Chicago Cubs vs. Washington Nationals preview, Saturday 3/28, 1:20 CT

Saturday notes…

  • LOSING ISN’T EVERYTHING: Last season, in games following a loss, the Cubs were 46-24, a winning percentage of .657. Following a win, they were 46-45, .505. (There was no game following their season-ending win.) As the home team last year, following a loss, the Cubs were 19-12, .613, with one of the losses coming in Tokyo. On the road, following a loss, they were 27-12, .692. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
  • AGAINST THE NATS: The Cubs are 317-336 all-time vs. Washington (since 1969, including the franchise’s time in Montreal). That includes going 173-157 at Wrigley Field, including Thursday’s game. The Cubs are 11-5 vs. the Nationals since July 18, 2023, including a seven-game winning streak from July 18, 2023-Sept. 20, 2024.
  • ABS: There were two challenges in Thursday’s game, both by the Nats. They won one and lost one.
  • ALL-TIME CUBS: 2,281 men have played for the Cubs since 1876. That includes the four new Cubs who played for the first time in the uniform on Opening Day: Alex Bregman, Michael Conforto, Hoby Milner and Jacob Webb.

Cubs lineup:

Nationals lineup:

Cade Horton, RHP vs. Miles Mikolas, RHP

Cade Horton had a magnificent rookie season, especially his last 12 starts, in which he posted a 1.03 ERA and 0.783 WHIP. His only start vs. the Nats last year came before that 12-start run, June 3 in Washington. He still had a good outing, three runs (one earned) in 5.1 innings.

I daresay Horton is better than that now.

Hello, old friend Miles Mikolas!

I was almost certain Mikolas was going to retire after 2025, which would have meant his start Sept. 26 against the Cubs at Wrigley Field would have been it. Three Cubs (Nico Hoerner, Dansby Swanson, Michael Busch) homered off him that day.

But here he is, back for another go-around in MLB, this year with the Nats. Mikolas was also the guy who allowed six of the Cubs’ team-record eight home runs last July 4 at Wrigley, so of the 14 hits the Cubs got off him last year, nine were home runs. The 29 home runs he allowed last year were the fourth-most in the NL (two fewer than Shōta Imanaga).

Perhaps today is the day the Cubs can go deep at Wrigley Field. Plus, y’know… Mikolas makes such a good baseball villain.

The pitch selection charts below are from last year.

Today’s game is on Marquee Sports Network.

Here is the complete MLB.com live streaming page for today.

MLB.com Gameday

Baseball-reference.com game preview

Please visit our SB Nation Nationals site Federal Baseball. If you do go there to interact with Nationals fans, please be respectful, abide by their individual site rules and serve as a good representation of Cub fans in general and BCB in particular.

The 2026 game discussion procedure has been changed, so please take note.

You’ll find the game preview, like this one, posted separately on the front page two hours before game time (90 minutes for some early day games following night games).

At the same time, a StoryStream containing the preview will also post on the front page, titled “Cubs vs. (Team) (Day of week/date) game threads.” It will contain every post related to that particular game.

The Live! (formerly “First Pitch”) thread will still post at five minutes to game time. It will also post to the front page. That will be the only live game discussion thread. After the game, the recap and Heroes and Goats will also live on the front page as separate posts.

You will also be able to find the preview, Live! thread, recap and Heroes and Goats in this section link. The StoryStream for each game can also be found in that section.

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DeGrom scratched, Latz starting

SURPRISE, ARIZONA - MARCH 10: Starting pitcher Jacob Degrom #48 of the Texas Rangers pitches against the Chicago Cubs during the second inning of the spring training game at Surprise Stadium on March 10, 2026 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Jacob deGrom, scheduled to start in this afternoon’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies, has been scratched due to neck stiffness, it has been announced. Jacob Latz will start in his place.

Whoever used a monkey paw wish on Latz being in the rotation needs to have their ass beat right now.

deGrom, who turns 38 in June, has had injury issues in the past, but this would at first glance to be the sort of one-off thing that happens occasionally. The beats are saying that this is not thought to be anything serious, and he could potentially start at some point in the six game road trip the team is currently on.

The good news is that Jacob Latz was stretched out this spring as part of his competing for a spot in the starting rotation, and with only three relievers pitching on Thursday and an off day yesterday, the bullpen should be fully rested with everyone available.

A trumpet, a debut save and an eighth-inning swing: Dodgers’ new faces make noise early

LOS ANGELES — The two biggest offseason acquisitions by the two-time defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers are paying dividends already.

Edwin Diaz earned his first save in his debut and Kyle Tucker singled in the go-ahead run in the eighth inning of a 5-4 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday night.

Diaz trotted out in the ninth to the sounds of trumpeter Tatiana Tate, who tooted from the stands next to the left field bullpen. Wearing Diaz’s No. 3 jersey, she played Timmy Trumpet’s “Narcos,” the closer’s entrance song that electrified New York Mets fans before the Dodgers lured the fan favorite away on a three-year, $69 million deal.

“It’s really cool because it’s another way to keep the fans involved in the game until the ninth inning because they’re all going to be waiting for that,” infielder Miguel Rojas said. “Having Sugar in the ninth is always going to be special.”

However, fans may be hearing a recorded version of Diaz’s music next time. Tate, who has played with Stevie Wonder and Doechii, isn’t expected to be a regular presence during the season.

Díaz struck out two and walked one. He converted 28 of 31 save chances for the Mets last season.

“I always get a little bit nervous when I come into the game, but at the end of the day I was excited, too,” Diaz said. “I come in a one-run game was really big for me. I want to set it down the second day of the season, help this team to win, get the save and keep going.”

The Dodgers won back-to-back World Series championships without a true closer, although at times it was a rocky road. The last pitcher to fill that role was Kenley Jansen, who twice led the National League in saves during his spell in Los Angeles.

Now, Diaz provides dependability, a track record and a level of trust at the back of the bullpen.

“It’s going to be a lot on Sugar because he’s going to have to be under a lot of pressure,” Rojas said, “but he’s done it before. He’s the right guy for the task.”

Manager Dave Roberts initially didn’t think the Dodgers had a chance to land Diaz in free agency after the right-hander opted out of the final two years and $38 million of his contract with the Mets.

Roberts got off a 45-minute video call with Diaz and front office executives, and told his wife, “We’re going to get him.”

“It was selling ourselves and talking about how much we valued him and the culture of the team and the ownership and how we’ll do anything to win,” Roberts recalled. “He talked to his wife and convinced her moving West was a good decision.”

Another factor that played in the Dodgers’ favor, Roberts believes, is that Diaz’s younger brother, Alexis, had joined the Dodgers last May as a reliever. He is currently in the Texas Rangers organization.

“Calling him up from the minors and us treating him like a superstar, I think that kind of helped make that decision and comfort going forward,” Roberts said.

The attraction for Diaz was simple: “A lot of good players here. Everyone stays healthy, this team has a chance to win a three-peat,” he said.

Tucker went 1-for-3 with the game-winning single and a stolen base. In his debut on Thursday, the right fielder notched his first hit and first RBI in an 8-2 comeback victory. He signed a four-year, $240 million deal to leave the Chicago Cubs.

“I’m excited for them to have the opportunity to play in this environment and feel part of the family,” Rojas said. “I’m pretty sure they’re looking closely at how fun it’s been.”

Edwin Díaz’s first Dodgers outing includes live trumpet

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 27, 2026: Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Edwin Díaz (3) leaves the bullpen to pitch the ninth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium on March 27, 2026 in Los Angeles, CA.(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES — Edwin Díaz has been one of the best closers in baseball for several years, and he has perhaps the most distinctive entrance in the sport.

When ‘Narco,’ the song long used by Díaz when he comes into games, played on Friday night at Dodger Stadium, in his first appearance with the Dodgers, the All-Star right-hander was accompanied by a live trumpet player playing along with the song.

“I heard a trumpet sound before I was coming out and said, ‘No way, they got a live trumpet,’” Díaz said after the game, after he worked around a one-out walk with a two-strikeout scoreless ninth inning to preserve the Dodgers’ 5-4 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks.

“That was great,” manager Dave Roberts said of the trumpet-infused entrance for Díaz. “I was hoping to get him in there, and it worked out, and he performed.”

The trumpet player on Friday night at Dodger Stadium was Tatiana Tate, a musician based in Los Angeles. It’s unclear how often the Dodgers will have a live trumpet player accompanying Díaz’s entrances, but most likely it will be only occasional.

Four seasons ago, the Dodgers saw firsthand how electric the live music could be for one of Díaz’s entrances. Timmy Trumpet, co-writer and performer of ‘Narco,’ played live trumpet at Citi Field in 2022 in a New York Mets win over the Dodgers.

“It was fun, I enjoyed it, and I know the fans enjoyed it too,” Díaz said Friday night after his Dodgers debut.

Nick Lardis Is A Bright Spot On Dark Blackhawks Stretch

The Chicago Blackhawks have lost two straight games by a combined score of 11-2. They are 4-4-2 in their last 10, but the way they’ve been outplayed in these last two games has the team as a whole feeling down. 

It’s a young group that must find a way to get out of the rut before the season ends. They have one more game on their East Coast swing before returning home to Chicago. 

The one bright spot on this dark cloud has been Nick Lardis. He is not one of the first-round picks that had everyone excited in recent years, but his rise has been nothing short of sensational. 

After turning heads with 71 goals in the OHL last season, he came to the AHL’s Rockford IceHogs and continued to fill the net. That earned him a call-up when Connor Bedard injured his shoulder, but he was sent back down once the forward group returned to full health. 

After the Olympics, Lardis was called up again, but stashed on the fourth line for a while. He wasn’t producing in that role, as expected. 

In the middle of their game against the Colorado Avalanche last Friday, Jeff Blashill randomly decided to bring him up to the second line with Tyler Bertuzzi and Frank Nazar. That has turned out to be one of Blashill’s top lineup decisions of the season. 

Lardis didn’t score against Colorado late in that game, but he has scored in three of the last four, all on the new-look second line. His natural ability to score works well with two offensive-minded players like Nazar and Bertuzzi. 

"He's been really good," Bertuzzi said of Lardis. "He battles hard. For a smaller guy, he's physical. He gets in on the forecheck, and he can score goals. I've been enjoying playing with him." 

The wonder was whether Lardis' major junior/minor-league scoring ability would translate to the NHL, and it seems it has. That’s a major positive for the Blackhawks when they go to evaluate their team during the off-season. 

Lardis has 8 goals in 32 NHL games played, which is a 20-goal pace over an 82-game slate. That would be an incredible total for a rookie once selected in the third round. With more development to his game, plus time with better players, the tools are there for him to reach next-level goal-scoring heights. 

Having a great shot is the key to Nick Lardis’ goal-scoring, but he is proving he will add to his totals each year by being a smart player. His goal against the Rangers was an example of him getting to a goal-scoring area to take advantage of the work being done by his linemates. 

With Connor Bedard, Anton Frondell, Frank Nazar, and Oliver Moore, amongst others, ready to drive the bus in the coming years, Lardis is proving that he can be any one of their linemates who can score in bunches because of their playmaking. 

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Brewers to promote top catching prospect

Milwaukee Brewers
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 17: Jeferson Quero #76 of the Milwaukee Brewers takes batting practice prior to Game Four of the National League Championship Series presented by loanDepot between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Friday, October 17, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Rob Leiter/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

We are just one game into the regular season, but we’ve already seen the Brewers make one surprise IL placement and promotion with Jackson Chourio and Blake Perkins on Opening Day. Now it appears we’ll have another surprise move just ahead of the second game of the year.

According to Daniel Alvarez of El Extra Base, the Milwaukee Brewers are promoting catching prospect Jeferson Quero.

There was no immediate word on whose roster spot Quero would be taking, but given the position, it’s likely that either William Contreras or Gary Sánchez are dealing with an injury and will be placed on the IL. The Brewers have not yet confirmed the transaction.

The 23-year-old Quero will be making his MLB debut. Quero has been beset by injuries the last few years. He injured his throwing shoulder in his first game at Triple-A in 2024 and that required season-ending surgery. His return in 2025 from that shoulder surgery was delayed by a hamstring issue. Quero’s elite throwing arm was weakened by the shoulder surgery but appeared to be back on track as a big league-caliber arm this spring. Pat Murphy confirmed pop times in the 1.9-second range.

Quero is a career .275/.353/.452 hitter in the minor leagues and has quite a bit of pop. He slugged 16 home runs in 2023 in the pitcher-friendly Southern League. He’s routinely been viewed as a prospect with everyday potential and All-Star upside behind the plate. The bar for success for catchers is pretty low, but Quero has a well-rounded offensive game and approach at the plate.

Last season in Triple-A Nashville, Quero hit .271/.361/.478 with 17 doubles, 11 homers, and 32 walks to 40 strikeouts across 69 games.

The Brewers allowed Danny Jansen to walk in free agency this offseason and it seemed for most of the winter the Brewers might just simply allow Quero to backup Contreras this year. The late signing of Sánchez to a major league deal changed that calculus to allow Quero some more development time in Triple-A and more regular at-bats. Instead, after just one game, Quero is going to get his ABs in the major leagues.

In 2024, Quero played opening day for Nashville and was done for the year. In 2026, Quero played opening day for Nashville and is getting the call to Milwaukee.

Who's in 2026 NHL playoffs? Latest standings, bracket, tiebreakers

The NHL's 15-game schedule on Saturday, March 28, could see a lot of movement in the playoff standings throughout the day.

The Tampa Bay Lightning host the Ottawa Senators at 1 p.m. ET and the New York Islanders are also in action at that time. If the Lightning win, they'd move in front of the Buffalo Sabres for the Atlantic Division lead based on points percentage because they have played fewer games.

If the Senators win and the Islanders lose, Ottawa would move into the second wild-card position. If the Islanders win, they'd temporarily move from the second wild-card spot into second place in the Metropolitan Division, passing the Pittsburgh Penguins and Columbus Blue Jackets.

But all that could change later in the day. The Sabres could reclaim the Atlantic Division lead if they end their three-game losing streak. Buffalo would also move into the top seed in the Eastern Conference if it gains one more point than the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday. The Penguins and Blue Jackets have games later in the day.

Another team to watch is the Detroit Red Wings, who host the Philadelphia Flyers at 8 p.m. on ABC. If the Senators and Islanders lose early, the Red Wings would take over the second wild-card spot with a victory. The Flyers open the day five points out of a playoff spot and are desperate for a win.

In the West, the Pacific Division-leading Anaheim Ducks visit the second-place Edmonton Oilers at 3:30 p.m. The Ducks would bump their division lead to seven points with a regulation win or the Oilers could cut their deficit to three points.

Also, the Nashville Predators host the Montreal Canadiens at 7 and the Los Angeles Kings visit the Utah Mammoth at 9. The Kings would move into the second wild-card spot with a victory and a Predators regulation loss.

Here's what to know about the NHL standings, tiebreaker procedures and playoff bracket for the 2025-26 season:

Who's in the 2026 NHL playoffs?

Eastern Conference: None

Western Conference: Colorado, Dallas

NHL games today (Saturday, March 28)

All times p.m. and Eastern

  • Ottawa at Tampa Bay, 1
  • Florida at N.Y. Islanders, 1
  • Anaheim at Edmonton, 3:30
  • Minnesota at Boston, 5, NHL Network
  • Dallas at Pittsburgh, 5
  • New Jersey at Carolina, 5
  • San Jose at Columbus, 5
  • Seattle at Buffalo, 5:30
  • Toronto at St. Louis, 7
  • Montreal at Nashville, 7
  • Winnipeg at Colorado, 7
  • Philadelphia at Detroit, 8, ABC
  • Utah at Los Angeles, 9
  • Vancouver at Calgary, 10
  • Washington at Vegas, 10:30

NHL Eastern Conference standings 2025-26

As of March 27. x-clinched playoff spot. z-eliminated

Metropolitan Division

  • Carolina Hurricanes (96)
  • Pittsburgh Penguins (88)
  • Columbus Blue Jackets (87)

Atlantic Division

  • Buffalo Sabres (96)
  • Tampa Bay Lightning (94)
  • Montreal Canadiens (90)

Wild card

  • Boston Bruins (88)
  • New York Islanders (87)

Sitting out of playoff position: Ottawa Senators (86), Detroit Red Wings (86), Philadelphia Flyers (82), Washington Capitals (81), New Jersey Devils (76), Toronto Maple Leafs (75), Florida Panthers (73), z-New York Rangers (67)

NHL Western Conference standings 2025-26

As of March 27. x-clinched playoff spot. z-eliminated

Central Division

  • x-Colorado Avalanche (106)
  • x-Dallas Stars (97)
  • Minnesota Wild (94)

Pacific Division

  • Anaheim Ducks (86)
  • Edmonton Oilers (81)
  • Vegas Golden Knights (78)

Wild card

  • Utah Mammoth (80)
  • Nashville Predators (77)

Sitting out of playoff position: Los Angeles Kings (76), Seattle Kraken (74), Winnipeg Jets (72), San Jose Sharks (71), St. Louis Blues (71), Calgary Flames (68), Chicago Blackhawks (67), z-Vancouver Canucks (50)

NHL Eastern Conference playoff bracket

Here is how the Eastern Conference playoff bracket would look if the season ended on March 27.

  • Carolina (M1) vs. N.Y. Islanders (WC2)
  • Pittsburgh (M2) vs. Columbus (M3)
  • Buffalo (A1) vs. Boston (WC1)
  • Tampa Bay (A2) vs. Montreal (A3)

The winner of the first series would play the winner of the second in the second round. The winner of the third series would play the winner of the fourth. Key: M - Metropolitan Division. A - Atlantic Division. WC - wild card

NHL Western Conference playoff bracket

Here is how the Western Conference playoff bracket would look if the season ended on March 27.

  • Colorado (C1) vs. Nashville (WC2)
  • Dallas (C2) vs. Minnesota (C3)
  • Anaheim (P1) vs. Utah (WC1)
  • Edmonton (P2) vs. Vegas (P3)

The winner of the first series would play the winner of the second in the second round. The winner of the third series would play the winner of the fourth. Key: C - Central Division P - Pacific Division. WC - wild cardld play the winner of the fourth. Key: C - Central Division P - Pacific Division. WC - wild card

NHL tiebreakers: What is the first tiebreaker in NHL standings?

If two teams are tied in points at the end of the regular season, here are the tiebreakers:

  1. Regulation wins
  2. Regulation and overtime wins (ROW)
  3. Total wins
  4. Most points earned in head-to-head competition: If teams had an uneven number of meetings, the first game played in the city that has the extra game is excluded.
  5. Goal differential
  6. Total goals

When does the NHL regular season end?

The NHL regular season is scheduled to end on Thursday, April 16, with six games.

When do the NHL playoffs start?

The NHL's Stanley Cup playoffs are expected to begin on Saturday, April 18.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NHL playoff bracket, latest 2026 standings, schedule and tiebreakers

Yankees vs Giants Prediction, Odds & Home Run Pick for Today's MLB Game

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Here are a couple of fearless predictions: The New York Yankees will give up a run at some point this season. And the San Francisco Giants will score one.

When either will happen, we're not entirely sure.

The Giants opened the season getting shut out in back-to-back games for the first time, mustering a total of four hits.

The pitching matchup is in favor of some more scoring on Saturday, but my Yankees vs. Giants predictions and MLB picks have the Yankees winning again.

Yankees vs Giants predictions

Yankees vs Giants best bet: Yankees moneyline (-130)

Everything has come up good for the New York Yankees in the season's first two games. New York pitchers have struck out 19 in 18 shutout innings and allowed one extra-base hit. 

Will Warren, Saturday's starter, has been solid for the Yankees but not on the level of their first two starters. He adjusted his delivery, resulting in a 1.42 ERA spring ERA.  

The San Francisco Giants, meanwhile, are already showing signs of frustration. Losing pitcher Robbie Ray seemed to take issue with former college coach Tony Vitello's rah-rah clubhouse speeches after yesterday's game.

Covers COVERS INTEL:The Giants are 0-7 with runners in scoring position through the first two games of this series with the Yankees. 

Yankees vs Giants same-game parlay (SGP)

After two pitching masterpieces, we could be in store for a slugfest. Warren was two full runs worse on the road last year (5.52 ERA compared to 3.50 at home). His WHIP was .571 higher, and opponents had 157 more points of OPS against him in road games.

Giants starter Tyler Mahle, an offseason acquisition after a strong year with Texas, has a 5.13 career ERA in his new home park, allowing four home runs in five starts. So, the Yankees should also be able to put up plenty of runs.

Yankees vs Giants SGP

  • Yankees moneyline
  • Will Warren over 2.5 earned runs allowed
  • Over 8.5 total runs

Yankees vs Giants home run pick: Aaron Judge (+220)

Judge should probably always be the home run pick in a Yankee game, but he's been even better in his hometown park. Friday's blast was his fourth in five games in San Francisco, and his 1.455 OPS at Oracle Park is fifth highest in any stadium—and Coors Field is one of the four where he's hit better.

He's also a streaky home-run hitter. Over the last two seasons, 39 of his 111 home runs have come after he's already homered within the last day. He went deep on Friday.

2026 Transparency record
  • Best bets: 0-3, -3.0 units
  • SGPs: 0-3, -3.0 units
  • HR picks: 1-2, +1.25 units

Yankees vs Giants odds

  • Moneyline: New York -125 | San Francisco +113
  • Run line: New York -1.5 (+135) | San Francisco +1.5 (-155)
  • Over/Under: Over 8 (+100) | Under 8 (-120)

Yankees vs Giants trend

The New York Yankees have hit the Team Total Over in 18 of their last 23 away games. Find more MLB betting trends for Yankees vs. Giants.

How to watch Yankees vs Giants and game info

LocationOracle Park, San Francisco, CA
DateSaturday, March 28, 2026
First pitch7:15 p.m. ET
TVFOX
Yankees starting pitcherWill Warren
(2025: 9-8, 4.44 ERA)
Giants starting pitcherTyler Mahle
(6-4, 2.18 ERA)

Yankees vs Giants latest injuries

Yankees vs Giants weather

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

Mets assigning prospect Elian Peña to Low-A St. Lucie to start season

The Mets are assigning Elian Peña to Low-A St. Lucie to start the season, according to Baseball America's Matt Eddy

SNY's Joe DeMayo and Jim Duquette mentioned during the recent spring breakout game broadcast that the organization was going to be aggressive with the 18-year-old prospect in his stateside debut. 

He now appears set to jump the Complex League and kick things off with St. Lucie on April 7.

Peña showcased some of his potential during the spring breakout loss to the Rays prospects, playing a few innings at shortstop and reaching twice with a walk and a 102 mph single to right. 

The youngster was also spectacular as he opened his career in the DSL last year, overcoming a dreadful 0-for-26 start to finish with 24 extra base-hits and a .949 OPS over 55 games. 

He also swiped 21 bases in 25 attempts and had as many walks as strikeouts (36).

Peña, the No. 7 prospect on DeMayo's updated Top 30 list, signed for franchise-record $5 million last winter.

As DeMayo recently noted in his Prospect Mailbag, it wouldn't shock anyone to see Peña on top 100 prospect lists and competing to be the No. 1 ranked prospect in the system by the end of the season. 

Red Sox Minor Lines 3/28: Jake Bennett throws in the opener

SARASOTA, FL - MARCH 20: Jake Bennett of the Boston Red Sox pitches during the game between the Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles at Ed Smith Stadium on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Sarasota, Florida. (Photo by Vincent Mizzoni/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

The Boston Red Sox did not play baseball last night, or even yesterday afternoon. But, never fear! About 60 miles west, in New England’s second biggest city and home of the gravesite of the guy who invented the smiley face, several players with MLB service time and some with some more service time certain to come in 2026, played baseball. My fourth full year covering Minor Lines has arrived, and every year it’s cooler and cooler to see where the players in these box scores end up in their careers.

Last season was very results-oriented, as an exhaustive list of storylines propelled more attention on the farm in the last 12 to 24 months: the dawning of the careers of Roman Anthony, Marcelo Mayer, and current Pirates outfielder Jhostnyxon Garcia; the unceremonious demotion of Kristian Campbell as well as the Triple-A club trying him all over the diamond; the trade of former Minor Lines subjects Kyle Teel and Chase Meidroth; and Connelly Early absolutely dealing. This year is certain to bring some more.

There are still plenty of questions: where exactly Campbell belongs as well as his attitude around it (a disposition our own Tim Crowley had the chance to ask the 23-year-old about); when exactly Payton Tolle will be called back up to Boston and in what capacity; the focus on organizational catchers to supplement Carlos Narvaez’s place on the team; what’s going to happen to former first-round pick Mikey Romero, and so much more. But in the mean time, the WooSox faced off against the Syracuse Mets to open their season, so, for the first time in six months… let’s get into it!

Worcester: L, 1-3 (BOX SCORE)

There’s a lot to like about the Red Sox’s number seven prospect, Jake Bennett, who got the nod on Opening Day for Worcester. The team dealt Luis Perales straight-up for him. While he may not be Roger “The Rocket” Clemens, who was on hand for the game and threw the first pitch to his catcher (and current Red Sox hitting adviser) Rich Gedman, Jake Bennett’s command, size, and fastball has the front office penciling him in for years to come. The 6’6”, 234 pound lefty has velocity in spades, nearly touching 100 with his fastball. He had that on full display against Syracuse, as, although he was capped at 60 pitches, 44 were strikes and he had five strikeouts. He did allow a run, but it was unearned as a result of his fielding error to start the fourth, after which he exited the game and Seth Martinez allowed a home run in what would become the fatal inning for the game.

Following that, the WooSox got caught trying to cut the deficit when Braiden Ward was caught trying to steal his second base of the inning, Hayden Senger cutting him off on third with a throw to old friend Christian Arroyo, which abruptly ended the fifth. Syracuse went up by one more run off of Noah Song, who allowed four hits in his five outs, and all the WooSox could muster was a sacrifice grounder by World Baseball Classic participant Tsung-Che Cheng to score Mickey Gasper. Too little too late. The WooSox would not get another runner in scoring position and would lose the game, 3-1.

But this is an interesting team this year, as a whole. Mickey Gasper is back and in the organization in the infield, the depth pieces like Brendan Rodgers will be useful in becoming a backbone for the likes of Romero, and establishing and analyzing some more pitching depth from a team that claims to have a lot of it. We get the chance to see another guy the organization holds in high regard this afternoon as Tyler Uberstine gets the ball for Game 2. Have a happy Saturday!

Revisiting The Sean Durzi Trade

In the summer of 2023, the Los Angeles Kings traded then 24-year-old Sean Durzi to the Arizona Coyotes in exchange for a second round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft.

It seemed odd at the time for the Kings to deal a defenseman who showed real promise in his first two seasons as a professional, but looking at the ripple effects the deal had on the organization, it's clear that both sides are happy with the outcome.

You may be surprised how the Sean Durzi trade tree has unfolded for the Kings.

In his first two seasons at the NHL level, Durzi proved he had what it takes to play with the big boys. During his two seasons in Los Angeles, the Mississauga native played 136 games, totalling 12 goals and 53 assists for 65 points. There was no surprise that a rebuilding team like Arizona showed great interest in acquiring him. 

In June of 2023, the Kings and Coyotes agreed on a deal that would send Durzi to Arizona in exchange for a 2024 2nd round pick in 2024 that was previously owned by the Montreal Canadiens

Durzi would only play one season in Arizona before the team relocated to Utah and became the Mammoth. His lone season as a Coyote turned out to be a career year for Durzi as he scored nine goals to go with 32 assists for 41 points in 76 games. His strong play led to him signing a respectable four-year contract extension worth $24 million, paying him $6 million per season.

After signing the new deal, the 2024-25 season didn't go Durzi's way as he would miss 52 games due to an injury he suffered that required surgery.

However, this season Durzi healthy and has provided some solid production for Utah as they push for the playoffs. In 52 games played, the 27-year-old has five goals and 19 assists for 24 points.

It's safe to assume that Utah views this deal as a success.

The Auston Matthews Rumor — and the Reality in Los AngelesThe Auston Matthews Rumor — and the Reality in Los AngelesSAN DIEGO, CA — As the season enters its final frame of games, the Los Angeles Kings have recently been named as one of three teams mentioned in an Auston Matthews grab over the Summer. It's time to look at this for what it really is, if it's true.

It would be completely fair to assume that the Kings used the second round pick on a prospect in the draft. However that was not the case, at all.

On June 27th, 2023, just three days after the Durzi trade, the Kings made a massive splash by trading for Pierre-Luc Dubois from the Winnipeg Jets. The Kings sent Gabriel Vilardi, Alex Iaffalo, Rasmus Kupari, and you guessed it, the 2024 second rounder to the Jets. With the pick, the Jets selected defenceman Alfons Freij who has played just two AHL games.

You would think it would end at that, but no, after just one year with the Kings, Dubois was dealt to the Washington Capitals in exchange for goaltender Darcy Kuemper in a one-for-one trade.

It's crazy to look back and realize how each and every move an organization makes has an impact moving forward, no matter how minor it is. The Sean Durzi trade to Utah played a part in the Kings acquiring a Vezina candidate and Olympian in Darcy Kuemper.

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The Rochester Red Wings will be fun to watch for Washington Nationals fans

WEST PALM BEACH, FL - MARCH 07: Washington Nationals outfielder Dylan Crews (3) runs to third base during a MLB spring training game against the New York Yankees at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches on March 7, 2026 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Doug Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Rochester Red Wings played their first game of the season last night, and it was a thrilling 8-7 victory. The Nats Triple-A affiliate is full of exciting talent, and they showed what they could do last night. They will be a fascinating team to watch this year, especially early on.

Their roster is absolutely stacked with prospects or young players with big league experience. The Red Wings feature the likes of Dylan Crews, Harry Ford, Robert Hassell, Luis Perales, Mitchell Parker and many more interesting players. We are going to see a lot of these guys in the MLB at some point, so following them while they are in the minors will be important.

Last night, the Red Wings offense was firing on all cylinders. Everyone in the lineup got on base at least once. There was production from up and down the lineup, with a lot of important pieces for the Nats future showing their stuff. If you have time to head up to Rochester, you should do it.

The most important player on this roster is definitely Dylan Crews. After a rough spring, the Nats new regime made the gutsy decision to send the former number two overall pick back to AAA. In his first game back down there, Crews was solid. He was not incredible, but his at bats looked better. Crews got on base twice, once with a single and once on a 9 pitch walk. He also only struck out once in his five at bats, which is encouraging.

The Red Wings faced solid competition to start this one as well. Robby Snelling is a top 100 prospect for the Marlins. The Red Wings only managed one run against him across four innings, but they made him work and put the pressure on. After Snelling left, they punished the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp’s bullpen.

The Jumbo Shrimp relievers were wild and the Red Wings took advantage. They walked 10 times last night. Abimelec Ortiz had three of those walks, and he was the best player on the field last night. He got on base in all five of his AB’s last night, with two hits and three walks.

Ortiz came over in the MacKenzie Gore trade as one of the secondary pieces. The squatty first baseman has a track record of hitting, but does not have value in the field or on the bases. He was in the mix to make the team, but he did not have a great spring. However, if he performs in Rochester, he will get his opportunity before too long.

Another hitter who was in the mix to make the team was Christian Franklin. Like Ortiz, the Nats got him via trade. He was part of the Michael Soroka package in July. The 26 year old projects as a solid fourth outfield type who can really do damage against left handed pitching. Franklin did hit a 111 MPH double off of a righty last night though.

The Red Wings are going to be such a fascinating team. It is not just the offense either. Andrew Alvarez, who looked great in September and in Spring Training for the Nats was the starter. It was not his best outing, but we know what he can do. Julian Fernandez, Orlando Ribalta and Jackson Rutledge all got in the game out of the bullpen as well.

Today, the Red Wings have Mitchell Parker on the mound, who has made 59 big league starts in the last two seasons. It is rare for an AAA rotation to have that kind of recent big league experience in it. All of these guys are hungry and are not just content to be in AAA. They are on the hunt for big league spots.

That showed itself in the field as well. The Red Wings made a couple of web gems last night. Yohandy Morales made a diving play going into the netting and Robert Hassell made an outstanding over the shoulder catch. These guys are competing and many have gotten a taste of the big leagues.

They are ticked off to be in Triple-A and will be competing every day to show the new regime they belong in the big leagues. I love that and think this competition will be great for the Red Wings and the Nats. Over the last few years, the AAA roster has been pretty barren at times. However, that will not be the case this year. All of these guys will be ready to roll if guys at the big league level struggle.

Astros Prospect Report: March 27th

WEST PALM BEACH, FL - MARCH 19: Houston Astros outfielder Zach Cole (16) bats during a MLB spring training game against the New York Mets at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches on March 19, 2026 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Doug Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Minor league baseball is back! See the results to Opening Day below.

AAA: Sugar Land Space Cowboys (0-1) lost 7-4  (BOX SCORE)

Sugar Land opened up their season at home against Round Rock. Cole got the scoring started with a leadoff homer. Alexander added an RBI single in the 2nd inning to make it 2-0. Jason Alexander got the start and allowed 3 runs on 7 hits over 2.2 innings. In the 6th, Sugar Land tied it up on a Whitcomb RBI single. After Round Rock scored a run in the 7th, Perez would tie things up with a solo HR in the bottom of the inning. Round Rock took the lead in the 8th getting a 3 run HR off of Cosgrove and the offense was quiet the rest of the way as Sugar Land fell 7-4.


AA: Corpus Christi Hooks (—) 

A+: Asheville Tourists (—

A: Fayetteville Woodpeckers (—) 

Today’s minor league starters:

SL: Colton Gordon – 6:05 CT

CC: OPENING DAY APRIL 2

AV: OPENING DAY APRIL 2

FV: OPENING DAY APRIL 3

Yankees Rivals: Jays walk it off, ‘Stros lose again

TORONTO, ON - MARCH 27: Toronto Blue Jays Infielder Andrés Giménez (0) celebrates with his team mates after hitting a game winning rbi single during the bottom of the ninth inning of the MLB regular season game between the Athletics and the Toronto Blue Jays on March 27, 2026, at Rogers Centre in Toronto, ON, Canada. (Photo by Julian Avram/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Yankees netted yet another nice victory on Friday, taking down the Giants 3-0 thanks to homers from Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton. Although the season is young and the true important games elsewhere are yet to be determined, there is plenty of other action around the American League. From excellent starts to the season on the bump to red hot bats, here’s a look at what went down.

Toronto Blue Jays (1-0) 3, Athletics (0-1) 2

The Blue Jays made the most of a dominant season debut from their ace and a couple of big hits from their shortstop on Friday.

An Opening Day matchup of Luis Severino and Kevin Gausman turned into an excellent duel to open the season for both of these teams, though the Toronto right-hander finished with the upper hand. Neither team scored through the first three innings, as the righties were feeling it early on, though the A’s struck first when the powerful Shea Langeliers swatted his first homer of the year in the fourth.

Despite allowing the first run, it was all Gausman on Friday. The veteran made a statement to open his age-34 season, as he worked for six innings, allowing just one hit while striking out 11 Athletics. After a year that had its up and down moments, this was surely a welcome start to 2026 for Gausman and the Jays.

On the offensive side, Andrés Giménez was the hero in the opener for the Jays. In the fifth inning, his timely triple turned Toronto’s 1-0 deficit into a 2-1 lead. Langeliers would have his say once again, however, as the backstop pummeled a second home run in the top of the ninth to tie things up at two.

In the ninth, Giménez would come through again, this time with a walk-off single into right field. Each of his two big hits scored Ernie Clement, who had a pair of doubles in this one.

Los Angeles Angels (2-0) 6, Houston Astros (0-2) 2

The Angels continued their hot start to the season with a second consecutive win over the Astros. The Los Angeles bats were fired up early, and they never really looked back.

Both teams manufactured a run in the first, but the big blow came an inning later when the Angels’ Josh Lowe belted a deep three-run homer to put his squad up 4-1. The Halos would get back it in the fifth inning, this time with Mike Trout teeing off on his second homer in as many games, part of a three-hit performance by the future Hall-of-Famer.

Although Yordan Alvarez matched with a solo homer of his own in the fifth, the Astros were only able to muster two runs on their eight hits, which helped push the Angels to their second win of the season, along with 4.2 scoreless innings from the bullpen to finish the game up. The three homers from Lowe, Trout, and Zach Neto didn’t hurt either.

Friday’s win marks a pleasant start for the Angels, and perhaps foreshadows tougher days ahead for Houston. Los Angeles will aim for the sweep on Saturday.

Detroit Tigers (2-0) 5, San Diego Padres (0-2) 2

The Tigers also cruised to a 2-0 start to the season with a comeback victory against San Diego. Veterans Michael King and Framber Valdez turned in a solid pitcher’s duel in this one as well, as the decisive scoring wouldn’t happen until late.

The Padres’ righty tossed five innings allowing just one (unearned) run on one hit, while striking out six. On the other end, Valdez was just as good. The Tigers’ new lefty grinded his way through six innings, allowing just one earned run despite plenty of baserunners.

The Padres struck first with an RBI knock from Miguel Andujar in the fourth, before both squads plated a run in the sixth thanks to timely hits. Down 2-1 all the way into the eighth, the Tigers were in need of a big hit, and they got a few of them. Riley Greene tied the game up with a bases loaded infield knock, before singles from Kevin McGonigle and Dillon Dingler plated three more, and suddenly had Detroit in business.

Kenley Jansen was called upon to lock down the save for the Tigers, his first opportunity with the club, and the right-hander would do just that. The Tigers will look to continue their winless start to the season on Saturday.

Seattle Mariners (1-1) 5, Cleveland Guardians (1-1) 1

Despite going down early on Friday, excellent pitching and timely hitting helped the Mariners net their first win Friday over the Guardians.

The game began with the red-hot Chase DeLauter belting his third home run of the young season, as the rookie continues to make huge impressions out of the gate.

Despite the early blow, Mariners’ starter George Kirby turned in a great start, as he tossed six innings of one-run ball, allowing just two hits and striking out six. The Seattle bats had his back too, as they woke up during the middle innings.

In the fourth a three-run homer from Cole Young turned the game around, and an inning later, Luke Raley’s second blast of the young season, a two-run bomb, had the M’s suddenly up 5-1.

The Mariners bullpen made this a largely stress-free finish, as they closed this game with three spotless innings. On both sides of the ball, Seattle held the upper hand, and as a result, they got their first win of the season on Friday.

Canadiens vs Predators Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NHL Game

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The Montreal Canadiens begin a five-game road trip as they visit the Nashville Predators on Saturday, March 28. They enter tonight having won four straight against Nashville, as both teams look to solidify playoff positioning.

My Canadiens vs. Predators predictions and NHL picks suggest the Habs will continue that trend as one of the league's best teams on the road, led by some familiar faces on their blue line.

Canadiens vs Predators prediction

Canadiens vs Predators best bet: Canadiens moneyline (-120)

Given their four-game winning streak against the Nashville Predators, their active three-game winning streak, and their .647 points percentage on the road (sixth in the NHL), this matchup certainly favors the Montreal Canadiens

They're turning back to Jakub Dobes for a third consecutive start, making tonight his fifth start in their last six games. He's conceded two goals or fewer in four straight.

Facing a Predators team that struggles to score (19th in goals per game), I love this matchup for Montreal.

Canadiens vs Predators same-game parlay

While there's some serious chemistry afoot on the Habs' top line, bettors cannot overlook Lane Hutson.

The sophomore defenseman has hit the Over for shots in three of his last four and eight of his last 11. Facing the 29th-ranked Preds in terms of shots allowed, this is a fantastic matchup for the Michigan native.

On the topic of standout Canadiens defensemen, Noah Dobson has been a shot-blocking machine recently. The NHL blocked-shots leader has hit the Over in five of his last six games, wearing more rubber than any other player during that time with 22 blocks.

Canadiens vs Predators SGP

  • Canadiens moneyline
  • Lane Hutson Over 1.5 shots on goal
  • Noah Dobson Over 2.5 blocked shots

Canadiens vs Predators odds

  • Moneyline: Canadiens -120 | Predators +100
  • Puck Line: Canadiens -1.5 (+190) | Predators +1.5 (-230)
  • Over/Under: Over 6.5 (-110) | Under 6.5 (-110)

Canadiens vs Predators trend

Montreal has won four consecutive games versus Nashville, dating back to March 2024. Find more NHL betting trends for Canadiens vs. Predators.

How to watch Canadiens vs Predators

LocationBridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN
DateSaturday, March 28, 2026
Puck drop7:00 p.m. ET
TVFDSN SO, CITY

Canadiens vs Predators latest injuries

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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