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Ex-Ottawa Senator D.J. Smith Returns To NHL Head Coaching Ranks

There’s a familiar name stepping back into the NHL head coaching spotlight, this time in Southern California.

The Los Angeles Kings have hired former Ottawa Senators head coach D.J. Smith to take over their bench on an interim basis after the firing of Jim Hiller on Sunday. Hiller becomes the second coach to be fired this season after Columbus parted company with Dean Evason and gave the role to Rick Bowness back in January.

Interestingly, this season's two NHL coaching subs share something in common. They were both doomed to fail, taking over Ottawa Senators teams that were years away from being good.

Smith was hired by the Senators in 2019, just after they had traded away all their best players. Bowness took over the expansion Senators in 1992 at a time when expansion teams were still universally bad by design.

Smith coached four seasons for the Sens posting a record of 131-154-32, good for a points percentage of .464.

Prior to his time in Ottawa, Smith and Hiller were assistants together in Toronto under Mike Babcock. When Smith was fired by Ottawa in Dec. 2023, Smith took a job in LA as Hiller's assistant coach.

On Sunday, he took Hiller's job.

The Kings had just dropped five of six, including a massive beatdown at the hands of the Edmonton Oilers, and it sounds like that was probably the final straw. 

"Couple of tough games going into the Olympic break and I was hoping that the time off and then the mini training camp, that our team was able to respond," Kings GM Ken Holland told LA Kings Insider. "Tough couple of games coming out, especially the game against Edmonton on Thursday night.

"On Friday, I did a lot of thinking. I didn't do it on Friday because Friday was an off day, the players weren't here and we played at 4:00 on Saturday. I didn't want just a new coach behind [the bench] and make the move going into a game."

The Oilers game had to be particularly frustrating as the last thing anyone wants is to be pounded 8-1 by the team they used to run. Holland was GM of the Oilers from 2019-24.

During that same time period, Smith was in Ottawa, vainly trying to mould a young roster that was poorly insulated by fading veterans. GM Pierre Dorion was patient with Smith, almost to a fault, and never got the chance to fire him. Dorion lost his job a month before Smith got his walking papers.

Now in Los Angeles, the personable 48-year-old Smith now has a more veteran roster to work with, one that's built to win now, so it's hard to believe that his second NHL coaching chapter won't be more successful than the first.

Steve Warne
The Hockey News 

This article was first published by The Hockey News. More headlines here:

Senators At Leafs: NHL's Battle Of Ontario Takes An Unexpected Step Back
After Clearing Waivers, Former Ottawa Senator Mathieu Joseph Sent To AHL
Tkachuk Fields Questions on USA Celebrations and Desire To Remain In Ottawa
20 Years Later: The Rise And Fall Of One Of The Greatest Teams In Senators History
Senators Goalie Prospect Thriving After Trade To QMJHL's Top-Ranked Club

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Clay Holmes solid as Mets walk off Astros with 4-3 win

The Mets walked off the Houston Astros in the ninth inning on Sunday afternoon to win 4-3.

Here are the takeaways...

-- In his second start and last appearance for New York before leaving to play for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, Clay Holmes put together a great outing in four innings of work.

The right-hander allowed a run on three hits and a walk while striking out four and throwing 63 pitches (39 strikes). He lowered his ERA to 3.52 after allowing two earned runs in 3.2 innings in his spring debut on Monday against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Despite a solid afternoon, Holmes did have some traffic on the basepaths and wasn't able to contain the running game as Jose Altuve stole second base in the first inning before Nick Allen stole third in the third inning. 

Holmes allowed a leadoff hit in the first three innings, however Joey Loperfido's infield single in the second should not have counted after the ball hit off his foot before entering the field of play which the umpires missed. Holmes got even less help on the next batter who hit a double-play ball to shortstop Vidal Brujan who struggled to get the ball out of his glove before throwing it wide of Marcus Semien at second base. Loperfido advanced to third on the error.

With runners at the corners and nobody out, Holmes swiftly struck out Joseph Sullivan and induced another ground ball, this one handled by Brujan for the inning-ending double play. 

The lone run surrendered by Holmes came on a sacrifice fly by Zach Cole in the third inning. Right before the sac fly, though, Isaac Paredes hit a ball to shallow right field that had Allen tagging up and thinking about trying to score, but Carson Benge showed off his arm and unleashed a throw home that stopped Allen in his tracks before retreating back to third base. Holmes finished his outing with a strikeout in the fourth, capping off his first 1-2-3 inning of the day. 

As for Benge, he finished the day 0-for-3.

-- The Mets got on the board in the bottom of the fourth after Tyrone Taylor cranked a solo shot over the left field wall to tie the game. It was Taylor's second home run of the spring after he hit just two homers all of last season. Taylor went 1-for-2 and is now hitting .273 with a 1.091 OPS so far in camp.

-- New York took the lead a few batters later after a two-out rally started with two walks. Cristian Pache cashed in on another opportunity, doubling home a run on a line drive up the middle to give the Mets the lead. 

Pache has been a star in camp for New York with eight hits in 11 at-bats (.727 average), including a home run and two doubles, good for a 1.932 OPS. Sunday's double was also impressive because of Pache's hustle on a ball hit up the middle. The 27-year-old is fighting for a spot in the outfield, although he's struggled throughout his young MLB career.

-- Jack Wenninger, SNY's Joe DeMayo's No. 11 Mets prospect, saw some more action this spring in relief of Holmes and after a clean fifth inning with two strikeouts, he struggled with his command and lost the strike zone, walking five straight batters to start the sixth (plus a wild pitch) and letting the Astros tie it up.

-- Houston took the lead in the seventh on another wild pitch, this one by Bryce Conley, but New York tied things up again in the bottom half of the inning on a solo homer by Chris Suero. Things stayed tied going into the bottom of the ninth inning where Austin Barnes led off with a double, followed by a walk to Suero before finally Yonatan Henriquez sealed the win with a single to right field.

-- Ronny Mauricio continued his impressive spring with a hit and a stolen base. He's hitting .286 with a .904 OPS and has two steals in two attempts.

Game MVP: Cristian Pache

Pache's torrid spring keeps helping the Mets and his hustle could be the difference between making the team when camp breaks.

Highlights

What's next

The Mets will host Nicaragua in an exhibition game on Tuesday at 1:10 p.m. New York returns to Grapefruit League action on Thursday, March 5 when it takes on the Washington Nationals at 1:05 p.m.

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Will Warren’s strong start pushes Yankees past the Phillies

CLEARWATER, FL - MARCH 1: Will Warren #98 of the New York Yankees is congratulated in the dugout after being taken out of the baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies at BayCare Ballpark on March 1, 2026 in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Both the Yankees and Phillies ran out partial lineups in Sunday’s afternoon action, with many players on both sides gearing up for action in this year’s World Baseball Classic. Despite that fact, it was a relatively tight game, that moved quickly end-to-end, featuring plenty of good pitching on both sides and promise for their starters, Will Warren for the Yankees and Andrew Painter for Philadelphia. The Yanks got the better of the Phils at the end of the afternoon, 5-3.

Warren, who co-led the American League in starts last season and will almost certainly have a regular role in 2026, looked excellent in his second spring outing. The right-hander was cut off at 50 pitches on the afternoon, but he certainly made the most of them. Across 3.2 innings of work, Warren punched out three Phillies, allowed just one hit while avoiding any walks and keeping the scoreboard blank.

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This was obviously a promising start for Warren and the Yankees. If the 26-year-old can take a step forward in his second full big league season, it could be a major relief to a rotation that will be missing several key pieces in the early part of the season.

The first half of this ballgame flew by, thanks in large part to Warren’s performance in tandem with an equally dominant showing from Painter. The prized Phillies pitching prospect worked two innings against the Yankees, keeping things scoreless and striking out one in his limited 20-pitch outing. The Yankees did not record a hit against the 22-year-old.

For both sides, scoring kicked off in the fifth inning, after the bullpens had gone to work. The Yankee got things rolling their half when J.C. Escarra reached with a sun-aided double deep into center field. Two batters later, former Athletic Seth Brown singled to bring him home and give New York a 1-0 lead.

The Phillies punched right back in their half, however. The Yankees had Cade Winquest on the mound, who met Bryson Stott leading off for Philadelphia. The second baseman poked an 0-2 changeup deep and out to center field for a game-tying solo shot.

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Against the Phillies ‘pen in the seventh, New York once again took the lead thanks to some high-quality two-out at-bats. With Jorbit Vivas in scoring position after a walk and a stolen base with two outs, Miguel Palma kicked off scoring with an RBI knock. Yanquiel Fernández continued the rally with a run-scoring double, before Duke Ellis piled on with a triple off the wall in left-center. Ernesto Martinez Jr. put the finishing touches on the inning with an infield single toward the hole on the left side, bringing the score to 5-1 after an eventful top half of the seventh.

After Stott’s homer, the Yankees relievers continued to keep the Phillies’ bats quiet. Angel Chivilli recorded two quick outs after Winquest left the game, and Ben Hess followed with two scoreless inning, allowing just one hit in his solid effort.

The Phillies put a solid fight together in the bottom half of the ninth against Michael Arias. After a walk, Philadelphia’s Dylan Campbell plated their second run of the day with a deep triple off the wall in left-center, before being quickly scored himself thanks to a single from Felix Reyes. Suddenly, the Yanks had their backs against the wall, with the tying run at the plate, but Reyes was able to induce a flyout to the center fielder Ellis to put a cap on their 5-3 victory.

With the win, the Yankees improve to 8-2 in Grapefruit League play, and will next take on Panama’s WBC team this Tuesday in a tune-up game for the national team.

Box Score

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Ann-Renée Desbiens makes 17 saves, Victoire beat Frost 4-0 to take PWHL lead

LAVAL, Quebec (AP) — Ann-Renée Desbiens made 17 saves for her fourth shutout of the season and the Montreal Victoire beat the Minnesota Frost 4-0 on Sunday to take the PWHL lead.

Montreal moved a point ahead of Boston in the standings. The Victoire have won five straight and eight of nine to improve to 9-3-0-5.

Maureen Murphy had a goal and an assist, Maggie Flaherty, Dara Greig and Laura Stacey also scored and Hayley Scamurra added two assists.

Montreal captain Marie-Philip Poulin returned after missing a game because of a lower-body injury sustained in the Olympics. She assisted on Stacey’s goal.

Nicole Hensley made 29 saves for Minnesota. The Frost (7-2-3-4) were playing their first game since the Olympic break.

Minnesota was 0 for 4 on the power play, including 54 seconds of 5-on-3 in the third period.

Up next

Frost: At Toronto on Sunday.

Victoire: At Toronto on Tuesday night.

___

AP women’s hockey: https://apnews.com/hub/womens-hockey

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We’re mostly here to Paint: Yankees 5, Phillies 3

Mar 1, 2026; Clearwater, Florida, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Andrew Painter (76) walks off the field after pitching against the New York Yankees in the first inning during spring training at BayCare Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Sure, there is another loss in the ledger for the Phillies, one that will likely be forgotten in due time. We’re still gettin the good Bryson Stott right now, something to keep an eye on once the games actually begin to mean something. But today, this was the day to talk about Andrew Painter.

This was his 2026 spring debut, his first spring start since 2023. That meant that we were finally going to see how he looked three years later. How did it go?

His two innings of work really couldn’t have gone much better. He was getting whiffs, throwing all of his stuff for strikes and generally looking like he belonged. That last part may not seem like a big deal, but it’s no secret he wasn’t up to snuff last year in the minor leagues after we heard all spring how he was a part of their July plans.

His stuff?

The fastball is still a little meh, but the velocity of it today was such that he was able to get some late swings of hitters still getting their sea legs under them. The secondary pitches all looked quite good, that slider to Jasson Dominguez particularly drool worthy.

Painter has a decent amount of expectations on his shoulders this year, so starts like this do have value. It’s nice to see him get off to a good start to his spring.

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LeBron James’ daughter delivers first assist in Lakers’ win over Warriors: ‘She’s a good luck charm’

Lakers legend LeBron James and daughter Zhuri

SAN FRANCISCO — After playing in the NBA for 23 seasons, it’s rare for LeBron James to experience a “first.”

But he got one when he shared court time with his 11-year-old daughter, Zhuri, ahead of the Lakers’ win over the Warriors.

LeBron James had a special guest as Zhuri 11, joined her father on court pregame in the Bay! On Feb 28, 2026 NBA/X

His daughter mimicked James and showed off her handle as he went through his pregame dribbling routine.

She banked in a backward, over-the-head shot from the free-throw line before throwing a lob to her father, which he flushed with two hands.

It was not only the first assist of many for the Lakers, who blew out the Warriors to get back on track after a three-game losing streak, but it also was the first road trip James had his daughter on in his career outside of All-Star Weekend. 

“She’s a good luck charm,” James said of his daughter. 

Austin Reaves interrupted James’ postgame media availability to joke that James’ daughter was going to Denver for the Lakers’ next road game against the Nuggets.

“Don’t say that too loud,” James said while laughing at Reaves. “Because she’ll definitely be like, ‘Dad, can I go to Denver?’ She already said, ‘When is the next road trip?’ “

James said he and his daughter visited Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge on Friday night before going out to dinner. 

LeBron James had a special guest as Zhuri 11, joined her father on court pregame in the Bay! On Feb 28, 2026 NBA/X

“I miss a lot of moments spending time with my kids because of my career,” James said. “And any time I get to have — over the course of my career, any time I got moments with them either individually, two of them, three of them all together, whatever the case may be — it’s always special for me. So, to have my daughter want to come on the road and be with me (is special). Spent a lot of time (Friday). It was awesome.”

James made it clear that despite the pregame handles she showed off, his daughter is a volleyball player.

“Don’t get my wife mad — my wife is done with this basketball s— ,” said James, whose oldest son, Bronny, also plays for the Lakers and younger son, Bryce, plays collegiately at Arizona. “She’s done with it. She’s a volleyball player. But she’s been around the game for a while, so she does got good handles. She got a good form, too. But my wife ain’t playing that. Not another one.”

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Knicks 114, Spurs 89: “Look at the box score!”

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 1: Landry Shamet #44 and Mikal Bridges #25 of the New York Knicks celebrates during the game against the San Antonio Spurs on March 1, 2026 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

In a nationally televised broadcast, the Knicks (39*-22) hosted the Spurs (43-17*) for a 1 0’clock matinee today. San Antonio came into the game as the league’s hottest team, having won 11 consecutive games. Would New York be intimidated? They would not. After a low-scoring, poor-shooting first quarter, the Knicks hit the jets. Powered by Jalen Brunson (24 PTS), Mikal Bridges (25 PTS, 5 STL), and a defensive effort that held the Spurs to their fewest points of the season, the Knicks won handily, 114-89.

TomRogerAstro says, “Look at the box score! Knicks got 97 shots to their 77!” Yessir! That’s what happens when you out-rebound a team 54-41.

This masterclass had a less than promising beginning. To start the first quarter, the Knicks flailed about while the Spurs started strong. The guests opened with a 12-5 run, powered by Victor Wembanyama (25 PTS, 13 RBS) thundering in the paint, Devin Vassell (18 PTS) creating havoc on both ends, and De’Aaron Fox (7 PTS, 6 AST) pushing the tempo. Not a great first impression for our heroes.

Out of a timeout, the Knicks ran two plays for Karl-Anthony Towns (12 PTS, 14 RBS) to attack the lane—one successful, one not. Searching elsewhere for a spark, coach Mike Brown soon replaced Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Towns with Landry Shamet (7 PTS), Mohamed Diawara (14 PTS, 4 RBS, 4-of-13 3PT), and Mitchell Robinson (4 PTS, 5 RBS, 1 BLK). By the 1:30 mark, though, New York trailed 21-14. Then Dylan Harper flagrantly violated Brunson’s landing zone and ignited the Burner! Jalen converted 2-of-3 free throws, followed by a floater-and-one, and capped his run with a 25-footer. J.B. finished the frame with 11 points, the sole Knick with more than two so far. Despite hitting 8-of-23 from the field and 2-of-9 from deep, New York won the quarter 22-21. Jalen finished the game with 24 points on 7-of-16 shooting, plus seven assists.

That marked New York’s lowest-scoring first quarter since their March 6 game in Detroit, when they managed just 17 points. Although that sounds worrisome, consider that San Antonio’s 21 was their second-lowest Q1 total of the season. It’s safe to say that both teams took a while to loosen up for the early tip-off.

Once they found their footing, the Knicks went kaboom. They rode a 34-6 run from the end of the first quarter into the second, building a 14-point lead by midway through Q2. Stunned? Me, too. Bridges set the tone with a steal-and-score, a transition finish, and a three-pointer, while KAT hit the glass, scored inside, and facilitated from the post. New York’s defense tightened, too, generating multiple forced turnovers, deflections, and steals.

San Antonio responded by cranking up their ball pressure, creating a few steals and deflections. Once Wembanyama returned from a break, he stretched the floor with a pull-up three and finished at the rim. Still, his squad’s poor shooting and rebounding kept them on their heels, and by halftime, New York led 51-41.

That was the lowest-scoring first-half the season for San Antonio. The home team had shot better overall (43% to 37%), were slightly more effective from three (30% to 26%), and dominated the glass 27-20. Further, they had a 22-16 advantage in the paint and 14 fast-break points. Brunson led all first-half scorers with 16; Wemby had 13 for the Texans.

In the locker room, the Spurs revised their game plan: more double-teams and more touches for Wembanyama. The strategy produced mixed results. San Antonio chipped away at the deficit, but a Nova-themed response from Brunson, Josh Hart, and Bridges forced the lead back into double-digits.

Indeed, for every Spurs punch, there came a Knicks counterpunch. After Fox hit a three to trim it to 61–51, Bridges answered with a three of his own, and Towns threw down a thunderous transition dunk. Vassell and Wembanyama shouldered most of the visitors’ offensive load, while Mitchell Robinson continued to bully their frontcourt.

And here’s our man, Mo!

San Antonio stayed competitive behind Wembanyama—a backdoor layup, a late dunk—plus a Barnes three near the buzzer. But Bridges was on a heater and carrying the Knicks. Mikal poured in more buckets, stole more steals, and refused to be contained.

With five seconds left in the quarter, Jose Alvarado made a free throw. On the ensuing inbound, Wembanyama inexplicably passed the ball directly to the Spurs bench for his sixth turnover of the game—a moment that seemed to encapsulate San Antonio’s afternoon. Heading into the fourth, the Knicks led 80–69.

The Knicks opened the final frame on a 17-9 run. Diawara hit a three and a midrange jumper, Anunoby drilled a three, and Towns controlled the glass with a putback and two free throws. San Antonio still struggled to convert on offense, and Bridges picked their pocket for another score. Their advantage reached 16, and then 22 by mid-frame, as all of the Knicks got in on the scoring bonanza. From there, it was all maintenance. With two-ish minutes remaining, Mike Brown sent in the reserves and gave the main guys a well-deserved rest. Mark this one as a contender for game of the year, fans.

Up Next

On to Toronto for a tilt on Tuesday. Safe travels, Knickerbockers.

Box Score

* Should be one more. Write your congressperson about it.

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St. Louis Cardinals Game Recap – 3.1.26 – Pirates at the Cardinals

Game Summary

The Pirates come to town for their first visit to RDS ever and leave with a 28-year streak of never having lost a game in Jupiter. The Pirates broke on top early with a 2-run HR by phenom Konnor Griffin, added a 2 spot in the second inning and single tallies in the fourth and seventh. Offensively, the Cardinals mustered by one hit and scored a lone run a rally killing GIDP in the fifth.

Pre-Game Notes

The venue remains unchanged. Roger Dean Stadium. Pittsburgh is in.

  • Barco pitches for the Pirates. Leahy for the Cardinals.
  • Mautz, Rincon, Romero, Roycroft, Moreno to follow Leahy, not necessarily in that order.
  • Herrera at lead-off today. Followed by Urias, Gorman, Walker, Fermin, Pozo, Church, Davis, Rivas
  • Looking forward to seeing K. Griffin.
  • The big news is Oli’s extension gets rolled out today. Have you heard?
  • Otherwise, a quiet day at camp. MiLBers have the day off.

The Manager’s Corner (pre-game)

  • Oli came into the media room shortly after the press conference.
  • Noted Herrera at lead-off is a way to get him ABs early in the game and still get him some time behind the plate. Still in build up mode, but they like what they see.
  • Does not think WBC attendance by the 9 players listed will be nearly as disruptive as last time. Sounds like it can be hit-and-miss on what information they get back from WBC teams on how their players are progressing. Some orgs are better at that than others. Isn’t it that way with everything?
  • Seems he might know the Team USA manager.
  • Urias has been a topic of Q&A each day. I will explore that more in-depth in an article later in camp.
  • First trip ever into RDS for the Pirates. Cardinals return the favor this upcoming Thursday.

Game Observations

  • A double and a Griffin HR put a quick 2-spot on the board for the Bucs. Griffin launched a center-cut sweeper that swept into the hitting sweet spot instead of out of it.
  • Another 2-spot in the second inning, featuring more bloops and bleeders than anything.
  • Bedell into take the last batter of the third inning, with Leahy’s pitch count in the 50’s.
  • Through three innings, the Cardinals are hitless (been a bit of that at the start of this camp) and find themselves down 4-0.
  • Jhostynxon Garcia greets Romero in the 4th with a solo shot, otherwise a quiet inning.
  • Cardinals load the bases in fifth to make some noise. Davis GDP plates a run but ends the noise.
  • Mautz pitches 2.2 with 3 Ks, complicated by 3 walks, ultimately giving up a run. Nunez finishes the inning with a K after giving up a run scoring single to right. He is high octane.
  • Roycroft pitches a scoreless 8th w 2Ks.
  • The bottom of the eighth produces a Tai Peete sighting. He K’s looking. He loses the challenge and the Cardinals are out of challenges.
  • Rincon in to cap off the ninth. 11 pitches. 4-seamer tops at 97, avg closer to 95. Slider got outs.

The Manager’s Corner (post-game)

  • Leahy wasn’t as sharp as he’d want to be today. Got back in the 1st after the HR and got out in 11 pitches.
  • Herrera and Leahy seemed to be on the same page, Ivan managed the game well
  • Roycroft was sharp!
  • Mautz let some counts get away.

Final notes

  • Will work the back fields tomorrow in the AM and then begin to long trek home, so this is the last game recap.
  • Will recap the back field experience for my Friday article. It may take that long to re-surface and process all the impressions I’ve gotten. Some may marinate all summer.
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Better Know Your Blue Jays 40-Man Roster: Davis Schneider

Oct 29, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Toronto Blue Jays left fielder Davis Schneider (36) celebrates in the dugout after hitting a solo home run during the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game five of the 2025 MLB World Series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Next up would be Anthony Santander, but he’ll be going on the 60-day IL Let’s skip to Davis Schneider.

Davis Schneider is a 27-year-old, right-handed hitting, left fielder/second baseman. Last year he played 59 games in left and 24 games at second. He was drafted in the 28th round of the 2017. He’s the only player from that round of that year to make the majors.

He has two option years left.

Davis is entering his fourth season with the Blue Jays, taking it for granted he’ll made the team.

You’ll remember, he started his major league career like a house on fire, with 9 hits in his first 3 games, then a 9-game hitting streak. 2024 didn’t go as well, he hit .191/.282/.343, and had the same bWAR as you and I, 0.0.

I really didn’t think he would make the active roster in 2025, but he had an excellent spring training. Then he started the season without getting a hit in his first 10 games, and he was sent off to Buffalo.

He was recalled June 1st and things went much better from then on. On the season he hit .234/.361/.436 with 11 home runs and a 1.3 bWAR.

Davis does a lot of things well. He barrels up the ball well, he doesn’t chase out of the zone, walks a lot and hits home runs.

And, just by watching, I thought he was robbed on more strike calls than anyone on the team. He’s going to be helped by challenge system. There is a report that he and Alejandro Kirk (more on the defensive side) are going to be the two who will be allowed to challenge whenever they want, other guys not so much.

Defensively? Well, he’s average ish at second and in the outfield. He was a 0 in outs above average at second and -1 in left last year. And he’s average as a runner. He’s never going to get any awards for his glove.

Steamer figures he’ll play 74 games, with 11 home runs, and a .217/.325/.394 and a 0.9 fWAR.

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Braves have strong split-squad outing, as Austin Riley homers

NORTH PORT, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 20: Austin Riley #27 of the Atlanta Braves poses for a photo during Spring Training photo day at CoolToday Park on February 20, 2026 in North Port, Florida. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) | Getty Images

We were treated to a split-squad day on Sunday, with Reynaldo Lopez starting at home against the Rays, backed by most of the regular bats remaining in camp after a few WBC departures and Grant Holmes starting on the road at the Twins’ facility, backed by mostly quad-A players and a few prospects.

At home, Reynaldo Lopez sat around 92 MPH with his fastball, a few ticks down from his 95.5 and 95.7 MPH averages in 2024 and 2025. He allowed a few hard-hit balls, but struck out three and walked one through three innings. He generated 6 whiffs and kept Tampa scoreless in what was overall a nice outing for Reynaldo, even if the velo remained down in the lower 90s. Tyler Kinley followed Reynaldo and allowed a solo homer but got a strikeout and three whiffs in his one inning. Dylan Lee followed with a 1-2-3 inning of contact outs and 3 whiffs. Bullpen candidate Dylan Dodd got the sixth and immediately allowed two monster homers, hurting his chances of making the Opening Day roster over a guy like James Karinchak. Dodd ended up with 2.0 innings of work, allowing two homers, two singles, and two strikeouts.

The offense was pretty quiet to start the game, but scored one on an error after a Yastrzemski walk and two on a 111 MPH Michael Harris single. Austin Riley crushed a homer in the sixth, for his second ball hit over 106 MPH of the day, a promising sign. Toolsy prospect Diego Tornes made an appearance in the seventh inning, pinch-hitting for Michael Harris and worked a nice walk, still at only 17 years old.

On the road, Holmes gave up some hard contact, but struck out two and walked one through 2.2 innings of scoreless ball, sitting around 93-94 with his fastball. Garrett Baumann started the fourth inning and struck out the side on only one whiff, going on to collect another strikeout but only 3 whiffs total on 2+ innings of work, as he got unlucky on some soft contact to start his third inning. Hayden Harris continued his strong spring with three strikeouts and one walk in his 1.0 inning outing.

On offense, John Gil struck out and walked once each before scorching a 109.7 MPH line drive homer in the eighth inning, as he continues to have a really strong spring showing. Jorge Mateo struck out twice and had a sharp groundout in his three plate appearances.

Overall, it was a very promising split-squad day for most of the major league regulars and key prospects. John Gil has the looks of a guy who could break out and be a top 100 prospect this year, Grant Holmes and Reynaldo Lopez looked generally effective, although with diminished velocity, and Austin Riley and Michael Harris made hard contact. Dylan Dodd’s rough outing was a rough moment for him, as he seems more likely to be optioned rather than make the Opening Day roster, but there is time yet for him.

We’ll be back tomorrow as the Braves host the Twins and the WBC gets underway.

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San Antonio at New York, Final Score: Spurs can’t get out of the mud against the Knicks, 114-89

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 01: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs looks on during the first quarter of the game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on March 01, 2026 in New York City. 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 Dustin Satloff/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Jeremy Sochan got revenge and barely had to stand up, as the San Antonio Spurs got humbled and had their 11-game win streak snapped on national TV. It was their first game back at Madison Square Garden since Victor Wembanyama set it on fire in a close, losing effort in last season’s Christmas Day game. 

Neither side was shooting well early, yet Wembanyama’s defense set the mood, altering shots and poking balls loose. The Spurs raced out to a 12-point lead within the first eight minutes after pushing the pace and exposing the perimeter, but they loosened up when Wembanyama rested, ending the frame down a point thanks to Jalen Brunson going wild, careless turnovers and fouls.  

New York’s avalanche extended to a 29-4 run between the first and second quarters, as the Spurs’ offense fractured. Their first bench points came with six minutes to go in the half, and that showed a faint sign of a heartbeat, which Wemby soon cranked up with a seven-point burst. 

They went to intermission down 10 (scoring a season low of 41) with their biggest problems being unable to guard penetration, getting outrebounded, and their ball movement being below par. 

The Spurs subsequently got some help in the third quarter with Karl-Anthony Towns picking up two fouls in 93 seconds, and Devin Vassell plus Wemby combining for combining for five baskets, yet they were still sloppy, picking up turnovers and giving up second-chance points. The Spurs even did that thing again: giving their supporters hope off a few minutes of competent play. It included Castle’s hustle reinvigorating them, but their help defense kept getting exposed. 

The Knicks followed up taking charge fouls, forcing turnovers and smacking them with more threes, which forced to the Spurs to mix in a zone defense. Wembanyama took a rest early in the period and he came back after the hosts made an extra dent. The Spurs later submitted with fewer than four minutes left.

Observations

  • The Knicks have some muscle, and they played fearlessly against the team that had the biggest target on its back. They put the most pressure on the ball, were nastier on the glass, and made life difficult in the paint. The Spurs got within striking distance in the second half, but weren’t able to get over the hump. They finished scoring 92.7 points per 100 possessions, good enough for the third percentile, per Cleaning the Glass.
  • Wembanyama was the only Spur who showed up prepared and scored in double figures in the first half. The others were too willing to go one-on-one or take tough shots, and they defended in third gear. Still, it wasn’t all great for Wemby as he finished with seven turnovers and logged an abysmal 3-point shooting percentage (16.7). Aside from him, Vassell and Castle were the only ones in to score in double figures.
  • Brunson and Towns are two weak defenders, and the Spurs didn’t put them in screen rolls enough. Consider how Towns cannot guard at the level of the screen, giving the ball handler too much space. 
  • Blocks can be mentally devastating for the player denied because they start attacking less forcefully or stick to the perimeter. Castle boldly attempted a jam, getting stopped by OG Anunoby early, and only took two more shots in the lane by intermission. Then he made four shots in six attempts in the second half.
  • Jon Gruden has told a great story of Peyton Manning jogging up the sidelines, incredulously asking, “Are you out of your [expletive] mind,” after blitzing him? It’s exactly what raced through my mind when Josh Hart challenged Wemby, getting his shot swatted like a mosquito with a flyswatter.
  • It was a rough afternoon for Dylan Harper, who picked up two fouls within six minutes by lunging at a 3-point shooter and brushing up on the ball handler after biting on a fake. Still, he’s a rookie, so he gets somewhat of a pass, but De’Aaron Fox gets none. He committed the cardinal sin of fouling Brunson on a 3-point attempt in the fourth quarter, which extended New York’s lead to 21.

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Knicks look like contenders as they stifle Spurs in statement win

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Knicks guard Jalen Brunson reacts after hitting a 3-pointer during a win over the Spurs at MSG on March 1, 2026, Image 2 shows Knicks wing Mikal Bridges (25) dunks over the Spurs' Victor Wembanyama (1) on March 1, 2026

The Knicks offense started the game in shambles.

Then Jalen Brunson unshambled it.

And they never looked back.

The surging Spurs had won 11 straight, looking like an elite team with title aspirations.

And, since blowing a double-digit lead to the Spurs on New Year’s Eve, the Knicks had mostly dragged their feet.

But Sunday’s performance — a 114-89 win over the Spurs at Madison Square Garden — mirrored their showing in the NBA Cup Final against San Antonio.

This was a statement that they can still compete with — and take command of — the NBA’s best.

Before and during that Cup triumph, the Knicks looked like bona fide contenders.

But too often since that game, the Knicks were concerningly missing that identity — particularly against other supposed contenders.

Knicks guard Jalen Brunson reacts after hitting a 3-pointer during a win over the Spurs at MSG on March 1, 2026. JASON SZENES FOR THE NEW YORK POST

Sunday, though, it reemerged.

Brunson, after missing his first three shots from the field, scored the last 11 Knicks points to end the first quarter and they somehow carried a one-point lead into the second quarter.

Five of those points came on a five-point possession, when Brunson drew a flagrant foul on Dylan Harper while taking a 3-pointer — he hit two of three free throws, then after the Knicks kept possession, had an and-one, on Harper again.

Knicks wing Mikal Bridges (25) dunks over the Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama (1) on March 1, 2026. JASON SZENES FOR THE NEW YORK POST

Then the Knicks opened the second quarter on an 11-0 run — part of 19-0 and 26-2 runs spanning back to the first quarter — to take a 12-point lead before the Spurs called timeout.

That 19-0 run was the longest unanswered run allowed by the Spurs this season.

The Knicks shot 52.2 percent from the field during a red-hot second quarter and entered halftime up 10.

Their lead never went below eight points the rest of the way.

“We started taking the right shots,” coach Mike Brown said. “I told our guys ‘let that thing fly.’ Once we started letting it fly, good things started to happen.”

Mikal Bridges in the third quarter picked up where Brunson, who finished with 24 points, left off in the first half.

He delivered one of his most efficient shooting performances of the year, recording a team-high 25 points.

He went 10-for-17 from the field and 5-for-9 from 3-point range, 14 of those points came in the third quarter as the Knicks largely traded baskets with the Spurs, maintaining their lead.

“We’ve got a lot of guys who can score, so sometimes the touches might be limited,” Bridges said. “Just control what I can control, and that’s bringing energy on both ends and trying to make the right read and be aggressive.”

He also had five steals — he picked off Harper’s pass and dunked on the other end midway through the fourth quarter to increase the Knicks lead to 18 points.

Then Bridges picked off De’Aaron Fox’s pass later in the quarter and set up Landry Shamet for a dunk, increasing the lead to 19 points and providing an exclamation point.

“Sometimes, the ball has energy to it,” Josh Hart said of Bridges. “He was able to knock down some of those shots, get involved and then defensively he was able to play the passing lanes, you saw that today. It’s great to really get him going.”

On the other end, it was one of the best defensive showings of the season for the Knicks.

The 89 points were their lowest of the season for the Spurs — six points fewer than their previous low.

Victor Wembanyama, who has delivered some of the best games of his career against the Knicks, finished with 25 points.

But the Knicks didn’t let him wreck the game, as he so often does.

They had Karl-Anthony Towns match up with him on that end to start the game, then amid a big second quarter for Wembanyama, pivoted to having OG Anunoby guard him.

Towns and Anunoby mixed and matched on Wembanyama in the second half.

The Knicks also forced Wembanyama into seven turnovers.

Karl-Anthony Towns reacts after scoring during the Knicks’ win over the Spurs on March 1, 2026. JASON SZENES FOR THE NEW YORK POST

He only had two points in the fourth quarter.

As a whole, the Knicks held the Spurs to 41.6 percent shooting from the field and 26.5 percent shooting from 3-point range.

“That’s a really good team,” Brown said. “They missed some shots, but I think our weakside defense was really good. For them to shoot 26, 27 percent from 3, our activity on the weakside was really good.”

Towns only took nine shots and finished with 12 points, but he recorded yet another double-double, adding 14 rebounds — five on the offensive glass.

The dynamic young Spurs backcourt of Stephon Castle and Devin Vassell — along with the veteran Fox — have the ability to disrupt opposing ball handlers.

But they hardly bothered Knicks guards Sunday.

Sunday’s Knicks looked like the NBA Cup Knicks.

It was a needed reminder of what this team’s ceiling is when they’re firing on all cylinders.

Larry David was sitting courtside.

He was treated to a pretty, pretty good win.

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Canadiens Have Target To Consider In Blackhawks D-Man

The Montreal Canadiens are a team to watch between now and the 2026 NHL trade deadline. With the Canadiens being one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference, they should be looking to add to their roster ahead of the playoffs. 

One area that the Canadiens could look to strengthen is their defensive depth. Bringing in another right-shot defenseman, in particular, could benefit the Canadiens. 

When looking at trade candidates around the NHL who could be good fits for the Canadiens, Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Connor Murphy is an interesting option. 

The Canadiens were recently linked to Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen, so they at least are open to adding a big right-shot defenseman. With this, it would be understandable if a player like Murphy grabbed their attention. Like Ristolainen, Murphy is a solid defensive defenseman who could play on Montreal's bottom pairing if acquired. Murphy is also less expensive than Ristolainen, but signed for just the remainder of the season.

Murphy could be a nice addition to a Canadiens' blueline that would benefit by adding a bit more stability. In addition, Murphy could be a good mentor for the Canadiens' younger players, as he is a well-known leader.

Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see if the Canadiens look to bring in Murphy. On paper, there looks like there could be a good fit here. 

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Quick Spring Recap

Mar 1, 2026; Lakeland, Florida, USA; Toronto Blue Jays left fielder Jonatan Clase (8) hits during the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images | Mike Watters-Imagn Images

Jays 4 Tigers 4

I know it is spring and all, but I’d like a win again, one day.

But we were able to watch a bunch of minor league types (some of whom I had never heard of)

Pitchers:

  • Grant Rogers: 3 innings, no hits, no walks and 3 strikeouts. He was impressive.
  • Tommy Nance: 1 inning, 4 hits, 2 earned, 1 strikeout. He wasn’t impressive.
  • Chase Lee: 1 inning, 1 hit, 2 strikeouts.
  • Javen Coleman: 1 inning, 1 hit.
  • Michael Plassmeyer: 1 inning, 1 k.
  • Alex Amalfi: 1.2 innings, 3 hits, 1 walk, 1 k, 2 earned. and a blown save.
  • Hayden Juenger: Got the last out, but Sportsnet decided not to show it.

Hitters, Starters:

  • Jonatan Clase: 3 for 3, 2 RBI, double. .300 BA on the spring. Really good game for him.
  • Daulton Varsho: 1 for 3, double. .429.
  • Jesus Sanchez: 1 for 4, RBI, k. .143.
  • Brandon Valenzuela: 1 for 3, RBI. .300.
  • Yohendrick Pinango: Ok, who names their kid Yohendrick? 0 for 3, k. .077.
  • Arjun Nimmala: 0 for 3, 2 k. .182.
  • Rafael Lantigua: 0 for 1, walk. .545.
  • Charles McAdoo: 0 for 3, k. .357. He made an error, a rushed spin throw from short. He likely shouldn’t have thrown it but it was close enough for the first baseman to make the catch on. Actually it wasn’t an error, a hit, the throw wouldn’t have gotten the baserunner anyway.
  • Sean Keys: 1 for 3, double. .188.

Others:

  • Carlos Mendoza: 1 for 2, double. .571.
  • Jay Harry: 0 for 1, k, but he reached on a wild pitch for strike three.
  • Robert Brooks: 0 for 1, k.
  • Je’Von Ward: 1 for 1, double.
  • Josh Rivera: 0 for 1, k.
  • J.R. Freethy: 0 for 1, k. He looked 12 (to me).
  • Cutter Coffey: 0 for 1, k.

The Jays are now 2-6-2 on the spring.

Tomorrow, the Jays are hosting the Red Sox. Cody Ponce starts for the Jays. It is a 1:00 Eastern start.

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Rust and Kindel help the Penguins beat the Golden Knights 5-0

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Bryan Rust, Ben Kindel and Justin Brazeau each had a goal and an assist, helping the Pittsburgh Penguins beat the Vegas Golden Knights 5-0 on Sunday.

Rickard Rakell and Egor Chinakhov also scored as Pittsburgh improved to 10-1-3 in its last 14 games. Erik Karlsson had two assists, and Arturs Silovs made 22 saves in his first shutout since opening night on Oct. 7 at the New York Rangers.

Vegas goaltender Adin Hill stopped 17 shots. The Golden Knights dropped to 4-7-2 in their last 13 games.

Vegas captain Mark Stone left late in the first period with an undisclosed injury. Penguins defenseman Kris Letang gave Stone a seemingly harmless shove to the left arm with his stick in the neutral zone, though it may have caught him in the gap between his elbow and shoulder pads. Stone grimaced in pain, went down to one knee and skated off.

Kindel, a first-round pick in the 2025 draft who turns 19 on April 19, scored his 15th goal with 5:04 left in the first.

The Penguins grabbed control with three more goals in the second. Rust and Rakell each scored on the power play.

Brazeau made it 5-0 with 5:01 left in the third. It was Brazeau's 16th on the season, extending his career high.

Up next

Both teams play again on Tuesday night. The Golden Knights visit Buffalo, and the Penguins are at Boston.

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AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl