Miami Heat president Pat Riley isn't considering trading center Bam Adebayo, nor is he interested...

Miami Heat president Pat Riley isn't considering trading center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53731" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53731">Bam Adebayo</a>, nor is he interested in tanking."I am not saying that something would happen, but I want to build this around Bam. ... I am just going to give you a flat-out no, I wouldn't do that. Unless somebody gave me eight picks and (San Antonio Spurs star Victor) Wembanyama," Riley said, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/48611524/riley-not-retiring-changing-approach-heat-miss-playoffs">ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk</a>.Instead of trading their three-time All-Star, Riley said the Heat plan to be aggressive this offseason. Two-time MVP <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30611" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30611">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a> could be available on the trade market.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 81-year-old Riley said he would quit before tanking with the Heat."We are in a period right now, you don't make radical changes right now, not in my philosophy," Riley said. "I am not going to tank. We are not going to lose. We are not going into the lottery and do that insanity because I will quit - if I ever get ordered to go down that road. I am always thinking of ways to win."The Heat are coming off a fourth consecutive appearance in the play-in tournament, but it's the first time they've missed the postseason since 2019. They were eliminated in this year's 9-10 game by the Charlotte Hornets after back-to-back first-round playoff exits in 2024 and 2025.Miami advanced to the 2023 Finals but lost to the Denver Nuggets.

MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 09: Pat Riley speaks to media at Kaseya Center on February 09, 2025 in Miami, Florida.

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Heat's Riley won't trade Bam, refuses to tank

Houston Astros general manager Dana Brown isn't interested in replacing Joe Espada as manager des...

Houston Astros general manager Dana Brown isn't interested in replacing Joe Espada as manager despite the team's 11-18 record."No. Joe is managing through the injuries. We are all watching what's going on," Brown replied Sunday when asked if the Astros were considering a managerial change, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7232806/2026/04/26/astros-dana-brown-joe-espada/?unlocked_article_code=1.d1A.QOHf.yTalWiTFwS3_&amp;source=athletic_user_shared_gift_article_copylink&amp;smid=url-share-ta">The Athletic's Chandler Rome</a>."The pitching hasn't been up to par. We're walking a ton of guys. I can't start pointing the finger at Joe because we're walking a ton of guys and we're banged up."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Astros' pitching staff has walked a league-leading 158 hitters this season while posting a combined ERA of 5.97. Houston also has 15 players on the injured list, including ace <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12893" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12893">Hunter Brown</a>, closer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5307" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5307">Josh Hader</a>, and All-Star shortstop <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12665" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12665">Jeremy Peña</a>.The injuries have forced Espada into using less-than-ideal lineups. Sunday against the New York Yankees, fill-in players <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13886" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13886">Dustin Harris</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12390" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12390">Braden Shewmake</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9621" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9621">Daniel Johnson</a> went a combined 0-for-9."If this was a case of we were healthy and our pitching was throwing well and (Espada) was making mistakes, that would be a totally different ballgame," Dana Brown said."That's not the case. The case is, we're banged up. We don't have three starters that were in our Opening Day rotation, and we're walking a lot of players, which - we have to get that together. You can't point to the manager for the injuries or the walks."Espada initially joined the Astros as a bench coach in 2018 and is in the final year of his contract as manager.

HOUSTON, TX - OCTOBER 01: Manager Joe Espada #19 of the Houston Astros talks with Astros General Manager Dana Brown prior to Game 1 of the Wild Card Series presented by T-Mobile 5G Home Internet between the Detroit Tigers and the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on Tuesday, October 1, 2024 in Houston, Texas.

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Astros GM not looking to replace Espada as manager

Houston Rockets forward Alperen Sengun drew praise from Amen Thompson after Sunday's 115-96 win o...

Houston Rockets forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96113" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96113">Alperen Sengun</a> drew praise from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110271" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110271">Amen Thompson</a> after Sunday's 115-96 win over the Los Angeles Lakers for delivering an inspiring speech earlier in the day.Sengun gathered his teammates after morning shootaround and told them not to quit despite being down 3-0 in the first-round series."I didn't give up on this series and I just wanted to let everybody know," Sengun said postgame, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/48606624/houston-rockets-stave-elimination-top-los-angeles-lakers">ESPN's Ramona Shelburne</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"I'm glad it worked and everybody came out to play today. Hopefully everybody's mindset has changed going into a fifth game."Sengun delivered 19 points on 6-of-12 shooting in Game 4, while Thompson led Houston with 23 points.Thompson said Sengun's speech helped convince the Rockets they could win despite their collapse in Game 3 and the absence of leading scorer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/345" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/345">Kevin Durant</a>, who's sidelined with an ankle injury."He was just letting us know he didn't want to go home," Thompson said. "I was proud of him just taking that leadership role and just pulling us all back in there and being like, 'This is not how we end it. If we go out, we're going to go out and fight, but we're not thinking about going out.'"Sengun, who hails from Turkey and used an interpreter to communicate earlier in his career, was happy his teammates understood his speech and found it motivational."After the talk today, Amen was telling me that it really motivated (him). And then I was like, 'My English was good?' (I) messed up one point. He said, 'I don't care. I still understand you.' So I was happy they understood me," Sengun said.The Rockets and Lakers play Game 5 in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

HOUSTON, TEXAS - APRIL 24: Alperen Sengun #28 of the Houston Rockets backs down Rui Hachimura #28 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first quarter of the game at Toyota Center on April 24, 2026 in Houston, Texas.

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Sengun speech inspired Rockets before Game 4 win

New York Yankees players are holding themselves accountable for making terrible ABS challenge dec...

New York Yankees players are holding themselves accountable for making terrible ABS challenge decisions by issuing fines.Hitters pay for challenging when the entire ball is in the strike zone, backup catcher <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/11068" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/11068">J.C. Escarra</a> explained."If it's a whole ball in the zone, you should know it's a strike," Escarra said, according to <a href="https://www.nydailynews.com/2026/04/26/yankees-fining-themselves-for-awful-abs-challenges-you-should-know-its-a-strike/?share=eoyfrwrsrwlhpdgyn2wn">Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The fines are usually $500, but Yankees second baseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9520" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9520">Jazz Chisholm Jr.</a> upped his own fine to $1,000 for a challenge he made against the Houston Astros on Friday.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Jazz Chisholm with a horrendous challenge <a href="https://t.co/Lavsd7znUM">pic.twitter.com/Lavsd7znUM</a>— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) <a href="https://twitter.com/TalkinYanks/status/2047872198400999591?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>"I gotta do something for the team worth at least $1,000 after that," Chisholm said.The Yankees second baseman and teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/16165" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/16165">Ben Rice</a> are the only players to pay the fines so far, Chisholm and Escarra said Friday. Rice made an awful challenge of his own against the Miami Marlins on April 3. However, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4899" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4899">Cody Bellinger</a> admitted he also paid a fine for losing his first challenge of the season.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Uhhh Ben, what? <a href="https://t.co/FPFE0FdYHu">pic.twitter.com/FPFE0FdYHu</a>— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) <a href="https://twitter.com/TalkinYanks/status/2040135275129569765?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 07: Jazz Chisholm Jr. #13 of the New York Yankees reacts after hitting a solo home run against the Toronto Blue Jays during the fifth inning in game three of the American League Division Series at Yankee Stadium on October 07, 2025 in the Bronx borough of New York City.

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Yankees players issue internal fines for bad ABS challenges

Juan Soto won't pin the New York Mets' lack of success this season on manager Carlos Mendoza.  "A...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8271" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8271">Juan Soto</a> won't pin the New York Mets' lack of success this season on manager Carlos Mendoza."As players, we have to perform," Soto said after the Mets were swept by the Colorado Rockies at home on Sunday."This is not Mendy's fault or David's (Stearns) fault. They put a great team together and we have to be the ones that go out there and perform at the end of the day ... This is not (Mendoza's) fault at all."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
"This is not Mendy's fault or David's fault. They put a great team together. We have to be the ones that will go out there and perform. This is not [Carlos Mendoza's] fault at all." - Juan Soto <a href="https://t.co/iEIxKvQWyI">pic.twitter.com/iEIxKvQWyI</a>— SNY (@SNYtv) <a href="https://twitter.com/SNYtv/status/2048550285841158238?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>The Mets scored one run during Sunday's doubleheader losses to the Rockies, and have scored an MLB-worst 92 runs this season.Mendoza seemed puzzled when asked about his team's offensive struggles following Sunday's defeats."I've never seen anything like this, to be honest with you," Mendoza said, according to <a href="https://x.com/SNYtv/status/2048548093746950648">SNY</a>.The skipper said he hasn't been given any assurances his job is safe, but added he's not worried about that right now."The only thing I'm worried about is I got to get the guys going," Mendoza <a href="https://x.com/SNY_Mets/status/2048547857267880267">said</a>. "I get it. It sucks and I know the questions will continue to come up, but my job is to find a way to get those guys out of this funk."The Mets are tied with the division-rival Philadelphia Phillies for the worst record in MLB at 9-19.New York has an off day Monday before hosting a three-game set against the Washington Nationals Tuesday at Citi Field.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 23: Juan Soto #22 of the New York Mets walks up to bat during the second inning against the Minnesota Twins at Citi Field on April 23, 2026 in New York City.

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Soto not blaming Mendoza, Stearns for Mets' struggles

Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant has been ruled out for Sunday's Game 4 against the Los Angeles ...

Houston Rockets star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/345" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/345">Kevin Durant</a> has been ruled out for Sunday's Game 4 against the Los Angeles Lakers.Durant has a bone bruise in his sprained ankle and hasn't been cleared to play despite receiving around-the-clock treatment, sources told <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/48602448/rockets-expected-durant-game-4">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Durant came into the Rockets facility this morning for his rehab with the team’s medical staff and participated in film session and meetings with teammates. The bone bruise has created swelling, stiffness and lack of mobility in the ankle, sources said. Houston will face a 3-0… <a href="https://t.co/EWTJ80qlX0">https://t.co/EWTJ80qlX0</a>— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/2048484083550810467?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>The 37-year-old missed Games 1 and 3 of the series. He played over 40 minutes during Houston's Game 2 loss, scoring 23 points on 7-of-12 shooting.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Lakers enter Sunday's contest with a commanding 3-0 series lead.

HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 21: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets looks on during the game between the Miami Heat and the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on March 21, 2026 in Houston, Texas.

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Durant out for must-win Game 4 vs. Lakers

San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama has cleared concussion protocol and was in the starting ...

San Antonio Spurs star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110276" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110276">Victor Wembanyama</a> has cleared concussion protocol and was in the starting lineup for Sunday's Game 4 against the Portland Trail Blazers, the team announced.Wembanyama missed Game 3 of the series after <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3527929" href="https://thescore.com/news/3527929">hitting his face</a> on the floor during a fall in the previous contest.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Wembanyama passed his neurological tests going through stages of protocol after sustaining a concussion Tuesday night -- cardio work after 24 hours, increasing his activities Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and receiving the Spurs' medical sign-off and league clearance on Sunday. <a href="https://t.co/26HNK61kEA">https://t.co/26HNK61kEA</a>— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/2048474342908952818?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>The 22-year-old scored 35 points in 33 minutes during San Antonio's Game 1 victory, and he tallied five points in 12 minutes before exiting Game 2.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Spurs defeated the Trail Blazers 120-108 in Game 3, thanks to a game-high 33 points from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121685" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121685">Stephon Castle</a> and a career-high 27 points from rookie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/171821" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/171821">Dylan Harper</a>.San Antonio leads the series two games to one.

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 23: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs looks on during the first quarter of the game against the Miami Heat at Kaseya Center on March 23, 2026 in Miami, Florida.

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Wembanyama starts Game 4 after clearing concussion protocol

The decision to fire Alex Cora as manager of the Boston Red Sox was recommended by chief baseball...

The decision to fire Alex Cora as manager of the Boston Red Sox was recommended by chief baseball officer Craig Breslow, team president Sam Kennedy said Sunday."Craig leads our baseball operations, and he's made several bold decisions and recommendations. This was one of them, and we fully support it. That's why we took the action we took yesterday," Kennedy said.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://t.co/RK8pqRejZD">pic.twitter.com/RK8pqRejZD</a>— Foul Territory (@bsbls885) <a href="https://twitter.com/bsbls885/status/2048428058227384538?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Following Saturday's 17-1 win over the Baltimore Orioles, the team dismissed Cora and five members of his coaching staff and reassigned former player and game-planning coach Jason Varitek to a new role within the organization.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The coaching shuffle comes amid a tough start to the 2026 campaign for the Red Sox, who are last in the AL East with a 10-17 record despite being projected as a playoff team during the preseason. They promoted Chad Tracy, who was managing Boston's Triple-A affiliate, to fill Cora's spot in an interim role."By acting today, it gives us 135 games ahead of us, so we've got almost a full season's worth of run to take advantage of this fresh start and ultimately to compete for a division and deep postseason run in the way that we talked about it and envisioned and believed heading into spring training," Breslow said, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/48600895/red-sox-president-craig-breslow-made-decision-fire-alex-cora">ESPN.</a>He added, "We believe in the group of players that we have in the clubhouse, down the hallway, and we believe that a new direction is warranted - new voices and something that enables us to take a fresh start."Boston's front office held a short meeting with the team Sunday morning, but players weren't invited to ask questions about the personnel moves."They made it very clear that we get paid to play baseball and we need to just focus on playing baseball," reliever <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12582" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12582">Garrett Whitlock</a> said, according to <a href="https://x.com/timbhealey/status/2048428421475082602?s=20">The Boston Globe's Tim Healey</a>.Red Sox shortstop <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4232" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4232">Trevor Story</a>, who's in his fifth season with the franchise after signing a six-year, $140-million contract in 2022, didn't seem happy with the coaching changes."It's up in the air what the true direction of the franchise is," Story said, according to ESPN. "Some of the best coaches in the world didn't get a fair shot."

FT. MYERS, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 15: Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow and manager Alex Cora of the Boston Red Sox look on during a spring training team workout on February 15, 2024 at jetBlue Park at Fenway South in Fort Myers, Florida.

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Red Sox decision to fire Cora recommended by Breslow

The Milwaukee Bucks are finalizing a deal to make Taylor Jenkins their head coach, sources told E...

The Milwaukee Bucks are finalizing a deal to make Taylor Jenkins their head coach, sources told <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/2047400641308381500?s=20">ESPN's Shams Charania and Ramona Shelburne</a>.Jenkins, 41, spent the 2018-19 season as an assistant with the Bucks before being named head coach of the Memphis Grizzles. He went a combined 250-214 over six years in Memphis and made the playoffs in three consecutive seasons, including a second-round appearance in 2022.The Grizzlies fired Jenkins with nine games remaining in the 2024-25 season and replaced him with assistant Tuomas Iisalo.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Jenkins was on Mike Budenholzer's Atlanta Hawks staff for five years and came to the Bucks when they hired Budenholzer ahead of the 2018-19 season. Milwaukee posted an NBA-best 60-22 regular-season record in that campaign but lost the Eastern Conference finals in six games to the Toronto Raptors, who went on to win their first title. The Bucks won a championship in 2021 and fired Budenholzer in 2023 after a first-round playoff exit.There's friction between the Bucks and franchise star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30611" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30611">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a>, who alleges the organization refused to let him play in the final weeks of the season. The Bucks reportedly considered offers for Antetokounmpo at the February trade deadline. He becomes eligible to sign a four-year, $275-million extension if he's still on the team come Oct. 1.

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - FEBRUARY 25: Taylor Jenkins head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts against the Phoenix Suns during the first half at FedExForum on February 25, 2025 in Memphis, Tennessee.

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Report: Bucks hiring Jenkins as head coach

The New York Mets placed shortstop Francisco Lindor on the 10-day injured list with a left calf s...

The New York Mets placed shortstop <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2909" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2909">Francisco Lindor</a> on the 10-day injured list with a left calf strain, the team announced Thursday.Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said the club doesn't have a timetable for Lindor's recovery but expects him to be out for "quite a bit," according to <a href="https://x.com/SNYtv/status/2047406899075715089">SNY</a>.Lindor said "there's definitely some level of concern" about his injury and echoed his manager's uncertainty about when he might return.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Francisco Lindor says "there's definitely a level of concern" with his calf strain He also adds he doesn't know the grade of calf strain and doesn't want to know because it messes with his head <a href="https://t.co/4fFlMOkuHU">pic.twitter.com/4fFlMOkuHU</a>— SNY (@SNYtv) <a href="https://twitter.com/SNYtv/status/2047410352409792540?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Lindor exited Wednesday's game against the Minnesota Twins in the fifth inning with left calf tightness. He said he hurt his calf rounding third base in the fourth, according to <a href="https://x.com/jorgecastillo/status/2047411688173961266">ESPN's Jorge Castillo</a>.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://t.co/176p3fTnHW">pic.twitter.com/176p3fTnHW</a>— Foul Territory (@bsbls885) <a href="https://twitter.com/bsbls885/status/2047107406509850863?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>New York recalled Ronny Mauricio from Triple-A to replace the five-time All-Star on the roster. The Mets also called up right-hander Christian Scott and optioned right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13582" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13582">Austin Warren</a>.The Mets snapped a 12-game losing streak with Wednesday's 3-2 win over the Twins.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 29: Francisco Lindor #12 of the New York Mets looks on during the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citi Field on March 29, 2026 in the Queens borough of New York City.

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Lindor expected to miss 'quite a bit' of time with calf strain

The Philadelphia Phillies released right-hander Taijuan Walker on Thursday, the team announced.  ...

The Philadelphia Phillies released right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/3163" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/3163">Taijuan Walker</a> on Thursday, the team announced. Walker was in the final season of a four-year, $72-million contract he signed prior to the 2023 campaign. The 33-year-old was owed $18 million this season.He posted a 5.12 ERA, 1.47 WHIP, and 6.7 K/9 in 89 appearances (71 starts) during parts of four seasons with Philadelphia.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>He's struggled to begin 2026, allowing an MLB-worst 23 earned runs. He sits second in the majors in homers allowed with eight."We know and he knows that he gave every effort that he possibly could to try to get people out and it just wasn't working," Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said, according to <a href="https://apnews.com/article/phillies-walker-cubs-b95fc5ad1f543341a65339fc7783c705">Matt Carlson of The Associated Press</a>. "Maybe a change of scenery will help him."Walker's best season with the Phillies was his debut campaign in which he won 15 games and tossed 172 2/3 innings. His 14-year career includes previous stints with the Seattle Mariners, Arizona Diamondbacks, Toronto Blue Jays, and New York Mets."He's one of the best teammates and one of the best people I've been around," Phillies manager Rob Thomson said. "This guy's a pro, performance aside."He tried everything, being the opener and trying to get some velo back, which he did. It didn't work out, but it wasn't for a lack of effort on his part."The Phillies dropped their ninth straight game Thursday with an 8-7 extra-inning loss to the Chicago Cubs and are now tied with the Kansas City Royals for the worst record in baseball.

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JUNE 15: Taijuan Walker #99 of the Philadelphia Phillies walks around the mound after an out in the second inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on June 15, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland.

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Phillies release Walker in final season of 4-year deal

Former Major League Baseball All-Star Yasiel Puig will play in Toronto this season, but it won't ...

Former Major League Baseball All-Star Yasiel Puig will play in Toronto this season, but it won't be for the Blue Jays.The 35-year-old outfielder signed a deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs of the independent Canadian Baseball League, formerly known as the Intercounty Baseball League."We think he's the most exciting player in men's baseball who's not playing in MLB right now," Maple Leafs CEO Keith Stein told <a href="https://www.thestar.com/sports/baseball/maple-leafs-sign-yasiel-puig-hope-former-dodgers-all-star-can-bring-cbl-championship-to-toronto/article_e43b08b3-5999-4bef-b89f-b5f359af464a.html?utm_source=Twitter&amp;utm_medium=SocialMedia">Mike Wilner of the Toronto Star</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The Maple Leafs did not disclose contract details, but Puig will receive the largest deal in league history, according to Wilner.The club plays its home games for free at Dominico Field at Christie Pits Park."We care about Christie Pits," Stein said. "We care about that part of Toronto, we care about offering the highest-level baseball free of charge."Puig spent seven seasons in MLB with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Cincinnati Reds, and Cleveland Guardians. The 2013 NL Rookie of the Year runner-up slashed .277/.348/.475 with 132 home runs during that time.In February 2026, Puig was found guilty in U.S. federal court of obstruction of justice and making false statements to federal officials in connection to an illegal sports gambling operation. He is scheduled to be sentenced May 26 and could face up to 20 years in prison.The Cuban has not played in the majors since 2019. He nearly signed a deal with the Atlanta Braves in 2020 before a positive COVID-19 test caused the agreement to fall apart. In March 2021, MLB investigators interviewed a woman who said Puig sexually assaulted her in a Staples Center bathroom in 2018. Reporting later in 2021 revealed Puig had reached confidential settlement agreements with two other women who alleged he sexually assaulted them in 2017.MLB did not place Puig on administrative leave and no charges were filed. He spent the next six seasons playing in the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Venezuela, and South Korea."We carried out extensive diligence (before signing Puig)," Stein told Wilner."We've had discussions with lots of people. The ... issues have been dealt with by the justice system, by other, more qualified parties. We are focused on what is the best talent that we can put on the field that's going to represent the Toronto Maple Leafs in a way we can be proud of. We think that he is really on the right track in his personal life."

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 27: Yasiel Puig #66 of the Cleveland Indians returns to the dugout after fielding during the eighth inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on September 27, 2019 in Washington, DC.

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Puig signs with Toronto Maple Leafs baseball team

The San Diego Padres agreed to a one-year contract with right-hander Lucas Giolito, the team anno...

The San Diego Padres agreed to a one-year contract with right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4272" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4272">Lucas Giolito</a>, the team announced Wednesday.Giolito's contract includes a mutual option for 2027. The deal is worth $3 million and he has an opportunity to make as much as $8 million, a source told <a href="https://x.com/ByRobertMurray/status/2047005789454561483">FanSided's Robert Murray</a>.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Lucas Giolito's deal with the Padres includes $3M in guaranteed money, per sources. He gets a $1.5M base plus a $1.5M buyout on an $8 million mutual option. Escalators on the buyout (based on starts) can raise up to $3M more.— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChrisCotillo/status/2047061863402291332?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Giolito was unsigned to begin the 2026 regular season after posting a 10-4 record with a 3.41 ERA in 145 innings for the Boston Red Sox last year. The 31-year-old missed the entire 2024 campaign after undergoing Tommy John surgery.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>San Diego's starting pitching has been decimated with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8297" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8297">Nick Pivetta</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5369" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5369">Joe Musgrove</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9562" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9562">Griffin Canning</a> on the injured list. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/2901" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/2901">Yu Darvish</a> is on the Padres' restricted list while he recovers from elbow surgery.Despite those injury issues, the Padres enter Wednesday as one of the hottest teams in baseball, winners of three straight and 11 of their last 12 games.

BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 12: Lucas Giolito #24 of the Boston Red Sox pitches during the game between the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on Friday, September 12, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts.

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Padres sign Giolito to 1-year deal reportedly worth $3M

Philadelphia Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski isn't considering moving o...

Philadelphia Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski isn't considering moving on from manager Rob Thomson despite the team's seven-game losing streak."Put it this way. We're not," Dombrowski said Tuesday, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/48560128/phillies-president-says-manager-rob-thomson-not-hot-seat">ESPN</a>. "But if we were, that's not something we've ever shared. Rob Thomson's been a good manager for us since (2022). We always look at everything that's taking place, but no."Thomson has managed the Phillies since 2022 and helped lead them to an NL pennant, two division titles, and four straight playoff appearances.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Dombrowski said he's focused on figuring out how to improve the overall play of his team, which enters Wednesday's game against the Chicago Cubs with an 8-15 record. Philadelphia ranks among MLB's worst clubs in several important statistics.Phillies 2026 stats<figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>STAT</th>
<th>RANK</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Runs</td>
<td>28th</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RBIs</td>
<td>27th</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AVG</td>
<td>28th</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OBP</td>
<td>28th</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SLG</td>
<td>24th</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ERA</td>
<td>28th</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DRS</td>
<td>30th</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OAA</td>
<td>25th</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>"We just haven't played very well. It's really every portion of our game," Dombrowski said. "There's been some individual players that have done fine, by all means, who are doing well. As a group, I don't think any part of our team has excelled: offensively, pitching-wise, starting pitching-wise, defensively."Outside of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4761" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4761">Kyle Schwarber</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1688" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1688">Bryce Harper</a>, no Phillies regulars have an OPS higher than .708. Dombrowski named infielders <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/10702" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/10702">Alec Bohm</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/12413" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/12413">Bryson Stott</a> as players he thinks are better than what they've shown so far this season."Alec Bohm didn't forget how to be a good big-league hitter. Bryson Stott didn't forget how to be a good big-league hitter. And the list goes on with other people too," Dombrowski said. "They're good players, they're good hitters, it's just not working for them right now."

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 20: Manager Rob Thomson #49 of the Philadelphia Phillies looks on from the dugout against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on September 20, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona.

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Dombrowski: Thomson not on hot seat despite Phillies' struggles

For the first time ever, the New York Yankees have an alternate uniform.  Major League Baseball a...

For the first time ever, the New York Yankees have an alternate uniform.Major League Baseball approved the Yankees' navy blue batting practice jerseys for use during games, meaning they're now officially designated as the team's road alternate, according to <a href="https://x.com/BryanHoch/status/2047084727979409903">Bryan Hoch of MLB.com</a>.The Yankees made the change after players proposed the idea to the team's higher-ups, sources told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7217246/2026/04/22/yankees-players-alternate-road-jerseys/">The Athletic's Brendan Kuty</a>. Players suggested the team use the batting practice jerseys that read "New York" in gray font on the front for some road games, Kuty adds. The Yankees normally wear gray road uniforms.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Although MLB approved the Yankees' alternate jersey, the decision to use them isn't "imminent," and Hal Steinbrenner will make the final call after weighing many factors, a source told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7222735/2026/04/23/yankees-alternate-jerseys-decision-timetable/">Kuty.</a>Players reportedly didn't suggest any changes for home games, where the team has worn its traditional, iconic white pinstripe uniforms with the "NY" logo on the left chest since 1936, or any tweaks to the usual road uniforms."I'm all about tradition, but we got a patch on our sleeves," Yankees captain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4773" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4773">Aaron Judge</a> said Wednesday when asked about the alternates, according to <a href="https://x.com/GaryHPhillips/status/2047050552568127579">Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News</a>. Judge was referring to a sponsored patch on the team's uniforms.He added, "I think we'll always wear the pinstripes at home."The Yankees remain one of two MLB teams, along with the Athletics, without a City Connect uniform. They're also the only team that doesn't have names on the back of their jerseys.It's still not known when the team will debut the alternate look. The Yankees wore their standard road grays Wednesday against the rival Boston Red Sox.

MESA, ARIZONA - MARCH 24: Jazz Chisholm Jr. #13 of the New York Yankees during the third inning of a spring training game against the Chicago Cubs at Sloan Park on March 24, 2026 in Mesa, Arizona.

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Yankees' navy jersey approved as team's 1st-ever alternate uniform

New York Yankees right-hander Cam Schlittler is excited to pitch against the Boston Red Sox for t...

New York Yankees right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/18809" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/18809">Cam Schlittler</a> is excited to pitch against the Boston Red Sox for the first time at Fenway Park, despite him and his family receiving death threats ahead of his start Thursday."I don't really care going in there that they kind of hate me," Schlittler said, according to <a href="https://nypost.com/2026/04/19/sports/yankees-cam-schlittler-getting-death-threats-before-fenway-debut/">Joel Sherman of the New York Post</a>."I don't have an issue with that. It really just gets me going a little bit."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Schlittler, who grew up cheering for the Red Sox, has faced intense backlash from Boston baseball fans since making his major-league debut in a Yankees uniform.The hostility toward him only increased after he dominated the Red Sox in Game 3 of the Yankees' wild-card series win last season.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
EIGHT SCORELESS FOR CAM SCHLITTLER! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/POSTSEASON?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#POSTSEASON</a> <a href="https://t.co/Y62iIFJSBo">pic.twitter.com/Y62iIFJSBo</a>— MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1973937409177096602?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Schlitter recently told <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7210105/2026/04/19/cam-schlittler-yankees-boston-red-sox-trolling/">Brendan Kuty of The Athletic</a> that he hears from Red Sox fans "every week" and "every day," so he expects plenty of animosity when he takes the Fenway Park mound for the first time."It's gonna be bad, it's gonna be bad. I'm not nervous about it, but it's gonna be loud," Schlittler said. "They're gonna probably have dudes that are my age or a little bit younger, sitting right outside the (visiting) bullpen, yelling whatever, probably throwing stuff at me, trying to grab me."That's kind of what I expect. So I know the guys are excited for it and I'm excited for it."Schlittler owns a 1.95 ERA and 0.85 FIP in five starts this season and will pitch Thursday opposite Red Sox starter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13634" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13634">Brayan Bello</a>.

New York, NY - October 2: New York Yankees starting pitcher Cam Schlittler looks to the umpire after striking out a Boston Red Sox batter in the fifth inning of Game 3 of the Wild Card playoff series at Yankee Stadium on October 2, 2025.

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Yankees' Schlittler excited about Fenway debut despite death threats

Edwin Díaz's outing against the Colorado Rockies on Sunday didn't go well, leaving some doubt in ...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5384" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5384">Edwin Díaz</a>'s outing against the Colorado Rockies on Sunday didn't go well, leaving some doubt in the mind of manager Dave Roberts about his closer."Today was a tough evaluation," Roberts said after Díaz allowed three earned runs on 13 pitches during a 9-6 loss, according to <a href="https://nypost.com/2026/04/20/sports/edwin-diazs-implosion-a-little-concerning-for-dodgers/">Dylan Hernandez of the California Post</a>. "I mean, it really was. Because I know what it's supposed to look like, and when it doesn't look like that, it gets a little concerning, really."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Sunday's appearance was Díaz's first in nine days, after a noticeable dip in the reliever's velocity prompted the Dodgers to look further into the issue.Although Díaz had been experiencing weakness in his surgically repaired knee, he said he felt good prior to pitching against the Rockies.The right-hander touched 97 mph on Sunday, but his fastball at one point dipped as low as 92.8 mph. While Roberts pointed to Díaz not pitching in nine days as a potential reason for rust, the manager also said he'd speak with his closer to ensure everything was OK."I gotta know more," Roberts said.Díaz, who sports a 10.50 ERA and 2.33 WHIP, signed a three-year, $69-million deal with the Dodgers in the offseason.

DENVER, CO - APRIL 19: Edwin Diaz #3 of the Los Angeles Dodgers looks on from the mound in the eighth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on April 19, 2026 in Denver, Colorado.

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Roberts: Díaz's rough outing vs. Rockies 'a little concerning'

The Philadelphia Phillies aren't accustomed to losing and are feeling the effects of their worst ...

The Philadelphia Phillies aren't accustomed to losing and are feeling the effects of their worst start since 2015."We're not used to this," manager Rob Thomson said after Sunday's 4-2 loss to the Atlanta Braves. "We're not."The Phillies have lost five straight and are 8-13 - their worst start through 21 games since 2015, when they finished with 99 losses. Sunday's defeat also marked their 10th in 13 contests. They also went 2-7 on the homestand, making it their worst showing in 17 years.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Despite carrying the fourth-highest payroll in baseball, the Phillies rank 27th in runs scored and own MLB's worst run differential. No one is doing much to generate offense outside of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4761" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4761">Kyle Schwarber</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/1688" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/1688">Bryce Harper</a>, and the pitching staff's 4.84 combined ERA is one of the highest in the majors.Despite the team's struggles, Thomson is confident his club will get out of its funk."A lot of frustration," Thomson said. "We're disappointed. We're frustrated. I know they're trying hard. Sometimes, they're trying too hard. I think guys are upset. We're off to a slow start here, but it's going to get better."Philadelphia starts a seven-game road trip Monday with four games against the Cubs in Chicago.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: Rob Thomson #49, Rafael Marchán #13, Trea Turner #7, Bryson Stott #5, Alec Bohm #28, and Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies look on against the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Braves defeated the Phillies 4-2.

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Phillies' Thomson laments worst start since 2015: 'We're not used to this'

The Pittsburgh Steelers are still awaiting word from Aaron Rodgers regarding his future, with no ...

The Pittsburgh Steelers are still awaiting word from <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/747" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/747">Aaron Rodgers</a> regarding his future, with no expectation of a decision from the quarterback before Thursday's NFL draft, according to <a href="https://x.com/RapSheet/status/2046196374677442870?s=20">Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network</a>.As the Steelers continue to wait to hear from the 42-year-old, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/210204" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/210204">Will Howard</a> will enter minicamp as QB1 under new head coach Mike McCarthy.McCarthy <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3506930" href="https://thescore.com/news/3506930">said</a> in March that he hoped Rodgers would return because "it'd be a great story." McCarthy coached Rodgers on the Green Bay Packers from 2006-18.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Steelers owner Art Rooney II <a href="https://www.tsn.ca/nfl/article/steelers-rooney-expects-decision-from-rodgers-before-draft-n1-48361976/">said</a> late last month that he expected to have an answer from Rodgers ahead of the draft, although the signal-caller has noted the organization didn't give him a deadline for a decision.Rodgers threw for 3,322 yards and 24 touchdowns for Pittsburgh in 2025, helping lead the team to the playoffs.The Steelers lost 30-6 in the wild-card round to the Houston Texans, with Rodgers throwing an interception and being sacked four times.

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 12: Aaron Rodgers #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts in the third quarter of an NFL wild card playoff game against the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium on January 12, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

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Report: Steelers not expected to hear from Rodgers before draft

Cleveland Guardians left-hander Parker Messick lost his no-hitter in the ninth inning of Thursday...

Cleveland Guardians left-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/18600" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/18600">Parker Messick</a> lost his no-hitter in the ninth inning of Thursday's 4-2 win over the Baltimore Orioles.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/5706" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/5706">Leody Taveras</a> singled to open the ninth. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/13884" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/13884">Blaze Alexander</a> followed with another single to chase Messick from the game. Taveras and Alexander both came around to score after Messick was replaced by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/14023" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/14023">Cade Smith</a>."I did my best," Messick said, according to <a href="https://apnews.com/article/guardians-orioles-messick-nohitter-1629b227a9c485e99c5a9251d8f10059">Joe Reedy of The Associated Press</a>. "Maybe next time."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Parker Messick took a no-hitter into the ninth, and on the first pitch of the inning Leody Taveras delivered a single <a href="https://t.co/tc9Sj4blPM">pic.twitter.com/tc9Sj4blPM</a>— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) <a href="https://twitter.com/TalkinBaseball_/status/2044935665066946721?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>The 25-year-old Messick exited his 112-pitch outing with two earned runs allowed, nine strikeouts, and two walks. It was his 11th career start."That was very special, what we got to watch tonight," Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said. "That's an unbelievably talented lineup that he took a no-hitter into the ninth against. That was a beautiful, beautiful game."<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
“Beautiful, beautiful game”<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Guardians?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Guardians</a> manager Stephen Vogt on Parker Messick’s masterclass tonight<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GuardsBall?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GuardsBall</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/WEWS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WEWS</a> <a href="https://t.co/uLHTGA9zuB">pic.twitter.com/uLHTGA9zuB</a>— Mason Horodyski (@MasonHorodyski) <a href="https://twitter.com/MasonHorodyski/status/2044950716846948668?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Len Barker has the last no-hitter for Cleveland, which came in 1981 when he tossed a perfect game.

CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 16: Starter Parker Messick #77 of the Cleveland Guardians pitches during the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field on April 16, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio.

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Guardians' Messick loses no-hitter in 9th inning

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Bryan Mcwilliam

News Editor

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