The Ottawa Senators visit the New York Islanders this afternoon in a crucial battle for the final Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference.
Jake Sanderson has been a huge addition to the Sens lineup since returning from injury, and I’ll be looking for the blueliner to contribute offensively again in my Senators vs. Islanders predictions and NHL picks for Saturday, April 11.
Senators vs Islanders prediction
Senators vs Islanders best bet: Jake Sanderson Over 0.5 points (-135)
Jake Sanderson returned to the Ottawa Senators lineup last weekend after missing 13 games with a shoulder injury, and the defenseman has made an immediate impact.
Sanderson has logged five points in his past three games, finding the score sheet each time while recording two points in his last two outings.
The blueliner has given Ottawa an offensive boost, as the Sens enter Saturday on a three-game win streak with at least five goals in each victory.
Ottawa’s offense will come through again in a crucial matchup against the New York Islanders, and Sanderson will factor on at least one goal.
Senators vs Islanders same-game parlay
Brady Tkachuk leads the Senators in scoring this month with eight points in five games, finding the score sheet in three straight and seven of his last nine contests.
Ottawa has won four of its last five games, while New York has just one win in its last five outings.
Senators vs Islanders SGP
Jake Sanderson Over 0.5 points
Brady Tkachuk Over 0.5 points
Senators moneyline
Senators vs Islanders odds
Moneyline: Senators -137 | Islanders +114
Puck Line: Senators -1.5 | Islanders +1.5
Over/Under: Over 6 | Under 6
Senators vs Islanders trend
The Senators have covered the Puck Line in 15 of their last 25 away games (+9.35 Units / 27% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Senators vs. Islanders.
How to watch Senators vs Islanders
Location
UBS Arena, Elmont, NY
Date
Saturday, April 11, 2026
Puck drop
1:00 p.m. ET
TV
TSN5
Senators vs Islanders latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 27: Head coach Brian Keefe of the Washington Wizards talks with Bub Carrington #7 against the Golden State Warriors in the fourth quarter at Chase Center on March 27, 2026 in San Francisco, California. 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 Eakin Howard/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Yesterday, the Washington Wizards lost to the Miami Heat, giving them a nine game losing streak. They are 17-64 with one more game left to go. The Indiana Pacers have 19 wins, so that makes them officially … the worst team in the 2025-26 NBA season.
The Wizards will officially finish the 2025-26 season with the NBA’s worst record. pic.twitter.com/nqJi1XPsKX
With the acquisitions of Trae Young and Anthony Davis before the trade deadline, it appears that Monumental Basketball President Michael Winger and General Manager Will Dawkins are ready to turn the page on another sub-20 win season. Hopefully this past season is the last time when we are quietly wondering whether losing is actually winning, if you know what I mean.
The Mets are calling up veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel, as first reported by The New York Post's Jon Heyman.
Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns said on Friday that there wasn't a timeline for the right-hander to join the Mets or if he had any opt-outs in his deal, but calling him up was a possibility.
"We continue to believe he can help us this year; he wants to help us," Stearns said. "We have a stable pen so far. We haven’t made a move, but eventually we will. He’s certainly a candidate when we have an opportunity."
The Mets signed the veteran to a minor league deal with an MLB camp invite in late January. He made six appearances during the spring, allowing three runs on four hits (two home runs) over six innings. The 37-year-old issued five walks with five strikeouts.
After breaking camp, Kimbrel pitched a 1-2-3 inning at Single-A St. Lucie with a strikeout on Thursday.
"Craig threw the ball well yesterday. That was very good to see," Stearns said.
This season for Kimbrel will be his 17th season in professional baseball. He appeared in just 14 big league games last year, allowing four runs (three earned) on 10 hits in 12 innings pitched, after signing a minor league deal and spending the majority of his time at Triple-A. The right-hander did strike out 17 of the 49 batters he faced with seven walks while pitching for Atlanta (once) and Houston (13 times).
He pitched to a 3.00 ERA and 1.051 WHIP across 39 innings over 42 minor league appearances last season. He tallied 51 strikeouts to 21 walks.
Kimbrel's last full major league season came in 2024 with Baltimore, and it did not go well for him as he was designated for assignment in late September after losing his spot as the closer. In 57 appearances with the Orioles, he pitched to a 5.33 ERA and 1.357 WHIP over 52.1 innings with 73 strikeouts to 31 walks. He had 23 saves in 29 opportunities.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 10: Gavin Sheets #30 of the San Diego Padres celebrates after hitting a walk-off 3-run home run in the ninth inning during the game against the Colorado Rockies at Petco Park on April 10, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Matt Thomas/San Diego Padres/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Walker Buehler has had an uneven start to his tenure with the San Diego Padres. After two starts Buehler had only accumulated 6.2 innings pitched with seven runs allowed on eight hits with five walks and seven strikeouts. With Griffin Canning and Matt Waldron building up in an effort to return to the MLB roster after their respective rehab assignments, Buehler and German Marquez could be playing for respective spots in the San Diego rotation. Buehler pitched that way against the Colorado Rockies at Petco Park on Friday night.
Buehler had his best performance since he joined the Padres on a minor-league deal in the offseason. He completed six innings and allowed just three hits. He did not allow a run or a walk and recorded four strikeouts. Buehler walked off the mound with a 2-0 lead and was in line for his first win with San Diego, but reliever Adrian Morejon gave up two runs, and the game was tied 2-2 when the Padres came to the plate in the bottom of the ninth inning.
Gavin Sheets hit a one-out three-run home run that won the game for San Diego and extended their most recent win streak to three games. The start by Buehler was critical in providing the Padres bullpen some respite after the 12-inning game the night before. The home run by Sheets, his second of the night, ensured San Diego did not have to play extra innings on back-to-back nights.
San Diego and Colorado will meet in Game 3 of their series at Petco Park, today at 5:40 p.m.
It was a busy week on the road for the Padres as they left Petco Park for the hostile crowds of Fenway Park in Boston and PNC Park in Pittsburgh. San Diego showed its resolve, finning four of the six games before returning to Petco Park to host Colorado.
Padres closer Mason Miller refuses to give up runs, in fact he does not give up hits either. The right-hander struck out all three batters he faced en route to the win over the Rockies on Friday night.
Former Padres farmhand Brandon Valenzuela hit his first MLB home run as a member of the Toronto Blue Jays.
Four UCLA pitchers combined for 30 strikeouts against Rutgers. The UCLA starter, Logan Reddemann, accounted for 18 of the 30 strikeouts int the contest.
When the Cubs decided to largely run it back with a team that pushed the Brewers to their limits before falling just short of the NLCS, one might have hoped it would have been relatively smooth sailing for this team in 2026. This looked, on paper, to be a top 10 team in baseball. I had them pegged a clear cut below the best teams, but comfortably in the second tier of teams. Nothing has been easy and they have not, in any way, appeared to be a top 10 team.
In reality, this team has looked decidedly middle of the pack. Or perhaps a bit below. Of their six opportunities to date to be .500, they have been .500 five times. On Saturday, they’ll have their seventh opportunity to be at .500. Hopefully, they succeed again. A 50/50 record, in this instance, is better than the alternative.
So far, this team is hit or miss. The team has scored 39 runs in their six wins (6.5 runs/game). They have just 17 runs in their seven losses (2.43 runs/game). This team has already been shut out twice and scored only one run twice (winning one). They were shut out 10 times all of last year and held under two a total of 28 times. The results have been stratified and there has been very little offensive consistency, Hopefully, the return of Seiya Suzuki will give them a boost.
This one was all the more unfortunate because Shōta Imanaga was lights out. He faced 19 batters and struck out nine of them. He allowed no hits and just a single walk. You might recall that once before Imanaga started a game where the Pirates got no hits against Cubs pitching. I remember that one as I was driving home from a Rays game and listened to the last few outs of that game. It isn’t often that you can go into a game with a split of 0.35 ERA (career against the Pirates) and actually lower that number. It was that kind of day for him.
Unfortunately, the bats let him down and he has nothing to show for it.
Three Positives:
Arguably Imanaga was so positive that all of the other performances pale in comparison.
Ian Happ had a pair of singles and drew a walk.
Carson Kelly had three walks and a single. The Cubs actually had six hits and drew seven walks and were held scoreless.
Honorable mention to Ethan Roberts (4 batters faced, 4 outs recorded) and Riley Martin (3 batters faced, 3 outs). They gave the Cubs every opportunity to come from behind.
Game 13, April 10: Pirates 2, Cubs 0 (6-7)
Reminder: Heroes and Goats are determined by WPA scores and are in no way subjective.
Billy Goat: Caleb Thielbar (-.307). 0.2 IP, 5 BF, 3 H, 0 BB, 2 ER, 0 K (L 1-1)
Goat: Pete Crow-Armstong (-.214). 0-4, DP
Kid: Matt Shaw (-.185). 0-2
WPA Play of the Game: Bryan Reynolds batted with a runner on first and no outs in the seventh. He homered, breaking a scoreless tie. (.264)
*Cubs Play of the Game: Ian Happ batted with a runner on first and no outs in the sixth. He singled, setting up a golden opportunity. (.075)
Cubs Player of the Game: Imanaga, Kelly, Happ, other
Game 12 winner: Nico Hoerner 105-86 over Colin Rea (219 total votes)
Rizzo Award Standings: (Top 3/Bottom 3)
The award is named for Anthony Rizzo, who finished first in this category three of the first four years it was in existence and four times overall. He also recorded the highest season total ever at +65.5. The point scale is three points for a Superhero down to negative three points for a Billy Goat.
Edward Cabrera +6
Nico Hoerner/Ian Happ (+1 today)/Carson Kelly (+2) : +5
Phil Maton/Pete Crow-Armstrong (-2): -6
Matt Shaw -7 (-1)
Alex Bregman -7 (-3)
Up Next: Game two of the three game series. Edward Cabrera (1-0, 0.00, 11.2 IP) gets his third Cub start. He’s been superb so far. 26-year-old right-handed pitcher Braxton Ashcraft (1-1, 2.25, 12 IP) also makes his third start. His two previous starts were at home. In 2025, he was better away (2.45 ERA) than at home (3.00). But he only had a total of 69.2 big league innings last year. In 11 innings across three appearances last year, he allowed four runs (three in one 9/15 outing).
Let’s hope Cabrera is able to continue his dominance and the Cub bats break through.
FYI: I am on vacation for the next week. Heroes and Goats will continue to run, but you can expect me to be a bit more brief and the timing could be a little different. I appreciate your patience with us in advance.
Brandon Pfaadt gets the ball for Arizona, and he’s compiled a 6.75 ERA so far. The righty allowed a run in the first inning in his last start vs. Atlanta, and while the Phillies lost 5-4 on Friday, they scored all four runs in the first.
As for the D-Backs, they’re up against Taijuan Walker, and he has an ERA over 9.00 so far. He’s given up seven first-inning runs across his first two starts, allowing three to the Rockies and four to the Nationals.
Time: 1:05 p.m. ET
Where to watch: FS1
Marlins at Tigers: NRFI (-135)
The Miami Marlins send Janson Junk to the mound today, and he’s looked solid so far. The righty has a 3.09 ERA and a perfect 2-0 NRFI record.
Junk has come out and found a rhythm early, and that will be key against a Detroit Tigers team that has scored six times in the first this season.
As for the Tigers, Casey Mize takes the hill, and he also has a 2-0 NRFI record through two outings. It’s important to note that Miami’s lineup has never faced Mize outside of Otto Lopez, and they’ve only scored once in the first inning in this young 2026 season.
Time: 1:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: Marlins.TV, DSN
White Sox at Royals: NRFI (-120)
We’re looking at two teams who have struggled immensely at the dish in the first.
The Chicago White Sox are hitting just .140 in the opening inning, and they’ve had five NRFI. They’re also up against Michael Wacha, who has a 0.69 ERA so far, and has yet to allow a run in the first.
As for the Kansas City Royals, they have 14 NRFI this year and are struggling to get it going offensively out of the gates. White Sox starter Erick Fedde also owns a 1-0 NRFI record.
Both of these clubs are towards the bottom of the majors in overall runs scored as well.
Time: 4:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: CHSN+, Royals.TV
What is a NRFI bet?
NRFI (No Run First Inning) and YRFI (Yes Run First Inning) bets add a thrilling twist to the start of an MLB game. A NRFI bet is a wager that no runs will be scored in the first inning. You're betting that the starting pitchers for both teams will get through the first inning without allowing any runs, whether by striking out batters, inducing ground balls, or through solid defensive play.
A YRFI bet is the exact opposite. You're betting that at least one run will be scored in the first inning. In this case, you’re hoping for an early offensive burst such as a leadoff walk, a timely hit, or even a home run.
NRFI and YRFI bets add excitement to the early part of a game and offer immediate gratification for bettors looking for a quick resolution.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - APRIL 10: A.J. Green #20 of the Milwaukee Bucks celebrates after making a three point basket against the Brooklyn Nets during the fourth quarter at Fiserv Forum on April 10, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Cormac Ryan electrified the crowd in the opening minutes of his first-ever start, and AJ Green later brought the house down with an all-time display of marksmanship, leading to an emphatic 125-108 win by the Milwaukee Bucks over the Brooklyn Nets. Read our full summary of the game here and catch a six-minute audio recap on the Bucks+ podcast, Bucks In Six Minutes, below.
Green closed a somewhat up-and-down season with a virtuoso sendoff. Yes, he made franchise history with 11 made triples, and moved into second all-time for three-pointers made in a season. Those things got everyone riled up, with the crowd chanting his name (and nickname). Even better, though, he played a complete game, complementing his shooting theatrics with solid playmaking, above-average rebounding, and alert D. Hard to find anything not to love about his statement game.
In his first-ever start, Ryan came out firing—and rarely missed in the first quarter. He looked like anything but a newbie, playing under control and never seeming out of sorts on offense or defense. His breakout game would be THE story on any other night. Alas, Dairy Bird outshone him, a tough task when Ryan was such an electrifying player all game long.
Prince showed out, displaying the big impact on both ends that the team missed out on during his extended absence due to neck surgery. A sequence in the third quarter—he made a high degree-of-difficulty corner triple, then stole the ball on D and raced down court to drain another three—was a crescendo moment that had fans going berserk, and wishing they’d seen more of Prince throughout the season.
Dieng played the kind of solid all-around game that has become his hallmark. On a night when so many teammates were on fire shooting, it was Dieng who most consistently found them for open looks. His own poor shooting was more than made up for by those dozen helpers and six boards.
Sims followed his career-first triple-double with a double-double in Friday’s tilt. What stood out was his rebounding, as he kept many possessions alive with five offensive boards. He scored at his usual hyper-efficient rate. The plus-minus number seems misleading, as the eye test showed Sims making winning plays on both ends.
Turner was a force of nature on both ends. He swatted away five Nets’ shots and altered plenty more. He started the game with a triple to get the crowd revved up, and kept bringing the cheers with thunder dunks and more long bombs in the second half. Those flourishes came between periods where he seemed quiet, but his +26 tells the story of an overwhelmingly positive impact.
Kuzma pulled his occasional disappearing act, not making many obviously winning plays—save the electrifying logo triple to close the first half—while playing too fast and coughing up the ball five times. Not a tragic Kuz game, but certainly not much to like here either.
On Redemption Night for many of his teammates, AJax just couldn’t get his act together enough to join the revival. His shot was off, and he didn’t do much else to help the team’s cause. His -11 “led” the team, and felt like an accurate reflection of his overall impact.
Grade: D
Doc Rivers
No Bobby, no Giannis, no KPJ. Yes, the Nets were also depleted and are a horrid team even at full strength. But the Bucks decisively won the battle of lottery squads, with huge performances from a cast of nobodies. The standout performances from Green, Ryan, Dieng, Sims, and Prince showed that the coaching staff did a better-than-average job coaxing development from those players and keeping them engaged in a season where not much went right, and players could be forgiven if they were checked out by now. Friday’s performance suggested they aren’t, and Rivers deserves heavy credit.
Grade: A
DNP-CD: Alex Antetokounmpo, Thanassis Antetokounmpo
Inactive: Bobby Portis, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Pete Nance, Gary Trent, Jr., Kevin Porter Jr., Gary Harris, Ryan Rollins
Bonus Bucks Bits
With 227 three-pointers this season, Green is second all-time in Bucks history. He has a great chance of surpassing Ray Allen, currently number one with 229 triples in the 2001-02 campaign.
In scoring 20+ points in three of his first 10 NBA games, Cormac Ryan joins elite company. Others in Bucks’ history who’ve achieved that feat: Kareem, Marques Johnson, Brandon Jennings, and Ray Allen.
Ryan said he and Green engaged in heated games of one-on-one on summer mornings at 5:00 a.m. last offseason: “I felt bad for our trainers; we had to drag them in. They just wanted to sleep.”
Up Next
The Bucks travel to Philly for a Sunday night tilt against the 76ers in the final game of the season. Catch it at 5:00 p.m. CDT on FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - APRIL 03: (L-R) Morez Johnson Jr. #21 and Aday Mara #15 of the Michigan Wolverines speak to media at a player breakout session during a 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Final Four practice day at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 03, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Morez Johnson Jr. and Aday Mara played a pivotal role in head coach Dusty May and the Michigan Wolverines winning the national championship this season. Now, after successful first years in Ann Arbor, both big men have important decisions to make in the next month or so.
Mara and Johnson — along with fellow Wolverine Yaxel Lendeborg — are projected to be first-round picks in this summer’s NBA Draft. Mara is projected to be selected in the late portion of the lottery, while Johnson is expected to go in the late part of the first round.
The goal for all guys that enter the NBA Draft is to receive a guaranteed contract. If you are selected in the first round, you will receive a guaranteed contract for two years; the remaining two years after that are controlled by the team. The higher you get picked, the more money you make.
Turning down the NBA isn’t easy, but Johnson recently told NBC5 in Chicago he wouldn’t mind doing it if that’s what’s best for him.
“There’s no rush because if I can’t get (a guaranteed contract) this year, I know I can get it next year, and I have no issue coming back to Michigan and trying to repeat,” Johnson said.
#Michigan PF Morez Johnson and his decision to either stay or go to the NBA via NBC Chicago:
“There’s no rush because if I can’t get a (guarantee NBA contract this year), I know I can get it next year. I have no issue with coming back to Michigan and trying to repeat.” pic.twitter.com/7KVZO6af5l
Johnson is ESPN’s No. 27 overall prospect on their big board this year. Just for the sake of example, let’s say 27 overall is exactly where he goes in this year’s draft. The 27th overall pick last year was former Wolverine Danny Wolf. According to Spotrac, Wolf is making $2,801,280 as a first-year NBA player. Let’s say the number goes up slightly this year and is right at $2.9 million.
With all that information in mind, the question then becomes whether or not Michigan would be able to match or exceed the $2.9 million, bring Johnson back for one more year and help raise his draft stock. Michigan isn’t a poor program by any means, so it wouldn’t be surprising if that scenario were to be reality. I’m sure May and his staff wouldn’t mind having a veteran big man that has experience in the system back in Ann Arbor.
Meanwhile, in a separate interview with a Spanish media outlet, Mara was speaking as if he already had his mind made up as far as declaring for the draft. But it also sounds like he will retain his collegiate eligibility just in case.
“There’s still the whole summer ahead, during which I have to prepare for the draft, talk to teams, train with teams, and see what position I’ll play,” Mara said. “I’m lucky enough to be able to decide what to do; both options are good, whether I stay or leave.”
May already has an insurance policy in the event that one or both big men leave for the draft, as the Wolverines acquired the commitment of former Tennessee center J.P. Estrella on Thursday. However, getting one or both of Johnson and Mara to come back would be incredible for Michigan’s chances of going back-to-back.
At this point, I expect both of them to declare for the draft while retaining their college eligibility. Mara seems more likely than Johnson to stay in the draft, but both of them very well could be ready to move on regardless of where they end up getting selected. The deadline to withdraw from the draft is May 27, so there is a lot of time between now and then for the Michigan big men to finalize their plans.
What do you think Mara and Johnson will do? Go to the NBA? Return to Michigan? Let me know what you think down in the comments section below!
Feb 7, 2026; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Caleb Wilson (8) with the ball as Duke Blue Devils forward Cameron Boozer (12) defends in the second half at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
If he stays he would be trouble (for the opponents).
If he goes it might be double (carrying the UNC torch brightly into the NBA).
First off: this is not a question about what’s best for Caleb. Everyone has him as a top five pick in the NBA, and I genuinely believe he could rise as high as #2. Darius Acuff brings serious defensive concerns. Darryn Peterson has created mental health concerns. Cameron Boozer has NBA execs wondering about his positional versatility and inability to play above the rim. AJ Dybantsa seems the clear #1 at this point, but Wilson’s combination of size, athleticism, basketball IQ, and intangibles has GMs salivating. What does the 2nd pick in the NBA draft deliver? $25,000,000 guaranteed over the first two years with another $30,000,000 in the following two years, which are team optional. It’s best for Caleb to go to the draft right now.
But let’s get selfish for a moment and think about this in terms of what’s best for UNC.
If Caleb comes back, he brings star power and an on-court presence UNC could build a champion around. He’d probably be one of the headline players all off-season, the projected top pick in next year’s draft. He’d be taking a legit shot at “legend” both at UNC and within the college game. On the flip side, he’d also consume a massive amount of NIL on next season’s roster, and he’d risk the dreaded sophomore slump. Can you imagine UNC fans ranting about Coach Malone if Wilson wasn’t going for 25 and 12 every game? I can.
If Caleb goes to the NBA, he’d be the first Tar Heel to go in the top 5 since Marvin Harrison and Raymond Felton in 2005. Caleb oozes UNC positivity and can’t stop talking about how much he loves Chapel Hill and Tar Heel basketball. Carrying that energy into the draft and his rookie season would be proof of concept that UNC basketball can nurture an exceptional talent and propel them to the game’s heights, while also delivering an authentic college experience beyond the court. Caleb didn’t live in a basketball bubble at UNC, divorced from real student life. He soaked it all in.
What a walking, talking billboard for UNC in the pro game, something it’s lacked for awhile now.
So, how do you see it? Let us know in the comments below.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 04: Starter Bryce Elder #55 of the Atlanta Braves pitches against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the fifth inning at Chase Field on April 04, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Hey, we saw a mix of Good Bryce Elder and Bad Bryce Elder last night. He was pretty decent outside of the home run through four innings. Then he was unable to muddle through the fifth inning. He left despite only throwing 76 pitches (huh, did we even see that last year).
I’m encouraged by the start of the year. Elder looks much more comfortable on the mound. He’s living up in the zone with fastballs, low with sliders, and pretty well on the corner he has too. I’m intrigued by the cutter, but I think he has more work to do with it.
So are you a Bryce Elder truther? Is he on a collision course with the All-Star Game again? I’ll have more about Bryce next week. But for now, I’ll paraphrase Michael Kelso: I think he is okay. There’s a fine line between like and love. But the line between league-average and 125 ERA-, that’s not fine at all.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 10: Clay Holmes #35 of the New York Mets leaves the game against the Athletics in the sixth inning at Citi Field on April 10, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Meet the Mets
The Mets were shut out again, losing to the A’s 4-0 in a game which saw the Mets’ scoreless streak extend to 17 innings and their losing streak extend to three games to put them at .500 for the season. Clay Holmes was excellent, but unfortunately was forced to leave the game early due to hamstring tightness with the Mets down 1-0 in the sixth. The Mets’ best chance to score was in the bottom of the sixth when they had first and third and nobody out, but Francisco Lindor ran into an out on the base paths and Luis Robert Jr. grounded into a double play to quash the rally. Tobias Myers relieved Holmes and was also good until the ninth inning, in which yielded three runs of insurance as he ran out of gas, which effectively ended the game, given the Mets’ ineptitude offensively.
Jorge Polanco says his Achilles is feeling a lot better and he won’t need a stint on the injured list after all.
When addressing the media yesterday, David Stearns said that there have been no discussions about sending Carson Benge down to Triple-A, despite his slow start.
He also covered a few other tidbits: Juan Soto won’t be out long with his calf injury, Criag Kimbrel is an option for the bullpen at some point, Sean Manaea is “going to make a bunch of starts for us this year,” and the Mets still have confidence in David Peterson, despite his recent struggles.
A.J. Minter made a rehab appearance for the St. Lucie Mets on Thursday night and pitched a scoreless inning with one strikeout. He is still on track for a late April or early May return.
Tommy Pham, who the Mets signed to a minor league deal recently, also played in that game for St. Lucie and should move up to Triple-A Syracuse soon as he ramps up.
It would be nice to see a retractable roof at Citi Field, but the price tag is very steep, writes Jon Heyman of the New York Post.
Around the National League East
A six-run sixth inning propelled the Braves—donning their new powder blue City Connects—to an 11-5 victory over the Guardians in which they hit three home runs.
The Phillies put up four runs in the first inning, but yielded five runs in the fifth in a 5-4 loss to the Diamondbacks. Michael Soroka had a shaky start, but ultimately struck out ten Phillies in 5 2/3 innings to earn the victory for the Diamondbacks.
The Marlins were blanked by the Tigers 2-0, as Keider Montero pitched six shutout innings for Detroit.
Is the Marlins’ hot start sustainable? Mark Feinsand of MLB.com takes a deep dive on the Marlins, as well as the Pirates and Rockies, who are both also off to unexpectedly good starts.
The Nationals piled on the insurance runs late en route to a 7-3 victory over the Brewers in Milwaukee.
Though James Wood is the Nationals’ most obvious extension candidate of their young players, outfielder Daylen Lile, who had a very impressive rookie campaign, may be easier and cheaper to extend. However, “the Nationals have yet to broach Lile with an extension offer,” reports Spencer Nusbaum of The Athletic.
Around Major League Baseball
The Denver Broncos owners have purchased a 40% ownership stake in the Colorado Rockies.
You may have heard that the White Sox are doing a pope hat promotional item as a tribute to Pope Leo XIV, a Chicago native and longtime White Sox fan. So great is the anticipation for this giveaway, which has become a viral internet sensation, that the White Sox have expanded the promotion to all fans attending the August 11th game, rather than just fans who purchased specialty theme night tickets.
The Mariners had a, uh, mishap at the Ichiro Suzuki honorary statue unveiling yesterday.
Max Muncy launched his third homer of the night to lift the Dodgers to an 8-7 walk-off win against the Rangers, overcoming a blown save by Edwin Díaz. That walk-off blast has elevated Muncy to sixth on the all-time Dodgers home run leaderboard and he has hit the third-most home runs of any Dodger since the team moved to Los Angeles. Also notable from last night’s game in LA: Shohei Ohtani passed Ichiro Suzuki for the longest on-base streak by a Japanese-born player when he reached base in his 44th straight game.
“This is not my standard. Results-wise, yeah, it’s unacceptable for me, and I will be better. I know that. But yeah, it’s not fun,” Pete Alonso, who is 3-for-32 over his past eight games since he took Jacob deGrom deep, said. “I know, for me, if I’m not producing in big spots with guys on base, it’s not good for the team. I will be better. I feel bad. A lot of people believe in me, and I believe in myself, but I’m not delivering results. I will. I just haven’t. But I will.”
Jeffrey Paternostro of Baseball Prospectus put the spotlight on Cardinals rookie JJ Wetherholt and how he has performed in the majors so far compared to his projections as a prospect.
Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue
Vasilis Drimalitis previewed this weekend series between the Mets and A’s.
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - APRIL 10: Pete Alonso #25 of the Baltimore Orioles reacts after striking out to end the third inning against the San Francisco Giants at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 10, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Good morning Birdland,
The Orioles debut of their new City Connect jerseys on Friday night did not go great, ending in a 6-3 loss to the visiting San Francisco Giants. That scoreline is kind to the Orioles. They were down 6-1 heading into the bottom of the ninth and were only saved by a Gunnar Henderson two-run homer. Make no mistake, it was an ugly game.
The middle of the Orioles lineup is killing them. Pete Alonso and Samuel Basallo went a combined 0-for-6 with two strikeouts and two walks. They both have a season OPS that starts with a “5”. It’s a problem without an easy solution. Basallo is young enough that you can move him down in the lineup for a while with little recourse. Alonso, on the other hand, is a proven veteran early into his tenure with the team. Craig Albernaz might need to take his temperature in order to determine the best approach. But something has to change.
At least Adley Rutschman had yet another impressive day at the plate. The catcher went 3-for-5 with two doubles. He is now batting .294 with an .856 OPS. Is he all the way back to his old self? It sure looks like it.
Shane Baz was…OK. Yet again, the starter made it through five innings, but he also allowed three runs on nine hits, two walks, and four strikeouts. He gave up a decent amount of hard contact too. His season ERA increased from 4.09 to 4.50. We are all waiting for the flamethrower to have a signature, dominant outing. It didn’t come on Friday night.
But that might have been alright if reliever Nick Raquet had been better in his Orioles debut. The 30-year-old allowed three runs on two hits, a walk, and a home run. Yennier Cano and Albert Suárez combined for three shutout innings in the other frames that the bullpen had to cover.
The O’s are back on national television tonight. This time it’s on Fox, a channel that everyone should be able to access. Maybe Chris Bassitt can finally have a major league-caliber outing in an Orioles uniform? They could use it. First pitch is 7:15.
Links
Frustrated by slow start to O’s career, Alonso vows to be better soon | MLB.com While there is more than one hole in the Orioles offense, it does feel like Alonso is THE guy that they really need more from. The top of the order is getting on base at a fine rate. They need the guys in the middle to drive them in, and right now Alonso is not getting it done.
O’s players react to new City Connect uniforms: ‘They rock’ | MLB.com Although not universal, it does seem like most outlets think that the Orioles’ new City Connects are the best of the new bunch. I have to say that I like certain elements. My biggest grip is with the “BMORE” script. I would have preferred “Charm City,” and maybe a different font. I also think the bird perched on the “R” doesn’t really fit the rest of the outfit. But it’s a solid effort overall.
Orioles birthdays
Is it your birthday? Happy birthday!
Alejandro De Aza turns 42 today. He was a late-season addition to the 2014 O’s, and stuck around for a bit in 2015 as well. In total he played in only 50 regular season games for Baltimore between the two seasons.
Steve Scarsone is 60 years old. The infielder played in 11 games for the 1992 Orioles.
The late Willie Royster (b. 1954, d. 2015) was born on this day. His only big league experience came on the 1981 O’s, playing in four games.
A posthumous celebration for Art Quirk (b. 1937, d. 2014), who was born on this day. The southpaw tossed 27.1 innings for the Orioles in 1962.
This day in O’s history
1961 – The Los Angeles Angels play their first game in franchise history, which happens to be a 7-2 win over the Baltimore Orioles.
2002 – The Orioles set a pair of single-inning team records, scoring 12 runs and collecting 11 hits in the sixth inning of a 15-6 win over the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.
2023 – Ryan Mountcastle ties an Orioles team record with nine RBI in a 12-8 win against the Athletics. Mountcastle ties Jim Gentile (1961) and Eddie Murray (1985) with his performance.
TAMPA, FL - APRIL 4: Nikita Kucherov #86 of the Tampa Bay Lightning splits the defense of Pavel Zacha #18 and Charlie McAvoy #73 of the Boston Bruins to reach for a loose puck during the first period at the Benchmark International Arena on April 4, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to this season’s very last Public Preview®, the combination preview/Public Skate you’ve come to know and love!
Tampa comes into this game with 102 points, good for third place in the Atlantic Division.
Like the Bruins, they have three games left, but find themselves two points behind Montreal for second and four points behind Buffalo for third.
(Montreal also has three games left, while Buffalo has two.)
These two teams last met a week ago in Tampa, a 3-1 win for the Lightning. Tampa has won all three of the season’s match-ups thus far, so the Bruins will be looking to avoid a season sweep.
As you likely know, the Bruins officially clinch a playoff spot with any kind of win today — regulation, OT, or shootout.
They can also clinch with a loss and a series of other results going their way, but it’d but much, much easier to just, you know…win.
James Hagens will not be making his NHL debut today, with Marco Sturm noting that he wants to give the kid more time to get acclimated to the Bruins’ system.
With another game tomorrow evening in Columbus, it may not be too long before we see Hagens, but time will tell.
Those back-to-back games also likely mean that we’ll see both goalies this weekend, so we’ll see who goes first. Jeremy Swayman has started two of the Tampa games this season, with Joonas Korpisalo getting the other start.
As a reminder, today’s other relevant games will be the New York Islanders vs. Ottawa Senators (1 PM) and New Jersey Devils vs. Detroit Red Wings (5 PM).
Depending on how those two games go, the Bruins may end up clinching regardless of their result today.
Tune in at 12:30! Or, since this is ABC, probably closer to 1 PM.
MINNEAPOLIS - APRIL 19: Kevin Garnett #21 and Mark Madsen #35 of the Minnesota Timberwolves congratulate each other after their last game of the season against the Memphis Grizzlies on April 19, 2006 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 2006 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
On Thursday, April 9th, 2026, the NBA released an official statement regarding a bizarre situation in a recent Sacramento Kings versus Golden State Warriors game.
In case you missed it, Sacramento Head Coach Doug Christie instructed his own players to intentionally foul an above average free throw shooter, Seth Curry, despite holding a one-point lead in clutch time. The KANGZ Kings ultimately lost the game in regulation, and considering the tight battle to earn the top lottery odds in a stacked draft, it sparked yet another conversation about “tanking.”
By now, you must be sick of hearing about this. Adam Silver’s focus on punishing teams for losing instead of much more important matters (sports betting). Nonsensical and complicated draft lottery reforms. Fans criticizing talking heads for even talking about it.
Enough!
Alright, fine. But before we leave this all behind us, can I just give you one more quick story? Please?
Let’s turn back your clocks back to calendar year 2006.
Actually, almost exactly 20 years ago to the day. It’s April 18th, the last day of the regular season. The Minnesota Timberwolves were going to miss the playoffs for the second straight season. An inauspicious 33-48 record put them second to last in the West standings, but tied for the seventh-worst overall record. Not great. However, the silver lining was that they were in line to secure the seventh spot in the 2006 NBA draft lottery.
Here’s where it gets interesting.
There was one team just half a game behind Minnesota in the standings: the Boston Celtics. More importantly, three teams sat just one game ahead of the Wolves in the standings: Seattle SuperSonics, Golden State Warriors, and Houston Rockets. Why does this matter?
Just eight months prior, the Timberwolves traded away their first round pick (along with All-Star Sam Cassell) to the Los Angeles Clippers.
That pick was smartly (?) top 10 protected through 2011. That meant if the Wolves finished with the eighth-worst record or lower, they would not be at risk of losing said pick. With three teams on the Minnesota’s heels, there was potential for shenanigans tomorrow. Let’s game a look at the tip-off times for all of the aforementioned teams:
Heat @ Celtics – 6:30pm CT
Spurs @ Rockets – 7:00pm CT
Grizzlies @ Timberwolves – 7:00pm CT
Warriors @ Jazz – 8:00pm CT
Nuggets @ SuperSonics – 9:30pm CT
Unfortunately for Minnesota, the staggered start times made it impossible for them to know if they need should tank or not.
Let’s jump back to Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Memphis had nothing to play for, as they had all but locked in their spot as the number five seed in the Western Conference playoffs. In fact, a loss could’ve even benefitted them, pitting them against a 44-38 Nuggets team instead of a 60-22 Mavericks team. They rested or limited minutes to their key rotation players such as a young Pau Gasol, Mike Miller, Shane Battier, and Eddie Jones.
The Wolves weren’t to be outdone.
MARLIN LEVISON ¥ mlevison@startribune.com 04/19/06 РAssign#101406- Timberwolves vs. Memphis Рlast game of the season Рa look at a dismal season from players or fans perspective. IN THIS PHOTO:Wolves Marcus Banks, Rashad McCants and Mark Madsen look disinterested as they sit on the bench watching the game proceed without them. (Photo by MARLIN LEVISON/Star Tribune via Getty Images) (Photo by MARLIN LEVISON/Star Tribune via Getty Images) | Star Tribune via Getty Images
Since a loss would secure their lottery pick, they went all out. Kevin Garnett, who had been already been sitting out due to a “right quad injury,” would not be available. Ricky Davis, who had also been out for that same span, was also not active due to a “right knee injury.” They were the Wolves top two scorers by a mile. Not enough? Let’s take starting point guard, Marko Jarić off the table for no real reason.
Things didn’t start great for Minnesota though. Well, they did great if you’re talking about winning a basketball game. They stumbled into a 10-point lead right before halftime. That advantage shrunk to just six at the end of the third quarter, but there was still time.
Mark Madsen time, to be specific.
The 30-year-old, two-time NBA champion, knew what it took to win. And in this case, a win actually meant a loss. He subbed in for starting center Mark “Big Basic” Blount with 3:09 remaining in the third quarter, and never looked back. If you aren’t familiar with other Madsen’s game, he was a classic undersized, hustle-type, frenetic energy big. In today’s game, think Dwight Powell. Madsen only averaged about 10 minutes a game and less than two field goal attempts.
In this specific game, Madsen played 30 minutes and took 15 shots.
After missing his first three shots of the game, he finally made his first (and only) bucket of the game. Madsen’s layup put the Wolves up five with 7:35 remaining. Danger time. Minnesota was up three with 39 seconds left and possession of the ball. They could nearly run out the clock and simply secure a victory. Instead, with 12 ticks still on the shot clock, “Mad Dog” fired a 15-foot jumper that missed.
Why does that seem weird?
That was Madsen’s second shot from outside the paint.
All season.
MINNEAPOLIS – APRIL 19: Mark Madsen #35 of the Minnesota Timberwolves shoots against the Memphis Grizzlies on April 19, 2006 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Grizzlies won 102-92. NOTICE 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 2006 NBAE (Photo By Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
After essentially leading all game, the Grizzlies had somehow managed to drag this clown show into overtime thanks to a Brian Cardinal three-pointer on the following possession. What ensued in the two following five-minute overtime periods would make Adam Silver choke on a slice of tiramisu.
If you thought Mark taking his second ever jump shot of the season at the end of regulation was bad, you hadn’t seen anything yet. Throughout Madsen’s 502 NBA games, including both regular season and the postseason, he had only ever attempted 18 three-point shots. Five of those 18 were halfcourt heaves, so he’s really ever taken 13 honest to god shots from beyond the arc.
13 three-point attempts in 502 games. He made one of those.
He shot seven three-point attempts in 10 minutes of overtime play in this game alone.
He made none of those.
Many of these “shots” had no chance of going in. Airballs, backboard rockets, bricks off the side of the rim. You could hear fans in Target Center shouting out “Draft pick!” during this horrid display. Eventually, you see Madsen smiling, might I say winking, at fans during dead ball situations late in the game. The broadcast even cut to replays of both the Minnesota and Memphis benches bursting into laughter as Madsen ran around like Steph Curry, launching jumpers off the catch. The late, great Tom Hanneman and a young Jim Peterson were on the call and were cracking up, even encouraging Madsen to “Let it rain!” live during the game. It ended with Head Coach Dewane Casey drawing up an elevator doors play for Madsen to get off a three-ball despite being down 10.
I am not embellishing.
Feast your eyes on rare footage of this blatant, shameless, and absolutely hilarious tank job by the Timberwolves, commandeered by Mark Madsen:
Victor's coming! Tanking teams need guidance.
Remember the time Mark Madsen went 1-for-15 in the 82nd game? He missed 7 threes in 2 OT's as Minnesota scraped out an L to move up in the draft.
Fans yelling "DRAFT PICK!", visiting Grizzlies in disbelief. An unbelievable game. pic.twitter.com/PnNtE2qXAR
If you think this game came and passed as if no one paid attention, well then you would be wrong. Casey shared his thoughts with reporters after the game.
“The guys were having fun with it. For what we’ve been through this season, I thought the guys deserved it. I hope what we did didn’t make a mockery of the game”
Dewane Casey, 2006
Even Madsen himself recalled the game some eight years later. Like Casey, he laughed it off as harmless fun.
“Imagine being out there, catching the ball at the three-point line and the whole arena is yelling, ‘Shoot.’ It doesn’t make me feel good. So in my mind, I’m like, you know what, I’ve worked hard on my game. I’m going to go out there and knock these down. I think everyone in that building knew the situation. But I go out there and try to make every single shot always.”
Mark Madsen, 2014
You’d imagine that this Timberwolves organization, who just got harshly punished by the NBA for illegal contract negotiations six years ago, would’ve been discouraged from any potential funny business. But this was 2006, where things were still new. There wasn’t easy access to watching or streaming basketball games, nor was there social media to spit out clips and aggregate this travesty.
Glen Taylor’s Timberwolves walked away Scot-free.
SEACUCUS, NJ – MAY 22: Randy Foye of the Minnesota Timberwolves speaks with Brandon Roy of the Portland Trail Blazers prior to the 2007 NBA Draft Lottery on May 22, 2007 at the NBATV Studios in Secaucus, New Jersey. 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 2007 NBAE (Photo by Jennifer Pottheiser/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
General Manager, Kevin McHale, ended up with the number six pick in the 2006 NBA draft. He selected multi-time All-Star and All-NBA guard, Brandon Roy. However, on draft night, McHale swapped the draft rights to Roy for future career-journeyman, Randy Foye. So, yeah. The Timberwolves may have pulled off the most blatant greatest tank job ever without direct repercussion, but in some ways, they ultimately punished themselves.
Because sometimes you might think you’re tanking, when in reality, you’re really just a living, breathing, tank.
Let that be a lesson to those of you pissed off at Sacramento.
It became obvious early on that this Dallas Mavericks season wouldn’t be about wins and losses. There would be no playoff push, no late game heroics in the postseason. Not even a solid 41-41 season that might give you some hope for the next year.
So you start thinking about reasons to watch this team. You could settle on a lot of things, but one you could land on is the vibes. You want to have a good time, and maybe the Mavericks can help you with that.
For the most part, they have. Despite having an atrocious record, they’ve been competitive all season. Cooper Flagg has flashed promise of superstardom, having more than a few huge scoring nights, including a 50-point game recently. The two-way guys brought up from the G League have been fun. Inconsistent, but fun.
But mostly when you have a season like this, you just want to have a good hang with the team. You want an interesting and lively group that can find some joy in the long grind that is the NBA regular season.
That’s where Dwight Powell comes in.
A few weeks back, the Mavericks Instagram account posted a video where the players were asked about their favorite restaurants. They mostly name steakhouses near the American Airlines Center, which fine, whatever. I’m not a food critic, and they probably just want a nice meal where they won’t be bothered. NBA players are mostly very tall, and therefore can’t exactly blend in when out in public.
I’m not going to get upset that not one barbecue place was mentioned. And I understand it’s a drive to Arlington, but Smoke’N Ash is there. I’m not going to say they should try Jose on Lovers, a place featured in Netflix’s Taco Chronicles. I don’t know all the good restaurants.
But this isn’t about Dallas restaurants.
This is about Dwight Powell. His aura. The vibe glowing off this man. Look at him.
And of course he chose Uchi as his favorite restaurant. The man knows good food. He knows Dallas. He knows where the good vibes are.
Don’t talk to me about Powell’s plus/minus, or his points per game. I’m not interested in his shooting percentages. Don’t even think about bringing up his DARKO or RAPTOR rating, I don’t even know what that is. All I care about his is POWELL rating, and it’s off the charts.
Powell is here, creating and maintaining vibes you can’t even begin to consider. Whatever he contributes on the court is just extra for the Mavericks.
Toward the end of the video, Klay Thompson calls Powell the mayor of Dallas. It’s just a joke, of course, but Powell has been here in the Metroplex since 2015. He’s the longest tenured player on the Mavericks by far. He’s seen almost everything here in Dallas, except a championship. He got close in 2024.
The mayor in most cities does a lot of ceremonial duties. They cut ribbons, pose for pictures, shake hands. They set the tone, create the culture. That’s what Powell does for the Mavericks. Sure, he’s willing to step in and play some basketball when needed, but mostly, he is focused on his more important job—keeping the good vibes flowing.
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