NORTH PORT, FLORIDA - MARCH 24: Jorge Mateo #2 of the Atlanta Braves hits an RBI double in the fifth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays during a Grapefruit League spring training game at CoolToday Park on March 24, 2026 in North Port, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The roster has been released for today’s series finale against the Kansas City Royals. The Atlanta Braves are looking to complete the first sweep of the season on this early afternoon start, as the Royals are determined to put a stop to it.
Notice any names that stick out in today’s lineup?
Well, after reading the headline, you pretty much guessed it: shortstop Jorge Mateo is making a return to the field, but this time as a starter in the position. After scoring a run in the Braves’ late rally in the ninth inning last night, he will be returning to help the team secure its win.
Another name that’s been making headlines throughout the night is Dominic Smith, who will be returning as DH after last night’s electric finale. The rest of the lineup remains identical to yesterday’s, with Ronald Acuña Jr. batting leadoff and Mike Yastrzemski returning to left field.
Grant Holmes is taking the mound and looking to start his season appearance off on a good foot and help secure a win for the team on the defensive side.
On the Royals’ side of the field, Seth Lugo is up on the mound, with a few tweaks in today’s lineup in efforts to produce a different outcome in the finale.
Salvador Perez will be replacing Carter Jensen as the designated hitter, while Jensen will see his way to the catcher spot for the first time in the series. Jonathan India will be replaced by Nick Loftin at second base and batting in the eighth hole. And Lane Thomas will be behind Jensen, taking the place of Isaac Collins in left field.
An important ending to the series for both teams to set their season. Who will get the final word?
WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 01: The Washington Nationals formally introduce their new Washington Nationals President of Baseball Operations, Paul Toboni at Nationals Park in Washington, DC on October 01, 2025. (Photo by Marvin Joseph/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
The Nationals have made one thing clear early in the Paul Toboni era, they will churn through a lot of players. It feels like the Nats are making some sort of roster move every other day. Whether it is small trades or waiver claims, the Nats are going to be active this season.
We saw yet another example of that yesterday when they traded for the recently DFA’d Curtis Mead. The reason why they traded for him and did not claim him is actually interesting. Mead was with the White Sox, who are obviously in the AL. For waiver claims, AL teams get first dibs on AL players. Clearly, the Nats coveted Mead, so they gave up a minor leaguer to get in front of the line.
Taking bets on players like Mead is a solid process for a rebuilding team. Curtis Mead was a top prospect just a few years ago and is still just 25. His elite hitting ability in the minors has not translated to the MLB yet, but the Nats are in a position to give him a shot. If it does not work out, they can either option Mead or just DFA him again. However, if he hits, he could stick around for a while.
What you should know about Curtis Mead: -25 years old -Former top 100 prospect, as high as 32nd on Fangraphs rankings in 2024 -76 wRC+ and 3 home runs in 90 games for TB and CHW last season -Makes hard contact, but needs a more refined plate approachpic.twitter.com/RCE2wwW5CU
Honestly, the strategy is similar to what venture capital firms do, which is what one of you said in the comments. If you take enough of these bets on players with pedigree, at least one or two of them is bound to work out. These are not moves that have much of a chance of making an impact, but the cost of these are very low. All you need for these guys is an open 40 man roster spot and sometimes a lesser known prospect.
The only one of these moves that I have not really loved is the Jorbit Vivas one. Sean Paul Linan is a flawed pitcher, but he is a real prospect. I do not love giving that up for a utility infielder with no minor league options left, especially when you already have Jose Tena. However, Toboni clearly likes Vivas’ skills at the plate, so we will see how that works out.
Spencer Nusbaum, now of the Athletic, actually predicted that the Nats will set the record for the most players rostered in a season. Right now that record is 71, which the Braves did last season. With all these minor moves Toboni is already making, the Nats are likely to at least challenge that record.
The Nationals have set their Opening Day roster. I’ve offered this bold prediction: Washington is going to break the MLB record for players rostered in a season.
Which makes this roster what, exactly? Simply the 26 players they’re taking to Chicago. https://t.co/6QDKOZLZFG
This is a departure from the Nats old ways. In the Mike Rizzo days, the Nats tended to stick with the guys they had. They would make the occasional waiver claim, and Rizzo had a couple good ones. Most notably, he claimed Hunter Harvey and Robert Garcia. However, he was not using the waiver wire at the kind of volume Toboni will. For a rebuilding team, I think Toboni’s approach makes more sense. You have room on the roster to give guys chances.
The Nats use of the waiver wire did not start just this spring though. Toboni went on a waiver claim frenzy in January and early February. He picked up guys like Joey Wiemer, Ken Waldichuk, Andre Granillo and Gus Varland, who all made the Opening Day roster. There were also guys who were only on the roster for a few days before getting DFA’d again.
Nationals have claimed LHP Richard Lovelady off waivers from Mets and DFA’d UTIL Mickey Gasper (who was only recently claimed himself). The 40-man roster merry-go-round continues.
This churn will certainly keep Nats reporters like myself on my toes. There will be a steady stream of players coming and going in DC. If just a couple of these guys hit, all of this activity will be worth it. The Nats are playing with penny stocks right now. It kind of sucks that the team is bad enough to give all these guys opportunities, but hopefully this sort of stuff will pay off in the long run.
MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 17: Eduardo Rodriguez #52 of Team Venezuela pitches against Team United States during the first inning at loanDepot park on March 17, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Just a reminder, there is no Dbacks game today.
Team News
D-backs drop series finale, look forward to home Opening Day
“We won a lot of innings of baseball over the course of this three-game series,” manager Torey Lovullo said. “Yet we’re 0-3, so that’s frustrating. It’s very frustrating. This was a tough series, no doubt about it. I did not think we would be coming home 0-3, but we are. We’ve got to understand why it happened, accept why it happened, get better, and get ready for a very, very spirited Monday Opening Day. Our crowd will be waiting for us. We can’t wait to come home.” https://www.mlb.com/dbacks/news/diamondbacks-lose-series-finale-versus-dodgers-head-home-for-opening-day
Eduardo Rodriguez throws gem, but Dodgers come back late to sweep Diamondbacks
This may be because most species of moths do not eat at all. Some moths such as the Luna moth emerges from its cocoon and never eats. This species lives for about a week long.
Humans have just 1 bone fewer than horses.
Horses have an average of 205 bones or more while the adult human is set at 206. On average, horses will live for 25-30 years.
The guillotine was invented to create “equality in execution.” Until its widespread use, the regular methods of execution in France were rather savage. Punishment like being drawn and quartered was common. The idea to use the guillotine as the main method of execution was part of the movement for equality in France that spurred on the revolution.
Adolf Hitler helped design the Volkswagen Beetle. Between Hitler and Ferdinand Porsche, the iconic bug-like car was designed as part of a Hitler-revived German initiative to create an affordable and practical car that everyone could own.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 26: Andrew McCutchen #4 of the Texas Rangers reacts after hitting a double during the game against the Philadelphia Phillies on March 26, 2026 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Texas Rangers lineup for March 29, 2026 against the Philadelphia Phillies: starting pitchers are MacKenzie Gore for the Rangers and Jesus Luzardo for the Phillies.
Texas will look to take the rubber game with new addition MacKenzie Gore on the mound. Evan Carter and Joc Pederson sit against the lefty, and Kyle Higashioka gets his first start of the season.
The lineup:
Nimmo — RF
Langford — CF
Seager — SS
Burger — 1B
McCutchen — DH
Higashioka — C
Jung — 3B
Haggerty — LF
Duran — 2B
12:35 pm Central start time. Rangers are +135 underdogs.
Season-opening series wrap up on Sunday, as we'll see if early-season trends can hold up with the third-best starting pitcher on the mound for each team.
Young star Roman Anthony will look to continue his hot start, while fellow star on the rise Gunnar Henderson wants to break through.
The Royals will start 36-year-old innings-eater Seth Lugo, who gave up three home runs in nine spring innings. The Atlanta Braves lineup took him deep twice when they faced him last year, and Austin Riley has a career .910 OPS against Lugo with two home runs.
Riley has beaten up Kansas City pitching in the first two games, posting a 1.196 OPS. He led the Braves with five home runs in spring training, but he's still looking for his first extra-base hit of the regular season.
That will come this afternoon.
Time: 1:35 p.m. ET
Where to watch: MLB Network
Roman Anthony (+390)
After an injury interrupted his debut season last year, Roman Anthony is ready to take a star turn. He had an OPS+ of 140 in 71 games last year and is ready to make up for lost time.
Anthony had two WBC homers for Team USA and hit .300 in spring training for Boston when not with the national team. In two games that count, he's gotten four hits.
Anthony hasn't had an extra base hit but could break through against Cincinnati’s Rhett Lowder, making his seventh career start and first since 2024 after missing all last year with injury.
Time: 1:40 p.m. ET
Where to watch: CINR, NESN
Gunnar Henderson (+285)
Gunnar Henderson was one of the stars for Team USA at the WBC, hitting .400 with two homers and 1.267 OPS.
He's still seeking his first hit after two games in the regular season, striking out five times in eight at-bats. New manager Craig Albernaz was supportive of him after he showed frustration on the field Saturday.
Gunnar Henderson has a home run against Twins starter Bailey Ober in his career, and Ober struggled in the spring, with a WHIP of 1.769 and less than a strikeout every two innings. Look for Henderson to break through in game three.
Time: 1:35 p.m. ET
Where to watch: MASN, MNMT
2026 Transparency record
HR picks: 2-2, +3.6 units
Today’s HR parlay
Austin Riley
Bet Now +12027
Roman Anthony
Gunnar Henderson
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CINCINNATI, OHIO - MARCH 28: Masataka Yoshida #7 of the Boston Red Sox during the game against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on March 28, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Red Sox still don’t seem to have a long-term plan for what to do with the five outfielders they have for four outfield/DH spots, to say nothing of what happens when Triston Casas enters the DH picture. But they do have a short-term plan. Alex Cora announced that, starting today, Masataka Yoshida would play three of the next five games, and he’ll even get some game time in left field, where he has made just six appearances over the last two seasons.
It’s not exactly clear to me what the goal is here. The “showcase him for a trade” rationale doesn’t carry water — everyone in baseball knows who he is as a player and no team is going to decide they want him based on a few games in March and April. Moreover, no one really needs much rest at this point in the season; he doesn’t provide an offensive upgrade over any of the players he’d be replacing except for, perhaps, Ceddanne Rafaela; and he’s a definite defensive downgrade over all of them. Players will get injured, of course, and players will need rest, but playing Yoshida three times over the next five games just means the Sox won’t be putting their best team on the field three times over the next five games. It’s long past time to get whatever they can for Yoshida and move on. (Tim Healey, Boston Globe)
Another thing to keep in mind regarding the outfield/DH rotation: defensively, the Red Sox outfield was far and away the best in baseball last year. On a relative basis, it was the strongest component of the team. Roman Anthony is probably the weakest of the four primary outfielders, but he is working hard to improve his defensive game. (Peter Abraham, Boston Globe)
Another thing Anthony is working on right now (as are all big league hitters) is ABS strategy. A poor challenge decision in the third inning of yesterday’s game cost the Sox in a big way. (Christopher Smith, MassLive)
But Anthony didn’t have the worst day yesterday. That dishonor went to Sonny Gray. (Sean McAdam, MassLive)
Or maybe it was CB Bucknor who had the worst day as the home plate umpire. “He has one job to do, it’s call balls and strikes,” Alex Cora said, leading me to wonder what exactly the purpose of ABS is if it isn’t actually relieving us of bad calls. (Jen McCaffrey, The Athletic)
One person who did have a good day, though, was reliever Ryan Watson, who became the third pitcher in Sox history to work more than two innings without giving up a hit in his MLB debut. (Mark Inabinnet, AL.com)
ATLANTA — Braves designated hitter Dominic Smith’s mother died less than two weeks ago. He said the team has picked him up the last few weeks, and he returned the favor Saturday night.
Smith became the first player in MLB history to hit a walk-off grand slam in his debut with a new team, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. He finished off the Braves’ six-run ninth inning in a 6-2 win over the Kansas City Royals.
“It’s just amazing,” said Smith, who was one of the last players to make the Braves’ opening day roster. “Played against the Braves for a long time, and being on the other side a lot of these endings kind of hurt, so to be on the right side of it this time was so fun.”
Smith told reporters after the game the Braves had been very supportive during spring training when his mother was ill. She was diagnosed with cancer in September and almost died at the start of camp. Smith said he left the team for a little over a week when she had a “scare,” and returned because he was fighting for a job. He was not with her in California when she passed away.
“This team is just so awesome,” Smith said. “I’m so blessed because of the love they showed me, the support every day. They’re asking about her, asking about her well-being, my well-being, and that’s all they really cared about. They didn’t care about baseball.”
Smith was able to show his thanks in the ninth inning off Royals closer Carlos Estévez, who led MLB in saves last season with 42. The Braves erased a 2-0 deficit on RBI singles by Mike Yastrzemski and Michael Harris II and had the bases loaded with one out. On a 3-2 pitch, after calling timeout to gather himself, Smith lifted a fly ball into the right field seats that sent the sold-out crowd into a frenzy.
Smith said he felt his mom’s presence in the celebration, and he looking forward to the Braves road trip to Anaheim next week where he will be able to see family and “say his goodbyes.”
“I got choked up a bunch of times, and it’s, you know, I’m trying to hold back tears now,” he said. “I feel her every day. I miss her dearly. It’s not a moment I don’t think about her. And like I said, I’m just so thankful because this team knows what I’m going through. So they really, you know, picked me up the last few weeks.”
The Cleveland Guardians, ranked #1 in the AL Central, face the Seattle Mariners, ranked #4 in the AL West. The Mariners are favored with a moneyline of -170 and a spread of -1.5. Cleveland's Slade Cecconi (ERA: 4.30) will start against Seattle's Emerson Hancock (ERA: 4.90).
How to Watch Cleveland Guardians vs Seattle Mariners
PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 28: Ronald McDonald, the McDonald's mascot throws out the ceremonial first pitch prior to the game between the Philadelphia Phillies and Texas Rangers on March 28, 2026 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Good morning, folks…
The Texas Rangers beat the Philadelphia Phillies yesterday by a score of 5-4.
Evan Grant laments that the Rangers’ closer situation is still a problem, though Skip Schumaker says Robert Garcia and Chris Martin made their pitches and will continue to be run out there in save situations.
Schumaker explained his controversial decision to have Ezequiel Duran pinch hit for Josh Smith in the ninth inning of the opener.
The Rangers were able to keep Mark Canha around on his minor league deal by allowing him to stay in extended spring training.
The Rangers also re-signed veteran reliever Ryan Brasier to a minor league deal, after Brasier had opted out last week.
Caden Scarborough will miss the first 4-6 weeks of the minor league season as he recovers from an offseason melanoma.
In ABS news, CB Bucknor had six — SIX! — pitches overturned through the challenge system yesterday in the Boston/Cincinnati matchup that featured BoSox manager Alex Cora getting ejected.
The Cubs bounced back in a significant way after a disappointing Opening Day performance. Cade Horton got them on the right foot with three perfect innings to start, on his way to 6.1 innings and only two runs allowed. Offensively, the Cubs turned nine hits and six walks into 10 runs as they evened this series at a game apiece. I know we all would have loved to see an opening weekend sweep, but in the opener, the Cubs just didn’t find enough space when they did make contact. On Saturday, that wasn’t a problem. They found space early and often.
Heading into this season, I thought the two questions that mattered to the Cubs most involved Pete Crow-Armstrong and Cade Horton. Is PCA more the monster we saw in the first half or the too-aggressive player we saw down the stretch? Is Cade Horton able to sustain his excellence as he looks to throw 175-200 innings? You can always run up and down the roster and find a question or two for virtually every player. But I feel like PCA is the player that takes the offense and makes it extraordinary and that Horton does the same on the other side.
I believe, if you aren’t being argumentative and obtuse, that the Cubs roster is built to be a powerhouse in a regular season. Recognize that an awful lot about surviving the grind is depth of talent. The Cubs have that. Championships are built on elite postseason performances. Clearly, the players most likely to produce elite postseason performances are superstars, but of course, they are no way limited to superstars. The Cubs have enough to win a championship if they were to stay relatively healthy and get hot in the postseason.
To my eye, PCA and Horton are the two guys I think are offensively and pitching-wise, the most likely to produce elite results. That isn’t to knock guys like Alex Bregman or Nico Hoerner or whoever. There are guys who can produce at the highest level. And then there are the guys who are, hopefully, still ascending. I think PCA and Horton are the two most likely to take that next step. Obviously, the World Baseball Classic showed us that guys like Daniel Palencia could be the next stars. But for my money, it’s PCA and Horton. If you already think PCA etched his stardom last year, I get it.
Those are the heavy lifters I see as ascending. On Saturday, Horton led the way. PCA might not have been the key bat. But, he had a pair of hits, for the second straight day. He bunted for a hit. For the second straight day. He stole his first two bases of the year. In turn, he scored two runs. He can be a menace. Horton can be a dominant force. Together, they can anchor this team and lift it even higher. Are they the only path? Of course not. But in any world where this team becomes a championship contender, I’d be surprised if at least one of them weren’t starring and I’d expect both.
Obviously, the Nats are rebuilding. No one is spiking the football on a split of the first two games. A series win on Sunday isn’t going to change any of that. At the end of the day, none of that is fair. That’s the thing about baseball. You don’t draw conclusions in March. This team can compete. There are a lot of things that have to happen. Seasons can be derailed. But, this team is insulated from some amount of issues. No team can survive injuries after a point. This team showed how good they can look Saturday. Unfortunately, they showed how bad they could look on Thursday.
Buckle up, we’re probably in for a very long ride. But I’m pretty certain that you don’t want to miss that ride.
Let’s get to our three stars of the game.
Three Stars:
Cade Horton. This wasn’t his sharpest outing (2 ER over 6.1 IP). But those three perfect innings to start really quieted things down after a rough opener. Like Ben Brown’s relief appearance in the opener, Cade pitching into the seventh minimized the work for the bullpen here in the early gong.
Miguel Amaya has been so injury-plagued in his career. But he reminded us on Saturday that, when healthy, the bat plays, Two hits, two runs, two runs batted in. One homer.
Pete Crow-Armstrong. Two hits and a walk. Two steals. Two runs scored. He’s batting in the middle of the lineup, in what is probably an RBI position. But he helped set the table all day long.
Game 2, March 28: Cubs 10, Nationals 2 (1-1)
Reminder: Heroes and Goats are determined by WPA scores and are in no way subjective.
THREE HEROES:
Superhero: Miguel Amaya (.151). 2-4, HR, 2 RBI, 2 R
Hero: Cade Horton (.132). 6.1 IP, 5 H, BB, 2 ER, 4 K (W 1-0)
Sidekick: Michael Busch (.113), 1-4 BB, RR
THREE GOATS:
Billy Goat: Alex Bregman (.042). 0-5
Goat: Matt Shaw (-.001). 1-3, RBI
Kid: Dansby Swanson (.000). 0-3, BB, R
WPA Play of the Game: Michael Busch batted with runners on first and third and two outs in the second, the Cubs up two. He hit a ground ball to short and reached on an error. Two runs ended up scoring on the play. (.126)
*Nationals Play of the Game: James Wood led off the fourth inning with a solo homer, cutting a four run Cubs lead to three. (.062).
Cubs Player of the Game:
Game 1 Winner: Michael Busch (249 of 267 votes)
Up Next: Shōta Imanaga versus Jake Irvin as the Cubs go for the series win.
Mar 28, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners right fielder Luke Raley (20) hits a two-run home run during the tenth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images | Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images
I’m gonna keep it real with you guys, I worked consecutive eleven hours days this weekend, so I’m actually pretty stoked about the Mariners playing on Sunday night, because I’m just not willing to commit to getting out of bed for 1:10 game at this time. The Mariners hosting the national audience has led to some pretty kooky games in the past. Other than playoffs, does anyone have any personal favorite nationally televised Mariners games from seasons past? Or seasons future if you feel like outing yourself as time traveler. If they have a cool one in 2043 I’d like to know about it. Happy Sunday everybody!
In Mariners news…
Ok, so in the 2026 MLB Predictions piece from Wednesday, one of my predictions that I neglected to elaborate on was that I had Luke Raley penciled in for three things; 3+ fWAR season, ALCS MVP, and a top 10 finish in doubles in the AL. Well the egg is on my face, I clearly should’ve said dingers. Sorry Luke, I should’ve known better.
Tough scene for reliever Nick Anderson, who exercised his upward mobility clause on Wednesday, only to go unclaimed and end up being sent to Triple-A Las Vegas yesterday. If you’re unfamiliar, an upward mobility clause allows any of the other 29 teams add a player to their 26-man roster, in which case the team either has to add them to the 26-man, or trade them.
The New York Mets (2-0), ranked #3 in the NL East, are favorites with a -180 moneyline to win against the Pittsburgh Pirates (0-2), ranked #5 in the NL Central. Nolan McLean will start for the Mets, facing Carmen Mlodzinski of the Pirates.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 28: Freddy Fermin #54 and Mason Miller #22 of the San Diego Padres celebrate on the field after defeating the Detroit Tigers at Petco Park on March 28, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Mason Miller faced off against Kevin McGonigle in the final plate appearance of the night between the San Diego Padres and the Detroit Tigers.
The Padres were looking to avoid a sweep at the hands of the Tigers thanks in large part to the breakout performance McGonigle who was playing the third MLB game of his career. The rookie got off to a blistering start with four hits in the series opener and he followed that with another hit in the second game of the series. There was debate on Friday night about whether Miller, the Padres closer, should have been brought into the game in the top of the eighth inning with the bases loaded and the score tied 2-2. Instead, San Diego manager Craig Stammen went with Wandy Peralta for the left-on-left matchup and McGonigle delivered a two-run single on a 10-pitch at-bat that gave Detroit a 4-2 lead en route to the win.
Miller entered the game on Saturday with the Padres ahead 3-0 and quickly recorded the first two outs. He then walked Spencer Torkelson to set up the matchup with McGonigle who struck out on three pitches giving Miller his first save of the season. The win was also the first of the year for the Padres and the first of Stammen’s managerial career.
Long before Miller faced McGonigle, Randy Vasquez toed the rubber for San Diego. The right-hander delivered a dazzling performance, although it was not always the smoothest outing, with six innings of scoreless baseball. Vasquez finished the night with three walks and eight strikeouts, but the most impressive part of his outing was that he allowed just two hits.
With a performance like that the San Diego offense did not have to do much and three runs was more than enough to help the Padres avoid the sweep.
Fernando Tatis Jr. stepped to the plate in the bottom of the third inning with runners at first and second with two outs. Tatis lined a pitch on the outer half from Tigers pitcher Jack Flaherty into right field, which scored Freddy Fermin from second base to give the Padres a 1-0 lead. Jake Cronenworth advanced to third base and San Diego had runners at the corners. Tatis would later steal second and the throw from Detroit catcher Jake Rogers could not be caught belt Gleyber Torres and went into shallow center field. The poor execution by the Tigers allowed Cronenworth to score to put the Padres up 2-0.
San Diego added its third run of the game in the bottom of the fifth inning. Flaherty allowed three consecutive walks to load the bases and Jackson Merrill grounded into a force out, which allowed Cronenworth to score to give the Padres a 3-0 lead.
San Diego is off today, but returns to action against the San Francisco Giants at Petco Park on Monday at 6:40 p.m.
Padres News:
The Friar Faithful came into the season with higher expectations of the Padres than many of the national pundits as was revealed in the win projections that was part of the Padres Reacts Survey on Gaslamp Ball.
Matt Waldron and Jason Adam were both back on the mound in minor league appearances and both pitchers looked impressive in their performances.
The Padres still have prospects despite what the prospect rankings tell you. Dennis Lin of The Athletic provides four names of prospects to watch who could affect the big-league club on the major league level on the field or in a trade.
Mar 28, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets center fielder Luis Robert Jr. (88) gets dosed with water as teammates mob in celebration of getting a three run walk off home run Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Spencer Horwitz (2) during the eleventh inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images | Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
Meet the Mets
The Mets pulled off a thrilling, walk-off victory for their second win of the year, as Luis Robert Jr. began his Mets tenure with a bang, ending the game on a three-run homer in the bottom of the eleventh. Both offenses were held scoreless until extras on a chilly afternoon at Citi Field, as David Peterson and Mitch Keller traded zeroes. The Mets allowed the ghost runner to score in both the tenth and the eleventh, but managed to tie it in the bottom of the tenth and win it in the eleventh thanks to Robert’s heroics.
Laura Albanese of Newsday proved prophetic in a piece published yesterday in which she posited that Luis Robert Jr. could be the Mets’ X-factor in 2026 if he stays healthy.
The Mets’ offseason retooling is already paying dividends, writes Jon Heyman of The New York Post.
But the Mets are already experiencing learning curves at both first and third base, as Jorge Polanco and Bo Bichette both had mishaps in the field yesterday.
Around the National League East
The Phillies participated in an extra-inning contest yesterday as well, coming from three runs behind to tie the Rangers in the ninth. But Texas defeated Philadelphia 5-4 in ten innings.
Jacob deGrom was scratched from this start for Texas due to neck stiffness, but Jacob Latz had a strong outing in his stead.
The Mets weren’t the only NL East team to triumph in walk-off fashion yesterday. Old friend Dominic Smith hit a walk-off grand slam in his Braves debut to propel Atlanta to a 6-2 victory over the Royals. He became the first player in baseball history to hit a walk-off grand slam in his debut with a team.
The Nationals were shellacked by the Cubs 10-2, as Miles Mikolas’ 2026 is off to a shaky start.
The Nationals acquired infielder Curtis Mead from the White Sox in exchange for catcher Boston Smith. Mead had been designated for assignment earlier this week after failing to make Chicago’s Opening Day roster.
Owen Caissie’s go-ahead single in the eighth lifted the Marlins to a 4-3 victory over the Rockies. Eury Perez pitched seven strong innings in his season debut for Miami.
Unfortunately for Miami, they also lost a key player to injury yesterday when Cristopher Morel hit the IL with an oblique strain after he was a late scratch from the lineup on Friday after experiencing discomfort during batting practice. The Marlins plan to call up first baseman Deyvison De Los Santos to make his major league debut to replace Morel on the roster.
Around Major League Baseball
Brewers first baseman Andrew Vaughn becomes another victim of the broken hamate bone epidemic. He needs surgery and will miss 4-6 weeks.
Blue Jays manager John Schneider returned to his desk at the Rogers Centre to find a letter addressed to him that had been waiting for him all winter, dated the day after Toronto’s Game 7 loss in the World Series to the Dodgers. “I don’t know you,” it said, “but I felt compelled to reach out after watching your incredible leadership on display during the World Series.” The letter was from Golden State Warriors head coach and nine-time NBA champion Steve Kerr.
It was quite the day for walk-offs yesterday, as Cardinals rookie JJ Wetherholt followed up his home run in his big league debut with a walk-off knock in the Cardinals’ 6-5 victory over the Rays.
It has been an impressive first few games of the season for the 2026 rookie class, as Guardians rookie Chase DeLauter continued his early run of excellence with an opposite-field two-run homer that helped buoy Cleveland to a 6-5 victory over the Mariners.
Jared Greenspan of MLB.com ran down seven teams who are facing a litany of early injuries and discussed how they can overcome them.
BRADENTON, FL - MARCH 20: Konnor Griffin #75 of the Pittsburgh Pirates poses for a photo with his signed jersey after the game between the Detroit Tigers and the Pittsburgh Pirates at LECOM Park on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Bradenton, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Pirates fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
This week’s question asked about Pirates top prospect Konnor Griffin. After a Spring Training in which he showed off his prodigious power, but also some inconsistency at the plate, the Bucs sent Griffin back to Triple-A. He still has a chance to come up later this year, but for now, he’ll start the season in the Minors. We asked if you thought that was the right move?
A full 82 percent agree with the team’s decision. Instead of rushing Konnor, get him a little more seasoning at the Minor League level. Seems like a prudent move.
As always, thanks for voting, and don’t forget to check out the page of our Reacts sponsor FanDuel. They’re still rocking plenty of MLB betting chances, including +225 odds for the Bucs to just make the MLB Playoffs. Which is up since the Bucs lost their first two games of the season.
Austin Riley
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Gunnar Henderson
