May 17, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers first baseman Jake Burger (21) hits a two-run home run to right field against the Houston Astros during the fifth inning at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images | Erik Williams-Imagn Images
The Texas Rangers scored eight runs while the Houston Astros scored zero runs.
The top of the fifth was a big moment for the Rangers as Alejandro Osuna ended the daily no-hit watch with an infield single and then Jake Burger collected the first extra base hit of the weekend for Texas when he smacked a two-run dong to give the Rangers a 2-0 lead.
That home run meant that Texas wouldn’t be shut out today as they doubled their run output for the series with one swing.
The cold, factual nature of the above may have come off as sarcastic but I truly am grateful as the home run supported Nathan Eovaldi’s efforts today and eventually that darned dam finally broke for the Rangers at the plate.
Indeed Texas turned to Eovaldi with the requirement that he keep putting up zeros while the lineup was working through whatever the heck has been troubling them and he did just that with seven innings of scoreless ball on five hits and a couple of walks. Eovaldi struck out eight Astros as he picked up his fifth win of the year.
That win was all but assured when the Rangers added five runs in the top of the seventh when Burger again came through with a two-run double with the bases loaded.
Texas has had a devil of a time delivering on bases loaded chances, and producing big innings, so the five-run seventh had to feel cathartic. Following Burger, Kyle Higashioka — who also threw out a would-be base stealer and made some laser precision ABS challenges behind the plate — singled in two more runs and Brandon Nimmo — who robbed a home run earlier in the day — doubled in the fifth and final run of the inning.
In the ninth, Higashioka collected his second home run of the year, a solo shot to finish off the scoring. Meanwhile, reliever Gavin Collyer bounced back from his shakiest outing as a big leaguer against Arizona last Tuesday with a couple of strikeouts in two easy shutout innings.
The first two games of this series were certainly annoying as evident by the fact that the Rangers actually out-scored the Astros 9-6 in this series but come away down a leg in the fight for the Silver Boot, but claiming the finale at least allows them to leave Houston with a victory and some good vibes at the plate.
Player of the Game: Eovaldi deserves a hat tip for coming through inning after inning as he waited for the lineup to catch up to him. That said, you have to acknowledge games like today from Burger and Higashioka when they come.
Burger produced two extra base hits that provided the bulk of the scoring as the Texas first baseman collected four RBI and scored two runs. Meanwhile, Higgy homered and drove in three runs while being a difference-maker behind the plate. A much-appreciated impactful day from the No. 7 and No. 9 hitters in the lineup.
Up Next: The Rangers next travel to Colorado to take on the Rockies with LHP MacKenzie Gore expected to make the start in the opener for Texas against LHP Jose Quintana for Colorado.
The Monday evening first pitch from Coors Field is scheduled for 7:40 pm CDT and you can watch it via the Rangers Sports Network.
May 17, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley (27) runs to home plate to celebrate with second baseman Ozzie Albies (1) and designated hitter Dominic Smith (8) after hitting a home run against the Boston Red Sox during the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images | Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images
After a close win Friday and a narrow loss Saturday, the Atlanta Braves left no doubt in their Sunday series finale against the Boston Red Sox at Truist Park.
The Braves leapt out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning and a 5-0 advantage through two, coasting to an 8-1 win to remain unbeaten in home series this season and close out a 4-2 homestand.
Buoyed by a strong start from Grant Holmes, it was Braves’ 11th straight game allowing three runs or less, which is the franchise’s longest-such streak since the 2002 Braves did so in 12 straight games that July.
The Braves were also one out away from their fifth shutout of the season as Nick Sogard delivered a two-out double when down to his last strike to score Connor Wong.
With the victory, the Braves are 7-1 in rubber matches this season, including 5-0 in home rubber matches.
After Brayan Bello struggled to begin the season as a starter and found more success in his last two outings pitching behind an opener, it was a blessing for the Braves that Boston elected to move him back into his starter role.
Austin Riley tagged him with a three-run homer to left in a 30-pitch first inning to stake the Braves to an early lead. It was Riley’s seventh homer of the season and fourth of the month.
Riley also added a double in the fifth, finishing with multiple extra-base hits for the first time in exactly a month.
That alone proved to be more than enough for Holmes, who delivered one of his better starts of the season. He allowed five hits (three doubles) over six innings of work, but stranded all six runners, holding the Red Sox hitless in three at-bats with runners in scoring position.
It was his second scoreless outing in nine starts this season and his fourth time tossing six-plus innings. A rain (HAIL?!) delay ended his outing after six innings, although he was likely done anyways considering he was at 87 pitches.
The Braves loaded the bases with no outs in the second against Bello and tacked on two more runs on a Drake Baldwin run-scoring walk and an RBI groundout by Matt Olson, who finished the Boston series 0-for-11.
Atlanta tacked on another run in the fourth on Mike Yastrzemski’s leadoff homer into the Chop House. After he entered the week with no homers and six RBIs in 38 games, he finished the week with two homers and six RBIs in five games.
The Braves made it 7-0 in the fifth when Riley laced a leadoff double to left and came around to score on Dominic Smith’s single.
Baldwin closed the scoring with a sacrifice fly in the eighth, robbed of extra bases by a leaping grab in center from Ceddanne Rafaela but still bringing home his second RBI of the day to reclaim the team lead with 39.
Reynaldo Lopez followed Holmes with two scoreless innings. Kinley allowed the lone run after retiring the first two batters he faced.
Up Next
No rest for the Braves, who continue a stretch of 13 games in as many days by kicking off a four-game series at Miami on Monday night. J.R. Ritchie will be making his fifth start.
May 16, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27) receives congratulations from right fielder Jesus Sanchez (12) after scoring in the third inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Blue Jays 4 Tigers 1
We got more than two runs. Or actually, we got two runs twice:
Two in the first: A Vladimir Guerrero home run (what a great thing it was to see that). Daulton Varsho followed with a double off the center field wall (homer in 12 of 30 MLB parks, including Rogers Centre). Jesús Sánchez singled him to third, and a Jack Flaherty wild pitch scored him.
Yohendrick Piñango flied out to deep center (homer in 10 parks, including RC) to start the inning. Vlad single and Varsho tripled. A Sánchez sac fly got our fourth run home.
We only had six hits and one walk on the day. Vlad and Varsho had two each (and all the extra base hits).
On the pitching side, Kevin Gausman was great. He went six innings, allowing just four hits (all singles) with five strikeouts. He was excellent. Left at 97 pitches.
Yariel Rodríguez got the next four outs and then gave up a very, very soft ground single (33 feet from the plate when Andrés Giménez).
Joe Mantiply came in and wasn’t great. He went single, walk, groundball force at second (Ernie Clement, I figured he could have touched third and then gone to first, but getting the one out was big). That got the Tigers the run. Mantiply threw three straight balls to Riley Green, the next baller, then got two strikes and a weak ground ball to end the inning.
Tyler Rogers came in for the save. He didn’t make it easy either, walking the leadoff guy. Then got a ground ball to short that Giménez made a nice play on and a great throw to second. Schneider tried to turn it, but was just late. It was called out on the field, but the Tigers challenged. It was a very fast challenge as it was obvious. A popout to short got the second out. Tyler went seven pitches to Spencer Torkeleson before getting strike three right on the outside corner (Tigers challenged again, but it caught the zone). Save #1 for Rogers.
After a challenge in last night’s hockey game that seemed to take forever, I appreciated the speed of the challenges in this game.
The bad moment of the game was when Giménez and Piñango collided while going for a popout. Both were calling the ball. The rule of thumb is that the outfielder takes charge, but then Giménez seems to be the captain of the infield. Hard to blame either player.
Jays of the Day: Gausman (0.26 WPA), Varsho (0.19), and Vlad (0.12).
No one gets the ‘Other Award’. The low mark went to Lenyn Sosa (-0.4) and Ernie Clement (-0.4). Sosa hasn’t shown anything this season. Daulton made a couple of good catches in the outfield.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Junior Caminero and Yandy Díaz homered and the Tampa Bay Rays earned their 18th win in their past 22 games with a 6-3 victory over the Miami Marlins on Sunday.
Caminero hit his 12th home run of the season in the first inning, a solo shot to left field. Díaz’s solo home run came in the fifth inning for the Rays, who won two of three in the series.
Drew Rasmussen (4-1) gave up two runs and seven hits in 5 1/3 innings for the Rays. Bryan Baker earned his 12th save of the season.
Trailing 2-1, the Rays loaded the bases in the fourth inning against Marlins starter Eury Pérez (2-6). Díaz led off with a walk, Jonny DeLuca doubled with out and Cedric Mullins walked. After Nick Fortes grounded into a fielder’s choice, Taylor Walls hit a bases-clearing RBI triple to make it 4-2.
Caminero drew a bases-loaded walk in the sixth, scoring Mullins to make it 6-2.
Xavier Edwards, Otto Lopez hit RBI singles in the third inning for the Marlins. Kyle Stowers added an RBI single in the eighth.
Pérez allowed five runs and five hits with five strikeouts in five innings.
Up next
Marlins: host Atlanta on Monday in the start of a four-game series. RHP Max Meyer (3-0, 3.21 ERA) will start for the Marlins. The Braves have not yet announced their starter.
Rays: host Baltimore on Monday to begin a three-game series. LHP Shane McClanahan (4-2, 2.27) will start for the Rays. LHP Trevor Rogers (2-4, 5.77) will start for the Orioles.
May 16, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27) receives congratulations from right fielder Jesus Sanchez (12) after scoring in the third inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
The rubber match of a three-game weekend series against the Toronto Blue Jays took place on a sunny, summer-like Sunday afternoon in Detroit. Alas, the Tigers dropped the finale and thus the series by a 4-1 score.
Jack Flaherty made his tenth start for the Tigers, and his troubles have been well-documented this season. His troubles can begin with a lack of control, putting hitters on via hit or walk, and then he loses his concentration and all hell breaks loose. He needs to be able to re-focus when he gets rattled; anyone who’s ever played baseball knows how big the mental side of the game is. As Yogi Berra once observed, “Baseball is ninety percent mental; the other half is physical.”
The veteran Kevin Gausman made his tenth start for Toronto today. He’s been his normal, dependable self; in his fifth season in Toronto he’s consistenly turned out seasons with a 3-4 ERA, roughly 180 innings pitched, a WHIP of about 1.1, and about one home run surrendered per nine innings. You could set your watch by this guy.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who has been in a massive slump, laser-beamed a too-inside fastball over the left field fence for a 1-0 Toronto lead with one out in the first. Daulton Varsho followed with a double off the top of the right-field wall, and Jesús Sánchez singled to centre to put runners on the corners. A wild pitch scored Varsho to put Toronto up 2-0, and you really had to wonder if the first inning was going to spiral out of control for Flaherty. But after a flyout pushed Sánchez up to third, Ernie Clement grounded out to shortstop to end the inning.
The Blue Jays added another pair of runs in the top of the third: Guerrero singled, scored on a Varsho triple, who then scored on a Sánchez sacrifice fly. When the dust settled it was 4-0.
Aside from dealing with Guerrero and Varsho, though, Flaherty was actually pretty good today; his final inning saw him get a couple of flyouts and a strikeout. His final line: 6 IP, 5 H, 4 ER, 4 K. Notably, he didn’t walk anyone; while his command certainly wasn’t as crisp as it could’ve been, not walking anyone was a big step up.
The Tigers couldn’t get a lot going on offence while Flaherty was pitching, though: there were some singles scattered around, but getting a runner past first base proved to be too much of a challenge. For example: in the sixth, Dillon Dingler got his second hit of the day, a single to centre with one out. But then Colt Keith flew out and Riley Greene struck out, and that was that.
Burch Smith relieved Flaherty in the seventh, and he gave up a harmless single to Davis Schneider but that was all. He carried on to the eighth and got Guerrero to fly out, and Enmanel De Jesus took over to face Varsho, the lefty, who he walked. A pair of flyouts ended the inning, though.
The Tigers got their first runner past first base in the bottom of the eighth: Wenceel Pérez led off with a single, and with one out Kevin McGonigle singled, putting runners on the corners. Dingler walked to load the bases, and Jahmai Jones was called-upon to pinch hit, and he hit a slow grounder to third base; Clement got one out at second but it was hit too slowly for a double play, allowing a run to score to make it 4-1 with two out.
Alas, Greene then grounded out to second and the side was retired. That was a big-league squander, for sure.
De Jesus carried on into the ninth and got a pair of quick outs; Brandon Valenzuela singled up the middle, but Schneider grounded out to second for the third out.
Submariner Tyler Rogers came on for Toronto in the ninth. I was once watching a minor-league game and a submariner came into the game; I watched him warm up and thought to myself, “How in the world does anyone get a hit off someone like this?” Well, on the first pitch he threw to a batter he cracked a home run, so clearly I don’t know anything about anything. Anyway, on this particular afternoon, Matt Vierling walked, and a Gage Workman grounder to shortstop was initially called a double play but upon review was just a forceout at second. But Zach McKinstry flew out to centre for the second out, and Torkelson struck out looking to end the game.
On Monday the Tigers travel to Cleveland to start a four-game series with the team that currently leads the American League Central, which looks these days like a division that’s allergic to winning records.
Ty Madden, who was hit on the forearm on a comebacker Friday night, was placed on the Injured List; Will Vest returned to the Tigers in his place.
As has been the case all weekend, there were plenty of Blue Jays fans that made the trip down the 401 to Detroit to see their team play on real grass. Me, I always go down the 402 instead and cross at Port Huron, because that London-to-Windsor stretch on the 401 is easily the most boring stretch of highway on the continent.
This weekend in Canada is the Victoria Day long weekend, in which we celebrate the birthday of a monarch who’s been dead for 125 years. Her birthday was May 24; the holiday is celebrated on the Monday in May which is either on, or just before, May 24th. It’s the unofficial start of the summer season in Canada: there are fireworks, trips to the cottage, and ritualistic animal sacrifices all across the country. It’s great.
May 17, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Zack Wheeler (45) pitches against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the second inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
With Zack Wheeler going against Paul Skenes, it looked like we were in for a pitcher’s duel on Sunday. And that’s exactly what we got for five innings or so. But eventually, Skenes faltered while Wheeler stayed strong, and the Phillies emerged with a 6-0 victory over the Pirates that completed a sweep and put them above .500 for the first time since.
The aces were dominating through the first four innings. Each team had just one hit, and it looked like it might come down to which ace blinked first.
In the fifth, Skenes was the one who blinked. Adolis Garcia led off the frame with a walk, and advanced to third on a J.T. Realmuto single. A Justin Crawford groundout got the Phillies’ first run home, and a Trea Turner single brought home the second.
For most teams, that’s about as much as they can hope to get off Skenes in a given game, but the Phillies weren’t done. Bryce Harper started off the fifth with a blast to centerfield to make it 3-0.
Alec Bohm and Brandon Marsh followed with hits to chase Skenes from the game and gave the Phillies a crack at the Pirates’ much less imposing bullpen. Pirates’ reliever Isaac Mattson began his stint by hitting Garcia (his second HBP of the day, maybe he owes the Pirates money?) and allowing an RBI double to Bryson Stott.
Unlike Skenes, Wheeler continued to cruise. He came close to giving up a run in the sixth when a hit by Brandon Lowe was originally ruled a home run, but review showed it was a double aided by fan interference.
Aside from that, Wheeler was never seriously threatened. His final tally: Seven innings, zero runs, four hits, one walk, and eight strikeouts.
The Phillies tacked on a run in the eighth on a Bryson Stott laser of a home run, and it felt like they were rubbing it in the Pirates’ faces a bit.
It was a great weekend for the Phillies in Pittsburgh. They had a massive comeback on Friday night and then recorded two dominating wins behind two of the best pitchers in baseball. The biggest winner of the weekend might by Cristopher Sanchez, who might have seized the unofficial title of “best pitcher in the National League” from Skenes.
The Phillies will try to keep the good times going on Monday as they return home to face the Reds. Andrew Painter will be on the mound, and the hope is that maybe he learned a thing or two from watching his ace teammates over the weekend.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - MAY 17: Kyle Manzardo #9 of the Cleveland Guardians celebrates with teammates after hitting a solo home run during the fifth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Progressive Field on May 17, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) | Getty Images
As the Rivalry Weekend comes to a close, the Ohio Cup returns to Cleveland for now. In Game 3 of this weekend series, the Cleveland Guardians took the series closer and the series from the Cincinnati Reds.
Gavin Williams was given an additional day of rest after switching his spot in the lineup with Joey Cantillo. Gavin had another fantastic quality start today, throwing 6.0 innings with 2R, 8H, 0BB, and 7Ks on 93 pitches, giving the Guards bullpen a nice reprieve to end the week.
Gavin was given plenty of run support to ease some stress from his start. The Guardians decided to not play Guards Ball and to host a mini-HR derby.
In the bottom of the first José Ramírez drew a one-out walk, a mistake on Brady Singer that would be immediately punished. Chase DeLauter watched a sinker go over the plate for strike one. The next pitch, an inside slider, was launched 371 feet to right field for a quick two-run home run to start the game.
In the bottom of the third, Chase DeLauter hit a one-out single to center to reach base. Kyle Manzardo took a page from CDL and launched his own two-run home run, 382 feet to right.
Brayan Rocchio got in on the home run fun. In the bottom of the fourth, with one-out, Rocchio worked a 2-2 count then slapped a sweeper low and over the plate 388 feet to right center.
In the bottom of the fifth, with a new pitcher on the mound, Kyle Manzardo slapped a first pitch, one-out home run 406 feet to right center for his second home run of the game!
Tim Herrin came on to pitch the seventh inning. His only base runner was a one-out walk to Matt McLain. Other than that, Herrin struck out 3 to retire the side. The bottom of the seventh saw the return of more home runs!
Travis Bazzana hit a one-out single, but was caught stealing second as he over slid the bag. Steven Kwan drew a two-out walk and Angel Martínez tacked on his own two-run home run to put the Guardians up 8-2 over the Reds.
Codi Heuer replaced Tim Herrin in the top of the eighth. He had a similar outing to Herrin’s. His only baserunner was a walk to Sal Stewart. Heuer struck out the first two batters and got a pop out to retire the side with only 13 pitches.
The bottom of the eighth started with Rocchio being hit by pitch. José finally got in on the home runs with a fly ball to center, hit 407 feet to score two more runs.
All of Cleveland’s runs came on home runs today. When is the last time this team has scored double digits, solely on home runs? With this team having felt on the precipice of a offensive breakout for seemingly weeks now, but just falling short, maybe they just needed some warm weather to get things going.
Codi Heuer closed it out for Cleveland, giving up a one-out single and double. Matt McLain ran himself into an out as Blake Dunn made his way to third.
The Guards did allow another run late in the ninth on a misplayed ball by Daniel Schneemann. It didn’t matter for long as Cleveland got the final out to close it on this game.
If today was a preview to what this summer will look like as the heat and humidity climbs, I am quite excited.
The 2026 NBA playoffs has reached its penultimate stage with the conference finals next up.
Out West, it’s a matchup that’s been highly anticipated for a long, long time. The No. 1 Oklahoma City Thunder will battle the No. 2 San Antonio Spurs. Both teams are stacked with depth and quality and are arguably the two best teams in the league. It might just be the real final series.
The Eastern Conference will feature the No. 3 New York Knicks and No. 4 Cleveland Cavaliers. New York has been the best in the conference so far, while the Cavaliers are coming off a Game 7 blowout road win over the top-seeded Detroit Pistons.
So, which matchup combination would be the best for the NBA Finals? Let’s rank the four possibilities from least to most entertaining:
4. Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
While it’s unique, the winner would likely be too predictable. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, Ajay Mitchell, Alex Caruso, Jared McCain and more should be too much for a Cleveland core that is anchored by Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen and Max Strus. Mitchell and Harden are the main players who can create magic, but need to be more consistent. Doing so enough times to take down Oklahoma City in four games…seems too much to ask.
3. San Antonio Spurs vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
A similar scenario likely unfolds here. Victor Wembanyama, De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper, Keldon Johnson, Julian Champagnie, Devin Vassell and more are a tough balance to take down. Cleveland won both battles this season with both matchups in December, but one did not feature Wembanyama. The two teams are different now, and San Antonio theoretically eliminating Oklahoma City should be enough momentum to defeat an inferior Cleveland side — unless Mobley and Allen rise to slow Wembanyama for four wins. It’d also be a new winner from last season regardless of the result.
2. Oklahoma City Thunder vs. New York Knicks
The Knicks take both of the top spots due to being the superior team in their conference. Barring a shock collapse, they should go through vs. Cleveland. So that puts Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart and OG Anunoby, among others, against Oklahoma City. Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren, Mitchell, Williams, and Caruso are the key Thunder pieces. The series likely comes down to Gilgeous-Alexander vs. Brunson. The back-to-back MVP should be the preferred victor, which would also make Oklahoma City back-to-back champions.
1. San Antonio Spurs vs. New York Knicks
No repeat bid on the line and two of the NBA’s most storied franchises hoping to end title droughts? This arguably is the best matchup. San Antonio’s drought since 2014 is undoubtedly shorter than New York’s wait since 1973. But that makes the stakes even bigger for Brunson and Co. to stamp themselves in the history books. They’d have to do so against a deep Spurs side that is anchored by Wembanyama, who is looking to make his own history at age 22 and in just his third season. San Antonio would also need Fox to stay consistent, but interest in this possibility should be the highest.
ANAHEIM, CA - MAY 16: Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) gets high fives after scoring a run during the MLB game between the Los Angeles Dodgers versus the Los Angeles Angels on May 16, 2026 at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The Dodgers look to sweep the Angels on Sunday. Roki Sasaki faces Grayson Rodriguez.
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 5, 2026: Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart (36) gestures a three with his fingers as Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (28) sinks a three point shot over Philadelphia 76ers center Adem Bona (30) late in the fourth quarter at Crypto.com Arena on February 5, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Despite being one of the league’s very best at it this season, shooting threes still isn’t really Rui Hachimura’s “thing.” In fact, he downright doesn’t like it.
When Rui joined the Lakers, he was known as an efficient mid-range scorer. However, in a league where shots were being pushed to the rim or the 3-point line, a high-volume mid-range scorer would get lost in the void if he didn’t adapt.
It’s hard to understate how impressive Rui’s development has been from range. With the Wizards, he shot just 35.6% from three in his three-and-a-half seasons. In the same span with the Lakers, he’s a 41.5% shooter from range.
The greatest shooting stretch of Rui’s season came in the most recent playoffs when he shot a sizzling 33-58 (56.9%) from range in 10 games. After the Lakers were eliminated, Rui spoke about his shooting and gave a shoutout to a former Lakers assistant coach for his improvement.
“Shout out to coach Phil [Handy],” Rui said. “Phil Handy, he was the one that talked me through a lot of stuff, what I can do to stay in this league. Not only this team, but stay in this league. I can make an impact on this team, especially. The first thing that he talked about is 3-pointers.
“I think that was the biggest thing for me because, honestly, I don’t like shooting threes. That’s not my thing for me. For me, I don’t really like it. But with the team situation, how [head coach] JJ [Redick] coaches, he wants me to shoot a lot of threes. It was a different game for me, but I had to do it. That was the biggest thing that I think changed.”
Left mostly to his own devices in Washington, Rui was 3-point adverse. His 3-point rate — the percentage of his field goal attempts that were threes — was just 23%. In Los Angeles, it has increased each year, peaking at 43.9% during this regular season and 47.5% in the playoffs.
Similarly, in Washington, shots from 10 feet to the 3-point line — or roughly the mid-range area — comprised 32.2% of Rui’s shot diet. With the Lakers, that number has dwindled to 20.1%.
The Lakers actually acquiesced some this season with Rui’s mid-range volume increasing after back-to-back seasons where it was under 17%. Still, he’s predominantly shooting 3-pointers now and is really good at them.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 27: Eric Lauer #56 of the Toronto Blue Jays pitches against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the 15th inning in game three of the 2025 World Series at Dodger Stadium on October 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Lauer was in a similar position on the depth chart in Toronto, and said after the use of an opener before his April 17 game, “It’s definitely different. To be real blunt, I hate it. I can’t stand it.” More from SportsNet:
“It messes with your pre-game routine,” he said. “We’re creatures of habit. It changes the rhythm and routine. It’s a little harder to time things out…
“You can make it work the best you can. Hopefully, it’s not something that we will continue doing. But that’s above my pay grade.”
It didn’t help that Lauer wasn’t pitching well for the Blue Jays. After a strong 2025 season, this year he struggled with a 6.69 ERA and 5.82 xERA in eight games, including six starts. He struck out 26 and walked 16 in his 36 1/3 innings, with his 11 home runs atop the American League when he was designated for assignment on Monday.
In his eight-year career with the Milwaukee Brewers, San Diego Padres, and Blue Jays, Lauer has a sparkling 2.69 ERA in 15 games, including 13 starts against the Dodgers, with 69 strikeouts and 27 unintentional walks in 77 innings. That includes 5 2/3 scoreless innings in two appearances in the 2025 World Series, pitching in Games 1 and 3.
Lauer is making $4.4 million this season after losing his salary arbitration case in the offseason, with about $3.17 million remaining. He’ll be a free agent at season’s end.
To make room for Lauer on the 40-man roster, pitcher Brusdar Graterol was moved to the 60-day injured list. Graterol, working his way back from 2024 shoulder surgery, pitched in four rehab games for Triple-A Oklahoma City before getting shut down this week after pitching on Tuesday.
Graterol tweeted on Saturday, “Baseball is not easy. But it’s no reason to give up. LFG.”
Baseball is not easy
But it's no reason to give up. LFG
— brusdar graterol (@BrusdarGraterol) May 16, 2026
Tiny Elversberg seal first promotion to Bundesliga
Roma took a huge step towards returning to the Champions League by beating Lazio 2-0 in a feisty derby which finished with both teams down to 10 men, while Napoli won 3-0 at Pisa to secure a top-four spot.
Gianluca Mancini smashed home two headers from corners, one in each half, at the Stadio Olimpico to move Roma up to fourth thanks also to Juventus’s shock 2-0 home defeat by Fiorentina.
ATLANTA, GA - JUNE 14: The tarp on the field before the Saturday afternoon MLB game between the Colorado Rockies and the Atlanta Braves on June 14, 2025 at Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
In the middle of the sixth inning of a game where the Atlanta Braves were firmly in control of things against the Boston Red Sox, the skies suddenly opened up. First, they were able to play through a bit of hail but once they went out there for the bottom of the sixth inning, the bottom completely fell out and the grounds crew was forced to stop play.
The tarp is going on the field and we are currently in a rain delay. We will provide updates as soon as they are available.
They’re not anticipating this to be a long delay (just one of those pop-up storms) but there’s still a pause in play. We’ll let you in on any updates that may come up soon, so stay tuned.
UPDATE [3:24 p.m. ET]: The tarp is already coming off of the field so I’d imagine that play will resume shortly.
UPDATE [3:33 p.m. ET]: Straight from the Braves TV crew, they’re planning to restart the game at 3:40 p.m. ET.
UPDATE [3:49 p.m ET]: It’s a bit later than expected but the game should be starting shortly after you read this. Let’s see if the Braves can hold on!
PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 8: Miles McBride #2, Jalen Brunson #11, Josh Hart #3 and Mikal Bridges #25 of the New York Knicks look on during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers during Round Two Game Three of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on May 8, 2026 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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 Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Once upon a time I was a grad student, a Chinese food delivery driver and a New York Jets fan, and therefore poor, hustling and doomed. That year —2004 — the Jets had been good, though. Really quite good, and “good” was a word my father and I avoided like the plague when it came to Gang Green. But we’d both seen enough to know these Jets were not the same old Jets.
It wasn’t just how much they were winning (by Jets standards), but how they looked winning. Shaun Ellis and Jonathan Abraham combined for 20.5 sacks. Curtis Martin was incredible. Santana Moss was the home run threat. Chad Pennington was a good quarterback and a Jet, both at the same time, an event rarer than Big Bangs. By the time they met 15-1 Pittsburgh in the second round I’d told everyone I knew to remember they heard it from me first: the Jets would win.
They didn’t. Doug Brien missed two field goals in the last two minutes that would’ve won the game, sending the Jets to an NFL-record third straight overtime game, a bridge too far.
Today, three graduate programs and many pant sizes later, I am a writer, a Knicks fan and a socialist, and therefore poor, happy and hopeful. This year’s Knicks are the rich man’s ‘04 Jets, with the only kicking they’ve had to deal being them kicking some Hawk and Sixer ass all over the ****ing place. Since then they’ve had over a week to rest, recover, practice, and watch the Cavaliers and Pistons go the full 12 rounds. For a few more precious days, Knicksville is all love and light.
So let’s have fun with it. Say a genie told you you get one very specific wish: what one single play would you want the Knicks to win the title via? To go down in history as the most famous moment in franchise — nay, league history?! A halfcourt heave? A rejection at the rim? Another tedious video review?
Here are my contenders. What are yours?
BREAKAWAY DUNK
Oklahoma City. June. Game 7. Tie game. Thunder have the ball in the dying seconds. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander beats his man off the dribble, never noticing another defender swoop in for the swipe, go the length of the floor and throw down the title-clinching dunk. Who should it be?
Bear in mind this dunk will be both the greatest moment of your life and a highlight replayed more than any in human history. So for me it comes down to two choices: Mitchell Robinson and Deuce McBride. Mitch is the longest-tenured Knick and a real rim-rocker given an open runway. To win the title on a Mitch breakaway would be poetic and powerful.
But I gotta go with Deuce. He’s number two on the longevity trip, already a legendary Knick, if not a legendary NBAer, period. How many players have ever heard their name chanted as often as McBride has — in all 30 arenas? And when Deuce gets some runway, he can get up and go get it.
Little man dunks age better than bigs’. You ever see those NBATV commercials that are five-second highlights super slow-motioned and stretched into 30-second spots? Deuce dunking would look better there than Mitch. Advantage: McBride.
FACIAL
Karl-Anthony Towns is a bit too Kevin Knox for me when he winds up for a big slam; odds are there’s going to be any result other than an and-one. If Mitch were driving for the title-winning dunk, the defense would tase him before they’d let him anywhere near the rim. Mikal Bridges has his moments.
But it’s gotta be OG Anunoby. Like NEO from The Matrix, OG seems to have figured out godhood. If you’re 6-foot-8, 240 pounds, a plus 3-point shooter and leap like a pogo stick on flubber, there aren’t too many bipeds around who can stop you. Honestly, my throat is still hoarse from screaming at this two years ago. After John Starks’ “The Dunk,” this may be my favorite Knick dunk ever.
And while I think I have a pretty fertile imagination, I cannot remotely envision what kind of emotional response — if any — Anunoby would flash after winning the title on a facial. I’d sure like to find out.
HALFCOURT DUNK
Think it’s impossible? At any point in your life prior to a couple weeks ago, would you ever have considered it possible that the Knicks would replicate Golden State’s Steph Curry/Mark Jackson/Steve Kerr troika with Jalen Brunson/Tom Thibodeau/Mike Brown? Imagine telling yourself that four years ago. And what is dunking, if not possibility persevering?
So let’s say the Knicks force a turnover in the dying seconds of Game 7, score tied, and whoever’s dribbling up the floor, fueled by adrenaline (and Mike & Ike’s, if it’s Josh Hart), gathers, take two steps and zip explodes through the air like horizontal lightning, dunking just as the clock expires.
I gotta go with Bridges. He’s already so long to begin with, I can picture his limbs stretching and stretching into forever, como Mister Fantastic. Also intrigued by Hart here, mainly because it doesn’t seem like something he should be able to do, which is the foundation of everything Hart’s game is about.
HALFCOURT HEAVE
The 1980 season was the NBA’s first with the 3-point line. Had it existed 10 years earlier, the Knicks might have lost the 1970 Finals.
I’d say it’s high time the basketball gods paid New York back with interest for that little miracle. What if, down two with time expiring, a Knick were to launch from 60-feet out and make the shot? Beggars can’t be choosers, but these days we’re dreamers, and dreamers can. Who would you wanna see make it?
Color this bitch basic, but I say Brunson. Not only because he’s so good or so easy to root for, but because with all the sacrifices he’s made in leading this franchise to where they stand today, as selfless a player and teammate as he seems to be, it’d feel deserved. For him and for us.
REGULAR 3-POINTER
KAT. For the same reason why if I were a Mavs fan in 2009 I’d pick Dirk and if I were a Thunder fan in 2016 I’d pick Durant. Small dudes look cooler dunking. Big dudes look cooler nailing 3s.
FREE THROWS
Mitch. Don’t overthink it. If Mitch went to the line with zero seconds on the clock with the Knicks down two and he made both, God would manifest in the lane, gesture to the heavens and say, “We kept your seat warm.”
PAINT BLOCK
Jose Alvarado. Is this even a question??
3-POINT BLOCK
When Mitch first broke into the league, he was such an electric puppy he tried to block every shot the other team took, including 3s. And he blocked a TON of 3s; dunno if the league tracks blocked 3s, but around 2019, 2020 there’s no way anyone in the league came close to him.
Also, nothing gets me as pumped as a fan or when I’m playing than stuffing someone. I’m too old now, haven’t played in years. But even when I play 2K, every time I go to block someone’s shot I end up all contorted in my chair with my leg kicked out as I go for the stuff. If the Knicks won the title on a Mitch blocked 3, the orgasm would kill me. What a way to go.
DRAWING A CHARGE
If you don’t think someone lying flat on their back is an emotionally stirring way to end a series . . .
The obvious choice here is Brunson; no one would begrudge you. But I’m going with Jordan Clarkson. When Clarkson signed last offseason, he had two primary reps: unabashed gunner and pretty boy fashionista (photo credit: NY Post).
When he first fell out of the rotation, I armchair quarterbacked it as inevitable. He’s a gunner joining a team who’ll never need him to be their primary or secondary or even tertiary scorer. Probably shouldn’t have signed here. Now he’s a rotation regular as the bastard love child of TJ McConnell’s fullcourt defense and Hart’s offensive rebounding. What could be a more perfect microcosm of Clarkson’s reinvention than him lifting the Knicks to the title not with a bucket, but a fall?
AND-1
Ironically, the last Knick I’d pick here is Brunson, as for whatever reason he’s the worst great free-throw shooter I can remember. Since coming to New York, Brunson’s missed 352 free throws combined in the regular-season and playoffs and I swear the number should be double that. I’ve never seen anyone who shoots as well as he does and gets to line like he does seemingly miss as often as he does.
This is really a question of which Knick you most trust to drain the title-winning free throw, rather than miss and send them to an overtime you know they’ll lose?
It should pro’ly be KAT, but for better or worse I grew up watching the Knicks feature the best shooting big man in all the land, and when it came to pressure-time free throws Patrick Ewing had me more anxious than a lemur in a room full of rocking chairs. I could see KAT’s shot rimming out, the Knicks go on to lose and it becomes like a Bill Buckner thing for him. No thanks. I’ll go with Bridges. His DGAF is pretty specific, and seems to rub a lotta people the wrong way, but it’s absolutely perfect for this spot.
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 27: LeBron James #23 and Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers smile during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on March 27, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The LeBron James era of the Los Angeles Lakers has featured lots of turnover. Lots and lots of turnover.
For years, the constant was LeBron James and Anthony Davis. One player who worked himself into that mix and, eventually, became the new constant was Austin Reaves.
No player on the roster has more experience alongside LeBron. Reaves’ entire career has played out alongside LeBron, from undrafted rookie to his superstar ascent this season.
Throughout it all, LeBron has been a mentor for Reaves, something that hasn’t gone unnoticed by the latter. Following LA’s loss to the Thunder to end their season, Reaves was asked about possibly playing one more season with LeBron and what he’s meant to his career.
“It would mean the world to me,” Reaves said. “My rookie year, I had no idea what the hell was going on and he took me under his wing and has given me every opportunity that I could ever ask for, trusted me. But, further than the court, building real friendship…He’s taught me a lot.
“I owe him a lot for my career, like I said. He’s given me confidence every single day.”
Austin Reaves is 13 games away from being the most common teammate of LeBron James through his Lakers tenure. He currently ranks second behind Anthony Davis.
Reaves (284) and Davis (296) and the only players during LeBron's Lakers years to play more than 250 games alongside him
Reaves also used the example of LeBron coming up to him after his game-tying three in Game 4 came up short and offered him words of encouragement, saying that “speaks to the character that he has.” The bond between the two has been strong for years with the signs of it showing even very early in Reaves’ career.
Against the Grizzlies in just his second season, Reaves was handed the ball down the stretch in a memorable Game 1 win as he led the Lakers to a pivotal win with big shot after big shot. In the years since, Reaves has talked about that moment shifting the dynamic between him and LeBron as well.
Ironically, at this point in both of their careers, it’s not Austin who controls the Lakers offense with LeBron riding in the passenger seat — or even back seat when Luka Dončić is also healthy — to him. Reaves’ career path may have played out just the same regardless of LeBron’s involvement, but it’s certainly helped him become someone the Lakers are set to both make a centerpiece of the franchise and give a big payday to.
Maybe Reaves can pay for a couple rounds of golf this summer.
