First pitch against the Detroit Tigers is at 1:05 at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium and the Tigers will be providing radio coverage.
GDT: Anyone ever been to Detroit?
Which Dodgers relievers are on your radar?
In the previous seven days, the Dodgers have sent a total of 23 players to minor league camp, including a dozen after Sunday’s game. All but two players from the two rounds of cuts have been non-roster invitees to camp, none of them unexpected.
What those cuts have done is thin the herd a bit, leaving only four non-roster pitchers still in big league camp. Cole Irvin is the veteran starting pitcher of the group, back from pitching in Korea and already built up to three innings this spring. He could potentially be an early option if the Dodgers feel the need for someone to fill bulk innings. After all, we know they will use a ton of starters.
Chris Campos is also still around. He’s been a starter since the Dodgers drafted him in the seventh round in 2022, other than the times he’s been used in bulk relief (11 of his 13 appearances out of the bullpen the last two seasons lasted at least three innings). So far this spring he’s pitched exactly one inning in each of his three Cactus League appearances, and he’s done well, with three scoreless innings, no walks, and five strikeouts among his 12 batters faced.
Whether Campos will pitch in relief going forward or him sticking around a little longer in camp is a reward for his earlier appearances remains to be seen. But the other two non-roster pitchers remaining in camp are more traditional relievers.
Ryder Ryan is River’s older brother by four years. He’s allowed two runs in seven innings this spring with five strikeouts. His first three appearances were one inning apiece, and he’s pitched two innings in each of his last two times out.
Left-hander Antoine Kelly has gotten results this spring, allowing only two walks and no hits in his five scoreless innings, with seven strikeouts among his 17 batters faced. A second-round pick of the Brewers in 2019, Kelly hasn’t yet reached the majors, spending time in the Brewers, Rangers, and Rockies’ system over the last seven years. But he’s touching 99 mph this spring to go with a slider. Whether the Dodgers found a harder-throwing Anthony Banda remains to be seen, but Kelly has pitched his way onto the radar this spring.
There are other relief pitchers on the 40-man roster. Ronan Kopp, just added to the 40-man roster in November, was optioned on Sunday. Kyle Hurt is back from injury, Paul Gervase at 6’10 is literally hard to miss, Will Klein could parlay his World Series heroics into a spot in the bullpen, among the group.
For today’s question let’s ignore the expected arms in the back end of the bullpen for a moment. Which under-the-radar Dodgers reliever are you most looking forward to watching this season?
AL West Preview – Rangers Position Players, finding Nimmo
Years ago, it was this exercise that sent me down a road of becoming mildly Rangers-pilled. This year, there is no such risk.
If you are looking at the lineup and notable off-season moves and feeling lightly confused by the seeming absence of any clear strategy, don’t worry. You’re not alone. Led by beloved former Mariners legend Chris Young, Texas seems to have locked in on starting pitching and are employing the pop quiz style of light panic when it comes to their offense. Is this the baseball equivalent of the phenomenon where research has shown we are attracted to people who have similar features as us? Fortunately for Seattle, Jerry Dipoto does not seem to suffer as mightily from that affliction (although the bullpen has, of course, long been a strength). The Rangers have done little to refute the rumors that their 2033 World Series title was anything more than a fluke.
Notable Transactions
Out: OF Adolis García, 2B Marcus Semien, C Jonah Heim, UTIL Dylan Moore, 1B Rowdy Tellez, 1B/2B Donovan Solano
In: OF Brandon Nimmo, C Danny Jansen, OF Mark Canha, OF Andrew McCutchen, 1B Nick Pratto, UTIL Tyler Wade, INF Andrew Velazquez, INF Jonah Bride
Italics = Minor League Deals with Spring Training Invite
Texas caused a stir early on in the off-season when they traded infield staple and prized free agent star Marcus Semien to the Mets for outfielder Brandon Nimmo. It was a challenge trade to be sure but it remains to be seen what exactly either team was challenging. Their only other big league position player acquisition was Danny Jansen, who will slot into the distinctly sloping protrusion that was left by finally giving up on Jonah Heim. Danny, I’d sage the backstop if I were you. Finally free from the Lone Star State are a trio of ex-Mariners of mixed repute, and once-beloved slugger Adolís García. Two of those four are headed to the greener-ish (?) fields of Philadelphia, which doesn’t mean anything at all for this piece but damn am I excited to watch García absolutely molly-wop a baseball through the night air at Citizens Bank Park.
Old, and I do mean old, friends (or foes), Mark Canha and Andrew McCutchen are competing for play time in the outfield and/or at DH alongside a smattering of 30-something infielders looking for their feel-good storyline.
The Lineup
| Order/Role | Player | Age | Position | Bats | PA | wRC+ | Fld | WAR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brandon Nimmo | 33 | RF | L | 630 | 110 | 2.3 | 2.4 |
| 2 | Wyatt Langford | 24 | LF | R | 644 | 125 | 4.6 | 4.4 |
| 3 | Corey Seager | 32 | SS | L | 560 | 129 | 0.6 | 4.2 |
| 4 | Joc Pederson | 34 | DH | L | 434 | 118 | 0.0 | 1.3 |
| 5 | Jake Burger | 30 | 1B | R | 588 | 104 | 0.9 | 1.2 |
| 6 | Evan Carter | 23 | CF | L | 476 | 105 | -1.1 | 1.9 |
| 7 | Josh Jung | 28 | 3B | R | 560 | 95 | 0.4 | 1.7 |
| 8 | Josh Smith | 28 | 2B | L | 504 | 101 | -5.0 | 1.4 |
| 9 | Danny Jansen | 31 | C | R | 352 | 100 | -5.6 | 1.3 |
| BN | Kyle Higashioka | 36 | C | R | 283 | 86 | 2.0 | 1.2 |
| BN | Ezequiel Duran | 27 | UTIL | R | 280 | 87 | -2.5 | 0.4 |
| BN | Sam Haggerty | 32 | UTIL | S | 259 | 92 | 0.2 | 0.5 |
| BN | Michael Helman | 30 | UTIL | R | 175 | 77 | 0.6 | 0.3 |
Thank goodness for Kyle’s brother, right? The new dad and late-August appendectomy patient will anchor the offense alongside homegrown outfielder and former first round pick Wyatt Langford in his third season in the bigs. Nimmo’s bat is a much-welcomed addition to the lineup and Evan Carter is looking to return to his historic 2023 postseason form. Everyone else in this lineup is projected to be under 2 fWAR (and we’re generously rounding up for Carter’s 1.9), and if you went “Hey wait, doesn’t that guy have some nagging injury issues?” about literally any of the names in this paragraph, yes. Yes they do.
Jake Burger is hard-pressed to have a season worse than last year, so I could see him returning to mildly competent form. Similarly, if The Joshes can stay healthy and/or avoid whatever noxious vat of goo Smith fell into in the second half of last season, it wouldn’t shock me to see them both outperform their projections. That said, all of these if-festooned fellas still ultimately really only add up to a decent team at best. And as you’ll see later on this week, there are no reinforcements coming from the minors to Dave the day. But, depending on how you feel about their pitching, decent could be enough to be competitive. I would be surprised if they surpassed that, but these Rangers have certainly surprised before.
Red Sox Spring Training Game Thread: Garett Crochet takes on the Phillies
Is it on TV?
No! It is not! And you better get used to that, because NESN isn’t showing the game tomorrow or Friday this week either and the Sox are off on Wednesday. I will never in my life understand this. Even if it’s “too expensive” to do a full broadcast, why not just stick a camera behind home plate and stream the feed on NESN360? I would watch it and I promise I’m not alone.
What’s the lineup?
What should we watch listen for?
It’s really too bad we won’t see this one, because only one of Crochet’s first three starts has been broadcast. It would be nice to get a look at how the Sox’ resident Cy Young contender is looking. Otherwise, this lineup has plenty of young guys with something to prove. This would’ve been a nice game to catch on New England’s first warm day of 2026.
MLB’s draft rules should shield it from NBA style tanking
OKLAHOMA CITY—Coming to you live this morning (as I write this, that is) from The 405, Oklahoma City, home of the reigning NBA champion Thunder.
I’m here with my wife, who’s here for a continuing education course in her field of study. I spent most of the day yesterday by myself, but at night, she and I walked 12 minutes to Paycom Center to watch the hobbled Thunder face the maimed Golden State Warriors.
It turned into quite the game!
There’s a reason for that. Even though both squads are banged up—no Steph Curry for GSW, no Chet Holmgren for OKC—both are in the thick of the playoff race. For the Thunder, they’re shooting for the No. 1 seed in the West, but are only up a few games on the surging San Antonio Spurs.
Things are much more dire for the Warriors, though. Without Curry and Jimmy Butler (out for the year), they’re just trying to reach the Play-In Tournament for a shot at facing either the Thunder or Spurs in the first round. Last night’s loss drops them to 32-31, only a game up on the Clippers for the No. 8 seed, with the Blazers not that far behind.
The Warriors don’t want to have to win two play-in games to make the playoffs, which means they need to finish No. 7 or No. 8.
And so, both teams came to play.
This is in stark contrast to many other NBA games this time of the season. While the Play-In tournament expanded the playoffs, theoretically, from eight teams per conference to 10 teams per conference, tanking—losing for a higher draft pick—runs rampant. This is also despite the changing of odds for landing that first pick. It’s an issue that’s plagued the league for years but has only increased this season due to a strong upcoming draft class.
Now, NBA commissioner Adam Silver has vowed to make even more changes to combat tanking. Fans await with bated breath.
But they could just look at how Major League Baseball works its draft.
Really, baseball has done such a good job with its recent draft changes that tanking makes little to no sense. This is a rare dubya for Rob Manfred (though one does wonder if this was his doing or someone else’s).
I often look for ways that MLB could borrow from other leagues (i.e., the NFL, NHL, and NBA) to improve its draft, but in this regard, the NBA might take a page out of MLB’s book.
For example, one particular issue promoting tanking in the NBA is trading draft picks with protections on them. (This also occurs in the NHL.) For example, Team A trades to Team B a draft pick that is top-four protected, meaning that Team B gets that pick only if it falls anywhere from picks #5-32. If Team A then starts to have a bad year a shot at the playoffs—or title—look grim, or there’s an especially deep draft class on the horizon, Team A might pivot to tanking to try to land within the top four spots and keep its draft pick.
One idea floating around is eliminating such draft pick protections, at least in the range of something like picks No. 5 through No. 14, which are the last picks of the draft lottery. Another option would be to eliminate draft pick protections entirely, though I don’t think that will happen.
MLB, of course, does not have this problem, because except for specific instances, draft picks cannot be traded. I used to hate this rule as I think that a GM or team President or Baseball Czar (did that title fade with La Russa?) should have handy every tool in the box, including trading draft picks. But watching the NBA deal with something like a dozen teams basically trying to lose their games in the 4-6 weeks of the season shows that MLB has it right with the strict limitations on trading draft picks.
The NBA could also learn from MLB’s handling of teams drafting in the lottery. Sure, the lottery is different between the two leagues—four teams in the NBA to six in the MLB—but it could be adapted.
In the MLB, a team cannot receive a lottery pick in more than two consecutive years. This is why the woebegone Colorado Rockies will pick 10th in the upcoming draft despite finishing with the worst record in baseball in 2025—they’d drafted in the lottery in both 2024 and 2025. They weren’t tanking their way to 43 wins. They just sucked.
The NBA could grow its lottery to, say, six teams, and add a clause that a team can’t pick X number of consecutive years in the lottery—could even be two consecutive years. That would dissuade teams such as the Kings, Wizards, Pelicans, Jazz, etc. from continually employing a destitute roster.
Obviously, I don’t know the answer(s) to fix the NBA’s tanking woes, but I’m confident in saying that it could look to the MLB for help. Before MLB instituted the draft lottery, tanking for the top pick was rare. Now, it essentially never happens. Major League Baseball got it right on its first attempt in implementing the lottery.
Mr. Silver, take a look at America’s pastime to solve your league’s tanking woes. You’ll be glad you did.
Spring Training Game Thread: Twins vs Braves
First Pitch (CT):12:05
TV: MLB.TV/ATL Video (via Braves)
Radio:Braves – ESPN 103.7/WIFN 1340
Know Yo’ Foe: Battery Power
What to watch: Zebby Matthews is on the mound in his fight to keep the 5th rotation spot. Mick Abel has had a flawless Spring, but it’s Zebby’s spot to lose.
Lineups
| Twins | Braves |
| SP: Zebby Matthews | SP: Carlos Carrasco |
| 1. Austin Martin, CF | 1. Jorge Mateo, 2B |
| 2. Royce Lewis, 3B | 2. Drake Baldwin, DH |
| 3. Luke Keaschall, LF | 3. Matt Olson, 1B |
| 4. Josh Bell, DH | 4. Austin Riley, 3B |
| 5. Trevor Larnach, RF | 5. Mike Yastrzemski, LF |
| 6. Eric Wagaman, 1B | 6. Eli White, RF |
| 7. Tristan Gray, SS | 7. Michael Harris II, CF |
| 8. Orlando Arcia, 2B | 8. Jonah Heim, C |
| 9. Alex Jackson, C | 9. Mauricio Dubon, SS |
Astros vs. Cardinals 3/9/2026 Spring Training Game Thread
The Houston Astros (4-8-3) host the St. Louis Cardinals (8-5-1) in Grapefruit League play.
RHP Cristian Javier will get the start for the Astros opposite RHP Richard Fitts for the Cardinals.
TODAY’S STARTER: RHP Cristian Javier is set to make his second start of the Spring and his first Grapefruit League start this year. He tossed 2.0 innings in his Spring debut last Tuesday in an exhibition vs. Team Venezuela.
In his return from Tommy John surgery in 2025, Javier made eight starts, going 2-4 with a 4.62 ERA (19ER/37IP), 34 strikeouts and a .230 opponent average. In his career, Javier has held opponents to a .203 (397×1956) batting average. Among AL pitchers to toss 525.0-plus innings between the 2020-25 seasons, Javier ranks first in the AL in that category.
He’s also helped author several notable moments in his career, starting a combined no-hitter in Game 4 of the 2022 World Series, as well as a combined no-hitter in June of that season at Yankee Stadium.
TODAY’S POTENTIAL RELIEVERS: RHP Peter Lambert, RHP Anthony Maldonado, RHP Ryan Weiss, RHP Amos Willingham.
ASTROS IN WBC: IF Zach Dezenzo started at right field in Team Italy’s 7-4 win over Team Great Britain yesterday at Daikin Park, going 1×3 with a double, two runs scored and a walk.
IF Shay Whitcomb got off to a fantastic start for Team Korea in their opener last Thursday vs Team Czechia, going 2×4 with two home runs and three RBI in an 11-4 win.
Game Info
Game Date/Time: Monday, March 9, 12:05 p.m. CST
Location: CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches, West Palm Beach, FL.
TV: none
Streaming: HOU video livestream (astros.com)
Radio: KBME 790 AM/94.5 FM HD-2
Nazem Kadri: Carrying His Father’s Hockey Dream
DENVER — The dream of playing hockey in Canada did not begin with Nazem Kadri. It began with his father.
After fleeing civil war in Lebanon, Sam Kadri arrived in Canada as a young boy and quickly fell in love with the game. But like many immigrant families trying to establish themselves in a new country, his family simply could not afford the cost of organized hockey.
Rather than letting that missed opportunity turn into resentment, Sam Kadri chose a different path. If he never got the chance to fully pursue the sport he loved, his children would.
“I love the game,” Sam Kadri told 16:9 The Bigger Picture in 2010. “We played road hockey. I’d find a stick. Someone would throw it out, but I’d tape it together and play.”
“It stayed in my head. When my kids came along, I said it’s a sport I definitely want to put them in.”
A generation later, that dream found new life in his son.
When Nazem Kadri stepped onto the ice, it didn’t take long to realize he was different. With the puck on his stick, he was creative, confident and impossible to ignore. From local rinks to the international stage, Kadri stood out at every level he played.
Then, in 2009, the dream reached its defining moment.
Kadri was selected seventh overall in the NHL Draft by one of hockey’s most storied franchises, the Toronto Maple Leafs. For his father, the moment felt almost surreal — the culmination of a dream that had begun decades earlier.
Fighting to Stay in the NHL
Making it to the NHL is only part of the battle.
Staying there can be even harder.
Kadri’s early career quickly showed how unforgiving the league can be. In his first season, he struggled to secure a permanent spot on the roster. The following year brought even greater expectations. Playing for a struggling Leafs team, Kadri was suddenly viewed as a young player who might help turn things around.
The pressure came quickly.
Just weeks after skating in front of sold-out crowds in Toronto, Kadri was sent back to the minors. The criticism followed just as fast. Some questioned his maturity. Others labeled him a disappointment.
But Kadri never stopped believing he belonged.
That edge — that grit — has defined his game since the first time he stepped on the ice. Whether he’s battling someone who’s 5-foot-7 or a towering 6-foot-7 like Lian Bichsel, Kadri fights for every inch.
Controversy, Criticism and Redemption
He proved it again during the 2022 Stanley Cup Finals run with the Colorado Avalanche — a postseason that showed he wasn’t about to be pushed around.
Kadri had already built a reputation as a hard-nosed competitor. Earlier in his career he served multiple playoff suspensions, including an eight-game ban during the 2021 postseason for an illegal check to the head of Justin Faulk of the St. Louis Blues.
That reputation came sharply back into focus the following season.
During Game 3 of the second-round playoff series between Colorado and St. Louis, Kadri and Blues defenseman Calle Rosén collided with Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington while chasing a loose puck in the crease. Binnington, who had been outstanding through the first five games of the postseason, suffered a lower-body injury that knocked him out of both the game and the remainder of the series.
The play immediately ignited controversy.
In the hours that followed — fueled in part by comments from then-Blues head coach Craig Berube — Kadri became the target of racist abuse and threats online.
Less than 48 hours later, he responded in the only place he could.
On the ice.
Kadri returned for Game 4 and delivered the best postseason performance of his career, scoring his first NHL playoff hat trick.
Playing Through Pain
But that was not his only test during the postseason.
Kadri’s toughness was tested again during the Western Conference Final against the Edmonton Oilers.
In Game 3, he was driven hard into the boards by Evander Kane, suffering a thumb injury that required surgery. Doctors initially projected a six-week recovery — long enough to sideline him for the entire Stanley Cup Final.
Kadri had other plans.
Determined to return and finish the job with Colorado, he shortened the timeline dramatically, returning in just two weeks.
Before Games 4, 5 and 6 of the Final, Kadri wrapped and froze his damaged thumb before forcing it into a specially modified glove for protection. Even then, the injury limited what he could do. Taking faceoffs was nearly impossible, and the quick, lively shot that normally defined his game turned into little more than a soft flutter toward the net.
Still, he refused to sit out.
“It was terrible. Terrible. I felt it every single shift, and it was tough,” Kadri told Sportsnet. “I turned a six-week (recovery) timeline into two weeks. Great medical staff helped me along the way. I couldn't even tie my skates before the game. I had the medical trainer tie my skates before every game. So, what a war. But nothing was going to stop me from being out here.”
Kadri ultimately proved that determination not with his words, but with his play.
He scored the overtime winner in Game 4, putting Colorado within one victory of the Stanley Cup. The Avalanche eventually defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-1 in Game 6, securing the third Stanley Cup championship in franchise history.
In the process, Kadri did more than silence critics.
He exorcised the doubts and controversy that had followed him for years — and became the first Muslim player to win the Stanley Cup.
The Backbone of His Journey
Now, after parts of four seasons with the Calgary Flames, Kadri is back with the team that helped him become a champion.
But throughout his journey — from childhood rinks to the Stanley Cup — one constant has remained: his father.
“Thinking back, there was definitely some hard times and some adversity we had to go through (as a family),” Kadri told The Hockey News. “I'm glad he gave me the shot and now I understand why he was so pissed when I didn't play well.”
“He's been my day-one supporter; he's always in my corner no matter what happens out there, and my whole entire family is like that. And that's what's (helped get me) here. To have that support, when things aren't going so well, to have them as a backbone — it's wonderful.”
World Baseball Classic 2026: Pool Play Day No. 6 thread
Game No. 1: Dominican Republic (República Dominicana) at Israel (מְדִינַת יִשְׂרָאֵל)
Venue: loanDepot Park — Miami, Florida, USA
First Pitch: 10:00 AM MDT
TV: FS1
Radio: MLB Audio; Sirius XM
Lineups:
Game No. 2: Colombia (República de Colombia) at Panama (República de Panamá)
Venue: Hiram Bithorn Stadium — San Juan, Puerto Rico
First Pitch: 10:00 AM MDT
TV: FS2
Radio: MLB Audio; Sirius XM
Lineups:
Game No. 3: Brazil (República Federativa do Brasil) at Great Britain
Venue: Daikin Park — Houston, Texas, USA
First Pitch: 11:00 AM MDT
TV: Tubi
Radio: MLB Audio; Sirius XM
Lineups:
Game No. 4: Cuba (República de Cuba) at Puerto Rico
Venue: Hiram Bithorn Stadium — San Juan, Puerto Rico
First Pitch: 5:00 PM MDT
TV: FS1
Radio: MLB Audio; Sirius XM
Lineups:
Game No. 5: Venezuela (República Bolivariana de Venezuela) Nicaragua (República de Nicaragua)
Venue: loanDepot Park — Miami, Florida, USA
First Pitch: 5:00 PM MDT
TV: FS2
Radio: MLB Audio; Sirius XM
Lineups:
Game No. 6: Mexico (Estados Unidos Mexicanos) at United States
Venue: Daikin Park — Houston, Texas, USA
First Pitch: 6:00 PM MDT
TV: Fox
Radio: MLB Audio; Sirius XM
Lineups:
Game No. 7: Czechia (Česká) at Japan (日本)
Venue: Tokyo Dome — Tokyo, Japan
First Pitch: 4:00 AM MDT (March 10th, 2026)
TV: FS1
Radio: MLB Audio; Sirius XM
Lineups:
Please keep in mind our Purple Row Community Guidelines when you’re commenting. Thanks!
WBC Wrap: Panama takes down Canada; Mexico, DR win big
After a day of terrific baseball, we only got one close game Sunday and that one was a minor upset.
Coming up today
We have three WBC Games late this morning and early this afternoon. Please use this as a discussion thread for those three games.
11 a.m. Central: Dominican Republic vs Israel at Miami. Pitching matchup, Bello vs. Prager. TV: FS1
11 a.m. Central: Colombia vs. Panama at San Juan. Pitching matchup, Almeida vs. Espino. TV: FS2
12 noon Central: Brazil vs. Great Britain at Houston. Pitching matchup, TBD vs. TBD. TV: Tubi
Pool A (San Juan):
Cuba hit two home runs in the first inning and they never looked back, beating Colombia 7-4.
Colombia actually broke out to a 1-0 lead with an unearned run off of Cuba starter and Diamondbacks prospect Denny Larrondo. The run scored on a sacrifice fly by former Athletics infielder Jordan Diaz.
But Cuba roared back in the bottom of the first. Nippon Ham Fighters outfielder Ariel Martínez went oppo taco with two men on to go up 3-1. [VIDEO]
Two batters later, former Dodger Erisbel Arruebarrena snuck a home run down the left field line to make it 4-1. [VIDEO]
Colombia cut the lead to 4-2 with another sacrifice fly in the top of the sixth. But Cuba struck back with three in the bottom of the inning, highlighted by this hit by Marlins minor leaguer Yiddi Cappe that left fielder Harold Ramírez misplayed into a two-run triple [VIDEO].
Colombia threatened to get back in the game in the top of the seventh. The pushed across one run on a Gio Urshela single and then scored a second run when former Mariners minor leaguer Tito Polo was hit by a pitch. But Cuba summoned former A’s minor leaguer Luis Romero from the bullpen with the bases loaded and two outs. He got an easy grounder back to the mound and flipped the ball to first base to end the threat.
Cuba is now 2-0 in pool play. Colombia is 0-3 and has been eliminated from any chance to advance to the single-elimination rounds.
Panama won for the first time in three tries in the 2026 WBC with a 4-3 win over Canada.
The Cubs’ Jameson Taillon got the start in this game and pitched well, allowing just one run on two hits over 3.2 innings. The one run he allowed came in the fourth inning after he left the game with a man on first and two outs. Reliever Antoine Jean let that runner in. Taillon walked two and struck out three.
Here are some Taillon highlights [VIDEO].
Abraham Toro, who is with the Royals this year, gave Canada a 1-0 lead with an RBI double in the second inning. [VIDEO]
After Panama tied the game in the top of the fourth, Canada retook the lead on three consecutive singles by Bo Naylor, Owen Caissie and A’s outfielder Denzel Clarke.
James Paxton, who retired after the 2024 season, came back to pitch for Canada one last time in the sixth inning. Unfortunately, his defense let him down. An error by Canadian first baseman Josh Naylor opened up a two-out, three-run rally. Panama veteran Rubén Tejada, who last played in the majors for the Mets in 2019, hit a two-run single to give Panama the lead [VIDEO].
Enrique Banfield Jr. then bunted for a hit, scoring Miguel Amaya [VIDEO].
Marlins teammates Owen Caissie and Otto Lopez teamed up to make this incredible play to keep Panama from scoring another run in the top of the eighth.
Caissie almost tied the game with a deep drive to center field in the bottom of the eighth, but he hit it to the deepest part of the park and it ended up as an RBI double [VIDEO]
There was a one-hour rain delay at the start of this game and a 23-minute rain delay in the top of the ninth. When the game resumed, former Pirates pitcher Dario Agrazal came in to get the save. Josh Naylor singled with one out and stole second when Tyler O’Neill struck out. But with the tying run on second base, former Cub Jared Young struck out to end the game.
Miguel Amaya was 1 for 4 and scored on that Banfield bunt. Christian Bethancourt was briefly down injured after sliding into third base in sixth. But he eventually stayed in the game. He was 2 for 4 with a run scored.
Pool B (Houston):
Italy improved to 2-0 in pool play with a comfortable 7-4 win over Great Britain.
Great Britain jumped on Italy starter and Guardians minor leaguer Dylan DeLucia in the top of the first. Nate Eaton led off the top of the first with a double and the second batter, Jazz Chisholm Jr., singled. Both runners would score on wild pitches by DeLucia.
But Italy would tie the game up in the third with back-to-back home runs by Brewers minor leaguer Andrew Fischer and Diamondbacks farmhand JJ D’Orazio.
The home run by JJ D’Orazio [VIDEO]
Italy took the lead after scoring three runs in the bottom of the fourth off of Nick Wells, who played in the independent Atlantic League last year. The first one came on an RBI single by Fischer. Then former Cub Miles Mastrobuoni doubled Fischer home. [VIDEO]
Phillies outfielder Dante Nori drove in the third run of the inning on an infield single.
Italy’s final two runs came in the fifth inning on a “Little League home run” (a triple and an error) off the bat of White Sox infielder Sam Antonacci. [VIDEO]
Great Britain got two runs back in the top of the eighth on an RBI single by Chisholm, who later scored on a wild pitch. But that was it for scoring in the game.
Cubs farmhand BJ Murray went 0 for 3 with a walk for Great Britain.
Mexico 16 Brazil 0 (6 innings)
Mexico turned in the biggest blowout of the tournament when they put up 16 runs against Brazil, who managed just three hits over six innings before it was called on the mercy rule.
Blue Jays farmhand Eric Pardinho got the start for Brazil and he got rocked for eight runs over three innings. Four of those runs came in the first inning.
The second run of the first inning came on this double by Alejandro Kirk. [VIDEO]
Mexico tacked on another run when Jarren Duran led off the second inning with a home run. [VIDEO]
Mexico scored six more runs in the fourth inning. Kirk hit a three-run home run in the sixth. [VIDEO]
Meanwhile, Mexico starter Taijuan Walker did not allow a hit over 3.1 innings, striking out three. [VIDEO]
Pool C (Tokyo)
Korea’s win by five runs gave them a spot in the quarterfinals because of a three-way tiebreaker:
As it turned out, Korea needed every one of its runs on Monday. Because the win created a three-way tie in Pool C among Korea, Australia and Chinese Taipei, the run quotient tiebreaker went into effect, awarding Korea a trip to the quarterfinals based on its number of runs scored and defensive outs collected. In other words, had Korea won by fewer than five runs in nine innings, Australia would’ve advanced despite the loss.
Tough loss for Australia, as Korea scored a run in the ninth inning for that five-run win. Otherwise Australia would have headed to the quarterfinals. Korea will play the winner of Pool D on Friday.
For Korea, Bo Gyeong Moon had four RBI and this two-run homer:
Here’s the sacrifice fly that gave Korea their final, tie-breaking run [VIDEO].
Pool D (Miami)
Dominican Republic 12, Netherlands 1 (7 innings)
The Dominican Republic had no problem with the Netherlands, winning 12-1 in a game that ended early on the mercy rule. Technically this game ended on a walk-off home run by Juan Soto.
Arij Fransen, who pitched in the Reds minor league system last year and is currently a free agent, started for the Netherlands and promptly gave up two runs. The first came off of an RBI single by Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the second one was the result of an error by shortstop Xander Bogaerts.
The Netherlands only run came in the second inning on a home run by Didi Gregorius. [VIDEO]
Luis Severino started for the Dominicans and got the win, allowing just one run on three hits over four innings. Severino struck out five and walked no one.
Guerrero extended the Dominican lead to 4-1 with a two-run home run in the third [VIDEO]
The game turned into a rout when the Dominicans scored six runs in the fifth inning, most of which came off of Netherlands reliever Wendell Floranus, who pitched in the Orioles system from 2012 to 2015 and has been in the Mexican League ever since. Junior Caminero and Austin Wells each hit two-run home runs for the DR in the fifth.
Here’s every run scored in the fifth inning by the Dominican Republic [VIDEO]
Finally, we have that technical walk-off home run by Juan Soto [VIDEO], as the blast increased the Dominican lead to 11 runs, which brought about the mercy rule.
Five pitchers combined to complete a two-hit shutout as Israel won for the first time in this tournament, 5-0 over Nicaragua.
Dean Kremer made the start for Israel and allowed just two hits over 4.1 innings. He struck out four and walked one.
Here are Kremer’s four strikeouts [VIDEO].
Israel took a 1-0 lead when Cardinals farmhand Noah Mendlinger singled home Rockies prospect Cole Carrigg. They took a commanding lead in the fifth when the scored four runs on singles by Harrison Bader, Cardinals minor leaguer Zach Levenson and Carrigg.
Three Positives From Goodyear, Arizona
Spring Training is in full swing, and regardless of their 8-8 record, the Guardians have still given us plenty to be positive about.
Guards Making Waves in WBC
Numerous Guardians players are taking a break from Spring Training to represent their countries in the World Baseball Classic. Top prospect Travis Bazzana made headlines in Team Australia’s first game by hitting a home run to secure a 3-0 win over Chinese Taipei. Stuart Fairchild has also had a few big moments for Chinese Taipei including a grand slam in a 14-0 victory over Czechia. Pitcher Logan Allen had a successful outing for Panama in Friday’s game against Cuba when he struck out five hitters in three innings. The WBC will continue until the championship game on March 17th.
Hoskins Heating Up
After a slow start to Spring, new addition Rhys Hoskins has begun to see some success at the plate. In Saturday’s game versus San Diego, Hoskins had two hits including his first home run of the year and four RBIs. He was the biggest contributor in the Guards’ 7-1 win over the Padres. He is currently hitting .200/.294/.400, and if he’s able to build on this success, he’ll be a key contributor heading into the regular season.
Velazquez Making Waves
Cleveland’s No. 4 prospect Ralphy Velazquez has been proving himself in Spring Training. The 20 year old is hitting .385/.429/.538 with five hits and three RBIs. He split 2025 between Single-A Lake County and Double-A Akron and was a non-roster invitee to Spring Training. He’s also shown his speed on the basepaths and has been a good defender at first base. While there’s no guarantee he’ll see the big leagues this year, he is proving that he’d deserve it.
Social Media Spotlight
This week’s social media spotlight comes from the World Baseball Classic. During Sunday night’s game between Panama and Canada, current Guardians pitcher Logan Allen and former Guardians pitcher Logan Allen found themselves in an anthem standoff. Shockingly, Logan Allen pulled off the win.
No, Garrett Stubbs should not be the 26th man on the roster
When we reach this point in spring training, finding stories is often hard to do. For teams like the Phillies, teams that have a rather full roster difficult to crack for most veterans, they are reduced having to slog through games that will have very little determination on the edges of that roster. While the bullpen does have one, maybe two, spots that will have a rock fight over them until the very end of camp, the position player side of things is more or less settled. Now that Johan Rojas is apparently out of the picture, we more or less know who will be the thirteen players going north to open the season against the Rangers.
OR DO WE????
This is where we are at, friends. We are debating whether or not Garrett Stubbs should make the team as the 26th man on the roster.
There is no need to debate that.
Stubbs is not making the team as anything other than the backup catcher. If he’s not doing that, he’s in Lehigh Valley.
Let’s lay out some facts, first being Stubbs’ contract. Once again, this offseason, Stubbs agreed to a split contract that would pay him $575,000 should he have to go to the minor leagues, $925,000 if he were to make the team over Rafael Marchan. It’s a substantial financial incentive for Stubbs to accept the assignment that might be headed his way should he not make the Opening Day roster, one designed by the Phillies to help them maintain some catching depth in case of injury. Stubbs no longer has minor league options, so he’d have to pass through waivers before going to Lehigh Valley, yet it’s unlikely anyone would claim him or his contract. That contract is actually more conducive to his staying with the team than it is to his going somewhere else.
Second, Stubbs’ production does not outweigh what others ahead of him might be able to produce on the field. While his 2022 season was actually quite good considering how little playing time he actually received, Stubbs, while in the major leagues, has done almost nothing with the bat, posting OPS numbers that start with a 5 in the two seasons he was the lone option carrying J.T. Realmuto’s clubs. Of the options on the team, Marchan alone (.210/.282/.305 in 2025) is the better of two rather poor options to back up Realmuto, but at least Marchan has some solid defensive numbers to fall back on. We know that Realmuto took a step backwards defensively in 2025, but even if we’re talking about a limited number of chances Marchan had as compared to the starter, he was better than Realmuto in almost all aspects of catcher defense that is measured by Baseball Savant.
If we look at what the team needs on the field, Stubbs’ meager bat is not one that should be kept over potentially better options like Bryan de la Cruz (who fills an actual need in the outfield) or Dylan Moore (who could fill a potential need as a right handed bat off the bench). Keeping Stubbs over either of those two would be roster mismanagement that, while not crippling due to the nature of the spot, would make one start to further question how they see their weaknesses that exist on roster.
Lastly, if they’re even considering contributions that Stubbs could make to the locker room (and by the sounds of it, they are), one has to wonder if they’re putting too much stock at this point in clubhouse cohesion versus on-field results. We have heard many, many stories about how close this clubhouse has become over the years and it still makes for an unquantifiable aspect to roster construction. However, if the team feels that adding Stubbs to continue creating a clubhouse environment that helps the team win, what does that say about the players already in the locker room? Why would they even consider it when they have so many leaders already giving the team a foundation?
So, despite saying that there is nothing saying Stubbs can’t be the 26th man, there are actually a decent amount of reasons why Stubbs should not be considered for the job.
Espresso Celebrations, Royals Bullpen Heat, and Spring Breakouts
In this episode of the Royals Rundown Podcast from Royals Review, hosts Jacob Milham and Jeremy Greco dive into the excitement of the World Baseball Classic while breaking down the latest news surrounding the Kansas City Royals during spring training. From Team Italy’s now-famous espresso celebration to standout tournament performances, the hosts explore how international competition is shaping MLB players and creating new energy around the sport.
Closer to home, Jacob and Jeremy analyze the progress of Royals prospects Noah Cameron and Dennis Kolaron Jr., discuss the development of Isaac Collins, and examine the implications of recent roster transactions and minor league moves. The conversation also highlights the Royals’ bullpen outlook heading into the season, identifying strengths, potential breakout arms, and roster flexibility that could impact Kansas City’s competitiveness.
The episode also ventures beyond the diamond with thoughtful discussion of a Texas Rangers statue controversy and how baseball history intersects with cultural conversations. As always, the hosts close with a lighter segment reviewing baseball-adjacent entertainment, including Pixar’s Turning Red and upcoming movie releases.
Packed with World Baseball Classic highlights, Royals spring training analysis, prospect development insights, and engaging baseball culture discussions, this episode offers Royals fans a well-rounded look at the stories shaping the team and the sport.
Email Jacob directly at: jm17971047@gmail.com
Need your Royals fix? Head to royalsreview.com for news, analysis, and to engage with Royals fans around the world! Follow us online:
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– Jeremy Greco: @hokius.fromthehawkseye.com
– Jacob Milham: @jacobmilhkc.bsky.social
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Aaron Judge, Kyle Schwarber relishing in WBC experience with Team USA
Scottsdale, Arizona — The World Baseball Classic is in full swing, and Team USA is looking to return to the top of the podium after finishing second to Japan in 2023.
The lineup is a formidable one, featuring MLB All-Stars such as Aaron Judge, Paul Goldschmidt and Kyle Schwarber, among others. However, they are also facing other teams filled with MLB’s top players, so it could prove to be a tough challenge as the tournament goes on.
But that’s not deterring the excitement they have to play in the tournament.
“The biggest thing is just this is a once-in-a-lifetime (experience), getting the chance to be surrounded by the greatness we have in this room,” said Judge after the team’s exhibition game against the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday.
“MVPs, Cy Young winners, World Series champs, All-Stars… the list goes on and on. It’s going to be a cool experience, getting to play for your country and also learn a thing or two and just kind of pick guys’ brains, see what makes guys tick, and hopefully you can add something to your game and help you out.”
Future Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw agrees.
“I think being on this team was a bucket list thing for me from the beginning, so to get to do that was really great and really fun,” he added. “Obviously, I thought I was never going to throw a baseball again, so to get to do it with Team USA across your chest and come back to that dugout… that team is really special.”
The WBC started with exhibitions on March 2 and runs through March 17, which doesn’t give players a lot of time to get to know each other and build camaraderie. But the players have wasted no time and are jumping on the opportunity to meet teammates they might not play with otherwise.
“An All-Star game is fun to get to know guys, but here, I think the difference is that we’re bonding,” said Judge.
“We’re really diving into each other, trying to get to know each other, having each other’s backs. We’re rooting for each other. Guys are hitting homers that are usually on opposing teams and jumping out of the dugout. It’s pretty cool. It’s amazing to see, and I’m looking forward to (this tournament).”
Yankees first baseman Paul Goldschmidt points to the size of the US as a factor.
“It’s a challenge to get thrown together, honestly, especially for [Team] USA with how spread out the United States is,” he said.
“Not a lot of us are going to play winter ball and stuff like that, where some of these other countries have that in the offseason. So there’s just being very intentional about having conversations with players in the locker room and not just leaving when the game ends or when you come out of the game and just doing your own thing. It does take time, and you can see everyone doing it. Everyone wants to play well and get to know each other, and just try to speed up that process as much as possible.”
Philadelphia Phillie Kyle Schwarber can already see things coming together
“Luckily, we all kind of have a really good idea of who everyone is,” he said, “and I feel like the coaching staff has done a really good job of putting a lot of these guys in the room here that are great dudes. And we’ve been having team dinners and getting to know each other, and team meetings and things like that. No one’s afraid of conversation here, and I think that’s the best thing to have.”
Goldschmidt has played in three Classics – the only player on Team USA to do so. And he has seen significant changes since he first donned the uniform in 2017.
“In my first year, there were definitely some of the best of the best players that didn’t want to play,” he said.
“Those of us that were there kind of wanted to prove how great this team could be, and we were able to win. And then I think more guys last time wanted to do it, and we saw the ending there against Japan. Even though we came up short, just how much fun everyone was having and how great the event [was] brought more media coverage on TV. So this time around, it feels like almost everyone wants to be a part of it.”
And Goldschmidt played a part in recruiting some players to play for their countries in the WBC.
“I went back [after 2017] and was just telling everyone on my team, everyone that got to first base that would listen, like, ‘You need to play for your country’ and of course the US guys need to go play for Team USA because it was great,” he said.
“It was so much fun. The competition was great. We were basically playing an All-Star Game every night, and it definitely prepares you for the season. So I think all of those things really helped. And the same thing in 2023, and I just felt the momentum growing as well. Hopefully we can play well and keep it going where it grows even more.”
Kershaw has also paid attention to how the WBC has evolved, which is why playing for Team USA was a “bucket list item.”
“Every guy from Mookie [Betts] to Will Smith and even [Austin Barnes] when he played for Mexico – they all told me that it’s something you have to do and just the environment that’s created with it,” he said. “And now you see some of these teams… I mean, they’re pretty stacked with the [Dominican Republic] and Japan and those groups. So it’s going to be a playoff environment. It’s what everybody has told me, and [this] group is certainly motivated to win, which is really fun.”
For Schwarber, this year is about taking care of unfinished business.
“There’s a new team, new faces, new everything but we still have the same three letters across our chest where we didn’t get the job done three years ago and we want to fix that,” he said.
“Everyone’s got the right mindsets here. Everyone’s looking forward to getting in this tournament and making a deep run and making it all the way and wearing a gold medal. So it’s a step at a time, a game at a time, and there’s no looking ahead and no looking behind. We’ve just got to be able to do what we do, take care of business, and go from there.”
Team USA is 2-0 in Pool Play so far, and will take on Mexico Monday at 8pm ET.
Astros Prospects Spring Training Standouts
Baseball season is back, and spring training is in full swing. With that, there has been opportunities for prospects to play with the Major League club and show what they can do. While it’s still early, below are a few prospects that have stood out so far in Spring Training.
Hitter – Walker Janek
Janek was the Astros first round pick in 2024, and seen as a plus defender. In 2025 the 23-year-old hit .263 with 21 doubles, 2 triples and 12 home runs over 92 games for High-A Asheville. He also added a surprising 30 stolen bases. Even more important though, he threw out 31% of base stealers, a really strong number for a catcher.
So far this spring he has played in six games and is 4-for-9 with a double, home run, 4 runs batted in and 3 walks. He has also added four stolen bases. His first professional season was solid, though a little underwhelming for a first round pick. Getting off to a nice start in 2026 would be huge for Janek.
Hitter – Brice Matthews
Matthews was the Astros first-round pick in 2023, and Dana Brown’s first first-round selection. Matthews is a great athlete though he does have some swing and missing in his game. Matthews backed up the scouting reports in 2025, hitting .283 with 10 home runs and 25 stolen bases over 73 games at Triple-A, earning a call-up to Houston.
Matthews came into Spring Training with a chance to seize a spot on the big league roster as an outfielder, or maybe a utility type player. So far this spring he has performed well hitting 6-for-22 with two doubles, 7 runs batted in and four stolen bases. We know the potential is there, he just has to translate it on the field.
Pitcher – AJ Blubaugh
Blubaugh was a 7th round pick back in the 2022 draft out of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Blubaugh was up and down a bit in 2025 but when he got a chance with the Astros, he showed off posting a 1.69 ERA with 35 strikeouts in 32 innings. The 2025 season showed that Blubaugh belongs with the big league club and should get some good long looks this season.
So far this spring training, Blubaugh has been strong. The right-hander has pitched in three games totaling 5.2 innings. He has allowed 1 run while striking out 3, and running his fastball up to 97 MPH. While his role for 2026 isn’t clear yet, I think it is clear that he needs to be on the Opening Day roster either in the rotation or the bullpen.
Pitcher – Hudson Leach
Leach was signed as an undrafted free agent following the 2024 draft. He was dominant at times in 2025, but his command would get away from him and he ended up with a 5.54 ERA overall, though he had a 3.51 FIP. He did finish with 63 strikeouts in 39 innings, including some run in Triple-A. The Astros sent Leach to the Arizona Fall League where he struck out 13 in 6.2 innings allowing 3 runs showing off a high 90s fastball.
So far this spring, Leach has pitched in three games and tossed three scoreless innings while racking up three strikeouts. His cutter has been great, including generating 3 whiffs on 4 thrown in his last outing. As mentioned before, he has a big league fastball that he’s ran up to 97.1 MPH. He is a dark horse candidate to be in the pen this year.