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Pirates 2, Cubs 0: Shōta Imanaga’s gem ruined by a total lack of offense

Shōta Imanaga was absolutely magnificent Friday at Wrigley Field.

He allowed just one baserunner, a two-out walk in the second inning. (More on that later.) He struck out nine.

Imanaga had to be removed after six innings, having thrown 100 pitches. No one quibbles with that. He was the first Cubs pitcher to throw 100 pitches this year. In fact, out of 376 games started in 2026 before Friday, just 26 pitchers (6.9 percent) had thrown 100 or more pitches, with the most being 109 by Robbie Ray of the Giants this past Tuesday.

Caleb Thielbar, who’s been so good out of the pen since the beginning of last year, wasn’t today. A leadoff single by Ryan O’Hearn in the seventh spoiled any thought of a combined no-hitter and then Bryan Reynolds’ homer gave the Pirates a 2-0 lead that they did not give up, and that was the final score on a chilly Friday at Wrigley Field, a 2-0 Cubs loss.

This is largely because the Cubs had baserunners all over the place but could not do anything with them. Runners in the first and second came to naught because Alex Bregman (first) and Pete Crow-Armstrong (second) hit into inning-ending double playes. The Cubs had two on with one out in the third — nothing doing. They loaded the bases with two out in the fourth, but Moisés Ballesteros flied to left. They loaded the bases again with two out in the sixth, and Matt Shaw, batting for Ballesteros, struck out.

There was one last potential rally for the Cubs in the eighth. Again, they had a runner in scoring position with two out, but Shaw flied to right.

If you are counting — and helpfully, that boxscore link does that for you — that’s 0-for-8 for the Cubs with RISP and 11 men left on base. They had six hits and drew six walks and, well, teams should score more than zero runs with all those baserunners. Just to give you an idea how rare it is to not score at all with that many runners, here’s BCB’s JohnW53:

The Cubs had been shut out in only five previous games since 1901 with at least six hits and at least seven walks, their totals today. This was the first by 2-0.
The previous five:
April 10, 1979: lost at St. Louis, 7-0 (seven hits, seven walks)
May 19, 1985: lost at Atlanta, 3-0 (seven hits, eight walks)
May 17, 1991: lost at Philadelphia, 1-0, in 16 innings (10 hits, nine walks)
May 7, 2008: lost at Cincinnati, 9-0 (six hits, seven walks)
Aug. 22, 2011: lost at home to the Braves, 3-0

So let’s at least give props to Imanaga for an outstanding outing. He struck out nine [VIDEO].

Here’s more on Shōta’s start [VIDEO].

And still more from John:

Shōta Imanaga’s start was just the fifth by a Cub since 1901 in which he gave up no hits, threw at least 6.0 innings and did not complete a nine-inning no-hitter. Imanaga also was the last to do it, going 7.0 vs. the Pirates at Wrigley Field on Sept. 4, 2024.

The three others:
King Cole, on July 31, 1910, in a seven-inning game at St. Louis
Zach Davies, on June 24, 2021, with 6.0 at Los Angeles vs. the Dodgers
Ben Brown, on May 28, 2024, with 7.0 at Milwaukee

There was some good Cubs defense. After Reynolds’ homer, Marcell Ozuna hit a ball to right-center that PCA ran down [VIDEO].

At the beginning of this recap, I mentioned I’d have more on Imanaga’s walk. That’s because… it shouldn’t have been a walk:

As you can see, pitch 9, which was called ball four, was a strike. The Cubs opted not to use an ABS challenge on this pitch, which I suppose I can understand that early in a scoreless game. On the other hand, if they had… the inning would have been over and it would have saved Imanaga the five pitches he had to then use to strike out Konnor Griffin to actually end the inning.

Only you can’t necessarily assume that, because the sequencing would have been different with Griffin then leading off the third. So who knows? I assume the Cubs brass will discuss this and decide whether, in the future, they might want to challenge a pitch like this.

Anyway, the offense, or lack thereof, is what made this a frustrating game. After Thielbar, Ethan Roberts and Riley Martin set the Pirates down with no further damage, giving the Cubs at least a chance to come back, but they could not. The Pirates appear to be a better team this year than last, so hopefully the Cubs will be better prepared for the rest of this series.

Saturday, Edward Cabrera, who’s been excellent so far this year, will try to help the Cubs even up the series. Braxton Ashcraft goes for Pittsburgh. Game time is again 1:20 p.m. CT and TV coverage will be via Marquee Sports Network.

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Mets' David Stearns gives vote of confidence to David Peterson; waiting for opportunity to call up Craig Kimbrel

David Peterson has had a disappointing start to his 2026 season.

After making his first All-Star Game a year ago, the Mets southpaw has stumbled out of the game with three subpar starts, including back-to-back outings where he's allowed five earned runs. 

But for Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns, it's still a small sample size and he believes Peterson will right the ship.

"Petey, I’m sure the last two haven’t gone the way he wanted, haven’t gone the way we wanted," Stearns told the media ahead of the team's series opener against the Athletics on Friday. "But we believe in who he is as a pitcher. He's a great competitor, and I think he'll put this past him."

Across his first three starts, Peterson has allowed 11 runs (10 earned) across 14.2 innings pitched. His ERA stands at 6.14 and the Mets are 1-2 in his starts. 

Following Peterson's latest loss, there were questions as to whether his place in the rotation should be reconsidered, especially with Sean Manaea pitching effectively in long relief.

Stearns is confident that Manaea will make starts for the Mets in 2026 and doesn't necessarily have to replace someone in the rotation to do it. 

"My expectation, just based on my experience of how many starters you need over the course of a major league season, is that Sean’s going to make a bunch of starts for us this year," Stearns said. "He’s very capable of doing that. We’ve seen some progress over the last couple of outings and that’s good to see. I give Sean a lot of credit for understandably being disappointed, but then going down there and helping the team, and he has helped us every time he’s taken the ball down there."

After experiencing decreased velocity in spring, Manaea broke camp in the bullpen. He's made three appearances, allowing three runs across 9.0 innings. While the velocity isn't where it was at his peak, it has improved and Manaea's pitching overall continues to trend in the right direction. 

Should we expect Craig Kimbrel up with the Mets?

Stearns was asked about the prospect of Kimbrel joining the club this season and if there's a timeline for that to happen.

While Stearns didn't go into details on whether the veteran reliever has any opt-outs, he was happy at what he saw from him in his first rehab assignment. 

Pitching for Port St. Lucie, Kimbrel worked a clean inning and struck a batter out.

"Craig threw the ball well yesterday. That was very good to see," Stearns said. "We continue to believe he can help us this year; he wants to help us. We have a stable pen so far. We haven’t made a move, but eventually we will. He’s certainly a candidate when we have an opportunity."

With Manaea giving them length and saving the bullpen twice, the Mets relievers are relatively rested and have been generally effective. But as Stearns said with Manaea, it's a long season and Kimbrel's name is likely to be called upon sooner rather than later.  

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Wizards vs. Heat discussion

MIAMI, FLORIDA - APRIL 04: Nikola Jović #5 of the Miami Heat drives to the basket against Will Riley #27 and Jamir Watkins #5 of the Washington Wizards during the fourth quarter at Kaseya Center on April 04, 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 Washington Wizards play the Miami Heat at 7 p.m. tonight. Watch the game on Monumental Sports Network.

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Reds call up Kyle Nicolas ahead of series opener vs. Angels

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 16: Kyle Nicolas #19 of Team Italy pitches in the eighth inning during the 2026 World Baseball Classic Semifinals between Italy and Venezuela at loanDepot park on March 16, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Gene Wang - Capture At Media/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Jose Franco played the role of long man in the Cincinnati Reds bullpen through the first two weeks of the 2026 season. He’s a starter by trade – and a promising one, at that – but manager Terry Francona needed to lean on him in that role given the banged-up nature of the rest of his pitching staff at the moment.

Franco mopped up Thursday’s 8-1 loss to the Miami Marlins in the series finale in south Florida, throwing 43 pitches to get through 2.0 IP. It was his second multi-inning outing of the week, and the gassed Reds bullpen simply needed another fresh arm. So, it was unsurprising to see Franco optioned back to AAA Louisville on Friday as the team brought up righty Kyle Nicolas to take his spot on the roster.

MLB.com’s Mark Sheldon relayed the news on Bluesky.

Nicolas came to the Reds in exchange for Tyler Callihan during spring training, though he was away with Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic at the time. So, it took a bit of time for the Reds to fully understand exactly what they had in him, and he began the year with AAA Louisville to get his feet wet within the new organization despite having appeared in 82 games at the big league level across the previous two seasons.

Nicolas allowed an earned run in his first appearance of the season with the Bats back on March 31st but has since fired 3.1 IP of scoreless ball with just a lone hit and a 6/2 K/BB. His high velocity stuff will play just about anywhere in the Cincinnati bullpen, though it would certainly appear now that they’re going to operate without a ‘long man’ until Nick Lodolo returns from his blister issue and someone gets bumped back from the rotation.

Cincinnati begins a weekend series (and 6-game homestand) on Friday night at Great American Ball Park, and they’ll do so with Chase Burns on the mound and the Los Angeles Angels in town. First pitch in that one is set for 6:45 PM ET as the game is being broadcast by Apple TV. Here’s how the Reds are going to line up for the opener:

And yes, it appears they’re going to wear their awful city connect uniforms once again.

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SB Reacts: Where fans expect the Mavericks to finish in the tanking race

PHOENIX, AZ - APRIL 8: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks and Royce O'Neale #00 of the Phoenix Suns talk after the game on April 8, 2026 at PHX Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Kate Frese/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

This is the final week of Dallas Mavericks basketball, thank goodness. We had a poll that went up earlier in the week asking fans just one question and there was the link to join the national survey, which you should do so we can get more Dallas representation. The one and only question asked where fans thought Dallas would finish.

The 6th worst record is what we tanking aficionados want and it’s still up in the air. If they lose tonight against the Spurs and the Grizzlies win in the Utah-Memphis supertank, then Dallas has the inside track to the 6th spot. But then they also have to lose to the Bulls Sunday. Seems hard to do for the Mavs, given how they play.

Now we get to the national poll. Remember, if you’re still tracking the league and want to make some bets, Fan Dual is the best place to do that. Question one asked which top 4 seed could get upset.

The Knicks and Cavs nearly split it and given how weird both teams play at times, that’s a good bet.

Next we have the same question but for the Western Conference.

This one’s a given. Too many injuries, with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves likely missing the entire first round. It’s sad too, the Lakers were looking fantastic until that game against the Thunder.

This next question asks which lower round team could make the conference finals in the East.

Results here were clearly compiled before Joel Embiid was ruled out with appendicitis, another brutally timed injury for the Sixer Big man. I think the other three teams all suck, so perhaps the answer is still the Sixers!

Last question is the same for the Western conference lower seeding.

This tracks with what I think too. The Rockets are messy but have talent. Nothing they do would surprise me.

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Awkward mishap derails Seattle Mariners' Ichiro Suzuki statue reveal

The Seattle Mariners honored Hall of Fame outfielder Ichiro Suzuki with a statue outside of T-Mobile Park Friday, April 10, but the unveiling didn't go exactly as planned.

As the cover was pulled off revealing Suzuki's statue, onlookers, including former Mariners greats Ken Griffey Jr. and Edgar Martinez, took notice of a bent and broken baseball bat on the bronze sculpture of the Mariners legend in his iconic stance at the plate.

"There was a fastball inside," joked Rick Rizzs, the lead radio voice of the Mariners who presided over Friday's ceremony, "but he still got a base hit! ... "What a remarkable piece of art."

Those in attendance found humor in the awkward situation, and the statue was fixed within the hour.

Suzuki played 28 years of professional baseball, including 19 season in Major League Baseball. He began his MLB career in 2001 with the Mariners and played there until 2012. In that span, he absolutely dominated. He was a spectacle to see. He was named AL Rookie of the Year and MVP in 2001. He also won Silver Slugger Award, AL batting champion and was AL stolen base leader.

His 2001 season was no fluke. Suzuki was an All-Star and Gold Glove Award winner in each of his first 10 seasons. He amassed a record 262 hits in 2004, a mark that still stands.

He finished his career with 3,089 hits in 9,934 at-bats for a .311 batting average; needless to say, his bat on the field rarely malfunctioned. Suzuki hit 117 career home runs, drove in 780 runs with a .757 OPS. He had 509 career stolen bases.

Suzuki's No. 51 was retired by Mariners on August 9, 2025. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame a month earlier.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Seattle Mariners' Ichiro Suzuki statue includes broken baseball bat

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Takeaways: Penguins Take Care Of Business, Clinch Playoff Berth With 5-2 Win Over New Jersey Devils

For the first time since 2022, the Pittsburgh Penguins are officially Stanley Cup Playoff-bound - and then some. 

On Thursday, the Penguins beat the New Jersey Devils, 5-2, to secure two points and punch their ticket to the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. This is the first time the Penguins will appear in the postseason since 2022, and with a Philadelphia Flyers 6-3 loss to the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday, they were able to secure home ice advantage in round one as well.

So many on the outside wrote off this Penguins' team before the season even began. Now? It's all come full-circle, and the team is happy to have proven folks wrong. 

"I'll be honest, it feels a little better given the outside expectations all year," Bryan Rust said. "Giving everyone a big middle finger feels good."

The road for the Penguins this season wasn't an easy one, nor was their post-Olympic stretch. And even this game had its moments early on.

The Devils registered the first five shots of the hockey game, peppering Penguins' netminder Stuart Skinner early. Skinner answered the bell, though, and Pittsburgh finally responded just under five minutes in. The Penguins were in the offensive zone, and Kris Letang managed to get the puck to a breaking Egor Chinakhov on the left side. Chinakhov sold "shot" all the way, but instead, sneakily threaded a perfect seam pass to Rust on the other wing, and he was able to execute a perfect one-time touch redirection into the net to give the Penguins the 1-0 lead on their first shot.

The Penguins took over the rest of the period for the most part, but they were still giving up some dangerous grade-A looks against. That came to a head approaching the midway point of the second period, when Paul Cotter took advantage of an Erik Karlsson misplay and took off on a breakaway, beating Skinner and tying the game at 1-1. 

But, as they often do, the Penguins didn't sit back or sulk. Instead, they got right back to work. Less than two minutes later, Pittsburgh gained the offensive zone on the rush, and Karlsson slipped a nice pass to Evgeni Malkin, who was breaking through the middle. Malkin then slid the puck forward to Tommy Novak, who went top-shelf to score his first goal in 13 games and restore the Penguins' lead.

They'd never surrender that lead, and, in fact, kept adding. Ryan Shea got possession of the puck off the ensuing faceoff, and he backed up and fed a breaking Chinakhov a perfect pass on a Murphy dump. Chinakhov managed to separate just enough to knock down the bouncing puck, and - off-balance, nonetheless - he reached forward with his stick, somehow getting a solid backhand shot off and beating Jake Allen blocker-side to put the Penguins up 3-1 just nine seconds later.

Jack Hughes added a tally for New Jersey within the final five minutes of the middle frame to bring the Devils back to within one, but the Penguins put any hopes of a comeback to bed in the third. Almost seven minutes in, Chinakhov pounced on a puck down low and used his foot to redirect the puck to Crosby at the net-front. Crosby made a nice move on Allen and almost scored a highlight-reel goal of his own, but he couldn't finish it - which wasn't a problem for Evgeni Malkin, who found the puck on the doorstep and put it home for his 19th of the season to make it 4-2.

Then, with three minutes left, Karlsson put the cherry on top with an empty-netter from long-range to give the Penguins the 5-2 and seal the deal on clinching for the first time in four years.

"It's exciting," Crosby said. "That’s why you play. That's the best time of the year. To know that we’re going to be there, to set out to do that... it’s nice to get rewarded. Everybody has had a part in this, especially with this group. Everybody’s contributed to get here.”

BREAKING: Penguins Clinch First Playoff Berth Since 2022 With Win Over New Jersey DevilsBREAKING: Penguins Clinch First Playoff Berth Since 2022 With Win Over New Jersey DevilsDespite outside noise, Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins have clinched a berth in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Here are just a few notes and takeaways from the Penguins' biggest win of the season:

- Honestly, I am not going to say a whole lot down here this time. There will be plenty of pieces, plenty of discourse, and plenty of writing to be had in the week and a half between now and when the Stanley Cup Playoffs begin on Saturday, Apr. 18.

That said, boy, this has been such a fun hockey team to cover this season. 

Head coach Dan Muse was asked after the game when he first remembered feeling like this team could be special. And without hesitation, he said "Training camp."

Honestly, I get it. I am not going to sit here and claim that I thought this team was going to make the playoffs, even if I did not think they would be a lottery team. I was convinced that it would be much of the same from last season, when they finished ninth-worst in the league.

But there was a different air in training camp this season. With the coaching change, with a pretty overturned roster, with legitimate youth talent pushing... you could feel an energy that simply wasn't there prior to the 2024-25 season. There was a lot of positivity. A lot of encouragement. A lot of hard work. A lot of responsiveness between the players and coaching staff. Just high spirits in general, and not the regular kind when a team returns to camp after months off in the summertime. 

No. You could sense the belief in this group from day one. You could tell the veterans - from Crosby to Rust to Karlsson and everyone else - felt they had underachieved in the previous three seasons. There was unfinished business with this core of players, and they intended to finish it.

Well, this season was a testament to that. What a special group this is. They earned this opportunity, and that belief and that energy carried them through the season. 

Bryan Rust Nominated For King Clancy Memorial TrophyBryan Rust Nominated For King Clancy Memorial TrophyBryan Rust is the Penguins' nominee for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy.

- That said, it's not like they operated entirely on belief. The talent and the depth is there, too, and it was on full display in this game. 

Chinakhov registered three points to give him 18 goals and 36 points in 41 games with the Penguins this season, including four goals and 10 points in his last five games. Karlsson scored his 15th goal of the season, yet another notch in an outstanding season and giving the Penguins 10 players with 15 or more goals. Novak got back on the board. The big guys put in some work.

Making sure the two points were earned in this game was a group effort that took everyone. That's been the case all season, that next-man-up mentality. I'm sure it will be the case in the playoffs, too.

- Skinner was outstanding for the second time in the last three games. He made some huge stops early on - when the Penguins weren't playing so well - to neutralize the Devils and keep his team ahead. And he made sure they didn't fall behind within the first five minutes of the game. 

He has separated himself as the Game One starter at this point. The Penguins have serious goaltending depth in their organization, so I'm not sure any of them are the "wrong" answer. 

But experience wins out, as does clutch performances in games like this. Skinner has brought such positive energy to this team - even more than it already had - and he deserves the net to begin the playoffs.

- There were a lot of other notes from this game, but I'll save some of them for later. I'll leave you with this:

Enjoy the back-to-back with the Washington Capitals this weekend. Make time to watch it and take it in. It will be nice for fans to not have to worry about the result, too, but the Caps will surely be pushing.

And this, very well, could be the last time we see Crosby, Malkin, and Alex Ovechkin go head-to-head. 

Ticket prices for these two games are absurd, but it's no mystery why. The Penguins and Capitals were the gold standard in the NHL for two decades. They employ the two biggest hockey icons of that respective generation as well as two of the greatest to ever play. Three, too, if you're counting Malkin, who certainly deserves that recognition.

Don't take it for granted. Again, enjoy it. You'll probably never see a rivalry quite like this one again.

Capitals' Alex Ovechkin Looks Back At Rivalry With Sidney Crosby: 'It's History'Capitals' Alex Ovechkin Looks Back At Rivalry With Sidney Crosby: 'It's History'Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby may be playing each other for the last time in the NHL this weekend. As Ovechkin and his teammates say, it's a historic rivalry that won't ever be recreated.

Bookmark THN - Pittsburgh Penguins on your Google News tab to follow the latest Penguins news, roster moves, player features, and more!    

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Cavaliers Reacts Survey: Fans predict result of possible Cavs vs. Hawks series

CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 08: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers runs a play against Dyson Daniels #5 of the Atlanta Hawks during the third quarter at Rocket Arena on April 08, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Hawks 122-116. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images

We don’t know who the Cleveland Cavaliers will be facing in the first round of the NBA playoffs. But there’s a good chance that it will be the Atlanta Hawks — a team that they defeated on Wednesday and will be taking on again on Friday evening.

Earlier this week, we asked fans who would win a possible first-round series between the Cavs and Hawks and in how many games it would be. An overwhelming majority believe that the Cavs will win the series (74%), but they’re split on the length of the series. Fifty percent of fans believe the Cavs will win in six or seven games, while just 24% believe they will do so in five or fewer.

It’s also worth noting that the community believes it could be a longer series. A total of 71% of those surveyed think that this will go six or seven games.

There’s some things to be sorted out in the Eastern Conference standings between spots five through 10 before we know exactly who the Cavs will face in the first round. As of now, it’s possible the Cavs could match up with the Hawks, Toronto Raptors, Orlando Magic, Charlotte Hornets, or the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round.

FanDuel believes in the Cavs’ chances in the playoffs. They give the Cavs the second-best chance to win the Eastern Conference at +310 behind only the Boston Celtics (+160). The Detroit Pistons (+480) and New York Knicks (+490) trail both. FanDuel lists the Cavs as having the fifth-best chance at winning the NBA Finals at +1200.

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Boston Celtics Daily Links 4/10/26

CLEVELAND, OH - MARCH 8: The sneakers worn by Derrick White #9 of the Boston Celtics during the game against the New York Knicks on March 8, 2026 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Lauren Leigh Bacho/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

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Lakers waive Kobe Bufkin, opening roster spot for playoffs

The Lakers waived Kobe Bufkin on Friday, opening a roster spot for the team to sign another player who could be eligible for its playoff roster.

Bufkin signed a two-year deal with the Lakers with a team option for 2026-27 in early February after starring for the organization’s South Bay G League affiliate and signing a 10-day contract with the Lakers in January. 

Kobe Bufkin’s playing time with the Lakers was mainly limited to garbage time, with Bufkin averaging 7.4 minutes in 16 games played. NBAE via Getty Images

The No. 15 pick out of Michigan in the 2023 draft, Bufkin played two seasons for the Hawks before being traded to the Nets last September before being waived in October and traded to South Bay in November.

His playing time with the Lakers was mainly limited to garbage time, with Bufkin averaging 7.4 minutes in 16 games played. He played four minutes in Thursday’s road win over the Warriors, scoring two points and racking up an assist.

Waiving Bufkin reopens the 15th roster spot for the Lakers.

They could convert one of their two-way players to a standard contract so they’d be eligible to play in the playoffs. 

Two-way big man Drew Timme started in Tuesday’s home loss to the Thunder, recording 11 points and three rebounds, and played nine minutes against the Warriors. Two-way guard Nick Smith Jr. scored a combined 23 points in 23 minutes on 8-of-11 shooting against the Thunder and Warriors. 

Players on two-way contracts have to be converted before the end of the regular season to be eligible for a postseason roster spot. 

The Lakers could also sign a free agent with their final roster spot. 

Players who were waived before March 1 are eligible to be on postseason rosters.

Rosters for the playoffs are officially set at noon Monday.

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NBA playoff bracket, standings, clinch scenarios, postseason schedule

Just two games remain in the NBA regular season, and the playoff bracket is still muddled, especially in the Eastern Conference, where the only seed that has been officially locked up is the Detroit Pistons at No. 1.

But the slate on Friday, April 10 could go a long way toward clearing up the picture. The Atlanta Hawks and Toronto Raptors can clinch playoff berths with wins (or losses by teams ranked below them), while the Boston Celtics can clinch the Atlantic Division with a win or a loss by the New York Knicks.

Out West, we know the six teams that have clinched the playoff berths – and the four that are in the play-in tournament – but the order of the No. 3, No. 4 and No. 5 seeds is still up for grabs, with the Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets all battling for position.

All 30 teams are in action Friday night, and there are plenty of intriguing games to watch. Here are the current NBA standings and what the NBA postseason and play-in tournament would look like if the season ended today:

SCHEDULE: Biggest games to watch Friday for playoffs, play-in (and why)

Friday's schedule

All times Eastern

  • Detroit Pistons at Charlotte Hornets, 7 p.m.
  • Miami Heat at Washington Wizards, 7 p.m.
  • Cleveland Cavaliers at Atlanta Hawks, 7 p.m.
  • New Orleans Pelicans at Boston Celtics, 7:30 p.m.
  • Philadelphia 76ers at Indiana Pacers, 7:30 p.m.
  • Toronto Raptors at New York Knicks, 7:30 p.m.
  • Orlando Magic at Chicago Bulls, 8 p.m.
  • Brooklyn Nets at Milwaukee Bucks, 8 p.m.
  • Dallas Mavericks at San Antonio Spurs, 8 p.m.
  • Oklahoma City Thunder at Denver Nuggets, 9 p.m.
  • Minnesota Timberwolves at Houton Rockets, 9:30 p.m.
  • Memphis Grizzlies at Utah Jazz, 9:30 p.m.
  • Los Angeles Clippers at Portland Trail Blazers, 10 p.m.
  • Golden State Warriors at Sacramento Kings, 10 p.m.
  • Phoenix Suns at Los Angeles Lakers, 10:30 p.m.

NBA Eastern Conference standings

(Through Thursday, April 9)

*- clinched conference; d- clinched division; x-clinched playoff berth

  1. c-Detroit Pistons: 58-22
  2. x-Boston Celtics: 54-26 (4 GB)
  3. x-New York Knicks: 52-28 (6 GB)
  4. x-Cleveland Cavaliers: 51-29 (7 GB)
  5. Toronto Raptors: 45-35 (13 GB)
  6. Atlanta Hawks: 45-35 (13 GB)
  7. Orlando Magic: 44-36 (14 GB)
  8. Philadelphia 76ers: 43-37 (15 GB)
  9. Charlotte Hornets: 43-37 (15 GB)
  10. Miami Heat: 41-39 (17 GB)

The Milwaukee Bucks, Chicago Bulls, Brooklyn Nets, Indiana Pacers and Washington Wizards have been eliminated from postseason contention.

NBA Western Conference standings

(Through Thursday, April 9)

c- clinched conference; d- clinched division; x-clinched playoff berth

  1. c-Oklahoma City Thunder: 64-16
  2. d-San Antonio Spurs: 61-19 (3 GB)
  3. x-Denver Nuggets: 52-28 (12 GB)
  4. d-Los Angeles Lakers: 51-29 (13 GB)
  5. x-Houston Rockets: 51-29 (13 GB)
  6. x-Minnesota Timberwolves: 47-33 (17 GB)
  7. Phoenix Suns: 44-36 (20 GB)
  8. Los Angeles Clippers: 41-39 (23 GB)
  9. Portland Trail Blazers: 40-40 (24 GB)
  10. Golden State Warriors: 37-43 (27 GB)

The New Orleans Pelicans, Memphis Grizzlies, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Kings and Utah Jazz have been eliminated from postseason contention.

The Cleveland Cavaliers and Atlanta Hawks will face off for the second time in three days as both seek to lock down playoff seeds.

NBA playoffs bracket

(Through Thursday, April 9)

Eastern Conference

  • (1) Detroit Pistons vs. (8) Play-In Winner
  • (4) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (5) Toronto Raptors
  • (3) New York Knicks vs. (6) Atlanta Hawks
  • (2) Boston Celtics vs. (7) Play-In Winner

Western Conference

  • (1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (8) Play-In Winner
  • (4) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (5) Houston Rockets
  • (3) Denver Nuggets vs. (6) Minnesota Timberwolves
  • (2) San Antonio Spurs vs. (7) Play-In Winner

NBA Play-In Tournament

(Through Thursday, April 9)

Eastern Conference

  • (7) Orlando Magic vs. (8) Philadelphia 76ers
  • (9) Charlotte Hornets vs. (10) Miami Heat

Western Conference

  • (7) Phoenix Suns vs. (8) Los Angeles Clippers
  • (9) Portland Trail Blazers vs. (10) Golden State Warriors

When do the NBA playoffs begin?

The NBA Play-In Tournament begins Tuesday, April 14 and finishes Friday, April 17.

The NBA playoffs begin the very next day, Saturday, April 18, featuring eight teams in each conference after two teams from both the East and West are eliminated in the Play-In Tournament.

Game 1 of the NBA Finals will be on Wednesday, June 3.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NBA playoff bracket picture, standings, clinch scenarios, schedule

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Game Preview: Suns looking to play spoiler in a clash with the Lakers

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 23: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers posts up on Dillon Brooks #3 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center on December 23, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Lakers 132-108. 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 Chris Coduto/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Who: Phoenix Suns (44-36) @ Los Angeles Lakers (51-29)

When: 7:30pm Arizona Time

Where: Crypto.com Arena — Los Angeles, California

Watch: Arizona’s Family 3TV, Arizona’s Family Sports

Listen: KMVP 98.7

Two games remain for the Phoenix Suns, and this one against the Los Angeles Lakers carries little weight. After beating the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday, the Suns locked up home court in the first Play-In game. If they had dropped that one, the conversation shifts. This is the fifth meeting with the Lakers this season, and it would have added another division result that could have mattered in a tiebreaker with the Clippers. That path is gone now.

So the focus turns to what is in front of them. The Suns are closing out the season, managing rest, and preparing for the Play-In game next Tuesday. Agree with it or not, that is the reality.

For the Lakers, this one matters. The Western Conference standings are packed tight between the three and five seeds, and Los Angeles sits right in the middle at fourth. The Nuggets are a game ahead, and the Lakers are tied with the Rockets while holding the tiebreaker. A loss here complicates their push to host a First Round series.

The challenge for LA is real. Luka Docic is out for the foreseeable future, and Austin Reaves is out as well. That leaves LeBron James carrying the load at 41, and he has shown he is willing to do so. In their last game, he delivered a performance that reminded everyone what he can still be.

If the Lakers want to hold onto that fourth seed, it may take another one of those nights. The Suns have played them well this season, and waiting for LeBron is Dillon Brooks…

Probable Starters

Injury Report

Suns

  • Devin Booker — OUT (Right Ankle Injury Management)
  • Jordan Goodwin — OUT (Left Ankle Sprain)
  • Jalen Green — QUESTIONABLE (Right Knee Soreness)
  • Haywood Highsmith — OUT (Knee Injury Management)

Lakers

  • Luka Doncic — OUT (Left Hamstring)
  • Jaxson Hayes — OUT (Left Foot)
  • Luke Kennard — QUESTIONABLE (Left Finger)
  • Austin Reaves — OUT (Left Oblique)

What to Watch For

The obvious storyline here is the Dillon Brooks versus LeBron James dynamic. These are two players who do not like each other, and it shows. Dillon sees LeBron as a rival. LeBron treats Dillon with a certain level of indifference. Still, there is something about going at LeBron that brings out a different level of engagement from Brooks, and that is something worth watching.

One of my favorite moments this week came from a video the Suns’ social media team put out. They have a great feel for those quick questions as players walk into the arena, and the answers can be telling. This week, they asked who each player would want to guard from any era. You heard the usual names, Michael Jordan, Allen Iverson, etc. Dillon Brooks had a different answer. LeBron James. He understood the assignment, and now we get to see it play out tonight.

I will also be watching the rookies, especially in whatever minutes they can find. That has been one of the more enjoyable parts of this season. The team has exceeded expectations and built a foundation for what comes next, and at the same time, there has been an influx of young players that invites everyone to evaluate, to project, to wonder what they can become.

Night to night, it becomes part of the experience. You watch, you analyze, you ask questions. Who are these players, where are they trending, and what could they be? That is part of the fun. I am looking forward to more Rasheer Fleming and Maluach minutes.

Key to a Suns Win

Be disruptive. That has been one of the challenges for the Suns over the past few weeks. A big part of that traces back to Dillon Brooks missing 18 games with a broken hand, and now working his way back into form. Before the injury, he was the tone setter, the one who brought energy and disruption to a team that often gives up size and has to rely on tenacity to stay effective. If the Suns want to win this game, that is where it starts. Set the tone. Make things uncomfortable.

The other factor is simple. Hit your three pointers. This is a team that leans heavily on the three, and the numbers tell the story. In wins, they shoot 38.66% from beyond the arc. In losses, it drops to 33.2%.

If the Suns bring that disruptive edge and knock down their threes, they have a path to beat LA and make things difficult for them.

Prediction

The Lakers are beat up, and LeBron is 41. That matters, especially at this point in the season. The Suns do not like the Lakers, and that always comes through in how these games are played. Even with Devin Booker sitting, there is still an opportunity here. The path is there if they bring the right energy and execution.

I think they take it. The Suns go into LA and win tonight.

Suns 119, Lakers 113

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Gamethread 4/10: Diamondbacks at Phillies

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 02: Jesús Luzardo #44 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches during the game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on Friday, May 2, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Denis Kennedy/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

Here are the lineups. For the Phillies:

For the Diamondbacks:

Let’s talk about it.

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Mets receive good news on Jorge Polanco, Juan Soto progressing as expected

The Mets have received good news on Jorge Polanco. 

The veteran infielder underwent an MRI on Thursday which revealed that there is no structural damage with his Achilles and he is dealing with bursitis, manager Carlos Mendoza said. 

Polanco remains day-to-day, but is not expected to require a stint on the IL. 

"It was good for all of us that mentally, now we know what we're dealing with," Mendoza said. "We know that there is nothing with the tendon and the area there, and now with the medication and the treatment that he's getting we'll make some adjustments and we'll go from there."

The team expects that the medication will help Polanco's Achilles heel, but they want to make sure he isn't putting too much pressure on the area for the time-being. 

Hitting and running both feel fine, but they will continue to limit him defensively as he recovers.   

Polanco took some swings when he came in ahead of Friday's series opener against the Athletics, and Mendoza expects that he should be available as a player off the bench. 

The 32-year-old has just eight hits through 40 at-bats so far this season. 

Juan Soto progressing as planned

To this point, David Stearns says Soto is progressing as the team would expect. 

"He's moving around indoors," the president of baseball ops said. "The key at this point is let's make sure he doesn't get de-conditioned and let's keep him going so that when the calf is fully ready, we don't have this lengthy ramp up.

"I don't have a specific, on this day he's going to start running, on this day he's going to hit on the field -- we don't have that yet, but we're optimistic this is not going to be a particularly long-term absence right now."

Soto, of course, also hit and played catch earlier this week.

When the Mets placed him on the IL on Monday (retroactive to Saturday), they noted that a typical return to play for this type of injury is two-to-three weeks.

Wham, Bam, here comes Pham

Tommy Pham officially kicked off his return to the Mets on Thursday in Low-A. 

The veteran went 1-for-3 with a single in his first at-bat, and he scored a run in the suspended game. 

Mendoza doesn't have an exact number of plate appearances Pham will need before potentially becoming an option in the majors, but he doesn't think that he's too far off. 

Pham will take the next step to Triple-A Syracuse soon, and then they'll go from there. 

The 33-year-old rejoined the Mets on a minor league deal on Opening Day, and he'll look to provide another veteran presence and outfield depth at the big-league level.

He remained a steady option for the Pirates last season, finishing with 28 XBH's and a .700 OPS.  

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Two-start pitchers: Garrett Crochet leads a list of outstanding options for the third week of the 2026 season

Hello and welcome to the third installment of our weekly two-start pitcher article for the 2026 MLB season.

I will be here every Friday to highlight some of the best two-start pitcher options in fantasy baseball leagues for the upcoming week providing my insights and recommendations on which options should be started or benched.

While it’s only the third week of the season, it doesn’t make it any less important than any other week along the way, they all count equally. Historically though, we have done a bit better streaming somewhat sketchier options at the beginning of the season, as bats are usually slightly behind pitchers to start the season, leading to more low scoring games. The cold weather in many cities around the league doesn’t hurt either. I’d much rather take my chances rolling out an extra start or two now than in the dog days of summer.

Now that we’ve seen each of these pitchers a couple of times (for the most part) we should have a better feel for how they’re going to perform for the upcoming week, rather than blindly trusting what we saw from them during the spring.

This is a living document, so we'll update the options below as the weekend moves along.

⚾️ Baseball is back! MLB returns to NBC and Peacock in 2026! In addition to becoming the exclusive home of Sunday Night Baseball, NBC Sports will broadcast MLB Sunday Leadoff, “Opening Day” and Labor Day primetime games, the first round of the MLB Draft, the entire Wild Card round of the postseason, and much more.

Before we get into it, we'll start with a couple of notes on situations that may be unresolved or teams that may not have a two-start pitcher lined up for the upcoming week:

The expectation is that Ryne Nelson will make two starts next week (at Orioles, vs. Blue Jays), but that’s far from a guarantee at this point. Merrill Kelly (back) made his final tuneup in an extended spring training game on Thursday and is expected to be cleared to join the Diamondbacks’ rotation next week. When and where he’ll slot in is anyone’s guess. Brandon Pfaadt has struggled the most in the club’s current rotation, but they’ve always jerked Nelson around and it’s possible he could be the one shifted back to the bullpen for the time being. It’s also possible that he slots in without replacing anyone and the Diamondbacks go with a six-man rotation for a turn or two to see how things shake out. If that’s the case, no one would double next week. We’ll keep an eye on the situation through the weekend and update here if anything changes.

It looks like two pitchers from the Astros should make two starts next week given the fact that they play seven games, but there are a couple of things still up in the air. Cristian Javier is tentatively scheduled to start on Tuesday, and he’d line up for two starts (vs. Rockies, vs. Cardinals) in excellent matchups if these were normal circumstances. They aren’t though. Javier was pulled from his last start due to a shoulder issue and it’s unclear whether or not he’ll be able to make his next start. There have also been rumblings of the Astros going to a six-man rotation, so even if Javier is healthy enough to pitch on Tuesday, it’s possible that he winds up getting bumped from his two-start week if both AJ Blubaugh and Spencer Arrighetti join the rotation. If Javier misses and the Astros stick with a five-man rotation, whoever takes his place on Tuesday would be an excellent streaming option. We’ll keep checking in on this one throughout the weekend and update if anything changes.

With the Dodgers moving to a six-man rotation, and only six games on the schedule for next week, no one in their rotation lines up for two starts next week. It’s possible that Justin Wrobleski, who goes on Monday against the Mets, could also wind up pitching on Sunday if anyone else gets scratched or pushed back. It’s also possible that Yoshinobu Yamamoto could work on Tuesday on regular rest and Wrobleski could be skipped this time through. There’s really nothing actionable here though, as Yamamoto is a start in all leagues regardless and Wrobleski is nothing more than a potential streaming option, though he would gain more appeal if he were to somehow pitch twice.

Someone is going to make two starts for the Rays next week (at White Sox, at Pirates) and will make for a terrific fantasy option, we just aren’t sure which hurler it’ll be yet. The expectation is that Drew Rasmussen will slot back into the rotation on Sunday after missing his last start while landing on the paternity list. In that event, Shane McClanahan would have his start pushed back until Tuesday and he’d wind up with the sweet two-start week. If McClanahan stays on schedule on Sunday, it would be Rasmussen lined up for the strong double. Either way, both hurlers should be started for fantasy purposes next week.

Going Twice…

Note: Probable pitchers as of April 10 and are subject to change.

American League

▶ Strong Plays

Garrett Crochet, Red Sox, LHP (at Twins, vs. Tigers)

This feels like an absolutely dream scenario for Crochet this week. Not only is he one of the best pitchers in all of baseball and someone that should be locked into every fantasy lineup for the duration of the season, but these matchups are unbelievable. He starts the week facing the Twins – a team that can’t hit against left-handed pitching – and he finishes with a matchup against the Tigers, a team that can’t hit against anyone right now. He has to be considered the top overall option on the board this week. Enjoy.

Trevor Rogers, Orioles, LHP (vs. Diamondbacks, at Guardians)

While many prognosticators expected regression to the mean after Rogers posted a minuscule 1.81 ERA over 109 2/3 innings across 18 starts in 2025. We’re now three starts into the 2026 season and Rogers has nearly an identical 1.89 ERA to go with a strong 1.05 WHIP and a 14/5 K/BB ratio over 19 innings. He should be locked in as an every week start for fantasy managers, so the fact that he gets two starts next week and they’re both in above average matchups is only an added bonus. Expect strong ratios, double digit strikeouts and a good shot at earning at least one victory .Rogers is one of the top overall plays on the board in a week that’s filled with strong options.

Bryan Woo, Mariners, RHP (at Padres, vs. Rangers)

Woo has been exceptional through his first three starts on the season, compiling a 1.50 ERA, 0.78 WHIP and a 17/4 K/BB ratio over 18 innings. It’s only due to the limited run support that he has received from the slumping Mariners’ offense that he has yet to record a victory. I like his chances of getting off the schneid this week. Like most hurlers in this top section, there’s no reason that he should ever be on the bench for fantasy purposes.

Kevin Gausman, Blue Jays, RHP (at Brewers, at Diamondbacks)

Gausman has been one of the top starting pitchers in all of baseball through his first three starts, posting a 2.06 ERA, 0.64 WHIP and a remarkable 26/2 K/BB ratio over 17 1/3 innings. Unfortunately for fantasy managers, due to poor run support and bullpen meltdowns, he remains winless. That should change this week. Keep Gausman locked and loaded in all fantasy leagues and enjoy another strong week from the 35-year-old right-hander.

Gavin Williams, Guardians, RHP (at Cardinals, vs. Orioles)

Williams has pitched like an ace through his first three starts on the season, posting a 2.04 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and a 25/14 K/BB ratio through 17 2/3 innings. Walks are always going to be an issue with him, but as long as he’s piling up strikeouts and not allowing hits, he’s going to continue to dominate. The matchups stack up well for him this week as well, going to St. Louis to take on a struggling Cardinals’ offense before battling the Orioles at home to finish the week. He should be an automatic start in all league sizes.

George Kirby, Mariners, RHP (vs. Astros, vs. Rangers)

While he has only logged one victory so far, Kirby has looked like himself through his first three starts on the 2026 season, posting a 3.60 ERA, 0.90 WHIP and a 16/5 K/BB ratio over a league-leading 20 innings. Now he gets two matchups at home against familiar divisional foes who shouldn’t be able to inflict much ratio damage against him. The Mariners’ offense will need to wake up and score some runs for him to rack up wins here, but the ratios and strikeouts should be there for Kirby. He should be started in all leagues.

Kyle Bradish, Orioles, RHP (vs. Diamondbacks, at Guardians)

The expectation on Bradish coming into the season is that as long as he was healthy enough to take the mound, he’d produce elite results like he had in each of the previous three seasons. So far in 2026 though, that has not been the case. Through his first three starts he holds an unsightly 5.27 ERA, 1.68 WHIP and a 17/9 K/BB ratio across 13 ⅔ innings. He picked up his first win his last time out though and looks poised to bring those ratios down this week with a pair of strong matchups on paper. He’s an easy start in all formats.

Framber Valdez, Tigers, LHP (vs. Royals, at Red Sox)

If I had told you before the season that you’d even consider benching Framber Valdez for a two-start week in the third week of the season, you would have told me that I was crazy. It’s unfortunate that he was lit up for six runs in the first inning by the Twins his last time out, but that involved a lot of weak contact and some suspect defense behind him. I’m not going to fault him for that and I’d wager that will be his worst start of the season. Don’t compound the mistake by having him on the bench as he logs 12 innings and helps to correct that ratio damage he inflicted last week.

Cole Ragans, Royals, LHP (at Tigers, at Yankees)

Unfortunately, Ragans was lifted from his last start prematurely after being hit on the thumb by a comebacker, leaving fantasy managers feeling empty and unfulfilled. He has been throwing without issue since though and is optimistic that he’ll be able to take his turn in the rotation as scheduled on Tuesday. If you drafted Cole Ragans, you simply can’t sit him for a two-start week, especially one that includes the hapless Tigers’ offense. I understand that a matchup against the Yankees in New York isn’t ideal, you just need to roll with him and hope for the best.

Ryan Weathers, Yankees, LHP (vs. Angels, vs. Royals)

Weathers has always been an intriguing option for fantasy purposes when he has been healthy, and as long as he keeps taking the ball for the Yankees he deserves consideration. Weathers has punched out 18 batters over 16 innings through his first three starts and has posted a terrific 2.81 ERA despite an elevated 1.38 WHIP. He gets the benefit of taking on two of the lesser offenses in the American League this week and both starts are coming at home. To me, that makes him a must start in all leagues.

MacKenzie Gore, Rangers, LHP (at Athletics, at Mariners)

Gore has been an absolute godsend to the Rangers’ rotation so far this season, going 2-0 with a 2.76 ERA, 0.86 WHIP and a 25/5 K/BB ratio over his first 16 1/3 innings with his new ballclub. A matchup against the A’s in West Sacramento is far from ideal, but it’s not enough to scare me away – especially when he gets to finish the week with a soft landing against the Mariners in Seattle. We have seen Gore have dominant first halves in the past only to falter as the season progresses. For now, fantasy managers should continue to ride the hot hand.

▶ Strong Plays

Jeffrey Springs, Athletics, LHP (vs. Rangers, vs. White Sox)

Springs is coming off of an outstanding start against the Yankees in which he carried a no-hit bid into the seventh inning. He now boasts a stellar 1.47 ERA, 0.76 WHIP and a 15/6 K/BB ratio across 18 1/3 innings through his first three starts. The only potential downside here is that both starts are at home in the hitter’s haven that is Sutter Health Park. I’d probably still roll with him in all formats this week, just understand that the ratio risk is higher than you’d think given how well Springs has pitched this season.

Nathan Eovaldi, Rangers, RHP (at Athletics, at Mariners)

In one of the biggest surprises of the season so far, we have seen Eovaldi get knocked around in his first three starts to the tune of a 7.98 ERA and 1.84 WHIP over 14 2/3 innings. He still sports a terrific 19/5 K/BB ratio and he has given up a league-leading four home runs, so those numbers are likely to move back towards his norm as the season progresses. This week’s matchups aren’t ideal though, having to battle the Athletics at Sutter Health Park before taking on the Mariners in Seattle to finish it out. It’s hard to sit Eovaldi for a two-start week, especially in deeper leagues, but I do have serious concerns about him doing more ratio damage during that first start in Sacramento. I think you roll with him in 15’s, in 12’s I could really go either way depending on if I wanted to protect ratios or chase volume in wins and strikeouts.

Joey Cantillo, Guardians, LHP (at Cardinals, vs. Orioles)

Like most members of the Guardians’ rotation through the years, Cantillo just continues to find ways to get it done. He has allowed just four runs (2.45 ERA) over 14 2/3 innings through his first three starts while punching out 20 opposing hitters. Expect him to add double digits to that strikeout total across this two-start week with a decent chance at picking up a victory along the way as well. He looks like an easy start in both 15 and 12-team formats and I wouldn’t mind streaming him in smaller leagues as well.

Will Warren, Yankees, RHP (vs. Angels, vs. Royals)

I like what we have seen so far from Warren through his first three starts, posting a 3.07 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and a 14/5 K/BB ratio across 14 2/3 innings. He should be a favorite to win in at least one of these starts – if not both – and I like his chances of racking up double digit strikeouts over the course of the week. That’s more than enough for me to trust him in leagues of all sizes.

Mike Burrows, Astros, RHP (at Mariners, vs. Cardinals)

Burrows was a popular sleeper candidate heading into the 2026 season but has stumbled out of the gate, posting a 5.63 ERA and 1.75 WHIP over 16 innings while losing two of his first three starts. On paper, this looks like an excellent get right spot, getting to battle a slumping Mariners’ offense on getaway day before taking on the Cardinals at home to finish off the week. I understand that it’s tough to trust pitchers that are struggling, but the strikeouts have been there even through the rough outings for Burrows and the ratio risk is mitigated by the strong matchups. I’d be comfortable starting Burrows in all leagues next week.

Reid Detmers, Angels, LHP (at Yankees, vs. Padres)

So far, Detmers’ return to the Angels’ rotation has actually gone relatively well. He sports a middling 4.60 ERA and 1.28 WHIP over 15 2/3 innings in his first three starts while racking up 17 strikeouts. The Yankees have been abysmal against left-handed pitching to start the season, which is enough for me to consider rolling with Detmers in both 15- and 12-team formats. If you’re already at a point where you need to be careful with your ratios, it may not be the right type of risk for you. If you’re looking to pile up strikeouts and take a shot at a victory, I’d be fine rolling with Detmers this coming week.

▶ At Your Own Risk

Sean Burke, White Sox, RHP (vs. Rays, at Athletics)

Burke has pitched surprisingly well through his first three outings (two starts) on the season, posting a 3.60 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and a 15/3 K/BB ratio across 15 innings of work. I think that he’s worth a look as a streaming option in deeper leagues and if he wasn’t going to Sutter Health Park to finish the week I’d actually have him in a higher tier. I just can’t bring myself to go all-in with the possibility that he gets blown up in that second start at the A’s. I’m still comfortable rolling with him in 15 teamers if I need volume next week but he’s probably a pass for me in 12 teamers.

Bailey Ober, Twins, RHP (vs. Red Sox, vs. Reds)

The only reason that Ober is started anywhere these days has to be due to name recognition. He’s a shell of his former self and has struggled to a 5.27 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and a measly 7/4 K/BB ratio across 13 2/3 innings in his first three starts. He gets the benefit of both of these starts coming at home, but that’s not enough to trust the ratio damage that he could inflict against a pair of strong offenses. Best of luck if you want to go that route, I will not be joining you.

Yusei Kikuchi, Angels, LHP (at Yankees, vs. Padres)

Here’s a situation where a stoppable force meets a moveable object. Kikuchi has been awful through his first three starts, registering a 6.75 ERA and 1.77 WHIP over 14 2/3 innings, though he does have a 16/6 K/BB ratio to his credit. Normally, someone going that poorly and taking on the Yankees in New York would be disqualifying for me. These aren’t your father’s Bronx Bombers though – at least not so far this season. Through play on Thursday, the Yankees have the worst OPS in all of baseball against left-handed pitchers at a ghastly .422. That’s not a guarantee that Kikuchi finds success here, but it does make me more likely to gamble and use him in 15-team formats.

Luis Severino, Athletics, RHP (vs. Rangers, vs. White Sox)

There are times this week when Severino will make for a strong streaming option, both in one-start and two-start weeks. Unfortunately, this doesn’t look like one of those weeks. The 32-year-old hurler was an abomination at Sutter Health Park last season, posting a 6.01 ERA and 1.53 WHIP over 82 1/3 innings in his 15 starts. Is it possible that he could sneak through here with a decent line and squeak out a victory. Sure, it’s possible. That’s not the type of ratio risk that I’d prefer to take on at this stage of the season though.

Going Twice…

Note: Probable pitchers as of April 10 and are subject to change.

National League

▶ Strong Plays

Paul Skenes, Pirates, RHP (vs. Nationals, vs. Rays)

After getting unexpectedly lit up on Opening Day, Skenes has locked back in and emerged victorious in each of his next two outings. Now he draws a pair of strong matchups against weak offenses and gets to make both starts in Pittsburgh which increases his likelihood of increasing that win total. There’s never a reason to sit Skenes in any format and you certainly aren’t doing so when he’s scheduled to pitch twice against inferior opponents. He’s one of the top overall plays on the board this week.

Cristopher Sanchez, Phillies, LHP (vs. Cubs, vs. Braves)

One of the best left-handed pitchers in all of baseball has been dominant through his first three starts (as expected) and now lines up for two home starts for the upcoming week. There really shouldn’t be anything for fantasy managers to think about here. Sanchez should be started in every league, every week, regardless of who he’s facing. Enjoy the added production from the extra start this week.

Jacob Misiorowski, Brewers, RHP (vs. Blue Jays, at Marlins)

The 24-year-old fireballer has piled up a remarkable 28 strikeouts through his first 16 1/3 innings on the season, registering a strong 3.31 ERA and 1.04 WHIP in the process. As long as he’s healthy and making his starts, he should be started in all formats every week, regardless of matchups. The two matchups this week are more middling than anything else, certainly no reason to avoid using him. Enjoy double the production. Just note that it’s possible the Brewers work in a sixth starter at some point (Logan Henderson maybe?) in which case you may only get the first start from Misiorowski – though you should be starting him regardless so there’s no change in the recommendation.

Eury Perez, Marlins, RHP (at Braves, vs. Brewers)

We have seen both the good and the bad from Perez through his first three starts. He has looked absolutely electric at times, racking up 18 strikeouts over his 16 innings of work. He has also struggled with his command, issuing nine walks and posting a troublesome 5.06 ERA and 1.38 WHIP. We know that the strikeouts will be there regardless, it’s the ratio risk that brings him down just a hair from being an absolute must start in all formats. For me, I’d bet on the talent shining through and would start him in all leagues despite the pair of difficult matchups.

Grant Holmes, Braves, RHP (vs. Marlins, at Phillies)

This one isn’t quite confirmed yet, as we’re waiting to see what the Braves due regarding the suspension to Reynaldo Lopez. The assumption is that they’ll use Holmes on regular rest on Monday, with Lopez slotting back in on Tuesday when he’s first eligible to return from his five-game ban. If that’s the case, Holmes will go twice and makes for a strong option in all formats. If they instead call up someone from Triple-A (Didier Fuentes?) to start in Lopez’s spot on Monday and keep everyone else on their regular schedule then slot Lopez back in on Thursday, then no one on the Braves will make two starts next week.

Michael King, Padres, RHP (vs. Mariners, at Angels)

So far, so good for King through his first three starts on the 2026 campaign. He sits at 1-1 with a 3.24 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and a 15/8 K/BB ratio over 16 2/3 innings. Performance has never been the question with the right-hander, it’s his durability. As long as he’s healthy and making his starts, he represents a strong play in all fantasy leagues.

Robbie Ray, Giants, LHP (at Reds, at Nationals)

Through his first three starts on the season, Ray has looked like his vintage Cy Young Award winning form that he displayed in 2021 – registering a stellar 2.08 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and an 18/6 K/BB ratio over 17 1/3 innings. The underlying metrics seem to support his early-season success and there’s zero reason that he should find himself on any benches for fantasy purposes, even when his first start of the week is against the Reds in Cincinnati. He should be locked into all lineups for all starts until he gives us a reason to think otherwise.

▶ Decent Plays

Mitch Keller, Pirates, RHP (vs. Nationals, vs. Rays)

Keller has always been a viable streaming option in weeks in which he pitches twice or takes on a lower-level offense. This week he checks both of those boxes, getting to battle the Nationals and the Rays at home. Furthermore, he’s in terrific form at the moment with a minuscule 1.00 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and an 11/5 K/BB ratio over 18 innings through his first three starts. He’s an easy start in all leagues this week.

Javier Assad, Cubs, RHP (at Phillies, vs. Mets)

With the injuries to Matthew Boyd and Cade Horton, the Cubs now have room for both Assad and Colin Rea to work in their starting rotation. Assad looked sharp in his season debut, firing 5 2/3 innings of scoreless baseball with three strikeouts and a 0.53 WHIP against the Rays. Assad has always been a viable streaming option when he has been healthy, registering a 3.37 ERA over 336 2/3 innings in his big league career. As long as he’s taking the mound he’s worth a look – especially in deeper leagues.

Matthew Liberatore, Cardinals, LHP (vs. Guardians, at Astros)

The Cardinals’ de facto ace has pitched decently through his first three starts on the season, posting a 3.38 ERA, elevated 1.50 WHIP and has has just 10 strikeouts in 16 innings of work. While he has been able to limit the runs against him, wins are always going to be hard to come by with the Cardinals’ offense backing him and strikeouts simply aren’t his game. The matchups are decent enough that he could be worth a look in deeper leagues if looking to add volume, but the overall upside here is muted.

Cade Cavalli, Nationals, RHP (at Pirates, vs. Giants)

The Nationals’ Opening Day starter has held his own through his first three starts, registering a 2.51 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and an 11/9 K/BB ratio over 14 1/3 innings. He isn’t going to win many games pitching for the Nationals and he’s not a major strikeout artist, so if you’re using him you’re just looking to add volume while attempting to minimize ratio risk. That’s fine in deeper leagues if you want to take the gamble, personally I’d be looking in places with more overall upside and appeal.

▶ At Your Own Risk

Brady Singer, Reds, RHP (vs. Giants, at Twins)

In most years we’d be considering Singer as a streaming option for most two-start weeks, but he hasn’t looked like himself through his first three starts of the season – posting a miserable 7.71 ERA, 2.06 WHIP and a 13/3 K/BB ratio over 11 2/3 innings. Could this be the week that he gets back on track? It’s entirely possible. Whether or not you roll the dice though depends on your risk tolerance. The strikeouts should be there regardless and the matchups aren’t terrible, especially since he gets to face Bailey Ober and the Twins in that second start. You may be hard pressed to find better options in 15-teamers, in 12’s I think I’m leaving him on the bench for this one.

David Peterson, Mets, LHP (at Dodgers, at Cubs)

I’ll admit that this is a tough one for me personally this week. I drafted Peterson on my most important team this year (15-teamer) and am debating whether or not to use this awful two-step or to cut bait with him completely. He has been abysmal through his first three starts with a 6.14 ERA and a cringe-inducing 1.84 WHIP to go along with a 14/6 K/BB ratio over his 14 2/3 innings. Do I expect him to be better than that from here on out? Yes. Do I think he’s worth using this week in a tough road two-step against two of the better offenses in all of baseball? That seems like a stretch. The Dodgers have been predictably crushing left-handers this season to the tune of an .828 OPS. It seems like starting him there would be playing with fire. And if you’re not using him for a two-start week, why are you even rostering him at this stage? I think I’m going to cut bait and avoid it altogether.

Michael Lorenzen, Rockies, RHP (at Astros, vs. Dodgers)

Never Rockies. It will be so much easier on your ratios if you adopt that simply mantra. I understand that most of the Rockies’ rotation has pitched well to start the season. That’s not going to continue. You don’t want to use them, especially on split weeks where they have to play at Coors Field. That’s further entrenched for Lorenzen here with a matchup against the Dodgers at Coors Field over the weekend. There is just no logical reason to go there. Stay away.

Miles Mikolas, Nationals, RHP (at Pirates, vs. Giants)

Despite donning a different jersey this season, Mikolas remains the same uninspiring fantasy option. He holds a depressing 12.41 ERA and 2.35 WHIP over 12 1/3 innings while losing each of his first three starts with the Nationals. He should be nowhere near any fantasy lineups and it’s possible if he gets beaten badly enough by the Pirates to start the week that he could be out of a job before his second start over the weekend.