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3 WNBA players were waived this week, but it doesn’t mean that’s the end There are more roster spots in the WNBA than ever before — more than 200, to be exact.That’s in large part due to league expansion; with the addition of the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo this season, the league has a record 15 teams. And, alongside 12 standard roster spots, each team has two developmental player slots, as agreed upon in the latest CBA.Still, with an influx of overseas talent coming to the WNBA in addition to droves of elite college players, holding on to a roster spot remains difficult for those who are on the fringe. As such, even two weeks into the season, good players are getting waived every day.Since Monday, three players have been waived: Grace Vanslooten by the Seattle Storm, Ashten Prechtel by the Golden State Valkyries, and Aubrey Griffin by the New York Liberty. Vanslooter was a 2026 third-round pick after a standout career at Notre Dame. Prechtel was a 2023 third-round pick who won an NCAA championship with Stanford. And, Griffin was selected in the third round of the 2025 draft out of UConn.Before those three cuts, the Phoenix Mercury waived Anneli Maley and Peyton Williams, the Connecticut Sun waived Shey Peddy, and the Portland Fire waived Jordan Harrison.Sometimes, these cuts are expected: players signed hardship contracts in the wake of injuries and knew that their tenures would likely be temporary. Other times, cuts seemingly come out of left field; Kate Martin, who was waived by the Valkyries after training camp (and after being a rotation player for the team last season) is an example.And, getting cut isn’t always a death sentence. There’s a long list of players who were waived by a WNBA team, only to eventually blossom elsewhere. That list includes Veronica Burton, who was waived by the Dallas Wings two years ago before becoming an elite two-way point guard for the Valkyries last season. It also includes veteran players like Erica Wheeler and Alysha Clark, who were cut early in their careers. That didn’t stop either: Wheeler has played 11 seasons, and Clark has played 14. Both are some of the league’s most established vets.Players who get cut might look to go overseas in the meantime, or they might try to find a home elsewhere (Hailey Van Lith was recently cut by the Chicago Sky, and immediately joined the Connecticut Sun).For some, it’s the end of the road. For others, it’s just the beginning. #WNBA #players #waived #week #doesnt

3 WNBA players were waived this week, but it doesn’t mean that’s the end

There are more roster spots in the WNBA than ever before — more than 200, to be exact.

That’s in large part due to league expansion; with the addition of the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo this season, the league has a record 15 teams. And, alongside 12 standard roster spots, each team has two developmental player slots, as agreed upon in the latest CBA.

Still, with an influx of overseas talent coming to the WNBA in addition to droves of elite college players, holding on to a roster spot remains difficult for those who are on the fringe. As such, even two weeks into the season, good players are getting waived every day.

Since Monday, three players have been waived: Grace Vanslooten by the Seattle Storm, Ashten Prechtel by the Golden State Valkyries, and Aubrey Griffin by the New York Liberty. Vanslooter was a 2026 third-round pick after a standout career at Notre Dame. Prechtel was a 2023 third-round pick who won an NCAA championship with Stanford. And, Griffin was selected in the third round of the 2025 draft out of UConn.

Before those three cuts, the Phoenix Mercury waived Anneli Maley and Peyton Williams, the Connecticut Sun waived Shey Peddy, and the Portland Fire waived Jordan Harrison.

Sometimes, these cuts are expected: players signed hardship contracts in the wake of injuries and knew that their tenures would likely be temporary. Other times, cuts seemingly come out of left field; Kate Martin, who was waived by the Valkyries after training camp (and after being a rotation player for the team last season) is an example.

And, getting cut isn’t always a death sentence. There’s a long list of players who were waived by a WNBA team, only to eventually blossom elsewhere. That list includes Veronica Burton, who was waived by the Dallas Wings two years ago before becoming an elite two-way point guard for the Valkyries last season. It also includes veteran players like Erica Wheeler and Alysha Clark, who were cut early in their careers. That didn’t stop either: Wheeler has played 11 seasons, and Clark has played 14. Both are some of the league’s most established vets.

Players who get cut might look to go overseas in the meantime, or they might try to find a home elsewhere (Hailey Van Lith was recently cut by the Chicago Sky, and immediately joined the Connecticut Sun).

For some, it’s the end of the road. For others, it’s just the beginning.

#WNBA #players #waived #week #doesnt

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There are more roster spots in the WNBA than ever before — more than 200, to be exact.

That’s in large part due to league expansion; with the addition of the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo this season, the league has a record 15 teams. And, alongside 12 standard roster spots, each team has two developmental player slots, as agreed upon in the latest CBA.

Still, with an influx of overseas talent coming to the WNBA in addition to droves of elite college players, holding on to a roster spot remains difficult for those who are on the fringe. As such, even two weeks into the season, good players are getting waived every day.

Since Monday, three players have been waived: Grace Vanslooten by the Seattle Storm, Ashten Prechtel by the Golden State Valkyries, and Aubrey Griffin by the New York Liberty. Vanslooter was a 2026 third-round pick after a standout career at Notre Dame. Prechtel was a 2023 third-round pick who won an NCAA championship with Stanford. And, Griffin was selected in the third round of the 2025 draft out of UConn.

Before those three cuts, the Phoenix Mercury waived Anneli Maley and Peyton Williams, the Connecticut Sun waived Shey Peddy, and the Portland Fire waived Jordan Harrison.

Sometimes, these cuts are expected: players signed hardship contracts in the wake of injuries and knew that their tenures would likely be temporary. Other times, cuts seemingly come out of left field; Kate Martin, who was waived by the Valkyries after training camp (and after being a rotation player for the team last season) is an example.

And, getting cut isn’t always a death sentence. There’s a long list of players who were waived by a WNBA team, only to eventually blossom elsewhere. That list includes Veronica Burton, who was waived by the Dallas Wings two years ago before becoming an elite two-way point guard for the Valkyries last season. It also includes veteran players like Erica Wheeler and Alysha Clark, who were cut early in their careers. That didn’t stop either: Wheeler has played 11 seasons, and Clark has played 14. Both are some of the league’s most established vets.

Players who get cut might look to go overseas in the meantime, or they might try to find a home elsewhere (Hailey Van Lith was recently cut by the Chicago Sky, and immediately joined the Connecticut Sun).

For some, it’s the end of the road. For others, it’s just the beginning.

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#WNBA #players #waived #week #doesnt

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Deadspin | Nationals ride newfound strong home form into finale vs. Mets May 20, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Nationals center fielder Jacob Young (30) celebrates with Nationals second baseman Nasim Nuñez (26) a two run home run against the New York Mets during the eighth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images After going the first month of the season without winning a home series, the Washington Nationals have a chance to win their third home set in a row when they face the New York Mets on Thursday. Washington, which is 10-15 at home, did not win a home series until taking two of three May 5-7 against the Minnesota Twins. The Nationals then went on a six-game road trip but returned home last weekend to take two of three from the Baltimore Orioles, and they have won two of three from the Mets with the Thursday finale looming. New York, which won the series opener on Monday, will send left-hander David Peterson (2-4, 5.40 ERA) to oppose right-hander Cade Cavalli (2-2, 4.05) on Thursday. Peterson is expected to start the contest after working behind an opener his last three times out. He picked up his second win of the season on Saturday when he gave up two runs on six hits in four innings against the New York Yankees. He struck out eight and walked three. Peterson is 7-2 with a 3.18 ERA in 15 games (12 starts) against the Nationals. He gave up seven runs on five hits in 3 2/3 innings and took a loss against Washington on April 29. Cavalli turned in his longest outing of the season in his latest start. He tossed 6 1/3 innings in a win against the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday, allowing three runs on eight hits (two of them home runs) while striking out eight without a walk. Cavalli’s other win this year came against Peterson and the Mets on April 29. In that outing, he allowed two runs on eight hits over six innings and struck out 10 while walking two. In two lifetime outings vs. New York, Cavalli is 1-0 with a 1.64 ERA. On Wednesday, CJ Abrams hit a three-run homer in the first inning and the Nationals went on to an 8-4 win. He added a single and scored twice “He just looks extremely simple and calm in the box,” Washington manager Blake Butera said. “Everything seems free and easy for him right now. It doesn’t look like he’s trying to do too much.” Jacob Young doubled and homered for the Nationals. Zack Littell (3-4) won his third consecutive decision, and Andrew Alvarez allowed two runs over four innings to earn his first career save. The four-inning save was the longest in Nationals history (2005-present), surpassing Mitchell Parker’s 3 2/3-inning outing in 2025. “It’s unexpected, being a starter,” Alvarez said. “What it means actually is just a win for the team and I’m just super grateful for the opportunity to be out there and that they trust me for that ninth inning. It’s awesome.” New York’s Juan Soto hit two home runs against his former team, giving him three in the past two games. He has five homers and nine RBIs in his past seven games. Aside from Soto, the Mets’ offense did little against Littell and Alvarez. “We missed good pitches to hit,” New York manager Carlos Mendoza said. “I thought we put together some decent at-bats there but nothing as a team where we could knock it down. Yeah, missed pitches there.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Nationals #ride #newfound #strong #home #form #finale #MetsMay 20, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Nationals center fielder Jacob Young (30) celebrates with Nationals second baseman Nasim Nuñez (26) a two run home run against the New York Mets during the eighth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

After going the first month of the season without winning a home series, the Washington Nationals have a chance to win their third home set in a row when they face the New York Mets on Thursday.

Washington, which is 10-15 at home, did not win a home series until taking two of three May 5-7 against the Minnesota Twins. The Nationals then went on a six-game road trip but returned home last weekend to take two of three from the Baltimore Orioles, and they have won two of three from the Mets with the Thursday finale looming.

New York, which won the series opener on Monday, will send left-hander David Peterson (2-4, 5.40 ERA) to oppose right-hander Cade Cavalli (2-2, 4.05) on Thursday.

Peterson is expected to start the contest after working behind an opener his last three times out. He picked up his second win of the season on Saturday when he gave up two runs on six hits in four innings against the New York Yankees. He struck out eight and walked three.

Peterson is 7-2 with a 3.18 ERA in 15 games (12 starts) against the Nationals. He gave up seven runs on five hits in 3 2/3 innings and took a loss against Washington on April 29.

Cavalli turned in his longest outing of the season in his latest start. He tossed 6 1/3 innings in a win against the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday, allowing three runs on eight hits (two of them home runs) while striking out eight without a walk.

Cavalli’s other win this year came against Peterson and the Mets on April 29. In that outing, he allowed two runs on eight hits over six innings and struck out 10 while walking two.

In two lifetime outings vs. New York, Cavalli is 1-0 with a 1.64 ERA.


On Wednesday, CJ Abrams hit a three-run homer in the first inning and the Nationals went on to an 8-4 win. He added a single and scored twice

“He just looks extremely simple and calm in the box,” Washington manager Blake Butera said. “Everything seems free and easy for him right now. It doesn’t look like he’s trying to do too much.”

Jacob Young doubled and homered for the Nationals.

Zack Littell (3-4) won his third consecutive decision, and Andrew Alvarez allowed two runs over four innings to earn his first career save. The four-inning save was the longest in Nationals history (2005-present), surpassing Mitchell Parker’s 3 2/3-inning outing in 2025.

“It’s unexpected, being a starter,” Alvarez said. “What it means actually is just a win for the team and I’m just super grateful for the opportunity to be out there and that they trust me for that ninth inning. It’s awesome.”

New York’s Juan Soto hit two home runs against his former team, giving him three in the past two games. He has five homers and nine RBIs in his past seven games.

Aside from Soto, the Mets’ offense did little against Littell and Alvarez.

“We missed good pitches to hit,” New York manager Carlos Mendoza said. “I thought we put together some decent at-bats there but nothing as a team where we could knock it down. Yeah, missed pitches there.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Nationals #ride #newfound #strong #home #form #finale #Mets">Deadspin | Nationals ride newfound strong home form into finale vs. Mets May 20, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Nationals center fielder Jacob Young (30) celebrates with Nationals second baseman Nasim Nuñez (26) a two run home run against the New York Mets during the eighth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images After going the first month of the season without winning a home series, the Washington Nationals have a chance to win their third home set in a row when they face the New York Mets on Thursday. Washington, which is 10-15 at home, did not win a home series until taking two of three May 5-7 against the Minnesota Twins. The Nationals then went on a six-game road trip but returned home last weekend to take two of three from the Baltimore Orioles, and they have won two of three from the Mets with the Thursday finale looming. New York, which won the series opener on Monday, will send left-hander David Peterson (2-4, 5.40 ERA) to oppose right-hander Cade Cavalli (2-2, 4.05) on Thursday. Peterson is expected to start the contest after working behind an opener his last three times out. He picked up his second win of the season on Saturday when he gave up two runs on six hits in four innings against the New York Yankees. He struck out eight and walked three. Peterson is 7-2 with a 3.18 ERA in 15 games (12 starts) against the Nationals. He gave up seven runs on five hits in 3 2/3 innings and took a loss against Washington on April 29. Cavalli turned in his longest outing of the season in his latest start. He tossed 6 1/3 innings in a win against the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday, allowing three runs on eight hits (two of them home runs) while striking out eight without a walk. Cavalli’s other win this year came against Peterson and the Mets on April 29. In that outing, he allowed two runs on eight hits over six innings and struck out 10 while walking two. In two lifetime outings vs. New York, Cavalli is 1-0 with a 1.64 ERA. On Wednesday, CJ Abrams hit a three-run homer in the first inning and the Nationals went on to an 8-4 win. He added a single and scored twice “He just looks extremely simple and calm in the box,” Washington manager Blake Butera said. “Everything seems free and easy for him right now. It doesn’t look like he’s trying to do too much.” Jacob Young doubled and homered for the Nationals. Zack Littell (3-4) won his third consecutive decision, and Andrew Alvarez allowed two runs over four innings to earn his first career save. The four-inning save was the longest in Nationals history (2005-present), surpassing Mitchell Parker’s 3 2/3-inning outing in 2025. “It’s unexpected, being a starter,” Alvarez said. “What it means actually is just a win for the team and I’m just super grateful for the opportunity to be out there and that they trust me for that ninth inning. It’s awesome.” New York’s Juan Soto hit two home runs against his former team, giving him three in the past two games. He has five homers and nine RBIs in his past seven games. Aside from Soto, the Mets’ offense did little against Littell and Alvarez. “We missed good pitches to hit,” New York manager Carlos Mendoza said. “I thought we put together some decent at-bats there but nothing as a team where we could knock it down. Yeah, missed pitches there.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Nationals #ride #newfound #strong #home #form #finale #Mets

For the first time this season, the Fever will be without Caitlin Clark on Wednesday after the star guard was a late scratch due to a back injury.

According to head coach Stephanie White, Clark woke up on Wednesday with back stiffness. After going through a workout, the Fever opted not to risk it and ruled her out. However, eyebrow-raiser, White later said that Clark did not participate in practice on Tuesday and received treatment instead, which raises questions about the timeline of events.

“Just woke up with some stiffness and some soreness,” White said. “Like we always say, how do you respond after a workout? For us, it’s not the time to take a chance. We just really want to be cautious.”

Last year’s Fever side was far more familiar with not having Clark available after she played just 13 games due to multiple injuries. However, White said pregame that this is not a matter of the team managing Clark’s workload but, instead, this is a legitimate injury.

“No, absolutely not. There’s no managing,” White said. “She’s healthy. We’re not managing anything. This is just a back issue that we want to make sure we give the time to be ready.”

While Clark had not been listed on any injury report with a back issue, it is not a new injury that has popped up. In the opening game of the season, Clark went into the tunnel on multiple occasions to get her back readjusted.

At the same time, Clark has also repeatedly said her body has felt fine throughout this season, after a 2025 season that never really got off the ground.

“I feel good,” Clark said after the recent loss to the Mystics. “Obviously, I’m sore, as is everybody. And we have one day in-between [games], so that’ll be my focus tonight.”

Clark has been available for a particularly busy stretch to open the season. She played all three games in a five-day span against the Sparks, Mystics and Storm, the first of those on the road. In fact, Wednesday’s game is the fourth in eight days with the Fever playing again on Friday before having six days off.

In theory, it would make sense that the Fever are limiting her minutes and workload this season after an injury-riddled sophomore campaign. In signing a number of guards and largely limiting her minutes this season, signs would point to the team making sure her body doesn’t break down again.

Except for the messaging from the team, at least for now.

“Don’t anticipate [ongoing issues],” White said, “but you know I’m not a doctor.”

#Caitlin #Clark #Fever #injury #team #managing #workload">Caitlin Clark out for Fever with back injury, team not managing her workload For the first time this season, the Fever will be without Caitlin Clark on Wednesday after the star guard was a late scratch due to a back injury.According to head coach Stephanie White, Clark woke up on Wednesday with back stiffness. After going through a workout, the Fever opted not to risk it and ruled her out. However, eyebrow-raiser, White later said that Clark did not participate in practice on Tuesday and received treatment instead, which raises questions about the timeline of events.“Just woke up with some stiffness and some soreness,” White said. “Like we always say, how do you respond after a workout? For us, it’s not the time to take a chance. We just really want to be cautious.”Last year’s Fever side was far more familiar with not having Clark available after she played just 13 games due to multiple injuries. However, White said pregame that this is not a matter of the team managing Clark’s workload but, instead, this is a legitimate injury.“No, absolutely not. There’s no managing,” White said. “She’s healthy. We’re not managing anything. This is just a back issue that we want to make sure we give the time to be ready.”While Clark had not been listed on any injury report with a back issue, it is not a new injury that has popped up. In the opening game of the season, Clark went into the tunnel on multiple occasions to get her back readjusted.At the same time, Clark has also repeatedly said her body has felt fine throughout this season, after a 2025 season that never really got off the ground.“I feel good,” Clark said after the recent loss to the Mystics. “Obviously, I’m sore, as is everybody. And we have one day in-between [games], so that’ll be my focus tonight.”Clark has been available for a particularly busy stretch to open the season. She played all three games in a five-day span against the Sparks, Mystics and Storm, the first of those on the road. In fact, Wednesday’s game is the fourth in eight days with the Fever playing again on Friday before having six days off.In theory, it would make sense that the Fever are limiting her minutes and workload this season after an injury-riddled sophomore campaign. In signing a number of guards and largely limiting her minutes this season, signs would point to the team making sure her body doesn’t break down again.Except for the messaging from the team, at least for now.“Don’t anticipate [ongoing issues],” White said, “but you know I’m not a doctor.” #Caitlin #Clark #Fever #injury #team #managing #workload

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