NFL
- Vikings release RB Dalvin Cook
- Perhaps it was time for Minnesota to cut ties with the four-time Pro Bowler, but it’s a curious move given the uncertainty of the NFC North. The Vikings could’ve kept Cook and made a run at another division title, but the team clearly believes Alexander Mattison can replicate Cook’s production. The team might be right. Mattison has proven in his four years as a pro that he can handle a full workload when needed, but his rushing efficiency has decreased since 2020. This is a somewhat bold move by the Vikings, but it could prove to be a smart, cost-cutting decision.
Grade: C+
- Perhaps it was time for Minnesota to cut ties with the four-time Pro Bowler, but it’s a curious move given the uncertainty of the NFC North. The Vikings could’ve kept Cook and made a run at another division title, but the team clearly believes Alexander Mattison can replicate Cook’s production. The team might be right. Mattison has proven in his four years as a pro that he can handle a full workload when needed, but his rushing efficiency has decreased since 2020. This is a somewhat bold move by the Vikings, but it could prove to be a smart, cost-cutting decision.
- Broncos sign EDGE Frank Clark to one-year, $5.5 million contract
- The Broncos have a fairly deep assortment of guys that can get to the quarterback, including Randy Gregory, Baron Browning, and Zach Allen, but none that are expected to be elite at their position in 2023. Clark probably doesn’t offer elite upside either at this stage of his career, but Denver has enough heat off the edge now to get pressure on the likes of Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert in the AFC West. This pact for Clark is pretty modest, too, and could end up being a valuable addition for Sean Payton’s club.
Grade: B
- The Broncos have a fairly deep assortment of guys that can get to the quarterback, including Randy Gregory, Baron Browning, and Zach Allen, but none that are expected to be elite at their position in 2023. Clark probably doesn’t offer elite upside either at this stage of his career, but Denver has enough heat off the edge now to get pressure on the likes of Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert in the AFC West. This pact for Clark is pretty modest, too, and could end up being a valuable addition for Sean Payton’s club.
MLB
- Dodgers 6, Reds 0
- Freddie Freeman should probably be a Hall of Famer. The first baseman’s 2-2, two RBI day yesterday was just a small part of yet another great season for Freeman. 303 home runs, 1,080 RBIs, and 1,985 hits — excellent career marks for a 33-year-old.
- Graham Ashcraft might need some additional time in the minors. The 25-year-old had another bad outing in the game, lasting just 2 2/3 innings.
- Rays 4, Twins 2
- The Rays’ 13-0 start received plenty of fanfare, but Tampa Bay is on yet another streak — a six-gamer that has put the Rays up 6.5 games on the second-place Orioles. This season’s Rays are a pretty sure thing, and might be the unit that finally hoists the franchise’s first ever Commissioner’s Trophy.
- Orioles 6, Brewers 3
- Baltimore could potentially have two All-Star relievers this season. Felix Bautista, who recorded his 16th save yesterday, should be a sure bet, but Yennier Cano deserves consideration, too. Cano lowered his ERA to 1.09 in this contest.
- Giants 6, Rockies 4
- Thairo Estrada was decent for the Giants in 2022, posting 1.7 WAR, but the second baseman has taken his game to another level this year, having been worth 2.2 WAR already. After homering yesterday, Estrada has an OPS of .825 — far better than his career mark of .742. San Francisco is good at uncovering hidden gems.
- Pierce Johnson’s time as Colorado’s closer should be over. Johnson blew his second save of the season yesterday, and saw his ERA rise to 7.50 in the process.
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