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Jasson Dominguez bringing confidence, an 'amazing skillset' to Yankees' leadoff spot

It's only a small sample size, but the Yankees may have something batting Jasson Dominguez in the leadoff spot.

Wednesday, manager Aaron Boone put out the same lineup he wrote for Tuesday's game -- the first time he's had the same lineup in back-to-back games since April 1-2 -- and received similar results, all with the 22-year-old outfielder hitting leadoff.

After going 0-for-5 with two strikeouts in the series opener against the Mariners, Dominguez turned it around in Wednesday's 9-6 win. He went 3-for-4 with an RBI, two runs and a walk, all while showing off the various skills he brings to the field that have made him one of the organization's top prospects for a number of years.

He was asked what skills he brings to the leadoff spot and Dominguez while showing appreciation to Boone for trusting him in that position.

"I’m able to walk and get those hits and run the bases. That helps me in that spot to be able to perform as a leadoff hitter," he said. "It means a lot when the manager trusts in you and makes me want to play harder."

Dominguez also showed off skills that don't necessarily show on the box score. He took extra bases on the basepaths, scoring from second on a Cody Bellinger single and getting home from first on an Aaron Judge double. And he was clutch, driving in a run of his own with runners on second and third in the sixth inning when the Mariners cut the Yankees' lead to 6-4.

"JD always has confidence. He’s got an amazing skillset and super talented," Boone said of Dominguez's recent performance. "I would say, and I’ve said this a lot, the first few months of the year here, maybe hasn’t been spectacular but it’s been real steady. He gives you a mature at-bat, h continues to improve in the outfield. You’re really seeing his baserunning be a real factor. Speed on the bases scoring first to home...It’s pretty much every at-bat, he has been really dialed in going back to Toronto. He was excellent and I feel like he’s gotten hot this past week."

In that four-game Toronto series, in which the Yankees were swept, Dominguez was one of the few bright spots. He went 9-for-18 with three RBI and three runs scored. If you include the two games he played against the Mets, those numbers improve to 11-for-22 with a two-homer game added in. By the way, in that two-homer game, Dominguez led off.

"Lately, I’ve been feeling pretty good at the plate," Dominguez said. "I feel like all the work I’m putting in is paying off."

Again, it's only a small sample size. He's appeared in four games (three starts) this season as the leadoff hitter and he's now 8-for-21. We'll see where Boone pencils in his young outfielder in the series finale on Thursday, but batting leadoff needs to be in consideration.

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Is Nick Robertson Worth A Look From The Penguins?

wApr 9, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs left wing Nicholas Robertson (89) skates against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

One of the stated goals of Pittsburgh Penguins' GM and POHO Kyle Dubas at the end of the 2024-25 was to begin the "execution" phase of the organization's rebuild. He said part of that "execution" would, likely, involve young RFAs that other teams other couldn't afford or who needed a change of scenery. 

And there is one RFA who - although, he might not be one of the bigger names out there - may garner some attention from teams.

One year ago, Toronto Maple Leafs left winger Nicholas Robertson found himself in a very similar position to where he is now with the Leafs’ organization. This time around, Toronto extended Robertson - an RFA - a qualifying offer that he did not accept, electing to move toward arbitration, which was an option that was not available to him last season. 

At this point, Robertson will either go all the way to arbitration to determine his salary, extend with the Leafs before arbitration, or get his rights traded prior to arbitration. Given that Robertson was in and out of the lineup last season - he registered 22 points and a career-high 15 goals in 69 games last season - and that his opportunities to break into a larger role with the Leafs are dwindling, it may be best for both parties to finally move on this summer.

If that’s the case, is Robertson someone the Penguins should be looking into?

We wrote a piece on the possibility of Pittsburgh offer sheeting Robertson last season. While the situation is a bit different this season - and offer sheets aren’t likely to happen with the Penguins, per Dubas’s own words - that doesn’t mean they can’t look to the trade market.

Here’s why Dubas should - and shouldn’t - pursue Robertson in an RFA trade-then-sign.

Maple Leafs Forward Nick Robertson Files For Salary Arbitration, Timeline, Reasons And What’s Next?Maple Leafs Forward Nick Robertson Files For Salary Arbitration, Timeline, Reasons And What’s Next?For the first time in his tenure with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Nick Robertson has leverage. The forward filed for salary arbitration on Saturday, which allows a third party to decide his compensation for the upcoming season.

The case for

Jan 29, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Nick Robertson (89) skates with the puck against Minnesota Wild forward Devin Shore (19) in the first period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

At this point, it’s hard to tell exactly what the timeline is for the Penguins’ rebuild. In fact, Dubas - and even new head coach Dan Muse - have reiterated that they don’t want to put a timeline on it.

But one thing that does keep getting repeated by Dubas is that the Penguins want to compete as “urgently as possible.” They have been rumored to be interested in acquiring young NHL talent, as those kinds of players are likely what they’re looking for in any trade return for veterans Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust. 

While Robertson is certainly not a top-end talent - and an unproven one, at best - he’s still young enough and capable enough to take a chance on.

And, right now, he’s probably cheap enough to take a chance on, too.

Is Now The Time For The Toronto Maple Leafs To Trade Nick Robertson?Is Now The Time For The Toronto Maple Leafs To Trade Nick Robertson?This past week, the Toronto Maple Leafs filed a qualifying offer to young left winger Nick Robertson, guaranteeing Toronto would keep the 23-year-old’s rights. 

The Leafs haven’t necessarily lost all of their leverage in this situation. They extended a qualifying offer for a reason, as they are interested in keeping Robertson around as a depth option. They lost Mitch Marner to the Vegas Golden Knights, but they also brought in Mattias Maccelli, who could fill a top-six role or, at least, give Robertson some competition. It’s also entirely possible that the Leafs are still looking to add to their forward group in order to more definitively replace Marner.

And, again, Robertson was a healthy scratch at times last season - making that the case under two coaches in a row - which isn’t exactly a vote of confidence that the organization thinks he can play in a more elevated role in the lineup.

The acquisition cost for Robertson at this point is probably in the ballpark of a third-round pick, which the Penguins have two of in 2026. Also - if Toronto does want to add a top-six forward - he can be a small part of a larger return for a player like Rakell or Rust.

NHL Trade Rumors: All Eyes Should Be On Penguins NowNHL Trade Rumors: All Eyes Should Be On Penguins NowNow that we are a few days into July, the majority of this year's top free agents have found their new homes. Because of this and the 2025 unrestricted free agent (UFA) class being far weaker than in most years, the expectation is that the trade market will start to heat up. 

At this stage, Pittsburgh needs to get its hands on as much talent as possible, and Dubas has expressed a desire to look into players who have upside and need a change of scenery. Robertson fits the bill, and he also has familiarity with Dubas, as Dubas drafted him in 2019 (53rd) during his time as Toronto’s GM. 

Even if things don’t work out between Pittsburgh and Robertson, the cost would be low-risk enough to make it worth a gamble, especially since the Penguins have excess draft capital. At the very least, he would be a solid addition to their middle-six, and he would be in a legitimate position to see some time in Pittsburgh’s top-six, especially without Rakell or Rust in the picture.

Really, it’s a win-win for the player and the organization, and there’s not really a strong reason not to do it. It’s one of those, “Why not?” scenarios.

The case against

Apr 24, 2025; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Wild center Marco Rossi (23) leads the team to the bench after scoring against the Vegas Golden Knights in the first period in game three of the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

Although there isn’t necessarily a strong case to be made against - especially since Robertson shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg - there simply might be more intriguing options out there for the Penguins.

Again, a lot of the Penguins’ approach to any potential deal for an RFA could depend on how close they think they might be to competing again. There are higher-end options on the market - notably players like Mason McTavish, Marco Rossi, Gabriel Vilardi, and Bowen Byram - that could make a bigger impact for the Penguins right now.

Jets Engaged In Ongoing Negotiations With Gabriel VilardiJets Engaged In Ongoing Negotiations With Gabriel VilardiThe Winnipeg Jets are currently engaging in ongoing contract negotiations with restricted free agent Gabriel Vilardi, according to David Pagnotta.

If Dubas feels that the Penguins are only a year or two away, he might want to shoot higher: And having that third- or fourth-round pick that Robertson would command could be the type of asset that gets a potential deal for a bigger name over the finish line. 

Also, the Penguins do have a lot of young talent that will be pushing for roster spots next season, and although Dubas has said that they want their young players to have to compete for spots on the NHL roster, they may not want to oversaturate their field of forwards too much. They already have 14 forwards in the mix, and acquiring someone like Robertson would only muddy the waters further and, potentially, get in the way of prospect development.

At the end of the day, they may just see more value in either another RFA or in the players they already have - and that is certainly legitimate enough a reason not to pursue him.

If Rossi Is Available, Penguins Should Be CallingIf Rossi Is Available, Penguins Should Be CallingIt's safe to say that it will be a very interesting summer for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

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Feature image credit: Dan Hamilton - Imagn Images  

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Yankees cut 2-time batting champ DJ LeMahieu with nearly $22 million left on contract

NEW YORK — DJ LeMahieu was cut Wednesday by the New York Yankees with almost $22 million remaining on his contract, one day after the two-time batting champion got demoted to the bench.

“It's been a tough couple days. Some hard conversations," manager Aaron Boone said before New York's 9-6 victory over the Seattle Mariners. "But in the end, feel like this is the right thing to do at this time."

LeMahieu, who turns 37 on Sunday, was designated for assignment and fellow infielder Jorbit Vivas was recalled from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

New York has seven days to trade or release LeMahieu, or send him outright to the minors - an assignment he would have the right to refuse in favor of free agency.

It's very unlikely another team would claim LeMahieu off waivers because he's still owed $21,612,903 from the $90 million, six-year deal he signed with the Yankees prior to the 2021 season. New York must pay him $6,612,903 for the rest of this season and $15 million in 2026.

“Tough decisions," general manager Brian Cashman said. "It ultimately comes down to how this roster sits and what’s best. You want to provide your manager with enough chess moves.”

LeMahieu, a three-time All-Star, was batting .266 with two homers, 12 RBIs and a .674 OPS. He made his season debut May 13 after recovering from a left calf strain and had a .310 average in his last 31 games since June 1.

A versatile defender in the past, LeMahieu has made all 35 of his starts at second base this year - even though he's got plenty of experience at third and the Yankees essentially have a hole there.

Going back to the winter, LeMahieu expressed a preference to play second or first because third base “had become an issue physically” at this stage of his career, Cashman said.

So that's why LeMahieu played second exclusively throughout his minor league rehab assignment and was inserted there when he came off the injured list.

All-Star infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. began the season at second base, his most natural position, after playing third for the Yankees last year. But he got hurt in late April and when he returned in early June from a right oblique strain, he moved back to the hot corner for a while as LeMahieu stayed at second.

“We gave him runway to see what he looked like, to see if this dimension with the current setup was going to be workable,” Cashman said. "At some point, you make some tough decisions.”

LeMahieu won three Gold Gloves at second with Colorado from 2014-18 - and another one in a utility role with the Yankees in 2022. But his range has been diminished by toe, foot, hip and calf injuries in recent years.

The athletic Chisholm, meanwhile, has made some wild throws from third base lately while hindered by a sore shoulder. So on Tuesday, Boone moved Chisholm back to second and put LeMahieu on the bench.

Boone said LeMahieu didn't ask for his release and was willing to start working out at other positions - including third base - to provide options.

But a day later, after multiple meetings with Boone and Cashman this week, LeMahieu's 6 1/2-year tenure with the Yankees came to an unceremonious end.

“Looking at what the next few weeks could unveil, kind of Cash and I decided today like, it was probably the day to go ahead and do it," Boone said. "I just feel like now and how our roster’s built, maybe this gives us some more flexibility in the short term.”

Boone said third base going forward will be “some kind of combination" between Vivas and light-hitting Oswald Peraza, who started at the hot corner for the second consecutive night Wednesday.

Boone also said backup catcher J.C. Escarra could even “figure into that mix.”

Regardless, Cashman will be looking for a third baseman as the July 31 trade deadline approaches.

New York added depth by signing infielder Nicky Lopez and third baseman Jeimer Candelario to minor league contracts this month.

LeMahieu won his first batting title in 2016 with the Rockies and his second with New York in 2020, when he hit .364 with 10 homers and 27 RBIs in 50 games during the pandemic-shortened season.

“As widely respected a player as we’ve had - and understandably so,” Boone said. “He’s earned that with just his professionalism, his toughness, his play on the field and just kind of the quiet way he goes about things. There’s a lot of guys that have an immense amount of respect for DJ.

“Sometimes you have to make hard decisions.”

In another move, the Yankees opened a roster spot for right-hander Cam Schlittler by designating reliever Geoff Hartlieb for assignment. Schlittler was selected from Triple-A to start Wednesday night against Seattle in his major league debut.

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MLB plans to use robot umpire challenge system in All-Star Game next week

NEW YORK — Major League Baseball plans to use its robot umpire technology for ball-strike challenges in Tuesday's All-Star Game at Atlanta, another step toward possible regular-season use next season.

MLB said Wednesday it intends to make the All-Star announcement Thursday.

Teams won 52.2% of their ball/strike challenges during the spring training test, with 617 of 1,182 challenges successful in the 288 exhibition games using the Automated Ball-Strike System. ABS was installed at 13 spring training ballparks hosting 19 teams, and an animation of the pitch was shown on video boards displaying the challenge result for spectators to see.

Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said last month that the ABS system was likely to be considered for regular-season use by the 11-man competition committee, which includes six management representatives.

“I do think that we’re going to pursue the possibility of change in that process and we’ll see what comes out at the end of that,” he said. “The teams are really positive about ABS. I do have that unscientific system that I use: my email traffic. And my distinct impression is that using ABS in spring training has made people more prone to complain of balls and strike calls via email to me referencing the need for ABS.”

During the 2024 regular season, 10.9% of called pitches in the strike zone were ruled balls and 6.3% of called pitches outside of the strike zone were ruled strikes, according to MLB Statcast.

MLB has been experimenting with the automated ball-strike system in the minor leagues since 2019.

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Yankees' Cam Schlittler 'under control' in MLB debut: 'He earned this opportunity'

Cam Schlittler got the news on Monday that he would be making his major league debut for the Yankees on Wednesday night against the Seattle Mariners.

The right-hander said it was a "great feeling" when he found out he got the call and it was even better that he was able to join the team on Tuesday, a day before his start, to "get his feet wet" as he and manager Aaron Boone both put it after the game.

"It was really good to get here Tuesday and kind of just get my feet wet a little bit, see how guys go about their business and just kinda (see) the expectations around here," Schlittler said.

That full day of being around the team certainly helped calm the 24-year-old's nerves ahead of his debut, though he admitted to having "more jitters" Wednesday morning. Those jitters soon went away when he arrived back at the ballpark, focused for his first major league start.

After walking the first batter he faced, losing J.P. Crawford on a full count, Schlittler dialed back in and retired the next three batters, including two via strikeouts and showing off his 100 mph fastball in the process.

It's a pitch that Boone has been impressed with since watching Schlittler in spring training.

"Especially when he went up against some of the better lineups… you saw it play and that’s kinda been his calling card coming through," Boone said of the right-hander's fastball. "His size really works for him."

But the fastball wasn't the only pitch that Schlittler relied on. Of course, tempting as it is to try and blow hitters away with triple digits, Schlittler mixed in his secondary pitches as well and did so effectively.

"It’s about being under control and being solid with the secondary stuff and I thought that was as big a deal as anything tonight -- the secondary stuff was solid for him," Boone said. "I thought it was a really composed outing."

After the game, Schlittler mentioned that since the Yankees last saw him in spring training he's since ditched his splitter and gyro and added a cutter to give him a four-pitch mix of fastball, cutter, curveball and slider.

"I’ve seen really good results with it," he said.

He sure has as the 6-foot-6, 225-pounder was called up after pitching to a 2.82 ERA across 15 games (14 starts) between Double-A and Triple-A this season.

"He earned this opportunity, not just because there’s a bunch of guys down, but because he’s absolutely the guy that’s put up the numbers and done the work here in these first few months now at the higher level to get this opportunity," Boone said. "He’s got a big arm and he continues to get better."

After his scoreless first inning, Schlittler pitched well and was aided by a quick 3-0 lead to keep the pressure to a minimum. He exited after 5.1 innings, giving up three runs on four hits and two walks while striking out seven on 75 pitches (52 strikes). One of those seven strikeouts came on the last batter he faced, All-Star Cal Raleigh, who leads MLB with 36 home runs and is having one of the greatest seasons for a catcher.

Schlittler struck him out swinging on a 98 mph fastball up and away after striking him out looking in the first. Raleigh finished 0-for-4 with two strikeouts.

"I liked the matchup… I just felt like his heater could play," Boone said. "... To be able to get out of there on a high note with some score leverage, I was gonna let him get Raleigh."

When Schlittler walked off the field, he was given a well-deserved standing ovation, although he was too focused on the game to look up and soak the moment in.

"I think I kept the head down, probably should’ve looked up more, but again just fortunate for all the fans and family cheering me on," he said while adding, "it was really loud."

"It’s really good to go out there and put the team in a position to win and just kind of live out that dream," he continued. "... Obviously just trying to get the first one under my belt. Whatever happens I’m just fortunate to be here and get that opportunity and just take it day by day and see what happens."

Boone confirmed after the game that Schlittler will make his next start for the Yankees, taking the spot of Clarke Schmidt, who is out for the rest of the season.

"His stuff really plays and I thought his calm and poise and focus was excellent," the skipper said.

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Devin Booker, Suns reportedly agree to two-year, $145 million contract extension

When the Phoenix Suns traded Kevin Durant to Houston, there were calls from outside the organization to blow everything up — trade Devin Booker, trade or waive Bradley Beal, strip it down to the studs and rebuild.

That was never a consideration inside the organization. It's not how owner Mat Ishbia operates, he wants to push to win sooner rather than later (plus the Suns don't control their own first-round pick until 2032, so tanking isn't a great plan). It's also not what Devin Booker wanted. He's loyal and wants to be a Suns icon, playing his entire career for one franchise (like his idol, Kobe Bryant).

That's why the Suns and Booker have agreed to a two-year, $145 million max contract extension, a story first reported by Shams Charania of ESPN. Booker has three years remaining on his current contract. These two years are added to the end of the contract, keeping Booker with the Suns through the summer of 2030. Booker will make $70.1 million in 2028-29, and $75.7 million in 2029-30 (in reality, those numbers will likely come in slightly lower than that because the cap is not expected to keep rising at 10% a year, next year's projection is 7%).

This was an expected move. Booker, a four-time All-Star, averaged 25.6 points and 7.1 assists a game last season for the Suns, although his 3-point shooting slipped to 33.2% (after the season he owned that and said he needed to improve next season).

Booker, 28, is the anchor of a Suns team that has seen numerous changes this offseason. The Suns traded Durant and reportedly will buy out Beal soon (it has been "soon" for a few days now, which is something to watch). Out of the Durant trade, the Suns added Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks, and with the No. 10 pick selected Duke center Khaman Maluach. They will all be coached by first-time coach Jordan Ott, who takes over for the fired Mike Budenholzer. Even all the way at the ladder of the organization, James Jones was pushed aside as GM (he has taken over as the Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations, for the NBA league office, replacing Joe Dumars), and Brian Gregory is now the general manager — with Ishbia saying he would be even more hands-on.

There is a lot of work to do to get the Suns back to the NBA Finals, where they were four years ago. Whatever happens with the Suns in the coming years, we know now Booker will be a part of it.

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Tampa Bay Lightning Trade Forward Prospect Isaac Howard to Edmonton Oilers

The Tampa Bay Lightning made a one-for-one trade on Tuesday night, sending forward prospect Isaac Howard to the Edmonton Oilers for fellow forward prospect Sam O'Reilly. 

Howard told the Lightning that he wasn't going to sign with them and would walk to unrestricted free agency in 2026 if the Lightning didn't trade him. The Lightning got good value for him in O'Reilly, even though he may not be as close to NHL-ready as Howard is. He still projects to be a solid NHL player once he is ready. 

The Oilers signed Howard to an entry-level contract immediately after announcing the trade.

Howard had been expected to return to Michigan State for the 2025-26 season but will turn pro after signing his ELC. He finished the 2024-25 season with 26 goals an 52 points in 37 games. He will given every opportunity to make the Oilers' main roster during training camp. 

O'Reilly is a good get for the Lightning after spent the 2024-25 season with the OHL's London Knights, finishing 28 goals and 71 points in 62 games. He will likely return to the Knights for another season this year. 

Howard made a lot of sense as a trade target for the Pittsburgh Penguins, but they weren't going to do a McGroarty for Yager type of trade for a second year in a row. If they were going to trade for him, it likely would've been for a lower price. 

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Jazz Chisholm Jr.'s two homers fuel Yankees' 9-6 win over Mariners

The Yankees' offense remained hot and Cam Schlittler had an impressive major league debut as New York extended its winning streak to three with a 9-6 win over the Mariners.

Manager Aaron Boone put out the same lineup on back-to-back games for the first time since early April and it worked out as the Yankees have now scored 19 runs on 26 hits in the first two games of this series.

Here are the takeaways...

-Yankees prospect Schlittler made his major league debut Wednesday and the flamethrowing righty did not disappoint.

With one out and a man on first in the opening frame, Schlittler struck out Cal Raleigh with a 100 mph fastball on the black, looking for his first major league strikeout. He would strike out Randy Arozarena to end an electric first inning. Prior to Wednesday, the fastest pitch from a Yankees pitcher was a 98.5 mph sinker by Yerry De Los Santos. Schlittler threw six pitches in the first that were faster than that.

Schlittler got the full Yankee Stadium experience, allowing a line drive homer to J.P. Crawford that went 344 feet over the short porch. The second solo shot allowed was a no-doubter off the bat of Jorge Polanco that went 417 feet just inside the right field pole.

Schlitter came out for the sixth inning and after a ground-rule double to Julio Rodriguez, the young right-hander struck out Raleigh for the second time. Boone pulled his young pitcher to a standing ovation from the Yankee Stadium crowd.

Other than those two long balls, Schlittler was impressive. He threw 5.1 innings (75 pitches/52 strikes), allowing three runs on four hits and two walks while striking out seven.

-The third earned run allowed by Schlittler was thanks to Jonathan Loaisiga. Arozarena took the first pitch Loaisiga threw and deposited it into the right field stands to cut the Yankees lead to 6-4. He then allowed a two-run shot to Cole Young -- the first of his career -- in the seventh. Loaisiga has now allowed six home runs this season, the most he's given up in one year since 2019.

Luke Weaver came on and dominated. Weaver picked up five outs, allowing just one baserunner (HBP) and striking out three.

Devin Williams pitched a 1-2-3 ninth inning to lock down the Yankees' third consecutive win and their first series win in July.

-The Yankees' offense broke out in a big way with 10 runs on Tuesday and had a great start on Wednesday. They put up three runs in the first inning thanks to RBI singles by Cody Bellinger and Giancarlo Stanton, and an RBI groundout by Jazz Chisholm Jr.

Chisholm would add a solo shot in the third and a two-run shot in the fifth to give the Yankees a 6-2 lead. The Yankees second baseman has 10 home runs since returning from the IL on June 3. Only Raleigh and Aaron Judge have more in the AL, with 13 homers each.

-After the Mariners cut the Yankees' lead to 6-4, New York's offense put up a three-spot in the sixth thanks to the top of the order. After Austin Wells hit a leadoff double and Oswald Peraza reached on an error by Rodriguez, Jasson Dominguez singled home Wells and Judge doubled in two more.

Four Yankees had multi-hit games with Dominguez having the best game, finishing 3-for-4 with a walk, two runs and one RBI.

-Yankees GM Brian Cashman said Wednesday that he still believes in Anthony Volpe, and the young shortstop did pick up a single -- but was thrown out trying to stretch it to a double -- and finished 1-for-4.

Game MVP: Jazz Chisholm Jr.

Chisholm's homers came whenever the Mariners cut into the team's lead. They were clutch and with the bullpen's woes, the Yankees needed every run they could get.

Highlights

What's next

The Yankees and Mariners wrap up their three-game set Thursday night in the Bronx. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m.

Marcus Stroman (1-1, 7.45 ERA) will take the mound while All-Star Bryan Woo (8-4, 2.77 ERA) will be on the bump for Seattle.

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Canadiens' AHL Affiliate Signs New Goalie

The Montreal Canadiens now have a new goalie to keep an eye on in their system next season. 

The Canadiens' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Laval Rocket, have announced that they have signed goaltender Benjamin Gaudreau to a one-year, two-way contract for the 2025-26 season.

Gaudreau spent most of the 2024-25 season at the ECHL level with the Indy Fuel. In 43 appearances with the ECHL squad, he posted a 21-16-6 record, a .902 save percentage, and a 2.46 goals-against average. He also had a 2-2-0 record, a .868 save percentage, and a 3.19 goals-against average in five AHL games with the Rockford IceHogs in 2024-25.

This was Gaudreau's first professional season, as he played his last season in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) in 2023-24 split between the Sarnia Sting and Erie Otters. In 151 OHL games over four seasons, he had a 74-54-15 record.

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Gaudreau was selected by the San Jose Sharks with the 81st overall pick of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.

Overall, there is no harm in Laval bringing in a prospect goalie like Gaudreau on this two-way AHL Deal. He is still only 22 years old, and he has the potential to improve as he continues to gain more experience, whether that is in the AHL or ECHL. At worst, he will simply give the Canadiens more goalie depth in the minors, which is never a bad thing.

It will be intriguing to see if Gaudreau can take a nice step forward in his game next season from here.

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Mets top pitching prospect Nolan McLean strikes out 10 in second straight start for Triple-A

For the second consecutive outing, Mets pitching prospect Nolan McLean struck out double-digit batters in a start for Triple-A Syracuse.

Six days after fanning 10 over 5.0 innings for the first time in his career, McLean did it again on Wednesday night.

This time, the right-hander went six scoreless innings against the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, the Philadelphia Phillies' Triple-A affiliate, and allowed just three hits and three walks while striking out 10 on 97 pitches (62 strikes).

Now at 95 strikeouts through 87 innings pitched between Double-A and Triple-A, McLean is starting to show some elite swing-and-miss stuff in what has already been a breakout season for him.

Before these last two starts, the most strikeouts the 23-year-old had in a game this year was eight, which happened twice, both of which came while pitching for Binghamton. He struck out seven in his first start for Syracuse, but never had more than six in any other outing before his last two.

Wednesday's start was also the first time McLean allowed no earned runs since May 22, although he's allowed two earned runs or fewer in nine straight outings.

McLean came away with a no-decision, exiting the game in a scoreless tie. However, with Syracuse down 1-0 in the bottom of the ninth, prospect Drew Gilbert hit a game-tying single before Joey Meneses walked it off with a single of his own.

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Potential Next Great Russian Red Wing Dmitri Buchelnikov Hints At Future Plans

Few teams in the National Hockey League can boast the kind of rich history of enjoying success with top-notch Russian-born talent like the Detroit Red Wings. 

Not only did they feature the famed "Russian Five", many of which landed in the Hockey Hall of Fame, but they also enjoyed the talents of future Hall of Famer Pavel Datsyuk for 14 seasons. 

The Red Wings are hoping that forward Dmitri Buchelnikov, whom they selected with the 52nd overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, could be one of the next great Russian born players in Detroit. 

Buchelnikov, who is set to enter the upcoming 2025-26 season with the KHL's CSKA Moskva, recently disclosed to Nadezhda Tonkonog of the Russian-based Sport24 that he remains in regular contact with the Red Wings and Nikolai Vakurov, their Russian scout. 

We spoke probably two months ago,” Buchelnikov said via Sport24. “We talked about the season, what I will do in the summer. We always communicate with Nikolai Vakurov, their Russian scout, and are in touch. And not only about hockey, about life." 

Buchelnikov also confessed that he was literally shaking with excitement during his most recent conversation with Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman, who had a front-row seat to the numerous tremendous on-ice accomplishments of so many great Russian players in Detroit history. 

“When I stood talking to such a legend, my knees almost shook," he said. "I think all of us watched 'The Russian Five' (documentary). But this is through the TV, and seeing it live is worth a lot." 

Buchelnikov is under contract for another season with CSKA Moskva, but he looked ahead to when he could potentially travel overseas to North America and begin his professional career on American soil in Detroit's farm system. 

"It all depends on my game, how I will perform,” Buchelnikov said. “If I understand that I am approaching this level, that I can compete and, most importantly, win this competition, then, of course, I will think about it. But now I’m in Russia, I still have a year of contract, and I just have to think about getting into the top 6 here and showing everything with my play." 

Buchelnikov, who played last season with HC Vityaz Podolsk before being traded to CSKA Moskva, scored 15 goals with 39 assists in 65 games during the 2024-25 season. 

Young Russian players like Matvei Michkov (Philadelphia Flyers) and Ivan Demidov (Montreal Canadiens) have already transitioned from the KHL to the NHL and made an impact for their respective clubs, and it may not be long before Buchelnikov is able to do the same with Detroit. 

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Celtics reportedly actively shopping guard Anfernee Simons

After the Boston Celtics traded for Anfernee Simons in a cost-cutting move (sending Jrue Holiday to Portland), the Celtics found themselves at a fork in the road. Down one path was the option to hold on to Simons and let him play out the final year of his $26.7 million contract — keeping the 19.3 points a game guard to help fill some of the scoring void while Jayson Tatum is out — then letting him walk as a free agent next summer to save money.

The other path was to try to flip Simons in another trade. The Celtics apparently want to take the second path, reports ESPN's Brian Windhorst on his The Hoop Collective podcast (hat tip Real GM).

"I have talked to other teams who have said they are actively trying to trade Anfernee Simons. Whether they can or not is another [thing]."
At his recent press conference, Celtics President Brad Stevens talked up Simons.

"I think Anfernee is a guy that people out here probably don't see as much because of the time that they play," Stevens said, referencing the fact most Blazers games start at 10:30 p.m. Eastern. "But his ability to score, his ability to shoot the ball and make really hard shots is pretty elite. And you look at a guy that's 26 years old, that's averaged 20 [points] a game for three straight years, I think he's a really good player. And I think he can get better, and that's a big part of it."

In any trade, the Celtics would be looking to shed salary. While trading Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis got the Celtics below the second apron (saving the team nearly $200 million in salary and taxes), the right Simons trade might even get them below the first apron. If they do trade, Simons expect it to be for a big. Boston has lost Porzingis and Luke Kornett, and Al Horford is not likely to return, which would leave Neemias Queta as the starting five as of today.

Of course, finding that perfect trade will be difficult. Maybe impossible. Which is why the Celtics may be taking a short stroll down the "trade Simons" path, they very well could start the season on the "we're keeping him road," then see what happens closer to the trade deadline.

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Golden Knights Development Camp Spotlight: Alexander Weiermair and Mateo Nobert

While several returning players have made a strong impression at this year’s Vegas Golden Knights Development Camp, the spotlight also shines on two fresh faces, Alexander Weiermair and Mateo Nobert.

The Knights made a strategic move in the 2025 NHL Draft, trading up to select defenseman Mateo Nobert with the 85th overall pick, and also added forward Alexander Weiermair at 186th overall.

“It’s actually a funny story,” Weiermair said. “I was walking my dog outside, and I wasn’t even watching. My dad came running out screaming, so a lot of excitement. So happy to be here.”

Weiermair wasn’t the only one with a funny draft story either—Nobert had one of his own.

“We were at home watching TV, and there was an ad that went on. Before that, it was Pittsburgh who had the 85th pick,” Nobert explained. “Then I wait a bit, and I hear screaming from the other room. I got drafted, so I was like, ‘Oh, is it really Pittsburgh?’ and then they started screaming ‘Vegas.’ I was just jumping for joy.”

Weiermair reflected on his journey from competing in both the NCAA and CHL to earning a spot at Development Camp, describing the transition as a key step in his growth as a player.

“I think on the ice it’s definitely the pace,” Weiermair said. “It’s really fast, even though it’s the middle of the summer where everyone’s going full tilt, so it’s awesome to see. Then off the ice, doing the right things away from the rink. Being a professional, taking care of your body in the right way.”

As for Nobert, he talked about what his takeaways were from the camp as a whole.

“I think I needed to retain most of the information I got from the presentations and the meetings,” Nobert said. “Whether it’s nutrition, in gym, on ice, stuff like that, I think it’ll help with just becoming even more of a pro every day. So I think those meetings really helped me, and I think I’m gonna remember this week for my whole life.”

These two certainly are talented on the ice, but it’s clear that their off-ice personality shines and connects with the culture the organization strives to uphold every day.