MLB Scores: Mets 6, Cardinals 1

Mar 5, 2026; West Palm Beach, Florida, USA; New York Mets third baseman Brett Baty (7) returns to the dugout against the Washington Nationals during the first inning at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

The Mets topped the Cardinals 6-1 in Tuesday’s Grapefruit League game to earn their fourth straight spring victory. The Mets improved their Grapefruit League record to 9-5 (along with one tie).

  • David Peterson picked up where he left off in his spring debut on March 4. He followed up his three shutout innings against Israel by tossing four innings of one-run ball against the Cardinals. He allowed two hits, struck out three, and did not walk a batter. The lone run he surrendered came on a two-out home run to Nelson Velázquez in the first inning. He threw 35 of his 52 pitches (67%) for strikes.
  • The Mets overcame the early 1-0 deficit with relative ease. They tied things up in the bottom of the first with a Brett Baty two-out single, which plated Jorge Polanco with New York’s first run. Polanco had reached first on a single and advanced to second on a Bo Bichette ground out.
  • The Mets jumped all over Jared Shuster for three runs in the third inning. Polanco hit his first home run in a Mets uniform. Three batters later, following a Bichette single and a Baty ground out, Francisco Alvarez pummeled a baseball 439 ft to give the Mets a 4-1 lead.
  • Baty, who played right field in this game, drove home another run in the fifth on a single. In total, he had two hits in three at-bats, drove in two runs, and scored a run.
  • Ji Hwan Bae tripled home a run in the sixth to extend New York’s lead to five.
  • Brooks Raley pitched a perfect fifth inning.
  • Christian Scott hurled three shutout innings in relief for the Mets. He struck out four but also walked four batters. He allowed just one hit over the three frames.
  • Bryan Hudson hurled a scoreless ninth inning to close the win out for New York.
  • The Mets recorded 14 total hits on the afternoon, including two hits apiece from Baty, Polanco, Alvarez, and Bae.

2025 Season in Review: Joc Pederson

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 20: Joc Pederson #4 of the Texas Rangers takes a lead from first base during the first inning against the Miami Marlins at Globe Life Field on September 20, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images) | Getty Images

With the 2025 Texas Rangers season having come to an end, we shall be, over the course of the offseason, taking a look at every player who appeared in a major league game for the Texas Rangers in 2025.

Today we are looking at designated hitter Joc Pederson.

You probably don’t want to think about Joc Pederson’s 2025 season. I know I don’t. Joc Pederson probably doesn’t want to, either.

Or you do want to think about it, but only to rage about it, and how the Texas Rangers never should have signed him.

Look, I wasn’t enthused about the signing, either. But then, I wasn’t enthused about signing Nathan Eovaldi after the 2022 season, and look how that turned out.

The idea was that Pederson would mash against righthanded pitchers and would provide good vibes and everything would be good.

Things were not, of course, good, as far as Joc Pederson’s 2025 season went. Far from it.

There was the 0 for 41 streak in April that messed things up. And you know, part of what that streak so brutal — aside from the fact that it was an 0 for 41 streak, which is historically bad — is that he wasn’t walking, either. He had three walks in that stretch. Walks are one of the things that Joc Pederson was supposed to be doing good.

Also making it worse was that Pederson wasn’t tearing it up before the hitless streak. Through April 2, a seven game span, Joc was hitting only .158/.273/.211 on the season. The 0 for 41 streak started during that April 2 game, after he had recorded a hit in the game. After the 41st hitless at bat in a row, Pederson’s slash line on the season was .052/141/.069.

Imagine coming up to the plate and having to see that line on the scoreboard.

Pederson also missed two months with an injury. One would like to think that his overall season line — .181/.285/.328 — would have been better if he hadn’t missed those two months, that he would have put up a better slash line than that in that two month period. One would like to think that.

Part of what is so weird about Pederson’s 2025 season is that his K rate was in line with previous seasons. His walk rate was in line with previous seasons. His hard hit rate was in line with previous seasons. His barrel percentage was down, but not so much you’d expect to see the sort of cratering Pederson experienced.

He did have a very large spread between his wOBA (.276) and his xwOBA (.315), though he’s also very slow, which can contribute to that. That .315 xwOBA is still the lowest of his career. His .203 BABIP was the second lowest of his career, trailing only 2020, when he slashed .190/.285/.397 in 43 games for the Dodgers in the pandemic season.

I feel like I should go do a deep dive and get a better handle on what went wrong with Pederson in 2025. It would just depress me though. So I’m not gonna do that.

Previously:

Gerson Garabito

Tyler Mahle

Kyle Higashioka

Adolis Garcia

Luis Curvelo

Alejandro Osuna

Blaine Crim

Jake Burger

Jacob Webb

Nick Ahmed

Jon Gray

Carl Edwards Jr.

Josh Jung

Leody Taveras

Dustin Harris

Marc Church

Luke Jackson

Danny Coulombe

Wyatt Langford

Dylan Moore

Michael Helman

Evan Carter

Cole Winn

Rowdy Tellez

Dane Dunning

Marcus Semien

Billy McKinney

Jose Corniell

Jonah Heim

Cody Freeman

Sam Haggerty

Jacob deGrom

Merrill Kelly

Caleb Boushley

Justin Foscue

Nathan Eovaldi

Chris Martin

Patrick Corbin

Francisco Alvarez hits mammoth home run, A.J. Ewing continues to shine in Mets' win over Cardinals

The Mets beat the Cardinals, 6-1, on Tuesday as their spring training slate continued.


Here are the takeaways...

- Francisco Alvarez lined a blistering RBI single (106.7 mph exit velocity) in the first inning. In the third, Alvarez hit a monster two-run homer to center field, sending it 439 feet and clear over the batter's eye in center field. The ball came off his bat at 111.5 mph.

Alvarez also shined behind the plate, unleashing a perfect throw to nail Victor Scott II trying to steal second base in the third inning.

Alvarez finished 2-for-3 and has a 1.492 OPS this spring. 

- Brett Baty started in right field as he continues to prepare for a role that could include plenty of time in the outfield, at first base, and at designated hitter.

At the plate, he continued to perform well, going 2-for-3 with two RBI and a run scored. 

In the field, Baty secured the first chance that came his way -- a routine fly ball he didn't have to move far for. Baty's second chance was more eventful, with him making a nice sliding catch while charging in.

- Jorge Polanco had a big day at the plate. He singled his first time up and crushed a solo homer to left field in his second at-bat. Polanco finished 2-for-2 with a walk. He is hitting .333 with a 1.167 OPS this spring. 

- David Petersongot the start and was sharp.

In four innings, Peterson allowed one run (on a solo homer) on two hits while walking none and striking out three. 

- Christian Scott got his second taste of game action since returning from Tommy John surgery. 

Scott issued four walks in his three scoreless innings but was impressive nonetheless, allowing just one hit while striking out four as his fastball sat between 94 and 96 mph.

- Bo Bichettewent 1-for-2 with a walk and had a nice day defensively at third base, including a spinning throw on a tricky grounder to his left in the fifth inning. 

- Outfield prospectA.J. Ewing continued to open eyes. He hit a 105.2 mph rocket of a double off the wall in left-center in his first at-bat. In the fourth inning, he drew a leadoff walk and promptly stole second base.

- Lefty relievers Brooks Raley and Bryan Hudson delivered one scoreless inning of relief each. 

Highlights

What's next

The Mets are off on Wednesday.

They travel to face the Cardinals on Thursday at 1:05 p.m.

Royals vs. Mariners Spring Training thread

Cole Ragans covers his face with a glove in a dark room
Who is this mystery | Getty Images

With their best players playing elsewhere, the Kansas City Royals are 6-9 (nice). And in today’s contest, they’ll face a team with a worse Spring Training record: the 4-12 Seattle Mariners.

It’s the Battle for Grass Creek, in other words, but a preseason version. The Royals will send Cole Ragans to the mound. As a reminder, Team USA had asked Ragans to pitch for them, but he declined in pursuit of a more normal Spring Training experience following an injury-filled 2025.

Royals 3/10 gameday lineup

Mariners 3/10 gameday lineup

2026 Fantasy Baseball NL-Only Dollar Values: Shohei Ohtani, Paul Skenes, Ronald Acuña Jr. lead the way

Presented below are our current dollar values for 2026 5x5 12-team NL-only leagues using two catchers. For convenience, the values are divided by position starting with catcher.

We'll be keeping these updated through Opening Day.

⚾️ Coming soon: MLB returns to NBC and Peacock in 2026! In addition to becoming the exclusive home of Sunday Night Baseball, NBC Sports will broadcast MLB Sunday Leadoff, “Opening Day” and Labor Day primetime games, the first round of the MLB Draft, the entire Wild Card round of the postseason, and much more.

2026 Fantasy Baseball NL-only League Dollar Values

PosPlayerTeam$$
CWilliam ContrerasBrewers$17
CAgustin RamirezMarlins$16
CHunter GoodmanRockies$16
CDrake BaldwinBraves$14
CWill SmithDodgers$12
CGabriel MorenoDiamondbacks$11
CJ.T. RealmutoPhillies$8
CFrancisco AlvarezMets$6
CTyler StephensonReds$5
CPatrick BaileyGiants$4
CFreddy FerminPadres$4
CJoey BartPirates$3
CHarry FordNationals$3
CCarson KellyCubs$2
CMiguel AmayaCubs$2
CSean MurphyBraves$2
CJoe MackMarlins$1
CDalton RushingDodgers$1
CHenry DavisPirates$1
CGary SanchezBrewers$1
CJonah HeimBraves$1
CJose TrevinoReds$1
CKeibert RuizNationals$1
1BFreddie FreemanDodgers$21
1BBryce HarperPhillies$21
1BSal StewartReds$16
1BMatt OlsonBraves$15
1BRafael DeversGiants$14
1BAlec BurlesonCardinals$12
1BMichael BuschCubs$12
1BAndrew VaughnBrewers$10
1BLuis ArraezGiants$8
1BSpencer SteerReds$5
1BRyan O’HearnPirates$5
1BSpencer HorwitzPirates$4
1BTroy JohnstonRockies$3
1BPavin SmithDiamondbacks$2
1BNathaniel LoweReds$2
1BChristian Encarnacion-StrandReds$1
1BJake BauersBrewers$1
2BKetel MarteDiamondbacks$22
2BBrice TurangBrewers$17
2BNico HoernerCubs$12
2BJorge PolancoMets$11
2BMatt McLainReds$11
2BBryson StottPhillies$9
2BLuis Garcia Jr.Nationals$9
2BBrandon LowePirates$8
2BBrett BatyMets$8
2BMarcus SemienMets$8
2BWilli CastroRockies$7
2BOzzie AlbiesBraves$5
2BTommy EdmanDodgers$5
2BJake CronenworthPadres$4
2BEdouard JulienRockies$3
2BJose FerminCardinals$2
2BLuis RengifoBrewers$2
2BNolan GormanCardinals$1
2BDavid HamiltonBrewers$1
2BHyeseong KimDodgers$1
2BAdael AmadorRockies$1
2BDylan MoorePhillies$1
2BNick GonzalesPirates$1
2BRamon UriasCardinals$1
2BJavier SanojaMarlins$1
3BAustin RileyBraves$22
3BManny MachadoPadres$19
3BEugenio SuarezReds$13
3BNoelvi MarteReds$13
3BAlec BohmPhillies$12
3BAlex BregmanCubs$11
3BMatt ChapmanGiants$9
3BMax MuncyDodgers$8
3BJordan LawlarDiamondbacks$7
3BNolan ArenadoDiamondbacks$5
3BBrady HouseNationals$5
3BConnor NorbyMarlins$3
3BKe’Bryan HayesReds$3
3BMark VientosMets$2
3BSung Mun SongPadres$1
3BMatt ShawCubs$1
3BMiguel AndujarPadres$1
3BRonny MauricioMets$1
SSElly De La CruzReds$32
SSTrea TurnerPhillies$25
SSFrancisco LindorMets$24
SSCJ AbramsNationals$23
SSGeraldo PerdomoDiamondbacks$17
SSBo BichetteMets$16
SSXavier EdwardsMarlins$13
SSMookie BettsDodgers$13
SSWilly AdamesGiants$11
SSEzequiel TovarRockies$11
SSXander BogaertsPadres$10
SSDansby SwansonCubs$9
SSOtto LopezMarlins$9
SSMasyn WinnCardinals$8
SSKonnor GriffinPirates$7
SSJJ WetherholtCardinals$5
SSJared TrioloPirates$4
SSHa-Seong KimBraves$3
SSJoey OrtizBrewers$2
SSThomas SaggeseCardinals$1
SSJorge MateoBraves$1
SSMauricio DubonBraves$1
SSNasim NunezNationals$1
SSMiguel RojasDodgers$1
OFRonald Acuna Jr.Braves$40
OFJuan SotoMets$39
OFKyle TuckerDodgers$33
OFFernando Tatis Jr.Padres$29
OFJackson ChourioBrewers$28
OFCorbin CarrollDiamondbacks$26
OFJames WoodNationals$24
OFMichael Harris IIBraves$22
OFPete Crow-ArmstrongCubs$21
OFJackson MerrillPadres$19
OFDylan CrewsNationals$16
OFLuis Robert Jr.Mets$16
OFSeiya SuzukiCubs$15
OFOneil CruzPirates$15
OFKyle StowersMarlins$15
OFChristian YelichBrewers$14
OFDaylen LileNationals$13
OFBryan ReynoldsPirates$13
OFTeoscar HernandezDodgers$12
OFBrenton DoyleRockies$12
OFAndy PagesDodgers$11
OFJakob MarseeMarlins$11
OFIan HappCubs$10
OFJordan BeckRockies$10
OFAdolis GarciaPhillies$9
OFJung Hoo LeeGiants$9
OFHeliot RamosGiants$8
OFRamon LaureanoPadres$7
OFSal FrelickBrewers$7
OFMickey MoniakRockies$7
OFBrandon MarshPhillies$7
OFChristopher MorelMarlins$7
OFTJ FriedlReds$6
OFLars NootbaarCardinals$5
OFJordan WalkerCardinals$5
OFVictor Scott IICardinals$5
OFOwen CaissieMarlins$4
OFJustin CrawfordPhillies$4
OFJake McCarthyRockies$4
OFGavin SheetsPadres$3
OFNick CastellanosPadres$3
OFCarson BengeMets$3
OFTyler FreemanRockies$3
OFGarrett MitchellBrewers$3
OFMike YastrzemskiBraves$3
OFHarrison BaderGiants$2
OFJacob YoungNationals$2
OFAlek ThomasDiamondbacks$2
OFZac VeenRockies$2
OFJJ BledayReds$1
OFLuis MatosGiants$1
OFLourdes Gurriel Jr.Diamondbacks$1
OFMichael ConfortoCubs$1
OFWill BensonReds$1
OFJake MangumPirates$1
DHShohei OhtaniDodgers$46
DHKyle SchwarberPhillies$30
DHIvan HerreraCardinals$12
DHMarcell OzunaPirates$9
DHBryce EldridgeGiants$3
DHMoises BallesterosCubs$3
SPPaul SkenesPirates$44
SPCristopher SanchezPhillies$33
SPYoshinobu YamamotoDodgers$27
SPLogan WebbGiants$23
SPChris SaleBraves$23
SPShohei OhtaniDodgers$23
SPJacob MisiorowskiBrewers$20
SPZack WheelerPhillies$18
SPBlake SnellDodgers$18
SPJesus LuzardoPhillies$17
SPEury PerezMarlins$17
SPNick PivettaPadres$17
SPNolan McLeanMets$16
SPJoe MusgrovePadres$16
SPFreddy PeraltaMets$15
SPCade HortonCubs$13
SPMatthew BoydCubs$13
SPSandy AlcantaraMarlins$12
SPBrandon WoodruffBrewers$11
SPTyler GlasnowDodgers$11
SPEdward CabreraCubs$11
SPEmmet SheehanDodgers$11
SPShota ImanagaCubs$11
SPChase BurnsReds$10
SPMichael KingPadres$10
SPNick LodoloReds$10
SPJameson TaillonCubs$9
SPBubba ChandlerPirates$9
SPSpencer StriderBraves$9
SPHunter GreeneReds$9
SPClay HolmesMets$8
SPSean ManaeaMets$8
SPReynaldo LopezBraves$8
SPMerrill KellyDiamondbacks$7
SPBrandon PfaadtDiamondbacks$7
SPJustin SteeleCubs$7
SPLogan HendersonBrewers$7
SPBraxton AshcraftPirates$6
SPRyne NelsonDiamondbacks$6
SPQuinn PriesterBrewers$6
SPKodai SengaMets$6
SPAaron NolaPhillies$5
SPAndrew AbbottReds$5
SPRobbie RayGiants$5
SPZac GallenDiamondbacks$5
SPChad PatrickBrewers$5
SPAaron AshbyBrewers$4
SPBrady SingerReds$4
SPBraxton GarrettMarlins$4
SPSpencer SchwellenbachBraves$4
SPJonah TongMets$3
SPMax MeyerMarlins$3
SPMichael McGreevyCardinals$2
SPRoki SasakiDodgers$2
SPCarmen MlodzinskiPirates$2
SPJared JonesPirates$2
SPCade CavalliNationals$2
SPTyler MahleGiants$1
SPMitch KellerPirates$1
SPRhett LowderReds$1
SPChristian ScottMets$1
SPLanden RouppGiants$1
SPMichael SorokaDiamondbacks$1
SPAndrew PainterPhillies$1
SPKyle LeahyCardinals$1
SPDavid PetersonMets$1
SPMatthew LiberatoreCardinals$1
SPGrant HolmesBraves$1
SPGriffin CanningPadres$1
SPDustin MayCardinals$1
SPRiver RyanDodgers$1
SPKyle HarrisonBrewers$1
RPMason MillerPadres$26
RPEdwin DiazDodgers$23
RPJhoan DuranPhillies$21
RPDevin WilliamsMets$20
RPDaniel PalenciaCubs$16
RPRaisel IglesiasBraves$13
RPTrevor MegillBrewers$11
RPEmilio PaganReds$11
RPRyan WalkerGiants$10
RPAbner UribeBrewers$9
RPPete FairbanksMarlins$9
RPDennis SantanaPirates$8
RPRiley O’BrienCardinals$6
RPRobert SuarezBraves$5
RPGraham AshcraftReds$3
RPAdrian MorejonPadres$3
RPDylan LeeBraves$2
RPJeremiah EstradaPadres$2
RPOrion KerkeringPhillies$2
RPClayton BeeterNationals$2
RPKevin GinkelDiamondbacks$2
RPTanner ScottDodgers$1
RPPhil MatonCubs$1
RPJared KoenigBrewers$1
RPMason MontgomeryPirates$1
RPBrad KellerPhillies$1
RPLuke WeaverMets$1
RPJose AlvaradoPhillies$1
RPJoJo RomeroCardinals$1
RPJason AdamPadres$1
RPBen CaspariusDodgers$1

Luka Doncic fined for making money sign towards refs

The NBA is taking action after Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic's latest interaction with officials.

At the 4:35 mark of the third quarter in the Lakers' 110-97 win over the New York Knicks on Sunday at Crypto.com Arena, Doncic attempted to draw a charge on Knicks forward Mohamed Diawara on a fast break, but no foul was called and the Knicks got a transition layup.

While still laying on the floor, Doncic rubbed his fingers together on both hands, making the universal money sign.

Two days later, Doncic has been fined $50,000 for "directing an inappropriate and unprofessional gesture toward a game official," NBA executive vice president and head of basketball operations James Jones announced via a statement released by the league on Tuesday.

This is the latest instance of Doncic butting heads with referees. On March 6, he received his 15th technical foul of the season, putting him just one call away from an automatic one-game suspension. He's currently the player with the second-most technicals in the NBA, behind only Dillion Brooks.

Luka Doncic stats

Gesture aside, Doncic played as well as he has all season in Sunday's game, scoring 35 points on 44% shooting with eight rebounds and four assists. His season averages are on par with his career numbers and his 32.5 points per game leads the NBA, positioning himself to win the scoring title and as a legitimate contender in the MVP race.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Luka Doncic fined for making money gesture towards officials

Luka Doncic fined $50,000 by NBA for 'inappropriate' gesture toward official

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 6, 2026: Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) hydrates during a timeout against the Indiana Pacers at Crypto.com Arena on March 6, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
Lakers guard Luka Doncic has been fined $50,000 by the NBA. He's one technical foul away from an automatic one-game suspension. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times)

Lakers star Luka Doncic was fined $50,000 on Tuesday for directing an "inappropriate and unprofessional gesture toward a game official" during the Lakers' win over the New York Knicks on Sunday, the NBA announced.

The moment came during the third quarter when Doncic didn't get the charge call after stepping in front of Knicks forward Mohamed Diawara in transition. Diawara dumped off a pass to Josh Hart for an easy layup, while Doncic, lying flat on his back under the basket, looked at the closest official and rubbed his fingers together as if flashing money.

Doncic was not penalized during the game, which the Lakers won 110-97, but he has had his battles with referees this season. With 15 technical fouls, he is just one away from a mandatory one-game suspension. He is one technical foul behind league leader Dillon Brooks.

Doncic did later draw a charge in the game. He has drawn a career-high 12 charges this season, which ranks third on the team. The Lakers lead the NBA in charges drawn with 53, led by Marcus Smart's 16 and Austin Reaves' 14.

"Just trying to copy Marcus and AR," Doncic said.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

Jaroslav Chmelař Refers To 2025-26 Season As A ‘Dream Come True’

Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Brad Penner-Imagn Images

It’s been a whirlwind of a year for Jaroslav Chmelař. 

For any fifth-round pick, it’s an uphill battle to eventually crack an NHL roster, and it was no different for Chmelař, who was selected by the New York Rangers with the 144th overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft. 

Over the years, Chmelař has climbed the Rangers’ prospect rankings, culminating in this season, where he earned some NHL time. 

While he may have yet to carve out a permanent role with the Blueshirts, the 22-year-old forward expressed his gratitude for his time in the NHL thus far.

“Really, really special,” Chmelař said of the nine NHL games he’s played in. “If you would have told me that in the summer, I would have told you, ‘I’m going to do my best.’ Now that I've been up here a couple of times, it's a dream come true. Being around the guys, learn from them, see what they do on the ice it’s been awesome.”

Chmelař has been called up a couple of times throughout the 2025-26 campaign, as Mike Sullivan was informed earlier in the season that Chmelař was the Hartford Wolf Pack's best and most consistent player.

Spending most of his time in the American Hockey League over the course of the season, Chmelař has thrived, playing top-six minutes in a prominent role with the Wolf Pack. 

In 46 games with the Wolf Pack, the Czech native has recorded eight goals, 17 assists, and 25 points.

It’s taken quite a while for Chmelař to make a name for himself, but he always knew making the NHL was within his reach. 

“I think it’s just dedication,” Chmelař said of the strides he’s made. “Everybody has that goal, to come up here and stay. I’ve been doing my best the past few years to achieve that goal.”

Chmelař has been playing a bottom-six role with the Rangers, averaging 8:14 minutes in nine games. 

On March 5 in the Rangers’ 6-2 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs, Chmelař scored his first NHL goal in grand fashion on a breakaway, and the celebration said all you needed to know about the young rookie’s emotions. 

J.T. Miller Slated To Return To Rangers' Lineup Sooner Rather Than Later J.T. Miller Slated To Return To Rangers' Lineup Sooner Rather Than Later J.T Miller appears to be inching toward a return to the New York Rangers’ lineup. 

“I can't really describe how special it was. It was insane,” Chmelař emphasized. “Scoring the first one at Madison Square Garden, where all the people went crazy, it’s just a feeling I will never forget.”

Given the Rangers’ current situation, in the midst of a “retool” as Chris Drury put it in his Jan. 16 letter to fans, Chmelař, along with other prospects, have a real opportunity to audition for a permanent spot in New York’s lineup moving into the future. 

“Every time I step on the ice, I want to put my name up there, and put the best game for everybody to see,” Chmelař said. “I want to be helpful for teammates, so hopefully good things come out of that.”

Jaroslav Chmelař Refers To 2025-26 Season As A ‘Dream Come True’

Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Brad Penner-Imagn Images

It’s been a whirlwind of a year for Jaroslav Chmelař. 

For any fifth-round pick, it’s an uphill battle to eventually crack an NHL roster, and it was no different for Chmelař, who was selected by the New York Rangers with the 144th overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft. 

Over the years, Chmelař has climbed the Rangers’ prospect rankings, culminating in this season, where he earned some NHL time. 

While he may have yet to carve out a permanent role with the Blueshirts, the 22-year-old forward expressed his gratitude for his time in the NHL thus far.

“Really, really special,” Chmelař said of the nine NHL games he’s played in. “If you would have told me that in the summer, I would have told you, ‘I’m going to do my best.’ Now that I've been up here a couple of times, it's a dream come true. Being around the guys, learn from them, see what they do on the ice it’s been awesome.”

Chmelař has been called up a couple of times throughout the 2025-26 campaign, as Mike Sullivan was informed earlier in the season that Chmelař was the Hartford Wolf Pack's best and most consistent player.

Spending most of his time in the American Hockey League over the course of the season, Chmelař has thrived, playing top-six minutes in a prominent role with the Wolf Pack. 

In 46 games with the Wolf Pack, the Czech native has recorded eight goals, 17 assists, and 25 points.

It’s taken quite a while for Chmelař to make a name for himself, but he always knew making the NHL was within his reach. 

“I think it’s just dedication,” Chmelař said of the strides he’s made. “Everybody has that goal, to come up here and stay. I’ve been doing my best the past few years to achieve that goal.”

Chmelař has been playing a bottom-six role with the Rangers, averaging 8:14 minutes in nine games. 

On March 5 in the Rangers’ 6-2 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs, Chmelař scored his first NHL goal in grand fashion on a breakaway, and the celebration said all you needed to know about the young rookie’s emotions. 

J.T. Miller Slated To Return To Rangers' Lineup Sooner Rather Than Later J.T. Miller Slated To Return To Rangers' Lineup Sooner Rather Than Later J.T Miller appears to be inching toward a return to the New York Rangers’ lineup. 

“I can't really describe how special it was. It was insane,” Chmelař emphasized. “Scoring the first one at Madison Square Garden, where all the people went crazy, it’s just a feeling I will never forget.”

Given the Rangers’ current situation, in the midst of a “retool” as Chris Drury put it in his Jan. 16 letter to fans, Chmelař, along with other prospects, have a real opportunity to audition for a permanent spot in New York’s lineup moving into the future. 

“Every time I step on the ice, I want to put my name up there, and put the best game for everybody to see,” Chmelař said. “I want to be helpful for teammates, so hopefully good things come out of that.”

Jaroslav Chmelař Refers To 2025-26 Season As A ‘Dream Come True’

Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Brad Penner-Imagn Images

It’s been a whirlwind of a year for Jaroslav Chmelař. 

For any fifth-round pick, it’s an uphill battle to eventually crack an NHL roster, and it was no different for Chmelař, who was selected by the New York Rangers with the 144th overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft. 

Over the years, Chmelař has climbed the Rangers’ prospect rankings, culminating in this season, where he earned some NHL time. 

While he may have yet to carve out a permanent role with the Blueshirts, the 22-year-old forward expressed his gratitude for his time in the NHL thus far.

“Really, really special,” Chmelař said of the nine NHL games he’s played in. “If you would have told me that in the summer, I would have told you, ‘I’m going to do my best.’ Now that I've been up here a couple of times, it's a dream come true. Being around the guys, learn from them, see what they do on the ice it’s been awesome.”

Chmelař has been called up a couple of times throughout the 2025-26 campaign, as Mike Sullivan was informed earlier in the season that Chmelař was the Hartford Wolf Pack's best and most consistent player.

Spending most of his time in the American Hockey League over the course of the season, Chmelař has thrived, playing top-six minutes in a prominent role with the Wolf Pack. 

In 46 games with the Wolf Pack, the Czech native has recorded eight goals, 17 assists, and 25 points.

It’s taken quite a while for Chmelař to make a name for himself, but he always knew making the NHL was within his reach. 

“I think it’s just dedication,” Chmelař said of the strides he’s made. “Everybody has that goal, to come up here and stay. I’ve been doing my best the past few years to achieve that goal.”

Chmelař has been playing a bottom-six role with the Rangers, averaging 8:14 minutes in nine games. 

On March 5 in the Rangers’ 6-2 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs, Chmelař scored his first NHL goal in grand fashion on a breakaway, and the celebration said all you needed to know about the young rookie’s emotions. 

J.T. Miller Slated To Return To Rangers' Lineup Sooner Rather Than Later J.T. Miller Slated To Return To Rangers' Lineup Sooner Rather Than Later J.T Miller appears to be inching toward a return to the New York Rangers’ lineup. 

“I can't really describe how special it was. It was insane,” Chmelař emphasized. “Scoring the first one at Madison Square Garden, where all the people went crazy, it’s just a feeling I will never forget.”

Given the Rangers’ current situation, in the midst of a “retool” as Chris Drury put it in his Jan. 16 letter to fans, Chmelař, along with other prospects, have a real opportunity to audition for a permanent spot in New York’s lineup moving into the future. 

“Every time I step on the ice, I want to put my name up there, and put the best game for everybody to see,” Chmelař said. “I want to be helpful for teammates, so hopefully good things come out of that.”

ST Game 19: San Diego Padres at Los Angeles Angels

San Diego Padres at Los Angeles Angels, March 10, 2026, 1:10 p.m. PST

Watch: None

Location: Tempe Diablo Stadium – Tempe, AZ

Listen: 97.3 The Fan



Please remember our Game Day thread guidelines.

  • Don’t troll in your comments; create conversation rather than destroying it
  • Remember Gaslamp Ball is basically a non-profanity site
  • Out of respect to broadcast partners who have paid to carry the game, no mentions of “alternative” (read: illegal) viewing methods are allowed in our threads

GB community, this is your thread for today’s game. Enjoy!

Mariners Spring Training 2026, Game #18

In case you are feeling poorly about your abilities today, a professional photographer took this picture of Cooper Criswell with this crop and published it
FORT MYERS, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 18: Cooper Criswell #64 of the Boston Red Sox looks on during photo day before a Spring Training workout at JetBlue Park at Fenway South in Fort Myers, Florida on February 18, 2025. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) | Getty Images

It’s been an…interesting day around Mariners camp, today’s lineup notwithstanding. Righty Cooper Criswell gets the nod to continue making his case for a spot in the Mariners’ bullpen.

Lineups:

Also scheduled to pitch for the Mariners: Michael Rucker, Cole Wilcox, Casey Legumina, and Robinson Ortiz

Roster moves:

The Mariners re-assigned RHP Gabe Mosser, OF Jared Sundstrom, and INF/OF Blake Rambusch to minor-league camp.

Game information:

Game time: 1:10 PT

TV: No

Radio: 710 AM Seattle Sports (delayed to 7 PM PT); Seattle Sports app, Mariners.com and Gameday

Colorado Rockies spring training game no. 19 thread: Brandon Williamson vs. Ryan Feltner

Apr 28, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Ryan Feltner (18) pitches in the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images | Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Today, the Colorado Rockies welcome the Cincinnati Reds to Salt River Fields.

Starting for the Reds is Brandon Williamson.

The lefty has a 4.0 ERA in 4.0 IP. He’s struck out six and has a 1.00 WHIP. 

Taking the mound for the Rockies will be RHP Ryan Feltner.

Currently, he has an ERA of 11.81 in 5.1 IP. He’s struck out 8 while giving up 39 and has a 2.06 WHIP.

And now to the details.

First Pitch: 2:10 pm MDT

TV: None

Radio: Reds WLW 700

Lineups:

For the visiting Reds:

And the home Rockies:


Please keep in mind our Purple Row Community Guidelines when you’re commenting. Thanks!

Brett Kulak Returns To Familiar Territory Against Oilers

DENVER — Brett Kulak won’t need much of a scouting report tonight.

Few players in the league know the inner workings of the Edmonton Oilers quite like the veteran defenseman, who spent years inside their locker room and helped them reach back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals. Now, after a whirlwind season that has already taken him through three organizations, Kulak finds himself on the opposite side again — armed with firsthand knowledge of one of the NHL’s most explosive offenses.

This matchup carries a unique wrinkle: it will be Kulak’s third time facing Edmonton this season, and his second different team while doing it.

Kulak began the year with the Oilers before being traded in December to the Pittsburgh Penguins as part of the deal that sent goaltender Tristan Jarry to Edmonton. His Penguins debut came against his former club on Dec. 16, and just over a month later he lined up across from them again.

Brett Kulak speaks to the media on facing his old team yet again.

Now the journey has taken yet another turn.

Just before the trade deadline, Pittsburgh dealt Kulak to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for defenseman Samuel Girard and a 2028 second-round pick. The move placed him on his third team in as many months — and set up yet another reunion with the franchise he once helped push to consecutive Western Conference titles.

Inside Knowledge

Kulak knows exactly what kind of challenge awaits.

"They're a high-octane offense, obviously very dangerous; they know how to put the puck in the net. I'm just looking...to limit time and space, have good gaps, and make sure your legs are ready to work."

And that starts with the league’s most dangerous weapon.

Connor McDavid, the Oilers’ captain, leads all NHL skaters this season with a top speed of 24.61 mph, according to NHL EDGE tracking. His pace is matched only by his production: McDavid has piled up 35 goals and a league-leading 73 assists for a league-best 108 points.

Connor McDavid is one of the greatest hockey players of this generation. Credit: Neville E. Guard
Connor McDavid is one of the greatest hockey players of this generation. Credit: Neville E. Guard

Containing that kind of firepower requires a full-team effort.

If Colorado hopes to slow Edmonton down, it will take more than Kulak’s familiarity with his former teammates. Every Avalanche skater will need to stay disciplined, manage gaps, and be prepared for the relentless pace the Oilers bring every night.

Colorado’s Focus: Play Their Game

Still, even with his insider knowledge, Kulak said the Avalanche’s approach isn’t built around tailoring the game plan to one opponent — or worrying about what his former teammates might know about his tendencies.

The Hockey News asked Kulak whether facing a team so familiar with his style requires strategic adjustments. He said the focus remains largely internal.

"Lots of our meetings here is pretty much all about us and the style we want to play," he explained. "Those are the things I take from the meetings. There's a couple things you're obviously keeping in mind on the style of play, the team you're playing against brings in, but for the most part, I think we're playing our game."

No Secrets in the Modern NHL

Head coach Jared Bednar echoed that philosophy, noting that in today’s NHL, information is readily available — basically Spygate 2.0, now with 4K video and no sneaky cameras.

"There's just so much information out there," he told The Hockey News. "The best way to break down the Oilers or any other team is just watch. We have every shift of every game available to us. So you spend the time, you watch it, you learn tendencies of individuals of their team, what the structure of their team is. You give your team the pertinent information and you go from there.

"On a day like today, I go through it all and ask Brett, 'Did I miss anything that's important?' He's like, 'Pretty much nailed it.' The information is there for you to watch and learn and all the coaches kind of do the same thing in their respective areas. So there's no real secrets nowadays."

For Kulak, the situation almost feels like a spy returning to familiar territory — only now he’s wearing different colors.

And against an Oilers team built on speed and skill, that knowledge could prove valuable, even in a league where, as Bednar put it, there are no secrets left.

Image

Brett Kulak Returns To Familiar Territory Against Oilers

DENVER — Brett Kulak won’t need much of a scouting report tonight.

Few players in the league know the inner workings of the Edmonton Oilers quite like the veteran defenseman, who spent years inside their locker room and helped them reach back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals. Now, after a whirlwind season that has already taken him through three organizations, Kulak finds himself on the opposite side again — armed with firsthand knowledge of one of the NHL’s most explosive offenses.

This matchup carries a unique wrinkle: it will be Kulak’s third time facing Edmonton this season, and his second different team while doing it.

Kulak began the year with the Oilers before being traded in December to the Pittsburgh Penguins as part of the deal that sent goaltender Tristan Jarry to Edmonton. His Penguins debut came against his former club on Dec. 16, and just over a month later he lined up across from them again.

Brett Kulak speaks to the media on facing his old team yet again.

Now the journey has taken yet another turn.

Just before the trade deadline, Pittsburgh dealt Kulak to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for defenseman Samuel Girard and a 2028 second-round pick. The move placed him on his third team in as many months — and set up yet another reunion with the franchise he once helped push to consecutive Western Conference titles.

Inside Knowledge

Kulak knows exactly what kind of challenge awaits.

"They're a high-octane offense, obviously very dangerous; they know how to put the puck in the net. I'm just looking...to limit time and space, have good gaps, and make sure your legs are ready to work."

And that starts with the league’s most dangerous weapon.

Connor McDavid, the Oilers’ captain, leads all NHL skaters this season with a top speed of 24.61 mph, according to NHL EDGE tracking. His pace is matched only by his production: McDavid has piled up 35 goals and a league-leading 73 assists for a league-best 108 points.

Connor McDavid is one of the greatest hockey players of this generation. Credit: Neville E. Guard
Connor McDavid is one of the greatest hockey players of this generation. Credit: Neville E. Guard

Containing that kind of firepower requires a full-team effort.

If Colorado hopes to slow Edmonton down, it will take more than Kulak’s familiarity with his former teammates. Every Avalanche skater will need to stay disciplined, manage gaps, and be prepared for the relentless pace the Oilers bring every night.

Colorado’s Focus: Play Their Game

Still, even with his insider knowledge, Kulak said the Avalanche’s approach isn’t built around tailoring the game plan to one opponent — or worrying about what his former teammates might know about his tendencies.

The Hockey News asked Kulak whether facing a team so familiar with his style requires strategic adjustments. He said the focus remains largely internal.

"Lots of our meetings here is pretty much all about us and the style we want to play," he explained. "Those are the things I take from the meetings. There's a couple things you're obviously keeping in mind on the style of play, the team you're playing against brings in, but for the most part, I think we're playing our game."

No Secrets in the Modern NHL

Head coach Jared Bednar echoed that philosophy, noting that in today’s NHL, information is readily available — basically Spygate 2.0, now with 4K video and no sneaky cameras.

"There's just so much information out there," he told The Hockey News. "The best way to break down the Oilers or any other team is just watch. We have every shift of every game available to us. So you spend the time, you watch it, you learn tendencies of individuals of their team, what the structure of their team is. You give your team the pertinent information and you go from there.

"On a day like today, I go through it all and ask Brett, 'Did I miss anything that's important?' He's like, 'Pretty much nailed it.' The information is there for you to watch and learn and all the coaches kind of do the same thing in their respective areas. So there's no real secrets nowadays."

For Kulak, the situation almost feels like a spy returning to familiar territory — only now he’s wearing different colors.

And against an Oilers team built on speed and skill, that knowledge could prove valuable, even in a league where, as Bednar put it, there are no secrets left.

Image