Checking in on Chris Hacopian a month into his professional career

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 24: Chris Hacopian of the Washington Nationals signs autographs prior to the game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on Friday, July 24, 2026 in Washington, District of Columbia. (Photo by Olivia Vega/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

Almost two months ago, Paul Toboni made local product Chris Hacopian his first draft pick. He took the Maryland and Texas A&M slugger 11th overall thanks to his intriguing blend of hitting ability, plate discipline and raw power. About a month into Hacopian’s professional career, he has been as advertised for better or worse.

Baseball America wrote an article where they checked in on the top 30 picks from the 2026 draft. Hacopian’s section had some very interesting details. They wrote that he had the highest 90th percentile exit velocity at 106 MPH and the lowest in zone swing and miss rate at 9.8%. That sort of power combined with elite contact skills and a good approach is a rare commodity.

Despite those highly impressive metrics, Hacopian’s actual production at High-A has been solid but not eye popping. He is hitting .275 with a .396 OBP and a .746 OPS. Hacopian is holding his own in a tough Wilmington hitting environment. However, he is also not dominating through his first 13 games.

There is one big reason for that and it is his batted ball profile. Hacopian hits a lot of ground balls and low line drives. He also very rarely pulls the baseball, especially not in the air. 87.6% of Hacopian’s batted balls are either going up the middle or the other way. His ground ball rate is also 48.4%. 

For Hacopian to turn his impressive exit velocities into actual power production, that will have to change. This is not a massive surprise though. Hacopian’s batted ball profile was always seen as the weak point of an otherwise very strong offensive profile. This offseason, I would imagine that this will be a big point of emphasis for him. The Nats new regime has also proven to be able to help hitters elevate and pull more often.

Luis Garcia Jr., Jacob Young and even Dylan Crews have all seen major drops in their ground ball rates. On the minor league side of things, Seaver King is an example of a player who is elevating the baseball a lot more. As we go into next season, I think we will see Hacopian take steps in that regard.

On the rare occasions that Hacopian does pull the ball in the air, he does a ton of damage. His first pro home run was a no doubt shot to left field. When Hacopian does turn on the ball, it is a beautiful thing to watch. He leaves little doubt when he gets all of a baseball.

If Hacopian can optimize his batted balls, there are really not a lot of holes in his game. As we have talked about, he hits the ball very hard and rarely whiffs. The 22 year old is also very disciplined, especially for a hitter that makes so much contact. In his first taste of pro ball, Hacopian is only chasing 22.7% of the time. 

While Hacopian was seen by many as a floor over ceiling pick, I actually disagree in some ways. If he reaches his offensive ceiling, Hacopian can flirt with being a .300 hitter while hitting 25 homers. That is All-Star level production. However, there is quite a bit of pressure on his bat due to his limited defense and lack of athleticism.

So far, Hacopian has been about what we expected coming out of college. He puts together great at bats, makes a ton of contact and hits the ball hard. All the pieces of a great hitter are here. However, he needs some more refinement is needed to reach his ceiling.

Hacopian is a player I cannot wait to see next season. If he makes strides with his batted ball profile, he could have the ability to move very quickly. An early 2028 or even late 2027 call up is not totally out of the picture. 

Chris Hacopian is a pure hitter, and he has shown that in the minors. Just like his entire career, Hacopian’s strikeout and walk numbers are pristine. In 40 AB’s he has 8 strikeouts and 8 walks. That is a staple of his game and it is a profile I cannot wait to see in the big leagues.

In his pro career, Chris Hacopian has looked the part. His numbers do not jump off the page, but when you look into the underlying data, you see why the Nats drafted him. The Maryland kid has a rare combination of skills that will make him a joy to watch in the batters box.

Clarke Schmidt is getting ready to give Yankees’ bullpen a boost

NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 21: Assistant pitching coach Preston Claiborne of the New York Yankees watches Clarke Schmidt #36 of the New York Yankees warm up before the game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium on August 21, 2026 in New York, New York. (Photo by New York Yankees/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Yankees can use all the relief pitching help they can get these days. Due to injuries, it seems like they are always improvising to fill the unit with reliable arms, signing or claiming guys such as Justin Topa (already DFA’d), Michael Fulmer, and John Schreiber in the last week or so.

They need some stability in the mid-to-late innings. Fortunately, one of their homegrown guys is getting ready and shaping up as an option at the right time: Clarke Schmidt. At the moment, Cam Schlittler, Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, Max Fried, Will Warren, and Elmer Rodríguez are ahead of the 2017 first-round pick in the rotation depth chart, with Ryan Weathers potentially rejoining the staff in a few weeks, too. That’s why the organization has already said Schmidt is ticketed for the bullpen when he returns.

To be fair, that’s probably where he’s needed the most. The Yankees’ rotation is better than their bullpen, and they could certainly use an established starter with (successful) relief pitching experience to get through some of the toughest outs in the late innings.

Schmidt, who moved his rehab to Triple-A and pitched two solid innings in which he allowed one run and struck out three on Wednesday, already had a strong season as a bullpen piece back in 2022. That year, he pitched 29 games, starting just three, and posted a 3.12 ERA and a 3.60 FIP in 57.2 innings. He walked 23 and struck out 56.

While it’s true that Schmidt didn’t have a good postseason that year, allowing three runs (and two homers) in three games and 2.1 innings, he is much more mature at this point in his career. After that showing, he has logged three seasons as a starter with mixed but mostly positive results.

A role in relief would allow Schmidt to throw harder in short spurts and maybe focus on some specific pitches, such as the cutter, the knuckle curve, the slider, and the sweeper, with a few four-seamers sprinkled in.

After posting a 26.3 percent strikeout rate in 2024 and a 23.1 mark last year as a starter, Schmidt has some exciting strikeout potential as a reliever, throwing fewer innings at max effort, with the pitching know-how he has gotten over the years. God knows the Yankees need someone who can get some swings and misses in the back of the bullpen.

It’s unclear if manager Aaron Boone will use him as a traditional one-inning reliever or as a multi-inning weapon, but he can thrive in any role. For that to happen, however, he needs to get through his rehab without any setbacks.

Before the two solid frames he racked up on Wednesday for the RailRiders, he had only pitched one game in Double-A, surrendering two runs in 0.2 frames. He is still working his way back from a long layoff following elbow surgery last year, and it stands to reason that he could be rusty whenever he returns to the bigs.

Since Schmidt won’t be starting this year, or at least that’s not the plan at the moment, he is not expected to need too many additional rehab appearances before being ready for activation. In fact, depending on how he feels, there’s a tiny chance his next outing comes in the majors, even though it’s unlikely.

He’ll probably return to starting next year. For now, however, he will help a unit that has the best ERA in the league this season at 3.08, but was 11th with a 3.67 mark in August. As good as the relief corps has been as a whole, the group clearly could use support now, and Schmidt is solid bet to provide it.

Long Island Nets acquire Brooklyn Summer Leaguer Dwight Murray Jr.

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 19: Dwight Murray Jr. #26 of the Brooklyn Nets handles the ball during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on July 19, 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 2026 NBAE (Photo by Tom O'Connor/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

While the Long Island Nets don’t begin their 2026-27 season until November 6, the team’s roster is beginning to take shape.

As shared in a Thursday press release, Long Island has acquired guard Dwight Murray Jr. and a 2026 first-round pick in the G League Draft from the College Park Skyhawks in exchange for a 2026 first-rounder (via Cleveland) and a 2027 second-round pick.

Standing at 6’0” and 181 pounds, Murray has appeared in 90 career G League games (51 starts) across two seasons with the Skyhawks. Throughout his career in the G League, the 26-year-old has averaged 8.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 5.0 assists in 23.5 minutes per game. A Georgia native, he played college ball at Rider in Lawrence Township, N.J.

In the 2025 Tip-Off Tournament, Murray tallied 96 assists, tied for the ninth-most in the G League. He earned an invite to the Brooklyn Nets’ Summer League squad, appearing in two games while averaging 5.0 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists on 33.3% shooting from the field and a 40% mark from beyond the arc throughout 15.7 minutes.

It’s also important to keep in mind that Long Island’s first-year head coach, Shawn Swords, was an assistant on Brooklyn’s Summer League staff, so there’s already some familiarity between him and Murray.

This wasn’t the only trade of the week for Long Island, as the team announced Tuesday that they acquired a first-round pick in the 2027 NBA G League Draft from the Santa Cruz Warriors and the returning player rights to guard Joey Calcaterra from the Memphis Hustle in a three-team trade. Long Island traded the returning player rights to guard Yuri Collins to Memphis.

Calcaterra, 27, hasn’t produced at the same level Murray has throughout his G League career. Across 28 career games, Calcaterra has averaged just 3.0 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 0.8 assists in 10.8 minutes per game, shooting 37.5% from the field and 32.1% from deep.

Long Island’s roster is starting to come together. Aside from Murray and Calcaterra, Brooklyn has filled two of its three two-way spots with forwards Chaney Johnson and second-round rookie Tyler Bilodeau.

The Nets also signed 6’9” Nick Pringle out of Arkansas to an Exhibit 10 contract, putting him in line to spend time with Long Island.

In July, the organization selected 6’4” guard Tidjiane Dioumassi in the G League’s International Draft.

Then, there is Grant Nelson. The 24-year-old has agreed to a training camp deal, according to Chinese media, although NetsDaily can’t confirm that report. He spent time with both Brooklyn and Long Island last season, but his year was cut short due to patellar tendinitis.

Also, it is fair to assume that some members of the Flatbush 5 will spend some time at the Nassau Coliseum this year along with the No. 28 overall pick in this year’s draft, Joshua Jefferson. And three other members of the Nets Summer League roster have also reportedly agreed to Exhibit 10 deals: Dion Brown, a 6’4” combo guard out of St. Louis and two 6’9” bigs: Ben Humrichaus, a wing who played for Illinois last season, and Dain Dainja, a power forward/center who played for the Sioux Falls Skyforce, the Heat’s G League club.

Overall, there should be no shortage of young talent cycling through Long Island this year.

Jays @ Guardians Game Thread

CLEVELAND, OHIO, UNITED STATES - 2016/10/07: City skyline and the Cuyahoga River. (Photo by John Greim/LightRocket via Getty Images) | LightRocket via Getty Images

We have a very early game today. Living in the west, I hate these games cause they get in the way of what I’d normally be doing. But then, today I don’t feel like doing anything. I have been going to gym a fair bit lately, as I’m playing squash this winter, and I’ve reached the age where it is pretty tough on the body and I have to be in as good of cardio shape as I can get and get my strength up, because, at my age, knees and stuff tend to hurt if I’m not strong. Or I could give up on squash.

Anyway, there is a game today, an important one. The Jays are 1.5 games back of the Guardians for the final Wild Card spot (the Rangers and Orioles are tied with the Jays). Being half a game out would be better than being 2.5 games out, not that they couldn’t come back from 2.5 back. We aren’t at the ‘they have to win every game to make the playoffs’ point of the season yet. Which is good, because they won’t.

Jose Soriano has a 4.13 ERA in his five starts with the Jays. Teams are hitting .271/.345/.364 against him, which is better than they were hitting off him as an Angel. But then, small sample size and all.

Tanner Bibee has a 3.88 ERA but a 5-14 record in 28 starts. The Guardians are only scoring 3.07 runs per game in his starts. Since they are averaging 4.05 runs per game on the season, Tanner’s being hard done by.

Lineups:

Today’s Lineups

BLUE JAYSGUARDIANS
Brett Bateman – CFSteven Kwan – CF
Nathan Lukes – RFChase DeLauter – RF
Vladimir Guerrero – 1BJose Ramirez – DH
Jesus Sanchez – LFJo Adell – LF
Sean Keys – DHNathaniel Lowe – 1B
Josh Smith – 3BAngel Genao – 3B
Andres Gimenez – SSTravis Bazzana – 2B
Ernie Clement – 2BAustin Hedges – C
Brandon Valenzuela – CBrayan Rocchio – SS
Jose Soriano – RHPTanner Bibee – RHP

Go Jays Go.

Brewers vs Cubs Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight's MLB Game

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The I-94 Rivalry wraps up tonight at Wrigley Field (7:15 p.m. ET), with the Milwaukee Brewers laid as short road favorites over the Chicago Cubs. 

Expect another high-scoring battle in the Friendly Confines as my top Brewers vs. Cubs prediction and MLB picks are backing Milwaukee to lock up the series win.

Who will win Brewers vs Cubs today: Brewers moneyline (50.7%)

For help understanding probabilities, see our odds calculator.

The Milwaukee Brewers have a sizable pitching edge in this series finale.

Twenty-four-year-old Logan Henderson has allowed just three runs across his past three starts while posting an elite 2.82 xERA that’s right in line with his 2.73 year-long mark, ranking fifth among starters with at least 70 innings pitched.

Chicago Cubs veteran Kevin Gausman hasn’t been nearly as consistent, and he’s allowed three runs or more in three of his five starts with the club for a solid but unspectacular 3.69 xERA and 3.60 xFIP.

Both offenses are raking, and 47 runs have scored through the first three games of the series, so I’m siding with the superior starter tonight and would back the Brewers to 54.5%.

Covers COVERS INTEL: Henderson ranks eighth in xOBP and 19th in xwOBA among pitchers with 50 innings pitched this season.

Brewers vs Cubs Over/Under pick: Over 8.5 (49.8%)

Even with both starters showing excellent underlying numbers, I still expect both teams to put runs on the board.

Chicago ranks second in xwOBA over the past 30 days, and Milwaukee checks in at seventh.

Additionally, the teams have emptied their bullpens through the first three games of the series, with the Cubs relying on relievers for 12 innings and Milwaukee's pitching 14.

As a result, late-innings runs are also in the cards tonight.

Brewers vs Cubs home run prediction: Brice Turang (11.1%)

Brewers second baseman Brice Turang has hit 16 of his 17 homers against righties this season with a high-end .216 ISO, and he’s eyeing statistical correction at the dish with just a single home run across his past 26 games. With Gausman allowing a .204 ISO to left-handed hitters since joining the Cubs, the matchup checks out, too.

MLB betting analyst Josh Inglis also highlighted Cubs star Alex Bregman (15%) to go deep tonight in his Home Run Props & Predictions article.

Neil Parker's 2026 Transparency Record
  • ML/RL bets: 50-22, +30.08 units
  • Over/Under bets: 23-21, +0.54 units

Brewers vs Cubs market trends

The smart money at Polymarket is fully aligned on the Brewers in tonight's matchup against the Cubs, according to the latest market trends:

Brewers vs Cubs weather

The weather forecast calls for a first-pitch temperature around 71 degrees and gentle 6-mph crosswinds blowing out to left field as the game progresses at Wrigley Field tonight. Overall, these are neutral conditions for hitters.

Brewers vs Cubs odds

  • Moneyline: Brewers 53.5% | Cubs 51.2%
  • Run line: Brewers -1.5 (40.8%) | Cubs +1.5 (63%)
  • Over/Under: Over 8.5 (54.5%) | Under 8.5 (50%)

Brewers vs Cubs trend

The Milwaukee Brewers have won 13 of their last 19 games (+6.25 Units / 23% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Brewers vs. Cubs.

How to watch Brewers vs Cubs and game info

LocationWrigley Field, Chicago, IL
DateThursday, September 3, 2026
First pitch7:15 p.m. ET
TVFOX
Brewers starting pitcherLogan Henderson
(9-2, 2.48 ERA)
Cubs starting pitcherKevin Gausman
(8-11, 4.52 ERA)

Brewers vs Cubs latest injuries

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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Brewers vs. Cubs prediction: Odds, recent stats, trends, and best bets for September 3

The Chicago Cubs (78-62) took the field Tuesday for the second game of their four-game series against the NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers (87-53) fresh off a 17-3 win that pulled them to within seven games of the division lead. Far-fetched to believe the division was within reach but at the very least, the Cubs were on their way to sending a message to the Brewers. A couple days and a couple of lopsided losses later, and the Cubs sit nine games behind the Brewers. Their reality today is to avoid losing the series at Wrigley to Milwaukee.

 

The Brewers scored nine runs for the second consecutive game against the Cubs last night, winning 9-5. The star of the evening was Jackson Chourio, who continued his torrid start to September (6-11) with four hits including a home run and two runs scored. Chourio has now hit safely in seven games (14-33). William Contreras and Christian Yelich each chipped in with a couple of hits as Milwaukee totaled 14 hits for the evening. Jake Bauers was the only starter not to pick up a hit for the Brew Crew…but he did walk three times.

 

Logan Henderson (9-2, 2.48 ERA) takes the mound for Milwaukee today. The righthander has been a revelation this season and of late he has been elite. He has allowed single runs in each of his last three starts totaling 20 innings in the process. For the season, opponents have managed just 49 hits against him over 76.1 innings. Kevin Gausman (8-11, 4.52 ERA) is expected to start for the Cubs. The righthander has been inconsistent since arriving in Chicago at the Trade Deadline. Last Saturday, he allowed five runs in five innings against the Reds but the start before he threw seven shutout innings in Phoenix against the Diamondbacks.

 

Lets dive into tonight’s matchup and find a sweat or two.

 

We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch first pitch, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

 

Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long.

 

Game Details and How to Watch: Brewers vs. Cubs

  • Date: Thursday, September 3, 2026
  • Time: 7:15PM EST
  • Site: Wrigley Field
  • City: Chicago, IL
  • Network/Streaming: MLB.TV, FOX

 

Peacock offers one of the most comprehensive live sports streaming lineups available today, bringing together the NFL, NBA, MLB, WNBA, Premier League, NCAA football, NCAA basketball, golf, motorsports, and major global sporting events in a single service.

 

The Latest Odds: Brewers vs. Cubs – September 3

The latest odds as of Thursday courtesy of DraftKings:

  • Moneyline: Milwaukee Brewers (-115), Chicago Cubs (-105)
  • Spread: Brewers -1.5 (+148), Cubs +1.5 (-180)
  • Total: 8.5 runs

 

Starting Pitchers and their Stats: Brewers vs. Cubs for September 3

  • Brewers: Logan Henderson
    Season Totals: 76.1 IP, 9-2, 2.48 ERA, 0.83 WHIP, 86K, 14 BB
  • Cubs: Kevin Gausman
    Season Totals: 155.1 IP, 8-11, 4.52 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 156K, 43 BB

Who’s Hot? Who’s Not! Brewers vs. Cubs

  • Jackson Chourio is hitting .348 over his last 10GP
  • Logan Henderson has struck out 7+ hitters in 5 of his last 7 starts
  • Gary Sanchez, Andrew Vaughn, and Jake Bauers have each homered in their careers against Kevin Gausman
  • Brice Turang has struck out 6 times in 9ABs against Gausman
  • Kevin Gausman has struck out 6+ hitters in 3 of his last 4 starts
  • Pete Crow-Armstrong is 2-12 in this series
  • Alex Bregman is riding a 6-game hitting streak (11-28)

 

Rotoworld still has you covered with all the latest MLB player news for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!

 

Top Betting Trends & Insights: Brewers vs. Cubs

  • The Brewers are 74-66 on the Run Line this season
  • The Cubs are 67-73 on the Run Line this season
  • The OVER has cashed 62 times in games involving Milwaukee this season (62-74-4)
  • The OVER has cashed 78 times in games involving the Cubs this season (78-60-2)

 

Expert picks & predictions: Brewers vs. Cubs

Rotoworld Bet Best Bet

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Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information and weather forecasts.
 

Once the model is finished running, we put its projection next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for tonight’s game between the Brewers and the Cubs:

  • Moneyline: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Brewers on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: Rotoworld Bet is staying away from a play on the Run Line.
  • Total: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Game Total OVER 8.5.

 

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Dave Roberts to consult trainers and Shohei Ohtani, weighing a day off after 4-strikeout game

LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts saw a physically compromised Shohei Ohtani at the plate the four-time MVP was 0 for 4 with four strikeouts.

He plans to have a conversation with the training staff and Ohtani to “really try to figure out where he’s at physically” and weigh giving him a day off, although Roberts said he doesn’t think a stint on the injured list is necessary.

“I saw the same thing that everyone saw,” Roberts said after an 8-6 loss in 10 innings to the St. Louis Cardinals. “You could see the swing wasn’t the swing that we’re used to seeing. He’s not close to optimal.”

The two-way superstar hasn’t pitched in a game since July 3 because of lingering pain in his left knee and right biceps, which may be affecting his offense. He is hitting .279 after striking out four consecutive times for the first time this season.

“I know he feels that he needs to post and be in the lineup and if he’s upright he should play,” Roberts said. “I respect that, but if he’s feeling the way that he visibly looks, then it’s really not helping anyone.”

Roberts had said he had no indication that Ohtani was physically ailing.

After the game, the manager said, “I’ve seen it over the last couple weeks where he hasn’t been who he is.”

Ohtani hasn’t spoken to the media in two weeks.

“I still feel there’s enough days on the calendar of the season that we have plenty of time to make whatever decision we make and to have him come out of it in a better spot,” Roberts said.

The Dodgers remain uncertain whether Ohtani will pitch again this season.

He threw a 20-pitch bullpen session but was scratched from a potential start at Detroit two days later. Roberts said that until he sees Ohtani throw another bullpen he won’t know the next step in his pitching progression.

Asked if it’s possible Ohtani won’t pitch again this season, Roberts said, “It’s an option.”

Before being shut down, Ohtani was 8-2 with a 1.79 ERA in 14 starts.

If Ohtani can’t start on the mound, would he be a candidate to play at an outfield corner?

“Not on the table right now,” Roberts said.

Ohtani hasn’t played the outfield in the major leagues since 2021, when he appeared there in seven games for the Los Angeles Angels.

If Ohtani isn’t physically capable of starting a game, it’s possible he could enter as a reliever.

If he starts as the designated hitter and then moves to the mound, the so-called Ohtani Rule would kick in and the Dodgers would lose their DH for the rest of the game. But if he moves from the mound to the outfield, he could remain in the lineup.

Amen Thompson gets huge contract extension: What it means for Rockets

Amen Thompson's rise in the NBA will continue with the Houston Rockets.

The Rockets and Thompson have come to terms on a new lucrative contract extension that will make the 23-year-old a franchise cornerstone for the foreseeable future, according to multiplereports on Thursday, September 3.

Thompson has agreed to sign a 5-year, $208-million contract extension with the Rockets, ESPN reported. The uber-athletic two-way guard was the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. He just completed the most productive season of his career, despite being playing out-of-position at point guard at times.

Here are more details on Thompson's new contract extension, as well as what it could mean for the Rockets this season and into the future:

Amen Thompson contract details

Thompson agreed to a 5-year, $208-million contract extension with the Rockets and it includes a 10% trade kicker, according to ESPN.

The deal carries an average annual value of $41.6 million, which is below what Thompson would have received had he signed a max contract extension. The new deal won't begin until the 2027-28 season. Thompson is set to earn about $12.2 million for the 2026-27 season as part of his rookie contract.

What Amen Thompson's contract extension means for Rockets

This contract locks Thompson in as one of the Rockets' foundational players moving forward along with Alperin Sengun, who the team signed to a long-term extension in October 2024. Thompson is already one of the league's best perimeter defenders and his athleticism can change the momentum of games on both ends of the floor.

That Houston got Thompson to agree to a deal below the maximum salary level is notable for future salary cap flexibility. It could become a relative bargain if Thompson's upward trajectory continues and he develops more as a shooter and ballhandler.

Amen Thompson stats

Thompson is coming off the best statistical season of his NBA career. He averaged a career-high 18.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.5 steals while appearing in a career-high 78 games for the Rockets during the 2025-26 season.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Amen Thompson gets huge contract extension: What it means for Rockets

Rangers sign winger Eeli Tolvanen for 1 year, $1.5 million

Eeli Tolvanen

Jan 31, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Seattle Kraken right wing Eeli Tolvanen (20) warms up before a game against the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Stephen R. Sylvanie/IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

NEW YORK — The New York Rangers agreed to terms with winger Eeli Tolvanen on a one-year, $1.5 million contract, the team announced.

The Rangers and Tolvanen reached the deal with a little more than two weeks before the start of training camp.

Tolvanen is coming off a 36-point season with Seattle, skating in 78 of 82 games. He set career highs with 23 goals in 2024-25 and 41 points in ’23-24.

Tolvanen figures to slot in on New York’s second or third line. The 27-year-old Finn is joining his third organization after being drafted by Nashville in 2017 and getting claimed off waivers by the Kraken in 2022.

Thursday Jays Notes

CLEVELAND, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 02: Josh Smith #9 of the Toronto Blue Jays celebrates with teammates after hitting a solo home run during the eighth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on September 02, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) | Getty Images

There isn’t much for Jays news this morning.

The starters against the Royals:

  • Friday: Likely Jameson Taillon (just off the IL, 3.38 ERA in two starts for the Jays) vs Daniel Lynch (3.06 ERA, 4-4, 51 games,5 starts, all in August with a 6.32 ERA in 15.2 innings).
  • Saturday: Max Scherzer (2-7, 6.16, coming off his best start of the season, 7 innings, 1 hit, 10 k) vs. Seth Lugo (6-8, 5.03).
  • Sunday: TBD vs Randy Dobnak (2-3, 2.65, 11 games, 9 starts). People on Twitter are suggesting that Johnny King would be on rotation for Sunday. He’s pitching in New Hampshire and isn’t on the 40-man roster. It would be a big step to start his clock and all, but, you know, they need wins and should use whoever they think will give them their best chance to win.

And, our weekly Anthony Santander rumour:


Today’s lineups:

Today’s Lineups

BLUE JAYSGUARDIANS
Brett Bateman – CFSteven Kwan – CF
Nathan Lukes – RFChase DeLauter – RF
Vladimir Guerrero – 1BJose Ramirez – DH
Jesus Sanchez – LFJo Adell – LF
Sean Keys – DHNathaniel Lowe – 1B
Josh Smith – 3BAngel Genao – 3B
Andres Gimenez – SSTravis Bazzana – 2B
Ernie Clement – 2BAustin Hedges – C
Brandon Valenzuela – CBrayan Rocchio – SS
Jose Soriano – RHPTanner Bibee – RHP

Brewers closer Trevor Megill named NL Reliever of the Month

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 02: Trevor Megill #29 of the Milwaukee Brewers delivers a pitch against the Chicago Cubs during the ninth inning at Wrigley Field on September 02, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) | Getty Images

For the first time this season, the Brewers have won one of MLB’s monthly awards, as closer Trevor Megill was named NL Reliever of the Month.

Megill, who got off to a truly dismal start this season, hasn’t allowed an earned run since July 22, a stretch spanning 14 outings (14 1/3 innings), with just one unearned run scoring in Milwaukee’s loss to the Mets last week. Over that stretch, Megill has allowed four hits and three walks (two of which came intentionally), striking out 11.

Megill has converted each of his last 17 save opportunities, bringing him to 25-for-27 in save chances this season. After allowing eight earned runs in his first six appearances (five innings) this season, Megill has allowed just five earned runs over his last 35 appearances (34 1/3 innings) for a 1.31 ERA and 1.14 FIP, picking up 44 strikeouts. The Brewers are also 30-5 in those appearances. A great turnaround for the 32-year-old veteran, who looks like he’ll finish with the best season of his career.

While many (including yours truly) believe Jacob Misiorowski should have won NL Pitcher of the Month back in May after going 5-0 with a sterling 0.23 ERA, allowing one run over 38 1/3 innings on just 14 hits and six walks while striking out 57, it instead went to the Phillies’ Cristopher Sánchez (4-0 with no earned runs over 39 innings on 25 hits and three walks, striking out 45).

And while Misiorowski won a pair of NL Player of the Week honors (and Jackson Chourio also picked one up in early June), Megill’s NL Reliever of the Month honor for August is the first monthly award for a Brewer since 2025, when Freddy Peralta was named NL Pitcher of the Month and Brice Turang was named NL Player of the Month for August (Jacob Misiorowski and Isaac Collins were also named NL Rookie of the Month in June & July, respectively).

Megill is also the first Brewer winner of the NL Reliever of the Month honor since Devin Williams won it in July 2023.

Connor Norby finally faces foe from 2024 trade

DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 02: Connor Norby #35 of the Colorado Rockies is seen on the field during the game between the Baltimore Orioles and the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Casey Paul/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

Connor Norby finally had an opportunity to square off against someone who will be forever linked to him.

Back in July 2024, when Norby was with Baltimore—the team that drafted him in the second round that year—the native of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, was traded to the Miami Marlins for Orioles pitcher Trevor Rogers. 

While still with the Marlins a year ago, Norby had a chance to possibly face the talented left-hander for the first time since the trade. But an injury to Norby the night before Rogers was scheduled to start the next day scrapped any such meeting. 

Fast forward the clock to August 2026 when Colorado acquired Norby from the Marlins in exchange for relief pitcher Victor Vodnik.

Finally, as destiny would have it, the paths for the two crossed on September 2 when both started for their respective teams as Baltimore and Colorado completed a three-game series at Coors Field. 

Rogers might have won the individual battle between the two but, in the end, Colorado won the battle of the game as Brett Sullivan’s two-out, two-run walkoff single capped a three-run 11th inning in the Rockies’ wild 6-5 come-from-behind win in the rubber game of the series.

Norby went hitless in three at bats against Rogers, who gave up just six hits and fanned a career-high 11 while issuing no walks in 6.2 innings. He left the game clinging to a 3-2 lead.

But the Orioles bullpen, just one out away from closing out the contest and a series win for the O’s, surrendered back-to-back doubles to Cole Carrigg and Zac Veen to knot the game and send it to extra innings.

For his part, Norby made a key defensive play in the top of the 11th inning. With one out, he recorded an unassisted out at third base with runners on first and second bases after Baltimore had scored twice in the inning to take a 5-3 advantage.

In the bottom of the 11th, the Rockies third baseman was the placed runner at second base and scored on T.J. Rumfield’s single to bring Colorado within a run. Two outs later, Sullivan tallied his walkoff hit.

The day before his matchup with Rogers, Norby recalled that the two would see each other on the field for the first time after last year’s near miss while the ex-Oriole was still with the Marlins.

“I would have (faced him) but I broke my hand the night before so I missed that one,” the East Carolina product recalled. 

“He is really good and you can’t make it more than it is. I’m sure he probably looks at it that way, too. You can’t make the game bigger than what it is. It’s pitcher vs. hitter. My job is to put up a good at bat and that (Rogers) is a good arm.”

Rogers certainly left an impression on the Rockies on Wednesday, striking out six in a row at one point, including Colorado’s top 3 hitters in lineup in the sixth inning. He threw 71 of 94 pitches for strikes in his outing.

Norby fondly recalls his short stint with Baltimore—he played in just nine games in 2024 before being traded to the Marlins.

“This is now my third time playing them so I have seen them a couple of times,” he said. “It’s always good to see all those guys I came up with. There were a lot of them. We still stay in touch. You’re close with them so it’s always good to see them.”

Norby admits there might be a little added incentive when he matches up against the team that drafted him 41st overall in 2021.

“Does it mean a little more? Do I want to beat them a little bit more? Maybe,” he said.

The third-year MLB player has been pleased with his first month at 20th and Blake.

“I feel like it’s probably been my best month, collectively,” he said.

“I’m still young,” he added. “I’m still trying to make a name for myself and solidify myself. I feel like I am doing a lot of good things and I am giving them reasons to play me. So that’s always good.”

In his first 21 game with Colorado, Norby is slashing .223/.326/.681. He has scored 10 runs, has a pair of homers, 10 RBI and nine walks drawn.

Norby has reached base in 19 of those 21 games while hitting safely in 15 contests. He has compiled 12-game hitting and 15-game on-base streaks—both career highs—since joining the Rockies.

“I am keeping my strengths my strengths, and when I get into the game, taking those strengths—and what I do best—and playing my game,” he said. “I try not to play someone else’s game or be someone else.

“Just be me.”

After being acquired on August 3, Norby has already seen extensive action for the Rockies in his first month with the club. Do you see Norby as being a long-term answer in the infield for Colorado for 2027?

Let us know in the comments.


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San Francisco Giants vs. Pittsburgh Pirates: Blade Tidwell vs. Luke Bachar

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 26: Bryan Reynolds #10 of the Pittsburgh Pirates takes the field before the game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on August 26, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images

San Francisco Giants vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, September 3, 2026, 12:35 p.m. ET

Location: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA

Broadcast: KDKA AM/FM, Sportsnet Pittsburgh / MLB.TV

Pitching Matchup: Blade Tidwell (0-1, 4.54 ERA) vs. Luke Bachar (0-1, 3.74 ERA)

The Bucs are back in action today to wrap up their series against the San Francisco Giants. The Bucs currently sit at 68-72 and are 5.5 games out of a Wild Card spot with 22 games left in the season. Their chances are fast dwindling. Is it impossible? No. But there’s only a couple little grains of sands left in the hourglass. The Bucs need to get hot and they need to do it now.

Let’s hopefully raise it.

MLB Strikeout Props & Pitcher Best Bets for Today, Sept. 3

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It was back to the winning ways yesterday and one strikeout short of the sweep, but that doesn't matter as it's time for Thursday's profits in the pitcher and MLB player prop market, and I have all-day action.

Kade Anderson hasn't even shown his strikeout potential, but his third start might be a market low. Shane McClanahan has to be on a tight leash for a playoff run, and his strikeout market is falling, while Brandon Young's luck should run out in a pivotal series vs. Boston. 

These are my favorite pitcher props for Thursday, Sept. 3.

Best MLB strikeout props and starting pitcher picks today

Player PickOdds
Mariners Kade AndersonOver 5.5 strikeouts -105
Rays Shane McClanahanUnder 4.5 strikeouts+105
Orioles Brandon YoungUnder 17.5 outs-125

Strikeout prop: Kade Anderson Over 5.5 strikeouts (-105)

This projects as the best strikeout Over on the board today, with 6.56 Ks projected on 84 pitches, which could be a short pitch count.

The Mariners brought up their 2025 third-overall pick after he struck out 135 Double-A batters across 93 innings this year. This will be Kade Anderson's third start, and he has gone 81 and 85 pitches with eight Ks in each, while getting his best K-rate (K%) matchup today against the Athletics.

The lefty has faced the Cubs and Blue Jays, who are both among the 10 worst K-rate matchups for a pitcher. The A's own the seventh-worst K% against left-handed pitching at 24.6% and the seventh-worst K% on the road at 23.8%.

Anderson could see more than 85 pitches, but he can still get to six punchouts in just 15 outs in this matchup.

The market is respecting the projections and moving toward the Over, with some books as short as -140, closer to the -150 fair price. Anderson is a big reason why this Under 7.5 went on the free MLB picks page this morning.

  • Time: 9:40 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: Mariners.TV, NBCSCA

Strikeout prop: Shane McClanahan Under 4.5 strikeouts (+105)

This market is falling for good reason, as Shane McClanahan's leash, recent output, and projections point toward the Under.

The Tampa starter is being handled with baby gloves, as he has gone 80, 74, 57, 49, 71, and 87 pitches since the break while going 1-5 O/U on this strikeout total. The Rays are being careful with the oft-injured lefty and need him healthy for a playoff run.

McClanahan missed all of 2024 and 2025 due to Tommy John surgery and a nerve injury. He last threw 115 innings in 2023 and is already up to 113 innings this year, so it's easy to see why the organization is being cautious with him — especially with the Rays owning the best record in the AL.

THE BAT is projecting 79 pitches and 4.55 Ks today, making this a fair price around -120/-115.

  • Time: 8:05 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: Rangers Sports Network, Rays.TV

Pitcher out prop: Brandon Young Under 17.5 outs (-125)

Brandon Young has been one of the luckier pitchers in the second half of baseball, with an xERA more than a full point higher than his 3.33 ERA. He is giving up homers and has the worst HR/FB rate in the second half among any starter on today's slate.

Young is also a big part of why Neil Parker is backing the Red Sox on the ML in his Red Sox vs. Orioles predictions.

With Baltimore in a tight playoff race and all but two arms likely unavailable in the bullpen today, any issues could be enough to get the hook for a pitcher who is 50% to the Over since the break and has been on the good side of some luck.

The projection for the right-hander against the No. 2 scoring offense in the second half is 86 pitches and 15.68 outs, which would give bettors value on the Under if/when this number flips to 16.5.

If this gets any shorter on 17.5, I'd suggest waiting for the move to 16.5 and playing that to -110.

  • Time: 7:15 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: FOX
Josh Inglis' 2026 Transparency Record
  • Prop picks: 30-26, +6.52 units

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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Three Players the New Jersey Devils Should Hope Develop Further in Utica this Season

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 28: Shane Lachance #20 of the New Jersey Devils celebrates his goal with teammates on the bench in the third period against the Washington Capitals during a preseason game at Prudential Center on September 28, 2025 in Newark, New Jersey. The Washington Capitals defeated the New Jersey Devils 3-2 after a shootout. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The New Jersey Devils NHL roster is looking crowded for the time being, particularly after the acquisition of Luke Evangelista earlier this week. Even players who a couple of weeks ago seemed as though they could be on the NHL roster, such as Lenni Hameenaho and David Rittich, may find themselves in Utica for at least a part of the season due to contract situations. Unless a trade is made before or early in the season, there may not be a lot of room for call-ups this season even if injuries occur. In that case, some players might need to raise their games in the AHL to eventually get NHL time.

A full season in the AHL for someone like Rittich isn’t great for him, because he’s already the player he will be at this point in his career. For guys like Hameenaho, however, as younger players there are still areas for growth and adjustment within their game. The Devils have a number of prospects in Utica, all in different places in their development. Some will be NHL players some day while other may not; for today, let’s look at three players that I believe could use to take a step forward in Utica this season in order to eventually become NHL players. As a quick note, I’m not including Hameenaho on this list, as I think he still stands to realistically spend some time in the NHL, especially if the Devils do swing a trade early on.

Matyas Melovsky

Melovsky was a sixth round selection of the Devils not too long ago in 2024, and the 2025-26 season was his first as a pro. Utica struggled as a whole to start the campaign, but Melovsky still managed to put up a respectable 26 points in 55 games. He didn’t produce like a superstar by any means, but being tied for eighth in scoring on a struggling team as a rookie isn’t bad either. Melovsky played last season on an AHL deal, but his performance was good enough for him to earn a two year entry level NHL deal after the season concluded.

Matyas is interesting for sure because not much is expected from sixth round picks, but there’s always the potential for them to turn into something as well. While the Devils currently have enough NHL centers, it’s always good to have some useful players waiting in the pipeline, be it for call-up or trade purposes. If Melovsky can grow his scoring (I’d hope for at least 40-50 from him this season) while also continuing to develop the rest of his game, the Devils could find themselves with another late round gem who could contribute at the NHL level sooner rather than later.

Shane Lachance

Lachance is an interesting player for a different set of reasons as a forward. Originally a sixth round choice of the Oilers in 2021 (both forwards discussed today being sixth round picks is a coincidence, I swear), the Devils acquired him as part of the trade where they retained salary on Trent Frederic on his way from Boston to Edmonton. Lachance would sign his ELC with the Devils just over a month after the deal in April of 2025 after two years of NCAA hockey. While an older prospect, Lachance scored slightly less than Melovsky, with 25 points in 62 games.

Lachance is interesting because he provides a different skill set for the Devils; he brings a larger frame and he isn’t afraid to be at least somewhat physical. That’s not saying he’s a goon and he’s going to take runs at players, but it is to say that he’s willing to use his size and body to separate players from the puck. If Lachance adds a bit to his AHL point totals in a second full season with the Comets, he could be on an even faster track to New Jersey. A player on a cheap deal (Lachance will need a new deal for 2027-28) bringing physicality and Bottom Six scoring is always useful. It’s up to Shane’s development to see if he can be that type of player.

Jakub Malek

Goaltending continues to be a gigantic question mark for the Devils, and any player emerging to be a full time starter would be helpful. While Nico Daws might be getting his chance this season in the NHL, there are still some prospects who could be the long-term solution. One such player is Jakub Malek who is seemingly slated to be Utica’s starter this season. Malek was selected the same year as Lachance, but in the fourth round at pick #100. He also would wait until this past season to make his debut for a team within the Devils organization, although Malek got games in with both Utica (31) and Adirondack (two) of the ECHL.

Malek’s .895 AHL save percentage doesn’t scream “goalie of the future” but others have struggled in their first seasons before going on to become solid NHL players or better. Malek also wasn’t playing behind the best team last season, and Devils GM Sunny Mehta has taken some steps to improve that group. 2026-27 could wind up being a better indicator of what Malek is really capable of if the group in front of him truly is better. Regardless of if they are or aren’t, Malek stepping up his game and improving his stats could go a long way. The organization probably moves him up the depth chart if he plays well as Utica’s starter, so this next year could be important both for him and for the team’s potential to succeed.

Final Thoughts

There are definitely other names that could have been on this list, but I wanted to look at a few guys who seem to be depth options/AHL guys but maybe could emerge to be solid, long-term contributors. The Devils have been re-shaped to hopefully be a better team this season, but growth and development of young players and prospects could be just as important for the Devils to level up.

What are your thoughts on the development of Melovsky, Lachance and/or Malek; do you believe any of them could realistically be an important piece for the Devils on their roster? Do you think they could eventually be decently useful trade pieces for the team? Which one do you think has the most potential? Which one are you most rooting for to succeed. Leave any and all comments below and thanks as always for reading!