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Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani apologizes for 'shortcomings' in Japan's early exit from WBC

Shohei Ohtani holds his bat while grimacing and looking upward. He stands in front of a catcher and umpire at home plate.
Japan's Shohei Ohtani reacts after popping up for the final out of his team's 8-5 loss to Venezuela on Saturday during the quarterfinal round of the 2026 World Baseball Classic in Miami. (Al Bello / Getty Images)

Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani expressed regret Monday for his "shortcomings" following Japan's early exit from the World Baseball Classic.

It is unclear what those shortcomings might have been. Over four games during this year's tournament, Ohtani led Japan with a .462 batting average, three home runs and seven RBI in 13 at-bats.

Those stats are even better than the ones he posted as the MVP of the last WBC. Over seven games in 2023, Ohtani hit .435 with one home run and eight home runs in 23 at-bats to lead Japan to its third WBC championship.

Overall, however, Japan finished with a .284 batting average, down from a .299 average three years ago. Ohtani did account for his team's final out of the 2026 tournament — an infield popup to seal an 8-5 quarterfinal loss to Venezuela on Saturday — and took to Instagram two days later.

"Thank you to all the fans for your support. Your cheers pushed us forward every day," Ohtani wrote in Japanese. "We didn't achieve the results we hoped for, and I deeply regret my own shortcomings."

The two-way superstar did not pitch in this year's WBC, after famously striking out then-Angels teammate Mike Trout of the United States for the final out of the 2023 championship game and going 2-0 with one save and a 1.86 ERA in that tournament.

Ohtani had his second Tommy John surgery in September 2023 and did not pitch again until last June with the Dodgers. Manager Dave Roberts revealed in January that Ohtani had decided not to pitch in the WBC.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

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Dodgers on Deck: Tuesday, March 17 at Royals

GOODYEAR, ARIZONA - MARCH 3: Roki Sasaki #11 of the Los Angeles Dodgers warms up during the first inning of the spring training game against the Cleveland Guardians at Goodyear Ballpark on March 3, 2026 in Goodyear, Arizona. (Photo by Mike Christy/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Dodgers’ final road game of the Arizona portion of spring training comes Tuesday night in Surprise, taking on the Kansas City Royals.

Roki Sasaki gets the start, looking for his first successful outing against major league competition this spring. He last pitched four innings on the backfields at Camelback Ranch, striking out nine Chicago White Sox minor leaguers last Tuesday.

Aaron Sanchez starts for the Royals.

Tuesday game info
  • Teams: Dodgers at Royals
  • Ballpark: Surprise Stadium
  • Time: 6:05 p.m. PT
  • TV: SportsNet LA
  • Radio: KFNZ 96.5 (Royals broadcast)
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Slay the dragon: Padres remain a threat to Dodgers’ NL West throne

San Diego Padres Manny Machado Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Unsurprisingly, the Los Angeles Dodgers are favored to cruise to their fifth consecutive National League West title. The majority of preseason win-loss projections select them to be the lone Major League Baseball team to reach 100 wins during the 2026 campaign.

The battle for second place is shaping up to be a tight three-team race between the San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants and Arizona Diamondbacks. Each club has the potential to play better than last season’s results, and with a little luck, all could challenge for a postseason berth.

The key factor for the Padres remaining in contention is keeping their core players healthy all season. 

Preller does what it takes to remain a contender

Most of the television analysts believe the Friars will take a step back after a very lackluster offseason and concerns about their starting rotation’s ability to avoid time on the injured list in 2026. 

However, the Padres have one advantage over their competitors: team President of Baseball Operations and General Manager A.J. Preller, who has a reputation for doing whatever it takes to improve his team at the trade deadline. 

He has the knack of quickly recognizing his roster’s weaknesses and striking a deal to fix those holes. Often, the deadline deals set the Friars on a course to the playoffs.

It is hard to say whether the Giants or D-Backs will emerge as contenders. Both teams have incomplete rosters that will force their front offices to make trades for reinforcements. A deal of this nature will include the organization’s top prospects to acquire a difference-maker.

The message is more powerful than you would expect. It shows the organization is all-in on making the postseason. 

The Padres cannot worry about the media’s opinion of the state of their roster. Instead, they must create some space between themselves and their NL West foes. Hopefully, the lead can grow as the season progresses.

Injuries and a lack of depth could derail the season

San Diego’s front office understands the team cannot take a significant step backward this season. They responded to the media criticism by reshaping their roster with a flurry of free agent signings before the start of Spring Training. The moves give hope to the Friar Faithful that the organization wants to contend in 2026. 

Still, the upcoming season brings an intriguing storyline to San Diego. In addition to integrating the newcomers into the lineup, first-year manager Craig Stammen must take a cautious approach to Joe Musgrove’s workload, as he returns from Tommy John surgery.

The big right-hander is slated to be part of the starting rotation, but his arm has been slow in the recovery process from throwing sessions. It is unlikely Musgrove will be ready to be on the Opening Day roster according to Stammen. He wants to slow everything down and let Musgrove get healthy before deciding when he pitches in meaningful games again. 

Injuries could throw a wrench into the best-laid plans. The Padres could have two new starting pitchers in the 2026 rotation. However, the lack of major league depth on the 40-man roster limits the options available. It could provide an opportunity for the Giants and D-Backs to move up in the standings if the Friars have issues with their starting pitching. 

Preseason expectations can be cruel sometimes, especially if none of the experts believe your team has a chance to compete for a division title. Granted, the odds are high, but the Padres believe they’re the only legitimate threat to spoil a Dodger’s NL West coronation at season’s end.

While clinching a postseason berth is the priority, upending the reigning champs would give the Friars the momentum they need to play October baseball.

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NBA power rankings 2025-26: Thunder retake top spot, Lakers climbing fast

After a midseason funk, the Oklahoma City Thunder have reasserted themselves as the best team in the land, and any path to the Larry O'Brien Trophy goes through OKC. The Lakers are making the big leap this week, up to fifth.

1. Oklahoma City Thunder

(53-15, last week No. 2)
The last few weeks have been a reminder that, for as much fun as the Spurs, Celtics and everyone else may be, every team is chasing the Thunder. Oklahoma City sets the bar and is back to looking like the dominant, best team in the land. OKC is 11-1 since the All-Star break and has won eight in a row with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander back in the lineup, and that includes beating Denver, Boston and Minnesota this past week. Part of this run is because the Thunder are getting healthy with Ajay Mitchell, Alex Caruso, Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein all back in the lineup — and they are still waiting on Jalen Williams. SGA may have locked up MVP with his play against Denver.

2. San Antonio Spurs

(49-18, last week No. 1)
San Antonio has won 17-of-19 and established itself as a clear title contender, and it's not a shock that Victor Wembanyama has been leading that charge. In those 19 games, Wembanyama averaged 24.9 points and 11.2 rebounds per game, and he has shot 48% from 3-point range in his last six games. It's just not fair. De'Aaron Fox has scored at least 20 points in four of the Spurs' last six games. The Spurs are pretty locked in as the No. 2 seed, seven games up on the Lakers in third and with an outside chance to catch the Thunder for No. 1, but OKC would have to start losing in a way that is unlikely. Catch Wembanyama and the Spurs against the Clippers on Peacock NBA Monday.

3. Boston Celtics

(44-23, last week No. 3)
Boston lost twice last week but to the two teams above them in this ranking, so we're not knocking them down for that. What Boston has in common with those two teams is that they draft and develop players exceptionally well — Hugo Gonzalez was selected 28th last June and has become a valuable part of the rotation, especially defensively. The Celtics need to get back to winning this week. They are the No. 2 seed in the East, up one game (two in the loss column) on the No. 3 seed Knicks, and Boston has a much tougher schedule the rest of the way. This week that includes facing Phoenix and Minnesota.

4. Detroit Pistons

(48-19, last week No. 5)
Looking ahead to the summer, there is one key thing to watch: How much does Detroit have to pay restricted free agent Jalen Duren? They couldn't reach an extension before the season, now he's an All-Star having the best season of his career, and about to get paid. Focusing on this season, Detroit still has a four-game lead over Boston for the No. 1 seed in the East, but games like Sunday's loss to Toronto — or the ones in a recent four-game losing streak — mean the team has some work to do to hold on to that top spot. Fortunately, it's a soft week in the schedule (two games against the Wizards, one against the shorthanded Warriors).

5. Los Angeles Lakers

(42-25, last week No. 12)
LeBron James returned this week and comfortably slid right into a role as the third option, and with that, the Lakers just kept on winning — with or without LeBron, they have won 8-of-9 and moved up to third in the West. They have done it with an improved defense, top 10 in the league over the last 10 games. That's what sparked wins over Minnesota and New York this week. "We're not gonna be the No. 1 defense in the league, but to be above average, have those two performances against those two teams back-to-back, is really encouraging," JJ Redick said of the Lakers' defense. Critical week coming up for the Lakers if they want to stay in the top three or four and host a playoff round. "We have a ridiculously hard six-game stretch here, starting tonight," Redick said before the Lakers beat the Nuggets in Overtime on Saturday. The Lakers travel to Houston for games Monday — on Peacock NBA Monday — and Wednesday, with games on the road after that against the Heat, Magic and Pistons.

6. New York Knicks

(44-25, last week No. 4)
Getting the No. 2 seed is within reach for New York — it is just one game back of Boston for the spot and has a much easier schedule the rest of the way. After dropping games to both Los Angeles teams, New York fattened up on tanking teams (Utah, Indiana) or shorthanded ones (Golden State), and we'll just ignore the fact that a couple of those games were a lot closer than they should have been. The soft schedule continues this week (Indiana, Brooklyn and Washington).

7. Cleveland Cavaliers

(41-27, last week No. 6)
Cleveland may be 10-4 with Harden in the lineup, but recent losses to Boston, Orlando and Dallas — especially Orlando, because that could be a 4/5 first-round matchup — were concerning, mostly because of how they happened. When it mattered, the Cavaliers played poor defense, they were getting blown by the point of attack, and generally there was not enough physicality. The Cavaliers sit as the No. 4 seed as of this writing, but are just one game up on the Magic. The one advantage for the Cavaliers is that they have the easiest remaining schedule of any team in the East.

8. Denver Nuggets

(41-27, last week No. 8)
Denver isn't falling apart by any stretch, but its recent run of play isn't exactly inspiring, either. The Nuggets had six straight games against some of the best in the NBA, and they went 3-3. Not bad, not inspiring. Tough losses to the Thunder and Lakers in that stretch sting. The good news is Aaron Gordon is back, but how much this team misses Peyton Watson and his athleticism has become clear — only increasing how much they will have to pay to keep him this summer.

9. Orlando Magic

(38-28, last week No. 11)
Orlando is 10-3 since the All-Star break and, with that, has shot up to fifth in the East and started to look more like the threat we all thought they were before the season started. Give some of that credit to Tristan Da Silva, who, since the All-Star Break, has thrived in a larger role with Franz Wagner out, averaging 13.3 points and 5.8 rebounds a game in that stretch while providing needed shooting — 46.3% from beyond the arc (5.2 attempts a game). Big tests for the Magic this week against the Hawks — part of Peacock NBA Monday — as well as facing the Thunder, Hornets and Lakers.

10. Miami Heat

(38-30, last week No. 9)
Almost a week later, it still boggles the mind — Bam Adebayo scored 83 points in a single game. Bam scored more than Kobe. The only player to score more than Adebayo is Wilt Chamberlain, and he did it when Sean Connery was James Bond and battling Dr. No (1962). The key takeaway from that game — it was fun. Ignore the haters — Erik Spoelstra and Pat Riley were right to be defiant. Every game with that many points (including Kobe's 81) was manufactured to a degree. What Bam accomplished was a spectacle, it was historic, it was entertaining, Heat fans will long remember it, and it should be celebrated.

11. Minnesota Timberwolves

(41-27, last week No. 7)
Minnesota has dropped 4-of-5 and is either a team that thinks it can flip the switch for the playoffs, or it's not sure where that switch is. The Timberwolves are now the No. 6 seed in the West, and they have not fared well against potential first-round opponents (0-3 against the Lakers, the current matchup, and they are 1-3 vs. the Nuggets; they have only played the Rockets once, but lost). Minnesota needs to start racking up wins to stay in the top six in the West and avoid the play-in — No. 7 seed Phoenix is just 1.5 games back, and those two teams face off on Tuesday.

12. Houston Rockets

(41-25, last week No. 10)
Kevin Durant is averaging 26 points a game this season, which has him on track for his 18th straight season averaging 20+ points per game (this excludes the season he missed due to a torn Achilles), which moves him ahead of Karl Malone and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the 2nd-most 20+ points per game seasons in a career (LeBron James leads the list, this will be his 23rd such season). The Rockets sit fourth in a very tight West and have two key games against the Lakers — catch Monday night's game on Peacock NBA Monday — then face hot teams in Miami and Atlanta at home. The Rockets need wins to hold on to a top-four spot and home court in the first round.

13. Atlanta Hawks

(36-31, last week No. 16)
Monday night on Peacock is a showdown between the two hottest teams in the East: The Hawks, winners of nine straight, and the Magic, winners of seven in a row. This run from the Hawks has given a team that looked destined for the play-in a shot at the top six — Atlanta is still the No. 9 seed in the East but is now just two games back of Toronto in sixth. The Hawks are just half a game back of the banged-up 76ers and moving into the top eight in the East, which is a much easier path out of the play-in and into the playoffs. Atlanta senses the opportunity, can it grab it?

14. Toronto Raptors

(38-29, last week No. 15)
It remains difficult to get a feel for the Raptors. At a time when teams want to be gearing up and playing their best basketball heading toward the postseason, Toronto has lost recent games to Orlando, Miami and New Orleans — then it turns around and beats Phoenix and Detroit. Jakob Poeltl had 21 points and 18 rebounds in the game, and when the Raptors are at their best, he is the hub of everything, the glue that makes this offense make sense.

15. Phoenix Suns

(39-28, last week No. 13)
This ranking may be a little too low for a team that has won 4-of-5 and is knocking on the door of the top six in the West. The Suns have held it together, going 6-4 with Dillon Brooks out with a fractured hand, although they have had some rough defensive outings in that stretch (like against Toronto, although they were at a rest disadvantage in that one). Phoenix is 2-1 so far on its six-game road trip, but things get tough the rest of the way, playing at Boston, at Minnesota — in a key game if the Suns want to get into the top six — and at San Antonio.

16. Los Angeles Clippers

(34-33, last week No. 18)
While SGA has drawn rightful praise for his record-setting 20+ point game streak, Kawhi Leonard has quietly set the Clippers record for that streak this season with 45 games, passing the Hall of Famer Bob McAdoo. The question now is how much time Leonard might miss due to a tweaked ankle (this was not announced as of this writing). The Clippers became the first team in NBA history to start the season 6-21 and get back to .500 at any point, and they did it with a 16-3 run in the past month. The Clippers sit eighth in the West and look like a playoff team, with Darius Garland finding his footing now as a starter and Bennedict Mathurin playing like someone demanding respect after a trade off a Finals team. Big measuring stick game Monday against San Antonio, and you can catch it on Peacock NBA Monday.

17. Charlotte Hornets

(34-34, last week No. 14)
Charlotte is going to make the play-in — making the postseason was a preseason goal for this team — but it doesn't happen without the play of Kon Knueppel. He is the frontrunner now to win Rookie of the Year, averaging 19.3 points per game while shooting 43.8% from 3-point range and having made more 3-pointers in a season than any rookie in NBA history. The Hornets have 9-of-10 at home coming up, a chance to move up in the standings, but it's not easy out of the gate with the Heat and Magic being the first two teams coming to town.

18. Philadelphia 76ers

(34-31, last week No. 17)
The one guy still standing for Philadelphia deserves praise — VJ Edgecombe is having the kind of season that would win him Rookie of the Year a lot of years (but this year likely lands him third). He leads all rookies, playing 35 minutes per game, he's third among rookies in scoring (15.3 points per game, behind Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel) and fourth in assists (3.8 per game). The rookie also has words for the people doubting the 76ers, who have slid to eighth in the West (and were ninth before a win Sunday). "Everyone got something to say about this team. We don't care, to be honest. We just want everyone to be healthy. Health is more important than anything. Just work, stay together, keep building chemistry."

19. Portland Trail Blazers

(32-26, last week No. 20)
What matters most in Portland this past week is that the Oregon legislature approved money for the renovation of the Moda Center (while it was unlikely, the move alleviated any fears the new owners might want to move the team). Tom Dundon, owner of the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes, heads the group that bought the Trail Blazers, a needed change at the top that is another reason the long-term future in Portland seems bright.

20. Chicago Bulls

(27-40, last week No. 24)
Josh Giddey is on fire, with four triple-doubles in his last six games, and combine that with Matas Buzelis scoring a career-high 41 at Golden State last week, and you get a team with a couple of wins lately. Chicago is a team poised to play spoiler down the stretch — this team is not just rolling over and tanking, they play fast and teams are going to have to try to beat them.

21. Golden State Warriors

(32-35, last week No. 19)
The Warriors are 5-12 since Stephen Curry went out with his knee issues, they have fallen to the No. 9 seed in the West, and while there is speculation outside the locker room that the Warriors may want to just shut him down, Curry is having none of that, as he told Nick Friedell of The Athletic: "That's not who we are. If we have stuff to play for, we play. So, I'm working to get back."

22. New Orleans Pelicans

(22-46, last week No. 22)
It's flown under the radar nationally, but Zion Williamson has been healthy most of the season and is playing well. Zion is averaging 21.4 points per game on 58.8% shooting and grabbing 5.9 rebounds a night. More importantly for his pocketbook, he was in his 51st game last week, meaning he is guaranteed at least $25.3 million next season under his incentive-heavy contract (which is heavily tied to games played). If he gets to 61 games played, he adds another $8.4 million to that guarantee. At this point, we should just assume he's getting his full salary next year.

23. Milwaukee Bucks

(28-39, last week No. 21)
Following two losses to Atlanta (plus one each to Orlando and Miami) in the past two weeks, Milwaukee is 5.5 games out of the final play-in spot with 15 games remaining in the season — it's time to pull the plug on the season and try to help the team's draft position a little. The question is, will Giannis Antetokounmpo let them? Not that it matters much, they are 2-4 in the games he has played since his return from injury (and those wins were against tanking Utah and Indiana.

24. Dallas Mavericks

(23-45, last week No. 25)
Cooper Flagg looked more like his early-season self over the weekend, scoring 25 points and then 27 points in games against the Cavaliers (he also dished out 10 assists Sunday in a Mavericks' win). Most importantly, he was getting downhill and into the paint again, looking fully recovered from his injury.

25. Sacramento Kings

(18-51, last week No. 28)
Winners of 4-of-5, with one of those coming against the Clippers on the road, however the one loss in that stretch was enough to officially eliminate them from making the play-in. The wins have come thanks to an improved defense during the stretch, plus DeMar DeRozan is playing well.

26. Utah Jazz

(20-48, last week No. 26)
As rough as this season has been on the court, it's been better than last year — Utah has already won three more games than a year ago and has a net rating 1.8 points per 100 possessions better than a season ago. There is growth. This remains a team poised to make a leap next season, although for a week, hoops fans in Utah will be focused on BYU and Utah State in the NCAA Tournament.

27. Brooklyn Nets

(17-50, last week No. 27)
Can the Nets make any noise in the Brooklyn Bridge rivalry with the Knicks this week? The Nets have dropped 13 consecutive games to the Knicks, including 0-3 this season, with an average loss in those last three of 34.3 points. Yikes. The teams face off Friday Night at the Barclays Center.

28. Memphis Grizzlies

(23-43, last week No. 23)
Memphis doesn't just lead the NBA in blown 10-point leads this season — 21 — they are now just one short of the all-time record of 22 (2016-17 Timberwolves and last season's Heat). The Grizzlies have given up 120+ points in six straight games, have lost seven in a row, and have the toughest remaining schedule among Western Conference teams.

29. Washington Wizards

(16-50, last week No. 29)
As said by the great Nate Duncan, Washington's record would be a lot better if they played as hard all season as they did in the last five minutes against Miami and Bam Adebayo. That said, the Wizards were (rightfully) embarrassed and bounced back with a good effort against the Magic. This is going to be a respectable team next season, but the final weeks of this one will be rough. The Wizards have dropped 11 straight and after playing the shorthanded Warriors on Monday, it's a tough week with games against the Pistons, Thunder and Knicks.

30. Indiana Pacers

(15-53, last week No. 30)
Ivica Zubac is seeing real minutes since his return — 24+ in each of the last two games — and while the Pacrers are not winning (having dropped 13 in a row), there is real value in having the veteran big man acquired at the deadline out there, coach Rick Carlisle said: "It's important that Andrew Nembhard and Zubac play together… We're looking to introduce things that take advantage of Zu's strengths, the guys he's playing with. Now it's just a matter of more time together in games."

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Boston Celtics Daily Links 3/16/26

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 14: The sneakers worn by Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics during the game against the Washington Wizards on March 14, 2026 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

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Ilya Solovyov’s First NHL Goal Remains a Special Memory From His Time in Denver

DENVER — Ilya Solovyov didn’t spend long in Denver, but his brief stint with the Colorado Avalanche still produced a moment he’ll remember for the rest of his career — the first NHL goal of his career.

The 25-year-old defenseman scored that milestone marker on Jan. 10 in a 4–0 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets. With 9:30 remaining in the second period, Solovyov accepted a rink wide pass from Parker Kelly, stepped into the play, and ripped a wrist shot from the top of the left circle past the goaltender. The celebration was instant and emotional as he leapt into the arms of teammate Brent Burns.

Ilya Solovyov returns to Denver.

Even months later, the memory still resonates.

"It's good to score when we play at home," Solovyov told The Hockey News. "Yeah, it was a fun (moment), fun memory, so I'll try to (score some more) tonight."

Solovyov has been getting more ice time with the Penguins. Credit: Charles LeClaire
Solovyov has been getting more ice time with the Penguins. Credit: Charles LeClaire

Solovyov’s path to that moment in Denver was far from straightforward. The Belarusian defenseman was claimed off waivers by Colorado in October after spending most of the 2024–25 season with the Calgary Wranglers, the AHL affiliate of the Calgary Flames.

During that AHL campaign, Solovyov produced 28 points — six goals and 22 assists — tying for the team lead in goals among defensemen. He also appeared in five NHL games with Calgary, recording one assist.

But the move to Denver came with challenges beyond the ice, particularly for his family, who remained behind in Calgary while the logistics of another relocation were sorted out.

“I left my family back in Calgary for a bit. It’s been almost two weeks right now,” Solovyov said shortly after arriving in Colorado. “We have a house over there, so they’re not able to jump in right away. We have to clean everything; we have to call a moving company to pick up all the stuff. We’ve got a bed, a lot of kid stuff, so they’re not able to come right away. Now we’re trying to figure out everything else. The next day I’m flying to Colorado, and the day after that I’m skating by myself.”

Another Move, Another Opportunity

Just 10 days after scoring his first NHL goal, Solovyov’s whirlwind season took another turn. Colorado traded him to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for Valtteri Puustinen and a 2026 seventh-round draft pick.

Given those circumstances, it was only natural to ask how his family has handled yet another move.

"It's maybe a little bit easier for me than for (my) family, especially my wife and son," he added. "Moving from Calgary to Denver, like you said, it was a little hard for them, but they try to manage it, and help me as much as they can."

On the ice, Solovyov appears to be settling in with his new club. In 16 games with Colorado, he recorded one goal and two assists for three points. Since joining Pittsburgh, however, his offensive production has already picked up. Through nine games with the Penguins, Solovyov has registered four assists — already surpassing his point total with the Avalanche, aside from the lone goal.

Now, he’ll have an opportunity to show his former team what they may have lost when the Penguins face the Avalanche tonight.

"I'm just trying to play solid, that's it. The last few games haven't been good for me, so I'll just try to (play better)."

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Braves have themselves another spring romp over Rays

NORTH PORT, FL - MARCH 14: Drake Baldwin #30 of the Atlanta Braves makes contact during the spring training game between the Boston Red Sox and the Atlanta Braves on March 14, 2026 at CoolToday Park in North Port, FL. (Photo by Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Well, the Atlanta Braves Grapefruit League Offensive Barrage keeps on truckin’, as the Braves are now 16-5 after a blowout 11-2 win over the Rays. They basically bonked Nick Martinez for four innings, and then bonked some Rays relievers/roster hopefuls for more runs later.

The bonking started early — Mike Yastrzemski doubled to lead off the second, scored on an Ozzie Albies single, and then there was an Eli White single, a sac fly, a Mauricio Dubon single, and a Drake Baldwin “triple” on a diving catch in center gone awry. Two innings later, White pulled a two-run homer into the left-field seats. After Martinez departed, it was time to bonk Kevin Kelly, with another Yastrzemski double and a few run-scoring outs. Drake Baldwin hit a three-run homer off Yoendrys Gomez in the eighth (why was he still playing in the eighth?).

On the pitching end, Chris Sale had another pretty normal tuneup. He lasted six innings and had “just” a 3/0 K/BB ratio. Around his final inning of work, he was mostly just pumping fastballs in, but then Nick Fortes homered on one of those fastballs, and Sale went back to less lackadaisical secondaries until leaving the game. Raisel Iglesias was victimized by a bunch of bloops but got two outs via strikeout before being forced out due to, I guess, pitch count. Aaron Bummer had a 2/1 K/BB ratio in his inning of work, and Ian Hamilton finished things off with a strikeout in one of his frames.

The Rays sent over a hodgepodge get-it-over-with lineup and didn’t really ever threaten, just scattering hits to go with that Fortes homer. Braves batters had more fun, with Yastrzemski collecting three hits (two doubles) and Baldwin getting a “triple” and homer.

There will be even more Spring Training (yes, I’m sure) tomorrow, as the Braves head to Fort Myers to hang out with the Red Sox.

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Dodgers vs. Brewers game chat

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - MARCH 12: Max Muncy #13 of the Los Angeles Dodgers runs home to score a run during a Spring Training game against the Cincinnati Reds at Camelback Ranch on March 12, 2026 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Dodgers take on the Brewers on Monday afternoon.

Monday game info
  • Teams: Dodgers vs. Brewers
  • Ballpark: Camelback Ranch
  • Time: 1:05 p.m. PT
  • TV: SportsNet LA, MLB Network (out of market)
  • Radio: AM 570

Build Your Winning Bracket!

SB Nation’s CBB expert Mike Rutherford and resident bracketologist Chris Dobbertean will answer all your questions this week and help guide you to bracket glory! Drop in SB Nation’s March Madness Feed all week long and we’ll have both on hand! (All times ET)

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WBC + Arizona Diamondbacks Spring Training Gameday Thread, #25 vs. Reds

PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 7: A general view Salt River Fields at Talking Stick during Pool D, Game 1 between Italy and Mexico in the first round of the 2013 World Baseball Classic at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on Thursday, March 7, 2013 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Barry Gossage/WBCI/MLB via Getty Images) | MLB via Getty Images

News out of camp this morning that the Diamondbacks have signed Luis Urias. For some reason, I thought this was a pitcher they had previously signed this spring, then let go, but turns out that was… someone else [Two minutes of low-intensity Googling turned up nothing] This one is a 28-year-old infielder, who brings eight years and 582 MLB games of experience with him, mostly with the Brewers. He played 96 games last season for the Athletics, with an OPS+ of 96 and 0.5 bWAR. It is a minor-league contract, so I doubt he’ll make the Opening Day roster, but does give the team better depth behind the likes of Tim Tawa and Ildemaro Vargas.

After Ryne Nelson, expect to see some of RHP Kevin Ginkel, RHP Ryan Thompson, RHP Taylor Clarke, RHP Drey Jameson, RHP Kade Strowd, RHP Isaiah Campbell and RHP Bryce Jarvis. It will be Nelson’s fourth start of spring. Over the previous outings, he has a 5.63 ERA but a very respectable K:BB of 10:1 across eight innings. After this game is over, we will have the second WBC semi-final, which sees the underdog match-up of Italy and Venezuela. Before the tournament started, those two had odds of 80/1 and 9/1 respectively for the title: now, one of them will be playing for the championship. That one gets under way at 5 pm Arizona time.

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Not with a bang, but a missed call — A disappointing end to a World Baseball Classic gem

MIAMI, Florida — An elite match up between two baseball juggernauts didn’t deliver a lot of offense last night in Miami at the World Baseball Classic. But how could it? Both pitching staffs were dealing and even two of the best offenses ever assembled by the United States and the Dominican Republic struggled to put runs on the board. The atmosphere was electric, but tense as the final outs ticked down with the Dominican Republic down a run. And then, a gem of a baseball game was erased by multiple missed calls at home plate:

Instead of runners at the corners and two outs to give Fernando Tatis Jr. a chance to tie the game against Mason Miller we got this terrible call:

I know, I know, complaining about the strike zone is so lame. Both teams have the same umpire, yadda yadda. There were so many great plays I’d love to focus on instead, but come on now. The pitches that ended one of the Dominican Republic’s best chances to score in the ninth and Juan Soto’s at bat in the eighth aren’t close and batters shouldn’t be expanding the zone to take those pitches. If you don’t believe me, believe former Cub Robert Stock:

What’s particularly galling about this is that the technology exists to avoid this outcome. It’s been tested in the minors, will be used in MLB this season and is working just fine in Spring Training. However, instead of being deployed in an environment Aaron Judge said “is better than the World Series” we’re grumbling about the strike zone on Monday morning.

Baseball.

Before there was disappointment, there were vibes. Electric, elite vibes, like the ones that filled loanDepot park when the Dominican Republic jumped out to an early lead on this Junior Caminero rocket:

Tatis tried to push the DR’s offensive advantage in the third and learned a hard lesson about Aaron Judge’s arm:

In the top of the fourth, Mark DeRosa’s lineup tweaks started to pay off. Gunnar Henderson got a start at third base and tied it with a no-doubt blast:

A couple of batters later Roman Anthony gave the USA the lead:

Anthony was a mid-tournament addition to the roster for the United States and it paid off in a big way in Miami.

That was it for the scoring in a game that was defined by outstanding defense and pitching. An inning after Anthony’s home run, Judge tried to put one over the wall that was denied by Julio :

You know Vladito and the rest of team DR loved that display:

It was honestly an exceptional display of elite baseball. The concourse was electric, the players were as fired up as you could possibly get. It should have ended in pitching, fielding or hitting heroics. It’s a shame it ended on a blown call, instead.

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Texas Rangers lineup for March 16, 2026

SURPRISE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 17: (ALTERNATE CROP) Josh Jung #6 of the Texas Rangers poses for a portrait during photo day at Surprise Stadium on February 17, 2026 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Texas Rangers lineup for March 16, 2026 against the Chicago White Sox.

We are ten days out from Opening Day. The anticipation is rising. And Josh Jung and Kyle Higashioka are both back in the Rangers’ lineup this evening. MacKenzie Gore gets the start.

The lineup:

Nimmo — RF

Langford — CF

Seager — SS

Burger — 1B

Smith — 2B

Jung — 3B

Higashioka — C

Jansen — DH

Duran — LF

7:05 p.m. Central start time.

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NBA to vote on Las Vegas, Seattle expansion teams with potential $10 billion fee

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Aerial view of the Las Vegas skyline at dusk, with the Bellagio Fountains and Eiffel Tower replica prominently lit, Image 2 shows Fan in a Chewbacca costume holding a sign that reads

Starting a new NBA team these days could cost a pretty penny.

Expansion is set to be discussed and vote on during the Board of Governors meetings on March 24-25 with the possibility of two new franchises targeted to begin in the 2028-29 season.

The potential expansion will focus on two markets: Las Vegas and Seattle.

Adam Silver and the NBA appear prepared to expand the league to 32 teams. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

All 30 team owners will vote on the two new expansion teams, with 23 votes needed to formally move forward in the process.

The expansion fees, according to multiple reports, are projected to be between $7 billion and $10 billion per team, revenue that is split between the league’s current owners and not shared with the players.

With the owners profiting massively from expansion, the expectation is that the new franchises, each of which already has an arena option in their respective cities, will begin playing games in 2028.

If official, there will likely be an expansion draft the year before the teams launch, in which each team can protect eight players on their rosters and the new franchises build their own 14-player teams.

Las Vegas currently hosts the NBA Summer League Tournament for rookie players, played at the Thomas & Mack Center, though it’s unclear if that is a fit for a team to take over as its NBA home. T-Mobile Arena, which has a seated capacity of 18,000 and is the home of the NHL’s Golden Knights, is a potential venue.

The Seattle SuperSonics fans haven’t let go of their team, and it appears they will finally get a new one. Getty Images

Seattle has Climate Pledge Arena, home to the NHL’s Kraken, which is the redeveloped KeyArena — once the home court for the NBA’s SuperSonics, which played in the Emerald City from 1967-2008 before relocating to Oklahoma City as the Thunder.

Seattle fans have continued to embrace their long gone franchise, wearing gear and expressing displeasure with the move.

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Dodgers reportedly agree to deal with Uniqlo for naming rights to Dodger Stadium field

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 26: View of newly-renovated Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.
Dodger Stadium has never had a corporate sponsorship attached to its name since it opened in 1962. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

The Dodgers agreed to a deal granting Uniqlo naming rights to the field at Dodger Stadium, according to the Athletic — marking the first time in the 64-year history of the stadium that a corporate sponsorship has been attached to it.

Dodger Stadium's name remains unchanged. The organization made it a priority to keep the name of the ballpark, which has been in place since its opening in 1962.

“[The stadium’s name] will never be for sale,” Dodgers president Stan Kasten told The Times in 2017.

Read more:Yoshinobu Yamamoto named Dodgers' opening-day starter for second straight season

Though not officially announced by the Dodgers, the name likely will be Uniqlo Field at Dodger Stadium.

With more than 1,000 stores worldwide, the Japanese-based clothing brand will hold exclusive marketing and promotional opportunities as the Dodgers’ main sponsor. The new deal will also include a new sign in center field.

Since signing Japanese two-way star Shohei Ohtani, the team has partnered with several different Japanese companies, earning $70 million in sponsorship revenue in 2024 alone, according to Forbes.

Bob Lynch, chief executive of research firm SponsorUnited, estimated that teams hosting the Dodgers generated roughly $15 million in cumulative revenue from the brands that have attached themselves to the team.

“ … A slew of brands essentially following him around across the country that are paying dollars either directly to the team or to Van Wagner, who’s selling the backstop signage,” Lynch told Forbes in 2025.

In 2022, the Dodgers partnered with global sports marketing agency Sportfive to secure premier sponsorships. Two years later, the organization announced a self-sponsorship with its ownership group, Guggenheim Baseball Management, which placed a patch on the team’s jerseys.

Sign up for more Dodgers news with Dodgers Dugout. Delivered at the start of each series.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

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Astros News and Notes 3/16/2026

WEST PALM BEACH, FL - MARCH 03: Cristian Javier #53 of the Houston Astros pitches during the game between the Team Venezuela and the Houston Astros at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Lawrence Brown/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

The latest updates on the Houston Astros from Spring Training:

Cristian Javier continues to strengthen his arm and get ready for the regular season. His velocity, while still not as high as it was pre-injury, has improved from his last outing:

Manager Joe Espada liked what he saw from Javier:

Astros #1 prospect OF Kevin Alvarez made his first appearance of spring with the Astros in a Grapefruit League game. The 18-year old went 0-3 but did put a sting into this ball:

Espada was impressed with the young Alvarez:

Yordan Alvarez (Alvarez the Greater) was impressed with what he saw from Kevin Alvarez (Alvarez the Younger).

Yordan (Alvarez the Greater) also said he feels good about where his swing is currently:

Another of the Astros’ top prospects, Brice Matthews, has been getting some reps in CF as the team tries to find out how versatile he can be since he is blocked at his regular 2B position by Jose Altuve. He came into yesterday’s game and played LF, his first appearance at the position. It’s not out of the realm of possibility Matthews is a call up this season if he can also play OF, and that he could get a significant look.

Jeremy Pena is feeling better and hopes to be ready by Opening Day. though that decision is still undecided:

Spencer Arrighetti will throw a simulated game today before leaving the team for a few days for the birth of his twins:

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Penguins Call Up Defender & Send Another To AHL

The Pittsburgh Penguins have made some changes to their roster ahead of their matchup against the Colorado Avalanche.

The Penguins have announced that they have recalled defenseman Jack St. Ivany from his conditioning stint with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. In addition, Pittsburgh shared that blueliner Alexander Alexeyev has been sent back down to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. 

St. Ivany played in three games for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton during his conditioning loan, where he had one assist and a plus-1 rating. Now, after getting called back up to Pittsburgh's roster, he will be looking to make an impact. 

St. Ivany has not played in a game for Pittsburgh since Jan. 25 due to injury. Yet, he is now ready to return for the Penguins and will look to build on his strong season with the Metropolitan Division club. In 17 games this season for Pittsburgh, he has a career-high seven assists and 40 hits.

As for Alexeyev, he did not make his Pittsburgh debut during his call-up. In 29 games this season with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, he has three goals, seven points, 15 penalty minutes, and a plus-4 rating.