Raptors fans, say goodbye to Sandro Mamukelashvili

Jan 18, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Sandro Mamukelashvili (54) controls the ball against Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (5) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Mamuuu! Nooo!

Shams Charania of ESPN has broken the news that newly minted free agent Sandro Mamukelashvili has officially signed a $52 million dollar deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, locking the centre-forward up for the next four years. It seems that as Toronto takes from one LA team, the other one takes back, and in a very vulnerable position for the Raps.

The potential effects of Mamu’s departure on the team have already been discussed: the loss of size and a respectable shooter is not something the Raptors can take lying down, and brings even more urgency to the Raptors’ quest to fill out their centre rotation. Trayce Jackson-Davis is now the team’s third stringer, who after playing only 17 games for the team, could see a huge uptick in minutes. All that considered, some additional urgency is probably not a bad thing for this team. The marathon to getting a positionally sound roster together is one that is going painfully slowly, but appears to be quite calculated, picking up Kawhi Leonard along the way.

But, the Raptors have only one seven footer, and ESPN shows Jamison Battle as the fourth string centre. That is an unacceptable state for this team to be in, long term. With even Jonathan Mogbo departing, the Raptors need more size of the bench, and a more reliable centre, full stop. We could see in the upcoming weeks more aggressive pursuit of Myles Turner, as Jalen Duren and many other high profile free agent centres have either been linked with new teams, or have already inked deals. The Raptors will have to make new moves sooner than later.

For more than his play, I’ll miss Mamu. The player seemed nothing but kind in his personal life, and injected excitement into a Raptors’ team that is only now beginning to find its identity. I wish him the best in Los Angeles, but reflect on the way we could have kept the good times going.

Warriors Reacts Survey: How would you grade the Kristaps Porziņģis extension?

Kristaps Porziņģis smiling with his hands on his waist.
SACRAMENTO, CA - APRIL 10: Kristaps Porzingis #7 of the Golden State Warriors looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on April 10, 2026 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Golden State fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

The Golden State Warriors opened the offseason with a big move, signing their trade deadline acquisition, Kristaps Porziņģis, to a two-year extension worth $40 million. The reunion wasn’t at all surprising, though I think the price tag probably raised a few eyebrows.

There are reasons to love and be skeptical about the extension. Porziņģis fit in brilliantly with the Dubs on both ends of the court, and showed just how dynamic of a force he can be in their systems. On the other hand, he also displayed the serious health concerns that have plagued him throughout the last decade.

So with all that in mind … how do you grade the extension?

Lakers signing Quentin Grimes to $60 million contract in free agency

The Los Angeles Lakers have agreed to terms on a four-year, $60 million contract with a free agent who’s also a former teammate of their superstar guard. 

The franchise will sign former 76ers guard Quentin Grimes, who was an unrestricted free agent after one-and-a-half seasons in Philadelphia. 

The Lakers are signing Quentin Grimes to a four-year, $60 million contract in free agency. NBAE via Getty Images
Grimes, 26, played with Lakers star guard Luka Dončić for a brief period to start the 2024-25 season in Dallas. NBAE via Getty Images

Grimes, 26, played with Lakers star guard Luka Dončić for a brief period to start the 2024-25 season in Dallas after being traded from the Detroit Pistons to the Dallas Mavericks during the 2024 offseason. 

The 6-foot-4 guard out of Houston, who was the No. 25 pick in the 2021 draft, has averaged 11.1 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists during his NBA career. 

Grimes is coming off of averaging 13.4 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 2025-26 with the 76ers. 

He’s coming off a down shooting year, making a career-low 33.4% of his 3-pointers, but has been a reliable perimeter shooter for most of his career. 

Grimes shot 37.5% on 3s during his first four seasons in the league. He’s shot at least 38% on catch-and-shoot 3s in four of his five seasons.

Grimes is also a reliable corner 3-point shooter.

At 6-foot-4 with a 6-foot-8 wingspan, Grimes has shown he can be a strong perimeter defender, especially off of the ball when he doesn’t have lapses.

After starting his career with the Knicks before being traded to the Pistons ahead of the 2024 trade deadline, Grimes hasn’t spent more than one-and-a-half seasons with a single team.

The Pistons traded him to the Mavericks during the 2024 offseason. And then the Mavericks traded Grimes to the 76ers ahead of the 2025 trade deadline.


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3 Penguins' Storylines To Watch Heading Into Free Agency

It's Jun. 30, and that means NHL free agency is just one day away.

In years past, there was much more fanfare surrounding Jul. 1, especially since there was talent to be had in unrestricted free agency. That's not to say there isn't any talent this season, but there certainly isn't nearly as much intrigue surrounding the free agent class this season as opposed to years past.

Just take it from Pittsburgh Penguins' president of hockey operations and general manager Kyle Dubas, who actually laughed when asked about whether or not the Penguins will turn to free agency to fill talent holes. 

"We can be as aggressive as we want on Jul. 1, but if you look at what's available, it could be an expensive mistake," Dubas said. "And I try to learn from the past. We'll try to steer clear of that."

Even if Pittsburgh could risk making some "expensive mistakes," however, that doesn't mean they won't be active on Jul. 1 - they just aren't likely to overpay.

So, what should Penguins' fans expect when free agency begins at noon ET? Here are three storylines to watch.


1. Will the Penguins address the left side?

After the trade that sent left defenseman and Erik Karlsson's partner Parker Wotherspoon to the Vegas Golden Knights for right defenseman Kaeden Korczak - as well as the free agent signing of veteran blueliner Trevor van Riemsdyk - the Penguins are loaded up on the right side, but they are pretty barren on the left.

As of now, they have Karlsson, Korczak, van Riemsdyk, Kris Letang, and Harrison Brunicke on the right side - in addition to Finn Harding and Chase Pietila right behind them as far as depth in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (WBS) - so it is becoming a crowded place. In contrast, the Penguins now have just Sam Girard, Ryan Graves, Caleb Jones, and Ilya Solovyov left over from last year's NHL roster on the left side, and Owen Pickering, Jake Livanavage, and Maleek McGowan will be pushing for a roster spot from WBS. The only surefire NHL-caliber player there - right now - is Girard.

In free agency, options are limited. 27-year-old San Jose Sharks UFA Mario Ferraro is, potentially, a name to keep an eye on, as he recorded seven goals and 23 points last season and is a perfectly solid bottom-pair guy who can be had for relatively cheap. Same goes for Calgary Flames 28-year-old UFA Jake Bean, who played just 16 games with Calgary last season because of a season-ending injury sustained in December.

And, of course, there's still a few big names to watch on the trade market if the Penguins want to shoot higher. Zach Werenski and Thomas Harley are hot names, as is Alexander Nikishin, as the Carolina Hurricanes are exploring his market.

This is definitely a situation to keep an eye on Jul. 1 and into the rest of the summer.

Reaction: Penguins' Defenseman Parker Wotherspoon Traded To Vegas For Another RightyReaction: Penguins' Defenseman Parker Wotherspoon Traded To Vegas For Another RightyThe Penguins swapped defensemen with the Vegas Golden Knights Tuesday, leaving questions about the left side of their blue line.

2. Will the Penguins offer sheet anyone?

To be upfront about this, I believe this is unlikely.

Dubas said last summer that he believed offer sheets aren't particularly viable in the rising cap environment: Teams not only have more cap space to match offers, but the pick compensation is also going to make things more complicated, as it will be a bit hard to predict how that ratio is going to work relative to the cap. 

It's difficult to completely rule it out because there are some cap-strapped teams. However, with prime offer sheet candidates already off the board in Mavrik Bourque and Nick Robertson - the latter of which the Penguins already traded for from the Toronto Maple Leafs - it's hard to imagine much happening there. 

Perhaps blueliners Braden Schneider and Arber Xhekaj made some degree of sense, but only for a reasonable cap hit - and I doubt Dubas would surrender first-rounders for either, meaning he can't go above $4.68 million. RFAs like Nikishin will cost too much on an offer sheet.

Again, I doubt this is the route they'll take. But never say never.

Penguins Acquire Nick Robertson From Maple LeafsPenguins Acquire Nick Robertson From Maple LeafsThe Pittsburgh Penguins have acquired Nick Robertson from the Toronto Maple Leafs.

3. Is something bigger in the works?

Following Dubas's body of work, it's clear that he likes to make trades after Jul. 1 - particularly in the month of August. The Karlsson deal happened in August of 2023. The Rutger McGroarty deal in August of 2024. 

But, given the trade market landscape right now, it's hard to imagine, if the Penguins are indeed shooting big in the trade market, that they will be able to wait that long to get something done.

Rumors have been swirling about superstar winger Jason Robertson, and Pittsburgh is in the thick of it. For three of the other teams that were revealed to have checked in on Robertson - the Seattle Kraken, St. Louis Blues, and Ottawa Senators - it was almost immediately shot down that Robertson would sign long-term with those teams. 

So far, that hasn't been the case for Pittsburgh, and it's reasonable to think it would have been shot down by now if there was no interest, on his part, in coming to Pittsburgh.

As mentioned before, the Penguins are loaded up on the right side. A guy like Karlsson immediately makes a win-now team better. A guy like Brunicke gives a playoff-hopeful team something to look forward to. If the player is right, both of these guys are probably going to be in play, and Dallas needs right-side defensemen.

The chances of the Penguins pulling something as massive as Robertson off are slim, especially given their asset pool. But that doesn't mean it can't get done. And that doesn't mean they still won't be in the mix for a guy like Nikishin, or even a guy like Anaheim Ducks defenseman Pavel Mintyukov. 

So, stay tuned. Things could get pretty interesting in the coming days.

'We'll Continue To Stay Involved': Dubas Prepared To Adjust Accordingly To Changing Market'We'll Continue To Stay Involved': Dubas Prepared To Adjust Accordingly To Changing MarketPittsburgh Penguins' president of hockey operations and general manager Kyle Dubas is still trying to land a difference-maker in the trade market, but he may have to adjust to a changing landscape with the rising salary cap.

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Sandro Mamukelashvili signs four-year, $52 million deal with Lakers

MIAMI, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 15: Sandro Mamukelashvili #54 of the Toronto Raptors reacts against the Miami Heat during the fourth quarter of the game at Kaseya Center on December 15, 2025 in Miami, Florida. 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. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) | Getty Images

As the Lakers look to find shooting to put around Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, they turned to one of the better stretch bigs on the market.

After being linked with him since before the start of free agency, the Lakers have reportedly agreed to a deal with Sandro Mamukelashvili, according to Shams Charania of ESPN.

Not only can the Lakers add Mamukelashvili, but they can also add a few more pieces with the remaining cap space.

The Lakers adding a big, along with reports of Walker Kessler’s signing, means the frontcourt depth has improved. There are likely moves still to be made, but the Lakers have two new frontcourt pieces this season.

Mamukelashvili is a good player who is a capable rebounder and can certainly stretch the floor. Last year with the Raptors, he shot 38.9% from 3-point range. That’s his best shooting season from beyond the arc, and he did it while taking 3.7 3-point attempts per game.

Overall, Mamu had a breakout season with the Raptors last year, averaging 11.2 points and 4.9 rebounds per game. His ability to space the floor means he can play as a four and potentially as a five in small ball lineups. With Mamu, the Lakers should be able to play more two-big lineups while still spacing the floor.

At 27 years old, he’s also on the same timeline as Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, another positive sign. One of the overall themes of the Lakers in free agency this year is that they got younger overall.

His signing, paired with the other flurry of moves by the Lakers, almost guarantees that Rui Hachimura will not be back next season, something that has been in the cards since free agency started. Barring some sort of dramatic change or an unexpected change, the Lakers simply won’t have space under the first apron to retain Hachimura.

It all happened quickly this summer, but the Lakers landed a solid big who can space the floor, something the roster did not have last season.

You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude or on Bluesky at @jacobrude.bsky.social.

Lakers sign Collin Sexton to two-year, $19 million deal

CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 10: Collin Sexton #8 of the Charlotte Hornets drives to the basket during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on November 10, 2025 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

After completing a trade for Walker Kessler, the Lakers followed with a flurry of moves.

In a sequence of moves announced nearly simultaneously, the Lakers agreed to deals with Sandro Mamukelashvili and Quentin Grimes, then finished with a two-year, $19 million deal for Collin Sexton.

This deal will be for the Room Exception, meaning the Lakers are now out of spending power. The only signings they can make now are veteran minimum deals.

The Lakers’ interest in Sextondates back many years. He’s a name that has often been tangentially linked to the team but never seemed all that realistic until now.

With both Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard leaving in free agency, the Lakers had a need for backup guards. Sexton is still just 27 years old, so the team is also getting younger.

Last season, Sexton split his season between the Hornets and Bulls, averaging 15.4 points and 3.3 assists per game while shooting 48.5% from the field and 40.1% from the 3-point line. For his career, he’s a 38.9% 3-point shooter, but has been north of 39% every season since the 2022-23 campaign.

Sexton also has a great ability to get to the rim. Last season, 27.5% of his shots came within three feet while he shot 64.7% on those attempts. The only non-bigs on the Lakers to have a percentage higher than that on the Lakers last season were Adou Thiero in limited minutes and LeBron James.

The Lakers relied heavily on Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves to create rim pressure last season, so adding Sexton certainly fills a need in that regard.

Sexton did spend a couple of seasons in Utah playing alongside Kessler, so there will also be a bit of chemistry there as well.

It all happened very quickly, so it’ll take time to digest, but the Lakers quickly made moves to add younger, athletic guards to the roster and surround Luka and Austin with shooting and playmaking on the perimeter, two areas the team lacked last season.

You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude or on Bluesky at @jacobrude.bsky.social.

Report: Quentin Grimes to sign four-year, $60 million dollar deal with Lakers, ending his Sixers tenure

BOSTON, MA - APRIL 19: Quentin Grimes #5 of the Philadelphia 76ers during Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on April 19, 2026 in Boston, 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. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Yeah, that might be a bit rich for our blood.

ESPN’s Shams Charania has reported that Quentin Grimes will be signing a four-year, $60 million dollar deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, ending his Sixers tenure after two seasons. The Lakers were one of two suitors rumored to be interested in Grimes, along with the Miami Heat. The night before he signed, Jake Fischer reported again he expected Grimes to LA.

Grimes’ eventual departure to LA was reported before the Sixers made any moves, but using part of their mid-level exception to sign Dean Wade all but sealed Grimes’ fate. Whether they signed Wade or not, that was probably not a number the Sixers were ever going to match. The Lakers have been big spenders so far this summer, also handing out deals to Walker Kessler, Sandro Mamukelashvili and Collin Sexton.

With Grimes gone and Wade signed, the quickest breakdown of the Sixers’ cap situation is that they have $16.3 million to spend before hitting the first apron where they’re hard capped, plus the ~$6 million they have left on their mid-level exception after the signings of Wade and center Ariel Hukporti. They could also access the bi-annual exception ($5.5 million).

Grimes arrived in Philadelphia at the trade deadline during the 2024-25 season, but didn’t really get to play with the real version of this team until 2025-26. Averaging 21.9 points per game for the hospital Sixers appeared to set up Grimes pretty well for restricted free agency, but not many offers came Grimes’ way and he came back to the Sixers on the qualifying offer.

Despite a pretty up-and-down season, mostly in a sixth man role, Grimes was the only playable guard off the bench for the Sixers in the playoffs. He was great down the stretch in Game 5 of round one against Boston, but couldn’t string it together consistently as he shot 39% from the field in the playoffs.

LA will certainly provide a bigger role for Grimes than coming back to play with a backcourt of Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe and Labaron Philon Jr, but the Sixers will miss his two-way ability should they not be able to replace it.

Poor Cuz Gets Richer: Veteran Winger Nick Cousins Signs A Two-Year Deal

The Senators made it official on Wednesday morning. They've signed forward Nick Cousins to a two-year contract extension. The deal kicks in this fall and is worth an oddly specific total of $1.5875 million per season.

It's a decent raise for Cousins, who's 33 next month, and has obviously proven his worth to Sens management in his effective bottom six role. He's coming off back-to-back one-year deals with the club and has spoken openly about his desire to stay, ideally with some term.

Cousins didn't miss a game this season, putting up nine goals, 23 points and a career-high 92 penalty minutes. With Brady Tkachuk now gone, the Sens could ill afford to lose any more edge up front, and Cousins has never been an easy man to play against. In fact, he was voted as having the NHL's most punchable face for two years running.

“Nick has proven his value to our hockey club over the past two seasons," GM Steve Staios said in a prepared club statement. "He brings Stanley Cup-winning experience and is an important player inside our dressing room."

In parts of 12 NHL seasons, Cousins has collected 86 goals and 218 points with seven different clubs. He's also played for the Florida Panthers, Arizona Coyotes, Montreal Canadiens, Vegas Golden Knights, and Nashville Predators.

A member of the Panthers, Cousins won a Stanley Cup ring in 2024.

By Steve Warne
The Hockey News

This article was first published on The Hockey News Ottawa Senators site. For full coverage of the Senators check out one of the latest headlines below:

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MLB Strikeout Props & Pitcher Best Bets for Today, July 1

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This evening, we’re looking to back steady, consistent arms while fading a few of the game’s more vulnerable starters.

Headlined by another strong outing from veteran right-hander Zack Wheeler, here are my favorite MLB player props and MLB picks for Wednesday, July 1. 

Best MLB strikeout props and starting pitcher picks today

Player PickOdds
Phillies Zack WheelerOver 7.5 strikeouts+114
Diamondbacks Zac GallenUnder 3.5 strikeouts-103
Athletics J.T. GinnOver 3.5 earned runs+122

Strikeout Prop: Zack Wheeler Over 7.5 strikeouts (+114)

One of the most reliable strikeout pitchers in all of baseball is Zack Wheeler. The Philadelphia Phillies right-hander enters Wednesday with an elite pitcher and strikeout rating on Batters-Box.

In 34 elite-rated starts, the veteran has reached at least six strikeouts in 88.24% of games, seven strikeouts in 70.59%, and eight strikeouts in 50%.

Overall this season, the Phillies starter has carried a 29% K rate at home. Tonight, he draws a Pittsburgh Pirates lineup that has been extremely swing-happy. Over their last six games, they have a 30.6% strikeout rate.

Getting plus money in this spot offers a strong opportunity to back eight Ks from one of the most consistent pitchers in the game.

  • Time: 6:40 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: NBCSP, SNP

Strikeout Prop: Zac Gallen Under 3.5 strikeouts (-103)

Despite not being the flashiest offense in baseball, the San Francisco Giants do one thing well: they don't strike out.

In their last 30 plate appearances against right-handed pitching, only three bats sit above a 26% strikeout rate. Six are under 20%, and four are under 13.3%.

Luis Arraez in that stretch? 0%.

On the other side, Zac Gallen has struggled all season, posting a 5.27 ERA and a 1.46 WHIP at home. Over his last three starts, the Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander owns a 9.18 ERA, 7.82 xERA, and 1.68 WHIP. In his last five outings, his strikeout rate sits at 7.75%.

Snagging nearly even money on a pitcher who has struggled this much all season long is a strong look, even playable down to -110 if needed.

  • Time: 9:40 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: ARID, NBCSBA

Pitcher Prop: J.T. Ginn Over 3.5 earned runs (+122)

The level of heat the Los Angeles Dodgers are bringing right now is reason enough to take a look at them scoring 4+ runs against J.T. Ginn this evening. If you're worried about an error or any shenanigans, the F5 team total Over is the cleaner angle.

The Dodgers enter today with four elite-rated hitters and the highest-rated offense in Batters-Box default ratings. Over their last six games, they're posting a 153 wRC+, .388 wOBA, and .890 OPS.

Ginn owns a 4.32 xERA and a 1.62 WHIP at home with the Athletics this season. With how hot the Dodgers have been, asking them to clear just above their first five-inning run average at plus money is a risk worth taking.

  • Time: 9:40 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: NBCSCA, SNLA
Colby Marchio's 2026 Transparency Record
  • Prop picks: 248-477, -21.3 units 

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

Red Wings Bring Back Carter Mazur On Two-Year Extension

As the free agency window opened on Wednesday, the Detroit Red Wings announced they have re-signed forward Carter Mazur to a two-year contract with a $875,000 cap hit. 

The deal brings back the 24-year-old Jackson, Michigan native on a team-friendly pact as he looks to finally establish himself with the franchise he grew up watching and dreaming of playing for.

Mazur is a Michigan kid through and through, and the Red Wings represent far more than just an employer. After the organization elected not to extend him a qualifying offer, the decision to circle back and bring him back on a new deal speaks to the belief Detroit still holds in what Mazur can be when healthy, and perhaps to the belief that his passion for this particular organization is worth betting on.

When Mazur has been on the ice and at full strength, he has looked every bit the part of a legitimate NHL contributor. Over 16 games, the former third-round pick in the 2021 NHL Draft posted 11 goals and five assists for a point-per-game pace that would rank among the more productive stretches by any Red Wings forward this past season. He added six points in eight playoff games, further reinforcing that his game translates when the stakes are highest. 

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

His game is built on grit, physicality and a competitive edge that resonates in the modern NHL, where teams increasingly value forwards who can contribute offensively while also bringing a nasty, hard-to-play-against element every shift.

Mazur suffered an injury during his debut with the Red Wings in the 2024-25 season and was unable to return, a cruel interruption to what had been a promising introduction at the NHL level. The health question mark remains the central uncertainty surrounding his game, but the underlying talent and compete level have never been in serious doubt.

At $875,000 per season, Detroit is taking on minimal financial risk while keeping a player whose combination of skill, physicality and hometown motivation makes him a compelling possibility for the bottom six.

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Game Thread: White Sox (45-39) at Orioles (39-48)

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - MAY 24: Noah Schultz #22 of the Chicago White Sox takes the sign from the catcher during the game between the Chicago White Sox and the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Kavin Mistry/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
The White Sox hand the ball to rookie Noah Schultz as they chase a sweep in Baltimore. | MLB Photos via Getty Images

The White Sox are staring down their first road sweep of the year, with an 11:35 a.m. CT breakfast special in Baltimore. They’ve already bagged their first road series win since the Padres in early May, and now the South Siders have a shot to roll into Cleveland with some road win momentum.

Noah Schultz, fresh off the injured list (right knee patellar tendinitis, if you’re keeping score), gets the nod. He tossed three rehab starts in Charlotte, posting a 4.00 ERA and 1.33 WHIP. He had some pop last time out, allowing two runs on three hits, with seven punchouts in 4 2/3 innings. Before the knee went sideways, Schultz was 2-4 with a 5.82 ERA in 38 2/3 innings. The fastball still hums at 95 mph, the pedigree is real, but command has still been a struggle. Big leaguers have been happy to watch him miss, and the walks pile up. The plan today is not rocket science. He needs to get ahead, fill the zone, and let the slider eat once he’s in control. If Schultz can actually throw strike one and keep the freebies to a minimum, the Sox might just finish the job.

Baltimore throws Dean Kremer at Chicago, making his first big league start since April 18 after a two-month right quad strain vacation. He carved up Triple-A Norfolk in rehab (1.83 ERA, 0.86 WHIP) and has been a sneaky steady arm for the O’s since coming over in the Manny Machado deal. Kremer isn’t going to blow anyone away as he lives on command, not gas. He doesn’t rack up strikeouts, but he fills the zone, gets chases with his offspeed, and keeps barrels quiet. For the South Siders, patience is the whole game. Don’t go fishing for his junk, make him throw the heater for strikes, and jump on mistakes. If they can lay off the soft stuff and wait for something hittable, they’ll have a shot against a guy who wins with location, not velocity.

Chicago’s offense has found its rhythm of late. Six wins in eight games, 17 runs in two nights, and everyone’s chipping in. Jacob Gonzalez just put up back-to-back three-RBI games, and Andrew Benintendi is finally alive with three hits on Tuesday. Still not a great value at $75 million, but he seems to be having fun and providing some solid veteran leadership in the dugout. If the bats can keep this up this afternoon, maybe, just maybe, they can finish off their first road sweep of the year. So, here’s how skipper Will Venable will send them out to try to do just that against Kremer.

And for the O’s.

First pitch is 11:35 a.m. CT. Watch on CHSN or catch the call on ESPN Chicago AM 1000.

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Report: Penguins sign free agent defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk

WASHINGTON, D.C. - APRIL 12: Trevor Van Riemsdyk #57 of the Washington Capitals controls the puck in the second period against the Pittsburgh Penguins on April 12, 2026 at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Penguins have reportedly made a signing just as the 12 noon window of free agency opens. Veteran defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk, formerly of Washington, is said to be signing with the Pens.

TvR was featured on Pensburgh just yesterday as a free agent name to watch:

Trevor van Riemsdyk

AFP Projection: $2.36 million AAV for two years

van Riemsdyk turns 35 next month, not sure how much appetite the Penguins would have with a two-year contract for him but he’s got some size (6’3”, 210 pounds) and 751 games of experience that would add some depth to shore up the right side of their defense with skating ability and a history of strong defensive impacts. The Penguins don’t currently have that many defenseman in a ‘5/6’ type of role that could shade more into being used as a ‘5’, van Riemsdyk could be a nice short-term patch and insurance if 20-year old Harrison Brunicke needs more AHL developmental time.

van Riemsdyk is the second right handed defenseman to join the team in as many days after the acquisition of Kaeden Korczak via a trade from Vegas.

This first move is sure to not be the last of the offseason, or possibly day for Pittsburgh. Kyle Dubas and the team stated a goal to add more depth to the blueline in hopes to improve their goals and chances against, it looks like that overhaul is well under way.

Update: looks like a two-year deal for $4.0 million AAV.

Game 87 Game Day Thread – Texas Rangers @ Cleveland Guardians

Jun 30, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Texas Rangers left fielder Alejandro Osuna (19) catches a ball hit by Cleveland Guardians first baseman Kyle Manzardo (not pictured) during the sixth inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images | Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Texas Rangers @ Cleveland Guardians

Wednesday, July 01, 2026, 12:10 PM CDT (105.3 The Fan / Rangers Sports Network)

Progressive Field

LHP MacKenzie Gore vs. LHP Joey Cantillo

Today’s Lineups

RANGERSGUARDIANS
Justin Foscue – 2BDavid Fry – LF
Josh Jung – 3BChase DeLauter – RF
Ezequiel Duran – RFRhys Hoskins – 1B
Jake Burger – 1BKyle Manzardo – DH
Kyle Higashioka – DHBrayan Rocchio – SS
Cameron Cauley – CFGabriel Arias – 3B
Alejandro Osuna – LFKahlil Watson – CF
Elias Diaz – CAustin Hedges – C
Nicky Lopez – SSDaniel Schneemann – 2B
MacKenzie Gore – LHPJoey Cantillo – LHP

Go Rangers!

Flyers Sign Dan Vladar to $27.5 Million Extension After Breakout Campaign

Officially, the Philadelphia Flyers have locked down Dan Vladar as their starting goalie for the next five years.

On Wednesday, Vladar, 28, officially signed his five-year extension worth a total of $27.5 million ($5.5 million cap hit), after much anticipation locally and around the NHL.

Vladar signed with the Flyers on July 1, 2025 after four years with the Calgary Flames and one with the Boston Bruins, quickly emerging as their starter after displacing Sam Ersson.

In 52 games, and 51 starts, with the Flyers, Vladar went 29-14-7 with a 2.42 GAA and .906 save percentage, establishing new career-highs across the board while playing north of 30 games for the first time in his NHL career.

Flyers Miss Out On Top Forward Trade TargetFlyers Miss Out On Top Forward Trade TargetMavrik Bourque is officially no longer an option for the Flyers.

Vladar was even more effective in the Stanley Cup playoffs, backstopping the Flyers to a 4-6-0 record and defeating the Pittsburgh Penguins in six games in Round 1 to the tune of a 2.18 GAA, .922 save percentage, and two shutouts.

Earlier this offseason, the Flyers traded for Joseph Woll to serve as Vladar's backup, with prospects Carson Bjarnason, Egor Zavragin, Aleksei Kolosov, Martin Psohlavec, and Marek Sklenicka developing behind them.

According to PuckPedia, Vladar will have a full no-move clause in the first two years, a 15-team no-trade list in Year 3, a 10-team no-trade list in Year 4, and a five-team no-trade list in Year 5, giving the Flyers trade flexibility as he ages.

Vladar will be an unrestricted free agent in 2032 at the age of 34.

Lakers agree to $52 million contract with Sandro Mamukelashvili

The Lakers have agreed to terms on a four-year, $52 million contract with free agent big man Sandro Mamukelashvili.

The Lakers have agreed to terms on a four-year, $52 million contract with free agent big man Sandro Mamukelashvili.

The 6-foot-9, 240-pound Mamukelashvili is coming off of a career-year with the Raptors. 

His scoring average (11.2 points), field goal percentage (52.3%), steals average (.8) and blocks average (.5) with Toronto in 2025-26 were all career-best marks. 

The Lakers have agreed to terms on a four-year, $52 million contract with free agent big man Sandro Mamukelashvili. Getty Images

Mamukelashvili, the No. 54 pick in the 2021 draft, has emerged as a reliable three-level scorer, good passer and strong rebounder after playing for the Bucks, Spurs and Raptors. 

While there are defensive concerns, he’ll likely be a reliable bench option who’ll play at the 4 or 5. 


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