orioles look to get Alexander extra reps in the outfield next spring?
Either way, his defensive versatility balances out the lack of options. It took a little time, but Alexander emerged as one of Baltimore’s best hitters in the first half. It’s probably not fair to expect the same results next season, but there’s plenty to like with Alexander in 2027 and beyond.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - SEPTEMBER 27: Nicky Lopez #33 of the Texas Rangers reacts to a 6-4 loss against the Minnesota Twins after the game at Target Field on September 27, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Good morning.
Kennedi Landry writes about her preseason 2026 Texas Rangers predictions and how no one could have predicted the 2026 Texas Rangers despite the 2026 Texas Rangers being exactly who everyone thought they were.
In other news, Jon Daniels’ Tampa Bay Rays are close to facing Will Venable’s Chicago White Sox in the ALCS if they each can win one more game, though it would take Chicago besting Nathaniel Lowe’s Cleveland Guardians to clinch a postseason series at home for the first time since 1906.
Meanwhile, Chris Woodward’s Los Angeles Dodgers are heading to Atlanta to take on Martin Perez’s Braves with their NLDS series tied at one game apiece while Grant Anderson’s Milwaukee Brewers are up 2-0 on A.J. Preller’s San Diego Padres.
And that’s all for today. How’s autumn looking for you? Spice any gourds lately?
Sep 30, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Alec Bohm (28) sits in the dugout after a win against the Atlanta Braves in game two of the Wildcard round for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The theme of this Phillies offseason is once again change. That could have been said for each of the last few offseasons except this time, it feels as if the team has no choice but to finally embrace it. There will be new faces in the lineup whenever the 2027 Phillies take the field, the question is how many.
At a minimum, it’s likely that there will be at least two new starters just based on the team’s impending free agents. The biggest possible exit is Alec Bohm, who after two years of the team reportedly trying to trade him, seems an almost lock to be playing elsewhere in 2027. That means the Phillies will have to find a new starting third baseman. Theoretically, that could be top prospect Aidan Miller, but expecting him to make the big league club in the spring despite missing practically all of 2026 with back issues is a foolhardy idea. Miller probably shouldn’t be considered an option until mid-season at best, therefore leaving the starting 3B job open with utility infielder Edmundo Sosa also scheduled to hit free agency. The Phillies will need to find someone to man the hot corner until July at the earliest.
Besides the impending hole at third, there is also the revolving door of corner outfielders to attempt to solve once again. The last two years the Phillies elected to sign a pair of veteran outfielders to one-year deals in Max Kepler and Adolis Garcia. Kepler was woefully ineffective and Garcia wasn’t doing much before being lost for the season with a shoulder injury in June. The options became so dire in 2026 that Derek Hill and Bryan De La Cruz were starting postseason games for the Phillies, especially in the wake of Brandon Marsh’s abysmal second half. The safe bet is that the Phillies will at least have a new starting right fielder next season.
Of course, this offseason is going to be the furthest thing from normal, with an impending lockout threatening the timing of free agency and the season itself. It will be hard to evaluate just exactly what options the Phillies will have in front of them for upgrades, but either way, they will have to find some.
So, how many new regulars will be in the Phillies lineup in 2027?
Jazz Chisholm Jr. has no regrets about his wild off-balance throw from second base that helped put the Yankees in an immediate hole.
With runners on first and second and no one out, George Lombard Jr. turned a potential double-play ball to Chisholm Jr., who immediately threw out of control to first baseman Luis Garcia Jr., allowing Yandy Diaz to score.
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It would have been difficult for Chisholm Jr. to turn the double play with Junior Caminero hustling down the line but Chisholm’s out-of-control throw added to the Yankees’ first-inning woes that started with a Ryan McMahon error on a Diaz grounder to start the game.
“Honestly, I’d probably still throw it,” Chisholm Jr. told reporters after the Rays beat the Yankees 5-2 in Game 2 of the ALDS.
“The play was trying to be made. I just feel like I could have probably tried to make an even better throw. Where I’d throw it, I’d try and throw it a little more closer to the base. My back was turned.”
The admission by Chisholm Jr., or lack of responsibility from him, has sparked some outrage online as the Yankees continued to play poor fundamental baseball in the playoffs.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. throws an out of control double play ball. Getty Images
Chisholm Jr. was then a bit too far back on a fifth-inning ground ball where the score was tied 1-1.
Liam Hicks hit a ground ball right to him. The Yankee second baseman was too far back to go home with the ball and instead had to take the out at first, allowing Tampa Bay to retake the lead.
It is unclear whether Chisholm Jr. was back on the play by design or if he was just not paying enough attention to the defensive strategy of the play, though it was clear his first instinct was to go home.
Chisholm Jr. has had a nightmare season, and he is due to be a free agent ahead of next season.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. had a tough night on Monday in Game 2 pf the ALDS. Charles Wenzelberg for New York Post
Chisholm Jr. did steal 41 bases, but hit just 19 home runs and won’t be considered for a Gold Glove anytime soon, leading all second basemen in errors with nine.
Wednesday’s game in the Bronx could be his final in pinstripes if they are not able to right the ship and play fundamentally sound baseball.
BRIGHTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 15: Mike Conley #45 of the Boston Celtics speaks to the media during a press conference on September 15, 2026 at The Auerbach Center in Brighton, Massachusetts. 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 Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
CHARLESTON — When Mike Conley was a little kid playing basketball, all he worried about was making sure that his 10-year-old teammates were having fun.
“I can remember being in elementary school, on little rec league teams where you had a mix of boys and girls, and I was doing my best to get all people involved,” Conley told CelticsBlog in an exclusive interview. “Like, I knew I might have been the best on the court and could score every time, but I was like, let me just make sure that he got a shot, or she got a shot, and just make sure that everybody was happy and having fun.”
Looking back, Conley is still not entirely sure why involving teammates was such a priority to his 10-year-old self. Part of it, he admits, was the result of how he was raised: both his mom and dad constantly hammered home the importance of caring for others.
“They really made it seem like the world is always bigger than you,” Conley said. “It’s not about you. Your time here is: how can you affect people in a positive way and change people’s lives? That’s been the mantra from day one.”
In any case, it’s no surprise that nearly 30 years later, Conley is widely heralded as one of the best teammates and sportsmen in basketball. He’s famously never been called for a technical foul. He’s won four NBA Sportsmanship Awards, the most of any player in NBA history. And he’s earned the league’s Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year Award twice, most recently in 2024 with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
“Leadership just comes naturally to him,” Joe Mazzulla said. “People flock to him.”
After years of it almost happening, Conley landed in Boston in July, signing a 1-year deal as a 38-year-old free agent. In part because they both hail from Indiana, Conley and Brad Stevens have known each other for a long time, and they’d gotten in contact almost every time the point guard was a free agent during his illustrious career.
But it just never worked out.
“The timing was never there,” Conley said. “And then, ironically enough, 20 years into it, the timing finally is right.”
And while Conley is not in his basketball prime, he arrives in Boston ready to bring the leadership and mentorship he’s become so well known for across the league.
“It’s part of the job at this stage of my career,” he said. “I understand it. I understand there’s going to be a lot of times where I don’t play. There’s going to be some times where I’m needed. There are other times where I’m just needed to be the voice for a big stretch of the season. Being comfortable with that, and being able to own that, is my role and my job.”
No one has benefitted more from his mentorship so far than Payton Pritchard
Since training camp began last week, Pritchard has spoken extensively about how helpful Conley has been for him. The two 6’1 guards share the same player development coach this season — God Shammgod Jr. — and they begin their practices with joint workouts. On off days, the two like to golf.
“He’s just reliable, and just a good dude,” Pritchard said. “He’s somebody you can always talk to and lean on.”
Pritchard’s presence in Boston was a draw for Conley, and something he made note of from the start.
“When I signed here, he was one guy I had pegged as like, hey, I’ve loved this game from afar,” Conley said. “If there’s anything I can do to help him, I will do it.”
Little did he know just how much Pritchard would want to be mentored by him.
“We’ve been working out ever since I set foot in Boston, every little micro detail,” Conley said. “He’s so easy to be around because he wants to learn; he asks a ton of questions, texts me at nighttime, and hits me early in the morning about something that he has an idea about.”
So, on Sunday night in Charleston, as the Celtics enjoyed a team dinner at their hotel, Pritchard peppered Conley with basketball questions.
“We’re just sitting there watching football, and he’s like, ‘So you think my pace is a little bit too fast? You think I should slow down on certain things?” Conley recalled.
The questions continued throughout the night.
“When do you feel like you were the best version of yourself?” Pritchard asked Conley.
“He was gauging what I was like at certain ages, and how I was at his age, at 28,” Conley said. “It’s just fun to be able to give information to somebody that really wants it.”
Interestingly, Conley serves as a shining example that the future holds endless possibilities; he became the first player to be named an All-Star for the first time in his 14th NBA season or later, when he was an All-Star replacement in 2021 at age 34. So, he views Pritchard’s future as extremely bright.
And Pritchard relishes the chance to pick the veteran’s brain. He’s been asking him for advice on how to draw more fouls without becoming a flopper and how to be a better facilitator.
“As somebody that’s looked up to Mike, [I ask him] how he thinks of the game and how he was able to create his shots and create shots for his teammates and maybe handle playing the point guard position, momentum swings,” Pritchard said. “He’s been in a lot of great environments, great playoff series. How was he able to kill in those moments and dominate the game?”
Conley has grown as a teammate throughout his career
While it was always Conley’s natural instinct to be a good teammate, he feels it’s only become easier with the years.
“When you’re 18, you’re in a room full of 25, 30-year-old guys, and you’re just trying to find your way as an individual,” Conley said. “You’re trying to learn from them as much as you can, and take the back seat, and take your bumps and bruises along the way. And when your time comes, when you’re given more on your plate, when you’re given more responsibility, you take those lessons that you learned from your vets, lessons that you learned from your coaches, and the stuff you’ve instilled throughout your life, and apply it.”
As such, in Year 20 as a pro, he feels poised to lead, even in a locker room filled with NBA champions like Jayson Tatum, Payton Pritchard, Derrick White, and Sam Hauser.
Not every aspect of leadership and teamwork came naturally; Conley did not enjoy calling out his teammates early in his career, but over time he came to accept that it was an important part of his role. As his reputation as a good teammate and leader grew, he felt empowered to speak up, even when it wasn’t always comfortable.
“If there’s a guy who’s got bad body language, I’ll approach them like, ‘Man, this isn’t how we want to be seen. This isn’t our culture. This isn’t how we react.’”
And if he sees teammates disrespecting one another or communicating in a way that isn’t productive, he’ll weigh in.
“I’m big on how people address certain people,” Conley said. “Not everybody can be addressed the same way, just the way they emotionally are set up. So, just trying to balance that; being able to step in and say what I need to say, when I need to say it.”
Joe Mazzulla has already observed Conley exhibiting the same caretaking instincts he had as a kid.
“He’s constantly coming into the building, worrying about others and not thinking of himself,” he said. “It says a lot about him. He comes in very present: how can he help the team?”
Luka Garza is intimately familiar with Conley’s impact in a locker room; the two were teammates on the Minnesota Timberwolves for three seasons.
DALLAS, TX – MAY 26: Mike Conley #10 of the Minnesota Timberwolves high fives Luka Garza #55 before the game against the Dallas Mavericks during Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on May 26, 2024 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, 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 2024 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
“He’s the best,” Garza said. “He’s able to connect with every guy on the team. He has just a rare skill, but also just is the same, man. Every day, he shows up with a consistent, positive energy.”
Conley is also instilling a sense of perspective in his younger Celtics teammates
It’s only been a few months, and game action hasn’t even begun, but Conley is already wildly impressed by what he’s experiencing in Boston. He’s not thrown off by the fact that he’s a few months older than Joe Mazzulla — he already experienced that when coached by Utah Jazz head coach Will Hardy
“I’ve learned a lot, actually, just from being here for a month — from Joe, from the staff, from the culture, the way things are run here,” he said. “It’s a lot. It’s very unique, a very unique place.”
And, as he acclimates, he finds himself constantly hammering home to his younger teammates just how good they have it in Boston.
“I’m telling these guys, I’ve been a lot of places, and you’re not going to find much better than what you have here, as far as the coaches, the way they work, the facilities, the healthcare, all the things that are intertwined in there,” he said. “So, I’m really impressed and excited to spend a year here.”
Jordan Walsh has been among those who have appreciated Conley’s presence.
“He’s an all-around great guy who tries to take mentoring to another level,” Walsh said.
Walsh laughed as he remembered another aspect of Conley’s presence he appreciates: “Then, of course, there’s the occasional ‘I’m 40. I’m ready for this sub,’” he said. “That’s great as well.”
There’s a world where Conley lands in Boston years ago, when he was still among the best point guards in the game. He can’t help thinking about that scenario sometimes.
“Obviously, I wish it happened earlier,” Conley said. “But hey, I’m grateful for every stop I’ve had, and grateful to be here.”
During the off-season, Ilya Mikheyev's time with the Chicago Blackhawks officially came to an end when he signed a four-year, $15.4 million contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning in free agency.
Now, the former Blackhawks forward is already making an impact with the Lightning early on this season.
During the Lightning's Monday game against the Philadelphia Flyers, Mikheyev scored a goal and recorded an assist. He recorded the primary assist on Pontus Holmberg's game-winning goal for Tampa and then scored to give the Lightning a 3-1 lead.
Seeing Mikheyev having a good start with the Lightning is not too surprising. He was an effective player during his time with the Blackhawks and should be a nice pickup for the Lightning.
In 157 games over two seasons with the Blackhawks from 2024-25 to 2025-26, Mikheyev posted 38 goals, 32 assists, 70 points, and a plus-6 rating. This included him recording a career high 36 points in 77 games last season for Chicago.
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - SEPTEMBER 23: Ernie Clement #22 of the Toronto Blue Jays leads off second base during game one of a baseball doubleheader against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 23, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Ernie Clement was picked up as a free agent signing in March of 2023, after his release by the A’s earlier that month. I wasn’t thrilled with taking a castoff of the A’s (one who only played 6 games for one of the worst teams in baseball). It wasn’t like we didn’t already have a couple of dozen utility/middle infielders who likely wouldn’t be able to hit their weight.
But Ernie had good 2024 and 2025 seasons with the Jays, hitting .271/.301/.402 with 21 home runs. 101 RBI, 38 walks and 102 strikeouts. Ok, getting two walk a month isn’t great, but the rest of his batting line was pretty good, especially when you add near Gold Glove defense into the mix. In the two years he’s totaled 7.6 in bWAR
In 2024 he played mostly mostly third base and shortstop. In 2025 he split time between third and second (with a few games at short).
Baseball Reference had Ernie at a 1.1 WAR (down from 4.3 in 2025). FanGraphs 0.6 (down from 3.2 ) , giving him a value of $5.0 million to the Jays (he made $4.6 million).
Ernie had a .284 wOBA ( last year, .308) and a 80 wRC+ (last year 97). His BABIP was .272 (.296 last year).
Clement’s walk rate was 3.5% (down from 4.6 last year), and his strikeout rate was 9.3% (down from 10.4 last year). He’d be the type of player who, in the old days, we’d say he’d be a good choice for the hit part of the hit and run. I wonder if tried the hit and run with him this year?
His line drive rate was 18.5% (down from 23.0). The ground ball rate was 37.9% (up from 34.0). The fly ball rate was 43.6% (up from 43.0). 3.9% of his fly balls left the park (down from 4.3).
Soft contact was 17.4% (up from 16.7). Hard contact was 22.3% (down from 24.0).
Clement actually hit left-handers (.242/.274/.535) slightly worse than right-handers (.268/.290/.370). Usually, he hits left-handers much much better.
He hit much the same on the road (.262/.284/.359) as at home (.256/.286/.370).
He hit much better in the first half (.296/.318/.433) than in the second half (.203/.235/.259).
Clement by month:
April: .302/.323/.429 with 1 home run, 4 walks and 9 strikeouts in 31 games, 31 starts.
May: .297/.321/.475 with 4 home runs, 4 walks and 10 strikeouts in 28 games, 26 starts.
June: .289/.316/.400 with 2 home runs, 4 walks and 14 strikeouts in 24 games, 22 starts.
July: .278/.311/.371 with 1 home run, 3 walks and 9 strikeouts in 24 games, 24 starts.
August: .208/.228/.260 with 1 home run, 3 walks and 11 strikeouts in 27 games, 24 starts.
September: .150/.186/.200 with 0 home runs, 4 walks and 5 strikeouts in 24 games, 21 starts.
Something happened at the end of the season. I don’t think he forgot how to hit, nor do I think pitchers figured him out after three seasons with the Jays. Something must have been going on.
With RISP he hit .238/.259/.381.
On defense Clement played:
132 games, 107 starts at 2B (981.2 innings). He made 9 errors for a .980 FA (league average at second is .982). FanGraphs has him at a -3 Outs Above Average.
40 games, 31 starts at SS (257.0 innings). He made 3 errors for a .973 FA (league average at short is .975). FanGraphs has him at a -3 OAA.
14 games, 10 starts at 3B (88.2 innings). He made 1 error for a .966 FA (league average at third is .958). FanGraphs has him at a +1 OAA.
And he played 2.2 innings in left field without making a play. FanGraphs has him at a +1 OAA.
I don’t think we have to worry about him getting a Gold Glove this year.
FanGraphs has him at a 0.2 Runs as a baserunner. He stole 7 bases, caught just once (a success rate that I appreciate, last year he stole 6, caught 5 times). But, he must not have been great running the bases other than stealing.
Where Clement hit in the batting order in games he started:
1st: 18 games: .282/.313/.410.
2nd: 16 games: .319/.347/.420.
3rd: 4 games: .267/.394/.267.
5th: 21 games: .268/.282/427.
6th: 29 games: .234/.265/.351.
7th: 35 games: ..259/.279/.353.
8th: 14 games: .246/.283/.298.
9th: 11 games: .179/.200/.256.
His longest hitting streak was 10 games. Longest on base streak was 1 games. Most games without a home run 45. Longest hitless streak was 4 games.
Clement when hitting at the first pitch of an at bat he hit .274/.278/.387.
In High Leverage spots he hit .255/.259/.389, low leverage, .290/.324/.394.
Times facing a starter:
1st: .255/.271/.326.
2nd: .211/.235/.336.
3rd: .242/.296/.318.
Favourite team to face: He hit .462/.444/.615 in 6 games vs the Angels.
Least favourite? He hit .053/.053/.053 in 6 games against the Mariners.
Random things from Baseball Savant:
Expected wOBA: 1st percentile.
Hard-hit %: 1st percentile.
Bat Speed: 3rd percentile.
Squared Up %: 95th percentile.
K %: 98th percentile.
Walk %: 2nd percentile.
Range and Arm Strength: 12th percentile.
It was a tale of a good first half and a bad second half for Ernie. He was an All-Star, and then, for the last couple of months of the season, he was terrible. I don’t know if there was an injury we weren’t told about, or what caused it. I’d say other teams realized he would chase almost anything off the plate, but that’s always been the way he’s played. It drives us up the wall, but he’s been the same player for years; other teams knew that.
Clement also went from a Gold Glove-type fielder to a below-average fielder in a year. I don’t know if the two are related. Some was from his playing in the WBC, and maybe he tired out because of that, but he didn’t play much in the WBC. He likely would have played as much in spring training.
Hangover from the World Series run? I don’t know. Maybe. He did play a lot of ball in the playoffs, but I find it hard to believe that it would cause him to tire at the end of this season.
He hit just .182/.209/.233 with just 1 home run and 6 doubles in the last two months of the season. You’d almost think there had to be an injury of some sort.
Clement was running slower this year. Savant had him at an 83rd percentile for Spring Speed last year, and 70th this year. Aging from 29 to 30 shouldn’t have caused that much of a change.
What happens next year?
Ross Atkins did say that Clement isn’t guaranteed the second base job next year. I don’t know that Josh Smith is the answer either. Perhaps a platoon, but if they wanted to sign a free-agent second baseman, I wouldn’t complain.
PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 05: Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Sergei Murashov (1) tends net during the third period in the NHL game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Winnipeg Jets on October 5, 2026, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA. (Photo by Jeanine Leech/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Penguins rookie goaltender Sergei Murashov got philosophical after making his first start of the season in Monday’s 3-2 loss to the visiting Winnipeg Jets.
“There’s a saying in Russian, ‘Morning is wiser than evening,’” Murashov told reporters after the game. “So, just take a good sleep, rest, and calmly think about that tomorrow, so we can get better from this game.”
When about adjusting from playing most of last season in the AHL to starting this season in Pittsburgh, Murashov said, “Well, puck is the same size, net is the same size.”
Sergei Murashov spoke after his first game of the season
"Every kid dreams of getting [to the NHL], and you just appreciate every day here." pic.twitter.com/eD5JgZIDjt
The Penguins’ hopes of having Murashov as a full-time NHL option this season may have been bolstered by his performance Monday night.
The team took a 1-0 lead on a Ben Kindel goal early in the second period in large part because of Murashov’s efforts to save Pittsburgh from paying for their defensive lapses in the first part of the game.
That included a stretch where the Penguins were outshot 9-1 in the final six minutes of the first period.
“I thought that we were not on point and he made some huge saves to weather some storms there,” Muse told reporters in his postgame press conference.
Murashov showed off his athleticism during that early stretch of the game by lunging across the crease for some Marc-Andre Fleury-esque saves.
Murashov finished out his season debut having stopped 31 of 34 shots against. The first two Jets goals ricocheted off Penguins defenders in front of the net shortly before going in. Cole Perfetti then beat Murashov on a one-timer for the game winner.
Multiple Penguins players credited Murashov with keeping his team in the game long enough to pull the goalie and launch a final 6-on-5 attack in the closing seconds.
“He kept us in it all night,” Declan Carlile said.
Ben Kindel said, “He kept us in the game. It’s always reassuring to have a guy that’s going to battle for you and keep you in the game no matter what.”
Murashov already proved he can shine at the AHL level, where he recorded a dominant 2.20 GAA and .919 save percentage last season. The Penguins will hope Monday’s performance is the first step toward replicating that success at the next level.
This likely won’t be the last game this week in which Murashov sees playing time. After playing in the Washington Capitals’ home opener this Wednesday, the Penguins are scheduled for a back-to-back at the Columbus Blue Jackets and against the visiting Dallas Stars.
Murashov will be expected to start either Friday in Columbus or at home this Saturday as Dan Muse works on splitting the workload between Arturs Silovs and who the Penguins are seemingly hoping will be their goaltender of the future.
ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 05: Junior Caminero #13 of the Tampa Bay Rays celebrates defeating the New York Yankees 5-2 in game two of the American League Division Series at Tropicana Field on October 05, 2026 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Meet the Mets
Anthony DiComo examined five questions that will define the Mets’ offseason.
Danny Abriano asked whether the Mets should explore trading catcher Francisco Alvarez this winter.
Will Sammon explored how the Rays revived Freddy Peralta after a disappointing tenure in New York.
Bo Bichette has yet to announce a decision on whether or not he will opt out of his contract, but his decision is coming and it will have ripple effects for the Mets and their offseason plan.
Tomm Kelson looked at five under-the-radar free agents the Mets should consider signing this offseason.
Around the National League East
The Braves manager’s pitch-perfect plan of saving Chris Sale for Game 3 worked like a charm, and his team followed that plan to a Game 2 victory and a tied series.
With the split secured in Los Angeles, the Braves will now turn to Sale, their ace, in Game 3.
The Braves are not worried about Ronald Acuña Jr.’s postseason slump, saying he “doesn’t have to be Superman.”
Around Major League Baseball
The relentless Rays gave Cam Schlittler and the Yankees fits in a four-run fourth inning as they prevailed 5-2 in Game 2 of the ALDS. The victory has Tampa Bay one win away from the ALCS.
While the Rays won the game, the Yankees beat themselves with four errors to put them on the brink of elimination.
While the bunt isn’t quite as popular as it used to be, it’s been a key to the Rays’ winning ways.
Timely hitting and terrific work from the bullpen has the White Sox one win away from the ALCS after a 4-3 win over the Guardians in Game 2 of the ALDS.
The White Sox head home for Game 3 with a chance for their first home playoff clincher in 120 years.
The AL Central champion Guardians, meanwhile, are staring down elimination after three runs, seven hits, and no answers for their struggling offense.
Cleveland starter Gavin Williams did make some history with an 11-strikeout performance in a losing effort.
Buster Olney ranked the home field advantage for each of the remaining playoff teams.
Fangraphs’ Jon Becker provided a postseason report card for Joe Espada and Chad Tracy, whose respective teams were bounced in the Wild Card round.
Will Leitch asked some burning questions facing the teams that are heading into Game 3 of the NLDS tonight.
The qualifying offer is going up to $23.1 million this year, but it comes with a massive CBA question.
The Dodgers are facing some more Division Series drama, and the Dodgers aren’t thinking three-peat now, as Ken Rosenthal explains in his commentary for The Athletic.
Katie Woo wondered whether the Dodgers should have turned to Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who takes the ball in Game 3, sooner in their series against the Braves.
Tyler Kepner has been a star for the Brewers, and the big moment has seemingly always seemed to find Milwaukee’s leadoff hitter.
The Padres have reinstated pitcher Walker Buehler from the paternity list ahead of Game 3 of the NLDS.
Padres’ closer Mason Miller blamed a lack of command for his blown save in Game 2.
Cal Raleigh and Josh Naylor, both of whom had big years to guide the Mariners to the ALCS in 2025 and struggled mightily in 2026, underwent offseason surgeries and are expected to be ready for Opening Day, according to the Mariners.
Manny Ramirez is seeking a hitting coach job with an MLB club, according to his agent.
Zack Meisel recounted how disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong started an unlikely fraternity with MLB pitchers.
Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue
Steve Sypa reviewed the Florida/Dominican Republic Complex Teams for the Mets’ minor league systems.
This Date in Mets History
The Mets clinched their first ever National League pennant with a 7-4 victory over the Braves on this date in 1969.
(Photo by Mike Carlson/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The New York Yankees are facing elimination after dropping Game 2 of the ALDS to the Tampa Bay Rays.
And while drops are part of the story, they do not tell the complete tale of woe.
New York’s defense was not exactly fodder for Tom Emanski’s defensive drills video series on Monday night, as the Yankees made three errors in the first inning alone, were charged with four by the time the night ended, could have been given a fifth on a play that was initially ruled an error, and made a few other defensive miscues that were not charged as official errors by the scorekeeper due to scoring rules.
But on the brink of elimination, the bats are a bigger concern.
Let’s start with those errors, beginning in the bottom of the first inning. Tampa Bay leadoff hitter Yandy Díaz hit a chopper to third that ate up third baseman Ryan McMahon, gifting the Rays a leadoff runner:
Ryan McMahon boots the easiest ground ball ever on the first batter of the game
Aaron Boone says he thought about using Anthony Volpe at third base but didn't because he was worried about his defense at Tropicana Field pic.twitter.com/4epOHLvrY3
Jonathan Aranda then singled off Cam Schlittler, giving Tampa Bay a pair of runners to start the inning.
Junior Caminero hit a grounder up the middle that George Lombard Jr. grabbed and flipped to Jazz Chisholm Jr. at second to force out Aranda, but Chisholm then made a twisting, off-balance throw to first that found the dugout fencing, bringing Díaz around to score:
Schlittler then retired Liam hicks looking for the second out of the inning, giving the Yankees a chance to limit the damage.
Or so they thought.
After a replay review, it was confirmed that when Hicks started his swing it clipped catcher Austin Wells’ mitt. Catcher’s interference was the ruling, giving the Yankees three errors in the first four Rays hitters:
A trio of Yankees that have struggled all year are working to outdo one another. This time it's Austin Wells with an unnecessary catcher's inteference pic.twitter.com/KlgY3I3BRY
Schlittler managed to get out of the inning with just the one run, but even that was something of a defensive adventure. After Hicks was awarded first base on the Wells interference, Schlittler induced a tailor-made grounder to Chisholm that could have ended the inning. But the second baseman’s throw pulled Lombard off the bag, and the Yankees were forced to settle for just the out at second after a tremendous recovery from the shortstop:
Jazz Chisholm Jr. does his best to make his second awful mistake of the inning and the Yankees' fourth but 21-year-old rookie George Lombard Jr. bails the veteran out pic.twitter.com/8qCp0VEcNp
The fourth New York error came in the bottom of the fifth, with Tampa Bay leading 3-1. Aaron Boone had pulled Schlittler at this point, after this play that was initially ruled an error on Lombard, before it was changed to a fielder’s choice:
The error-turned-fielder’s choice brought Caminero home, giving Tampa Bay the 3-1 lead. Boone then pulled Schlittler, opting for lefty Brent Headrick out of the bullpen. Headrick struck out outfielder Victor Mesa Jr. for the second out, giving New York a chance to get out of the inning and limit the damage.
After Chandler Simpson stole second, Jonny DeLuca rolled a grounder to Lombard, who had a chance to finally end the inning.
DeLuca then stole second, and both he and Simpson scored on a single to center off the bat of No. 8 hitter Richie Palacios to make it 5-1.
Final score: Rays 5, Yankees 2.
The errors and miscues are the easy story, and headlines are filled with phrases such as “error-filled,” “error-fueled meltdown,” and worse. But on a night where the Yankees were charged with four errors, and could have been charged with more, they only gave up five runs.
And this is a team coming off a win in the Wild Card Series over the Boston Red Sox that scored nine runs in back-to-back games, sweeping the Red Sox by a combined score of 18-2. Five runs was not a tough ask for this New York lineup.
Yet, it was a tough ask on Monday night.
Designated hitter Ben Rice did what he could, as he belted a pair of solo homers to account for both of New York’s runs Monday night, finishing the game having gone 2-for-3. But beyond Rice, the rest of the New York lineup combined to go 2-for-28 from the plate, with just a double off the bat of Wells in the second inning, and single form Cody Bellinger in the fourth, after Rice’s first home run of the night.
Making matters worse, the Yankees were a dismal 0-for-1 with runners in scoring position on Monday night. That came in the top of the fifth, when the combination of starter Freddy Peralta and reliever Cam Booser managed to load the bases ahead of Bellinger, who came to the plate with two outs in a 1-1 game. A hit in that spot could have changed the course of the night.
He gave it a ride to the deepest part of the track, but DeLuca tracked it down on the warning track to end the threat:
This is a New York lineup that was among the league leaders in several offensive categories, including Slugging Percentage (.409 — sixth in MLB) and home runs (223 — second in MLB), and while the lineup does miss Aaron Judge who remains sidelined due to a right calf strain, that same lineup put up big numbers against Boston just a few days ago. This is a lineup that on many nights is good enough to overcome the defensive breakdowns, and score more than five runs.
But not right now.
Instead the Yankees are facing elimination having scored just two runs, both off the bat of Rice, in two games in Tampa Bay. Back in Game 1, New York did not record a hit until the eighth inning, a double off the bat of Wells, and the lineup combined to finish 1-for-27 on the night.
Making the Yankees a combined 5-for-58 — a batting average of just .086 — over two games against the Rays.
The errors are the easy headlines after Monday night.
But the struggles at the plate are the bigger concern.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 01: Chris Sale #51 of the Atlanta Braves throws a pitch during the eighth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies in game three of the National League Wild Card Series at Truist Park on October 01, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After plenty of discussion before Game 2, there is no doubt who will be on the mound for the Braves in Game 3 of the NLDs. The Braves plan worked as the series is now split 1-1, and they now have their two best starters fully rested to try and close out the series in Atlanta. It will be much easier said than done vs. the defending champs, but at least the Braves have better than expected chances to get the job done.
Growing pains are part of the normal development process for any young NHL player, and that was evident during the Bruins’ ugly 4-1 loss to the Senators at TD Garden on Monday night.
It was a tough night for the whole team. They weren’t ready to play and lacked the level of energy and execution needed to keep up with a hard-playing and skilled Senators team.
But it was a particularly difficult game for several of the Bruins’ young players, including rookie forward James Hagens.
Hagens did score the Bruins’ only goal in third period, giving him two tallies in four games. But he also was on the ice for two goals against, and a couple of his mistakes led to those Senators goals.
An unsuccessful backhand pass intended for David Pastrnak in the second period resulted in Tim Stutzle stealing possession of the puck. Stutzle fed a pass to Drake Batherson, who scored on a breakaway to give Ottawa a 3-0 lead.
Hagens also couldn’t clear a puck later in the second period, and seconds after, the puck ended up in the back of the Bruins’ net as Michael Amadio scored from in close.
The Senators led the Bruins 14-6 in shot attempts, 7-2 in shots on net, 7-4 in scoring chances and 2-1 in goals during Hagens’ 11:31 of even-strength ice time last night, per Natural Stat Trick.
To his credit, Hagens took full accountability after the game.
“I was a big reason for a couple of those goals going in,” Hagens told reporters. “I have to be a lot better. That was unacceptable on my end. It’s tough. You want to be able to play really well and get that win.”
Hagens wasn’t alone, to be clear.
Similar to Hagens, young players including forwards Matt Poitras and Fraser Minten, as well as defenseman Frederic Brunet, all had good, bad and ugly moments versus the Senators. Hagens and Poitras each took minor penalties in a seven-second span in the first period that gave Ottawa a lengthy 5-on-3 power play, although the Bruins penalty kill stepped up and didn’t allow a goal.
Unlike some previous Bruins head coaches, Marco Sturm sounds committed to giving these rookies the opportunity to learn and improve without the fear of being benched or sent to Providence after a few errors.
“Yes, (Hagens) probably had a tough night like anyone else,” Sturm told reporters postgame. “But I won’t blame him. He’s a kid who needs to learn. I think our top guys, games like this, they have to be in charge. I can’t ask for James Hagens to take charge. Yes, he needs to be better. But overall as a group, we’ve just got to help those kids out. The kids have to play better as well. I won’t blame my young guys for that. They’re kids. They need to learn the hard way sometimes. But they need help, and that’s all of us.”
Even though it was a frustrating night for these young players, the Bruins have to let them make mistakes and learn from them. And it’s certainly better to do that now early in the season as opposed to later in the campaign when the playoff race heats up.
These aren’t mid-level prospects, either. Hagens is an elite prospect and was the No. 7 overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. Minten was just signed to a seven-year extension and could be a solid No. 2 center sooner rather than later. These players will be — in an ideal world for the Bruins — core players for the franchise moving forward. The B’s also need these players to make a meaningful impact this season if they’re going to earn a playoff berth.
It’s a lot to ask of a 19-year-old Hagens and a 22-year-old Minten, but there are reasons to be optimistic they’ll rise to the challenge. That process also will include plenty of mistakes, and it’ll be up to the Bruins’ veterans to help the team overcome them. That didn’t happen Monday night. Many of the veteran players, including David Pastrnak, also played poorly.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 05: Carl Willis of the Cleveland Guardians speaks with Erik Sabrowski #62 during a mound visit in the sixth inning against the Chicago White Sox in game two of the American League Division Series at Progressive Field on October 05, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Guardians lost a game they really should have won last night and everything is bad.
Everyone is hating on Jose as he can’t get a hit.
Erik Sabrowski was supposed to be the one reliable pen arm besides Cade Smith and he gave up the crucial double to a guy with a 19 wRC+ against LHP.
Hunter Gaddis pitched well but is getting the usual hate for giving up a 73 mph soft liner single.
Stephen Vogt is getting hate for who knows what reason. I think his decision-making so far has been excellent. But, everyone is tired of playoff losses. I get it.
Maybe that will change on Wednesday at 4pm.
Around MLB:
The Rays beat the Yankees (yay!). Braves and Dodgers play at 6 PM ET tied 1-1 and the Brewers will try to close out their series against the Padres in San Diego at 9:30PM ET. I wish the Brewers were beating the Braves and the Padres were beating the Dodgers. A potential World Series of Rays vs. Brewers or Padres would be the best non-Guardians outcome for me.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 16: Sergio De Larrea #55 of the Dallas Mavericks looks on during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the 2026 NBA Summer League game on July 16, 2026 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Candice Ward/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Dallas Mavericks ended up with the 6’7” 20-year-old Sergio De Larrea on draft night following not one, but two trades. He was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers, traded to the New York Knicks, and landed with the Mavericks in a series of trades that, to this day, I can’t comprehend. He joins a Dallas team in desperate need at the point guard position after spending the last two seasons with Valencia, of EuroLeague, where his role grew each year.
He joins a talented and crowded Mavericks team, though one missing table-setters. After a strong NBA Summer League performance and flashes of great play in the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers, De Larrea will have a chance to make an impact on a team in Dallas that hopes to take a huge leap forward this season.
Big Question
For a rookie on a busy Dallas roster, this is simple: where do De Larrea’s minutes come from? For the sake of argument, let’s assume Dereck Lively is out to start the season. These are the players who should get minutes before Sergio: Kyrie Irving, Cooper Flagg, PJ Washington, Daniel Gafford, Max Christie, Naji Marshall, Morez Johnson Jr., Zaccharie Risacher, and Santi Aldama.
If you can do some math, that puts De Larrea firmly in the 9-10-11th man list and that’s by me, random writer, not the Dallas coaching staff.
However, I think if Dallas hopes to compete down the stretch and make a run at a spot in the Play-In Tournament, he needs to be getting regular situational minutes. The NBA is a league where you learn by doing, and that means playing time.
Best Case Scenario
There are two here, depending on how one decides to read the prompt. The best-case scenario for De Larrea individually is that injuries force him out of the frying pan and into the fire. I have no means of justifying this take yet, but I firmly believe this is the type of player who will produce and improve rapidly if put immediately into the fire of an NBA game. But the scenario in which De Larrea is getting consistent minutes is also one where the Mavs are likely having a rough go at things.
For the Mavericks, the best-case scenario is that they’re able to win regularly enough while putting him into game action at times when it most benefits what they want him to learn. While I know the coaching staff would agree the feet-first approach might be best, the team has a crowded roster with veterans, and this means De Larrea is going to have to earn his minutes.
The most realistic best-case scenario is somewhere in the middle of these two. Kyrie Irving playing 65 games would mean fewer minutes for Sergio, but I also expect Irving to give Dallas 50 games, and anything else is a bonus. That leaves many, many minutes for someone who can run the offense.
Worst Case Scenario
If De Larrea has a lackluster rookie campaign, it will also relate back to minutes. The only real concern I have is if he cannot pick up what the coaching staff has in store for the team on either end of the floor. Lucky for us, that seems very unlikely, and it’s believed that the coaching staff and front office are very confident in the Spaniard.
Or an injury. Sergio’s body type is thin, and the NBA is a punishing, relentless experience. But all rookies are skinny comparably, so this is much ado about nothing.
But perhaps I am being too positive for once.
Season Goal
Let’s get crazy: Sergio De Larrea makes an All Rookie team! It’s going to be hard with this class, but I believe in him.
Overall
I am putting too much stock in De Larrea. But I can’t help it; Dallas has Cooper Flagg and it’s time to get this show on the road for the future. Most of these other guys won’t be on the team in three years. Don’t believe me? Kyrie Irving is the longest-tenured Dallas Maverick (I am not counting Dwight Powell until he’s on the actual roster). Things change fast in the NBA, and a guard like De Larrea is it for me. He can shoot it from deep, he’s tall, and he seems unafraid. You can go to battle with that.
