In his first appearance for Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, Mets young hurler Nolan McLean couldn't have asked for a better start.
Starting the final game of pool play against Team Italy, the 24-year-old struck out the side and needed just 11 pitches to do it while looking absolutely dominant.
McLean began his outing by striking out Jakob Marsee of the Miami Marlins on three pitches, getting him to freeze on a curveball on the outside corner. His next victim was veteran Jon Berti, who struck out swinging on a sweeper down and away. McLean then made quick work of the Kansas City Royals' Vinnie Pasquantino by getting him to chase a curveball out of the zone.
Nolan McLean starts his night off with a strikeout! 🇺🇸
Tuesday's start is McLean's first appearance in a game since Feb. 26, when he pitched four scoreless innings against the Houston Astros. He allowed a hit and a walk in that outing while striking out six.
Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown was ejected from a Tuesday night game against the San Antonio Spurs with 3:38 remaining in the second quarter after earning a pair of technical fouls from the officials. Brown was driving near the sideline and appeared to be pushed out of bounds by San Antonio’s Stephon Castle, but the refs called it a turnover on Boston and gave San Antonio the ball. Brown berated the refs after the call and earned a technical foul. He kept going, and earned a second one, which triggered the ejection.
It’s only the second ejection of Brown’s career. There’s some context to his frustration: he was fined $35K earlier this year for criticizing the refs in the last meeting with the Spurs. Did Brown really deserve this ejection? Judge for yourself with the video below:
This Celtics vs. Spurs game feels like a possible 2026 NBA Finals matchup. It’s a spotlight national game on Peacock that should be a great advertisement for the playoffs ahead. Ejecting Boston’s best player this year in such a big game takes away from a matchup that should be getting fans excited for the stretch run.
It sure looks like Brown was shoved out of bounds by Castle on the drive in question. He’s right to be upset about that call. Do the refs really think he’d just run out of bounds?
Brown immediately tweeted about his ejection from the locker room:
Here’s what Brown said about the refs after Boston’s loss to the Spurs in Jan. that earned him such a big fine:
“I’m driving to the basket. I’m physical. I don’t flop. I don’t shy away from contact. I go up strong. I’m athletic — and nothing,” he said. “The inconsistency is f—ing crazy. Give me the fine.”
“Curtis, all them dudes was terrible tonight. I don’t care. They can fine me whatever they want,” he said. “But it’s crazy. Every time we play a good team, it’s the same bulls—. Somebody please pull up the clips. I’m irate how they officiated the game today.
SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Boston Celtics All-Star Jaylen Brown was ejected after receiving two technical fouls during the first half of Tuesday's game against the San Antonio Spurs, a battle between the No. 2 teams in each conference.
Brown was upset after no foul was called when he lost the ball out of bounds with 3:42 remaining in the first half.
Official Tyler Ford assessed the first technical four seconds later after Brown continued to voice his displeasure at the no-call.
The technical incensed Brown, who had to be restrained by teammates from approaching Ford. Official Suyash Mehta assessed a second technical seconds later, resulting in an automatic ejection.
Brown did not exit the court immediately after the ejection as he continued yelling at Ford. Players and staff, including Boston coach Joe Mazzulla, had to restrain Brown from approaching Ford. Brown threw his hands up in disgust before walking off the court.
Brown had eight points and seven assists in 15 minutes when he was ejected.
Boston has won two straight and San Antonio has won four in a row in a battle between the No. 2 teams in each conference.
Keith Hernandez had some fun at the expense of his SNY broadcast partner Steve Gelbs after news broke that the Jets were bringing back Geno Smith.
The pair were on the call for Tuesday’s spring training game between the Mets and Cardinals when Gelbs started to read a promo for the network’s “Jets Nation” free agency special and mentioned the surprising trade news that had broken earlier in the day.
“Apparently, the Jets are trading for Geno Smith,” Gelbs said, sounding somewhat exasperated.
Geno Smith runs with the ball during his first tenure with the Jets. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post
Hernandez responded by expressing curiosity over who the Jets traded in the deal.
“I’d like to know who they trade,” he said.
“I don’t expect it would be all that much,” Gelb responded.
After the two learned the details — with New York getting a seventh-round pick and Las Vegas getting a sixth-rounder — of the deal between the Jets and Raiders, there was a brief silence, which then prompted Hernandez to troll Gelbs.
Keith Hernandez asking Steve Gelbs if he’s okay after learning the Jets are trading for Geno Smith…“I can take over for you for a half inning if you want” pic.twitter.com/KvtEfnGbEx
Jeff McNeil talks in an interview with SNY reporter Steve Gelbs after having water dumped on him for hitting a walk-off one-run single in the tenth inning to win the game between the Washington Nationals and the New York Mets at Citi Field on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in New York, New York. MLB Photos via Getty Images
“Steve, are you OK? I can take over for you for a half inning if you want here,” Hernandez joked.
“It is what it is here,” Gelbs then said back, which led Hernandez to let out a big chuckle at his broadcast partner’s response.
The Mets legend and World Series winner tried to give Gelbs, who is part of the Jets’ postgame show during NFL season, some positive comments afterward.
Hernandez did note the successful stint Smith had after the Jets, but Gelbs noted the QB’s issues last season with the Raiders.
“He really struggled last year, one of the worst quarterbacks in the NFL,” Gelbs said.
The decision to bring Smith back was surprising after his first stint in the Big Apple didn’t go very well.
Retired New York Mets Keith Hernandez and John Franco throw out the first pitch before Game 3 of the NLDS playoffs against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citi Filed, Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
Smith played for the Giants, Chargers, Seahawks, Broncos and Raiders to varying degrees of success.
Each of the 31 conference tournament champions earns an automatic berth to the NCAA Tournament, with the other 37 spots awarded to at-large teams by the tournament’s selection committee.
Gonzaga didn't see arch-foe Saint Mary's in the final, but wasn't phased by Santa Clara in the West Coast Conference final. The Bulldogs, led by Mario Saint-Suprey's 21 points, unseated the Broncos to make their 27th straight Men's NCAA Tournament. It's their 23rd WCC title.
The Trojans defeated No. 10 seed Georgia Southern 77-61 at the Pensacola Bay Center in Pensacola, Florida on Monday behind a game-high 23 points from Thomas Dowd.
It's back-to-back Sun Belt Conference titles for Scott Cross' program, marking the sixth time in conference history a team has repeated as champions.
High Point is headed back to March Madness after repeating as Big South Tournament champions.
High Point earned the No. 1 seed in the nine-team field under first-year coach Flynn Clayman with a program-best 15-1 regular season record in conference play.
High Point defeated No. 2 seed Winthrop 91-76 in Sunday's championship game.
For the first time in Missouri Valley Conference history, a team won four games in four days to win the conference tournament and the NCAA Tournament automatic bid that goes with it.
The Tigers are in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1994 after defeating Morehead State 93-67 in the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament championship on March 7 at Ford Center in Evansville, Indiana.
The top-seeded Tigers, under former Duke standout Nolan Smith (in his first season as head coach), dominated No. 2 seed Morehead State (20-13) from the tip-off. It was the most points scored by a team in an OVC Tournament final.
Because Mercyhurst reached the NEC Tournament final and isn't eligible for NCAA tournament play because of its transition from Division II, Long Island gets the automatic bid regardless of the result in Tuesday's championship game.
Former NBA standout Rod Strickland is LIU's head coach and has engineered an impressive turnaround from one of the country's worst teams two seasons ago.
What day does March Madness start?
The NCAA tournament First Four on the men’s side begins on Tuesday, March 17 and continues on Wednesday, March 18.
The four men’s games, which are held in Dayton, Ohio, feature the final four at-large selections to the field, as well as the four lowest-rated No. 16 seeds. The winner of each matchup advances to the first round. First-round games will take place on March 19 and March 20.
When is Selection Sunday?
Date: Sunday, March 15
Selection Sunday for the 2025-26 college basketball season will take place on Sunday, March 15, with both the men's and women's NCAA Tournament brackets being revealed.
Mar 1, 2026; Jupiter, Florida, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin (75) rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Spring Breakout was created by Major League Baseball in 2024 to showcase baseball franchises’ best up-and-coming players.
The Pirates defeated the Baltimore Orioles 3-1 in an event unlike anything we’ve seen before, and instantly became a hit.
The top prospects from the Pirates organization will play against the top talent from the Tigers organization this year.
It’s a rare time when recent draft picks like 2025 first-round pick right-hander Seth Hernandez can play in the same game as a player who has already made his MLB debut, but is still a prospect like infielder Nick Yorke.
Earlier this month, the Pirates announced 40 players on their 2026 Spring Breakout roster. The unit includes 16 pitchers, five catchers, 12 infielders, and seven outfielders.
All of the Pirates’ Top 30 prospects, per MLB Pipeline, are listed on the team. One question surrounds No. 25 prospect, Jack Brannigan. Brannigan suffered a broken nose at the start of spring training.
The group is led by No. 1 overall prospect phenom Konnor Griffin. Right-handed pitchers Bubba Chandler (No. 2) and Seth Hernandez (No. 3), outfielder/first baseman Edward Florentino (No. 4), and lefty Hunter Barco (No. 5) round out the top five.
The Future of the Black and Gold. Introducing our 2026 Spring Breakout roster. pic.twitter.com/tZ9Zj0ydye
It’s a chance for fans across the country to see some of the biggest names in the organization all compete on the same field, potentially watching players they’ve heard much about for the first time.
Baseball America ranked the Pirates as the No. 1 farm system in baseball earlier this year.
The Pirates battle the Tigers on March 20 at their spring training home, LECOM Park in Bradenton,
Florida. First pitch is scheduled for 7:35 p.m. and will air on SportsNet Pittsburgh.
Full Spring Breakout roster:
Pitchers:
RHP (13): Bubba Chandler, Brandon Bidois, Khristian Curtis, Wilber Dotel, Thomas Harrington, Seth Hernandez, Yonleg Gaetano, Antwone Kelly, Justin Meis, Jeter Martinez, Levi Sterling, Mike Walsh, Zander Mueth
LHP (3): Cy Nelson, Hunter Barco, Reinold Navarro
Catchers (5): Omar Alfonzo, Rafael Flores, Easton Carmichael, Edgleen Perez, Axiel Plaz
Infielders (12): Konnor Griffin, Termarr Johnson, Tony Blanco, Jack Brannigan, Duce Gourson, Murf Gray, Yordany De Los Santos, Michael Callan Moss, Darell Morel, Nick Yorke, Sammy Stafura, Wyatt Sanford
Outfielders (7): Jhostynxon Garcia, Edward Florentino, Esmerlyn Valdez, Mitch Jebb, Titus Dumitru, Brian Sanchez, Will Taylor
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — AJ Dybantsa had 40 points, nine rebounds and six assists, and No. 10 seed BYU use a big second-half run to break open a close game with No. 15 seed Kansas State and roll to a 105-91 victory in the first round of the Big 12 Tournament on Tuesday night.
Robert Wright III added 14 points and six assists, and Kennard Davis Jr. had 15 points for the Cougars (22-10), who set a single-game tournament scoring record while advancing to play seventh-seeded West Virginia on Wednesday night.
P.J. Haggerty matched Dybantsa into the second half and finished with 27 points for the Wildcats (12-20), who played their final game for interim coach Matthew Driscoll, who had taken control of the program after the firing of Jerome Tang last month.
Nate Johnson had 19 points for Kansas State. Khamari McGriff finished with 13.
The fact that BYU was playing at all Tuesday night was somewhat surprising.
Dybantsa could be the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft this year. Wright has been a star in his own right. At one point early in the season, the Cougars were ranked seventh in the AP Top 25 and living up to the lofty expectations of their expensive lineup.
But things went sideways beginning with a four-game skid in January and February, and floor leader Richie Saunders was lost for the rest of the season to a torn ACL. The Cougars lost three of their last four games, and tiebreakers put them at the No. 10 seed.
They jumped out to a quick lead Tuesday night, though, as Haggerty and Dybantsa began to duel. And while they led just 50-49 at the break, the Cougars went on a 17-2 run beginning with about 9 1/2 minutes to play that allowed them to pull away.
Up next
The Cougars march on to face West Virginia, which beat them 79-71 a couple of weeks ago.
Kansas State turns its focus toward hiring its next permanent coach.
PHOENIX –– Despite his shaky start to spring training, the Dodgers have been steadfast about having Roki Sasaki in their opening day rotation.
On Tuesday afternoon, in a performance that Dodgers officials described as “electric,” the Japanese phenom finally started to validate that faith.
It was only a backfield B-game at Camelback Ranch. He was only facing minor-leaguers from the Chicago White Sox organization. But in a scoreless four-inning outing in which he allowed just one hit and struck out nine batters, Sasaki showed why manager Dave Roberts reaffirmed him as a virtual roster lock for the start of the season earlier in the morning.
Roki Sasaki bounced back from his shaky spring training start. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
“I just don’t see a world where he doesn’t break (camp) with us as a starter,” Roberts said in his pregame address with reporters, before later adding: “I’m betting on the performance to continue to trend up, to be good enough (to be in the rotation), and to only get better with the talent that he has and the work that he’s put in.”
The fact Sasaki was relegated on Tuesday to backfield duty –– where he pitched against a White Sox lineup full of mostly double-A caliber talent, and in front of only a smattering of fans, team officials, scouts and autograph hounds –– was a reflection of the rough form he’d shown at the start of camp.
In each of his first two Cactus League starts, the 24-year-old right-hander had struggled to command his pitches, and his fastball especially, allowing a combined seven runs and five walks in just 3 ⅓ innings.
Even worse, his inefficient workload had complicated his primary objective this spring, needing to build up innings in his return to a starting role following last postseason’s cameo as emergency closer.
In each of his first two Cactus League starts, Sasaki had struggled to command his pitches,. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Thus, the Dodgers decided to stick Sasaki with the minor-leaguers on Tuesday, while Tyler Glasnow got the start in the team’s main game against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Roberts described the decision as a way to ensure Sasaki would get through four innings, given the more controlled environment a B-game allows.
Still, it also felt like a chance for the Dodgers to take some pressure off the second-year fireballer, and shield him from the spotlight as he continues to refine his delivery.
“Command the fastball, use the split, use his breaking ball to get through the lineup, and get through four innings,” Roberts said ahead of Sasaki’s outing. “That’s what the goal is today.”
For the most part, Sasaki checked all those boxes.
He was erratic with his fastball early, but gradually dialed in his command while hitting 98-100 mph on the radar gun.
The Dodgers decided to stick Sasaki with the minor-leaguers on Tuesday. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
His trademark splitter and newly-added cutter left White Sox prospects looking overmatched and helpless, accounting for the majority of the 17 whiffs that helped him breeze through his outing.
The lone hit he gave up came to his first batter of the game, on a ground-ball single through the right side of the infield. After that, he struck out seven in a row and nine of his final 12 batters, allowing only one more baserunner when he plunked a hitter in the third.
Most importantly, Sasaki emerged from the afternoon feeling confident about the latest adjustments he has made to his mechanics.
“Yesterday and the day before, the process of making adjustments didn’t go well,” he said in Japanese. “But the fact it was good today means … I responded with results. I needed that right now.”
Roberts agreed, downplaying a question about the quality of competition Sasaki faced on Tuesday by pointing to the way it could provide him renewed confidence –– and catapult him through the final two weeks leading up to opening day.
“There’s still value to getting hitters out and seeing guys swing and miss,” Roberts said. “We accomplished what we wanted to.”
Adebayo torched the Washington defense for a team-record 31 points in the opening quarter, the most in Heat history for points scored in the first quarter.
Adebayo played the entire first quarter. He shot 10-for-16 from the field, including 5-of-8 from long distance. He's also been to the line, shooting 6-of-8 on free throws.
Adebayo scored a franchise-record 43 first-half points on 13-of-24 shooting, 5-of-11 from 3 and 12-of-14 free throws. He's added five rebounds, two steals and a block.
Miami led the Wizards, 76-62, at the halfway point of the game.
Etching name amongst Miami greats
The three-time All-Star eclipsed the record previously held by LeBron James, who scored 25 points in a quarter against the then-Charlotte Bobcats (now Hornets). James then scored a career-high 61 points.
Bam Adebayo outscored the entire Wizards team, 31-29, in the first quarter 😳
He passes LeBron James for the most points scored in a single quarter in Heat history 🔥 pic.twitter.com/M55Xh1MNhK
HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 07: Will Smith #16 of the United States in action during the 2026 World Baseball Classic Pool B game between Great Britain and the United States at Daikin Park on March 07, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Team USA is 3-0 thus far in Pool B and can win the pool and advance to the World Baseball Classic quarterfinals with a win Tuesday night against 2-0 Italy. Will Smith is back in the lineup behind the plate and batting fifth.
Doncic had been engaged to Anamaria Goltes, a fashion and fitness model, since 2023. The two had known each other since childhood and started dating in 2016. Their first daughter, Gabriela, was born in 2023 in the United States while Doncic was a member of the Dallas Mavericks and their second child, Olivia, was born this past December.
"I love my daughters more than anything and I've been doing everything I can for them to be with me in the U.S. during the season, but that hasn't been possible, so I recently made the tough decision to end my engagement," Doncic told McMenamin in a statement provided to ESPN on Tuesday. "Everything I do is for my daughters' happiness and I will always fight to be with them and give them the best life I can."
Doncic traveled to Slovenia for the birth of Olivia, missing two games before returning to play against the Philadelphia 76ers on Dec. 7. According to the ESPN report, it was here where things took a sour turn.
Doncic reportedly expressed a desire to bring Gabriela back to Los Angeles with him, and a disagreement between he and Goltes escalated to the point where police were called. Doncic "left peacefully" according to ESPN, and flew back to the United States later that day. Doncic has reportedly not seen Goltes or his daughters since.
Earlier Tuesday, TMZ reported that Goltes had filed a petition for child support. The petition, filed in California according to ESPN, seeks only child support and attorney fees but not custody orders. Doncic reportedly "had no idea" about the petition.
Some teams have been on the bubble, while others have been eliminated from contention after losing during their respective conference tournament.
With the NCAA tournament beginning on March 17, Cal and Stanford were among of the schools on the bubble watch for a spot in the big dance.
Here's how things look for both teams:
Stanford's fate decided on last-second basket
Goals of a NCAA tournament appearance could be in jeopardy for the No. 10-seed Stanford Cardinal (20-12, 9-9 ACC) after being eliminated in the first round of the ACC tournament in an upset against No. 15 Pittsburgh (13-19, 5-13 ACC), 64-63, in the final seconds of the game.
The Cardinal tied the game after their freshman standout Ebuka Okorie drove past two Pitt defenders as he made a layup after a bump from Panthers forward Cameron Corhen with 26 seconds left.
Okorie knocked down the ensuing extra free throw to give Stanford a one-point lead. He ended the game with 14 points.
After a timeout, Pitt guard Damarco Minor launched a 3-pointer that ironed short as both teams scrambled to grab an offensive rebound. Pitt was able to secure the ball once again under 10 seconds left.
Minor drove through the lane attempted and missed a floater but was able to find his own rebound for a tip-in with 0.4 left in the game at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Stanford head coach Kyle Smith called it a "classic postseason grind" following the game.
"Hats off. Pittsburgh just really competed really hard, especially on the glass," Smith told reporters. "We give up 20 offensive rebounds, which resulted in a lot of second chance points for them. I'm proud of our way guys, down eight at halftime, took a big punch. We came back."
He added: "Really proud Ebuka [we] challenged him to play the right way and he did. As a point guard really got us back in there, made a big shot, made his free throw. We needed one stop. We just couldn't come up with it. And hopefully we'll we'll learn on that. But we defended well enough to win. We took care of the ball, shot it well enough, but we just couldn't keep them off the glass."
The loss could sway the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Committee on whether or not Stanford will make an appearance in the anticipated NCAA tournament that begins March 17.
Smith said he be "shocked" if the Cardinal weren't selected to compete, especially being in the ACC, one of the best and respected basketball conferences.
"We have one of the best players in the country," he told reporters on whether Stanford should still be considered for the tournament. "We've got a lot of Quad-1 wins in a really competitive conference, and it'd be a shame if Oklahoma gets to go last year being 6-12 in the SEC and the ACC doesn't get rewarded the right way. ... I thought it was a farce last year when SEC got this narrative or whatever."
The selection committee announces which teams are in and which are out on Sunday, March 15.
"I think we led all the Power Four conferences and Quad-1 wins, and had the most wins and winning percentage versus other Power Four. So arguably, we're really the best conference," Smith said. "We made it a big point to earn the respect. This is the basketball conference. Stanford is an elevated the program because of the ACC, Cal too."
ACC tournament: No. 9 California vs. No. 8 Florida State
The No. 9-seed California Golden Bears (21-10, 9-9 ACC) earned a first round-bye and will open the ACC tournament play in the second round against the No. 8 Florida State Seminoles (17-14, 10-8 ACC) on March 11 at 7 p.m. ET. Winner takes on Duke in the quarterfinals on Thursday.
A loss for Cal would severely damage their chances for an appearance in the NCAA tournament.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 07: The ball hits Brent Rooker #25 of the Athletics in the back after he fouled a pitch off of home plate in the first inning of a spring training game against the Los Angeles Angels at Las Vegas Ballpark on March 07, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Angels defeated the Athletics 3-0. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
If you spent the $20-$30 needed to attend today’s game as a spectator, you would’ve walked away having gotten your money’s worth.
It was a back and forth battle at Hohokam Stadium! The White Sox got to A’s starter Jeffrey Springs early, in the first inning Edgar Quero and Lenyn Sosa would do some damage. A run scoring single and a double between the two would give the South Siders a 3-0 lead before the A’s even picked up a bat.
That 3-0 lead would be short lived though. In the bottom half of the first, the A’s answered right back with a an RBI double and single of their own – – thanks to Brent Rooker and Jeff McNeil.
After a quiet second inning for both clubs, the White Sox would strike – – three times – – all off of one swing by Korey Lee. Miguel Vargas and Jarred Kelenic both scored on the dinger. Springs would not return for the fourth inning. His day ends with the troubling line of 2.2 IP, 4H, 6ER, 3 BB, and 3K :/
Tough day for the A’s southpaw but us fans have grown custom to poor pitching performances by our starting pitchers this spring.
Thankfully the offense has been cartoonishly hot. Three solo home runs by Brent Rooker, Nick Kurtz, and Shea Langeliers had the game all tied up by the end of the fourth inning. That lead, however, would be short lived thanks to a Derek Hill RBI single off of Mark Leiter Jr. in the top of the fifth.
That would be the last of the offensive damage for the White Sox. They’d carry that 7-6 lead up until the bottom of the seventh, where the Non-roster trio of Tommy White, Michael Stefanic, and Cade Marlowe tied it all up, leading to a Jared Dickey single that brought Stefanic and Marlowe home, making it 9-7 A’s.
For good measure, the A’s tacked on two more runs in the bottom of the eighth. Tommy White’s single scored Leo De Vries, who just missed a home run. White would then be brought in on a Cade Marlowe fielder’s choice.
A’S TODAY (3/10) RF Rooker: 2-3, HR, 2B, 3 RBI, 2 R 1B Kurtz: 1-2, HR, BB, 2 R DH Langeliers: 1-3, HR SS Wilson: 1-1, 2 BB 1B White: 2-2, RBI, 2 R 2B Stefanic: 2-2, R SS De Vries: 1-2, 2B, R LHP Springs: 2.2 IP/4 H/6 ER/3 BB/3 K RHP Estes: 2.2 IP/2 H/0 ER/1 BB/0 K/W A’s win 11-7
— Bill Moriarity – A's Farm (@AthleticsFarm) March 10, 2026
Final score sits 11-7, A’s over the White Sox. They’ll be back at it against the Arizona Diamondbacks tomorrow. Right now, the pitching matchup is scheduled to be Luis Morales vs. Ryne Nelson. This’ll be Morales’ fourth outing so far this spring. Let’s hope he can build off of the small flashes of success he experienced last week against the Angels.
For those of you tuning in to tonight’s USA vs. Team Italy WBC game, feel free to keep the conversation going below!
“He’s a big part of what we’re trying to do here,” manager Carlos Mendoza said before the Mets faced the Cardinals in an exhibition game. “Just go down there and continue to develop and work on some things that you need to work on.”
Tong, 22, pitched to a 7.71 ERA in five starts for the Mets last season.
Entering camp he was viewed as rotation depth, behind Freddy Peralta, Nolan McLean, Sean Manaea, Clay Holmes, Kodai Senga and David Peterson. The Mets also have Christian Scott, who is returning from Tommy John surgery rehab, as rotation depth.
“We were pretty honest with [Tong] from the very beginning, understanding that injuries happen throughout camp,” Mendoza said. “But the most likely outcome was he was probably going to start the year at Triple-A. But having that relationship with him now is more like some of the things he needs to work on.
“He’s a humble guy that wants to continue to get better, always asking good questions, which is basically what we saw [previously]. And the way he handles adversity.”
Jonah Tong is pulled in the third inning of the Mets’ spring training loss to the Cardinals at Clover Field on Feb. 25, 2026, in Port St. Lucie. Corey Sipkin for the NY POSTJonah Tong throws a pitch during the first inning of the Mets’ spring training loss to the Cardinals on Feb. 25, 2026. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
Scott, in his first Grapefruit League outing (he previously pitched against Team Israel in a scrimmage), pitched three scoreless innings in relief in the 6-1 victory over the Cardinals. The right-hander walked four and struck out four, allowing only one hit.
The right-hander missed all of last season rehabbing from Tommy John surgery. He pitched 2 ²/₃ scoreless innings against Israel in his spring debut.
Luis Robert Jr.’s debut in the Grapefruit League is scheduled for Thursday against the Cardinals in Jupiter, Fla.
The outfielder has been playing minor league games every other day to slow-play his spring in an attempt to preserve his legs.
Francisco Lindor played four innings on defense in a simulated game as he rehabs from left hamate bone surgery.
Team officials remain optimistic the shortstop will be available to play Opening Day in two weeks.
On Friday, the St. Louis Blues traded captain Brayden Schenn to the New York Islanders. On Tuesday night, the 34-year-old veteran and member of the Blues' 2019 Stanley Cup team was back inside Enterprise Arena with his new team, the Islanders, concluding a four-game road trip in the Gateway To The West.
As expected, Schenn received a standing ovation when his name was announced and yet again when they welcomed him back with a tribute video:
Schenn was acquired by St. Louis from the Los Angeles Kings for forward Jori Lehtera, the 27th overall pick in the 2017 NHL Draft (used for Morgan Frost), and a conditional 2018 first-round pick.
He suited up for 650 regular-season games in St. Louis over his nine seasons there, recording 181 goals and 284 assists for 284 points.
In those nine seasons, the Blues qualified for the postseason five times. He recorded 29 points (10 goals, 19 assists) in 58 playoff games, including 12 points (five goals, seven assists) in 26 games during their Cup-winning season.
Schenn is in year six of an eight-year deal worth $6.5 million annually.
