Bassitt joined the Baltimore Orioles this offseason after three years with the Toronto Blue Jays. His arrival came at a critical time; the Orioles were struggling with a team ERA of 4.39, ranking 22nd in MLB, and a WHIP of 1.44, placing them 24th.

After his first five starts, Bassitt had allowed 17 runs (16 earned) in just 21.2 innings, leading to some tough conversations. He initiated a ‘hard talk’ with his teammates, urging them to stop being ‘too cute’ with their pitching strategies.

Bassitt’s recent performance against the Astros was not just his best outing of this season; it marked his first quality start. His current ERA stands at 5.46, and his WHIP is 1.86. This improvement might be just what the Orioles need as they look to compete in the AL East.

The Orioles offered Bassitt a one-year deal worth $18.5 million, reflecting their belief in his potential impact on their pitching staff. His experience and influence could be pivotal as they aim for a playoff spot and, ultimately, a chance at the World Series.

As the season progresses, questions linger about whether Bassitt can maintain this momentum and help elevate an underperforming rotation. The team’s future may hinge on their ability to capitalize on this newfound energy.

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Cam Thomas has been waived by the Milwaukee Bucks after just 18 games, where he averaged 10.7 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 16.6 minutes per game. This decision comes as a surprise, especially considering Thomas scored an impressive 34 points in his second game with the team.

Signed on February 8, 2026, Thomas’s time with the Bucks was marked by inconsistency, contrasting sharply with his performance earlier in the season with the Brooklyn Nets, where he averaged 15.6 points over 24 games. His ability to score has never been in question, but the Bucks evidently found his contributions lacking.

Thomas’s journey has been tumultuous; he was previously cut by the Brooklyn Nets before joining the Bucks. His recent release raises questions about his future in the league. “They don’t believe in nobody,” Thomas remarked, hinting at the challenges he faced during his time with the Bucks.

In the wake of Thomas’s departure, the Bucks converted Pete Nance’s two-way contract to a standard NBA deal, indicating a shift in their roster strategy. Doc Rivers, who has been vocal about the team’s dynamics, described the situation as “just a tough one, honestly,” suggesting that the decision was not taken lightly.

Despite his potential, Thomas faces a significant hurdle: if he signs with a playoff team, he will not be eligible for the postseason due to being signed after the March 1 cutoff. This limitation could significantly impact his options moving forward.

As a restricted free agent last summer, Thomas opted for a one-year qualifying offer with the Nets, a decision that now seems to have complicated his career trajectory. Observers are left wondering where he will land next and how this will affect his development as a player.

While the Bucks have moved on, the basketball community will be watching closely to see how Thomas navigates this latest setback. His talent is undeniable, but the path ahead is fraught with uncertainty. Details remain unconfirmed regarding his next steps.

The post Cam Thomas Waived by Milwaukee Bucks After Short Stint appeared first on News Canada.

Cam Thomas’s time with the Milwaukee Bucks has come to an abrupt end, as he was waived after just 18 games. During his stint, he averaged 10.7 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 16.6 minutes per game, a performance that, while respectable, did not secure his place on the roster.

Thomas, who signed with the Bucks on February 8, 2026, made an immediate impact by scoring 34 points in his second game. However, this early promise was not enough to maintain his position, especially considering his prior performance with the Brooklyn Nets, where he averaged 15.6 points over 24 games this season.

His release from the Bucks comes as a surprise, particularly given that he was a restricted free agent last summer but opted for a one-year qualifying offer with the Nets. The decision to waive him raises questions about his fit within the Bucks’ system and their overall strategy moving forward.

Doc Rivers, a prominent figure in the league, commented on the situation, stating, “It’s just a tough one, honestly,” reflecting the challenges teams face in making roster decisions. He also noted, “He deserved it,” indicating that Thomas’s efforts were recognized despite the outcome.

With the postseason approaching, Thomas’s future remains uncertain. If he signs with another playoff team, he will be ineligible for the postseason due to the March 1 cutoff. This adds another layer of complexity to his situation, as teams will weigh his potential contributions against the timing of his signing.

In a twist, Pete Nance’s two-way contract was converted to a standard NBA deal following Thomas’s release, suggesting that the Bucks are looking to solidify their roster as they navigate the remainder of the season.

As observers watch closely, the implications of Thomas’s release extend beyond his individual career. It raises questions about the Bucks’ direction and how they plan to bolster their lineup as they aim for a successful playoff run.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding potential landing spots for Thomas, but his performance history suggests he could still be a valuable asset for teams looking to enhance their backcourt depth.

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