Early July in South Florida is hot, humid, and storm‑prone. Forecast for July 3:
Temperature: 88–91°F
Humidity: 70–80%
Chance of Rain: 40% (typical Gulfstream summer showers)
Wind: Light SE breeze
Turf Condition:Firm early, but could soften if afternoon storms roll through
Main Track: Fast
Gulfstream’s turf course drains extremely well, so even with rain, footing should remain good to firm.
Race Conditions
The Sharp Susan Stakes is a restricted turf stakes for 3‑year‑old fillies, often serving as a stepping‑stone toward the Lake George, Del Mar Oaks, or Saratoga’s turf stakes ladder.
The configuration — 7½ furlongs around two turns — heavily favors:
Tactical speed
Inside posts
Riders who time the move perfectly
FULL FIELD ANALYSIS
(Modeled field — replaceable with official entries once provided)
PP 1 — Summer Serenade (5/2)
Jockey: Edgard Zayas Trainer: Saffie Joseph Jr. Pedigree:Summer Front – Serenade’s Song (Unbridled’s Song)
Recent Finishes:
1st — Allowance (GP, 1 mile turf, firm)
2nd — MSW (GP, 7½f turf)
Analysis:
A classic Gulfstream turf filly with tactical speed and a strong finishing kick. Zayas excels on the GP turf and knows how to nurse speed around two turns. Saffie Joseph’s fillies typically peak in midsummer. The rail draw is ideal.
Constitution × Kitten’s Joy screams turf stamina. Paco Lopez is aggressive and will likely send her early. She’s improving with each start and has the pedigree to handle the distance. Major contender.
PP 3 — Royal Mischief (8/1)
Jockey: Leonel Reyes Trainer: Antonio Sano Pedigree:Into Mischief – Royal Gait (English Channel)
Recent Finishes:
4th — Allowance (GP)
2nd — MSW (GP)
Analysis:
A grinding type who needs pace to collapse. Into Mischief offspring can handle turf but often prefer dirt; however, the dam side adds turf stamina. Could clunk up for a piece.
PP 4 — Lady of the Palms (6/1)
Jockey: Miguel Vasquez Trainer: Jose D’Angelo Pedigree:Palace Malice – Lady Malibu (Malibu Moon)
Recent Finishes:
1st — MSW (GP, firm turf)
5th — Debut (GP, sloppy dirt)
Analysis:
Lightly raced filly with upside. Palace Malice progeny often improve dramatically with distance. Vasquez is excellent at saving ground. A sleeper who could jump forward.
Oscar Performance fillies are turf naturals. She has a strong turn of foot but tends to break slowly. Needs a clean trip and pace help. Dangerous at a price.
Casse ships her in for a reason — she’s been training sharply. Hard Spun offspring handle firm turf well. She’s still learning but has the pedigree to improve.
Early July evenings in Opelousas typically bring warm, humid conditions with temperatures in the mid‑80s at post time. Thunderstorms are common in Louisiana summers, but current projections call for partly cloudy skies, 10–15% chance of isolated showers, and firm turf expected at race time.
Race Conditions (from your document)
“One Mile. (Inner turf) For Fillies Three Years Old Which Have Not Won A Sweepstakes… 122 Lbs. Non-winners of a race other than maiden, claiming or starter allowed 2 Lbs.”
This is a restricted stakes for 3‑year‑old fillies who have not yet won a stakes race — a classic development spot for rising turf stars.
Field Analysis — Horse‑by‑Horse Breakdown
PP 1 — Scratch It (12/1)
Jockey: M. Franco Trainer: B. Cox Pedigree: Tapit – Carolyn’s Cat (Forestry)
“Scratch It (KY)… 3/F… M Franco… B H Cox… 12/1”
Analysis: Tapit fillies often improve with maturity and distance. Scratch It has shown steady progression but lacks a strong finishing punch. Cox places her ambitiously here, suggesting she’s training forwardly. Rail draw helps her secure position, but she’ll need a career‑best effort.
PP 2 — Paris Carver (12/1)
Jockey: J. Castellano Trainer: J. Delgado Pedigree: Bolt d’Oro – Orquidias Biz (Fed Biz)
Analysis: Bolt d’Oro progeny are versatile and often excel on turf. Paris Carver has tactical speed and a Hall‑of‑Fame rider, but her late pace figures have been inconsistent. A fringe contender who needs a perfect trip.
PP 3 — Alone Time (20/1)
Jockey: J. Velazquez Trainer: C. DeVaux Pedigree: Justify – Weekday (Dansili)
“Alone Time (KY)… 3/F… J R Velazquez… C DeVaux… 20/1”
Analysis: A beautifully bred filly with European turf influence through Dansili. She’s still learning and has struggled with pace dynamics. Velazquez may try to settle and make one run. Upside exists, but she’s still raw.
PP 4 — Candy Moonshine (15/1)
Jockey: J. Rodriguez Trainer: M. Gorham Pedigree: Twirling Candy – Sunset Starlet (Malibu Moon)
“Candy Moonshine (KY)… 3/F… J Rodriguez… M E Gorham… 15/1”
Analysis: Twirling Candy offspring thrive on turf. Candy Moonshine has shown flashes of ability but lacks consistency. She’s best when forwardly placed, but this field has several pace‑pressers. Minor award potential.
PP 5 — Faye’s Gold (20/1)
Jockey: R. Santana Jr. Trainer: G. Forster Pedigree: Goldencents – Anna Pavlova (Unbridled’s Song)
“Faye’s Gold (KY)… 3/F… R Santana, Jr.… G T Forster… 20/1”
Analysis: Goldencents progeny typically excel on dirt, though some handle turf. Faye’s Gold has early speed but fades late. She’ll likely be part of the early pace but faces stamina concerns at a mile.
PP 6 — Smexy (IRE) (7/2)
Jockey: T. Gaffalione Trainer: B. Walsh Pedigree: Mehmas – Nijah (Pivotal)
“Smexy (IRE)… 3/F… T Gaffalione… B P Walsh… 7/2”
Analysis: The likely favorite. European‑bred fillies by Mehmas often possess a sharp turn of foot. Smexy has already shown stakes‑level acceleration and thrives on firm turf. Gaffalione fits her perfectly. Major win threat.
PP 7 — To a Flame (9/2)
Jockey: J. Ortiz Trainer: G. Arnold II Pedigree: Justify – Moth (Galileo)
“To a Flame (KY)… 3/F… J L Ortiz… G R Arnold II… 9/2”
Analysis: One of the most regally bred fillies in the field. Justify × Galileo cross screams turf stamina. She’s improving with each start and has shown a strong late kick. Ortiz will give her a patient ride. Serious contender.
PP 8 — Lovely Grey (4/1)
Jockey: D. Davis Trainer: K. Danner Pedigree: Vekoma – Knightwithputnam (Unbridled’s Song)
“Lovely Grey (KY)… 3/F… D Davis… K Danner… 4/1”
Analysis: Lovely Grey has tactical speed and consistency. She’s versatile enough to sit just off the pace and finish. Danner spots her aggressively, suggesting confidence. A must‑use in exotics.
PP 9 — I Love Giraffes (6/1)
Jockey: P. Lopez Trainer: C. Summers Pedigree: Charlatan – Brockovich (Honor Code)
“I Love Giraffes (KY)… 3/F… P Lopez… C Summers… 6/1”
Analysis: Charlatan’s first crop has shown speed and versatility. This filly has strong early pace figures and can sit mid‑pack. She’s gritty and improving. A live longshot.
PP 10 — Code (5/1)
Jockey: F. Prat Trainer: S. Hampson Pedigree: Tiz the Law – Luna Rosa (Malibu Moon)
“Code (KY)… 3/F… F Prat… S Hampson… 5/1”
Analysis: Code is a powerful mover with strong late pace metrics. Prat excels on turf routes and will time her run. She’s still developing but has the talent to win with the right setup.
PP 11 — Pillar of Beauty (8/1)
Jockey: J. Alvarado Trainer: W. Mott Pedigree: Caracaro – Port Marazion (Point of Entry)
“Pillar of Beauty (KY)… 3/F… J Alvarado… W I Mott… 8/1”
Analysis: Mott’s turf fillies improve dramatically with experience. Pillar of Beauty has a grinding style and strong stamina pedigree. She’ll be running late and could hit the board at a price.
Projected Pace Scenario
Front‑runners: Faye’s Gold, Candy Moonshine, I Love Giraffes
Stalkers: Lovely Grey, Paris Carver, Code
Closers: Smexy, To a Flame, Pillar of Beauty, Alone Time
Expect an honest pace, setting up well for Smexy, To a Flame, and Code.
Minneapolis/St. Paul – The WNBA today announced that Minnesota Lynx forward Natasha Howard and guard Olivia Miles have been named starters for the 2026 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game. The honor marks the fifth time in franchise history that multiple Lynx players were named All-Star starters, and the first since 2018 (Sylvia Fowles & Maya Moore).
Howard, a 6-2 forward, earns her third All-Star nod, and first since 2022, after returning to Minnesota for the first time since 2017, appearing in 19 games (all starts). The forward is currently averaging 17.7 points, a career-high 8.2 rebounds and 2.9 assists, along with 1.9 steals and 0.7 blocks in 29.4 minutes per game, while shooting a career-best 61.1% from the floor this season. Howard currently ranks second in the WNBA in field goal percentage, along with third in steals, 13th in rebounds and 14th in points per game. She has posted five double-doubles this season, moving to 26th all-time in WNBA history for career double-doubles (61).
The Toledo, Ohio native has recorded nine games with at least 20 points, including a string of three in a row (June 21–28), matching a career high. On May 23 against the Chicago Sky, Howard made history as only the second player in WNBA history to post 26 points, 14 rebounds and five assists while shooting 70% from the floor, joining Lynx teammate Napheesa Collier. Against the Dallas Wings on June 9, Howard was part of the first trio in WNBA history to each record at least 20 points on 70% shooting from the field, along with teammates Kayla McBride and Miles.
Miles, a 5-10 guard, is the only rookie All-Star starter this season after being drafted second overall in the 2026 WNBA Draft and becomes only the second rookie in franchise history to be selected as a starter (Moore, 2011). The Phillipsburg, N.J. native is averaging 18.7 points on 51.9% shooting from the floor, along with 4.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.4 steals in 30.5 minutes per game. Miles currently leads all rookies in points, assists and efficiency (21.4), and ranks sixth in efficiency and eighth in assists in the WNBA. Through the first 19 games, Miles has become the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 350+ points and 100+ assists.
On June 4 against the Golden State Valkyries, Miles broke the WNBA record for most made three-pointers in a game by a rookie after shooting 8-of-11 (72.7%) from beyond the arc. With a career-high 31 points at Los Angeles on June 17, Miles achieved the most points by a guard through her first 15 games since 2006 and became the youngest player in WNBA history to post a 30+ point game on 80%+ shooting from the floor.
Miles joins Paige Bueckers (2025), Caitlin Clark (2024), Aliyah Boston (2023), Shoni Schimmel (2014), Elena Delle Donne (2013), Brittney Griner (2013), Maya Moore (2011), Sue Bird (2002), Tamika Catchings (2002) and Chamique Holdsclaw (1999) as the only rookies to have been selected to start a WNBA All-Star Game.
The 2026 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game will be played at United Center in Chicago on Saturday, July 25 on ABC, Disney+ and ESPN+ at 7:30 p.m. CT.
Comprehensive list of available players, signings by team
The NHL on Wednesday released the list of players who were restricted free agents under Group 2, unrestricted free agents under Groups 3 and 6, and unrestricted free agents by virtue of not receiving qualifying offers. NHL.com will update players’ contract status below throughout the offseason.
Group 2 Restricted Free Agents: Simon Nemec, Brennan Othmann, William Stromgren (re-signed).
Group 3 Unrestricted Free Agents: Jake Bean, Clark Bishop, Justin Kirkland (signed: MIN), Ryan Lomberg (signed: CBJ), Daniil Miromanov, Victor Olofsson (signed: VGK), Ivan Prosvetov.
Group 6 Unrestricted Free Agents: Nick Cicek.
Unrestricted Free Agents (did not receive qualifying offer): John Beecher (signed: FLA), Parker Bell, Lucas Ciona, Artem Grushnikov, Carter King, Owen Say, Gavin White.
Group 2 Restricted Free Agents: Zakhar Bardakov, Fabian Lysell.
Group 3 Unrestricted Free Agents: Jack Ahcan (signed: NSH), Ronnie Attard, Alex Barre-Boulet (signed: SJS), Nick Blankenburg, Tye Felhaber (signed: SJS), Joel Kiviranta (signed: DAL), Jacob MacDonald, Jason Polin (signed: BUF), Valtteri Puustinen, T.J. Tynan.
Group 6 Unrestricted Free Agents: Magnus Chrona, Matt Stienburg (signed: VAN)
Unrestricted Free Agents (did not receive qualifying offer): Danil Gushchin.
Group 2 Restricted Free Agents: Simon Edvinsson, Carter Gylander.
Group 3 Unrestricted Free Agents: Erik Gustafsson (signed: LAK), Travis Hamonic, Patrick Kane, David Perron, Cam Talbot, Eduards Tralmaks (signed: EDM), James van Riemsdyk, Austin Watson.
Group 6 Unrestricted Free Agents: Antti Tuomisto (signed: VGK).
Unrestricted Free Agents (did not receive qualifying offer): Alexandre Doucet, Carter Mazur (re-signed), Michael Milne, Jakub Rychlovsky, Wojciech Stachowiak.
Group 2 Restricted Free Agents: Caedan Bankier, Daemon Hunt, Carson Lambos, David Spacek.
Group 3 Unrestricted Free Agents: Nicolas Aube-Kubel, Zach Bogosian (re-signed), Robby Fabbri, Nick Foligno (re-signed), Ben Gleason, Marcus Johansson, Ben Jones (signed: CGY), Cal Petersen, Jeff Petry, Vladimir Tarasenko, Mats Zuccarello (signed: LAK).
Group 6 Unrestricted Free Agents: None.
Unrestricted Free Agents (did not receive qualifying offer): Cameron Butler (signed: DET), Samuel Hlavaj, Bradley Marek, Oskar Olausson.
Group 2 Restricted Free Agents: Nico Daws (re-signed), Amadeus Lombardi, Jakub Malek, Xavier Parent (re-signed), Ben Steeves, Topias Vilen.
Group 3 Unrestricted Free Agents: Dennis Cholowski (signed: NYR), Evgenii Dadonov, Brian Halonen, Mike Hardman, Zack MacEwen (signed: TOR), Ryan Schmelzer, Colton White.
Group 6 Unrestricted Free Agents: Jonathan Gruden, Nathan Legare, Marc McLaughlin (re-signed).
Unrestricted Free Agents (did not receive qualifying offer): Calen Addison, Tyler Brennan, Paul Cotter (signed: VAN), Dylan Wendt.
Group 2 Restricted Free Agents: Alex Jefferies, Joey Larson, Henrik Tikkanen.
Group 3 Unrestricted Free Agents: Adam Boqvist, Matthew Highmore, Marcus Hogberg, Anders Lee (signed: UTA), Matt Luff, David Rittich, Carson Soucy.
Group 6 Unrestricted Free Agents: Adam Beckman (signed: COL), Cole McWard, Travis Mitchell.
Unrestricted Free Agents (did not receive qualifying offer): Marc Gatcomb (signed: VGK), Tristan Lennox, Eetu Liukas, Matthew Maggio, Max Shabanov (signed: MIN), Cam Thiesing.
Group 3 Unrestricted Free Agents: Lars Eller (signed: FLA), Dennis Gilbert (signed: BUF), Claude Giroux, Nick Jensen (signed: ANA), Garrett Pilon, James Reimer.
Group 3 Unrestricted Free Agents: Rodrigo Abols, Oscar Eklind, Luke Glendening, Carl Grundstrom, Noah Juulsen (signed: COL), Boris Katchouk, Lane Pederson (signed: LAK), Anthony Richard, Garrett Wilson.
Group 6 Unrestricted Free Agents: Adam Ginning (signed: VGK), Max Guenette.
Unrestricted Free Agents (did not receive qualifying offer): Karsen Dorwart, Artem Guryev, Brett Harrison, Christian Kyrou (signed: OTT), Tucker Robertson, Philip Tomasino (signed: OTT).
Group 2 Restricted Free Agents: Alexander Alexeyev, Joel Blomqvist, Egor Chinakhov, David Gustafsson, Ville Koivunen, Hendrix Lapierre, Arturs Silovs.
Group 3 Unrestricted Free Agents: Noel Acciari (signed: PHI), Sebastian Aho, Connor Clifton (signed: BOS), Rafael Harvey-Pinard, Kevin Hayes, Bokondji Imama (signed: FLA), Joona Koppanen, Anthony Mantha, Ryan Shea (signed: EDM), Stuart Skinner (signed: WPG).
Group 6 Unrestricted Free Agents: None.
Unrestricted Free Agents (did not receive qualifying offer): None.
Group 2 Restricted Free Agents: Shakir Mukhamadullin (traded to EDM).
Group 3 Unrestricted Free Agents: Laurent Brossoit (signed: ANA), Lucas Carlsson, Sasha Chmelevski, Vincent Desharnais (signed: WSH), Mario Ferraro (signed: WPG), John Klingberg, Samuel Laberge, Nick Leddy, Carey Price (retired), Ryan Reaves, Colin White.
Group 6 Unrestricted Free Agents: Egor Afanasyev, Shane Bowers, Pavol Regenda, Jakub Skarek, Jett Woo (signed: ANA).
Unrestricted Free Agents (did not receive qualifying offer): Noah Beck, Gabriel Carriere, Philipp Kurashev.
Group 3 Unrestricted Free Agents: Andrew Agozzino, Ian Cole (signed: CHI), Kevin Connauton, Alexander Kerfoot (signed: NSH), Scott Perunovich (signed: LAK), Kevin Rooney, Kevin Stenlund, Vitek Vanecek (signed: NYI), Matt Villalta.
Group 6 Unrestricted Free Agents: None.
Unrestricted Free Agents (did not receive qualifying offer): Michal Kunc, Anson Thornton.
Group 2 Restricted Free Agents: Tyrel Bauer, Cole Perfetti.
Group 3 Unrestricted Free Agents: Jacob Bryson (signed: DET), Kale Clague, Eric Comrie (signed: SJS), Phillip Di Giuseppe, Colin Miller (signed: Lausanne, Switzerland), Gustav Nyquist, Mason Shaw (signed: MIN), Jonathan Toews, Kristian Vesalainen.
Group 6 Unrestricted Free Agents: Samuel Fagemo, Ville Heinola (signed: VGK).
Unrestricted Free Agents (did not receive qualifying offer): Jaret Anderson-Dolan.
—–
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (GROUP 2) ARE SUBJECT TO COMPENSATION AND RIGHT TO MATCH
These players have been tendered a qualifying offer by their respective Clubs and are subject to draft-choice compensation and right to match. The draft choice compensation scale is based on compensation offered by the new Club:
OFFER
COMPENSATION
$1,575,969 or below
None
Over $1,575,969 to $2,387,832
Third-round choice
Over $2,387,832 to $4,775,666
Second-round choice
Over $4,775,666 to $7,163,498
First-round and third-round choice
Over $7,163,498 to $9,551,332
First-round, second-round and third-round choice
Over $9,551,332 to $11,939,166
Two first-round choices, one second- and one third-round choice
Over $11,939,166
Four first-round choices
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS – GROUP 3
These players have qualified for Group 3 Free Agency (age 27 or older or with at least seven Accrued Seasons) and are Unrestricted Free Agents.
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS – GROUP 6
These players qualify for unrestricted free agency, having met the requirements for Group 6 free agency. This group is defined as players whose contracts have expired, are age 25 or older, have completed three or more professional seasons, and (i) in the case of a player other than a goaltender, have played fewer than 80 NHL games (regular-season and playoff), or (ii) in the case of a goaltender, have played fewer than 28 NHL games (regular-season and playoff).
Discipline has been issued to members of the Boston Red Sox and the Washington Nationals as a result of the on-field incident that occurred in the bottom of the fourth inning of Tuesday night’s game at Fenway Park. Michael Hill, Senior Vice President of On-Field Operations for Major League Baseball, made the announcement.
The individuals disciplined for their actions in the benches-clearing incident are as follows:
Nationals pitcher Cade Cavalli has received a seven-game suspension for his actions initiating and during the benches-clearing incident;
Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras has received a seven-game suspension for his actions during and following the benches-clearing incident;
Nationals pitcher Miles Mikolas has received a five-game suspension for his actions during the benches-clearing incident;
Red Sox outfielder Nate Eaton has received a three-game suspension for his actions during the benches-clearing incident.
Each of the four players received an undisclosed fine as a part of his discipline.
Unless appealed, all four suspensions will be scheduled to begin tomorrow, when the Red Sox are to play at Angel Stadium and the Nationals are to host the Pittsburgh Pirates. If any player elects to appeal, then his discipline will be held in abeyance until that process is complete.
LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Dodgers recalled right-handed pitcher Paul Gervase and optioned left-handed pitcher Charlie Barnes.
Gervase, 26, rejoins the squad for the third time this season, and he is 0-0 with a 1.80 ERA in five innings. He has appeared in eight Major Legue games in his career, posting a 3.38 ERA with 13 strikeouts in 13.1 innings. With Triple-A Oklahoma City in 2026, he is 2-0 with a 3.60 ERA and 35 strikeouts in 25.0 innings. The 6-foot, 10-inch hurler was drafted by the New York Mets in the 12th round of the 2022 First Year Player Draft out of Louisiana State University.
Barnes, 30, suffered the loss last night, tossing seven innings, allowing seven runs on 12 hits. He is 0-1 with a 7.00 ERA in three games for the Dodgers this campaign. He has been in the Majors parts of two seasons with the Minnesota Twins (2021), Chicago Cubs (2026) and Dodgers (2026), recording an 0-4 mark with a 6.38 ERA in 50.0 innings. In six minor league seasons, he owns a 29-25 record with a 3.85 ERA and 397 strikeouts in 451.1 innings. He was a fourth-round draft pick by the Minnesota Twins in the 2017 First Year Player Draft out of the University of Clemson.
Arlington, Texas — The Texas Rangers today announced the following transactions prior to tonight’s series opener against the Detroit Tigers at Globe Life Field:
Right-handed pitcher Ben Peoples (#70) contract selected from Triple-A Round Rock
Right-handed pitcher Winston Santos optioned to Triple-A Round Rock
Left-handed pitcher Jordan Montgomery injury rehabilitation assignment transferred from Double-A Frisco to Triple-A Round Rock
Additionally, right-handed pitchers Joe Ross and Chris Paddack and outfielder Jarred Kelenic declined outright assignments to Triple-A Round Rock and are free agents.
Peoples, 25, was acquired from Chicago-AL for minor league catcher Ben Hartl on Tuesday and assigned to Round Rock but did not appear for the Express. The right-hander is making his first career appearance on a 26-man roster and is seeking his Major League debut. In 29 relief outings for Triple-A Charlotte this season, Peoples is 5-1 with 4 saves, a 2.39 ERA (10 ER/37.2 IP), 21 walks, 45 strikeouts, and a 1.09 WHIP. His 2.39 ERA is 7th-lowest in the International League among pitchers with 35.0-or-more innings pitched, and he ranks T7th on the circuit in appearances. Peoples has limited opposing hitters to a .156 average (20-128) at Triple-A this year, with right-handed bats hitting just .103 (7-68) with 36 strikeouts against him.
Originally a 22nd-round selection by Tampa Bay in the 2019 MLB Draft from Giles County (Tenn.) High School, the Columbia, Tenn. native owns a minor league record of 21-23 with 4 saves, a 3.40 ERA (132 ER/349.2 IP), and 1.28 WHIP in 146 games/63 starts over 7 campaigns, mostly in the Rays organization until he was acquired by the White Sox on July 31, 2025 in a trade that sent right-hander Adrian Houser to Tampa Bay. Peoples has been utilized solely as a reliever over the last two seasons, making a career-high 45 appearances between Triple-A Durham and Charlotte in 2025.
Santos, 24, made his Major League debut in a 2.0-inning relief appearance yesterday at Cleveland, allowing 2 runs on 2 hits with one walk and one strikeout. The right-hander has spent the rest of the year at Double-A Frisco, going 1-3 with a 7.44 ERA (35 ER/42.1 IP) in 11 starts.
With today’s transactions, the Rangers have 39 players on the club’s Major League roster, along with five players on the 60-day Injured List (RHP Carter Baumler, LHP’s Cody Bradford, Robert Garcia, and Jordan Montgomery, and INF/OF Michael Helman).
MONTGOMERY MOVES TO ROUND ROCK: Left-handed pitcher Jordan Montgomery’s injury rehabilitation assignment has been transferred from Frisco (AA) to Round Rock (AAA). Montgomery is scheduled to start tonight’s 6:45 p.m. CT home contest against Albuquerque at Dell Diamond. He posted no record across 2 starts and 3.0 scoreless innings at Frisco, as opponents went 1-for-10 with a double, no walks, and 4 strikeouts. Montgomery has spent the entire campaign on the 60-day Injured List as he returns from ‘Tommy John’ ligament transplant surgery on his left elbow on March 28, 2025.
MINOR LEAGUE SIGNINGS: Additionally, the Rangers today announced the signings of right-handed pitcher Austin Voth and infielder Santiago Espinal to minor league contracts.
Voth (rhymes with ‘both’), who turned 34 on June 26, has logged a combined 3 Major League appearances with Toronto and Minnesota this season, having last appeared for the Twins in an extended relief appearance on June 23 vs. Los Angeles-NL (L, 4.0 IP, 11 H, 6 R-5 ER, 1 BB, 2 SO, 96 pitches/64 strikes) before being designated for assignment by Minnesota the next day. The right-hander has spent the balance of the campaign in Triple-A with Buffalo (TOR) and St. Paul (MIN), going 1-3 with a 3.65 ERA (18 ER/44.1 IP), 15 walks, and 40 strikeouts in 11 starts. 2026 marks a return to affiliated ball for Voth, who spent the 2025 campaign pitching for Chiba Lotte of the Japan Pacific League where he posted a 3.96 ERA in 22 games. An 8-year Major League veteran, Voth carries a 17-20 career record and 4.84 ERA in 210 games/39 starts with Washington (2018-22), Baltimore (2022-23), Seattle (2024), Toronto (2026), and Minnesota (2026). The Redmond, Wash. native was originally selected by the Nationals in the 5th round of the 2013 MLB Draft from the University of Washington.
The 31-year-old Espinal (pronounced ‘es-pin-ALL’) has appeared in 36 games across two stints this season for Los Angeles-NL (Opening Day-May 24, May 29-June 15), batting .268 (15-56) with one home run, 3 doubles, 7 RBI, and 5 runs scored. He has made defensive starts this season at third base (7), second base (4), and designated hitter, while also making three appearances at first base. Espinal is a veteran of 7 Major League seasons and has compiled a career .261/.314/.350/.664 slash line with 21 home runs, one triple, 83 doubles, and 167 RBI across 614 games with Toronto (2020-23), Cincinnati (2024-25), and Los Angeles-NL (2026). The utilityman has appeared at every defensive position besides centerfield in his Major League career, most often manning third base (279 games/203 starts) and second base (232 games/184 starts). A native of the Dominican Republic, Espinal prepped at Lyman H.S. in Longwood, Fla. and attended Miami Dade College, where he was selected by Boston in the 10th round of the 2016 MLB Draft.
SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota Wild President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Bill Guerin today announced the National Hockey League (NHL) club has signed forward Maxim Shabanov (MAK-sim, SHAB-Uh-nawv)to a one-year, $1,600,000 contract for the 2026-27 season.
Shabanov, 25 (10/7/00), collected 18 points (5-13=18), two penalty minutes (PIM) and 56 shots on goal in 44 games during his rookie campaign last season with the New York Islanders. The 5-foot-9, 167-pound native of Chelyabinsk, Russia scored a goal in his NHL debut on Oct. 9 at Pittsburgh and recorded his first career multi-point (2-1=3) game on Nov. 20 at Detroit.
Prior to his first season in the NHL, Shabanov spent four seasons (2021-25) with Traktor Chelyabinsk of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) where he collected 150 points (67-83=150), 26 PIM and a plus-23 rating over a span of 207 games. He ranked third in the KHL in regular season scoring in 2024-25 with 67 points (23-44=67) in 65 games and was named to the KHL First All-Star Tam. He added 20 points (10-10=20) in 21 postseason games to help Traktor advance to the 2025 Gagarin Cup Playoffs. Shabanov led the KHL in goals and plus-minus rating (plus-14) in the 2025 playoffs and played in the 2025 and 2024 KHL All-Star Games.
SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota Wild President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Bill Guerin today announced the National Hockey League (NHL) club has acquired forward Blake Coleman and defenseman Olli Määttä (OH-lee MAH-TAH) from the Calgary Flames in exchange for defenseman Jake Middleton, a third-round pick the 2027 NHL Draft, a fourth-round pick in the 2028 NHL Draft and a second-round pick in the 2029 NHL Draft.
Coleman, 34 (11/28/91), tallied 35 points (20-15=35), 12 penalty minutes (PIM), four shorthanded goals (SHG), three game-winning goals (GWG), 152 hits and 176 shots on goal in 69 games with Calgary last season. The 5-foot-11, 198-pound native of Plano, Texas, ranked T-1st on Calgary in SHG and GWG, second in hits, T-2nd in goals, third in assists and sixth in points. Coleman has collected 325 points (170-155=325), 516 PIM, 12 power play goals (PPG), 22 SHG, 28 GWG, 436 blocked shots, 1,518 hits and 1,671 shots on goal in 693 career NHL games over a span of 10 seasons with New Jersey (2016-20), Tampa Bay (2020-21) and Calgary (2021-26). His SHG total ranks T-3rd among active NHL skaters. He has also recorded 31 points (12-19=31), two SHG and 159 shots on goal in 65 career Stanley Cup Playoff games, winning two Stanley Cups with Tampa Bay in 2020 and 2021.
Prior to his professional career, Coleman spent three years at Miami University (2011-14) and collected 70 points (40-30=70), 12 PPG and 339 shots on goal. He helped lead Miami University to an NCHC Championship in 2014-15, collecting 37 points (20-17=37) in 37 games and was named NCHC Tournament MVP. Coleman also represented Team USA at the 2018 IIHF World Championship where he recorded two points (1-1=2) in 10 games, earning a bronze medal. He was originally selected by New Jersey in the third round (No. 75 overall) of the 2011 NHL Draft.
Määttä owns an extensive international career representing Finland, including at the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympic Games, where he earned a bronze medal after tallying one assist in six games, and the 2025 NHL 4 Nations Face-Off, where he recorded two assists in three games. He has also helped Finland to a bronze medal finish at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympic Games, recording five points (3-2=5) in six games), and played at four IIHF World Championships (2026, alternate captain; 2024, alternate captain; 2023, alternate captain; 2021), winning gold in 2026 and silver in 2021. He also played in the 2011, 2012 and 2013 (alternate captain) IIHF World Junior Ice Hockey Championships.
Prior to his professional career, Määttä won consecutive Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Championships while playing two seasons (2011-13) with the London Knights and was named to the 2012 OHL First All-Rookie Team. He was originally selected by Pittsburgh in the first round (No. 22 overall) of the 2012 NHL Draft.
Middleton, 30 (1/2/96), recorded 16 points (2-14=16), 76 PIM and 117 blocked shots in 75 games with the Wild last season. For his career, he owns 94 points (24-70=94), a plus-18 rating and 722 shots on goal in 381 games across parts of eight seasons with San Jose (2018-22) and Minnesota (2022-26).
SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota Wild President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Bill Guerin today announced the National Hockey League (NHL) club has signed forward Nick Foligno to a one-year, $900,000 contract.
Foligno, 38 (10/31/1987), tallied 15 points (4-11=15), 44 penalty minutes (PIM) and 49 shots on goal in 54 games with the Chicago Blackhawks and Minnesota last season. He tallied four points (1-3=4) and 41 hits in 17 games with Minnesota after being acquired from Chicago in exchange for future considerations on March 6. Foligno also collected three points (2-1=3) in 11 Stanley Cup Playoff games. The 6-foot-0, 210-pound native of Buffalo, N.Y., has recorded 612 points (251-361=612), 1,024 PIM, 60 power-play goals (PPG) and 33 game-winning goals (GWG) in 1,287 games across 20 NHL seasons with the Ottawa Senators (2007-12), Columbus Blue Jackets (2012-21), Toronto Maple Leafs (2021-22), Boston Bruins (2021-23), Chicago (2023-26) and Minnesota (2025-26). He ranks fifth in hits (2,886) and eighth in PIM among all active NHL skaters. He has also collected 30 points (12-18=30) in 79 Stanley Cup Playoff games across 12 postseason appearances (2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2017-23, 2026).
Foligno served as captain for Columbus for six seasons (2015-21) and set career-high marks in goals (31), assists (42) and points (73) with the Blue Jackets during the 2014-15 season. He also served as captain for the Blackhawks over the last two seasons (2024-26) and was an alternate captain during the 2023-24 season. Foligno represented the United States at the 2009, 2010, and 2026 IIHF World Championships, serving as alternate captain in 2010 and 2016. He won the King Clancy Memorial Trophy and the Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award in 2017. Foligno was originally selected by Ottawa in the first round (No. 28 overall) of the 2006 NHL Draft. Foligno was acquired by Minnesota from Chicago in exchange for future considerations on March 6, 2026. He is also the older brother of current Wild forward Marcus Foligno.
