The team will play at the newly renovated TD Coliseum, which just underwent a $300 million renovation and seats 18,000 fans. The hope is to attract more talent to the Islanders organization, as the team will play in a more promising hockey environment, which Bridgeport could not compete with.
Hamilton offers a much better venue and a stronger hockey market.
Feb 4, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Stars general manager Jim Nill is celebrate as the Stars honor their 2026 Winter Olympics hockey players before the game against the St. Louis Blues at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Jerome Miron/Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Stars have extended the contract of general manager Jim Nill for two years, keeping in place the architect of the team headed to the playoffs again after advancing to the Western Conference final each of the past three seasons.
Nill has been the Stars GM since 2013, and his contract was only through this season until the announcement. His extension through the 2027-28 season was finalized less than 24 hours after a prominent job opened when the Toronto Maple Leafs fired GM Brad Treliving.
“Jim has established himself as one of the most respected general managers in the NHL,” Stars owner Tom Gaglardi said. “Through his roster management and talent evaluation, he has positioned our franchise to be amongst the best teams in our league in both the present and future. I’m thrilled that he will continue to guide the Stars.”
Going into a game Tuesday night at Boston, the Stars’ 100 points rank second in the NHL behind Central Division foe Colorado. Dallas already has qualified for its fifth consecutive playoff appearance.
The 67-year-old Nill was selected as the NHL’s top GM each of the past three seasons by a panel that includes all of the league’s general managers. The only current GMs that have been with their teams longer are Kevin Cheveldayoff in Winnipeg and Doug Armstrong in St. Louis.
Since Nill began with the Stars before the 2013-14 season, their 63 postseason wins are the second most in the NHL. They’ve qualified for the playoffs nine times in that span, and made the Stanley Cup Final in 2020. He previously was in the front office of the Detroit Red Wings.
“I’m fortunate to work with incredibly talented and passionate individuals that have helped our franchise become one of the best in the NHL,” Nill said. “I’m extremely grateful to have the opportunity to continue as general manager of the Stars.”
They were down 2-0 and 3-1 in the second period before rattling off seven unanswered goals to blitz the Islanders 8-3. The win catapulted the Penguins up to second place in the Metropolitan Division with 90 points. They're one point up on the Islanders with a game in hand.
The Penguins will play another huge game on Tuesday when the desperate Detroit Red Wings come to town. The Red Wings are coming off a 5-3 loss at the hands of the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday and have lost three of their last four. They're two points back of the final playoff spot, and per MoneyPuck, their playoff odds sit at 35.3%.
Alex DeBrincat has been awesome for the Red Wings this year and leads the team in goals (37) and points (78). He's on pace to notch his third 40-goal season.
Lucas Raymond is one of the most underrated players in the NHL and has been great for the Red Wings again this season, compiling 24 goals and 71 points in 71 games. He's a strong playmaker with some great vision.
Don't forget about Dylan Larkin or Moritz Seider, either. Larkin has 29 goals and 57 points in 66 games, while Seider is a strong Norris Trophy candidate with nine goals and 53 points in 73 games.
The offense starts to dry up a little bit when those four players aren't on the ice.
Goaltender John Gibson will make his 12th consecutive start for the Red Wings in this game. He's had a strong first season with them, compiling 27 wins with a .905 save percentage and a 2.58 goals-against average. He has also saved 12.4 goals above expected, which ranks 13th among all goaltenders in the NHL.
Stuart Skinner will start in goal for the Penguins, and there's a chance that Evgeni Malkin returns to the lineup after missing Monday's game. If he does, he'll likely be back on the second line with Egor Chinakhov and Tommy Novak.
Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. ET on SportsNet Pittsburgh. Fans can also listen to the game on 105.9 'The X.'
March 31st marks what would have been the 98th birthday of Gordie Howe, the legendary forward whose name remains synonymous with toughness, skill, and longevity in the NHL.
Known as “Mr. Hockey,” Howe built much of his legacy with the Detroit Red Wings, delivering some of the most iconic moments in the sport’s history. On the big man's birthday, we take a look back at several of his greatest moments and achievements, focusing on his unforgettable years in the Motor City.
First Stanley Cup in 1950
Howe’s rise to superstardom came during the 1950 Stanley Cup Final, when he helped lead the Red Wings to their first championship in seven years. Although teammate Pete Babando scored the famous double overtime winner in Game 7 against the New York Rangers, Howe’s physical play and scoring touch throughout the series set the tone for much of Detroit’s success.
This championship marked the beginning of a Red Wings dynasty, as the team would go on to win four Cups in six seasons. Howe emerged as the team’s cornerstone, blending scoring ability with unmatched toughness. The 1950 victory cemented his role as Detroit's leader and laid the groundwork for one of the most dominant eras in franchise history.
Dominant 1952 Playoff Run
In 1952, Howe delivered one of the most dominant playoff performances ever seen in the sport. He led all players in scoring during the postseason and guided the Red Wings to a perfect 8–0 record, sweeping both series en route to another Stanley Cup.
Detroit defeated the Montreal Canadiens and the Toronto Maple Leafs without losing a single game. Howe’s performance earned him the Hart Trophy that season, reinforcing his status as the league’s most valuable player.
Mr. Hockey's Peak, Back-to-Back Cups in 1954 and 1955
The mid-1950s marked the peak of Howe’s career, highlighted by consecutive Stanley Cup victories in 1954 and 1955. During these seasons, Howe consistently led the league in scoring and was widely regarded as the most complete player the sport had ever seen.
In 1954, the Red Wings defeated the Montreal Canadiens to claim the Cup, with Howe playing a central role on both ends of the ice. He followed that with another dominant season in 1955, again leading Detroit to a championship. His ability to control the pace of the game, deliver punishing checks, and produce offensively made Howe and the Red Wings nearly unstoppable.
Although best known for his Detroit years, one of Howe’s most historic milestones came later in his career. On February 29, 1980, while playing for the Hartford Whalers, Howe scored his 801st NHL goal, surpassing Gordie Howe’s own previous total to set a new all-time record.
The moment showcased Howe’s historic longevity, as he remained an elite competitor well into his 50s, which has never been seen in the sport since. His scoring record stood as the NHL benchmark until it was eventually broken by Wayne Gretzky.
The “Gordie Howe Hat Trick”
One of the most unique and enduring tributes to Howe’s style of play is the “Gordie Howe hat trick,” which consists of a goal, an assist, and a fight in a single game. While Howe himself rarely recorded all three in the same contest, the term became synonymous with his all-around dominance. Today, the “Gordie Howe hat trick” remains a celebrated part of hockey culture, a testament to his lasting influence on the game.
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PHILADELPHIA — Andrew Painter threw spring training pitches clocked at 100 mph, underwent Tommy John surgery and spent an unexpected season rehabbing in the minors.
The 22-year-old Painter — considered to have one of the top arms in any level of baseball — finally is ready for his Phillies debut.
Painter will make his first career big league start Tuesday night against Washington.
“The preparation, everything else is going to be the same,” Painter said. “I’m going to go on the field and treat it like another start.”
Painter was the 13th overall pick in the 2021 amateur draft and signed for a $3.9 million bonus. He sprinted through Philadelphia’s system in 2022, going 6-2 with a 1.48 ERA in 26 appearances spread across two Class A teams and Double-A Reading.
He hurt his elbow during spring training in 2023 and had Tommy John surgery later that year.
The 6-foot-7 right-hander emerged the top candidate to win the Phillies’ fifth starter job as he attempted to crack the rotation before his 20th birthday. Instead, the injury set him back at least two seasons, and he went 5-8 with a 5.26 ERA during two minor league stops last season.
The Phillies never were concerned with his record. They wanted to see how his elbow and arm held up over a career-best 118 innings pitched.
He’s been deemed good to go and joins a stout rotation that this season will include Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Cristopher Sánchez and Jesús Luzardo.
“It’s definitely been a long road,” Painter said. “Grateful for it. Grateful for all the failure. Last year was a tough one. But I think I learned a lot from it.”
The two-time reigning NL East champion Phillies already need Painter to step in and make a solid start following a 1-3 beginning that has them in last place.
Considered the organization’s top pitching prospect since Cole Hamels, Painter entered the season ranked No. 26 among all prospects in baseball. Painter gave up seven hits and struck out eight in 11 2/3 innings this year in spring training.
Painter said he would try to keep calm while pitching in front of about 40 friends and family in his ticket group.
“Not super anxious,” he said. “Just trying to lean into the everyday process and just keep preparation, everything the same when I show up to the ballpark and let that stuff take care of itself.”
Painter took a knee before he ever threw a regular-season pitch. He posted proposal photos on Instagram in March with his girlfriend, Shelby.
What’s more nerve-wracking, proposing or taking the mound?
“I’m not sure,” Painter said with a laugh. “We’ll revisit that.”
The Mets are making a notable front office addition, hiring J.D. Martinez as a special advisor to baseball operations, the team announced Tuesday afternoon.
Martinez's role will be similar to Carlos Beltran's.
Beltran has been a regular presence around the team since being hired as a special assistant in February of 2023.
"Similar to the way we use Carlos," said manager Carlos Mendoza when asked what Martinez's role would be. "I love having Carlos around and when I was talking to David [Stearns] and [assistant GM] Eduardo [Brizuela] for a potential role with J.D., that’s kind of how we envisioned it. Not only being here in the clubhouse, but in the front office for him to get familiar with processes and how we come up with decisions.
"Just kind of get him on board, kind of like the way we use Carlos as well, not only with position players, but with the pitchers. There’s so much information and the value of having pitchers talking to a Hall of Famer in Carlos Beltran and now a guy like J.D. Martinez and the mind that they [have] and everything that they bring to the table so that’s kind of how we see it moving forward."
Martinez, who spent his final MLB season with the Mets in 2024, had a 14-year playing career that also included stints with the Astros, Tigers, Diamondbacks, Red Sox, and Dodgers.
A six-time All-Star who finished fourth in MVP voting in 2018, Martinez was meticulous about his craft -- regularly using a notebook in the dugout to jot things down. He finished with 16 home runs and 69 RBI in 120 games with the Mets in 2024 and was paramount in leading New York to the postseason after the team's rough start to the season.
"Huge impact," Mendoza said of Martinez during his time in Queens. "I think not only on us in here as an organization, but outside of the organization, everybody saw it, what he meant to the team in 2024 when he first came up. Not only on the field, but off the field.
"Great guy in the clubhouse, he was just super consistent, very knowledgeable and very positive. A guy that’s won a World Series, been in the playoffs. Overall, huge addition and I was super excited when I found out."
CHANDIGARH, India (AP) — Cooper Connolly marked his Indian Premier League debut with an unbeaten half-century in Punjab Kings' three-wicket win over Gujarat Titans on Tuesday.
Batting at No. 3, the 22-year-old Australian smashed 72 not out off 44 balls with five sixes and five fours as last year’s finalist survived a middle-order collapse to reach 165-7 with five balls to spare.
Fast bowler Vijayakumar Vyshak (3-34) and experienced spinner Yuzvendra Chahal (2-28) had earlier bowled well in the middle overs to restrict Gujarat to 162-6 after Punjab captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and elected to field.
“I was looking forward to the experience of playing with some world-class players, but to put that performance in tonight, very happy," Connolly said. "I’m just more of a tempo player, feel the flow of my hands, don’t hit too many big sixes.”
Punjab had the chase under control at 110-2 in 12 overs before impact substitute Prasidh Krishna rattled the middle order with three wickets in 10 balls and the home team slumped to 118-6 in the 15th over.
But Connolly didn’t lose patience with wickets falling around him provided Punjab a winning start to the tournament.
Krishna ignited the collapse when Iyer clipped a straightforward catch to mid-wicket of the first ball he faced after he was struck hard on his hand at the non-striker by a hard drive from Connolly and needed on-field treatment.
Shashank Singh was undone by a sharp short ball and got a faint edge behind the wicket while Marcus Stoinis sliced a catch to Rashid Khan at third of another short delivery.
Marco Jansen smashed a six but got deceived by a slower delivery from Gujarat debutant Ashok Sharma and offered a tame catch at covers with Punjab still needing 19 runs for victory.
Xavier Bartlett (11 not out) eased the nerves when he pulled Krishna for a six over mid-wicket before Connolly guided Punjab to victory.
Earlier, skipper Shubman Gill top-scored with 39 off 27 balls, but none of the top-order Gujarat batters could convert starts into meaningful knocks. Gill started off well with his fluent boundaries in the power play, but Gujarat got tied down after scoring 54-1 in the first six overs.
Gill dominated Chahal early on with his trademark sweep shots before he got caught at mid-wicket while trying another sweep against the spinner as Gujarat couldn’t find momentum after power play.
Jos Buttler scored 38 off 33 balls, that included 14 dot balls before he holed out to long-on at the start of death overs.
Punjab did well in the last five overs and allowed Gujarat score only 34 runs with Jansen (1-20) intelligently varying his pace. Arshdeep Singh’s (0-42) long 11-ball last over went for 12 runs that included a no-ball and four wide balls.
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - FEBRUARY 25: Moses Moody #4 of the Golden State Warriors looks on during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on February 25, 2026 in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Justin Ford/Getty Images) | Getty Images
On March 23rd, Moses Moody suffered a season-ending patellar tendon tear during the Warriors’ game versus the Dallas Mavericks. Moody was taken off the court on a stretcher with only 58 seconds remaining in overtime. Before his injury, Moody was having a great game, with 23 points, 3 assists, 3 rebounds, and 2 blocks.
Luckily, the Warriors pulled out a win. Moody underwent knee surgery on March 27th.
Two days later, on March 29th, Moody broke his silence via Twitter.
I appreciate all of the love. Every challenge I’ve been through in life I’m glad I went through. I’m sure I’ll feel the same about this. 💪🏾 pic.twitter.com/47cW9RbAYp
“I appreciate all of the love. Every challenge I’ve been through in life I’m glad I went through. I’m sure I’ll feel the same about this. 💪🏾” Moody said in a tweet Sunday.
Moody, turning 24 next month, was averaging 12 points, 3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game — his best season yet. Moody is young and exceptionally talented, so he has a bright future ahead of him after his recovery process. Hopefully, he comes back stronger. Either way, Dub Nation is behind him every step of the way.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 18: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots a jump shot against Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets during the game at Toyota Center on March 18, 2026 in Houston, Texas. 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 Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Lakers fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
With just seven games remaining, the Lakers can finish as high as the No. 3 seed or as low as sixth. The good news is the Lakers have their destiny in their own hands as they currently sit in the three spot and have the tiebreakers over the opponents they’re competing with for a playoff spot.
While their seeding and whether they will have homecourt or not are unknown, the teams they could face are known. LA will play either Denver, Minnesota, or Houston in the postseason.
For our SB Nation Reacts survey this week, we ask which team you would most like them to play in the first round of the playoffs between the Wolves, Rockets and Nuggets.
The Lakers have beaten this trio in head-to-head matchups, so a case can be made for each being a desired opponent. The team with the current worst record among the three is Houston.
The Rockets haven’t been able to dominate this year, even with the acquisition of Kevin Durant. The Lakers recently beat the Rockets in back-to-back games in Houston, making a matchup against them in the postseason an enticing proposition.
Last season, the Wolves eliminated the Lakers in five games in the opening round. But this year, LA controlled all three contests against Minnesota and swept the season series.
Sure, they still have Anthony Edwards and a defensive titan in Rudy Gobert, but this iteration of the Lakers has proven they can handle them.
Perhaps facing them in the playoffs again can make advancing to the second round by beating them that much sweeter.
And last but certainly not least is the Nuggets. The Lakers won the season series 2-1, but all the games were close. In fact, Denver is the only team to have pushed Los Angeles into overtime this year.
The Lakers came out on top, but it certainly looked like things could have easily gone a different way.
Similar to Luka Dončić, Nikola Jokić is also an MVP candidate, and with a player that good on a team that’s beaten the Lakers a couple of times in the playoffs during this decade, maybe that’s not the first opponent you want to have as one begins a playoff run.
But what do you think? Who do you want the Lakers to face in the playoffs? Share your opinion by voting and letting us know down below!
All season — and especially the last month — the Utah Jazz have been playing G-league and overseas-level players in an effort to lose games. Some of them made their NBA debuts for the Jazz and some are trying to make their NBA comebacks. Without being too critical, there’s a reason that most of these players have not made a real impact on the world’s best basketball league.
Let’s take a look at every two-way or 10-day contract player to suit up for Utah this season, and see if I would like them to dawn the purple mountains in the future.
Mo Bamba
Games played: Two
Contract: Signed to multiple 10-days, but released before the last contract was up.
Would I like to see him play for Utah again?: No
I was always elated every time the Jazz signed Mo Bamba this past year, simply for how much of a pop culture icon he is. However, in the two games he played for Utah this season — and the seven years of previous NBA play — he did not inspire confidence that he could be a legitimate player for the Utah Jazz. But thanks for the song! I imagine I’ll show it to my future kids in 20 years, and explain why a former Jazz player is the title of one of the most popular hits of my generation.
Andersson Garcia
Games played: Five
Contract: One 10-day. Was not re-signed after.
Would I like to see him play for Utah again?: Yes
Andersson Garcia’s brief time in a Jazz uniform was very reminiscent of Jarred Vanderbilt’s. Both had tremendous hustle and grit, diving for loose balls, snagging boards and playing great defense. Vanderbilt’s play during the first part of the 2022-23 season was a stark contrast to the lackadaisical effort of the 2021-22 team, and Garcia’s drive felt the same exact way. Offensively, Garcia wasn’t great, only shooting 31.0% from the field, but the 8.4 rebounds and 1.6 steals were nothing to scoff at. As excited as I am about JJJ, Lauri Markkanen, Keyonte George and Walker Kessler next season, none of those players are known for their tenacity and hustle, so I’ll take as many players with those attributes as I can get.
The Jazz didn’t re-sign him after his 10-day was up, so the odds that he’ll play for the organization again are slim, but I would love it if somehow he wound up on the training camp roster next season. Plus, being one of the few Dominican NBA players ever was a wholesome story.
Kennedy Chandler
Games played: Six (and counting)
Contract: One 10-day
Would I like to see him play for Utah again?: No
Looking at Chandler’s counting stats, they aren’t terrible (14.2 ppg and 6.8 apg), but considering that the only two point guards on the roster are Keyonte George and Isaiah Collier, and there’s an abundance of intriguing guards in the lottery, if the Jazz were to add a non-draft point guard to the roster this summer, I would much rather it be a solid, proven player with a few years under his belt — just look at how great of an addition Ayo Dosunmu has been for Minnesota. Chandler also had nine turnovers in the last two games and stands at only 6-feet tall. The Jazz don’t need another one of those.
Bez Mbeng
Games played: 10 (and counting)
Contract: Multiple 10-days
Would I like to see him play for Utah again?: No
The former 3-time Ivy League defensive player of the year has seemed to have a tough time scoring in his opening stint against NBA competition. He’s failed to score five points in five of the 10 games that he’s played and has only shot 16.7% from deep. Not to compare him to another Yale Bulldog who played for the Jazz, but like Miye Oni, he can disappear at times on the court. Unfortunately for Mbeng, he’s not made a lasting impression for the Jazz front office.
Blake Hinson
Games played: 11 (and counting)
Contract: two-year, two-way contract signed on Feb. 9
Would I like to see him play for Utah again?: Yes
Long story short, Hinson shoots 50.1% from three on over 5.2 attempts per game. If you can shoot that well from long distance consistently, you’ll have an NBA job for years to come. He doesn’t do much besides shooting, only averaging 2.2 rebounds, 0.8 assists and totaling three stocks in 11 games, but man… that 50% 3-point shooting. I’m happy he’ll have a chance to compete for a roster spot next season with the contract he signed.
Elijah Harkless
Games played: 26 (and counting)
Contract: Second year of a two-year, two-way contract
Would I like to see him play for Utah again?: Yes
Elijah Harkless didn’t play for all of December and January, but I immediately noticed his impact when he rejoined the Jazz from the Stars in February. He is a defense-first player, and while his steals numbers aren’t other-worldly (1.2 spg), his on-ball pressure is elite. On March 2, 6-foot-3 Harkless guarded one of the greatest players ever in Nikola Jokic for over six minutes, and he actually bothered the 3-time MVP. Harkless is never going to be a scorer, but he is a good playmaker (2.9 apg) and I think is good enough for another two-way contract.
Oscar Tshiebwe
Games played: 21 (and counting)
Contract: One-year, two-way
Would I like to see him play for Utah again?: No
This is less about Tshiebwe’s performance, and more of a reality check about Utah’s roster construction. The Jazz’s front court rotation — when healthy — is not an easy one to crack. Tshiebwe would have to compete with Markkanen, JJJ, Kessler, Kyle Filipowski and maybe Nurkic if the Jazz and the Bosnian big man come to an agreement for next season. That’s not to mention the possibility of the Jazz ending up with Cam Boozer, or players who can play power forward like AJ Dybantsa and Caleb Wilson in the draft. Sorry to Tshiebwe, but if he does sign with Utah again, he’ll be lucky to see the floor even in garbage time.
SEATTLE — The Seattle Mariners have agreed to an eight-year, $95 million deal with top prospect Colt Emerson, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press.
The contract, which starts this season and includes a team option for 2034, would be the largest ever for a player who has not made his major league debut.
The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal hasn’t been announced.
The Mariners selected the 20-year-old shortstop with the 22nd overall pick in the 2023 amateur draft. Emerson entered the season as Baseball America’s No. 7 prospect.
Emerson batted .357 with one home run and a double and a 1.000 on-base percentage plus slugging in three games for Triple-A Tacoma. He appeared in 18 spring training games for the Mariners and batted .268 with two homers and eight RBIs and an .828 OPS.
FRISCO, Texas (AP) — The Dallas Stars have extended the contract of general manager Jim Nill for two years, keeping in place the architect of the team headed to the playoffs again after advancing to the Western Conference final each of the past three seasons.
Nill has been the Stars GM since 2013, and his contract was only through this season until the announcement on Tuesday. His extension through the 2027-28 season was finalized less than 24 hours after a prominent job opened when the Toronto Maple Leafs fired GM Brad Treliving.
“Jim has established himself as one of the most respected general managers in the NHL,” Stars owner Tom Gaglardi said. “Through his roster management and talent evaluation, he has positioned our franchise to be amongst the best teams in our league in both the present and future. I’m thrilled that he will continue to guide the Stars.”
Going into a game Tuesday night at Boston, the Stars' 100 points rank second in the NHL behind Central Division foe Colorado. Dallas has already qualified for its fifth consecutive playoff appearance.
The 67-year-old Nill was selected as the NHL's top GM each of the past three seasons by a panel that includes all of the league's general managers. The only current GMs that have been with their teams longer are Kevin Cheveldayoff in Winnipeg and Doug Armstrong in St. Louis.
Since Nill began with the Stars before the 2013-14 season, their 63 postseason wins are the second most in the NHL. They've qualified for the playoffs nine times in that span, and made the Stanley Cup Final in 2020. He was previously in the front office of the Detroit Red Wings.
“I’m fortunate to work with incredibly talented and passionate individuals that have helped our franchise become one of the best in the NHL,” Nill said. “I’m extremely grateful to have the opportunity to continue as general manager of the Stars.”
Peoria, AZ - February 18: Jason Adam #40 of the San Diego Padres poses for a portrait on February 18, 2026 in Peoria, Arizona. (Photo by K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty Images) | MLB
On Sept. 1, 2025, San Diego Padres reliever Jason Adam attempted to field a ground ball in a game against the Baltimore Orioles. After pivoting off his left leg, Adam fell to the ground in obvious pain. He was immediately carted off the field while holding his left thigh. The subsequent announcement from the team detailed a ruptured left quadriceps tendon that would require immediate surgery and end the season for Adam.
The injury normally requires a 6-9 month recovery time and Adam notably later stated he wanted to be ready for Opening Day of the 2026 season. March would be the best case scenario for a return, so it isn’t a surprise that the Padres opted to slow-play Adam in his return to the team. Keeping Adam healthy for the entire season is the real goal and rushing him back would not serve either party.
Adam made two appearances in Cactus League games before the Padres left Arizona. He pitched two innings over two games with two strikeouts and no hits or walks allowed. He began the season on the 15-day IL, retroactive to March 22. He is able to return April 6, if all goes well.
Adam pitched on March 28 for the Triple-A El Paso Chihuahuas, throwing 1.1 innings and allowing one hit with no walks and no runs. That was his first test of pitching an up/down during his recovery. He was also required to field his position over a that stretch.
Today, Adam with be with the Lake Elsinore Storm, pitching a simulated game where the conditions can be controlled by the staff and Adam can be stressed in particular ways to ensure that he is fully recovered.
That will be followed by a back-to-back appearance with the San Antonio Missions in Tulsa, Okla. Adam will pitch April 3 and April 4 for the Missions, the last significant test for the reliever before he is eligible to come off the IL and make his season debut with the Padres. (Update per Jeff Sanders of the San Diego Union-Tribune)
If all goes well, Adam will then be back with the Padres. If he comes off the IL on April 6, he will be available in Pittsburgh for the start of the series against the Pirates. When activated, the organization will need to send another member of the bullpen to the minors to make room for Adam.
Considering the status of the rotation, it is unlikely that pitcher will be lefty Kyle Hart. The other long-man, righty Ron Marinaccio, is out of options and can’t be sent down without being exposed to waivers. While having two long-relief options is a bonus, the ineffectiveness of the rotation so far indicates a definite need for both.
The pitcher sent down will most likely be either Bradgley Rodriquez or Jeremiah Estrada. Estrada has struggled with control so far this year, both in Spring Training and his appearance in the second game of the season against the Tigers. Rodriguez has been excellent and would be the better option to stay with the team.
Yuki Matsui status
Lefty reliever Yuki Matsui threw both bullpens and live BP in Peoria, Ariz. before the Padres broke camp and returned to San Diego. He was placed on the 15-day IL on March 25, retroactive to March 22, due to a left groin strain suffered early in camp. He missed pitching for Japan in the WBC as well as not appearing in any Cactus League games before the end of spring. After making the introductions on Opening Day, Matsui returned to Arizona for extended spring and has not made an appearance in a minor league game yet.
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 18: Former New York Yankees (from left) Bernie Williams, Darryl Strawberry and David Wells during a ceremony prior to a game between the Yankees and the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium on August 18, 2018 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Yankees defeated the Blue Jays 11-6. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Back in August, I began a series here at Pinstripe Alley where I was going to put together an All-Star Yankee team of players who were born in a given month. Since then, we as a staff have started doing daily posts for the year 2026, highlighting a Yankee from history whose birthday happens to land on that day. I thought, what better way to put a cap on a month’s worth of birthday posts then by using the all-month teams as a way to look back on who we covered — and maybe some we didn’t cover who shared a birthday with someone else.
With that in mind, here are my choices for the All-March Birthday Yankee Team.
There are other pitchers who had better overall careers who happened to pitch for the Yankees, such as Hall of Famer Dazzy Vance, but the “Springfield Rifle” is probably the best starting pitcher to have a career as a Yankee (though we’ll always love Chien-Ming Wang). When he’s out, the March Yankees could bring in Dellin Betances from the bullpen.
It’s not his most natural position, but Waldo is flexible enough to play at first, and he’ll have to do with not a ton of good options in the rest of the month.
Second Base: Mariano Duncan
We didn’t get to profile Duncan, as he shares a March 13th birthday with another member of this team, but “We play today, we win today… das it!”
Shortstop: Isiah Kiner-Falefa
Shortstop is another bit of a weak spot on this team, so IKF will have to do.
Current manager Aaron Boone also has a March birthday, and you maybe could’ve put him on the team, just for one moment in particular, but Baker had a far more distinguished career, both in pinstripes and overall. Boone would also get beaten out for the manager position for this team by Miller Huggins.
The March Yankees have some solid outfield depth, and that includes Keeler, who was one of the first stars of the franchise, back when they were still the Highlanders.
Granderson was a personal favorite of mine back during his Yankees’ career, not only for his home runs and fourth-place MVP finish in 2011, but also because he always seemed like a cool and nice guy.
The Yankees’ 2006 trade for Bobby Abreu remains one of the all-time best midseason moves in franchise history. For not a whole lot, they got a very good middle of the order bat, who was a perfect fit for the Yankees’ lineup at that time.
The most famous part of his career will always be his time as a star for the 1980s Mets, but Strawberry later went to the other side of the city, picked up a few more rings, and became a beloved veteran member of the ’90s Yankees’ dynasty.
That’s my lineup, but if you would have a different combination, let’s keep the conversation going!
DETROIT, MI - MARCH 7: Michael Porter Jr. #17 of the Brooklyn Nets drives to the basket during the game against the Detroit Pistons on March 7, 2026 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Bobby Marks (no relation, as we occasionally note) has an analysis of key decisions lottery teams will have to make beyond the NBA Draft at the end of June.
After the celebratory press conferences after the draft, Starting at noon on July 6, teams will be able to sign their own free agents as well as other free agents. It, along with the Draft, is also when Sean Marks does his best work. Indeed, Marks has made a trade, often a big one, within 48 hours either side of the Draft in nine of the 10 years he’s been Nets GM.
Bobby Marks believes that the Nets big decision in that timeframe will be whether to extend Michael Porter Jr. beyond next season when he will earn $40.8 million and at what price.
Porter’s first season in Brooklyn — Denver sent the forward and a 2032 unprotected first-round pick to the Nets for Cameron Johnson this past July — has featured a career-high 24.2 points per game and a fourth straight season of better than 36% 3-point shooting.
And prior to a strained left hamstring suffered March 19, Porter had missed just 14 games since the 2023-24 season, a trend in the right direction after injuries hampered him early in his career.
His impact on the court, durability and age — Porter will turn 28 in June — should warrant discussions on a new contract. He will be eligible to sign a four-year, $234 million deal.
Those figures — both the total money and length of the contract — are the maximum the Nets can pay MPJ. It seems highly unlikely Brooklyn will him at that level, as Yossi Gozlan told us last month.
“In reality I think he’s looking at something in the 20-25% of the salary cap range.” Gozlan told ND, citing the lack of competition for him. “As great as he’s been, he’s not going to replicate this production elsewhere since any good team that acquires him probably makes him their second or third option. I could see him getting something closer to four years, $160 million, but it’s way too early to project his next contract.“
And in these times, his podcast misadventures aren’t going to help his cause. For the record, the projected salary cap for 2027-28 is going to be around $174 million, meaning a starting salary around $44 million.
If history is any judge, the contract talks are likely to be amicable. Twice in the last four years, the Nets had big decisions on two other key players – Nic Claxton and Cam Johnson – that got done early. In both cases, they got contracts that were front-loaded, giving Sean Marks & co. more cap space and leverage in the future.
There seems little doubt the two sides want to make a deal, at least as of now. The Nets had multiple opportunities to at least talk trade around Porter before the February 5 deadline but chose not to, letting other teams know they saw the 6’10” shot-maker as part of their master plan going forward. For his part, Porter has said all the right things about the organization, calling Jordi Fernandez a “genius” and praising the team’s professionalism.
Bobby Marks also lays out some draft strategy and lists of 2026 free agents beyond MPJ.
It’s important to note that Brooklyn has no incentive to tank next season, as Houston has the right to swap first-round picks in 2027. Brooklyn will enter free agency with a high lottery pick and could have between $45 million and $55 million in cap room heading into free agency.
Free agents: Ochai Agbaji (restricted), Josh Minott ($2.6 million team option), Day’Ron Sharpe ($6.3 million team option), Ziaire Williams ($6.3 million team option), Jalen Wilson (restricted), EJ Liddell (restricted), Tyson Etienne (restricted), Chaney Johnson (restricted)
Of course, things are subject to change and judging by Sean Marks’ calendar, we may not have to wait too long for things to change.
End Of An Era: Islanders Announce Intent To Move AHL Affiliate From Bridgeport To HamiltonThe Islanders must get approval from the AHL's Board of Governors before this can 
