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Harry Ford should be the frontrunner for the Nationals starting catcher job

WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 20: Harry Ford #17 of the Washington Nationals poses for a photo during the Washington Nationals Photo Day at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches on February 20, 2026 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images) | Getty Images

One of the biggest competitions we will see this spring is behind the plate. Top prospect and new Nat Harry Ford will be battling it out against Keibert Ruiz at camp. We will see who comes out on top, but for my sanity, I really hope it is Harry Ford. It would be the best outcome for Ford to win the job because he has more upside.

Keibert Ruiz has gotten chance after chance in his four plus seasons with the Nationals. However, he has never been able to put it together and has been regressing over the past couple of years. The bat first catcher is only hitting .235 with a .610 OPS over the last two seasons. When you combine that with awful defense, you get one of the worst regulars in baseball.

If it weren’t for his contract extension, Ruiz would probably have been non-tendered or DFA’d by now. However, he has that contract, so he is going to be on the team. His contract is not big enough to just promise him a starting role despite poor production. Ruiz is only making $5.375 million this year.

Meanwhile, Ford has proven everything he has needed to in the minors. He hit .283 with an .868 OPS in Triple-A last year. Ford also showed increased power production and slightly improved defense. The only reason he did not see more time in the MLB was because of how good Cal Raleigh is. In other organizations, Ford would have been a starter for at least part of last season.

Ford is 23 years old with four full seasons in the minor leagues now. The Mariners brought him along slowly and developed him nicely. Now, it is time for the Nats to reap the rewards and unleash him. If Ruiz and Ford are playing at the same level this spring, the tie should go to Ford not Ruiz.

We have seen Ruiz get the benefit of the doubt for so many years now. He has lost that right, and Harry Ford now has the title of catcher of the future in DC. Ford has a level of athleticism and plate discipline Ruiz could only dream of. We saw some of that plate discipline yesterday when Ford walked and got an RBI base hit.

The whole reason the Mariners traded Ford was because they knew he was basically big league ready but they did not have regular playing time for him. Rather than letting him rot on the bench or AAA, they wanted to flip the asset while he still had value. For the Nats to see that and decide to roll with Ruiz over Ford would be silly. It would kind of defeat the point of the trade. Why trade for a blocked big league ready catcher if you are not going to play him?

This is not to say there should not be competition. If Ruiz looks way better than Ford, he should get the job. However, in this battle, the tie should go to Harry Ford. Back a few years ago, Ruiz was the high upside catcher the Nats were developing, now Ford is that guy. At this point, Ruiz’s development is a secondary concern to Ford’s.

There is going to be one twist in this competition though. At the start of March, Ford will be leaving camp to play for Great Britain. He is one of the stars of that team and is a co-captain. His parents are British, so this is a great honor for him, but it could give Ruiz an upper hand.

The time away from camp gives Ruiz more reps and opportunities. If he takes advantage of that, Ruiz could be in the driver’s seat of the competition. As a fan though, I am really rooting for Ford to win this competition.

The Nats catching situation has been such a disaster the last couple years, and Ruiz has been the biggest problem. He has not been the player Nats fans thought they were getting when he was a headliner in the Scherzer/Turner trade. Rather than establishing himself as a star, Ruiz has struggled on both sides of the ball and has not stayed healthy.

There is a reason trading for Ford was Paul Toboni’s first major move. He knew the catching situation was not good enough. Toboni bet on Ford to be the answer. If Harry Ford has a comparable or better spring than Ruiz, unleash the young man and give him his shot.

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Decoding Jayson Tatum’s Return Date

Boston, MA - October 4: Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum talks with head coach Joe Mazzulla at the Auerbach Center on October 4, 2025. (Photo by Matthew J. Lee/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) | Boston Globe via Getty Images

On Saturday in Los Angeles, Jayson Tatum did what he has done for weeks now: he said something that gave us pretty much nothing in the way of new information.

He hasn’t practiced with the team since his Maine session a week ago. The photos from San Francisco were — Tatum’s words — an “optional workout.” Joe Mazzulla said he’s continuing to hit his “check marks.” Brad Stevens repeated in his press conference that there is no timetable.

Simply put, there is no return date.

Naturally, the speculation has intensified.

So, I did what any rational Celtics fan would do. I pulled out my calculator. I stopped hearing and started listening. I looked in the places everyone else was looking, but I looked harder and better than everyone else.

After carefully studying the latest batch of quotes, I’ve narrowed Tatum’s return down to three possibilities. Let’s go through them.

Theory No. 1: March 6 vs. Mavericks

Joe Mazzulla: “It’s just trusting the group that we have around him. And taking it step-by-step.”

Joe could’ve said “day by day.” He didn’t. He chose “steps.” Steps imply a staircase. A finite number. You don’t reference steps unless you know how many there are.

He said this on February 21.

Count forward.

March 6 sits 13 days later.

13 is the average number of days between major lunar phase shifts. That’s Astronomy 101. I didn’t invent the moon.

Stay with me. Boston sits at roughly 71 degrees west longitude. Dallas is at 96. 96 minus 71 equals 25. 2 plus 5 equals 7. Take the 13-day lunar window and subtract 7.

Six.

March 6.

Now layer in the matchup. It’s at home, which Tatum has already said he’d like to return in front of a home crowd. The opponent is Dallas. Luka used to be there and now he’s not. What’s that all about? Related? I’m not ruling it out.

On March 6, we’ll (hopefully) be seeing Cooper Flagg, the next face-of-the-league candidate. Future superstar. Duke alum. Present convergence. All of this makes March 6 feel right.

Jayson Tatum talking to Cooper Flagg
Feb 3, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) hugs Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum after the game at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images | Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

That said, Jupiter starts drifting toward retrograde around then, and planetary wobble can’t be ignored. So, while March 6 has intergalactic support, I can only label it as a strong possibility at this stage.

And it was actually while adjusting for Jupiter’s drift through my telescope that a different possibility came into focus. The stars were whispering, “San Antonio.”

Theory No. 2: March 10 at Spurs

Jayson Tatum: “Work out, see how you recover the next day and then you just make the plan from there.”

“The plan.” You don’t casually reference “The Plan” unless there is a plan. Likely a document somewhere. Printed. Stapled. Possibly laminated.

Now this is where I began pacing. Because once you introduce a plan, you introduce intent. And once you introduce intent, you introduce architecture. So, I zoomed out.

March 10. San Antonio. Duh.

If you’re at the table of long-term power structures in the NBA, you pay attention to San Antonio. Duncan. Parker. Ginobli. Leonard. Popovich. Five banners materializing like clockwork over fifteen years.

Spurs titles: ’99, ’03, ’05, ’07, ’14.

Add the last digits. 9 + 3 + 5 + 7 + 4 = 28. 2 + 8 = 10.

March 10.

Now this is where it gets interesting.

Wembanyama. Hector Banana-Bread. Seven-foot-four. Add 7+4, you get 11. Tatum wears 0. Subtract 1 for the silent digit, naturally. 10.

March 10.

Victor Wembanyama blocks Jayson Tatum’s shot
Feb 11, 2025; Victor Wembanyama shoots over Jayson Tatum during a matchup between the Spurs and Celtics.<br>Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images | Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

Now, small complication. San Antonio sits at 29 degrees north latitude. Two plus nine gives you 11. Add the seven letters in “Go Spurs” and you land on 18. That’s just rudimentary math, folks.

And once 18 enters any predictive model, you have to take it seriously. Which is how, while re-running the numbers, March 18 began dancing on my calendar (I should mention I haven’t slept in 72 hours and am running out of yarn and hallucinations seem to be setting in.)

Theory No. 3: March 18 vs. Warriors

How could I be so foolish.

Of course, Mazzulla was throwing smoke screens. He knew I would run longitudinal numbers. He knew I would check latitude. He knew that I knew that he knew all along.

I had to wipe the board clean.

Jayson Tatum: “I’m just getting acclimated more and doing little things with some of the guys out there.”

“Acclimated.”

That’s not weight-room talk. That’s atmospheric. Someone adjusting to conditions before re-entry. You acclimate before you return from orbit.

Now, follow me carefully. Warriors. March 18. At home. The Celtics lost the 2022 Finals to Golden State in 6 games. They won the 2024 Finals in 5 games. 6 + 5 = 11. Steph has 4 rings. 11 times 4 is 44. Divide by the number of letters in “Tatum”, which is 5. 8.8.

Round up. Nine. Add the eight letters in “Warriors.” Seventeen. Add one for home court. Eighteen. 

March 18.

Golden State Warriors v Boston Celtics
Nov 6, 2024; Stephen Curry dribbles against Jayson Tatum during a Celtics–Warriors matchup at TD Garden.<br>Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images | Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images

Joe let me chase March 6. He let me flirt with March 10. The real answer was sitting there the whole time. Unless he’s already anticipated this too. Dammit, Joe, you marvelous genius.

Back to Earth

The truth is, none of us know when Jayson Tatum will play basketball for the Boston Celtics again. Not me, not the internet, and not my dog despite how many times I beg her for the answer (dogs know everything). The only people who know the timeline are inside TD Garden, and they’ve been consistent on not giving anything away on that front from the start.

Tatum will return when he’s ready. Whenever it happens, it’ll be because he decided it was the right time. And that’s probably the only calculation that actually matters in the long run.

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Six Nations favorite France scores 5 tries in 33-8 win against Italy

LILLE, France (AP) — France remained on course for the Six Nations title after a scrappy 33-8 win against Italy on Sunday.

Fabien Galthié’s side is favored to win back-to-back titles and is the only team to have won all three matches. France grabbed five tries for a bonus point and has 19 tries so far, having managed a tournament-record 30 last year.

Jet-heeled left winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey, lock Emmanuel Meafou and makeshift flyhalf Thomas Ramos scored first-half tries at Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille, two of them set up by star scrumhalf Antoine Dupont.

But after leading 19-0 inside 30 minutes, the French tried too much entertaining as indiscipline allowed Italy back in.

An opportunist try from fullback Ange Capuozzo followed by Paolo Garbisi’s penalty pulled it back to 19-8.

The scoreboard stayed static until 31 minutes into the second half when the ever-alert Ramos kicked into the right corner to give winger Gaël Dréan a try on test debut.

That try came about when Italy was down to 14 players after winger Louis Lynagh — the son of Australian flyhalf great Michael Lynagh — was carelessly sinbinned for a deliberate knock-on.

Italy's bench was angry at the try, which came with the Italians effectively down to 13 because Capuozzo was not yet back on the field following treatment for a shoulder injury.

Center Emilien Gailleton showed his strength when he broke a tackle to dive over in the closing stages, and Ramos converted. ___

AP rugby: https://apnews.com/hub/rugby

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Suns star Dillon Brooks suffers broken hand in brutal injury blow

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Dillon Brooks Suns, Image 2 shows Devin Booker Suns hoodie
Star forward Dillon Brooks sustained a broken left hand during Saturday's double-overtime win over the Orlando Magic -- just days after superstar guard Devin Booker went down with a right hip strain.

The Phoenix Suns have taken their second crushing blow of the week. 

Star forward Dillon Brooks sustained a broken left hand during Saturday’s double-overtime win over the Orlando Magic — just days after superstar guard Devin Booker went down with a right hip strain.

Brooks is expected to be sidelined for an “extended period of time,” according to ESPN’s Shams Charania, and doctors will meet Sunday to determine his exact recovery timeline.

Suns forward Dillon Brooks suffered a broken left hand on Saturday. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Ahead of Saturday’s game, Phoenix announced that Booker would miss at least one week to nurse a hip injury that he suffered on Thursday night against the Spurs.

The Suns — who sit seventh in the West with a surprising 33–24 record under first-year head coach Jordan Ott — will now have to hold strong in a heated play-in race without two of their top stars for the foreseeable future.

While Ott acknowledged there being an emotional “lull” after such a drastic setback, he emphasized that it’s no excuse to roll over — and that Phoenix still has the necessary tools to stand its ground. 

“We can’t feel sorry for ourselves,” Ott told reporters after the game. “No one’s going to feel sorry for us.

Suns superstar Devin Booker was sidelined Saturday to nurse a hip injury, which will keep him sidelined for “at least one week.” Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

“[Our opponents] surely aren’t going to. They’re trying to go out and win a game just like we are. No one cares… The only group that can help us when we’re stranded is our group.”

Brooks, 30, has had a breakout year after arriving in Phoenix by way of the Kevin Durant trade — averaging a career-high 20.9 points, along with 3.7 rebounds per game.

Phoenix is just 3-4 without the scrappy forward this season.

Booker, meanwhile, leads the Suns with 24.7 points and 6.1 assists a night in his age-29 campaign.

Phoenix continues its homestand Sunday night against the Trail Blazers before welcoming the Celtics and Lakers later this week.

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Five Golden Knights Coming Home From Milan Olympics With Hardware

Five Golden Knights skated in the gold medal game on Sunday, none coming away with a point, but the entire quintet coming home with hardware.

The United States beat Canada 2-1 when New Jersey Devils forward Jack Hughes buried the golden goal in overtime, delivering the hockey gold on the final day of the Milan Cortina Olympics, exactly 46 years after the 1980 men's team authored the epic "Miracle on Ice" tale.

Hughes' winning goal came just 1 minute, 41 seconds into overtime.

Vegas was represented by Jack Eichel and Noah Hanifin on Team USA, while Mark Stone, Mitch Marner and Shea Theodore skated for Canada.

Eichel led all Golden Knights with six points (2 goals, 4 assists), while Marner turned in five points (1, 4).

Stone had four points (2, 2), Hanifin had three points (1, 2) and Theodore had two points (1, 1).

Also representing the Knights were Tomas Hertl, who had one assist for Czechia, and Rasmus Andersson, who didn't register a point for Sweden.

Vegas goaltender Akira Schmid played in one game for Switzerland and finished with 34 saves and five goals allowed.

In the gold medal game, Minnesota Wild forward Matt Boldy opened the scoring six minutes into the game. The Americans held the lead until Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar tied the game late in the second period.

Long known for his postseason struggles with the Winnipeg Jets, U.S. goalie Connor Hellebuyck was outstanding, stopping 41 shots. St. Louis Blues and Canada goaltender Jordan Binnington made 26 saves.

During the celebration, U.S. captain Auston Matthews, Zach Werenski and Matthew Tkachuk skated around the ice with the jersey of the late Johnny Gaudreau, who was killed alongside his brother in 2024 when they were struck by a SUV while riding bicycles.

Later, after the medal ceremony, Gaudreau's children were brought onto the ice for the team picture, while Gaudreau's jersey was draped front and center.

Gaudreau would have been a candidate to make the US team, which hung his jersey in its locker room before each game.

Canada defeated Team USA 3-2 in overtime in last year's Four Nations tournament, staged by the NHL during what would have been the All-Star break.
PHOTO CAPTION: Jack Eichel (9) of the United States celebrates after scoring a goal during the second period against Slovakia in a men's ice hockey semifinal during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena.

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Trail Blazers vs Suns Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NBA Game

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The Portland Trail Blazers look to rebound from a blowout loss on Friday when they visit the Phoenix Suns tonight.

Donovan Clingan will need to be a big part of Portland’s success, and I’m expecting the center to have a big night in the box score in my Trail Blazers vs. Suns predictions and NBA picks for Sunday, February 22.

Trail Blazers vs Suns prediction

Trail Blazers vs Suns best bet: Donovan Clingan double-double (-140)

The Portland Trail Blazers lost by 54 points to the Nuggets on Friday, but Donovan Clingan had a solid game himself with 15 points and nine boards — one rebound shy of the double-double.

Clingan, who’s averaging over 11 points and 11 rebounds per game this season, will record his 22nd double-double of the season tonight vs. a Phoenix Suns squad that struggles on the glass.

The Suns are 18th in the NBA in rebounds per game and 16th in rebounds allowed per game.

The Trail Blazers center has logged a double-double in four of his last seven contests.

Trail Blazers vs Suns same-game parlay

Clingan has recorded Over 11.5 rebounds in eight of his last 12 games, while Suns center Mark Williams has Over 8.5 boards in six of his last seven contests.

Both centers are the primary rebounders for their teams and will dominate the glass tonight.

Trail Blazers vs Suns SGP

  • Donovan Clingan Over 11.5 rebounds
  • Mark Williams Over 8.5 rebounds

Our "from downtown" SGP: Double-Doubles galore!

Deni Avdija has three double-doubles in his last five games, including a 15-point, 13-assist effort on Friday.

Williams has four double-doubles of his own in his last seven contests, and will get plenty of opportunity with Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks both out.

Trail Blazers vs Suns SGP

  • Donovan Clingan double-double
  • Deni Avdija double-double
  • Mark Williams double-double

Trail Blazers vs Suns odds

  • Spread: Trail Blazers -3.5 | Suns +3.5
  • Moneyline: Trail Blazers -175 | Suns +146
  • Over/Under: Over 222.5 | Under 222.5

Trail Blazers vs Suns betting trend to know

The Over is 8-0 in Portland’s last eight games and 4-1 in the last five H2H meetings. Find more NBA betting trends for Trail Blazers vs. Suns.

How to watch Trail Blazers vs Suns

LocationMortgage Matchup Center, Phoenix, AZ
DateSunday, February 22, 2026
Tip-off8:00 p.m. ET
TVBlazerVision, Suns+

Trail Blazers vs Suns latest injuries

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Spring Training Game #2/3: Pirates vs. Rays, @ Phillies

Tampa Bay Rays vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, February 22, 2025, 1:05 p.m. ET

Location: LECOM Park, Bradenton, FL

How to Watch: Sportsnet Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Philadelphia Phillies, February 22, 2025, 1:05 p.m. ET

Location: BayCare Ballpark, Clearwater, FL

How to Listen: KDKA-FM 93.7

The Pittsburgh Pirates are splitting the team up, with half staying home to face the Rays and the other traveling to visit the Phillies.

Please remember our Game Day thread guidelines.

  • Don’t troll in your comments; create conversation rather than destroying it
  • Remember Bucs Dugout is basically a non-profanity site
  • Out of respect to broadcast partners who have paid to carry the game, no mentions of “alternative” (read: illegal) viewing methods are allowed in our threads
  • The commenting system was updated during the summer. They’re still working on optimizing it for Game Day Threads like ours. If you don’t like clicking “Load More Comments”, remember that the “Z” key can be your friend. It loads up the latest comments automatically.

BD community, this is your thread for today’s games. Enjoy!

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Cavs at Thunder open gamethread

CLEVELAND, OHIO - JANUARY 19: Center Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks for a pass around center Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter at Rocket Arena on January 19, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio. 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. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Cleveland Cavaliers will be looking to make it eight-straight wins as they head on the road to take on a shorthanded Oklahoma City Thunder team.

I’ll be in the comments throughout the game sharing my thoughts. Come talk with me and the rest of your fellow Cavs fans there.

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Go Cavs!

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Game Discussion for Cardinals vs Astros Spring Training Game for February 22

Feb 14, 2026; Jupiter, FL, USA; St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Kyle Leahy (62) plays catch during spring training at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

The St. Louis Cardinals take on the Houston Astros for game 2 of Spring Training. For the Cardinals, Kyle Leahy is expected to start the game. Mike Burrows is expected to take the mound for the Astros today. If you’re a MLB subscriber, you can listen to the game via KMOX 1120 AM/104.1 FM and the Cardinals Radio Network.

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Rival Roundup, Vol. 79: AlexeeEEEIIII!

CHICAGO, IL - AUGUST 03: Alexei Ramirez #10 of the Chicago White Sox is tagged out by Curt Casali #19 of the Tampa Bay Rays during the ninth inning on August 3, 2015 at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago, Illinois. The Rays defeated the White Sox 5-4. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Spring briefly sprang in the Twin Cities last week, with temperatures in the mid-50s and the promise of baseball on the horizon. Naturally, as the team congregated in Florida for their first workout of Grapefruit League action, so too did the nice weather congregate in a little place called “Somewhere Else.” So, it is with a fresh six inches of snow and a consistent streak of lows in the single digits that we northerners get to watch the first weekend of 2026 baseball, with a mixture of excitement and envy in our hearts.

If you are the kind of person who prefers the cold-weather months — such as myself — please feel free to re-read the entire opening paragraph but with your own adjectives substituted into emotional areas where they make more sense. It’s like Mad Libs, but much less restrictive. Plus, you don’t need a friend.

  • Spring is a season of hope and ambition, which is why the Cleveland Guardians will be giving Steven Kwan some center-field reps this spring. I suppose if you win enough Gold Gloves in a defensive position without much prestige, somebody will get the idea that your talents might be better-utilized elsewhere.
  • Cleveland minor-league Cam Schuelke turned some heads by turning his elbows and showcasing multiple release points in the same at-bat, which is kind of like if Pat Venditte only had one arm instead of two, but that one arm was actually two arms. Do you know what I mean?
View Link
  • Here’s a fun one for Twins fans of a certain vintage — Alexei Ramirez will participate in the World Baseball Classic. Yes, as a player.
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Gamethread 2/22: Pirates at Phillies

Feb 21, 2026; Dunedin, Florida, USA; Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson (49) looks on during the second inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at TD Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Here are the lineups. For the Phillies:

For the Pirates:

Let’s talk about it.

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Mickey Moniak is looking to build off his career 2025 season

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 18: Mickey Moniak #22 of the Colorado Rockies poses for a portrait during photo day at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on February 18, 2026 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Jeremy Chen/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Scottsdale, Ariz. – Mickey Moniak’s career has been defined by ups and down.

He was drafted first overall by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 2016 MLB Draft and made his MLB debut on September 16, 2020, playing eight games in the COVID-shortened season. After bouncing up and down in 2021, Moniak broke his hand on April 7, 2022 and then bounced up and down until he was traded to the Los Angeles Angels at the deadline.

With the Angels, he continued to struggle in 2023 largely due to injuries. However, he played 124 games in 2024 and slashed .219/.266/.380 with 14 homers, but was eventually released on March 25, 2025.

The Colorado Rockies took full advantage of it, and signed him two days later.

Moniak broke camp with the Rockies, and ended up having a career year in 2025, slashing .270/.306/.518 with a career-high 24 homers.

But Moniak learned some lessons during the 2025 season, even if the Rockies were the worst team in baseball.

“I think, in general, [I learned that] success isn’t linear,” he said.

“Last year, with the season we had, obviously nobody was excited about it. Nobody was happy. However, I think that there was a lot of experience that was gained last year for a lot of young guys to then put us in a good situation this year to compete. And we talk about moving past ‘happy to be here’ and it’s time to win.”

Personally, Moniak made some adjustments to “build off what (he) did last year.”

“Obviously, I had the best year of my career,” he said. “But there’s a new coaching staff, a new front office – it’s a big turnaround here. So I’m just getting comfortable with them. We’re talking about what needs to be a focus going into this season in order to build off last year.

“And I think a big one is just trying to stay in the strike zone as best I can,” he continued. “I’m naturally an aggressive hitter, and I think that’s one of my biggest strengths but also it’s a double-edged sword sometimes. So I’m just trying to really hone in on that.”

Moniak has been impressed with the new coaching staff, but made sure to shout out manager Warren Schaeffer, who served as the interim manager last year.

“First and foremost, bringing ‘Schaeff’ back was huge for us,” he said. “I think just what he brings to a clubhouse day in and day out, and what he brings to this organization… I think he’s the right guy for the job and the right guy to lead us.”

Moniak specifically pointed to Schaeffer’s “comfort” with young players as what makes him the right guy for this job.

“Knowing them and being comfortable with them, and vice versa – young guys being comfortable with him – I think is a great start,” he said. 

“And then obviously bringing in a lot of veteran guys to help bring experience to the clubhouse,” he continued. “I think experience is gained in one of two ways: It’s either you do it, or you have guys who’ve done it, and you can learn from them. So I think that was huge for us.”

And Schaeffer returned the sentiment, and not just being “a great left-handed bat that plays a good outfield.”

“[He brings] a good leadership quality that is very, very good,” Schaeffer said. “He’s a huge presence in that clubhouse, along with Kyle Freeland and [Antonio Senzatela]. He’s right up there with that.

“And you can’t really put a value on that,” he continued. “That’s an enormous value, and he’s a really good baseball player.”

Moniak hasn’t seen any spring action yet, but he’s using a more relaxed spring training to get ready for Opening Day.

“The number one [goal] is just making sure we’re going into the season healthy,” he said.

“This might be my first spring training where I’ve felt like I haven’t had to go out there and hit .300 to make a team. So just being able to use spring training to kind of work on some things and try some stuff, but ultimately, get ready to where we’re hitting the ground running on March 27.”

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Jayson Tatum goes through another workout with Celtics, says &quot;nothing is set in stone&quot; about return

The eye test says Jayson Tatum is nearing a return, but he keeps saying that "nothing is set in stone."

Tatum is with his teammates on a West Coast road swing, which includes a game against the rival Lakers on Sunday on NBC and Peacock. At Celtics practice Saturday in Santa Monica, he said on Monday he went through a 5-on-5 workout and practice, the second time he has done that (the first was with the Maine Celtics of the G League).

Those workouts and practices are usually the final steps before a return to court, but after practice Saturday, Tatum refused to put a timeline on his return from a torn Achilles when speaking to reporters (see the interview at NBC Sports Boston).

"Nothing is set in stone, just more so work out, see how you recover the next day, then make a plan from there..." Tatum said.

"It's tough to go into details of every single thing I do every day, but I will say just getting acclimated more and doing limited things with some of the guys out there. But it's all a part of the rehab. We're just going with the plan."

Boston is 36-19 and sits as the No. 2 seed in the East. Even without Tatum, it is a threat to come out of the conference and advance to the NBA Finals. With Tatum — a player who has finished in the top six in MVP voting for four consecutive years — the Celtics might be the favorite.

Which is why everyone is watching his return. Right now, all anyone in Boston will say is that they are following the plan. But the eye test suggests that the plan is almost complete, and his return could come sooner rather than later.

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76ers vs Timberwolves Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NBA Game

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The Philadelphia 76ers are going through their roughest stretch of the season, losing four straight games, all by double digits. Minnesota, meanwhile, has won three straight and seven of the last 10. 

With key players missing for both sides, my 76ers vs. Timberwolves predictions and NBA picks look for Minnesota to get a home cover on Sunday, February 22.

76ers vs Timberwolves prediction

76ers vs Timberwolves best bet: Timberwolves -8.5 (-115)

Not only have the Philadelphia 76ers lost four straight by an average of 22.8 points, but three of them have also come against teams with a losing record. Coach Nick Nurse admitted the team has hit its toughest point this season. 

The Minnesota Timberwolves should have their full attention on the Sixers. After winning two straight by more than 20, the T-Wolves jumped out to an 18-point lead against Dallas on Friday, only to play with their food a bit and allow the Mavericks to tie it late. All-Star MVP Anthony Edwards had 40 against Dallas and will continue his hot play in Philly. 

76ers vs Timberwolves same-game parlay

Edwards had 40 against Dallas and will be the focus of the Minnesota offense again today. He’s made more than half his shots and more than a third of his three-point attempts each of the last three games, with an All-Star MVP performance sandwiched in the middle. 

With Gobert out, Julius Randle will need to help pick up the slack on the boards. Even with Gobert next to him, he’s had seven or more rebounds in four of the last five contests. 

76ers vs Timberwolves SGP

  • Timberwolves -8.5
  • Edwards Over 29.5 points
  • Julius Randle Over 7.5 rebounds

Our "from downtown" SGP: Edwards dials it up

The odds seem unusually long for Edwards’ three-pointers. He’s made four or more in four of the last five and hit five treys twice over that span. He’s 13 for his last 30 from three. 

Like Randle, Naz Reid will need to pitch in more than usual to help with rebounding with Gobert out. 

76ers vs Timberwolves SGP

  • Edwards Over 29.5 points
  • Julius Randle Over 7.5 rebounds
  • Reid Over 8.5 rebounds
  • Edwards Over 3.5 threes

76ers vs Timberwolves odds

  • Spread: 76ers +8.5 | Timberwolves -8.5
  • Moneyline: 76ers +290 | Timberwolves -370
  • Over/Under: Over 238.5 | Under 238.5

76ers vs Timberwolves betting trend to know

The Minnesota Timberwolves have hit the Game Total Under in 18 of their last 25 games at home. Find more NBA betting trends for 76ers vs. Timberwolves.

How to watch 76ers vs Timberwolves

LocationTarget Center, Minneapolis, MN
DateSunday, February 22, 2026
Tip-off7:00 p.m. ET
TVNBC Sports Philadelphia, FDSN North

76ers vs Timberwolves latest injuries

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Best NBA Player Props Today for February 22: Another Double-Double for Doncic

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The NBA is set up to own Sundays for the next few months, with football in the rearview mirror and marquee weekend matchups on the schedule — and that starts today with wall-to-wall hoops and a stack of NBA player props to choose from.

Here are my Top 3 NBA picks for a February 22 slate that promises fireworks.

Best NBA player props today

PlayerPickbet365
Bucks Ryan RollinsOver 17.5 points-115
Lakers Luka Doncic Double-Double+115
Clippers Derrick Jones Jr.Over 16.5 points + rebounds-115
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Prop #1: Ryan Rollins Over 17.5 points

-115 at bet365

Without Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Milwaukee Bucks are leaning on Ryan Rollins in a big way, and he’s fresh off dropping 27 points on the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday with a 10-for-15 line.

He’s gone past this number in seven of his last nine games, and he’s shooting 52% from 3-point range in February. 

Even if Myles Turner returns today, Rollins is the go-to guy for the Bucks as they try to hang in the play-in race, and I’m banking on another outing with 20+ points for the breakout guard here against a Scottie Barnes-less Toronto Raptors team.

  • Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: TSN, FDSN WI

Prop #2: Luka Doncic double-double

+115 at bet365

Luka Doncic may be heading for the NBA scoring title, but he’s also a walking triple-double threat — and I love these plus odds for 10+ assists or rebounds alongside a big points haul tonight against the Celtics.

Doncic will have a size edge over the Boston backcourt, and he’s logged a double-double in seven of the last eight contests where he’s played 30+ minutes.

Boosted by Austin Reaves’ return as another proven bucket-getter, Luka dished 11 dimes in the Lakers’ win over the Clippers on Friday, and he could also be busy on the boards here with the Celtics’ 3-point barrage.

  • Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: NBC

Prop #3: Derrick Jones Jr. Over 16.5 points + rebounds

-115 at bet365

It’s all change in Clipperland after the James Harden and Ivica Zubac trades, and Derrick Jones Jr. is one of the short-term beneficiaries. He logged 39 minutes on Friday against the Lakers, and that kind of workload can power this combo Over. 

Without Darius Garland and John Collins, L.A. is shorthanded as it takes on the Magic tonight, and Jones Jr. has blown past this combo O/U line in his past two outings, including a 13-point, eight-rebound effort last time out.

He’s also shooting 50% from the field in February, with 2+ triples in three of his prior four contests.

  • Time: 9:00 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: NBA TV

These props are available now at bet365, one of our best betting sites.

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