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Boston Bruins goaltender Linus Ullmark, New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin and Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck are the finalists for the Vezina Trophy, the NHL announced Thursday.

The Vezina goes to the goalie who is considered “to be the best at this position.”

Ullmark, who is in his second season with the Bruins, finished 40-6-1 with a 1.89 goals-against average and a .938 save percentage. Ullmark ended the regular season tied for the league lead in wins while leading the NHL outright in GAA and save percentage. Ullmark’s performances played a key role in the Bruins finishing with the best regular season record in NHL history with a 65-12-5 mark. The Bruins were eliminated in the first round by the Florida Panthers in seven games.

Sorokin, who is in his third season with the Islanders, set several career highs to help the Isles finish 42-31-9 while claiming one of the two Eastern Conference wild-card spots. Sorokin went 31-22-7 with a 2.34 GAA and a .924 save percentage. He finished ninth in wins, sixth in GAA and was third in save percentage. Sorokin also led the NHL in shutouts with six. The Islanders were also eliminated in the first round by the Carolina Hurricanes.

Hellebuyck, who is in his eighth season with the Jets, previously won the Vezina back in 2020. Hellebuyck finished 37-25-2 with a 2.49 GAA and a .920 save percentage. His performances were among the main reasons why the Jets captured one of the two Western Conference wild-card spots before they were eliminated in the first round by the Vegas Golden Knights. Hellebuyck was tied for third in wins, was 11th in GAA and fourth in save percentage while also being second in time on ice and saves.

The winner will be announced during the NHL Awards show on June 26 in Nashville.

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MLB: Iassogna crew chief, plate umpire for ASG

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MLB: Iassogna crew chief, plate umpire for ASG

NEW YORK — Dan Iassogna will be the umpire crew chief and work the plate during Tuesday night’s All-Star Game at Atlanta’s Truist Park.

His crew will include Marvin Hudson at first, Chris Segal at second, Jansen Visconti at third, Jeremie Rehak in left and Erich Bacchus in right, Major League Baseball said Thursday.

Iassogna, 56, will work his second All-Star Game. He was at third base for the 2011 game at Arizona.

He worked his first big league game in 1999, was hired to the major league staff in 2004 and appointed a crew chief ahead of the 2020 season. Iassogna umpired the World Series in 2012, ’17 and ’22 along with eight League Championship Series and seven Division Series.

Segal, Visconti, Rehak and Bacchus will work their first All-Star Games and Hudson his second after being in left field in 2004 at Houston.

Tony Randazzo will be the replay umpire in New York.

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A’s Rooker joins list of HR Derby participants

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A's Rooker joins list of HR Derby participants

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Athletics slugger Brent Rooker is adding his name to the list of Home Run Derby participants.

Rooker announced Thursday that he’s participating in the event, which takes place Monday in Atlanta. He will become the first Athletics player in the Home Run Derby since Matt Olson in 2021.

“Competing in the Home Run Derby has always been a dream of mine,” Rooker said in an Instagram post. “Can’t wait to make it happen next week in Atlanta! See ya there!”

Rooker, 30, entered Thursday with a .270 batting average, 19 homers and 50 RBIs, putting him on pace for a third straight season of at least 30 homers. He went deep 30 times in 2023 and had 39 homers in 2024.

His 58 homers since the start of the 2024 season rank him third among all American League players.

The only A’s to win the Derby were Mark McGwire in 1992 and Yoenis Céspedes in 2013 and 2014.

Other announced participants include Atlanta’s Ronald Acuña Jr., Minnesota’s Byron Buxton, Tampa Bay’s Junior Caminero, Pittsburgh’s Oneil Cruz, Seattle’s Cal Raleigh and Washington’s James Wood.

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Mets recall Acuna from Triple-A, DFA Jankowski

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Mets recall Acuna from Triple-A, DFA Jankowski

BALTIMORE — The New York Mets recalled 23-year-old utility man Luisangel Acuna from Triple-A Syracuse before Thursday’s split doubleheader against the Baltimore Orioles.

The brother of Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuna Jr., Luisangel Acuña went 13-for-45 (.286) for Syracuse after the Mets optioned him in late June.

Capable of playing second base, shortstop or the outfield, Acuna had batted .241 in 65 games before going to the minors.

“He was a big part of this team the first couple of months,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters. “We got to a point where we felt like, ‘Hey, let’s get him some everyday playing time. ‘And now it’s time for him to be back up here, continuing to help us win baseball games.”

In a corresponding move, the Mets designated outfielder Travis Jankowski for assignment.

Acuna was on the bench for New York’s first game of the doubleheader.

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