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Thoughts on a 10-0 Rangers win

DENVER, CO - May 19: Texas Rangers designated hitter Joc Pederson (3) asks the dugout for a replay after getting tagged out attempting to stretch a single in the third inning during a game between the Texas Rangers and the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on May 19, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Rangers 10, Rockies 0

  • The Rangers, they are on a run-scoring bonanza.
  • They Rangers have now scored at least 6 runs in their last three games, and in 5 of their last 7 games.
  • However, the offense has to wait, because the story of the game has to be Kumar Rocker, right?
  • Coming into this game, Rocker had allowed 18 runs on the season. 10 of those scored in the first inning. The Rangers decided, well, what if we don’t use Kumar Rocker in the first inning?
  • So the Opener, which was in vogue in the late-teens, but whose use seems to have waned around MLB of late, got dusted off by Skip Schumaker and put on display Tuesday evening.
  • Tyler Alexander was the official starter and faced four batters in a scoreless first, setting up Kumar Rocker to come into the game in the second inning and face the #5 batters in the Rockies’ lineup.
  • Rocker did not get off to the greatest of starts in the second. Ezequiel Tovar smoked a line drive that was tracked down in deep left center, and then Troy Johnston and Tyler (Brother of Cody) Freeman each singled. Second inning Rocker looked a lot like first inning Rocker.
  • Rocker then struck out Jake McCarthy swinging and Edouard Julien on a 4-3 ground out to end the inning, and end the best scoring chance the Rockies had all game. Colorado didn’t get another batter past first base.
  • Rocker faced 28 batters in the game. Of the final 25 batters, he gave up a hit to one of them, walked three, and retired the other 21.
  • It was, without question, the best outing of Rocker’s career, and an outing that reminded us why we were so hyped about Kumar Rocker heading into the 2025 season.
  • Out of 103 pitches, Rocker threw his slider 44 times, generating 21 swings and 12 whiffs. Rocker had 19 swings and misses overall, easily the most he’s had in a game this season.
  • The theory behind using an opener is that most starting pitchers are going to end up going through a lineup roughly two-and-a-half times. Using a starter in a traditional role, the top of the lineup — the opponent’s best hitters — will be the ones that a starter will have to face three times. With an opener, your starter gets the third time through the order penalty against the weaker hitters in the lineup, rather than the top of the lineup.
  • In Rocker’s case, the third time through the order penalty wasn’t an issue — he faced 28 batters in the game. But coming into the game in the second inning, he was able to work out whatever kinks he was dealing with against the bottom of the order, rather than the top of the order.
  • For the season, Rocker has an 11.25 ERA in the first inning, and a 1.95 ERA from the second inning on.
  • I am willing to bet the Rangers go with an opener the next time Rocker is scheduled to pitch.
  • The Rockies also went with an opener, but it didn’t go so well for them. When Sammy Peralta, who started for Colorado, left the game, the bases were loaded with two outs in the first and a pair of runs in.
  • Things didn’t go a whole lot better for Tanner Gordon, who was the pseudo-starter/bulk guy for the Rockies. He got a groundout to get out of the first and leave the bases loaded — and there was grumbling about the Rangers getting only two runs in, and how this would cost them later in the game, especially with Rocker pitching — but he ultimately gave up 7 runs in 6.1 innings of work.
  • Weird thing — in those 6.1 innings, Gordon faced 31 batters, but he only used 81 pitches. The Rangers weren’t up there working the count and wearing him down. Gordon was throwing strikes — he walked just one of those 31 batters — and the Rangers were hammering them.
  • Texas had 16 hits in all, plus 6 walks and a hit batter, so maybe they should have scored more than 10 runs. They were 8 for 17 with runners in scoring position, though, so can’t complain there.
  • Brandon Nimmo, who has been slumping lately, had a big game, going 3 for 4 with his first home run since April 17, earning a much deserved inning-plus off, with Sam Haggerty taking his place in the field in the eighth.
  • In the 25 games since that home run in April, Nimmo had been slashing .219/.296/.281. Tuesday’s game raised his season OPS by 36 points, to 775 on the year.
  • Ezequiel Duran had three more hits, including a pair of doubles. He’s now slashing .298/.358/.476 in one of the more (pleasantly) surprising developments of 2026.
  • In fact, every starter got a hit in the game, except Alejandro Osuna, who was 0 for 4 with did draw a walk, and Andrew McCutchen, who led off the game with a walk and was pinch hit for in the second.
  • Joc Pederson, who hit for McCutchen, had four hits, which, per the broadcast, was the most hits in a game in Rangers history for a player who did not start the game.
  • Speaking of which…it ended up not mattering, due to it being a blowout. However, Skip Schumaker having McCutchen lead off, and then hitting for him with one out in the second, seems questionable to me.
  • You knew that the Rockies were going to start the game with Peralta, a lefty, as the opener, and then go with the righthanded Tanner Gordon as the bulk guy. That’s why Alejandro Osuna and Evan Carter started, but were batting seventh and ninth, respectively.
  • So why not start Pederson and hit him towards the bottom of the order as well? Why are you burning one of your four bench guys — and your top righthanded bench bat — for one plate appearance at the beginning of the game, setting yourself to Pederson potentially having to face a lefty in a key situation late in the game?
  • The counter-argument is that the first batter of any inning is the most important batter of the inning, that you want to get to Peralta and get an early lead for Alexander and Rocker, and so having McCutchen’s one at bat being him leading off the first inning is no different than using a good reliever as an opener. And it worked, as McCutchen drew a walk to start the game and ended up scoring on Duran’s bases loaded double.
  • But its a decision that I found curious.
  • Texas remains a game behind the A’s in the West, due to their winning on Tuesday.
  • However, Texas is now a game up on Seattle, who lost to the ChiSox 2-1 due to allowing a pair of runs in the top of the ninth. That’s gotta sting.
  • Tyler Alexander hit 92.0 mph with his fastball. Kumar Rocker’s sinker topped out at 94.7 mph, averaging 93.4 mph. Jalen Beeks’ fastball reached 91.8 mph.
  • Jake Burger had a 109.4 mph ground out. Alejandro Osuna had a 107.7 mph ground out. Brandon Nimmo had a 107.7 mph single and a 104.6 mph home run. Justin Foscue had a 106.9 mph double. Ezequiel Duran had a 106.4 mph single, a 105.4 mph fly out, and a 104.3 mph double. Joc Pederson had a 105.5 mph single and a 100.5 mph ground out. Josh Jung had a 105.4 mph fly out and a 103.0 mph fly out. Danny Jansen had a 101.5 mph double and a 101.2 mph line out.
  • Now for another win on Wednesday to take the series and head into the off day on a (Rocky Mountain) high note.
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Sabres Rumors: 3 Free-Agent Destinations For Logan Stanley

The Buffalo Sabres are entering the off-season with multiple pending unrestricted free agents (UFAs). Logan Stanley is among them. 

With the Sabres having several left-shot defensemen and Stanley being scratched multiple times during the playoffs, there is a chance that he won't be brought back by Buffalo.

Due to this, let's look at three teams that could target Stanley if he ends up hitting the free-agent market on July 1. 

San Jose Sharks

The Sharks could be a team to watch when it comes to Stanley this summer. It is no secret that San Jose needs to boost their blueline, and they are entering the off-season with several pending UFA defensemen. Because of this, it would not be surprising if they tried to sign Stanley this off-season. They need more toughness on their blueline. 

Pittsburgh Penguins 

The Penguins should be looking to improve the left side of their defense this off-season. If they signed Stanley, he would have the potential to be a nice addition to both their bottom pairing and penalty kill. Furthermore, at 27 years old, Stanley would be a good fit on a Penguins club that is focused on the future.

Winnipeg Jets 

Could the Jets look to reunite with Stanley this off-season? The possibility should not be ruled out. The 6-foot-7 defenseman thrived this season with Winnipeg before being traded to Buffalo, as he posted nine goals and 21 points in 59 games. With this, it would be understandable if the Jets tried to lure their 2016 first-round pick back to Winnipeg if he hits the market. 

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Why Trevor Zegras’ Next Contract Should Be One Of The Flyers’ Easiest Offseason Decisions

There are difficult, dubious contract negotiations, and then there are contract negotiations where the hardest part is figuring out how long you want the partnership to last.

For the Philadelphia Flyers and Trevor Zegras, this offseason feels much closer to the latter.

A year ago, the trade that brought Zegras to Philadelphia carried more intrigue than certainty. The talent was obvious, but so was the inconsistency. Around the league, many voices debated whether he was a misunderstood offensive creator trapped in a stagnant environment or a player whose flashy skill set would always outweigh his overall impact. The Flyers believed they could unlock something more complete.

What they ended up discovering was not only a highly productive offensive player, but someone who fit the emotional identity of the organization far better than many expected.

Now, after a season in which Zegras became one of the defining personalities of the Flyers’ resurgence, the organization arrives at a critical but relatively straightforward piece of business: giving him a contract that will solidify his place in Philadelphia in the years to come. 

Prediction: 7 years, $56 million ($8 million AAV)

That number might have once felt aggressive to some outside observers who viewed Zegras primarily through the lens of inconsistency or highlight-reel reputation, but the 25-year-old has proven that he is so much more than the injuries and flashiness that defined his early NHL years. When evaluating what he became for the Flyers this season, and what he projects to become entering his prime, it starts to look not only reasonable, but smart.

Because this was not simply a “good statistical season.”

This was the season where Zegras matured into an undeniable foundational piece.

He finished the year as one of the Flyers’ most dynamic offensive drivers, producing in all situations while becoming increasingly trusted in difficult minutes. More importantly, his game evolved far beyond the perception that has followed him since entering the NHL.

The offense is still the headline. It always will be.

Few players in hockey manipulate space the way Zegras does. He changes defensive posture simply by touching the puck. Defenders back off half a stride because they are worried about being embarrassed. Penalty killers hesitate because they know he can thread passes through seams that most players do not even recognize. That hesitation matters at the NHL level. It creates openings that are invisible in the box score but fundamental to offense.

What made Zegras especially valuable to the Flyers, though, was how his creativity complemented the team’s overall structure instead of disrupting it.

Under Rick Tocchet, the Flyers built an identity around pace, layered pressure, and relentless support. Zegras could have been an awkward stylistic fit in theory—a high-risk offensive player on a team obsessed with detail. Instead, he became proof that skill and structure are not mutually exclusive.

His transition play was essential to Philadelphia’s offense all season. The Flyers are not a team loaded with pure one-on-one offensive creators. They generate much of their attack through pressure, retrievals, and layered movement. Zegras gave them something different: controlled entries with possession, east-west playmaking, and the ability to manufacture offense when structure alone was not enough.

That matters enormously in playoff hockey, where systems tighten and teams eventually need players capable of creating something out of nothing. And with the Flyers establishing that playoffs are no longer a lofty, just-out-of-reach goal, that is a key piece of Zegras' value. 

Philadelphia Flyers forward Trevor Zegras (46). (Megan DeRuchie-The Hockey News)
Philadelphia Flyers forward Trevor Zegras (46). (Megan DeRuchie-The Hockey News)

Even during stretches where the offense cooled, Zegras remained impactful because of how much defensive attention he demanded. Opponents tracked him differently, and matchups shifted around him. That is star gravity, even when the scoring totals fluctuate.

And importantly for the Flyers, his growth away from the puck was real.

He competed harder along walls. He tracked with more consistency through the neutral zone. He became more engaged physically than he was earlier in his career. Tocchet’s staff pushed him relentlessly on details, a coaching style that Zegras welcomed with open arms.

The Flyers are building a culture that values coachability almost as much as talent. Zegras could have bristled under that environment. Instead, he leaned into it, even asked for it. Tocchet has repeatedly emphasized how much communication exists between coaches and players, and Zegras himself became one of the clearest examples of that relationship working. He sought out video sessions, asked questions, wanted to understand the “why” behind adjustments instead of simply being told what to do.

In Flyers exit interviews, Zegras highlighted how much he worked at becoming a more engaged player to shed the misconceptions of him being an "Instagram hockey player."

"I think that was definitely something that me and Tocc had talked about before the year," he said. "My goal and mindset was just to come in and be coachable wherever they wanted me to play. I did the best of my ability, whether it was the wing or center, whatever it was."

Why the Flyers Should Want Long-Term Security

The salary cap is rising. Young top-six forwards are becoming more expensive every year. Waiting rarely makes elite offensive talent cheaper.

If the Flyers bridge Zegras again—something in the three- or four-year range—they would essentially be betting against their own development process. They would be acknowledging uncertainty about a player who increasingly looks central to everything they are becoming offensively.

A long-term extension now allows them to buy prime years before the market fully explodes.

And make no mistake: if Zegras continues progressing under Tocchet while playing meaningful playoff hockey in Philadelphia, his value is only going up.

There is also the broader organizational picture. The Flyers are no longer simply trying to accumulate young talent for later down the line. They're putting the league on notice now, which also means that they are transitioning into the far more complicated phase of a rebuild: determining which players are pillars and which players are complementary.

Zegras looks like a pillar. Not necessarily because he is arguably the best player on the roster today, but because of the dimensions he adds that are difficult to replicate.

He brings skill, pace, and offensive unpredictability. He is a power play asset, and is growing into a versatile player that can handle the responsibilities of being a winger or a center (a position Danny Briere acknowledged the Flyers still need bodies to fill).  

Away from the ice, Zegras also brings personality, marketability, and energy. In the age of social media and for an organization like the Flyers who are building back a great relationship with their fanbase, those qualities are vital.

Philadelphia fell back in love with hockey this season, and Zegras became one of the faces of that emotional reconnection, in part because being a Flyer helped him fall back in love with the game too.

During Flyers exit interviews, he said of the change of scenery from Anaheim to Philadelphia, "It was big for me. Having that excitement about the game was great. Having a passion for winning and success as a team was big, and I think a lost a little bit of that [with Anaheim]. The drive and passion to win, being a really good team—in my opinion, we definitely had a great, successful season."

Fans do not merely appreciate him; they engage with him. Xfinity Mobile Arena is crawling with jerseys emblazoned with 46 on the back on any given game day. Clips of his plays circulate constantly online. National broadcasts gravitate toward him. He is charismatic without feeling manufactured, confident without feeling detached.

Some stars feel marketed into relevance, but Zegras feels naturally magnetic. For a franchise trying to fully reestablish itself nationally after years of inconsistency, that matters commercially and culturally, and the Flyers know it.

Why the Number Works for Both Sides

An $8 million cap hit positions Zegras appropriately within both his current value and future projection.

It acknowledges that he is not yet a perennial 100-point superstar, but it also recognizes that high-end offensive centers and play-driving forwards entering their prime years simply cost money now.

From Zegras’ perspective, the deal offers life-changing security while still allowing him to cash in significantly before the end of his career. From the Flyers’ perspective, it provides cost certainty through what should be the most productive stretch of his NHL life.

And stylistically, there is reason to believe his game will age well.

Players built entirely around speed can decline abruptly. Players built entirely around finesse can disappear physically in playoff environments. Zegras’ value increasingly comes from processing speed, spatial manipulation, and creativity under pressure. Those traits tend to sustain themselves longer.

Most importantly, though, the Flyers finally look like a place where Zegras can become the best version of himself. That was not always guaranteed.

Some players need structure. Some need freedom. The challenge for organizations is identifying which balance unlocks growth. Philadelphia appears to have found it with Zegras. Tocchet has demanded accountability without suffocating creativity. Veterans like Sean Couturier, Travis Konecny, and Travis Sanheim have helped stabilize the room around younger personalities. And Zegras, for perhaps the first time in his NHL career, genuinely looked settled.

Philadelphia Flyers forwards Trevor Zegras (46) and Owen Tippett (74) celebrate the Flyers clinching a playoff spot. (Megan DeRuchie-The Hockey News)
Philadelphia Flyers forwards Trevor Zegras (46) and Owen Tippett (74) celebrate the Flyers clinching a playoff spot. (Megan DeRuchie-The Hockey News)

Comfortable players usually become better players, which is why this negotiation should not drag unnecessarily.

The Flyers spent years searching for players capable of changing the emotional temperature of games and seasons. Trevor Zegras became one of those players this year—not without flaws, but undeniably. You do not spend years rebuilding only to hesitate when you finally identify a cornerstone worth building around.

"I would love that," Zegras said of contract talks. "I would love to be here for a long time... I love playing here. I love the fans. I love the group that we have. I hope that that happens over the next couple of months."

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AHL Playoff Update: Zonnon scores again, WBS Penguins win again

Bill Zonnon extended his goal-streak to three games, matching the number of games he has suited up in the AHL to help the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins win the pivotal Game 3 in their best-of-five series against Springfield last night. Here was the Pens’ lineup

Rutger McGroarty opened the scoring, notching his second goal of the playoffs in the final minute of the first period. McGroarty jumped out on a shorthanded breakaway and made it count to give WBS the lead.

The score would remain that way until the third period until Boko Imama (!!) made a beautiful pass over for Zonnon to finish and extend WBS’s lead to 2-0 with 14 minutes to go.

For a while this game looked similar to Game 2 in this series, where WBS took a multi-goal lead and Springfield then made a desperate late comeback effort. The Thunderbirds scored with 3:39 remaining to drop the score to 2-1. They kept pushing as time wound down but in Game 3 there would be no overtime, Wilkes hangs on for a 2-1 win. Sergei Murashov stops 27 of 28 with another strong performance, especially down the stretch in the final segment.

WBS will have the opportunity to close the series out and move onto the winner of Toronto/Cleveland by winning Game 4 tomorrow night.

Up at the NHL level, the Penguins have to be excited to see another strong night from so many important players. Murashov is showing mastery of the AHL level (1.82 GAA, .942 save% in the playoffs) to suggest he’s ready for NHL action. McGroarty scoring while shorthanded gives a reminder that he should be in the conversation for a spot next season. Zonnon is still playing AHL fourth line in his very first taste of pro hockey, but it’s becoming harder to remember the more green aspects of where he’s at in his journey when he scores a goal every game he plays – especially since the AHL is known to be lower scoring hockey than the NHL and goals in the playoffs come at a huge premium. Good run so far for Wilkes, Pittsburgh has to be extremely encouraged to see a lot of the important names for the NHL radar continually show up and stand out in this playoff run.

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Donovan Mitchell’s blunt assessment of Cavaliers’ Game 1 choke: ‘We f–king blew it’

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket during the game against the New York Knicks during Game 1 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals on May 19, 2026 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. , Image 2 shows A man with short dark hair and a beard, wearing a navy jacket, speaks into a microphone at a press conference
Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell didn't sugarcoat his response to Cleveland's collapse in Tuesday's 115-104 overtime loss to the New York Knicks in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell didn’t sugarcoat his response to Cleveland’s collapse in Tuesday’s 115-104 overtime loss to the Knicks in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals.

“I said it in the locker room, just that we lost, we f–king blew it,” Mitchell said after his team squandered a 22-point lead in the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden.

Mitchell, who tallied 29 points, explained that the Cavaliers will analyze the film and look forward to Game 2 on Thursday in New York.

Warning: Explicit language

“It’s one loss. It’s a bad loss, but all we can do is go back and watch the film and fix it,” Mitchell explained in his postgame press conference.

“We could’ve lost by 40. It still would’ve been 1-0 … We played pretty solid for three quarters or so. We’ll make adjustments and go from there.”

It seemed the Cavaliers were on their way to a third straight road win this postseason until a late Knicks surge.

Knicks guard Jalen Brunson scored 17 of his game-high 38 points as New York went on a 44-11 run over the final 12:45 of the game, including overtime.

Donovan Mitchell dribbles against the New York Knicks during Game 1 of the NBA Eastern Conference finals on May 19, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images

Mitchell went scoreless in that span, missing all five of his shots, partly due to the defensive prowess of Knicks guard Landry Shamet.

Cavs center Evan Mobley logged 15 points and 14 rebounds.

James Harden scored 15 points, but was just 1-for-8 on 3-pointers and had six turnovers for Cleveland.

“That can’t happen. But it did,” Mitchell said. “We play in two days. We can’t sit here and let it kill our momentum, kill what we’ve been doing. It’s not a good loss.”

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The Celtics have scheduled 3 more pre-draft workouts

The Boston Celtics have wasted no time ramping up their pre-draft process, scheduling three additional workouts with potential draft candidates. 

According to Hoopshype’s draft workout tracker, Boston has either already hosted or is set to host the following prospects for workouts in the coming days. 

After providing a detailed breakdown of Boston’s first three scheduled pre-draft workouts, this article will take a closer look at the Celtics’ next wave of prospects invited in for evaluation.  

Baba Miller | 6’10.5” | Forward | Cincinnati | 22 
13 pts | 10.3 rebs | 3.7 asts | 1.2 blks | 53/19/66 | 57.6 TS %  
LUBBOCK, TEXAS – FEBRUARY 24: Baba Miller #18 of the Cincinnati Bearcats runs across the court during the first half of the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at United Supermarkets Arena on February 24, 2026 in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Baba Miller is one of the more intriguing developmental forwards in this draft cycle because of his rare blend of size, mobility, and perimeter skill. Standing at 6-foot-10, the Spanish forward possesses the raw tools, versatility, and physical profile that NBA teams covet in today’s modern game. He grew up developing in Real Madrid’s youth system just like the most recent Celtics first round pick Hugo Gonzalez.  

Miller spent his first two collegiate seasons at Florida State before transferring to Florida Atlantic, where he began to consistently flash the immense potential that once made him a highly regarded international prospect. His strong play there drew increased attention from scouts and ultimately paved the way for his move to Cincinnati, where he put together the most productive season of his collegiate career. 

Offensively, Miller’s biggest appeal lies in his guard-like skill set despite nearly being seven feet tall. A former guard before a major growth spurt, he remains comfortable handling the ball in transition, initiating offense, and making advanced reads as a passer. Miller’s 3.7 assists per game and 23.3 AST% ranked in the 99th percentile for his position.  

He also proved to be a viable playmaking option out of the post, routinely zipping passes to open teammates and facilitating offense from the interior. His effectiveness in this area has improved as his frame has gradually filled out, though there is still a lot of room for additional strength development. Miller thrives when attacking open space, frequently ripping and running after defensive rebounds and generating quick offense in transition. His 1.7 assist-to-turnover ratio ranked in the 97th percentile, though his 2.2 turnovers per game still raise some concerns about decision-making consistency. Even so, I remain very confident in his overall passing ability and feel for the game. With a likely reduction in on-ball responsibilities at the next level and NBA reps, there is reason to believe those turnover numbers should naturally decline. He also finishes efficiently around the basket, converting 71 percent of his attempts at the rim, 60 percent from two-point range overall and slammed home 58 dunks. 

Defensively is where Miller projects most favorably at the NBA level. His length, lateral mobility, and instincts allow him to guard multiple positions effectively, ranging from wings to smaller bigs. He is disruptive in passing lanes, rotates well as a help defender, and provides weak-side rim protection thanks to his timing and recovery ability. Even though he’s not a huge stock percentages player, his impact was more than felt on court and through the advanced metrics. He ranked in the 96th percentile in Regularized Adjusted Plus Minus (RAPM) on the defensive side and opponent effective field goal percentage.  

Miller also does a great job closing possessions on the glass posting a 27.7 defensive rebound parentage last season.  

The biggest concern surrounding Miller remains his offensive consistency, particularly as a shooter. While flashes of perimeter scoring exist, his three-point shot and free-throw percentages have fluctuated throughout his collegiate career, leading some scouts to question whether he can become a reliable floor spacer. During his lone season at Florida Atlantic, he shot 34 percent from a three-point range on 114 attempts, a respectable mark for a player with his size. However, this past season he struggled from deep, shooting a career-low 19 percent from beyond the arc but converted a career-best 66 percent from the free-throw line on 149 attempts.  

There is optimism with this organization in particular as the Celtics have a strong recent track record of helping players develop as shooters, with names such as Derrick White (before this year), Grant Williams, and Jordan Walsh all showing notable improvement after arriving in Boston just to name a few. Along with the shooting though, adding strength to his frame and tightening his decision-making under pressure are also viewed as developmental priorities. 

Even with those concerns, Miller’s upside continues to intrigue NBA evaluators because players with his combination of size, athletic fluidity, defensive versatility, and playmaking instincts are difficult to find. If his shooting becomes even league average, he has the tools to develop into a valuable two-way rotation forward capable of fitting into multiple lineup constructions. 

Emanuel Sharp | 6’2.75” | Guard | Houston | 22 
15.5 pts | 3 rebs | 1.7 asts | 1.2 stls | 41/37/89 | 58.2 TS % 
AUSTIN, TX – JANUARY 29: Houston Cougars guard Emanuel Sharp (21) catches an inbounds pass during the Big 12 college basketball game between Texas Longhorns and Houston Cougars on January 29, 2024, at Moody Center in Austin, Texas. (Photo by David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Emanuel Sharp is one of the most polished and impactful perimeter shooters in college basketball, operating as a high-level scoring guard for the Houston Cougars. Standing at just under 6-foot-3 and around 205 pounds, he brings a strong, compact frame, advanced off-ball instincts, and a reputation as one of the nation’s premier catch-and-shoot threats. 

Offensively, Sharp’s game is built around elite shooting gravity. He consistently moves well without the ball, uses screens effectively, and punishes defenses that overcommit elsewhere. His jumper is quick, repeatable, and highly efficient, making him a constant threat from beyond the arc both in spot-up situations and in motion. He’s a smart high IQ ball player that knows how to weaponize his shooting gravity with relocations and slips. The shot is slightly off to the side, which reminds me of Kevin Martin. The elite touch can be reinforced by his career shooting averages of 37 percent from three and 87 percent from the line. Over his college career, he has steadily increased his scoring output, reaching 15.5 points per game in his most recent season.  

Beyond the shooting Sharp brings more value than expected. While I never expect him to be a primary creator, he has shown improved comfort attacking closeouts and making simple reads within the flow of the offense. He doesn’t get many attempts at the rim, but when he does, he shows good quickness and he never seems to shy away from contact. He shot 67 percent at the rim last season on 50 shots. His playmaking ability isn’t anything to write home about, but I really value smart players who make sound decisions and don’t turn the ball over. Sharp’s 1.7 assists per game is low for a guard, but there is no doubt about his ability to make quick and correct decisions. He also has averaged less than one turnover per game for the last two seasons (99th percentile in turnover economy).  

On defense, he is the hard-nosed, tough, ultra-competitive guard that all Houston perimeter players turn out to be regardless of size. His motor and feel for the game really flash on this end rather than the athleticism and stock rates. While he is not an elite lockdown defender, every trait I mentioned is what I believe can make him playable at that end at the next level. Being just under 6’3” does mean players will have the ability to shoot over him even if he plays solid defense though. His stocky build can help him in these situations, however leading to more jumpshots from taller opponents rather than easy backdowns. Sharp made the Big 12 All-Defensive team last season.  

Rafael Castro | 6’9’’ | Center | George Washington | 23 
15.5 pts | 9 rebs | 1.7 asts | 1.8 stls | 1.7 blks | 62.7/0/66 | 64.6 TS %  
WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 03: Rafael Castro #30 of the George Washington Revolutionaries celebrates during the game against the Maine Black Bears at Charles E. Smith Athletic Center on November 03, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Rafael Castro is a senior big man for the George Washington Revolutionaries who has emerged as one of the more productive and versatile frontcourt players in the Atlantic 10. After beginning his collegiate career at Providence, where his role was limited, Castro transferred to George Washington and developed into a true focal point of the offense on both ends of the floor. 
 
Castro’s selling point is as a rim-to-rim energy big who can be highly disruptive on the defensive end. Offensively, his game is largely built around finishing plays at the rim. He consistently scores in pick-and-roll situations as a roll man, where his soft hands and quick vertical burst make him a reliable target. He also takes advantage of his mobility, using his foot speed to rim run in transition and slip behind opposing bigs when rolling to the basket. 

Castro posted strong efficiency numbers in these areas, registering 1.18 points per possession as a roll man and 1.56 points per possession in transition. While he is unlikely to project as a primary hub big at the next level, he can still be utilized effectively as a handoff passer and a stationary Delay facilitator at the top of the key, where he can keep the offense moving with simple, timely reads. 

Defensively, Castro brings a blend of size, mobility, and activity that allowed him to be one of the best defensive playmakers in college basketball rather than a traditional anchor big. He can cover the ground quickly and rotate into plays out of nowhere as a help defender. One of Castro’s most impactful traits is his ability to protect the rim through timing rather than sheer size or vertical intimidation alone. He is a strong shot-contester who does a good job of meeting drivers early and altering shots at the point of attack. While he is not an elite one-on-one post stopper against bigger, stronger centers, he consistently competes, stays vertical, and uses his length to make finishing difficult for opposing bigs. Castro seems like someone who would thrive on a team that puts their center on opposing wings who can’t shoot which allows the five to roam and be athletic.  

As far as the stock numbers go, Castro averaged 3.5 stocks per game, combining steals and blocks at a high volume for a frontcourt player. His 3.5 steal percentage ranks in the 98th percentile, underscoring his disruptive presence as a help defender and his instincts in jumping passing lanes and digging down on drives. He also posted a 7.9 block percentage, further highlighting his ability to protect the rim and contest shots at a strong rate. He also brings real value as a defensive rebounder and possession-ender. He pursues the ball with energy, boxes out consistently, and uses his mobility to chase down rebounds outside his immediate area.  

The main limitation at the next level for Castro is that his frame can be tested against stronger interior scorers, especially in half-court post situations, where he can be nudged off balance or forced into early fouls. He also isn’t a high-volume rim deterrent in the traditional sense, meaning his impact is more about collective defense and disruption than outright paint domination. He also doesn’t stretch the floor, which is completely fine for his archetype, but he will have to provide real value at the things he does well to offset that. 

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The sky is the limit for Cam Schlittler and his new sinker

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MAY 09: Cam Schlittler #31 of the New York Yankees throws a pitch against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field on May 09, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Last month, I was given the opportunity to introduce a new series that I have been super excited to explore alongside all of you. It regards a trend we had noticed developing in the Yankees pitching room toward the end of the 2024 season. At that point, the league was still very much in the midst of the four-seamer craze that arose to counter the launch angle revolution. However, something was brewing inside the Yankees pitching lab, and bit by bit we started to see the return of a pitch many thought was made obsolete by this new era of steep swings and high spin — the sinker.

Now, I am thrilled to introduce the first installment in this series about the Yankees’ role in the return of the sinker, and who better to kick things off than perhaps the best pitcher in baseball right now, Cam Schlittler. In analyzing the underpinnings of Schlittler’s meteoric rise, a lot of the focus this season centers on a conversation he had with Gerrit Cole about how to get the most out of his cutter — namely to throw it at max effort. As much as I certainly agree that Schlittler’s newly elite cutter is the principal driver of his success, I also feel that not enough attention gets paid to the adjustments Matt Blake and the rest of the pitching coaches have helped him make on the sinker.

First, let’s start with the physical characteristics of the pitch. In his debut season of 2025, Schlittler’s sinker averaged 97.6 mph, 16.8 inches of vertical drop, and 12.5 inches of arm-side run. This year, it is averaging 97.3 mph, 18.2 inches of vertical drop, and 14.2 inches of arm-side run. There is no appreciable difference in spin rate, spin axis, or active spin from one year to the next, so this extra movement is likely down to a subtle shift in seam orientation at release, taking advantage of seam-shifted wake — turbulence in the laminar air flow across a baseball as it travels through the air caused by a seam’s position independent of the axis of spin — to create more sink and more lateral movement toward the right-handed hitter’s batter’s box.

Next, let’s look at the changes to the pitch’s usage. Schlittler threw the sinker just 6.1-percent of the time in 2025 — that’s up to a 19.1-percent usage rate through ten starts, Schlittler more than tripling the frequency with which he uses the pitch. In 2025, he threw the pitch almost exclusively to righties, only eight of the 76 he threw coming against lefties. The pitch doesn’t have anywhere near as pronounced of a platoon split, Schlittler throwing exactly one-third of his 171 sinkers to lefties. Last season he pretty much only targeted the arm-side edge of the zone with the sinker, burying it in on the hands of right-handed batters. He still tries to jam righties inside with the pitch, but he has also learned to throw it to the glove-side edge of the plate looking to steal a back-door called strike against righties or a front-door called strike against lefties. In this manner, he is able to induce chases and whiffs against sinkers in off the plate against righties and also earn the punch out looking when he starts the sinker in the left-handed batter’s box and allows the arm-side run to carry it into the zone.

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Schlittler’s sinker got hit pretty hard in 2025 which perhaps explains his reluctance to use it. Batters were hitting .357 with a 15 degree average launch angle leading to more line drives and fly balls than you would expect against a sinker. This year, they are batting .185 with a zero degree average launch angle, taking the pitch from a 36.4-percent ground ball rate in 2025 to a 67.5-percent ground ball rate in 2026. This is likely down to a combination of factors including Schlittler’s improved command of the pitch, the greater variety of situations and locations he’s willing to throw it, and the improved movement on the pitch.

The most important development with Schlittler’s sinker is the way that it interacts with the other two fastballs in his arsenal, the four-seamer and cutter. A central topic in current pitching research is the importance for pitchers, especially starters, to throw multiple types of fastballs. Schlittler is perhaps the most extreme example of this paradigm, throwing his four-seamer, cutter, and sinker a combined 90.9-percent of the time. It is much harder for the hitter to distinguish one fastball from another than it is to distinguish a fastball from a slider or curveball, meaning that three different pitches that look exactly the same out of the pitcher’s hand can land in very different locations once they get to home plate.

I’ve found that Schlittler has become quite adept at tunneling his sinker with his four-seamer. Check out this example below, a two-pitch sequence against Pete Alonso in the beginning of May:

Schlitter throws a four-seamer pretty much down the middle, the velocity taking it right by Alonso. He then aims a sinker at the exact same starting point, yet the pitch ends up almost a foot inside off the plate, leading to a very awkward check-swing strike from Alonso. It’s no wonder Schlittler throws so many fastballs when he can make the hitter look silly like this throwing just gas.

We all know about the massive jump in velocity that earned Schlittler his call-up in 2025. We also have learned about how instrumental Cole’s advice was in turning Schlittler’s cutter into an almost untouchable pitch. But I truly feel that Schlittler’s gains with the sinker are just as important in transforming him into an ace who looks like he can take the league by storm for years to come.

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Mets Morning News: Mets blow the Bo Show

May 19, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Nolan McLean (26) walks back to the dugout after against the Washington Nationals during the fourth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images | Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images

Meet the Mets

The Mets blew an early five run lead in Washington, losing the game 9-6 to the Nationals. All nine runs were given up by Nolan McLean during his 5.2 innings, though only six were earned.

Choose your recap: Amazin’ Avenue, Faith and Fear in Flushing, MLB.com, New York Daily News, New York Post, The Athletic

The Mets continued their youth movement by calling up outfield prospect Nick Morabito.

Morabito will add to the speed and athleticism that’s at the core of their influx of young prospects.

Morabito wore the number 8, which has not been given to any player since 2001, frozen to honor Gary Carter.

The number won’t last long, however, as he’ll switch to the number 55, a number he chose for himself.

And despite all the hoopla over the use of Gary Carter’s number, Carter himself might not have cared as much.

The Mets’ youth movement was aided in part by the departures of both Noah Syndergaard and Jacob deGrom.

The Mets added left-handed pitcher Anderson Severino to the 40-man roster, transferred Clay Holmes to the 60-day injured list, and designated Austin Slater for assignment.

Zach Thornton will start tonight’s game against the Nationals without an opener.

Around the National League East

The Marlins know they need to fix their historically hapless franchise, and they’re willing to go to extremes to do so.

The Braves selected Chadwick Tromp to the roster to replace Drake Baldwin, who was placed on the 10-day injured list with an oblique strain.

The Nationals recalling Dylan Crews to the majors isn’t just shuffling deck chairs, as he’s made significant changes and improvements during his time in Triple-A.

The Braves came from behind to beat the Marlins 8-4. Matt Olson was in the center of the action as usual, collecting two hits and two walks while driving in three of Atlanta’s eight runs.

The Phillies had no answer for the Reds, losing 4-1. Jesus Luzardo gave up two runs on five hits in six innings, struck out five, walked two, and got the loss.

Around Major League Baseball

Almost two months into the season, there have been some lessons to take away from the newly-implemented ABS challenge system.

The Twins optioned former first overall pick Royce Lewis today and selected the contract of Orlando Arcia.

Jacob Misiorowski may be the hardest throwing starting pitcher of all time.

Michael Conforto is having a good season, albeit in a limited role, but he also had some help this past week from a faulty ABS challenge.

Gerrit Cole will be making his return from Tommy John surgery on Friday against the Rays.

Following the verbal altercation between Pete Crow-Armstrong and a fan, Crow-Armstrong has been fined an undisclosed amount of money.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

A Pod of Their Own released a new episode.

Steve Sypa returned with this season’s eighth edition of Mets Minor League Players of the Week.

Sypa also helped us become familiar with the newly called-up outfielder Nick Morabito.

This Date in Mets History

Robin Ventura became the first player in major league history to hit a grand slam in both games of a double header in 1999.

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Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson says they got a ‘little unlucky’ during historic Knicks collapse

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson reacts during Game 1 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals, Image 2 shows Mikal Bridges of the New York Knicks reacts after scoring a three-point basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers
Cavs coach 'unlucky'

Apparently, getting outscored by 33 points in nearly 13 minutes in one of the biggest choke jobs in NBA history can partially be chalked up to luck.

Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson surprisingly cited “luck” toward the beginning of his postgame press conference after his team’s shocking collapse in the 115-104 Game 1 loss to the Knicks in the Eastern Conference finals Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden.

Cleveland led by 22 points with 7:52 remaining and somehow managed to lose by 11 in overtime.

Kenny Atkinson oversaw a historic Game 1 collapse. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

“I thought they hit some really tough shots in that fourth quarter, those two 3’s, prayer 3’s end of shot clock,” Atkinson said after the crusher.

“We got a little unlucky, quite honestly. (Jalen) Brunson obviously took over at the end.”

It takes more than luck for a team to collapse the way the Cavaliers did Tuesday night in a loss that could be rued the way Knicks fans lament last year’s Game 1 choke job against the Pacers.

While it would be fair to cite the Knicks’ astronomical shooting percentages in the final roughly eight minutes plus overtimes, including Shamet Landry’s miracle 3-pointer that bounced in to tie the game, that would be an easy excuse for a Cavaliers team that both stopped defending and taking good shots.

The Knicks routinely went after James Harden and reaped the benefits, with Harden unable to stop Brunson when the game mattered during the Knicks’ 30-8 run in the final 7:52 of regulation.

Atkinson cited Mikal Bridges’ pair of 3s in the final 2:38 as examples of tough shots the Knicks converted.

Mikal Bridges hit a pair of critical shots late. Getty Images

“The two Bridges 3’s, like kind of what are you going to do?” he asked.

An inefficient offense compounded those issues since the Cavaliers could not stop the Knicks’ run at the end of regulation, settling for bad jumpers that led to one-and-done possesions.

Neither Harden nor Donovan Mitchell rose the occasion like Brunson did.

“My only regret, and this can happen when you get a little fatigue, it just stopped moving,” Atkinson said. “We were pinging the ball over the place, great ball movement and then it got a little stagnant.”

The Cavaliers’ mettle will now be tested in Game 2, since losses of this magnitude are not easy to forget.

The Knicks never overcame last year’s shocking Game 1 loss to the Pacers en route to falling in 6, but Atkinson tried to harp on the positives after one of the worst losses in franchise history.

“I’m super proud of the way our group played,” he said. “We played great basketball tonight for three quarters, unfortunately … they dominated us in the fourth quarter.”

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Western Conference Final Sets Stage for Golden Knights-Avalanche Bloody War

DENVER — The Colorado Avalanche are four wins away from a Stanley Cup Final berth. 

After winning eight of their first nine playoff games, the Avalanche now turn their attention toward the Vegas Golden Knights in a series that feels less like a conference final and more like an inevitable collision between two modern Western Conference powers.

Game 1 is set for Wednesday night at Ball Arena, where Colorado will attempt to protect home ice against a Vegas team built around depth, pressure and postseason experience. The Avalanche, meanwhile, enter the series looking every bit like the most explosive offensive team remaining in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Colorado finished the regular season with a 2-0-1 record against Vegas, narrowly outscoring the Golden Knights 11-10 across the three meetings.

Colorado’s Offense Has Become a Playoff Avalanche

No team has generated offense more consistently this postseason than Colorado. p

The Avalanche lead the NHL with 4.11 goals per game through nine playoff contests while allowing just 2.56 goals against per night. At five-on-five, Colorado has been even more dominant, producing 2.56 goals per game while surrendering only 1.44.

The puck possession numbers paint an equally commanding picture.

Colorado is averaging 32.6 shots on goal per game while limiting opponents to just 26.1 shots against. Even against a structured Vegas team, the Avalanche held a significant territorial advantage during the regular season series, averaging 32.3 shots per game compared to the Golden Knights’ 25.7.

Special teams could become one of the defining storylines of the series.

Colorado’s power play is operating at 25 percent during the postseason, nearly identical to Vegas’ 25.7 percent mark. The Golden Knights, however, have owned the edge on the penalty kill, entering the conference final at 86.8 percent compared to Colorado’s 79.3 percent.

Vegas has still been one of the NHL’s most complete playoff teams.

The Golden Knights arrive in Denver with an 8-4 postseason record while averaging 3.67 goals per game and allowing 2.58 goals against. Their .915 team save percentage also ranks ahead of Colorado’s .902 mark entering the series.

MacKinnon Continues to Set the Standard

Nathan MacKinnon once again sits at the center of everything Colorado does offensively.

The Avalanche superstar enters the Western Conference Final tied for third in the NHL with seven playoff goals while ranking tied for eighth with 13 points. His ability to dictate pace through the neutral zone has repeatedly overwhelmed opponents throughout the postseason.

MacKinnon has also consistently produced against Vegas throughout his career, recording seven points in seven playoff games against the Golden Knights along with 30 points — including eight goals and 22 assists — in 31 regular-season meetings.

Martin Necas has become one of Colorado’s most important secondary playmakers during the playoff run.

Necas is tied for sixth in the NHL with 10 assists while carrying a plus-10 even-strength goal differential, tied for the second-best mark among all playoff skaters remaining.

Devon Toews continues to provide offensive production from the blue line, ranking seventh among NHL defensemen with eight playoff points. He is tied for fifth among defensemen in assists with six and tied for eighth in goals with two.

Veteran defenseman Brent Burns brings another layer of playoff experience into the matchup. Burns has totaled nine points in 13 postseason games against Vegas during his career, in addition to 16 points in 32 regular-season contests.

Colorado’s Comeback Win Became a Defining Moment

Even dominant playoff runs usually require one game that galvanizes a team.

For Colorado, that moment arrived in Game 5 against the Minnesota Wild.

The Avalanche fell behind 3-0 midway through the first period before mounting one of the most dramatic comebacks of the postseason. Parker Kelly finally broke through in the second period before Jack Drury redirected a Devon Toews point shot late in regulation to cut the deficit to one.

With the net empty and Colorado’s season briefly hanging in the balance, MacKinnon delivered again, scoring with 1:23 remaining to tie the game.

Then came the finish.

At 3:52 of overtime, Brett Kulak blasted home a one-timer off a Martin Necas feed, completing the comeback and sending Ball Arena into chaos as the Avalanche clinched the series in five games.

Instead of becoming a warning sign, the early deficit only reinforced Colorado’s confidence and offensive firepower.

Vegas Brings Its Own Wave of Firepower

The Golden Knights arrive with enough depth to make this a true heavyweight matchup.

Mitch Marner has led Vegas offensively with 18 playoff points while ranking second on the team with 11 assists and third with seven goals. Pavel Dorofeyev enters the series leading the Golden Knights with nine postseason goals, while Jack Eichel has orchestrated much of the attack with a team-leading 14 assists and 15 total points.

Vegas secured its trip to the conference final with a commanding 5-1 victory over Anaheim in Game 6 of the second round.

Marner opened the scoring just 1:02 into the game before Brett Howden added a shorthanded goal and Shea Theodore capitalized on the power play later in the first period. Dorofeyev eventually buried two third-period goals to put the game away.

Now the Golden Knights head into Denver facing the NHL’s highest-scoring playoff team in a series that carries no shortage of history, animosity or championship implications.

For Colorado, the opportunity is obvious.

The Avalanche have looked fast, deep and overwhelming through two rounds.

Vegas may be the first team capable of matching them shift for shift.

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Shocking stats reveal just how bad Knicks torched James Harden in legendary comeback

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks dribbles the ball while defended by Caris LeVert of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Image 2 shows james harden
James Harden Jalen brunson

The Knicks made it no secret during their Game 1 comeback – they were looking to embarrass James Harden.

Trailing by 22 points in the fourth quarter, the Knicks rallied on the back of their captain clutch, Jalen Brunson, who exposed Harden in the 115-104 overtime victory.

In the fourth quarter, the Knicks did everything possible to get Harden as the primary on-ball defender, getting the veteran guard to switch on in nine isolations in the stanza and averaging 1.9 points per action, according to the “All NBA Podcast.”

Jalen Brunson was eating James Harden’s lunch in Game 1. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Those nine isolations resulted in roughly 17.1 points for the Knicks, as Harden could do nothing to help Cleveland while it squandered the lead.

With the Knicks behind, 93-71, with roughly 7:45 to go in the game, a Brunson burner was lit, and the flames completely engulfed Harden.

That trend continued into overtime, as Mike Brown’s group completely blew the Cavaliers out, outscoring them 14-3 in the deciding five-minute period.

Again, Harden was the primary target.

Harden was the screener in 21 on-ball picks in the fourth quarter and overtime combined, where the Knicks got 1.6 points per action in those plays (33.6 points), per the podcast.

Brown said the obvious after the win.

“It was no secret we were attacking Harden,” the coach said.

Meanwhile, Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson kept his timeouts in his pocket as the Knicks rallied.

“I like to hold my timeouts,” Atkinson said postgame. “I try to hold them.”

He held them a bit too long on that one, as from 5:34 to 3:30 left in the fourth quarter, Brunson went on an 11-0 run by himself to give the Knicks a chance.

Atkinson mercifully called a timeout with 3:30 left as the Knicks pulled to within five points.

Harden was the primary defender on each of those buckets during the 11-0 Brunson run.

James Harden was targeted all night by the Knicks. JASON SZENES FOR THE NEW YORK POST

“No,” Atkinson said when asked if he considered benching Harden during defensive possessions. “He’s been one of our best defenders in these playoffs. I trust him. Smart. Great hands. Didn’t think about that.”

Game 2 on Thursday night is the Cavaliers’ next chance to steal homecourt advantage, but this one has to sting a bit extra Wednesday morning for Cleveland.

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Game 50 Preview: Can Tigers break through against Guardians on Wednesday?

The Detroit Tigers lost another close game on Tuesday night, succumbing to the Cleveland Guardians, 4-3, in a matchup that saw the good guys go 0-for-5 with runners in scoring position and leaving 10 runners on base. And thus the futility continues…

It looks like AJ Hinch is planning for a bullpen day on Wednesday evening, as no starting pitcher has been announced on MLB Probable Pitchers as of the time of publication, but we do know that right-hander Tanner Bibee will be taking the mound for the visitors.

Bibee’s numbers this season have been suppressed by a couple of outlier outings in what has been mostly a solid campaign so far, despite his ugly record. Four of his 10 starts have been of the quality variety, including his last two, which have seen him put up a 2.84 ERA and 3.59 FIP over 12 2/3 innings, allowing eight hits (one home run) and four walks while striking out 11 and hitting a batter.

Last couple of times the 27-year-old faced the Tigers were in his final two outings of the 2025 campaign — a pair of six-inning, one-run efforts for his 11th and 12th wins of the season.

Detroit Tigers (20-29) vs. Cleveland Guardians (28-22)

Time (ET): 6:40 p.m.
Place: Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan
SB Nation Site:Covering the Corner
Media: Detroit SportsNet, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network

Game 50: TBA vs. RHP Tanner Bibee (0-6, 4.15 ERA)

PlayerGIPK%BB%GB%FIPfWAR
TBA–––––––
Bibee1052.021.29.040.54.270.7

BIBEE

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Reds vs Phillies Prediction, Picks & Odds for Today's MLB Game

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The Philadelphia Phillies seek a seventh straight series win when they play the rubber match of their three-game set with the visiting Cincinnati Reds this afternoon.

Cincinnati, however, has been mighty comfortable as an underdog in this head-to-head, which is why my Reds vs Phillies predictions and free MLB picks are siding with the road team on Wednesday, May 20.

Who will win Reds vs Phillies today: Reds moneyline (+127)

In his most recent outing, Philadelphia Phillies starter Aaron Nola lasted just 3 2/3 innings against the Pirates, surrendering six runs on six hits, including two homers. It was the third time in five starts he’s allowed at least five earned.

His stuff simply isn't playing anymore, and his barrel and hard-hit rates rank in the 31st and 37th percentiles, respectively.

Meanwhile, Cincinnati Reds starter Andrew Abbott has allowed one earned run in his last three starts, rocking a microscopic 0.54 ERA in May.

Coupled with the Reds’ offense in the last two weeks (Top 8 in runs, average, on-base percentage, slugging, and OPS) and a 3-1 record against the Phillies as an underdog in the last four, it's their series to take, and I'll take this plus-money pricetag against a scuffling Nola any chance I get.

Covers COVERS INTEL:Nathaniel Lowe sat out Tuesday's win, but the DH will surely be in the lineup against Nola, whom he’s owned in a small sample, going 4-for-7 with a home run.

Reds vs Phillies Over/Under pick: Under 8.5 (+104)

The last seven meetings between the Reds and Phillies have produced an Under record of 6-0-1, with only one matchup touching a combined nine runs.

The Phillies have been an Under machine, going 8-1-0 in their last nine overall. They rank just 20th in scoring, and neither team has lit the world on fire, boasting identical below-averagewRC+ ratings of 93 (tied for 21st in MLB).

With Abbott in a groove and Nola struggling, it’s shaping up for the Reds to carry this to victory, but falling Under the 8.5-run line.

Eric Rosales' 2026 Transparency Record
  • ML/RL bets: 7-6, +0.72 units
  • Over/Under bets: 10-2, +7.74 units

Reds vs Phillies odds

  • Moneyline: Reds +127 | Phillies -133
  • Run line: Reds +1.5 (-156) | Phillies -1.5 (+150)
  • Over/Under: Over 8.5 (+104) | Under 8.5 (-108)

Reds vs Phillies trend

Cincinnati has held Philadelphia to one run or less in three of the last four matchups. Find more MLB betting trends for Reds vs. Phillies.

How to watch Reds vs Phillies and game info

LocationCitizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA
DateWednesday, May 20, 2026
First pitch1:05 p.m. ET
TVReds.TV, NBC 10
Reds starting pitcherAndrew Abbott
(3-2, 4.21 ERA)
Phillies starting pitcherAaron Nola
(2-3, 5.91 ERA)

Reds vs Phillies latest injuries

Reds vs Phillies weather

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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Goodbye, Jason Kidd. Now Mavs fans can finally really move on

It’s morning in Dallas. The kind of morning where everything is possible, where the sun shines in that special way and life seems a little bit less serious. Is that a small bubble of pure joy I feel deep inside?

Jason Kidd is not the head coach of the Dallas Mavericks anymore. The joy I feel is not because he is gone, but because the wind of change is finally here. 

Jason Kidd was a divisive coach. Some didn’t like him and wanted him gone, especially after the Luka Trade. Others didn’t mind him and thought he did a great job. 

I think the truth is somewhere in between. 

Was he part of making the decision to trade Luka Doncic? Who knows. But the Mavericks need a new start, fresh voices and thoughts, and innovative ways of doing things in order to be able to stay relevant in the fast-moving world of the NBA. And that just wasn’t possible with Kidd at the helm. 

He did a good job along the way. He helped develop many young players, and all have spoken very well of him. He managed egos and the intangible aspects of how to run a good team, like connectedness and individual accountability very well. He had a great talent for getting his players to believe and rally around him. I’m sure the list is much longer if you ask his players. And maybe this is really where he was best. 

But you can’t say that he was innovative. We regularly saw tired, old rotations, which often didn’t make sense and sometimes clearly served to prove other points than trying to win. 

We saw the same ATO plays so often that the opposing teams learned how to read it almost every time. 

We saw so many missed timeout opportunities, which could have helped the players rest, get resettled and change or stop momentum or a run. When questioned about this, he once replied: “I’m watching, like you guys”. Was he joking? Who knows, but it wasn’t very funny. 

And we saw too much reliance on his franchise player to carry the team and make plays out of sheer individual brilliance, rather than as a product of a coherent scheme. 

It wasn’t valued and given credit, and maybe only realized too late how much of an effect said player actually had on winning.

Right after the firing on Tuesday, ESPN Insights reported that Jason Kidd had a .563 win percentage with the Mavericks before Luka Doncic was traded on February 2, 2025. After the Doncic trade, Kidd had a .339 win percentage. 

But I am not sure things are that simple. 

The injuries and players he had on the roster were just not comparable. So either his partner and previous GM Nico Harrison set him up for failure with that trade — and all the medical staff hirings and issues — or Kidd was part of the decision-making and later reaped what he had sowed. They did arrive as a team in Dallas, the two of them, remember? 

Either way, Jason Kidd had to go after the Doncic trade fiasco. In order to start over, you have to start over. 

It was a quick and decisive move by new Dallas Mavericks president and alternate governor, Masai Ujiri. Hired on 4, it took him a couple of weeks to hire a general manager, Mike Schmitz, who he had wanted from day one. Then, just 11 days after that hire, the decision to fire Jason Kidd was announced. 

“I’ve known him for many, many years,” Masai Ujiri said of Mike Schmitz. “He’s an incredible scout, an incredible leader. He digs deep into work, data, and what you want to know about really scouting a player, team building, all those things.”

“Treating people well, scout organizing, managing people, it’s a whole package you want and it’s very important that we set a tone now for this organization because the fans, the organization, you (media) guys, everybody deserves that,” Ujiri said. 

That sounds like as good a reason to find a new coach, as any I’ve heard. 

They say you don’t want to meet your heroes. I never met Jason Kidd, but I came to know how to read him — along with most of the fanbase and media people — and to read between the lines when he spoke. There was a lot of saying one thing and doing another, playing certain players to prove a point and holding on to a decision instead of being flexible and adjusting along the way. We became accustomed to the mind tricks and framing. 

But we also got to experience some special moments. The fact that he managed to keep the small group of players who were not injured this season motivated stands out to me. That’s impressive. 

The “nobody’s dying” quote from 2023 remains a classic. “We’re getting better. It’s just a matter — can we be healthy in time to make a stretch run? If we’re not, that’s just the season. Nobody’s dying.”

And what about the old “I’m watching, just like you guys”, mentioned earlier. That was one for the history books. You really have to be sure of your spot to say something like that about your job. 

But with a new coach, the Dallas Mavericks will be the exciting new project, finally — the organization that Cooper Flagg — and what remains of the Mavs fanbase —deserves. 

Don’t underestimate the work they did to change what happened after they had the rug pulled from under them in the Doncic trade. Like the major protests outside the American Airlines Center:

Many stopped buying season tickets and showing up to games to show their disapproval and eventually the people in charge realized what a grave mistake they had made and fired Harrison earlier this year. 

There’s strength in numbers. Dallas fans showed that they have power if they stick together, and that is no small feat. Mavs fans spoke too loudly to ignore. Hopefully, others feel inspired to do the same, because change only happens when you stand up for what you believe. 

Jason Kidd, however, will always be part of Dallas Mavericks history. He was part of a memorable run as a player and then as a coach with two of the best and most entertaining players the league has ever seen. He has influenced the career arcs of both Doncic and Flagg. For that, we can be grateful. And for all parties involved, it is finally time to move on. 

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Who experts have Sharks selecting with No. 2 pick in 2026 NHL mock drafts

Who experts have Sharks selecting with No. 2 pick in 2026 NHL mock drafts originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

After a promising 2025-26 NHL season, the Sharks are in a prime position to continue building for their Macklin Celebrini-led future with the No. 2 pick of the upcoming 2026 NHL Draft.

San Jose entered the draft lottery with a 5.0 percent chance at winning the No. 1 overall pick and ended up with the No. 2 selection for the second consecutive year, moving up from No. 9 on the second draw of the ping pong balls.

With each team’s positions now set, many hockey experts have released their mock drafts, revealing which players the Sharks could take with the No. 2 overall pick.

ESPN

Chase Reid, D, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)

“In drafting Reid, San Jose gets a right-handed defenseman whose closest draft-year comparable is Evan Bouchard. Reid is a wonderful skater who will almost certainly become a power-play quarterback and drive offense from the blue line.

“The Sharks have a lot less in the pipeline on the right side, with only Eric Pohlkamp projected to play in the NHL. Reid gives the Sharks a tremendous skater and puck mover on the right side who can partner with Sam Dickinson or drive a pair on his own.”

– Rachel Kryshak

NHL Media

Alberts Smits, D, Munchen (GER)

“Smits (6-foot-3, 205 pounds) stands out in a crowded field of high-end defensemen because of how he’s already proven himself against the highest level of competition. That includes two assists and an average ice time of 18:44 in four games for Latvia at the 2026 Winter Olympics, despite the 18-year-old being the youngest player at the tournament.

“He’s a strong skater, has a high-end offensive game, and his maturity on and off the ice — he lived on his own at age 13 when he left his native Latvia to play in Finland — makes him a possibility to play in the NHL as soon as next season.”

– Adam Kimelman

Ivar Stenberg, LW, Frolunda (SWE)

“Though it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Sharks trade down and choose one of the elite defensemen available in this draft, Stenberg (5-foot-11, 183 pounds) is the next-best player here and would fill a need for an elite complementary wing who can keep pace with Celebrini, the face of the franchise. The 18-year-old has been exceptional at every level he’s played this season.”

– Mike G. Morreale

The Athletic

Chase Reid, D, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)

“The Sharks get a foundational defense piece they’ve needed throughout their rebuild, as Reid projects to run a power play and log a lot of minutes in the NHL. Ivar Stenberg is tempting here, but the stars feel like they would align too well for the Sharks and Reid, given how close the two players are in talent.”

– Corey Pronman

Bleacher Report

Chase Reid, D, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)

“In our recent scouting report of defenseman Chase Reid, we said he is the best defenseman in this draft. The San Jose Sharks will likely agree. And given they’ve had ample opportunity to build up their forward corps over the last few drafts, they will look to the blue line this year.

“Take a moment and imagine Reid on the ice with Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith and whatever other members of the Sharks’ stable of talented young prospects happen to be around. It’s a nice vision, right? He’s incredibly offensively gifted, agile and intelligent, and he dictates the flow of the game any time he’s on the ice. He’s going to be extremely good, and the Sharks are going to be fun.”

– Hannah Stuart

Daily Faceoff

Ivar Stenberg, LW, Frolunda (SWE)

“This is quite the consolation prize, especially for a team that didn’t expect to pick this high. The Sharks could really use a defender – but picking the best player available should be the No. 1 goal. They could take Chase Reid here, but passing on Stenberg would come back to bite them. Stenberg is strong with the puck, has a fantastic shot, and might have the second-best hockey sense of anyone in the draft behind McKenna.

“Stenberg’s production fell as the season wore on, but he still had one of the best seasons by a U-19 player in recent SHL history. Stenberg’s ceiling might not be as high as McKenna’s from an offensive production standpoint. But if you’re looking for someone who excels in more facets of the game, Stenberg is the best choice. Keep a close eye on Stenberg at the upcoming World Championship, assuming he does indeed make Sweden’s roster.”

– Steven Ellis

TSN

Chase Reid, D, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)

“With the second-overall pick, Button has the San Jose Sharks, who won the draft lottery to move up from No. 9 to No. 2, taking Soo Greyhounds defenceman Chase Reid. Reid averaged over a point per game last season with the Greyhounds, scoring 18 goals with 48 points in 45 games. He also represented Team USA at the World Juniors, scoring two goals with two assists in five games.

“This will be the fourth year in a row the Sharks will draft in the top five after taking forward Will Smith at No. 4 in 2023, centre Macklin Celebrini first overall in 2024 and forward Michael Misa with the second-overall selection last year.”

– Craig Button

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