Twenty-six true difference-makers in the 2026 NFL Draft; plus, 5 must-pick sleepers

The class of prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft features a rock-solid collection of playmakers and key contributors. While the group lacks some sizzle at the marquee positions (quarterback and running back), scouts will find plenty of talent available throughout.

As the presumed No. 1 overall pick, Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza is the headliner of the quarterback class. The reigning Heisman Trophy-winner is a clutch competitor who shines in big moments as a pinpoint passer. Although he lacks the superpowers typically associated with a QB1, his winning habits and championship standards should translate into long-term success as a pro.

Alabama’s Ty Simpson is the most polarizing quarterback prospect in the class. On one hand, he boasts flawless footwork and mechanics; on the other, his limited experience (15 college starts) and substandard physical dimensions (6-foot-1, 211 pounds) make him an outlier as a potential franchise quarterback. LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier and Miami’s Carson Beck will garner plenty of attention as developmental prospects with starting potential.

The 2026 running back class features a potential gold-jacket candidate in Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love, who ranks as the No. 1 player on my draft board. The electric playmaker is joined by his college teammate, Jadarian Price, and Nebraska’s Emmett Johnson as possible feature backs. With Arkansas’ Mike Washington and Washington’s Jonah Coleman likely slated for key roles as rotational runners, teams could find plenty of hidden gems among this crop of ball-carriers.

The wide receiver class is loaded with polished pass-catchers and shifty slot receivers. Ohio State’s Carnell Tate, Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson and USC’s Makai Lemon are impact players who should make their mark from Day 1. The trio is joined by Indiana’s Omar Cooper, Texas A&M’s KC Concepcion and Washington’s Denzel Boston as role players who could become difference-makers within systems that accentuate their unique skills.

Teams seeking playmaking tight ends will have plenty to choose from. Although there are not many traditional tight ends within the group, Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq, Ohio State’s Max Klare, Cincinnati’s Joe Royer and Vanderbilt’s Eli Stowers could make their mark as “flex” tight ends utilized in various ways to create and exploit mismatches on the perimeter. Utah’s Dallen Bentley flashes intriguing potential as a “Y” tight end due to his size (6-4, 253 pounds), length and skills.

The talent and depth of the offensive tackle class could lead to a run at the end of the first round. Miami’s Francis Mauigoa, and Utah products Spencer Fano and Caleb Lomu are joined by Georgia’s Monroe Freeling and Alabama’s Kadyn Proctor as likely first-round locks. Clemson’s Blake Miller and Arizona State’s Max Iheanachor could join the party, with teams salivating over their potential as long-term starters.

On the interior, Penn State’s Vega Ioane is a special player worthy of top-10 consideration, based on his dominance at the line of scrimmage. Texas A&M’s Chase Bisontis, Oregon’s Emmanuel Pregnon and Georgia Tech’s Keylan Rutledge are plug-and-play starters who could sneak into the Day 1 conversation by the end of the process.

Defensively, the 2026 class features a collection of pass rushers and edge defenders that are best suited for complementary roles. Ohio State’s Arvell Reese and Texas Tech’s David Bailey are explosive defenders with disruptive playmaking potential. Each displays a superpower that could make them a perennial Pro Bowler, but they will need to round out their games to get the most out of their NFL careers. Miami’s Rueben Bain and Akheem Mesidor are relentless competitors with rugged games, making them ideal complementary pass rushers on front lines that already feature a dominant defender. With Auburn’s Keldric Faulk, Missouri’s Zion Young, Clemson’s T.J. Parker and Illinois’ Gabe Jacas piquing scouts’ interest with their disruptive potential, the performance of the 2026 class could exceed expectations.

The defensive tackle class lacks depth, particularly among interior pass rushers, but teams in the market for run-stoppers could find a diamond in the rough on Day 2. Florida’s Caleb Banks, Ohio State’s Kayden McDonald and Texas Tech’s Lee Hunter are fringe first-rounders who could deliver strong results as run-first defenders. Keep an eye on Clemson’s Peter Woods as a surprise Day 1 pick, due to his talent and traits as an inside pass rusher.

The 2026 linebacker class is loaded with a mix of downhill head-bangers and hit, run and chase defenders with a knack for producing splash plays against the run and pass. Ohio State’s Sonny Styles, Georgia’s CJ Allen and Texas’ Anthony Hill have surged to the top of the charts as difference-makers; Texas Tech’s Jacob Rodriguez, meanwhile, could come off the board sooner than previously expected, due to his big-play production (13 forced fumbles, 25.5 tackles for loss, six interceptions).

The cornerbacks in the class are highly regarded, due to their versatility and polish on the perimeter. Although there is not a “can’t miss” prospect in the group, the buzz around LSU’s Mansoor Delane and Tennessee’s Jermod McCoy among NFL scouts suggests each ball-hawking defender would be viewed as a rock-solid CB1 in any class. South Carolina’s Brandon Cisse and San Diego State’s Chris Johnson are on the radar as Day 1 outside cornerback possibilities, with Clemson’s Avieon Terrell, Miami’s Keionte Scott and Indiana’s D’Angelo Ponds generating significant interest as slot defenders.

The 2026 collection of safeties features several ballhawks with versatile skills that enable them to play in the deep middle or near the box as run-pass defenders. Ohio State’s Caleb Downs flashes star potential as a high-IQ defender with game-changing skills; he could be joined by Oregon’s Dillon Thieneman and Toledo’s Emmanuel McNeill-Warren as Round 1 selections.

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Fidelity launches its first ETF share classes, adding municipal income, real estate, and short-term bond options to its growing exchange-traded lineup

98295 fidelity etf share classes debut with three new funds for bonds real estate.jpg scaled

Fidelity Investments launched its first ETF share classes on June 18, 2026, adding exchange-traded versions of three established mutual fund strategies to its lineup: the Fidelity Intermediate Municipal Income ETF (FIMU), the Fidelity Real Estate Income ETF (FREI), and the Fidelity Short-Term Bond ETF (FSTB).

Each ETF share class is built on an existing mutual fund strategy, sharing the same portfolio, track record, and investment management team, according to Fidelity’s announcement. The three funds are listed on the Nasdaq and available to individual investors and advisors on Fidelity’s platform.

ETF share classes offer investors benefits that mutual funds don’t provide. By adding an ETF wrapper to a mutual fund, asset managers allow both traditional and exchange-traded versions of the same strategy to coexist under one portfolio umbrella. Compared to mutual funds where net asset value is settled after the market close, the ETF structure enables intraday trading, potential tax efficiency through in-kind creation and redemption mechanisms, and in many cases lower expense ratios, according to InvestmentNews analysis.

The three new Fidelity products come with competitive expense ratios. FIMU carries an estimated net expense ratio of 0.30%, FREI charges 0.57%, and FSTB, the short-term bond strategy, will charge 0.20% on a net basis, according to Fidelity’s official announcement.

Existing Fidelity mutual fund shareholders on the company’s platform will have the option to convert their holdings to the ETF share class on a recurring, non-taxable basis. Greg Friedman, head of ETFs at Fidelity, said the company is “at an inflection point in the ETF industry, with exemptive relief providing the opportunity to offer additional product choice for investors.”

Why the timing matters

Fidelity’s entry into ETF share classes marks a significant industry shift. For decades, Vanguard was the only firm permitted to run ETF share classes within mutual funds, protected by a patent that expired in May 2023. After that expiration, nearly 80 fund managers filed petitions with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for exemptive relief to add ETF share classes of their own, according to ISS Market Intelligence.

The SEC’s approval of Dimensional Fund Advisors’ application in September 2025 became the starting gun for other asset managers. Dimensional’s approval was significant because it was the first SEC clearance for an actively managed strategy to use the ETF share class structure. Following that decision, more than 60 sponsors re-filed share class relief applications, according to a Brown Brothers Harriman analysis cited by InvestmentNews.

Investor appetite for ETF share classes is strong. A 2024 ISS Market Intelligence survey found that 60% of advisors said they would prefer to access a favored manager in ETF form, versus just 15% who would opt for a mutual fund. A separate Brown Brothers Harriman global investor survey in March 2026 found that 86% of U.S. respondents said they would buy an ETF share class of a mutual fund if given the choice, according to InvestmentNews.

With these launches, Fidelity’s exchange-traded lineup expands to 84 ETFs and exchange-traded products with $172 billion in assets under management as of May 31, 2026. The company’s data shows that 53% of advisors’ portfolios included ETFs as of the fourth quarter of 2024, up from 44% the prior year, signaling the growing integration of ETF structures into professional investment strategies.

Sources

Fidelity Newsroom — Official announcement of the three ETF share class launches, fund names, tickers, expense ratios, portfolio managers, and experience levels; launch date of June 18, 2026; non-taxable conversion option for existing mutual fund shareholders.
InvestmentNews — Explanation of how ETF share classes work; Vanguard’s patent expiration in May 2023; nearly 80 fund managers filing for exemptive relief; Dimensional Fund Advisors’ September 2025 SEC approval as first for actively managed strategies; ISS Market Intelligence data on 60% of advisors preferring ETF form; Brown Brothers Harriman data on 86% of U.S. respondents willing to buy ETF share classes; Fidelity’s 53% advisor adoption of ETFs in Q4 2024 versus 44% prior year; more than 60 sponsors re-filing applications after SEC approval.

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Warriors win 2026 NBA Summer League championship

Yaxel Lendeborg and the Warriors defeated Cameron Boozer and the Grizzlies to win the 2026 NBA Summer League championship on Sunday.

Welcome to our recap of Day 11 of the 2026 NBA Summer League, as Yaxel Lendeborg (21 pts, 10 reb) led the Warriors to an exciting 94-90 win over Cameron Boozer (19 pts, 8 reb) and the Grizzlies to claim this year’s championship!

Earlier in the day, Dion Brown (16 pts, 10 reb, 11 ast) and John Ukomadu (23 pts, 9 reb, 2 stl, 2 blk) led seven double-figure scorers for the Nets in defeating the Thunder 108-90 to finish their Vegas run with a winning record.

Jahmi’us Ramsey (20 pts on 9-for-9 shooting) also capped Denver’s Summer League outing as they beat the Raptors 96-89.

JULY 19 / 10:49 p.m. ET

Warriors win 94-90

Yaxel Lendeborg (21 pts, 10 reb, 2 stl) put up nine points in the fourth quarter, out-dueling Cameron Boozer (19 pts, 8 reb, 4 ast) to help the Warriors claim the 2026 NBA Summer League championship.

Devion Smith (21 pts, 9 reb) came up huge off the bench for Golden State, which earned a 50-40 advantage in rebounds and a 52-40 edge in points in the paint.

“It’s the culture these guys have been about since day one,” said Warriors coach Khalid Robinson. “They had each other’s backs, they supported each other.”

Lendeborg was named the Most Valuable Player of the game, while Warriors legend Rick Barry presented the Summer League trophy to the team.

Rick Barry presents the 2026 NBA Summer League Championship trophy to the Golden State Warriors 👏

Congrats, @warriors! pic.twitter.com/KLt8ZmrkSL

— NBA (@NBA) July 20, 2026

“I’m just very proud of this moment. I’m glad we got to win this,” said Lendeborg. “For the Warriors, what a great way to start… Let’s go Dubs!”

Lendeborg is the second player to win the NCAA men’s basketball title and the Summer League championship in the same season, joining Tyus Jones (2015).

Watch highlights from the game.

JULY 19 / 10:45 p.m. ET

Cam Boozer’s shot bounces off

After almost stripping the ball from Yaxel Lendeborg in the backcourt, Cameron Boozer had a clean look at an above-the-break 3-pointer on the next possession.

But it bounced off the left rim, setting up a free throw battle with Golden State up 91-90.

JULY 19 / 10:38 p.m. ET

Coward with the clutch shot

Cedric Coward (19 pts, 6 reb, 4 ast) just drilled a 3-pointer from the left wing to cut the Warriors lead to 91-90 with 1:19 to go in the 2026 NBA Summer League championship game.

We’ve got real drama flowing here in the Thomas & Mack Center.

JULY 19 / 10:34 p.m. ET

Lendeborg puts the Warriors on top

91-87 Golden State after Yaxel Lendeborg (21 pts, 8 reb) squared up and knocked down a 3-pointer from the left wing, then pulled up for a midrange jumper.

Yaxel Lendeborg puts the Warriors ahead with a CLUTCH 3 🔥

The 11th overall pick is up to 21 PTS!

Golden State leads by 4 with under 2 minutes to play in the NBA Summer League Championship 🍿 pic.twitter.com/4K8PpwoY3e

— NBA (@NBA) July 20, 2026

He has the last seven points for Golden State and nine in the quarter.

“Yaxel Lendeborg, getting hot at the right time,” said ESPN’s Cory Alexander. “Both these rookies putting on a performance for the ages.”

JULY 19 / 10:24 p.m. ET

‘That clock goes down, the stakes go up’

82-77 with 5:33 to go on ESPN! The Warriors are battling to make this a contest, including Devion Smith (18 pts, 8 reb) and Will Riley (14 pts, 2 3PM).

Cap your night and enjoy some championship basketball!

JULY 19 / 10:15 p.m. ET

Grizzlies lead 78-66 after three

Cameron Boozer (16 pts, 7 reb, 3 ast) put up 10 points this quarter, including a 3-pointer with the clock winding down, to give the Grizzlies their largest lead of the game.

He’s interesting every time he touches the ball — his head is up, and he has a move for basically every situation. You never see him hurried, and his shooting touch has been consistent.

Cameron Boozer sinks the 3 at the end of Q3 🎯

The 3rd overall pick has a game-high 17 PTS!

Memphis leads by 10 heading into Q4 of the NBA Summer League Championship. pic.twitter.com/8uJhg3OQCY

— NBA (@NBA) July 20, 2026

Yaxel Lendeborg (12 pts, 3 reb, 1 stl) has four fouls, but has been one of the best players on the floor for the Warriors, along with Devion Smith (15 pts, 7 reb, 3 ast) who has been hustling to get the Warriors extra possessions.

We’ll see if the Warriors bigs, Graham Ike and Lachlan Olbrich, can make moves in the fourth quarter. Boozer and Carson Cooper have controlled the paint so far.

“Just locking and doing what we know what we have to do,” said Taylor Hendricks of Memphis’ approach to this fourth quarter.

The 2026 NBA Summer League championship is on the line on ESPN!

JULY 19 / 10:10 p.m. ET

Cooper to the rack

Carson Cooper (16 pts on 7-for-8 shooting, 2 stl) has been making an impact around the rim for the Grizzlies, taking advantage of smaller Warriors lineups.

He has eight points in this quarter, including a nice two-handed dunk in transition a moment ago.

Carson Cooper with the two-hand slam 💥

He’s got a game-high 16 PTS!

The Grizzlies lead in Q3 of the NBA Summer League Championship. pic.twitter.com/HKUqQcRsqt

— NBA (@NBA) July 20, 2026

JULY 19 / 9:47 p.m. ET

Tied at 47 at the half

It’s a fittingly tight contest between two of the best teams of the Vegas summer league.

LJ Cryer and Cedric Coward lead their respective teams with 11 points apiece.

The Grizzlies are still shooting 60.6% from the field, but the Warriors have taken 10 more shots than the Grizzlies;

JULY 19 / 9:42 p.m. ET

Yaxel to the rack

Yaxel Lendeborg (9 pts, 2 reb) just shook Cameron Boozer (7 pts, 4 reb, 2 ast) and drove baseline for the and-one layup, then converted a putback on back-to-back possessions.

Boozer responded with a 3-pointer of his own. The rookies are shining here.

43-42 Warriors with 1:36 to go in the half.

JULY 19 / 9:24 p.m. ET

Grizzlies up 24-23 after one

We’ve got a scrappy, competitive contest going in the Thomas & Mack Center, as the Warriors and Grizzlies chase the first championship of the 2026-27 NBA season.

Devion Smith (9 pts) and LJ Cryer (8 pts) have done most of the scoring for Golden State, while Javon Small (8 pts) leads the way for Memphis.

Yaxel Lendeborg (4 pts, 1 reb, 1 stl) and Cameron Boozer (2 pts, 4 reb, 1 ast) have hustled and chipped in around the edges so far. Lendeborg got free in the open court for a fast break finish; Boozer is a force on the boards.

Cameron Boozer grabs his own miss and scores 👏

Watch the 3rd overall pick in the NBA Summer League Championship on ESPN! pic.twitter.com/8GmfJ6j760

— NBA (@NBA) July 20, 2026

The Grizzlies took 27 shots to the Warriors’ 18 in the first quarter, buoyed by Boozer’s rebounding.

Memphis is shooting 37.2%, while Golden State’s at 61.1%, but the Grizzlies lead by one.

JULY 19 / 9:17 p.m. ET

Cam Boozer on the importance of the Summer League championship

“Very important. We came here to win,” Cameron Boozer said of the championship contest. “It’s a high-intensity game.”

JULY 19 / 9:14 p.m. ET

Grizzlies picking up full court

Memphis is dogging Golden State all the way up the floor, forcing them to start offense late in the shot clock.

It’s an interesting strategic move early in tonight’s contest that could allow the Grizzlies to flex their depth and physical intensity.

20-13 Grizzlies with 3:23 to go in the first quarter.

JULY 19 / 9:00 p.m. ET

It’s the championship game of the 2026 NBA Summer League!

These are two of the deepest, most talented teams this summer — it’s a fitting contest to conclude our time in Las Vegas.

JULY 19 / 8:31 p.m. ET

Get ready for the Summer League championship!

Yaxel Lendeborg’s led the Warriors all summer, beginning with a perfect shooting outing and demonstrating a strong all-around game. He’s joined by a series of NBA veterans, including Will Riley and Lachlan Olbrich, as well as talented veterans like LJ Cryer, who’s had some big scoring performances.

The Grizzlies’ summer squad is stacked. In addition to No. 3 pick Cameron Boozer, who can do everything on the floor and keeps working, they boast All-Rookie First Team member Cedric Coward and a ton of players with NBA experience, including Olivier Maxence-Prosper, Taylor Hendricks, Javon Small and Jahmai Mashack.

It should be a good one tonight on ESPN.

JULY 19 / 8:22 p.m. ET

Jahmi’us Ramsey (20 pts on 9-for-9 shooting, 8 reb, 2 stl) had a perfect outing to cap Denver’s Summer League run, as they outlasted the Raptors in a close contest.

The Nuggets won the third quarter 30-20 to take the advantage.

Nimari Bennett (15 pts, 9 reb) was the top scorer for the Raptors, who earned a 50-38 edge in points in the paint.

Some vintage Nuggets ball movement

That pass, that finish 👏 pic.twitter.com/J1jon8JO0A

— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) July 19, 2026

JULY 19 / 7:34 p.m. ET

Two of the best teams of the summer

Get ready for Warriors-Grizzlies, coming up tonight on ESPN!

The stage is set. 🏆

It’s all come down to this.

The @memgrizz and @warriors battle for the 2026 NBA Summer League Championship tonight in Las Vegas.

Don’t miss it.

⏰ 9 PM ET / 6 PM PT pic.twitter.com/ThNOGkPsBr

— NBA Summer League (@NBASummerLeague) July 19, 2026

JULY 19 / 7:23 p.m. ET

From the North, a close one in the West

The Toronto Raptors lead the Denver Nuggets 47-45 at the half in their final Las Vegas action.

Mark Sears (12 pts, 4 ast), the Denver point guard, leads all scorers.

Sears was a consensus All-American and First Team All-SEC in his senior season at Alabama in 2025, putting up 18.9 ppg, then played seven games for the Bucks last season.

JULY 19 / 6:30 p.m. ET

Reigning Big 12 Player of the Year Jaden Bradley leads the Raptors against the Nuggets in our second game of the day.

JULY 19 / 6:23 p.m. ET

Dion Brown (16 pts, 10 reb, 11 ast) was all over the floor, leading seven double-figure scorers to give Brooklyn a winning record in Vegas.

John Ukomadu (23 pts, 9 reb, 2 stl, 2 blk) and Aaron Scott (15 pts on 6-for-8 shooting, 5 stl) also had big games for the Nets, who shot 51.9% from the field.

Steven Ashworth (22 pts, 4 3PM, 4 ast, 2 stl) was the top performer for Oklahoma City, which finished winless in the summer.

Watch highlights from the game.

Way up top

John Ukomadu (18 pts, 5 reb, 2 stl, 2 blk) just showed off his hops, catching a crazy reverse alley-oop from Hunter Sallis (10 pts, 3 ast), bringing the Nets into the third quarter break with a highlight.

CRAZY REVERSE DUNK for John Ukomadu! 😵‍💫 pic.twitter.com/qJOl0JXjDz

— NBA G League (@nbagleague) July 20, 2026

It’s 82-64 Brooklyn in the last contest of the summer from these two teams.

JULY 19 / 5:40 p.m. ET

Dainja!

Dain Dainja (12 pts, 6 reb) is exerting his will in the paint, including driving to the rim for a one-handed slam a moment ago.

Dain Dainja drives and slams it home 💥

He’s got 12 PTS as the Nets lead the Thunder in NBA Summer League action on ESPN! pic.twitter.com/JxjC8utjJk

— NBA (@NBA) July 19, 2026

The 6-foot-9 big out of Memphis played 50 games for the Sioux Falls Skyforce this season in the G League, putting up 13.1 ppg, 5.9 reb and 1.0 blk.

JULY 19 / 5:24 p.m. ET

Jamming inside the Thomas & Mack Center

Nets are up 60-45 at the half, led by John Ukomadu (16 pts, 4 reb, 3 3PM), who is bringing the energy on this final day of the 2026 NBA Summer League.

Ukomadu, an alum of Eastern Kentucky, averaged 10.5 ppg for the Motor City Cruise over 50 games this G League season, shooting 46.8/39.4/67.4 from the field.

Duke Brennan 🤝 John Ukomadu

Brennan dishes it to Ukomadu for the two-hand jam!

BKN/OKC NBA Summer League action is LIVE on ESPN. pic.twitter.com/lzmfZHoLdM

— NBA (@NBA) July 19, 2026

From the baseline, the Thunder admin caught Nate Johnson finding Sam Alexis (6 pts, 5 reb) for the slam.

Through the contact 💪 pic.twitter.com/aGcoucTK79

— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) July 19, 2026

Steven Ashworth (12 pts, 2 3PM) leads the Thunder in scoring.

JULY 19 / 4:30 p.m. ET

Thunder–Nets about to tip on ESPN

Former Pistons sharpshooter Buddy Boeheim and the Oklahoma City Thunder face the Brooklyn Nets in the Thomas & Mack Center to open our final day of the 2026 NBA Summer League.

JULY 19 / 4:20 p.m. ET

A look back before the championship game

Enjoy and get hyped before the Grizzlies and Warriors decide the first champion of this NBA season with a look back at yesterday’s frenetic action.

Saturday in Las Vegas had it all. 🎬🏀

From the Summer League Film Festival to the consolation games and thrilling semifinals…relive the day that set up tonight’s Championship Game between the @memgrizz & @warriors. pic.twitter.com/m4aAsEMyvR

— NBA Summer League (@NBASummerLeague) July 19, 2026

JULY 19 / 4:15 p.m. ET

Sunday’s Summer League schedule

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Brooklyn Nets (4:30 ET, ESPN)
Denver Nuggets vs. Toronto Raptors (6:30 ET, ESPN2)
Championship game: Golden State Warriors vs. Memphis Grizzlies (9 ET, ESPN)
- Featuring No. 3 pick Cameron Boozer, 2025 No. 11 pick Cedric Coward and No. 11 pick Yaxel Lendeborg

JULY 19 / 4:00 p.m. ET

Recap of Day 10 of the 2026 NBA Summer League

We opened Saturday with two close games, as the Magic defeated the Celtics 103-99 and the Bucks beat the 76ers 96-94 on a game-winning layup by No. 10 pick Brayden Burries (27 pts).

The Grizzlies advanced to the Summer League championship game by defeating the Rockets 101-90, as Cedric Coward (28 pts, 6 reb, 5 ast) and Cameron Boozer (12 pts, 12 reb, 5 ast) showed out.

The Wizards ended their summer with a 91-83 win over the Hawks, cued by Reece Beekman (13 pts, 6 reb, 14 ast).

Yaxel Lendeborg (15 pts, 2 blk, team-high +11) led the Warriors over the Lakers 92-88 to reach the championship game, winning a back-and-forth affair that came down to the final minute.

Jalen Slawson (22 pts, 4 blk) finished off a strong summer by leading the Pacers to a 91-73 win over the Pelicans, aided by Yuki Kawamura (12 ast).

Miles Kelly (20 pts) scored the last 12 points for the Spurs to lift them over the Suns 86-81 to cap the night.

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Arizona Diamondbacks can’t do little things right, fall to Cardinals

As they emerged from the All-Star break, the Diamondbacks seemed to believe they had turned a corner. Their play had been crisp. They were winning games. They thought they finally were about to get their season off the ground.

Count manager Torey Lovullo among those who shared that belief – and it seemed to help explain his level of frustration after a messy, 5-4 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday, July 17, at Chase Field.

“I’m pretty pissed,” Lovullo said. “… You guys saw it. That’s not DBack baseball. Especially coming off the type of baseball we were playing.”

Imagine the sort of blunders that would cause smoke to shoot from Lovullo’s ears and, odds are, the Diamondbacks committed them on Friday night. There were misplayed ground balls. There was an inability to execute with runners in scoring position. There was a pinch runner picked off first base in the ninth inning.

And, as sort of icing on the cake, there was a game-ending missed strike three call by home plate umpire Bill Miller that went unchallenged by the Diamondbacks’ Ketel Marte.

The Diamondbacks went into the break riding a four-game win streak, including a three-game sweep at Dodger Stadium. They were getting contributions throughout their lineup. Their defense was sharp. Their bullpen was dominant.

None of those things showed up consistently for them on Friday.

Starting at the end, Marte’s non-challenge was perhaps the most surprising. With a runner on second and two outs, he took a 100-mph sinker from Cardinals closer Riley O’Brien for what Miller said was strike three. The pitch, according to pitch-tracking data, came in well above the zone.

“I was looking for a breaking ball,” Marte said, when asked why he didn’t challenge. “I got the two-seamer, so I was a little bit surprised.”

The Diamondbacks had successfully challenged four pitches over the course of the game, including one by Marte in the seventh inning.

It was just the sort of moment for which the Diamondbacks intentionally preserve their challenges. Instead, they ended the game with two challenges remaining.

“It’s frustrating, of course,” Lovullo said, “but there are 15 other things that happened in this game that are still eating at me right now.”

Lovullo did not make public his list of grievances, but several of them seemed fairly obvious:

*A ground ball that deflected off pitcher Merrill Kelly in the first inning wound up scooting past Marte, the second baseman, and into center field. It was scored as an error on Marte and led to two unearned runs. “When the ball kind of deflected off of Merrill, my vision, my sight was a little bit off,” Marte said. “Things that happened. No excuses.”

*Four times the Diamondbacks had a runner on third with less than two outs but managed to score only one time. All told, the Diamondbacks went 0 for 9 with runners in scoring position.

*A wild pitch by reliever Juan Morillo helped the Cardinals tack on a key run in the top of the eighth inning.

*Closer Paul Sewald misplayed a ground ball back to the mound to open the top of the ninth inning, setting the stage for the Cardinals to score the go-ahead run.

*Pinch-runner Jorge Barrosa was picked off first by O’Brien with nobody out in the bottom of the ninth, a gaffe that might have cost them a run because Tim Tawa doubled into the left-field corner two batters later.

It could turn out to be an especially costly loss seeing as how it came against a Cardinals team with whom the Diamondbacks are competing for a wild-card spot. The Diamondbacks dropped to 49-48 while the Cardinals moved to 51-45. The Diamondbacks remain 2 1/2 games back of a playoff spot.

—Nick Piecoro

Soroka could return in early August

Diamondbacks right-hander Michael Soroka is pointing toward an early August return, manager Torey Lovullo said Friday, July 17.

Soroka, who has been out since June 19 with a glute strain, is scheduled to log two bullpen sessions in the coming week before possibly throwing a simulated game on July 25.

“That will get him on a timeline somewhere just around the turn of the calendar month,” Lovullo said.

Soroka had been one of the Diamondbacks’ better starters at the time of his injury, logging a 3.07 ERA in 15 starts.

Meanwhile, right-hander Zac Gallen is set to meet with Dr. Neal ElAttrache on Monday, July 20, for a second opinion on his elbow injury, Lovullo said.

Lovullo said the consultation is mainly to map out a plan for a return and that surgery is not believed to be an option.

Right-hander Justin Martinez will take another step in his return from elbow surgery when he faces hitters in a live batting practice session on Saturday, July 18. Martinez has thrown 15 bullpen sessions as he works his way back from his second Tommy John procedure.

— Nick Piecoro

Spivey family takes the field

On a night when the University of Arizona football team was recognized and in attendance at Chase Field, the Spivey family got a special moment together.

Former Diamondbacks infielder Junior Spivey, who was part of the 2001 World Series championship team, took the field with his sons Tre and Kingston, who both play for the Wildcats.

Tre Spivey threw out the ceremonial first pitch to his dad, waiting behind home plate. Tre wore a Diamondbacks jersey in honor of his father and Junior wore a Wildcats football jersey.

-José M. Romero

Diamondbacks’ 2027 schedule features home series vs. Red Sox

The Diamondbacks released a few details about their 2027 game schedule on Thursday, July 16, in conjunction with Major League Baseball’s announcement of its 2027 regular-season schedule.

Highlights include Opening Day in San Diego on Thursday, March 25. The Diamondbacks’ 2027 home opener is Friday, April 2, against the Miami Marlins.

The Diamondbacks have home series over several holidays next season, including Mother’s Day weekend against the Texas Rangers (May 7-9), Father’s Day weekend against the Boston Red Sox (June 18-20) and Independence Day against the San Francisco Giants (July 1-4).

Road series include visits to the New York Yankees (April 9-11), Philadelphia Phillies (April 23-26), Atlanta Braves (May 14-16), Milwaukee Brewers (May 28-30), Toronto Blue Jays (June 8-10), Chicago White Sox (July 9-11) and Chicago Cubs (Aug. 16-18).

— Jose Romero

Diamondbacks announce TV ‘Freeview’

Fresh off a series sweep of the Los Angeles Dodgers right before the All-Star break and back in the thick of the National League wild-card race, the Diamondbacks open the proverbial second half of the season Friday night, July 17, against the St. Louis Cardinals.

The team is offering its fan base free streaming access to the second and third games of this series via D-BACKS.TV “Freeview” on Saturday and Sunday, July 18 and 19.

Fans can stream those games against the Cardinals for free by visiting dbacks.com/watch or accessing D-BACKS.TV through MLB platforms. Coverage begins at 12:30 p.m. MST with the pregame show, followed by first pitch at 1:10 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. No subscription or credit card information is required for the “Freeview.”

— Jose Romero