Kansas City Royals third baseman Mike Moustakas dives into dugout suites to catch a foul fly ball by the Baltimore Orioles' Adam Jones in the sixth inning in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2014. The Royals won, 2-1, for a 3-0 series lead. (Kenneth K. Lam/Baltimore Sun/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
The amazing plays by Bobby Witt Jr. in the World Baseball Classic yesterday had me thinking about Royals defense. He has dazzled us just a few years into his playing career, but Royals fans have really been spoiled by great defense over the years. There was Amos Otis, then Willie Wilson flying around the outfield. Frank White winning Gold Gloves at second by playing at the edge of the infield. We had Bo Jackson throwing guys out from the warning track. Carlos Beltran making dazzling catches at the wall. Alex Gordon learning how to play left field and firing guys out. Salvy gunning guys from behind the plate.
But what was your favorite defensive play in Royals history? A few come to mind:
Was there a moment you caught live that stands out to you? Was there a play that may not be the best, but just the one you aesthetically appreciate, or perhaps one that came in a clutch moment? What was your favorite defensive play in Royals history?
LAKELAND, FLORIDA - MARCH 09: Spencer Torkelson #20 of the Detroit Tigers rounds first base after hitting a double in the third inning against the Tampa Bay Rays during the Grapefruit League spring training game at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium on March 09, 2026 in Lakeland, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Detroit Tigers vs. Boston Red Sox
Time/Place: 1:05 p.m., JetBlue Park – Ft. Myers, FL SB Nation Site: Over the Monster Media: MLB+ Audio (Red Sox broadcast)
William Nylander, like most of the Toronto Maple Leafs' players during this last stretch of games, looks dejected.
It's a brand new situation for Nylander, who, like Auston Matthews and a few others on the team, hasn't experienced missing the playoffs in the NHL yet. As it stands, Toronto is 11 points out of a playoff spot, with 18 games remaining in its season.
They've also lost their last seven games coming out of the Olympic break. To put it into more of a perspective, though: Toronto has lost 13 of its last 16 games, dating back to Jan. 13 against the Utah Mammoth.
"I mean, hard to really stay optimistic in this situation," a down Nylander said on Tuesday, ahead of the Maple Leafs' game against the Montreal Canadiens. "But yeah, just try to get a win."
This year has been difficult for Nylander for a multitude of reasons.
(A positive is that, despite missing games, Nylander still leads the Maple Leafs with 21 goals and 59 points in 47 games this season.)
Now, for the first time in his career, Nylander's season will end in mid-April, while half of the NHL gears up for the postseason.
"At the beginning there, after the break, it was a lot of frustration and everything," Nylander continued.
"But now, I mean, it's not going to help being frustrated. I think the mood in the locker room has changed a little bit, and I think that's made it a better environment for everybody."
If there's any positive in this situation, it's that the Maple Leafs aren't too far off from being a playoff team once again. They've still got the core pieces, like a Matthews, a Nylander, a John Tavares.
"Yeah, of course. I mean, I remember the Lightning missed the playoffs one year, and then the next year they're back at the top of the division competing. I look at a team like Boston this year that had a down year, and same thing, like they're in the mix," Toronto's captain said.
"Sometimes that happens, and we've been fortunate to be in the playoffs for the last nine years or so. And you kind of hope that it's a one-off and we can continue to build and continue to be in contention.
"Obviously, the focus is on right now and trying to get our game back and trying to get in the win column. But obviously, it's something you think about."
As mentioned, this is a unique situation for several Maple Leafs players. They've never been in this position, nor will they want to be in it again after this season.
However, you've got to attempt to finish the year on a positive note. While fans might want the team to get as close to the bottom of the standings for draft purposes, head coach Craig Berube and his players are likely looking in the opposite direction.
It's a difficult balance for a team. But battling through it is the only way to get back on track positively, says Berube.
"I mean, [Nylander has] always been in [the playoffs] and it's new for him, for sure. But, you know, every player and team goes through adversity at one point in their career, and this is some adversity that he's normally not used to. And like I said, he's got to work his way out of it."
William Nylander, like most of the Toronto Maple Leafs' players during this last stretch of games, looks dejected.
It's a brand new situation for Nylander, who, like Auston Matthews and a few others on the team, hasn't experienced missing the playoffs in the NHL yet. As it stands, Toronto is 11 points out of a playoff spot, with 18 games remaining in its season.
They've also lost their last seven games coming out of the Olympic break. To put it into more of a perspective, though: Toronto has lost 13 of its last 16 games, dating back to Jan. 13 against the Utah Mammoth.
"I mean, hard to really stay optimistic in this situation," a down Nylander said on Tuesday, ahead of the Maple Leafs' game against the Montreal Canadiens. "But yeah, just try to get a win."
This year has been difficult for Nylander for a multitude of reasons.
(A positive is that, despite missing games, Nylander still leads the Maple Leafs with 21 goals and 59 points in 47 games this season.)
Now, for the first time in his career, Nylander's season will end in mid-April, while half of the NHL gears up for the postseason.
"At the beginning there, after the break, it was a lot of frustration and everything," Nylander continued.
"But now, I mean, it's not going to help being frustrated. I think the mood in the locker room has changed a little bit, and I think that's made it a better environment for everybody."
If there's any positive in this situation, it's that the Maple Leafs aren't too far off from being a playoff team once again. They've still got the core pieces, like a Matthews, a Nylander, a John Tavares.
"Yeah, of course. I mean, I remember the Lightning missed the playoffs one year, and then the next year they're back at the top of the division competing. I look at a team like Boston this year that had a down year, and same thing, like they're in the mix," Toronto's captain said.
"Sometimes that happens, and we've been fortunate to be in the playoffs for the last nine years or so. And you kind of hope that it's a one-off and we can continue to build and continue to be in contention.
"Obviously, the focus is on right now and trying to get our game back and trying to get in the win column. But obviously, it's something you think about."
As mentioned, this is a unique situation for several Maple Leafs players. They've never been in this position, nor will they want to be in it again after this season.
However, you've got to attempt to finish the year on a positive note. While fans might want the team to get as close to the bottom of the standings for draft purposes, head coach Craig Berube and his players are likely looking in the opposite direction.
It's a difficult balance for a team. But battling through it is the only way to get back on track positively, says Berube.
"I mean, [Nylander has] always been in [the playoffs] and it's new for him, for sure. But, you know, every player and team goes through adversity at one point in their career, and this is some adversity that he's normally not used to. And like I said, he's got to work his way out of it."
William Nylander, like most of the Toronto Maple Leafs' players during this last stretch of games, looks dejected.
It's a brand new situation for Nylander, who, like Auston Matthews and a few others on the team, hasn't experienced missing the playoffs in the NHL yet. As it stands, Toronto is 11 points out of a playoff spot, with 18 games remaining in its season.
They've also lost their last seven games coming out of the Olympic break. To put it into more of a perspective, though: Toronto has lost 13 of its last 16 games, dating back to Jan. 13 against the Utah Mammoth.
"I mean, hard to really stay optimistic in this situation," a down Nylander said on Tuesday, ahead of the Maple Leafs' game against the Montreal Canadiens. "But yeah, just try to get a win."
This year has been difficult for Nylander for a multitude of reasons.
(A positive is that, despite missing games, Nylander still leads the Maple Leafs with 21 goals and 59 points in 47 games this season.)
Now, for the first time in his career, Nylander's season will end in mid-April, while half of the NHL gears up for the postseason.
"At the beginning there, after the break, it was a lot of frustration and everything," Nylander continued.
"But now, I mean, it's not going to help being frustrated. I think the mood in the locker room has changed a little bit, and I think that's made it a better environment for everybody."
If there's any positive in this situation, it's that the Maple Leafs aren't too far off from being a playoff team once again. They've still got the core pieces, like a Matthews, a Nylander, a John Tavares.
"Yeah, of course. I mean, I remember the Lightning missed the playoffs one year, and then the next year they're back at the top of the division competing. I look at a team like Boston this year that had a down year, and same thing, like they're in the mix," Toronto's captain said.
"Sometimes that happens, and we've been fortunate to be in the playoffs for the last nine years or so. And you kind of hope that it's a one-off and we can continue to build and continue to be in contention.
"Obviously, the focus is on right now and trying to get our game back and trying to get in the win column. But obviously, it's something you think about."
As mentioned, this is a unique situation for several Maple Leafs players. They've never been in this position, nor will they want to be in it again after this season.
However, you've got to attempt to finish the year on a positive note. While fans might want the team to get as close to the bottom of the standings for draft purposes, head coach Craig Berube and his players are likely looking in the opposite direction.
It's a difficult balance for a team. But battling through it is the only way to get back on track positively, says Berube.
"I mean, [Nylander has] always been in [the playoffs] and it's new for him, for sure. But, you know, every player and team goes through adversity at one point in their career, and this is some adversity that he's normally not used to. And like I said, he's got to work his way out of it."
The Minnesota Timberwolves laid an absolute egg on Saturday, a loss that should refocus them to such an extent that it should worry the Los Angeles Lakers tonight.
My Timberwolves vs. Lakers predictions and these NBA picks recognize Minnesota’s greatest edge in this matchup on Tuesday, March 10.
Timberwolves vs Lakers prediction
Timberwolves vs Lakers best bet: Under 234.0 (-110)
When the Minnesota Timberwolves dispatched the Los Angeles Lakers with ease in last year’s first round, it was largely a credit to how easily their defense mitigated the Lakers’ post game. Removing rim runners from Luka Doncic’s peripheral vision reduces Doncic’s overall effectiveness.
Thus, LA fell short of 105 points in four of the five games.
As Minnesota’s offense currently undergoes fits and starts, the best bet tonight should be doubting both it and Doncic’s ability to find teammates. A few botched drives because Jaxon Hayes and DeAndre Ayton cannot capitalize should be enough to doom this total.
Timberwolves vs Lakers same-game parlay
While these two met in the second game of the season, and Doncic tallied eight assists, that has been his only chance against the Timberwolves since last postseason. In those five games, Doncic averaged 5.8 assists. Minnesota knows how to slow his tosses to big men like DeAndre Ayton.
Timberwolves vs Lakers SGP
Under 234
Luka Doncic Under 7.5 assists
DeAndre Ayton Under 8.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Gobert's control
Rudy Gobert’s defense needs to become a Minnesota emphasis, and oftentimes, the Timberwolves reward his defense with added offense, part of how Gobert cleared this prop in each of his last two games.
Timberwolves vs Lakers SGP
Under 234
Luka Doncic Under 7.5 assists
DeAndre Ayton Under 8.5 points
Rudy Gobert Over 10.5 points
Timberwolves vs Lakers odds
Spread: Timberwolves -3 | Lakers +3
Moneyline: Timberwolves -150 | Lakers +125
Over/Under: Over 234 | Under 234
Timberwolves vs Lakers betting trend to know
Minnesota’s last five games have all gone Under their totals and by an average of 22.3 points. Find more NBA betting trends for Timberwolves vs. Lakers.
How to watch Timberwolves vs Lakers
Location
Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
Date
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Tip-off
11:00 p.m. ET
TV
NBC
Timberwolves vs Lakers latest injuries
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Feb 28, 2025; Dunedin, Florida, USA; a general view of the stadium during a spring training game between the Detroit Tigers and Toronto Blue Jays at TD Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
After an off-day, the Jays are back at it, hosting the Braves.
I’m putting this together Monday night, so I don’t have the lineups.
But the Jays have Dylan Cease making his second spring start. I’d guess they would want 3-4 innings out of him.
The Braves are starting JR Ritchie, who pitched in the Braves minor league system last year, when he could get away from Southfork (sure Tom, use a reference that no one under 60 will get), starting in A ball and finishing in Triple-A, with a 2.64 ERA in 26 starts, 140 innings with 140 strikeouts.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 15: Jeremy Peña #3 and Josh Hader #71 of the Houston Astros pose for a photo after media availability during MLB All-Star Week at Truist Park on July 15, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Houston Astros/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Things may be progressing well for Astros closer Josh Hader, according to this update from Brian McTaggart:
Josh Hader (biceps) returned to the mound just now, throwing about 15 pitches in the bullpen.
"Speed is there, fastball is there, action is there, synched up. All positives," he said.
While it should still be considered unlikely Hader would be ready Opening Day, this update does indicate that if Hader has to start the season on IL, he could potentially only miss the minimum required time.
Having Hader at the back of the pen with Bryan Abreu gives the Astros one of the best 1-2 punches to close out a game in baseball.
Meanwhile, SS Jeremy Pena is still getting some work in, despite his fractured finger, as shown here in another McTaggart update.
Jeremy Peña is still able to get his infield work in despite his fractured right ring finger pic.twitter.com/WYCupElmhF
Pena is seen getting in grounders while not using his bare hand at all, flipping the ball with his glove to the coach during the drill.
Pena should be back as soon as his finger is healed, and the Astros have previously shown they will push a top player right back to the lineup in the past. If Pena misses Opening Day, he may not miss much more. At this point it seems like Pena could avoid the IL to start the season. Carlos Correa is scheduled to play SS until Pena returns, with Isaac Paredes playing 3B.
It’s a jam-packed night of NBA action with 11 games gracing the slate. That means plenty of star power on the court, and I’ve pinpointed some standout player props to watch.
My top picks tonight include Victor Wembanyama hosting another block party against the Celtics and Anthony Edwards lighting it up in Los Angeles.
Find out more in my NBA picks for Tuesday, March 10.
Backing Ty Jerome continues to be one of my favorite plays.
The Memphis Grizzlies are thin on scorers, so Jerome’s ability to put points on the board is a huge asset.
In the 10 games since returning to the Memphis lineup, he’s averaging 19.4 points while shooting 40.3% from beyond the arc.
Jerome's total for tonight’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers is 16.5. Philly ranks 17th in defensive rating and 23rd in points allowed per game to opposing guards, and Jerome has eclipsed this number in eight of his last 10 games.
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Where to watch: FanDuel Sports Network Southeast-Memphis, NBCSP
Prop #2: Victor Wembanyama Over 3.5 blocks
+130 at bet365
We all know Victor Wembanyama is on another level, and his block numbers have been out of this world lately. I’m betting he keeps the block party going when the San Antonio Spurs host the Boston Celtics.
Wemby is averaging an absurd 4.5 blocks per game over his last 10 outings, rejecting at least four shots in nine of those games. His blocks prop is set at 3.5 for tonight’s matchup against the C's, with the Over offering solid odds.
The Celtics rank sixth in the NBA for getting blocked per game, making this a bet too good to pass up.
Over his last 10 games, the Minnesota Timberwolves forward is shooting an impressive 44.8% on 9.6 attempts per game, and he looks set to keep that rolling tonight against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Edwards has nailed 4+ threes in seven of his last 10 games, and L.A.’s perimeter defense is average at best, allowing the fourth-worst opponent effective field goal percentage in the Association.
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GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — Cincinnati Reds’ ace Hunter Greene is scheduled to undergo surgery Wednesday on his right elbow and could miss up to the first four months of the season.
The Reds said Greene was diagnosed with bone chips and loose bodies in his elbow. Greene needed an MRI last week after he left spring training camp due to right elbow stiffness.
Greene went 7-4 with a 2.76 ERA last year, helping Cincinnati earn an NL wild card for its first playoff appearance since 2020.
Greene, whose 99.5 mph average four-seam fastball velocity led the major leagues among those throwing at least 1,250 pitches, was limited to a career-low 19 starts and 107 2/3 innings. Still, his 296 pitches of 100 mph or higher were second in the major leagues behind Mason Miller’s 422.
Greene was placed on the 15-day injured list on May 9 with a right groin strain. He returned on May 23 and made three starts before going back on the IL with the same injury. This time, he was sidelined until Aug. 13.
The 26-year-old Greene is entering his fifth big league season. He made the NL All-Star team for the first time in 2024 while going 9-5 with a 2.75 ERA in 26 starts. He also had 169 strikeouts in 150 1/3 innings despite spending time on the IL that year with elbow soreness.
"Just lost in the competition... But shook his hand, [said] 'great game' and I apologized that that happened...
"I didn't mean to hit him in the face. But when I go over screens and stuff like that, my arms are just everywhere, and then unfortunately I just hit him in the face. ... I didn't think it was a flagrant 1. Unnecessary means I did [it] on purpose, which I didn't."
When asked postgame if he thought Dort's actions on this play crossed the line, Jokic said "no." That is different from the previous game, when, after a hip check to knock Jokic to the floor, the Serbian big man got up and got in Dort's face.
The two instant classics between the Thunder and Nuggets in the past 10 days has fans hoping for a seven-game playoff series between these sides. If that happens, all eyes will be on the Dort and Jokic interactions.
Feb 22, 2026; West Palm Beach, Florida, USA; Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Adolis Garcia (53) returns to the dugout against the Philadelphia Phillies during the first inning at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
We’re back with Tuesday Spring Training to go alongside your dose of the WBC.
Seattle native JR Ritchie will be entering his third game and first start with the Braves after being invited as a non-roster prospect during this Spring Training series. This is an open opportunity for him, especially after the news that LHP Joey Wentz is suffering a knee injury, scratching him out for the remainder of the season.
Ritchie will be facing Dylan Cease and the Blue Jays today at 1:07 EST, and the game will be broadcast on the Blue Jays’ Sportsnet and can be listened to on ESPN 103.7.
The Indiana Pacers have been a defensive disaster, allowing more than 125 points in eight straight games and giving up 126.9 points per game over their last 10.
The Sacramento Kings haven't been much better defensively, surrendering 114+ points in eight of their last 10 contests, and both teams rank in the bottom five in Defensive Net Rating during that stretch.
With both groups also playing at a top-five pace, the combination of extra possessions and awful stop units sets up as a high-scoring affair in Sacramento.
Pacers vs Kings same-game parlay
Maxime Raynaud has cleared his scoring prop in three of his last five games and now faces an Indiana Pacers defense allowing 61 points per game in the paint over its last five contests.
The Sacramento Kings may sit at the bottom of the Western Conference, but they’ve shown signs of life with wins over Chicago and Dallas in their last five games. Meanwhile, Indiana enters on a nine-game losing streak and has dropped five straight on the road.
Pacers vs Kings SGP
Over 236
Maxime Raynaud Over 16.5 points
Kings moneyline
Our "from downtown" SGP: Monk makes it rain
Malik Monk is knocking down 45% of his long-range attempts and will jack up as many as 10 triple tries. He’ll meet an Indiana defense allowing over 16 made threes per game during their last five games.
Pacers vs Kings SGP
Over 236
Maxime Raynaud Over 16.5 points
Kings moneyline
Malik Monk Over 2.5 made threes
Pacers vs Kings odds
Spread: Indiana +4 (-110) | Sacramento -4 (-110)
Moneyline: Indiana +150 | Sacramento -180
Over/Under: Over 236 (-110) | Under 236 (-110)
Pacers vs Kings betting trend to know
The Indiana Pacers have hit the Game Total Over in 14 of their last 19 games (+8.50 Units / 41% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Pacers vs. Kings.
How to watch Pacers vs Kings
Location
Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, CA
Date
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Tip-off
10:00 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN Indiana, NBC Sports California
Pacers vs Kings latest injuries
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.
GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — Cincinnati Reds’ ace Hunter Greene is scheduled to undergo surgery Wednesday on his right elbow and could miss up to the first four months of the season.
The Reds said Greene was diagnosed with bone chips and loose bodies in his elbow. Greene needed an MRI last week after he left spring training camp due to right elbow stiffness.
Greene went 7-4 with a 2.76 ERA last year, helping Cincinnati earn an NL wild card for its first playoff appearance since 2020.
Greene, whose 99.5 mph average four-seam fastball velocity led the major leagues among those throwing at least 1,250 pitches, was limited to a career-low 19 starts and 107 2/3 innings. Still, his 296 pitches of 100 mph or higher were second in the major leagues behind Mason Miller’s 422.
Greene was placed on the 15-day injured list on May 9 with a right groin strain. He returned on May 23 and made three starts before going back on the IL with the same injury. This time, he was sidelined until Aug. 13.
The 26-year-old Greene is entering his fifth big league season. He made the NL All-Star team for the first time in 2024 while going 9-5 with a 2.75 ERA in 26 starts. He also had 169 strikeouts in 150 1/3 innings despite spending time on the IL that year with elbow soreness.
Ty Jerome
Victor Wembanyama
Anthony Edwards
