NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman defended the United States men’s hockey team for their reactions to President Donald Trump talking about the women’s team following their gold medal victory at the Milan Cortina Games.
While on the phone with the men’s team after they defeated Canada to win gold, Trump said he would “have” to invite the women’s team, which also defeated Canada to win Olympic gold, to last week’s State of the Union address. He added that he “probably would be impeached” if he did not extend an invitation to the women’s team.
Members of both teams have said they supported each other throughout the Olympics, and Bettman agreed with that sentiment.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman speaks to the media prior to a game between the Edmonton Oilers and the Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre. (Marc DesRosiers/Imagn Images)
“I know for a fact that the men’s team had no intention of doing anything to slight the women’s team,” Bettman said on Tuesday, via Sportsnet. “If anything, both teams were chanting, ‘Two for two.’
“What happened and how it was portrayed, I wish didn’t happen the way it did, and I think it was unfair to the men’s team. And again, I don’t think the women’s team had a different view of it. I mean, look at (U.S. women’s captain) Hilary Knight and the others talking about what happened. These two teams respected each other.”
Jeremy Swayman, the men’s team’s backup goaltender, admitted the team “should have reacted differently” to Trump’s comments. But he and Jack and Quinn Hughes all spoke highly of the women’s team and their relationships with them.
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Megan Keller (5) of the United States and Hannah Bilka (23) of the United States celebrate after winning the gold medal in women’s ice hockey after defeating Canada during the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milan Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on Feb. 19, 2026.(Amber Searls/Imagn Images)
Jack Hughes told reporters after his gold medal-winning goal that the first thing he thought about when the puck went in was Megan Keller, who scored the golden goal for the United States women’s team against Canada three days earlier.
The brothers’ mother, Ellen, a former Team USA player and current player development staff member, said the players only cared about “bring[ing] so much unity to a group and to a country.”
Team USA men’s hockey gold medalists have irked liberal pundits and news organizations despite captivating the nation with their Olympic accomplishment.(AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Jun 10, 2025; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings guard Donovan Jackson (74) and offensive tackle Walter Rouse (73) practice during minicamp at the Minnesota Vikings Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
PurplePTSD works in partnership with Vikings Territory, similarly doing their utmost to offer top-notch coverage of the Minnesota Vikings. As a result, we’re promoting five of their top articles of the past month in “The P/PTSD Perspective.” Take a peek at some of their best stuff.
The P/PTSD Perspective: April 18th, 2026
1) Delayed Position Change Could Save Former Vikings Draftee: The idea of shuffling Walter Rouse around has been in the chatter for a little while. He offers great size and does awesome off-field work. Choosing him in the 6th always meant taking a slow approach, but it’s getting to be time to see him get onto the field.
Dec 16, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings Winter Warrior helmet before the game against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.
3) Mel Kiper Goes Explosive Route in Latest Vikings Mock Draft: Everyone is getting the final mocks across the finish line with less than a week to go. The Vikings are likely to turn toward a defender to begin the event, but not everyone agrees. We’ll see what Rob Brzezinski does.
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Apr 22, 2009; New York, NY, USA; ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. during the 2010 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE.
4) Vikings QB Room Draws Bad Review: Wait and see. Each of the passers within that room has flaws, but that’s true for the majority of QBs in the league. There aren’t too many players within the Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Lamar Jackson range. Minnesota’s QB spot is likely to do just fine in 2026.
5) Vikings Reportedly Doing Homework on High-Speed Runner: Some combination of Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason are set to do the bulk of the work at running back. In 2026, that’s a decent pair. What happens, though, if there’s an injury? Even if they stay healthy, preparing for 2027 makes sense.
Dec 25, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. (33) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Detroit Lions in the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Real American Freestyle (RAF) has made its biggest signing yet. Khamzat Chimaev has officially joined the freestyle wrestling league. The promotion has, however, yet to confirm a debut date and opponent for the UFC middleweight champion. Suffice it to say, fans are excited.
RAF recently confirmed the signing on their social media handles and also aired a short promo during RAF 08.
Check out Khamzat Chimaev’s signing announcement below:
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Chimaev is one of the greatest wrestling-based grapplers the UFC has ever seen. The undefeated fighter holds a takedown average of 5.29, with an 80% takedown defense.
Furthermore, he is a three-time Swedish freestyle wrestling gold medalist, winning twice at 86 kg (190 pounds) in 2016 and 2017, before returning to claim the top spot again in 2018 at 92 kg (202 pounds).
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At the Swedish national championships, Chimaev is 12-0 with seven technical falls and three pins.
With several MMA stars, including Colby Covington, Yoel Romero, and Bo Nickal, already signed to RAF, the possibilities are endless for Chimaev. True to form, as the news of the signing went viral, fans swarmed social media, sharing their reactions.
@jeetisnotunique wrote:
“Khamzat vs. Bo in RAF would be blockbuster.”
@Incognito_Guy07 chimed in:
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“Will he be competing once every 18 months for RAF like he does with UFC, I wonder?”
@GuardyGuard440 exclaimed:
“Oh my god, the matchups. Bo, get your boots ready.”
@combatmoments wrote:
“Kyle Snyder vs. Khamzat would feed generations.”
Check out a few more comments below:Screenshots courtesy: @arielhelwani on X
An Olympic gold medalist game to wrestle Khamzat Chimaev at RAF
Khamzat Chimaev’s RAF signing has certainly shaken things up. While the promotion has yet to find an opponent for ‘Borz’, an Olympic gold medalist said he’d be game to take on the UFC star.
During the post-event press conference for RAF 08, 2016 Rio Olympics gold medalist and four-time world champion Kyle Snyder opined that it would be good for Chimaev to get a few RAF wrestling matches under his belt, before he faces him.
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The reigning RAF light heavyweight champion added:
“Yeah, I mean, I think, give him a couple of matches first. Not that he’s got to earn the spot, but I think for his own benefit, just having a couple of wrestling matches underneath him will be good. And if he ever wants to compete against me, I mean, I’m always ready, so anytime.”
Rinku Singh leads KKR’s run chase against RR at Eden. (Pic credit: IPL)
NEW DELHI: Kolkata Knight Riders finally ended their long wait for a victory in IPL 2026, edging past Rajasthan Royals by four wickets in a tense finish at Eden Gardens on Sunday. A composed unbeaten 53 from vice-captain Rinku Singh guided KKR over the line with two balls to spare, as they finally broke a six-match winless streak after 22 frustrating days. The win also lifted them off the bottom of the table and offered much-needed relief to a side that had repeatedly faltered from winning positions earlier in the season.As it happened: KKR vs RR, IPL 2026
Chakravarthy–Narine break RR’s early dominance
RR, opted to bat first, began in commanding fashion as Yashasvi Jaiswal (39) and young sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (46) tore into the KKR attack, racing to 81 without loss in just 8.3 overs. The pair looked set for a big total, scoring freely against the seamers and putting KKR immediately under pressure. However, the introduction of spin completely changed the complexion of the innings.Varun Chakravarthy (3/14) and Sunil Narine (2/26) combined in devastating fashion, applying relentless control and choking the scoring rate. Chakravarthy struck at key moments, including the dismissal of Sooryavanshi, while Narine built pressure from the other end with tight lines and variations. From a dominant 81/0, RR suddenly found themselves slipping to 117/4, with momentum shifting sharply towards KKR.The collapse deepened further as Kartik Tyagi produced a disciplined spell at the death, taking 3/22 and ensuring RR never recovered. Despite brief contributions from Shimron Hetmyer and Riyan Parag, Rajasthan Royals were restricted to a below-par 155/9, a total that did not reflect their strong start but highlighted their middle-order fragility once again.
KKR’s collapse, and Rinku’s redemption
Chasing 156, KKR suffered an immediate setback as both openers were dismissed without scoring, including a first-ball strike from Jofra Archer. Skipper Ajinkya Rahane also fell cheaply, leaving the home side under immense pressure early in the innings.Cameron Green briefly reignited hopes with a counterattacking 27 off 13 balls, striking four boundaries and a six, but his dismissal through a sharp stumping by Dhruv Jurel off Ravi Bishnoi swung momentum back towards RR. Soon after, KKR were in deep trouble at 70/5 as RR’s bowlers tightened the screws.It was at this point that RR appeared firmly in control, but the match turned on a crucial dropped chance on Rinku Singh. From there, the vice-captain played with remarkable composure under pressure, refusing to take unnecessary risks while gradually rebuilding the chase. Alongside him, Anukul Roy played a vital supporting role, rotating strike and punishing loose deliveries.The duo stitched together a match-winning 76-run stand off just 37 balls, completely shifting the pressure back onto RR. Rinku’s unbeaten 53 off 34 balls was a masterclass in controlled aggression, as he found boundaries at crucial moments while keeping the chase on track. Roy’s unbeaten 29 off 16 provided the perfect finishing support, including timely boundaries that ensured the asking rate never spiralled out of reach.
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KKR finally break the jinx
In the end, KKR crossed the line with two balls remaining, completing a much-needed turnaround after repeated failures in tight finishes earlier in the season. The victory marked their first win in seven matches and offered a sense of stability to a campaign that had threatened to derail early.For Rajasthan Royals, it was another game where a strong start with the bat was undone by a dramatic collapse and an inability to close out the chase despite early dominance. Their spin struggle in the middle overs and lack of death-overs penetration with the ball ultimately cost them the match.
Chris Waller, the Hall of Fame trainer, saw Godolphin’s Beiwacht provide a resounding close to his exceptional Sydney autumn carnival form with a resilient wire-to-wire triumph in the Group 1 $1.5 million All Aged Stakes (1400m) against a glittering array of rivals at Royal Randwick on Saturday.
Waller doubled up by preparing the placegetters in Sydney’s final Group 1 of the season, Lazzura tracking stablemate Beiwacht keenly.
Just prior, Waller had monopolized the trifecta in the card’s alternative Group 1, the Champagne Stakes, led by Fireball from Campione D’Italia and Diameter.
Sydney’s autumn sequence of eight successive Group 1 meetings thus ends on the All Aged Stakes note, with Waller delivering a Group 1 winner weekly – a phenomenal record.
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With 22 Group 1 races contested in Sydney this autumn, Waller accounted for 12 victories.
Waller’s elite achievers featured Autumn Glow, Aeliana and Joliestar on two Group 1 wins each, plus Lazzura, Autumn Boy, Campione D’Italia, Ohope Wins, Fireball and Beiwacht with one apiece.
Rather than the Arrowfield Sprint on The Championships’ second day, Waller kept Beiwacht the colt fresh expressly for the All Aged Stakes – a stroke of genius.
“Beiwacht’s a very special horse,” Waller said.
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“He did it in the Golden Rose as well when he broke the Rosehill 1400m track record.
“But to beat the older horses in the All Aged Stakes, he was up against an outstanding field, so he gets all the accolades today.”
Nash Rawiller guided the $6.50 Beiwacht to lead every stride, holding on by a length from $15 Lazzura, with defending champion Jimmysstar ($5.50) rallying for third, a half-head away.
Angel Capital ($3.40 favourite) lingered midfield railside at the outset and missed a clear shot, crossing sixth not fully pushed.
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In his initial appearance since the prized spring Caulfield Cup–Melbourne Cup double, Half Yours placed ninth, four lengths shy in a promising resumption.
Waller’s 2025-26 Group 1 ledger shows 18 strikes, needing one further to equal his prior season high-water mark.
Approaching 200 career Group 1 wins from 198, Waller will soon align with legends Bart Cummings and Tommy Smith (246 apiece) among Australian trainers.
Waller justified the month’s break for Beiwacht prior to the All Aged Stakes.
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“I think he didn’t like running down the straight, so we needed to find a stallion-making race that really stamps his authority, and this race stuck out,” Waller said.
“He ran well on the George Ryder Stakes, it was a softish track that day and today, back on a good track, he was terrific.
“Even his run behind Joliestar (second in the Canterbury Stakes), that showed that he was right up there with the best older horses so it’s very exciting.”
Rawiller praised Beiwacht’s smooth travel and explosive fractions, stopping the watch at 1m 20.76s.
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“You know what It’s like when you’re on a really good horse and you know you’re home,” Rawiller said.
“I just love the way he lengthened stride again when I asked him. I was just happy to enjoy it.”He’s highly talented, let’s say he’s a sprinter-miler, but at this stage I wouldn’t be rushing to get there.
“I think there’s plenty of 1200m and 1400m races he could be winning before then.”
For the $20 million The TAB Everest (1200m) at Royal Randwick on October 17, Godolphin’s Tempted and Tentyris lead, with Beiwacht now in contention.
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Beiwacht rates highly too for the four-year-old $10 million Golden Eagle (1500m) at Randwick on October 31.
The Everest direction rests with Godolphin, Waller noted.
“We’re lucky to be training these colts but I respect they’ve got big values so I will see what Godolphin comes up with,” Waller said.”Beiwacht’s got a great attitude, I’ve got a great team behind me that helps get colts like this to the races because it’s not an easy task. My team at home do me proud.
“There’s lots of options with a horse like this and that’s the beauty of racing in Australia and Sydney Racing. We’re just so lucky to be racing in this era.”
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Visit trusted betting sites to access racing odds for the All Aged Stakes.
Oct 2, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; A Minnesota Vikings helmet sits on the sidelines during warmups prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 42-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Kwesi Adofo-Mensah worked as the Minnesota Vikings’ general manager for four years before his shockingly timed termination at the end of January, making next week’s draft tricky to forecast. Rob Brzezinski is in charge and is auditioning for the full-time position. Accordingly, VikingsTerritory has predictions.
Minnesota enters draft weekend with a clear plan and several predictable paths.
The Vikings have nine picks this time; here’s what we expect to occur in the draft.
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Five Outcomes for Vikings’ Draft Weekend
Hold us accountable for the following prognostications.
Washington Huskies running back Jonah Coleman carries the ball during first-half action against the Washington State Cougars in the Apple Cup at Gesa Field at Martin Stadium, with the play unfolding on Sep 20, 2025 in Pullman. Coleman works through contact as Washington leans on its ground game in the rivalry matchup. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images.
1. The RB Pick Is Jonah Coleman or Emmett Johnson
Johnson is the hometown guy, and by the sounds of it, he really, really wants to play for the Vikings, a wise choice. He should be on the board when Minnesota makes two picks in Round 3. He also has the juice to become the long-term RB1 in the Twin Cities.
But Coleman of Washington is the best pass-blocking tailback after Jeremiyah Love in the class. The Vikings love their pass-blocking running backs, and in time, Coleman wouldn’t have to come off the field on 3rd Down.
It’s tough to know the inside of the war room, but let’s roll with the RB pick of Johnson or Coleman.
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2. Vikings Land a Center Who Projects to Start before Too Long
Minnesota dropped Garrett Bradbury a year ago, signed Ryan Kelly, and watched as neither is on the roster in the 2026 offseason. Bradbury was traded by the New England Patriots to the Chicago Bears. Kelly retired after multiple concussions.
Blake Brandel will probably start in September at center, but Minnesota will leave next week’s draft with his successor: Parker Brailsford (Alabama), Sam Coogan (Indiana), Sam Hecht (Kansas State), Connor Lew (Auburn), Logan Jones (Iowa), or Jake Slaughter (Florida).
Zone Coverage‘s Carter Cox wrote about Lew this month, “Lew is a 6’3″, 310 lb. center projected to be drafted in the second round, making him a perfect pick for the Vikings with the 49th-overall selection. He’s a third-year player with plenty of experience. He was in the starting lineup for Auburn late in 2023 as a freshman, even earning SEC freshman of the week in his first career start.”
“Lew is a 6’3″, 310 lb. center projected to be drafted in the second round, making him a perfect pick for the Vikings with the 49th-overall selection. He’s a third-year player with plenty of experience. He was in the starting lineup for Auburn late in 2023 as a freshman, even earning SEC freshman of the week in his first career start.”
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Lew will likely be drafted late in Round 2 or sometime in Round 3,
Carter continued, “Additionally, after the Vikings signed Kyler Murray, a smaller quarterback, the center position becomes even more important across all aspects of the game.
“Lew would be a perfect addition to the Vikings’ locker room, especially as a second-round pick with first-round potential.”
3. DBs Are Surprisingly Deprioritized
Some Vikings fans act like the defensive secondary is in shambles, while Minnesota finished the 2025 campaign with the league’s third-best defense overall. It might be safe to assume that Brian Flores doesn’t need otherworldly cornerbacks and safeties to marshal a Top 10 defense.
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New England Patriots linebackers coach Brian Flores patrols the sideline during a game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium, with the moment captured on Sep 11, 2016 in Glendale. Flores monitors defensive adjustments as New England navigates a close contest that ends with a narrow road victory. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
Minnesota will leave the draft with a new safety and cornerback, but that won’t necessarily be from Round 1. Remember: Flores strutted into the 2025 campaign with cornerbacks Byron Murphy Jr., an unproven Isaiah Rodgers, and Jeff Okudah. He was perfectly content with that. Why would he suddenly need flashy young DBs?
4. The Vikings End Up with 5-6 Picks in the Top 100
The aforementioned Adofo-Mensah traded like a fiend, which was actually quite fun for fans as spectators. Brzezinski may not “trade just to trade,” but he came up under Rick Spielman, whose longtime nickname was “Trader Rick.”
The trading continues for the Vikings, and Brzezinski stockpiles Top 100 picks. The draft’s sweet spot is considered picks 30 through 70.
Brzezinski starts with four Top 100 picks. FYI.
5. Fans Leave the Draft Completely and Utterly Energized
In 2025, Vikings fans left the draft generally optimistic about Donovan Jackson, confused about the Tai Felton pick, upbeat about Tyrion-Ingram Dawkins, and indifferent about Kobe King and Gavin Bartholomew. The club had so few picks that there wasn’t much to get motivated about, especially with the aforementioned Adofo-Mensah’s draft track record.
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This year won’t be like that.
Minnesota Vikings executive Rob Brzezinski speaks during an on-site interview at the NFL Scouting Combine, discussing roster construction and offseason strategy with media members, with the exchange taking place on Feb 25, 2026 in Indianapolis. The longtime front-office leader outlines team-building philosophy as the Vikings prepare for the next phase of the offseason. Mandatory Credit: YouTube.
Minnesota should leave the event with at least 10 picks, and regrading five or more, fans will pound the table, particularly the new running back and probably the wide receiver.
Last year’s draft felt milquetoast. This year will feel like a return to a normal draft feeling, when all rookies can do no wrong for four months.
6. Peter Woods Is the First Vikings’ Pick of the Event
Minnesota’s draft needs are unusually flexible this year. While cornerback, safety, defensive tackle, or tight end are all possibilities, the Vikings could shift gears entirely depending on how the draft unfolds. The ambiguity makes it difficult to anticipate their strategy, unlike previous years when a clear position or player target emerged.
Predicting their moves was simpler in the past. In 2023, wide receiver was an obvious need, and they addressed it with Jordan Addison. Similarly, quarterback was a primary focus in 2024, and they secured J.J. McCarthy. After a 2024 playoff loss to the Rams — the game where Sam Darnold crumbled — the offensive line was the clear priority the following offseason, and they invested in it accordingly — Donovan Jackson.
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In those years, their intentions were quite obvious. But this year, not so much.
Despite this uncertainty, one area stands out: the defensive line. With the departures of Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, this position has become a significant priority. Whether Minnesota stays at No. 18 or trades back, the focus consistently returns to this position.
Peter Woods, a DT from Clemson, emerges as a logical choice. Considered the top defensive tackle in a relatively weak class, he presents the Vikings with an immediate and long-term solution to a pressing need.
KKR vs RR Highlights, IPL 2026: Rinku Singh once again rose to the occasion as his knock helped Kolkata Knight Riders defeat Rajasthan Royals by four wickets in their IPL 2026 match
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Brady Singer (51) delivers a pitch in the third inning between the Cincinnati Reds and the San Francisco Giants at Great American Ball in Cincinnati on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
The Cincinnati Reds will look for their second series sweep of the season when they play the Minnesota Twins on Sunday afternoon in Minneapolis.
Cincinnati’s scheduled starting pitcher, Brady Singer (1-1, 5.60 ERA), earned his first win of the season on Tuesday. The right-hander scattered six hits, gave up one run and struck out one in a 2-1 home victory over the San Francisco Giants.
Though Singer was struck with a comebacker to his right foot in the sixth inning, he finished the frame. X-rays came back negative.
“I’m glad the X-rays came back good,” Singer said. “It caught me square in the foot. But I’m good for the next (start).”
Both of the Reds’ wins over the Twins in this three-game series have been by one run — 2-1 in the opener on Friday and 5-4 after a comeback on Saturday.
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Cincinnati swept three games at the Texas Rangers from April 3-5.
Singer said after his last start that the Reds’ bullpen was a difference maker. Cincinnati relievers have not allowed a run in a combined eight innings while posting 11 strikeouts against the Twins.
“They are incredible,” Singer said. “They’ve been huge for us all year long and are going to carry us the rest of the way, too. It’s great to see what they are doing.”
Singer has struggled over 13 career starts against the Twins. He’s 3-7 with a 5.63 ERA and 73 strikeouts.
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Bailey Ober (2-0, 5.49 ERA) is set to take the mound for the Twins on Sunday. The right-hander picked up the win in his last start on Monday, when he allowed seven hits, four runs and one walk with seven strikeouts in six innings in a 13-6 decision over the visiting Boston Red Sox.
In four career starts against the Reds, Ober is 0-2 with a 6.23 ERA, 16 strikeouts and seven walks over 21 2/3 innings.
The Twins are 3-0 when Ober pitches at home this season.
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After the Minnesota offense sputtered on Friday, the Twins shook up their lineup. Josh Bell moved into the No. 3 hole and Luke Keaschall slid down to the five spot. The move paid immediate dividends as Minnesota took a 2-0 first-inning lead.
Bell and Keaschall each collected two hits in the game, and Austin Martin scored two runs and secured a catch as he ran into the right-field wall. Martin is the right-handed-hitting complement in a right-field platoon with left-handed-hitting Trevor Larnach, who started in left on Saturday.
Martin has a .295 batting average, one home run and four RBIs this season while mostly hitting second when he is in the Twins’ lineup.
“He’s having really consistent at-bats,” manager Derek Shelton said. “It’s the rare opportunity for a guy in a platoon that we are seeing this many left-handers.
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“Since spring training, he’s had a high quantity of at-bats and has been very impressive,” Shelton continued. “There’s no urgency in his at-bats, and I mean that in a really good way. He’s taking what’s coming to him, whether it’s taking a walk or being aggressive early in counts.”
Shelton said the team hopes to get Royce Lewis back from the 10-day injured list soon. The Twins’ third baseman has been sidelined by a left knee strain and started his rehab assignment on Saturday with Triple-A St. Paul.
“We thought all along that this (injury) was right at the minimum amount of time or close to it,” Shelton said. “His progression has gone extremely well. He’s done all on-field activities, hit on the field and took ground balls with the group. Now it’s on to the next step.”
USC wide receiver Jordan Addison poses with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected by the Minnesota Vikings, with Apr 27, 2023 marking the first round of the NFL Draft at Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri. Addison celebrated the moment as Minnesota made him the 23rd overall pick. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports.
Before every draft, VikingsTerritory slings its official endorsement, a tradition running for years. Recently, we endorsed the Vikings’ 2022 draft pick of Kyle Hamilton, a trade-up for C.J. Stroud in 2023, a trade-up for Drake Maye in 2024, and Omarion Hampton in 2025. Now, it’s time for the 2026 edition.
One slot. One call. Here’s our pick.
Folks will learn the pick’s identity in four days; here’s what we would do if one assumes that players like Jeremiyah Love (RB, Notre Dame), Sonny Styles (LB, Ohio State), and Caleb Downs (S, Ohio State) don’t tumble down the board. If one of those men fell all the way to No. 18, it would be an obvious no-brainer to select either man.
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The Strongest Paths Minnesota Could Take at No. 18
It’s time — way overdue — for Minnesota to nail a draft.
Oregon Ducks tight end Kenyon Sadiq (18) looks on before the game against the James Madison Dukes, Dec 20, 2025, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon, standing on the sideline during pregame warmups as he surveys the field ahead of a postseason matchup with heightened attention surrounding his role in the Ducks’ offensive plans. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
The VT Endorsement: Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq at No. 18
The Vikings’ current leadership says it believes in the “best player available” strategy. If so, they should prove it and draft Sadiq, assuming he’s on the board at No. 18.
Sadiq is a freakish athlete, a willing blocker, and can truly take the top of the Vikings’ offense, which is especially important for a team that doesn’t habitually prioritize WR3 targets. Think of it this way: for the next five years, Sadiq can own the WR3 target load, hopefully with Kyler Murray at quarterback.
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Minnesota has never used Round 1 draft capital on a tight end. The upside usually taps out on good tight ends like Kyle Rudolph, T.J. Hockenson, and Steve Jordan. The Vikings should draft a tight end who can be great.
Always remember: the Vikings didn’t have a roster need in 1998 when they drafted Randy Moss. They didn’t have a roster need in 2007 when they drafted Adrian Peterson. Get Sadiq and be filthy rich on offense, especially with Hockenson scheduled for free agency in 2027.
Secondary Endorsement: Tennessee CB Jermod McCoy
Let’s pretend that the Baltimore Ravens, Los Angeles Rams, or Tampa Bay Buccaneers draft Sadiq, rendering the first part of this endorsement useless.
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The club should pick McCoy at No. 18, snapping the cornerback draft drought. Minnesota hasn’t drafted a productive cornerback who lasted beyond a rookie contract since 2013: Xavier Rhodes. McCoy has the coverage skills, playmaking, and speed to succeed. The only thing to worry about is his injury history.
Nobody knows how much better Brian Flores’s defense could be with a fantastic cornerback. Let’s find out.
Just-in-Case Endorsement: Trade Down, Stack Picks, Draft CB Chris Johnson
If Sadiq and McCoy are off the board, Minnesota should trade down, grab an extra mid-round pick or two, and select Chris Johnson of San Diego State.
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His draft stock has climbed as of late, but he should be gettable at the end of Round 1. For example, Minnesota could trade its 18th overall pick to Miami, grab two 3rd-Rounders, and pick Johnson. The Dolphins could then, for instance, pick a wide receiver.
San Diego State defensive back Chris Johnson speaks with media members during the NFL Combine, Feb 26, 2026, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana, addressing questions at the podium as scouts and reporters evaluate his background, performance, and potential fit ahead of the upcoming draft. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images
Johnson has the skill set to succeed in the pros.
The Ringer‘s Todd McShay on Johnson: “He’s a fundamentally sound press corner who uses the proper hand to disrupt receivers at the line of scrimmage, stays balanced when flipping his hips, and doesn’t panic with his back turned to the quarterback. Johnson reads receivers’ breaks, tracks the ball well, and takes sound angles, and he doesn’t get pushed around at the top of his routes in off coverage.”
“He’s quick to trigger, and he drives through the receiver when breaking on passes. He has big hands and possesses the timing and ability to stay in a receiver’s back pocket. Even though his arm length is below average, he’s good at breaking up passes. He had four interceptions last season and returned two of them for touchdowns.”
Johnson also attended Kevin O’Connell’s alma mater, San Diego State.
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McShay added, “Johnson is a top five corner, a top 50 overall prospect, and one of the best Group of 5 players in this year’s draft. Johnson has the traits to develop into an effective no. 2 corner while working in sub-packages and contributing on special teams early in his career.”
“Kansas City corner Nohl Williams is an interesting comp — he didn’t get many snaps playing in a crowded secondary as a rookie last year, but he made the most of his opportunities, and he’s expected to start in 2026.”
The Jeremiyah Love Caveat
The dream for VikingsTerritory is for Love to end up with the Vikings. Full stop. End the discussion.
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Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love (4) scores a touchdown during the first half against the Army Black Knights, Nov 23, 2024, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, powering through defenders near the goal line as he finishes a drive with a physical scoring run in a high-profile neutral-site matchup. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
But trading next year’s 1st-Rounder — a draft that will be astoundingly deep — is just a non-starter. Still, if Love fell to pick No. 10 or so and a team was willing to do business, our endorsement would be to trade for Love.
Pairing him with Kyler Murray, Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Brian Flores’s defense is the stuff of dreams.
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