SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 30: Luis Arraez #1 of the San Francisco Giants talks with Manny Machado #13 and Fernando Tatis Jr. #23 of the San Diego Padres before the game at Petco Park on March 30, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Through four games of the 2026 season, the San Diego Padres have managed a grand total of nine runs scored, while allowing 16 runs to the Detroit Tigers and the San Francisco Giants. The Padres dropped the series opener to the Giants at Petco Park on Monday 3-2, but the score makes the game appear much closer than it was. San Diego did not have an answer for San Francisco starter Landon Roupp who recorded seven strikeouts over six innings while allowing just two hits. The runs scored by the Padres came off Giants reliever Ryan Walker. Jackson Merrill hit a two-out, two-run home run with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning. San Diego was one pitch away from being shutout for the first time this season by a division rival who was looking for and got its first win of the season. Padres manager Craig Stammen has been shuffling his lineup looking for something that works and it appears that will continue until the San Diego lineup can provide some signs of life. Perhaps the home run by Merrill will carry over to the second game of the series with San Francisco when the teams reconvene at Petco Park at 6:40 p.m.
Padres News:
The addition of Jose Leclerc to the San Diego organization became official on Monday and Lincoln Zdunich of Gaslamp Ball believes that once healthy, the former World Series winner can be a mid-summer boost for the Padres’ bullpen.
Tom Krasovic of the San Diego Union-Tribune believed the roster would give Stammen and his Padres a slight edge over Tony Vitello and the Giants, but that proved not to be the case in the first game of the series. There are two games remaining for San Diego to turn that around.
Mason Miller debuted his new entrance music when he runs from the San Diego bullpen to take the mound. He took a suggestion from a member of the Padres clubhouse staff and early responses seem to think the new entrance is a hit according to AJ Cassavell of Padres.com.
It appears Stammen is going to use his catchers equally to start the season despite the fact that Luis Campusano continues to have issues at the plate on offense. He has improved defensively, but the Friar Faithful are still waiting for his Triple-A success to translate to the big-leagues. It seems Stammen is going to give “Campy” plenty of opportunities to make it happen.
Baseball News:
Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh has not had the best start to the 2026 season, but he came through for his team when it mattered most. Raleigh came through with a clutch hit that resulted in a walk-off win against the New York Yankees.
Michael Soroka of the Arizona Diamondbacks threw the first Immaculate Inning (three up, three down on nine pitches) of the season. It is the first Immaculate Inning since Padres closer Mason Miller accomplished the task in 2025.
The university’s campus store received its first shipment of official Final Four merchandise this week and quickly sold out, according to 13 News Tucson, Arizona. With official gear in short supply, many fans have turned to unauthorized retailers and online stores to find merchandise.
The university is urging fans not to purchase from unlicensed vendors, citing concerns about product quality and the risks of consumer fraud and money laundering.
Cat Hanson, Trademarks and Licensing Program Manager at the University of Arizona, told 13 News that fans can protect themselves by shopping at the campus store or authorized pop-up locations and looking for key authenticity markers on official merchandise. Every official Final Four shirt will feature a hologram sticker, and fans should also verify that spelling and colors are correct.
The top-seeded Wildcats punched their ticket to the Final Four for the first time since 2001 with an impressive 79-64 victory over No. 2-seeded Purdue. Arizona will face No. 1-seeded Michigan on April 4.
According to 13 News, authentic Arizona merchandise can be purchased at the following locations, with the pop-up shop hours being 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from March 30 to April 9:
Campus Store
Park & Speedway pop-up shop
Park & 6th St pop-up shop
Speedway & Campbell pop-up shop
Maingate pop-up shop
Football Stadium parking lot pop-up shop
Campbell & 6th pop-up shop
Hi Corbett parking lot pop-up shop
How to watch the men's Final Four
This year’s Final Four will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. In the first semifinal, No. 3 Illinois takes on No. 2 UConn at 6:09 p.m. ET on Saturday, April 4, followed by the matchup between No. 1 Arizona and No. 1 Michigan at 8:49 p.m. ET. Both games can be watched on TBS.
Game 1: No. 3 Illinois vs. No. 2 UConn | Saturday, April 4 | 6:09 p.m. | TBS | Sling TV
Game 2: No. 1 Arizona vs. No. 1 Michigan | Saturday, April 4 | 8:49 p.m. | TBS | Sling TV
The Atlantic Division foes have seen eight of the last nine head-to-head meetings go Over 6.5, including both matchups this season. An average of 7.66 goals have been scored along the way.
The numbers indicate we should expect more of the same. Montreal sits fourth in scoring rate at 5-on-5 and second on the power play over their last 10 games.
The Bolts top the league in 5-on-5 efficiency and rank sixth on the man advantage during the same period.
Canadiens vs Lightning same-game parlay
Tough opponents don’t hinder Lane Hutson in the slightest. He has picked up a helper in eight of his last 10 games against Top-10 teams in limiting goals against, tallying 10 in total.
Noah Dobson generated eight shots on 15 attempts over the first two meetings this season. Routinely playing 22+ minutes and active in the offensive zone, he should be plenty involved in this marquee clash.
Canadiens vs Lightning SGP
Over 6.5
Lane Hutson Over 0.5 assists
Noah Dobson Over 1.5 shots on goal
Canadiens vs Lightning odds
Moneyline: Montreal +145 | Tampa Bay -170
Puck line: Montreal +1.5 (-160) | Tampa Bay -1.5 (+140)
Over/Under: Over 6.5 (+100) | Under 6.5 (-120)
Canadiens vs Lightning trend
The Lightning have hit the Over in 13 of their last 20 games (+8.75 Units / 40% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Canadiens vs. Lightning.
How to watch Canadiens vs Lightning
Location
Benchmark International Arena, Tampa, FL
Date
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Puck drop
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
TSN2, The Spot
Canadiens vs Lightning 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.
Shohei Ohtani makes his first start on the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers this season. Tanner Bibee will pitch for Cleveland. The Guardians won the first game of the series on Monday, handing the Dodgers their first loss. Los Angeles is favored with a -235 moneyline and a -1.5 spread.
How to watch Cleveland Guardians vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
Date: Tuesday, March 31
Time: 10:10 p.m. ET / 7:10 p.m. PT
Where: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles
TV Channels: SportsNet LA, Guardians.TV Presented by Progressive
MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 30: Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat and Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers talk during a free throw in thew fourth quarter of a game at Kaseya Center on March 30, 2026 in Miami, Florida. 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 Rich Storry/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Sixers sit at 41-34 with 7 games left on the schedule, which coincidentally puts them smack in the middle of one of the most chaotic playoff races the Eastern Conference has seen in years.
These standings are shifting every single night, and honestly, keeping up with every tiebreaker, box score and late-game collapse feels like a part-time job nobody applied for. So let’s cut through the noise. Where are the Sixers right now, who’s standing in their way, and what does the playoff picture actually look like as we head down the stretch?
To start, let’s get a clear picture of the standings. We’ll focus on the 5 through 10 range, since that’s exactly where the Sixers are sitting and where they’ll likely finish.
Toronto Raptors 42-32
Atlanta Hawks 43-33
(play-in)
Philadelphia 76ers 41-34
Orlando Magic 39-35
Miami Heat 40-36
Charlotte Hornets 39-36
As things stand, the Sixers are on the outside looking in for a guaranteed playoff seed. That said, there’s still a real chance they can climb up — a loss or two from the right team can completely flip the playoff and play-in picture overnight. So let’s go team by team, break down the tiebreakers, and figure out the likelihood of the Sixers catching up to, or staying ahead of, each one.
Toronto Raptors
The Raptors are the current leaders of this group and have been playing some of their best basketball lately, most recently dismantling the Orlando Magic while holding their grip on the 5 seed. As of this writing, Toronto sits 1.5 games ahead of Philadelphia and owns the 10th easiest remaining schedule, with matchups against the Pistons, Celtics, Knicks, Heat (twice), Nets, Kings and Grizzlies.
The season series ended in a 2-2 tie, so the tiebreaker defaults to division record. The Sixers are 9-7 in the Atlantic while the Raptors are a rough 4-10, meaning Philadelphia would win the tiebreaker if the two teams finish level. Worth noting, two of Toronto’s three “easy” remaining games come right away, before a brutal closing stretch of Celtics, Heat twice and Knicks to close out four of their final five.
Catching the Raptors in the short term seems unlikely, but that April 5-10 stretch will go a long way in determining whether Toronto stays out of the play-in altogether. If they slip against one of the tanking opponents early, the margin for error gets razor thin once you factor in the tiebreaker working in Philly’s favor.
Atlanta Hawks
CA-CAWWWWW. The Hawks have been an absolute problem lately, winning 16 of their last 18 to firmly plant themselves at the 6 seed. Unlike Toronto, Atlanta is staring down one of the tougher remaining schedules in this group, ranked 8th hardest, with games against the Knicks, Cavaliers twice, Magic and Heat. Their only breather on paper is a date with the Brooklyn Nets.
Here’s where it gets tricky for the Sixers: Atlanta outright owns the tiebreaker over Philadelphia, which effectively turns their 1.5 game lead into something closer to a 2.5 game lead in practice. The Sixers wouldn’t just need to match the Hawks, they’d need to pass them.
Atlanta tips off against the Magic tomorrow before getting the Nets on Friday, but from there it’s a gauntlet of playoff-caliber opponents with the Heat sprinkled in for good measure. The tiebreaker makes it hard to envision the Sixers leaping Atlanta, though that schedule could certainly hand the Hawks a few losses down the stretch.
Orlando Magic
The Magic, yet again, have had a turbulent season marked by questionable star play and their best players missing lengthy stretches at a time. It’s a big reason why they find themselves in the 8 seed. Their remaining schedule is slightly tougher than Philadelphia’s, with games against the Pistons, Celtics, Timberwolves, Hawks, Suns, Mavericks, Pelicans and Bulls.
What makes Orlando’s schedule interesting is the structure of it. They alternate two home games, two away, two home and two away to close things out. Of those eight games, five come against playoff teams, two against tanking squads and one against the New Orleans Pelicans, a team that probably should be tanking but simply can’t due to an outgoing unprotected pick.
The good news for Philly is that the Sixers own the tiebreaker over Orlando, winning the season series 2-1. The Magic currently sit a game and a half back, meaning they’d need to not only make up that ground but actually outpace the Sixers’ remaining record to leapfrog them. Unless Orlando wins at least three of those games against legitimate competition, it’s hard to see them pulling it off. Not impossible, but they’d have to earn it.
Miami Heat
Out of every team sitting below the Sixers, the Heat are the ones to watch. Thanks to owning the tiebreaker over Philadelphia, Miami doesn’t need to outplay the Sixers, they just need to match their record. And when you look at what’s left on their schedule, that’s a very realistic ask. Despite sitting 1.5 games back on paper, the tiebreaker makes this feel much closer to a half game lead in reality.
The Heat’s remaining schedule features the Celtics, Raptors twice, Hawks and Wizards twice, which checks in as the 6th easiest remaining slate in the league. Barring the Wizards deciding they’ve had enough disrespect after the whole Bam 83-point situation (did you catch that game? The NBC broadcast mentioned it once or twice, or like 20 times, very low key), you’re looking at maybe two or three losses for Miami at the absolute most.
That tiebreaker is massive. It puts the Heat firmly in control of their own destiny, and if the Sixers drop even one unexpected game, the math shifts in a hurry. Keep a close eye on Miami over the next week or two, and pay especially close attention to those two Raptors games. They’ll have major implications not just for the Heat, but for just about everyone in this conversation.
Charlotte Hornets
The Sixers took care of the Hornets a few nights ago in a game that went down to the wire, and out of every team in this group, Charlotte is the least likely candidate to climb out of the play-in. They sit two games behind Philadelphia with the ninth hardest remaining schedule.
The Hornets will face the Pistons, Celtics, Knicks, Timberwolves, Suns, Pacers and Nets. Two of those are against tanking teams, with five against playoff-caliber opponents. That said, it’s worth noting that some of the higher seeds like the Celtics or Pistons may start load managing their guys down the stretch to keep them fresh, which could make a game or two more winnable than it looks on paper.
There isn’t a ton to say about the Hornets right now, but don’t sleep on them entirely. Since the calendar flipped they’ve been one of the better teams on both ends of the floor, and they could become a real problem if the Sixers end up in the play-in. Losing the first play-in game and then having to face Charlotte to keep the season alive would not be a fun situation. For now they can stay on the back burner, but depending on how things shake out, the Hornets could end up being a much bigger part of this story than anyone expects.
Where Will the Sixers End Up?
Despite dropping a pretty important game to Miami, the Sixers are still within striking distance of a guaranteed playoff seed. The Heat are right on their heels though, and they might not be the only ones closing in.
Philadelphia’s remaining schedule is fairly middle of the road, with games against the Wizards, Timberwolves, Pistons, Spurs, Rockets, Pacers and Bucks to close out the year. There are some recognizable names on there, but load management from teams like Detroit or San Antonio could make a few of those games more manageable than they look. It’s also worth noting the final two games against the Pacers and Bucks are against tanking squads, which gives the Sixers the luxury of resting guys heading into the postseason if they’ve already locked something up or their playoff fate is sealed.
Tiebreaker-wise, the Sixers are in decent shape across the board. They’ll need to win some tough games to keep the postseason dream alive, but the good news is they now have the reinforcements to do it.
Most projections peg Philadelphia as the most likely 7 seed, which would put them in the play-in on their own home court. But a handful of games involving the teams around them could swing things in a number of directions. Here are the ones worth circling:
4/1 – Hawks @ Magic
4/7 – Heat @ Raptors
4/9 – Heat @ Raptors
4/12 – Hawks @ Heat
Beyond the Sixers’ own results, these four games could end up being the deciding factor in how the whole picture shakes out. It’s an uphill climb, but depending on how the cards fall, Philly could come out of this in a pretty good spot. Time will tell, as things are likely to come down to the literal wire.
The HR article connected on a Kazuma Okamoto +520 homer in the ninth inning last night in Toronto, and we’re right back at it with two early looks this morning and another to come this afternoon. The MLB player props are still offering plenty of value.
I’m targeting a pair of +475 middle-of-the-order bats in strong matchups at +EV prices: Jake Burger and Brent Rooker. Not an easy day for pitchers dealing with these two.
These are my favorite home run props for Tuesday, March 31.
Best MLB home run props today
Player to hit a HR
Odds
Jake Burger
+475
Brent Rooker
+475
Jake Burger (+475)
Conditions are ideal for power, with 17-mph winds blowing out to left-center and temperatures around 80 degrees — a strong setup for home runs.
Jake Burgergets a premium matchup against Zach Eflin, who is coming off back surgery and posted the second-worst HR/9 among starters with 60+ innings last season. Burger, hitting out of the cleanup spot, is 3-for-7 with a home run against Eflin in his career.
THE BAT projects a fair price around +375, making current numbers appealing.
Betting on the earliest game of the slate is also an easy decision for my MLB picks.
Time: 6:35 p.m. ET
Where to watch: MASN, RSN
Brent Rooker (+475)
I don’t usually put a lot of weight into batter vs. pitcher data given the small samples, but it’s hard to ignore that Brent Rooker has taken José Suárez deep three times in just five at-bats — especially with Rooker sitting at +475.
Rooker had a strong spring and may be off to a slow start, but the power is real. He has legitimate 40-HR upside, which puts him in a rare tier of hitters.
Suárez is more of a bullpen arm being stretched into a starting role because of Spencer Strider's injury, which adds risk. The environment isn’t elite, but 80-degree weather in Atlanta with a total of 9.0 is still solid.
Fair value on this HR prop is closer to +400, and Rooker projects similarly to names like Ronald Acuña Jr., Shea Langeliers, and Austin Riley — all of whom are priced shorter.
Time: 7:15 p.m. ET
Where to watch: Braves Vision, Gray TV, NBCSCA
2026 Transparency record
HR picks: 1-2 SU, +3.2 units
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.
The Montreal Canadiens will be without one of their key defenseman for at least the final stretch of the regular season.
The Canadiens have announced that blueliner Alexandre Carrier will be out for the next two to four weeks due to an upper-body injury.
With this update, there is a chance that Carrier could be out for the start of the postseason. This would certainly be tough news for the Canadiens, as he is one of their important defenders.
Carrier has seven goals, 15 assists, 22 points, 155 blocks, and a plus-2 rating in 73 games this season with the Canadiens. This is after he had three goals and 25 points in 79 games this past campaign split between the Nashville Predators and Canadiens.
The Canadiens recently called up prospect defenseman Adam Engstrom from the Laval Rocket, and this Carrier injury news explains it.
In 369 career NHL games over eight seasons, Carrier has recorded 20 goals, 89 assists, 109 points, and a plus-31 rating.
There’s no shortage of star power taking the ice tonight, with 10 games scheduled across the National Hockey League. My NHL player props will focus on Connor McDavid, Rickard Rakell, and Brandon Hagel.
img alt="Get a first bet encore up to $800 with the BET99 promo code COVERSNHL" width="100%" loading="lazy" src="https://img.covers.com/promo-articles/bet99nhlcreative2526.jpeg"Get a first bet encore up to $800 with BET99 bonus code COVERSNHL. (not available in Ontario)
Our best NHL player props for Tuesday, March 31
Take a look at our best bets and expert analysis below.
Prop #1: Connor McDavid Over 1.5 points
-135 at BET99
Connor McDavid leads the NHL with an astounding 124 points. He’s cashed the Over in three straight appearances, and the Edmonton Oilers superstar has notched three points in back-to-back games. McDavid has eight points during this span.
The Oilers face the Kraken tonight, and McDavid has registered six points against them across three meetings, scoring four and assisting two.
Edmonton is also at home for this contest, where the three-time Hart Trophy winner has 65 points in only 36 games. He’ll deliver.
Time: 9:00 p.m. ET
Where to watch: KHN, SNW
Prop #2: Rickard Rakell anytime goal
+205 at BET99
I took Rickard Rakell to find the back of the net in Monday’s picks, and he delivered, scoring twice.
The 32-year-old has been on fire, scoring nine of his 19 goals on the season in March. Rakell has found the back of the net in four of his last six, and he has a pair of multi-goal games during that run.
The Pens take on the Red Wings tonight, and Rakell has already scored once against them in 2025-26 across two matchups. The Wings also just allowed five goals in their last game, and the Pens are thriving offensively, with Rakell playing a key part.
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Where to watch: FDSN DET, SN-PIT
Prop #3: Brandon Hagel Over 0.5 assists
+120 at BET99
Brandon Hagel is an integral piece for the Stanley Cup-chasing Tampa Bay Lightning, serving as one of their top producers. He’s scored 35 goals and tallied 38 assists this season, and Hagel has notched an impressive 18 helpers this month.
The 27-year-old has cashed the Over in assists in six of his last eight, and he had a helper in three straight before scoring a goal instead in Sunday’s win over the Nashville Predators.
The Bolts face the Montreal Canadiens tonight, and while he’s yet to register an assist against them across two meetings, Hagel is red-hot.
When they do produce offensively, he’s often involved. He’s also hit the Over in three in a row at home.
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.
The Los Angeles Angels hope to snap a three-game losing streak when they face the Chicago Cubs tonight at Wrigley Field.
The forecast promises a cold, miserable night, and my Angels vs. Cubs predictions expect LA starter Jose Soriano and his sinker-slider combo to rack up the strikeouts.
Angels vs Cubs best bet: Jose Soriano Over 4.5 strikeouts (-108)
Jose Soriano is riding a jaw-dropping 41.3% whiff rate from his 2026 opener, where he struck out seven Astros in six innings of work.
This follows a strong spring where the Los Angeles Angels righty struck out 13 across 11 2/3 and eight punchouts per nine frames in 2025.
The Chicago Cubs lineup presents multiple strikeout candidates, and they’ve struck out in 22% of their 91 plate appearances against right-handed arms in 2026.
Cold, heavy air at Wrigley Field plays right into Soriano's hard sinker and devastating slider combo. Back him to punch out at least five tonight.
COVERS INTEL: Soriano averaged 3.7 pitches per batter and struck out 8.05 batters per nine in 2025, and seven Astros on Opening Day at Houston.
Angels vs Cubs same-game parlay (SGP)
Cold weather, limited scoring, and the more reliable arm on the mound sum up this three-leg same-game parlay.
Soriano was excellent on the road last season (8-3), and he just threw six scoreless innings in Houston. His 69.2% ground-ball rate limits damage and keeps traffic off the bases.
Jameson Taillon allowed 26 earned runs across 13 1/3 spring innings, and he’s hard to trust right now. In a game where runs will be scarce, that edge on the mound leans toward the Halos.
Angels vs Cubs SGP
Jose Soriano Over 4.5 strikeouts
Angels moneyline
Under 7.5
Angels vs Cubs home run pick: Mike Trout (+310)
Mike Trout doesn't need much of an invitation, and Taillon is practically rolling out the red carpet.
Ten home runs and nine walks in just over 13 spring innings tell you that he is a pitcher who can't find the zone and is getting destroyed when he does.
Trout has already taken Taillon deep, and the Angels slugger launched two bombs on Opening Day at Houston. I’ll back him to crack one tonight.
2026 Transparency record
Best bets: 1-1, -0.2 units
SGPs: 0-2, -2 units
HR picks: 0-2, -2 units
Angels vs Cubs odds
Moneyline: Los Angeles +120 | Chicago -142
Run line: Los Angeles +1.5 (-188) | Chicago -1.5 (+155)
Over/Under: Over 7.5 (+116) | Under 7.5 (-142)
Angels vs Cubs trend
The Chicago Cubs have hit the Game Total Under in 64 of their last 117 games (+13.65 Units / 11% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Angels vs. Cubs.
How to watch Angels vs Cubs and game info
Location
Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL
Date
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
First pitch
7:40 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN West, Marquee
Angels starting pitcher
Jose Soriano (1-0, 0.00 ERA)
Cubs starting pitcher
Jameson Taillon (2025: 11-7, 3.68 ERA)
Angels vs Cubs latest injuries
Angels vs Cubs weather
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.
New York, NY - October 2: Boston Red Sox catcher Carlos Narvaez in the dugout in the seventh inning of Game 3 of the Wild Card playoff series at Yankee Stadium on October 2, 2025. (Photo by Danielle Parhizkaran/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) | Boston Globe via Getty Images
Happy Tuesday, Red Sox Nation. After last night’s ass-whooping at the hands of the Houston Astros, our beloved Red Sox fall to 1-3. I don’t know about you, but the offense feels like it’s been slumping for weeks, even though it’s only four games. Baseball season is a grind, though, and nobody wins 162 games in a row.
So, my question to you is: did you forget that? Are you already frustrated by the lack of hitting with runners in scoring position? Or are you accepting it as statistical noise that happens in small samples?
Talk about early season frustration and whatever else you want here. Be good to one another, and go Sox.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 23: Myles Turner #3 of the Milwaukee Bucks dribbles the ball while being guarded by Johnny Furphy #12 of the Indiana Pacers in the fourth quarter at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on December 23, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Dylan Buell/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Milwaukee Bucks will face the Dallas Mavericks in a battle of two teams with tanking aspirations. This was the rescheduled game from January 25, after winter storms prevented the Mavericks from flying out of Dallas to Milwaukee.
Where We’re At
The Milwaukee Bucks have all but given up, and so have the fans. There are eight games left of the season, and EVERYONE will be glad when April 13th comes around. I don’t know what else to say. The team isn’t good, players are injured, and coaching malpractice continues.
Dallas has been successful in their stealth tanking this season. Part of that is not having two of their three best players healthy for the majority of the season, and another part is playing in a brutal Western Conference. The Mavs are a team in transition, looking to attain the best draft position possible to build around star rookie Cooper Flagg. The Mavs view defense the same way Doc Rivers views accountability: not important.
Injury Report
The Bucks will be without Giannis Antetokounmpo (neck), Thanasis Antetokounmpo (calf), Kevin Porter Jr (knee), and Bobby Portis (wrist). Gary Harris (personal reasons) is listed as questionable, while Kyle Kuzma and Ryan Rollins are listed as probable.
The Mavericks played last night in Minneapolis, so there will be no official injury report until midday. We do know that Kyrie Irving (knee) and Derek Lively (foot) will not play as they recover from their surgeries.
Player To Watch
Cooper Flagg. We are scraping the bottom of the barrel when it comes to options, but Flagg is an exciting young player worth watching.
How To Watch
7:00 p.m. CDT on FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin.
CLEARWATER, FLORIDA - MARCH 13, 2026: Andrew Painter #76 of the Philadelphia Phillies prepares to pitch during the second inning of a spring training game against the Baltimore Orioles at BayCare Ballpark on March 13, 2026 in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
Tonight’s Phillies game will feature one of the most anticipated MLB debuts in recent memory, at least for Philadelphia baseball fans. Top pitching prospect Andrew Painter will finally make his long awaited MLB debut, nearly three years after it was originally anticipated thanks to a torn UCL and Tommy John surgery.
The Phillies went into the season planning on Painter being their fifth starter, and so far he has seemed up to the task. He made four starts this spring and allowed three runs on seven hits across 11.2 innings with eight strikeouts and two walks. He suffered velocity bleeding as he went on in one of his starts, something that plagued him last season during his rocky year at Triple-A, but he followed that up with a better start where he held his velocity. His much scrutinized fastball shape slowly improved as the spring went on and he flashed impressive improvement on his secondary pitches, most notably his changeup. Overall, his spring didn’t show any reasons to be skeptical but also didn’t show a major reason for optimism. He mostly performed to reasonable expectations.
Tonight we will get our first look at Painter against a Major League lineup. Granted, Painter and the Phillies could not have asked for a much softer landing for the young righty’s debut, as he will face a Washington Nationals lineup that was a bottom ten offense last season, ranking 20th in runs scored and 23rd in slugging. It’s a new season, but the Nats are once again projected to be one of the worst teams in baseball. However, they did open the season with an upset series win over the Cubs at Wrigley where they scored 18 total runs in three games.
Every inning Painter throws this season will be heavily scrutinized, for better or worse. His first start will not make or break his season, let alone his career, but it is a chance to set the narrative for the rest of his rookie campaign. So, what are you looking for tonight in Andrew Painter’s debut? What do you need to see to feel good about his prospects going forward?
Some of you might have taken note of Owen Caissie’s two-run walk-off homer for the Marlins on Sunday.
The other part of that deal, Edward Cabrera coming to the Cubs, also had a very good game for his new team. Cabrera was dominant over six innings, allowing just a walk and a fourth-inning single (and the latter was immediately erased on a double play). The Cubs offense did their job against Angels rookie Ryan Johnson and the result was a satisfying 7-2 win, evening up the Cubs’ early season record at 2-2.
The Cubs got right to work on Johnson in the first inning… or, rather, Johnson couldn’t throw strikes. He walked three of the first four hitters he faced, loading the bases with one out. Nico Hoerner’s sac fly made it 1-0 Cubs [VIDEO].
Take close note in that clip of PCA running. The ball hasn’t even landed and he is blazing around second base. Eventually PCA scores from first on a bloop single. He’s really been using his speed quite a bit in the early going. That made it 3-0.
Ian Happ is the 20th different Cub since 1901 to hit at least three home runs in his first four games of a season. Gabby Hartnett and Billy Williams did it twice. They are two of the three who hit four homers. The other was Randy Jackson. Happ is the eighth this century, after Sammy Sosa (2002), Derrek Lee (2006), Donnie Murphy (2013), Javier Baez and Jorge Soler (both 2014), Anthony Rizzo (2020) and Seiya Suzuki (2022).
PCA followed that with a single and went to third on a double by Nico.
Had this been later in the year, Craig Counsell might have let Cabrera throw the seventh. But early on, there are still some pitch limits and Cabrera was removed after 80 pitches (49 strikes). Here’s more on Cabrera’s outing [VIDEO].
Rea completed that at-bat by striking out Trout. One out later, though, Jorge Soler singled and Yoan Moncada hit a Rea mistake for a towering home run that might have had a bit of help from the strong wind blowing out.
The Cubs put their final run on the board in the seventh. Nico led off with a walk, stole second (the Cubs now have six steals this year without being caught) and advanced to third on an infield out.
Rea finished things up, but not until allowing two singles in the ninth, at which point Counsell had Daniel Palencia warming up just in case. Rea responded by striking out the last two hitters, including this K of Moncada to end it [VIDEO].
Rea collects a save since he threw three innings, the Cubs’ first save of 2026.
Apart from the Moncada homer, the complaint department is closed again.
The Cubs will go for two in a row over the Angels Tuesday evening (weather permitting). Jameson Taillon will start for the Cubs and José Soriano goes for the Angels. Game time is again 6:40 p.m. CT and TV coverage will be via Marquee Sports Network.
BALTIMORE, MD - MARCH 26: Trevor Rogers #28 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches in the first inning against the Minnesota Twins on Opening Day at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on March 26, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Much of the focus X this past offseason centered (as it always seems to) on the Orioles’ ability to upgrade their pitching rotation. Mike Elias and the front office may not have traded for Tarik Skubal or signed a top free agent (Cease, Valdez, Suarez), but they did show a refreshing aggressiveness in adding starting pitchers. They traded for former Rays top prospect Shane Baz (and subsequently signed him to a five-year extension), while bringing in veteran right-hander Chris Bassitt and re-signing 2025 Opening Day starter Zach Eflin.
The identity of the Orioles’ franchise was largely founded on their great rotations in the 60s and 70s. And because of this identity, Baltimore’s relative starting pitching scarcity over the last two decades has often made for plenty of worry, frustration and pessimism throughout Birdland. The 2026 rotation, as undoubtedly the most talented group of starters assembled by Elias, will look to put some of that pessimism to bed as they play a key role in the Orioles’ quest to return to the playoffs.
After last night’s loss against the Rangers, we’ve now seen four of the five make their first start of the 2026 season. After seeing the top four starters in action for the first time, let’s break down the good and the bad from the Orioles best arms.
Trevor Rogers (7.0 IP, 3 H, 4 BB, 5 K vs. MIN)
Grade: A
According to No.2 starter Kyle Bradish, there was never really any doubt that Rogers would be the Orioles’ Opening Day starter. After watching the reigning Most Valuable Oriole march through the Twins order last Thursday, it only confirmed that manager Craig Albernaz made the right decision.
After a magical run that saw him post a 1.81 ERA across 18 starts, there was the lingering question as to whether Rogers could be as effective in 2026. Instead, he was better. The southpaw’s plan of attack was the same as the one he carefully crafted last season: use his four-seamer to attack righties up and in, while pairing it with a low and away changeup to keep hitters off balance. He even showed off some improved velocity on his fastball, touching 95 and 96 in the early innings.
The Orioles’ lefty never relies heavily on his cutter or curveball. However, each time he went to one of his breaking pitches against Minnesota, it seemed perfectly set up and executed—as evidenced by the 50% whiff rate on the curve and 33.3% whiff rate on the cutter.
Rogers’ knack for navigating traffic also showed up in full force versus the Twins. Rogers tied a season-high from 2025 with four free passes, but also set an Orioles career high by rolling three double play balls. Despite not having the same strikeout stuff as Bradish, Rogers excels in pressure situations, as the Twins consistently mustered only weak contact in going 1-for-10 with RISP against the Orioles’ ace. Rogers’ best start from last year saw him pitch eight shutout innings, so the fact that he “only” threw seven scoreless takes him from an A+ down to an A.
Kyle Bradish (4.2 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 4 K vs. MIN)
Grade: C+
Early on in his outing against the Twins, Bradish looked like the dominant force we saw at the end of the 2025 season. He opened the game with a Bradish classic, firing an elevated two-seamer past Kody Clemens to open his 2026 account with a K. He’d punch out Josh Bell in the 2nd on another two-seamer, before burying a slider to get Clemens swinging and end the 3rd.
After those threw scoreless innings, Bradish ran into a bit of bad luck, followed by the effects of the bad weather. In the 4th, Byron Buxton led off the inning by bouncing a curveball up the middle, reaching after just barely beating the throw from Jeremiah Jackson at 2B. Buxton then benefited from some Baltimore defensive blunders, with a bad throw from Colton Cowser in CF allowing him to tag up from first, while a failed back pick by Adley Rutschman allowed him to go to third. The error by Adley would mean Bradish’s first run of the season was unearned, after a sac fly brought Buxton home to score.
Bradish then seemed to run out of gas early Saturday, as he suffered a noticeable dip in velocity and control in the 5th. After sitting around 95mph with his two-seamer in the early innings, his velocity fell to around 91-92 at the beginning of the 5th. Bradish tried to compensate by leaning on his breaking balls, but ended up walking leadoff batter Trevor Larnach after failing to locate his slider. Three pitches later, Bradish tried to challenge Royce Lewis with a two-seamer up and in, but instead it ended up and in the left field bleachers.
It’s worth mentioning that the game time temperature was in the mid-40s, meaning Bradish’s early exit could be due to the difficulties keeping your arm warm that come in cold temperatures. And yet, it’s hard to give him a higher grade, given the loss and the feeling that his afternoon was incomplete.
Shane Baz (5.1 IP, 7 H, 4 ER, 0 BB, 4 K vs. MIN)
Grade: C-
Fresh off the announcement of his five-year/$68M extension, Baz’s first start as an Oriole got off to a rocky start. After a 1-2-3 inning in the 1st, Baz was shelled in the second inning against the Twinkies. After three singles and a bases-clearing double, the 26-year-old right-hander was staring down the barrel of a 4-0 deficit two innings into his career.
From there, Baz showed grit in putting up 3.1 scoreless innings to close out his start, allowing the Orioles offense the time they needed to stage a comeback. The former Ray also showed plenty of promise in grinding out 16 outs against Minnesota. His knuckle curve was especially sharp, limiting Twins hitters to a .167 average while generating two punchouts and a 40% whiff rate. His cutter was equally effective, holding Minnesota batters to a .143 and picking up two Ks on cutters up and away to Buxton and Lewis.
Baz doesn’t grade out as highly as Bradish because, while he did get two more outs, he also gave up that big inning while pitching in more ideal conditions. And yet, like his fellow hard-throwing right-hander, the newest Orioles starter flashed the kind of stuff that suggests better outings are on the horizon.
Chris Bassitt (4.1 IP, 6 H, 4 ER, 4 BB, 3 K vs. TEX)
Grade: D
Bassitt tried to pull off the same high-wire act we saw from Rogers, only for his soft contact to turn into soft hits and runs on the board for the Rangers. The 37-year-old veteran got unlucky in his first inning as an Oriole. A pair of singles (that could’ve been outs) turned into a run when an awkward comebacker forced Bassitt to rush a throw home, allowing a run to score as the throw skipped past Adley at the plate.
That unfortunate opening frame turned into further frustration as Bassitt struggled to put away hitters in the 2nd. The right-hander commanded his sinker well, but seemed to struggle with putting hitters away. Multiple times during the Rangers’ three-run rally, Bassitt tried to sequence his sinker low and in with a fastball up, only to badly miss on the fastball. Texas hitters had seven swings and misses against Bassitt’s curveball, but he only generated three total outs and one strikeout on the breaking ball.
Bassitt has the veteran savvy and a six-to-seven pitch mix that should allow him to bounce back this weekend against the Pirates. His Orioles debut, however? That certainly fell flat.
Mar 30, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Texas Rangers players celebrate during the ninth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images | Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images
Good morning.
Evan Grant writes that Jack Leiter looked every bit the part of an established, successful starting pitcher in a season debut victory for the Texas Rangers last night.
Grant writes that Brandon Nimmo’s approach at the top of the order is already rubbing off and that’s paying off for the Rangers.
One weekend into the season and the pundits are coming around on the fact that the Rangers are surely going to win the World Series as Texas climbs the powerrankings.
Grant writes that Carter Baumler’s first week as a big leaguer sees him return to where it all began as his next appearance will likely be against the team that drafted him and left him unprotected in the Rule 5 draft.
And, Grant notes that the Rangers anticipate Jacob deGrom making his 2026 debut tonight in Baltimore, but they haven’t made it official yet.
Jake Burger 
Brent Rooker 
McDavid Over 1.5 points 
Rakell anytime goal 
Hagel Over 0.5 assists 
COVERS INTEL: Soriano averaged 3.7 pitches per batter and struck out 8.05 batters per nine in 2025, and seven Astros on Opening Day at Houston.
