Worldwide Sports News

June 29, 2025

What Would Happen To UFA Mitch Marner And The Vegas Golden Knights If They Were Caught Tampering?

In the latter half of the 2025 NHL draft, some rumors came to fruition surrounding highly-regarded pending UFA Mitch Marner and the Vegas Golden Knights.

Reports from TSN’s Darren Dreger and Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman indicated that the Toronto Maple Leafs have been discussing a potential sign-and-trade with Vegas for the star right winger.

Friedman further reported that Toronto could be receiving center Nicolas Roy, with additional rumours suggesting defenseman Nicolas Hague could be involved as well. A great return for a player who could leave for free on July 1, almost too great.

I believe Nic Roy will be going to Toronto if this gets done https://t.co/lWRgGg60jn
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) June 28, 2025

On Sunday’s edition of the 32 Thoughts podcast, Friedman shared that there could be some tension in negotiations behind the scenes between Vegas GM Kelly McCrimmon and Toronto GM Brad Treliving.

The Sportsnet insider believes that the Maple Leafs could report the Golden Knights for tampering during their recruitment of Marner. However, Friedman added that if the Golden Knights give the Maple Leafs a return of their liking in a trade for Marner’s signing rights, the idea of filing for tampering against Vegas could go away.

It’s important to mention that Friedman said he has no evidence that there has been tampering in this situation, but he knows that the league is looking to “try and make an example out of someone.”

Mitch Marner (John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images)

The NHL have been on high alert when it comes to tampering this season. Toward the end of the 2024 calendar year, the league sent out a memo about the consequences of being caught tampering.

If the league eventually takes action against the Golden Knights for tampering, they could face the following sanctions:

Up to a $5-million fine
Termination of any contracts that were signed
Forfeiture of draft picks
Awarding draft picks or cash to the offended club

As for Marner, he’d also be in danger of a fine up to $1 million, as well as potential suspension or worse.

For now, no deal has been put in place for a Marner sign-and-trade, and the 28-year-old right winger is still set to hit the free agent market on July 1.

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June 29, 2025

Former Blues Goalie Signs Extension With New Team

Former St. Louis Blues goaltender Ville Husso has landed his next contract.

The Anaheim Ducks have announced that they have signed Husso to a two-year, $4.4 million contract extension.

Husso was acquired by the Ducks from the Detroit Red Wings back in February in exchange for future considerations. In four games with the Ducks following the move, he had a 1-1-1 record, a .925 save percentage, and a 2.99 goals-against average. He also had a 7-2-0 record, a .907 save percentage, and a 2.56 goals-against average in nine games with the Ducks' AHL affiliate, the San Diego Gulls.

With the Ducks recently traded John Gibson to the Red Wings, there is a goalie spot to fight for on the Ducks' roster right now. After signing this two-year extension, Husso will look to earn the Ducks' backup job.

Husso was selected by the Blues with the 94th overall pick of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. In 57 games over two seasons as a Blue, he had a 34-13-7 record, a .912 save percentage, and a 2.74 goals-against average.

NHL Trade Rumors: Canadiens Interested In Blues Star St. Louis Blues forward Jordan Kyrou has been the subject of trade rumors this off-season. The 27-year-old's full no-trade clause kicks in on July 1, so there have been plenty of questions about whether or not the Blues will move him before it starts.

Photo Credit: © Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

June 29, 2025

What Could’ve Been For Buffalo: Looking Back At The Sabres' 2020-21 Roster

GM Kevyn Adams and the Buffalo Sabres have moved on from another promising player before they reached the pinnacle of their career. On Wednesday night, JJ Peterka was traded to the Utah Mammoth for Michael Kesselring and Josh Doan.

With Peterka gone, the Sabres have just six players remaining from their 2020-21 roster. That team didn’t have success in the regular season, as they finished last in the NHL. However, looking back at the makeup of their roster, they had an impressive group of players.

That 2020-21 team included Jack Eichel, Sam Reinhart, Casey Mittelstadt, Taylor Hall, Brandon Montour, Dylan Cozens, Jake McCabe and Linus Ullmark. All those players now play elsewhere, and some of them have gone on to win Stanley Cups and NHL awards.

In addition, that Sabres team had Tage Thompson, Rasmus Dahlin and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, three players who remain on Buffalo’s current roster.

Among the ex-Sabres listed and including their former captain, Kyle Okposo, there are five Stanley Cups between them. Not just that, all those players experienced playoff hockey after moving from Buffalo.

Eichel and Reinhart have transformed themselves into some of the best players in the league since they were traded away from Buffalo.

The Sabres traded Eichel to the Vegas Golden Knights in the middle of the 2021-22 campaign. There was a disagreement between the player and the team regarding his health and how to manage Eichel’s injury.

Nonetheless, he became a different beast once he moved to Nevada, especially last season. Eichel reached a new career-high of 94 points, including 28 goals in 77 games. The 28-year-old finished in the top five in voting for the Hart, Selke and Lady Byng Trophies.

Reinhart is a back-to-back Cup champion with the Florida Panthers and is a key member of the team. On top of that, he had a 57-goal season in 2023-24 and has been a top-five Selke Trophy candidate twice since joining Florida.

With that, Eichel and Reinhart were selected to Team USA and Team Canada’s preliminary rosters, respectively, for the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in February.

Jack Eichel celebrates his goal with Sam Reinhart during the second period against the Nashville Predators. (Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images)

Even Jeff Skinner, who never made a playoff appearance before this past season, went all the way to the Stanley Cup final with the Edmonton Oilers. He was bought out by the Sabres and signed with the Oilers as a free agent last July.

It’s worth mentioning that the Sabres hold the joint-longest playoff drought among the four major sports in North America. They share a 14-year playoff drought with the NFL’s New York Jets, and it’s the longest drought in NHL history.

Even those players who haven't gone on to win the Stanley Cup they turned out to be solid players, making a difference on their respective teams.

For example, Ullmark has won a Vezina and William M. Jennings Trophy one season after he signed with the Boston Bruins in the 2021 off-season. Now, he’s a true No.1 goaltender and was a key piece to pushing the Ottawa Senators to the post-season for the first time since 2017.

Defenseman Jake McCabe is another player who has found a new home. He’s been a force with the Toronto Maple Leafs, heading into his fourth season with the team, and depending on the game, McCabe is sometimes the best D-man on Toronto.

Only time will tell if Peterka becomes yet another player that Buffalo may regret moving on from.

June 29, 2025

Gordon, Sixers have mutual interest in return after veteran guard declines option

Gordon, Sixers have mutual interest in return after veteran guard declines option originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

Though Eric Gordon is declining his player option, the Sixers and the veteran shooting guard have mutual interest in him returning to Philadelphia, a source confirmed to NBC Sports Philadelphia.

ESPN’s Shams Charania first reported that Gordon was declining his $3.5 million option to “explore free agency” and PhillyVoice’s Adam Aaronson first reported the mutual interest between Gordon and the Sixers.

The team values the 36-year-old’s fit as a proven shooter, a source said. Gordon indeed has extensive credentials on that front. He was frigid to begin last season but ended up at 40.9 percent beyond the arc.

Gordon played in 39 games before undergoing season-ending right wrist surgery. He averaged 19.7 minutes and posted 6.8 points and 1.7 assists per game.

“It’s tough,” Gordon said at his exit interview after the Sixers’ 24-58 season. “I’ve been playing for so long and injuries are part of the game. Throughout a long season, you’ve got to figure out ways to win when guys are out or whatnot. It’s very challenging for an organization to have so many guys out at the same time … couldn’t really build chemistry.

“It was really hard to learn. This is a talented team … but we never had a real shot to show how good we could really be.”

The Sixers on Wednesday drafted a prospect that Gordon knows well. Both Gordon and No. 3 overall pick VJ Edgecombe represented the Bahamas last summer in Olympic qualifying play.

“It’s crazy that me and EG are teammates now,” Edgecombe said with a smile on his draft-night Zoom press conference. “EG’s old, man. I tell him all the time, he’s old, man. But nah, it’s a great thing. … It’ll be someone I already know on the team that can help me with longevity or how to play your role … just teaching me life on and off the court “

Gordon was the sixth and final piece of Sixers option news leading into free agency.

Kelly Oubre Jr. and Andre Drummond are picking up their player options. The Sixers are declining club options for Justin Edwards, Jared Butler and Lonnie Walker IV. The team plans to sign Edwards to a three-year deal.

June 29, 2025

Celtics pick up team option on guard JD Davison: Report

Celtics pick up team option on guard JD Davison: Report originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

JD Davison is still a part of the Boston Celtics’ plans — for now.

The Celtics are exercising their team option on Davison worth $2.27 million for the 2025-26 season, according to multiple reports. Davison’s salary is non-guaranteed and doesn’t become fully guaranteed until Jan. 10, 2026, so Boston can release him at any point prior to the start of the season without absorbing a salary cap hit.

Davison didn’t play much at the NBA level last season, appearing in just 16 games for the Celtics while averaging 2.1 points over 5.8 minutes per game. He thrived in the G League, however, averaging 25.1 points, 7.6 assists and 5.6 rebounds per game with the Maine Celtics to earn G League MVP honors.

The C’s rewarded Davison’s strong play by converting his two-way contract to a standard NBA deal in April, just before the end of the 2024-25 regular season. They had until 5 p.m. ET on Sunday to make a decision about his team option.

A second-round pick in 2022 (53rd overall), Davison is just 22 years old and potentially could see more NBA action this season after the departure of fellow guard Jrue Holiday — especially if the Celtics end up flipping Anfernee Simons.

But if Simons stays — or if 2025 first-round pick Hugo Gonzalez shows more promise in the backcourt behind Derrick White and Payton Pritchard — Davison may be the odd man out.

Either way, picking up Davison’s option gives Boston flexibility to decide closer to the regular season whether to carry him on the active roster or part ways with the young guard.

June 29, 2025

U.S. District Attorney reportedly investigating Pistons' Malik Beasley for betting on NBA games, prop bets

In what could turn into an incredibly embarrassing and awkward situation for the NBA, the "U.S. District Attorney's office is investigating Detroit Pistons guard Malik Beasley on allegations of gambling related to NBA games and prop bets," reports ESPN’s Shams Charania. This gambling allegedly took place during the 2023-24 season, when Beasley was a member of the Milwaukee Bucks.

Beasley, 28, was one of the bigger names on the free agent market this summer after averaging 16.3 points a game while shooting 41.6% on 3-pointers for the Pistons last season. Charania reports that the Pistons and Beasley were discussing a new three-year, $42 million contract, but that is now on hold. No team will touch him in free agency, either, until this is resolved.

Beasley's attorney, Steve Haney, released this statement to ESPN:

"An investigation is not a charge. Malik is afforded the same right of the presumption of innocence as anyone else under the U.S. Constitution. As of now he has not been charged with anything."

While the NBA had to deal with former Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter betting on games and tipping off a gambling circuit to fix prop bets on him — he has since been banned for life from the league — Porter was not really in a position to impact the outcome of games. Beasley was. He played in 79 games for the Bucks during the season in question, almost 30 minutes a night, and averaged 11.3 points a night as a floor spacer next to Giannis Antetokounmpo. Last season he played in all 82 games for the Pistons.

The Pistons had been linked to multiple free agents this summer (they have or can create some cap space), which makes some more sense now if they knew what was coming with Beasley.

June 29, 2025

Former Blue Jacket Prospect Liam Foudy Signs With Islanders

Former Blue Jackets prospect Liam Foudy has signed a new deal with a Metro Division rival.

The New York Islanders have announced that they've signed Liam Foudy to a one-year, two-way contract.

Last season, Foudy played 70 games for the Bridgeport Islanders. He scored 20 goals, totaled 45 points, and had a minus-31 rating for Bridgeport.

Foudy also played a pair of games for the the New York Islanders last season and had zero points.

The Scarborough, ON native played a total of 90 games for the Blue Jackets and had a total of 12 points. His career high in games played for the Jackets was 62 in 2022-23.

He was claimed by the Nashville Predators on October 21, 2023 after being put on waivers by Columbus. He played in 12 games for the Preds and had three points.

Foudy also played in 41 games for the Cleveland Monsters, scoring 10 goals and totaling 35 points.

Let us know what you think below.

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Blue Jackets Should Target Andersson Or Ekblad After Losing Out On DobsonNow that the 2025 NHL Draft is over and the Columbus Blue Jackets tried to make a big splash landing Noah Dobson from the New York Islanders, GM Don Waddell's attention turns to trying to add to the blue line.

Elliotte Friedman Reveals Potential Offer To Islanders For Noah DobsonElliotte Friedman said on his 32 Thoughts Podcast today that he believes Columbus made a really good offer to the New York Islanders for defenseman Noah Dobson.

Columbus Blue Jackets Draft RecapThe 2025 NHL Draft is over, just like that. There were a bunch of pick swaps and a few player trades, but nothing of substance for the CBJ.

June 29, 2025

LeBron James exercises $52.6-million option and will be first to play 23 NBA seasons

Lakers forward LeBron James touches his fist to his heart during 2025 playoff pregame introductions. — Lakers forward LeBron James (23) is exercising his $52.6-million option and is on track to play his 23rd NBA season. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)

Lakers superstar LeBron James will once again make NBA history by playing in his 23rd NBA season.

James exercised his player option for $52.6 million to play for the Lakers during the 2025-26 season, his agent and CEO of Klutch Sports Rich Paul told The Times on Sunday morning.

James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, had been tied with Vince Carter for the most seasons played in the NBA at 22. This will be James’ eighth season with the Lakers.

James, 40, is 50 games away from breaking Hall of Famer Robert Parish’s record for the most games played in the regular season.

James averaged 24.4 points per game last season, 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds.

Fellow Laker Dorian Finney-Smith reportedly declined his $15.3-million player option and will pursue free agency, a person with knowledge of his decision told The Times. Finney-Smith, who is coming off a strong season with the Lakers, is expected to be pursued by multiple teams. He could still return to the Lakers. ESPN was first to report Finney-Smith's decision.

Last week, Austin Reaves declined the team’s maximum offer of four years for $89 million, according to a person with knowledge of the situation.

Reaves, 27, still has two years left on his deal, for $13.9 million next season and $14.9 million in the 2026-27 season, and he holds a player option for the last year of his deal.

Lakers forward LeBron James and teammate Austin Reaves react to a referee's call during a 2025 NBA playoff game. — Lakers forward LeBron James (23) and teammate Austin Reaves react to a referee's call during a 2025 NBA playoff game against Minnesota. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)

He was third on the Lakers in scoring last season, averaging career-highs in scoring (20.2), assists (5.8), rebounds (4.5) and minutes per game (34.9). He shot 46% from the field and 37.7% from three-point range.

With the James and Smith player option questions resolved Sunday, the Lakers are focused on filling out their roster. They added an athletic wing player when they acquired Adou Thiero in a trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves, who drafted him with the 36th pick in the second round.

The most pressing need for the Lakers remains a center, and they’ll have to look into free agency or via trade to acquire one.

The Lakers have the taxpayer mid-level exception of about $5.65 million to spend.

“As I said at the end of the year, we know one of the things we have to address is the center position and that’s clearly going to be one of our focuses as we begin the free-agency period,” Rob Pelinka, the Lakers’ president of basketball operations, told Spectrum SportsNet after the second round of the draft Thursday. “... “So, we’re looking forward to just putting in the hard work and making sure we take care of all the needs on the roster to give [Lakers coach] JJ [Redick] the tools he needs for this team to be great next season.”

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

June 29, 2025

Report: Islanders Will Not Be Trading Jean-Gabriel Pageau

The New York Islanders have told teams that centerman Jean-Gabriel Pageau is not for sale, per Michael Russo of The Athletic:

Pageau, 32, has one season left on his deal at $5 million annually and had many suitors if the Islanders were looking to move him.

He'd made complete sense for the Minnesota Wild, especially if they move Marco Rossi.

Other teams that had inquired over the last year was the Vegas Golden Knights, the Edmonton Oilers and the Boston Bruins.

Pageau recorded 42 points (14 goals, 28 assists) in 79 games, while owning the highest face-off winning percentage in the NHL, at 59.6 percent.

With Calum Ritchie expected to make the Islanders out of training camp, Pageau will be tasked wth serving as a mentor for the young player. And if the Islanders don't fill the No. 2 center position this summer after the loss of Brock Nelson to Colorado -- they could move Mathew Barzal off Bo Horvat's wing and back to his natural position -- there's a stronog chance Pageau centers the second line come the fall.

Just because Pageau isn't on the move now doesn't mean that he won't be on the move at the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline. Especially if he can mimic last season's success, he could be worth a first-round pick or multiple second-round picks from a desperate hockey club as opposed to, maybe, just a second right now.

Stay updated with the most interesting Islanders stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.

PHOTO: James Guillory-Imagn Images

June 29, 2025

Phillies don't make same mistake twice on trip, find run support for Suarez in win

Phillies don't make same mistake twice on trip, find run support for Suarez in win originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

If there’s one thing you can count on when tuning in to watch the 2025 Phillies — it’s that you never know what you’re going to get.

The club constantly keeps you on your toes and Sunday’s series finale in Atlanta was no different.

A narrow 2-1 win (and series win) against the Braves partially salvaged an otherwise brutal 2-4 road trip.

A road trip that saw the Phillies being shutout three times, a 13-run offensive explosion, dominant bullpen game and four of the strongest outings from the starting rotation all season (with not much to show for it). It’s a coin toss every day.

Luckily for the Phillies, they didn’t make one glaring mistake on the road twice — waste a gem of a performance from Ranger Suarez.

Outside of his first start of the season, Suarez has been nothing short of spectacular.

Sunday marked his 10th straight quality start and in that stretch he has a 1.19 ERA.

His one bad pitch came in the second inning when Sean Murphy smashed a sinker 451 ft. over Brandon Marsh’s head. Other than that? Lights out.

Suarez allowed the one run, four hits and a walk on his way to pitching seven solid innings with eight strikeouts.

His seven wins on the season ties him with Zack Wheeler for the most in the rotation.

“I’ve felt better after every start and the command has been improving after every start,” Suarez said postgame through interpreter Diego D’Aniello. “I think that this is as close to, if not the best, that I’ve felt pitching.”

The Phillies went 16 consecutive innings without scoring a run with Ranger Suarez on the mound. The run support finally came in the fifth inning courtesy of some ABC ball.

Bryson Stott opened the inning with a leadoff single and flew around the bases when the next man up, Otto Kemp, doubled on a sharp line drive to left field. Kemp has continued to make himself at home since being called up June 7, collecting his 10th RBI in the majors.

The small ball continued with Marsh laying down a perfect bunt to advance the runner and on the next pitch, a Trea Turner sacrifice fly gave the Phillies the lead.

It didn’t seem like it’d be another quiet day of offense — especially when the Phillies had the bases loaded in the first inning against Spencer Strider. They worked him for 21 pitches but couldn’t manage anything to get an early jump on the Braves.

When you’re able to scrape across a pair of runs when your pitcher is dealing the way Suarez has … sometimes it’s all you need to get the job done.

Harper on the horizon?

Bryce Harper hasn’t played since June 5, spending time on the IL due to inflammation in his right wrist. While there is no set date for his return, the upcoming targeted homestand seems well within reason.

“I’m very happy with where I am,” Harper said Friday. “I’m way farther ahead than I felt like I would be. Definitely healthier than I was a couple weeks ago. … I don’t want to solidify which day [to return] or anything like that but I’m happy with where I’m at.”

Rob Thomson noted Sunday was a scheduled rest and recovery day for Harper. The manager also didn’t rule out a return as early as Monday.

The Phillies have 12 more games before the All-Star break, seeing the Padres twice and a west coast swing that also pays a visit to the Giants. It’d be a big boost to have Harper in the lineup for as many of those as possible.

They’ve gone 12-10 in the stretch without him.

June 29, 2025

Sixers decide to decline club option for Lonnie Walker IV

Sixers decide to decline club option for Lonnie Walker IV originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The Sixers are declining Lonnie Walker IV’s club option, a source confirmed Sunday to NBC Sports Philadelphia.

ESPN’s Shams Charania first reported the news.

Walker’s option was for approximately $2.9 million. He’ll now become an unrestricted free agent.

Walker joined the Sixers in February from Lithuania and played for the team he’d watched as a kid from Reading, Pennsylvania.

“Very humbling,” he said at the time. “A step toward my goals, what I’m trying to accomplish. Still processing it all, to say the least. It still feels like a surreal moment to be so close to home, being in Philly of all places. So I’m taking it one day at a time, just staying present, doing what I’ve got to do for the team and playing to the best of my capabilities on the floor.”

He was sidelined by a concussion he suffered in mid-March but otherwise a regular for the injury-stricken Sixers. Walker averaged 12.4 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.5 assists over 20 games. He shot 42 percent from the field, 35.4 percent from three-point range and 80 percent from the foul line.

The 26-year-old two-guard showed his shotmaking chops late in the season and matched his career high with a 31-point performance in the Sixers’ final game vs. the Bulls.

The Sixers have also declined Jared Butler and Justin Edwards’ team options. Edwards is set to ink a new three-year contract.

June 29, 2025June 30, 2025

NHL Hockey News, Scores, Standings, Rumors, Fantasy Games 2025-06-30 18:59:40

June 29, 2025

LeBron James picks up $52.6 million player option with Lakers for next season

As had been rumored for a few weeks now, LeBron James has picked up his $52.6 million player option to return to the Los Angeles Lakers next season. Sunday was the deadline for LeBron to pick up his option.

LeBron's agent Rich Paul made this statement to ESPN’s Shams Charania, who broke the news:

"LeBron wants to compete for a championship," Paul told ESPN. "He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we've had for eight years with Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.

"We understand the difficulty in winning now while preparing for the future. We do want to evaluate what's best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career. He wants to make every season he has left count, and the Lakers understand that, are supportive and want what's best for him."

In the last few years in Los Angeles, LeBron would opt out of that final year and then re-sign with the Lakers on a new two- or three-year deal with a player option at the end, which helped LeBron leverage in the organization. Choosing to opt into his player option and be a free agent next summer is a change in strategy, and the tone of Paul's statement was, essentially, "let's see what this looks like a year from now."

A year from now, LeBron James will be 41 and there is some speculation that this season, his 23rd (while wearing No. 23, and with the All-Star Game in Los Angeles) could be his last. LeBron has said nothing about this yet other than that he and his family need to discuss it. He is far more likely to make that announcement and embark on a farewell tour of sorts, rather than simply decide to walk away, as Tim Duncan did.

The Lakers are in a transition phase after the stunning trade for Luka Doncic — the 25-year-old is now the future of the franchise. The Lakers are making offseason moves to bring in players who will thrive next to Doncic (such as a rim-running center, the team's top offseason priority). The Lakers can offer Doncic an extension on Aug. 2 and will make a max offer to him then.

With Doncic, LeBron and Austin Reaves, the Lakers have a core that can make noise in the Western Conference next season if they have the right depth around them. Los Angeles won 50 games and finished as the No. 3 seed in the West last season (only to fall to Minnesota in the first round of the playoffs). A similar regular season finish, combined with a better playoff run, is the team's goal next season, they seen themselves as contenders.

LeBron has spent the start of his offseason recovering from a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his left knee, which he suffered in the Lakers' final playoff game against Minnesota.

June 29, 2025

Justin Verlander laments ‘frustrating' Giants stretch, wasted golden opportunity

Justin Verlander laments ‘frustrating' Giants stretch, wasted golden opportunity originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Justin Verlander didn’t have much to say after the Giants’ loss to the Chicago White Sox on Sunday, and why would he.

The veteran pitcher was in line for his first win in the Orange and Black when he left the game with a 2-1 lead after six innings, only to watch Chicago rally for four runs in the seventh and walk away with a 5-2 win and series victory at Rate Field.

The loss put the Giants at 1-5 in their last six games after the White Sox took two of three and the Miami Marlins swept them at Oracle Park — not at all how San Francisco hoped things would go against a pair of very beatable teams.

“Yeah, it sure is,” a somber Verlander told reporters after the game when asked if the Giants’ poor start to their road trip has been frustrating. “You know, I think, uh … Yeah, that is frustrating. Yes.”

Verlander struck out three and walked two while allowing one earned run on five hits in his 12th start of the 2025 MLB season. He began this year with 262 career wins, and that’s where he remains after the Giants went 2-for-11 with runners in scoring position and left 11 on base in Sunday’s loss.

Patrick Bailey, who has bumped his average up nine points since June 7, got the Giants on the board in the second with an RBI double, then Willy Adames drew a bases-loaded walk in the fifth to put the Giants up 2-1. And that was it for San Francisco’s slumping bats.

“That’s just kind of what we’ve been doing here recently,” manager Bob Melvin told reporters after the game. “Whether the guys are trying too hard in certain spots, that’s probably the case … They’re working hard, doing the best they can with it.

“Obviously it’s not great right now. Just got to keep working and get through it.”

The Giants’ bullpen, typically elite and the best in MLB, couldn’t hold on to the lead in the seventh. Erik Miller allowed consecutive one-out singles before forcing Andrew Benintendi to ground out, then was replaced by Ryan Walker, who issued a walk then gave up a two-run double. Walker then surrendered another run on a balk before Lenyn Sosa made it 5-2 with an RBI single.

With the no-decision, Verlander became the seventh pitcher in the last 120 seasons to make 13-plus starts and earn zero wins before July 1 (h/t the Associated Press’ Josh Dubow).

“Just trying to keep putting myself in the position for wins,” Verlander told reporters. “That’s all you can do as a starter.”

The lifeless defeat came one day after Robbie Ray gave up one run across six innings and was stuck with the loss as San Francisco’s offense mustered just four hits in Chicago’s 1-0 win on Saturday. After missing out on their chance to win against two sub-.500 teams, the Giants now head to Arizona for a four-game series against the Diamondbacks and then to West Sacramento to face the Athletics.

“A lot of ‘how frustrating’ questions, and that’s kind of where we are,” Melvin told reporters. “We have to answer them. But I think when you’re not playing well, it’s tough to win regardless. So, we’ve beaten good teams. We’ve lost to teams that [their] records aren’t great, but every team in the big leagues has got a chance to beat you.

“So we just have to get on a winning track no matter who we play.”

All of the momentum that came with Rafael Devers’ arrival seems to have been sucked out of the Giants, and now they find themselves 7 1/2 games out of first place in the NL West. With the second half underway, San Francisco must figure out a fix — and fast.

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June 29, 2025

Adams Playing Waiting Game On Byram

The Buffalo Sabres pulled off a second trade in the last week on Day 2 of the NHL Draft, and it involved a defenseman, but not the blueliner that many expected. The deal on Saturday sending Connor Clifton to Pittsburgh in exchange for Conor Timmins was a reshuffle of the club’s bottom pairing, while a potential trade of restricted free agent blueliner Bowen Byram would be an impact hockey deal to bring significant NHL talent in return.

Sabres GM Kevyn Adams met with the media after completion of the draft on Saturday afternoon and indicated that while he is still open to the possibility of trading the 23-year-old, there seems to be an openness to bringing him back either on a short- or long-term deal.

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Sabres Summer Dilemmas - Bowen Byram

Sabres Facing An Off-Season Of Change

"I had a great one-on-one conversation with Bo at the end of the season, just understanding where he's at. He's a great kid, he loves his teammates, and he loves being a Sabre, but he also understands that he has this window in his career, and what does that look like, and what are (the) opportunities?" Adams said. "We just talked about that, and I've had a lot of conversations with (agent) Darren Ferris, and I've just been very honest with him. I understand the position he's in, where he is in his career, and (that) he's two years away from UFA, and we'll just keep talking. I don't think it's great for me to publicly talk about any sort of contract negotiations, but what he knows is we like him, we believe in him. We think he makes our team better with him on it, but if there's a trade to make that makes sense, and we think it's the right thing to do, we'll do it."

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman indicated before the draft that the Vegas Golden Knights have interest in Byram, but that the market for Byram had not been as brisk as the Sabres would have liked. The Sabres are again looking for players in return for him, and not a deal like the NY Islanders pulled off with Montreal for RFA defenseman Noah Dobson, who was one year away from unrestricted free agency.

With the draft completed and free agency beginning on Tuesday, the Sabres may find it easier to pull off a trade after teams strike out on the open market, but Byram is not the only blueliner out there that teams covet. Calgary’s Rasmus Andersson is right-handed and older than Byram, but teams looking to add to their defense, the 28-year-old gives those teams options if they believe that Adams is looking for too much in return.

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