A’s Drop Both Sides Of Saturday Double Header

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 07: Gage Jump #79 of the Athletics throws a pitch against the Los Angeles Angels in the first inning of a spring training game at Las Vegas Ballpark on March 07, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Angels defeated the Athletics 3-0. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images

One day, two losses. The A’s split the team up and dropped both sides of Saturday’s double header, first falling to the Cubs in Arizona 4-3 and then seeing the other half lose to the Angels 3-0 in front of their future Las Vegas fans. Not a great day for scores but still exhibition!

More to come…

Dodgers vs. Rockies game chat

Feb 19, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Landon Knack poses for a portrait during photo day at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Featuring in the last game of Saturday’s slate, the Landon Knack-led Dodgers play host to the Colorado Rockies.

  • Teams: Dodgers vs. Rockies
  • Stadium: Camelback Ranch, Glendale
  • Time: 5:05 p.m. PT
  • TV: MLB Network & SportsNet LA
  • Radio: Dodgers Radio AM 570

The ‘world-class’ Islanders reason that contributed to Brayden Schenn waiving no-trade clause

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Brayden Schenn #10 of the St. Louis Blues skates against the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center on February 4, 2026 in Dallas, Texas, Image 2 shows Matthew Schaefer #48 of the New York Islanders clears the puck during the second period against the Los Angeles Kings at Crypto.com Arena on March 5, 2026 in Los Angeles, California
schenn islanders

SAN JOSE, Calif. — In the lead-up to the draft, when Matthew Schaefer was asked what he knew about the Islanders, answers usually mentioned the players with whom he happened to share an agent. 

That reflected something a little uncomfortable.

The Islanders, even with the new arena and even with recent success, were still a franchise that didn’t have much of a profile around the league.

Players who played there had plenty of good things to say and loved the area.

Those who didn’t tended to include Long Island on no-trade lists.

Brayden Schenn, who had a 15-team no-trade list this season, was one of them. 

Now, the first thing everyone associates with the Islanders is Schaefer.

So when Schenn was asked to waive his no-trade clause to come to the Islanders on Friday, the 18-year-old defenseman was a huge reason why he said “yes.” 

Brayden Schenn skates against the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center on February 4, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. NHLI via Getty Images

“That’s no secret,” Schenn said before the Islanders’ 2-1 overtime win over the Sharks on Saturday. “He’s world-class. He’s elite. You hear a lot about him; you see his highlights. And I think you really learn what a guy’s all about when you start playing with him. The guys in this room obviously speak very, very highly of him, how dynamic [he is]. We all know what he does as a player. 

“I think what guys say is how good of a person he is, how fun it is to be around him. When superstars in this league are good guys that take care of his teammates, guys are gonna want to be around him. And guys are only gonna want to come to the New York Islanders in the future just because of his talent and character.” 

That’s music to the ears of fans who have watched their Islanders struggle to attract free agents for a long time. 

Schaefer is not the only reason to come and was not the only reason Schenn agreed to the move.

He has relationships with Thomas Hickey, Josh Bailey, Cal Clutterbuck and Matt Martin.

He’d heard good things about the community.

The Islanders are competing for a playoff spot.

\That’s all appealing. 



Schaefer, though, was the first thing he brought up when listing off the reasons. 

“What enticed me about this team, if you look, it’s a franchise defenseman that’s obviously taking the league by storm,” he said before referencing standout Ilya Sorokin. “Great goaltender, lots of skill up front. When you always play the Islanders two times a year for the past nine or 10 years, you always knew you were gonna get a tough game.” 

Matthew Schaefer of the New York Islanders clears the puck during the second period against the Los Angeles Kings at Crypto.com Arena on March 5, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. NHLI via Getty Images

Part of the goal in acquiring Schenn ahead of Friday’s trade deadline was to get tougher and harder to play against.

He lined up Saturday between Cal Ritchie and Ondrej Palat on the second line.

Taking some responsibility off the 21-year-old Ritchie’s shoulders is a nice side effect. 

“I think he’s gonna be a great mentor to Cal,” coach Patrick Roy said, noting how much dialogue the two had just in one morning skate. “I think that’s gonna help him. It’s nice to see that kind of leadership.” 

Schenn, who bargained with Simon Holmstrom to keep the No. 10, will get a quick homecoming in St. Louis on Tuesday night before playing his first home game with the Islanders against the Kings on Friday.

He’s still in the middle of a whirlwind that started two days ago when Blues general manager Doug Armstrong called him with a heads up of where this could end up going. 

“Even before that, we all knew with where we were at, it’s not this year, it’s previous years, too, in St. Louis, where they weren’t pretty happy with the direction of the team,” Schenn said. “I was there for a long time. They’re going all 20-, 22-year-olds. I’m looking forward to coming to a team chasing a playoff spot. You can just tell right now it’s a great group of guys that have fun playing for one another. Good to be a part of the group.”

Andrew Mangiapane Makes Good First Impression, Including Nice Words About Connor Bedard

Ahead of the trade deadline, Andrew Mangiapane was the one roster player to come to the Chicago Blackhawks. He came with a first-round pick from the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for Jason Dickinson and Colton Dach. 

Things didn't work out for Mangiapane in Edmonton, and they were desperate to move him for players that better fit what they were trying to do. 

With Chicago, Mangiapane has an opportunity to play on a team that doesn't have pressure to win. He does has pressure to keep his NHL career alive, and it's easier to do that on a non-playoff team loaded with young players like the Blackhawks. 

Friday's game against the Vancouver Canucks was his first opportunity to suit up in a Chicago sweater. He battled some visa issues after the trade, but he was able to make it in time to participate. 

In his first game, following an incredibly crazy time for him, he made a good first impression. He had a couple of scoring chances, three hits, and took a penalty in 8:52 of ice time. Jeff Blashill didn't play him a ton in his first game, but that ice time will only increase as he gets in more games. 

"He played 8:52, so he didn't get a ton," Blashill said of Mangiapane's usage. "He got in a tough spot in the second there. There was four-on four, power play, penalty kill. He's not on any of those right now. He did a good job. I thought he showed the tenacity that I think he's gonna have to have to be successful for us."

Mangiapane was a cap-dump. Nobody in the organization thinks he's going to be the 35-goal scorer that he once was with them, but they do think he can do the little things needed to earn himself more work down the line. 

Over the course of his career, he has shared a bench with some really good players. Now, he gets to see Connor Bedard up close and personal, and he recognizes that an elite talent is rising. 

“I played with him at Worlds a couple of years ago, and it was my first time watching him. He's definitely matured and grown since then. He’s a special player in this league, and you could see it on the ice.”

It sounds like Mangiapane is bought into what the Blackhawks are doing, and that includes the nice words about the superstar in town. 

The highlight of Mangiapane's night was very close to being a goal. He made a great play at the net-mouth, and the puck ended up in the net, but the officials ruled that Landon Slaggert kicked it in. 

Mangiapane has the tools to be an effective player in the league. If he can defend well enough, he'll continue to get ice time, which will allow him to also be involved on offense. Off the ice, he already fits right in. 

Image

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Pitt extends its season with a 71-69 overtime win against Syracuse

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) — Cameron Corhen scored 21 points, and Nojus Indrusaitis scored the winning bucket with 4.3 seconds left in overtime to give Pittsburgh a 71-69 victory over Syracuse on Saturday in the regular-season finale for both teams.

With the win, Pitt (12-19, 5-13) clinched the final spot into the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament. Syracuse (15-16, 6-12) will enter the tournament on a five-game losing streak.

The game was scoreless for nearly 2 1/2 minutes in overtime before Pitt called a timeout with 10.2 seconds left. Indrusaitis then took the inbound pass and drove to the basket and scored when William Kyle III was called for goaltending.

Naithan George's 3-point heave from midcourt hit the back of the rim to end it.

Barry Dunning Jr. added 17 points and Indrusaitis finished with 16 for the Panthers.

George scored a season-high 26 points for Syracuse. Donnie Freeman added 18 points and Nate Kingz chipped in with 14.

Freeman made a pair of free throws with 1:08 left in regulation to knot it at 65-all. Damarco Minor's 3-point try for Pitt rimmed out with 14 seconds left, and Kingz missed a 3-point try at the buzzer to force overtime.

Up next

Pitt: The No. 15 seed Panthers play 10th-seeded Stanford on Tuesday to open the ACC Tournament in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Syracuse: The No. 14 seed Orange face 11th-seeded SMU on Tuesday in the conference tournament.

___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here and here (AP News mobile app). AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball

Anthony Volpe keeps checking off Yankees boxes as his recovery hits next step: ‘In a good spot’

New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe catching a baseball at 2nd base during a workout.
Anthony Volpe is pictured during the Yankees' Feb. 27 workout at spring training.

TAMPA — Anthony Volpe is not sure when he will debut this season and not sure when his swing progression will graduate to live at-bats, but he is checking off boxes and progressing well.

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The tallest hurdle for the recovering shortstop had entailed diving, which he began doing last week.

Thus far, his left shoulder, which underwent surgery in October to repair a torn labrum, has held up well through the dives.

“I feel like I’ve been able to handle everything thrown at me so far,” Volpe said Saturday from Steinbrenner Field.

Volpe is swinging and “in the middle of the hitting progression” he said, and has experienced no setbacks following a procedure that will keep him out of games until April or — more likely — May.

Anthony Volpe is pictured during the Yankees’ Feb. 27 workout at spring training. Charles Wenzelberg

The shoulder issue began in early May of last year, when Volpe heard a “pop” diving for a ball.

What followed were two midseason cortisone shots and perhaps Volpe’s worst stretch of play in his three major league seasons, when his usually reliable defense faltered and he hit poorly enough to lose some September time to José Caballero.

Exactly how much Volpe’s hurting shoulder contributed to his downturn is a matter of debate.

Does his shoulder feel significantly different now?

“I definitely feel like it’s healthy,” Volpe said. “I think I’m just progressing. The way I can tell [it’s improving] is it’s responding to the treatments. Every day is better, even if it’s a very small amount. I feel better every day.

“Whereas [last year], you do a bunch of treatment and you just don’t respond or you feel worse.”

The second cortisone shot, given in September, appeared to work and preceded an upturn in Volpe’s production defensively and offensively.

Still, the season ended with Volpe’s bat struggling in the ALDS after a campaign in which he was again a below-average hitter.

In 472 major league games, the New York native has posted just a .662 OPS.

For the first time since Volpe won the job from Oswald Peraza in spring training of 2023, there is some shortstop competition.

Caballero, who was excellent in 40 games with the Yankees (.828 OPS and 15 steals) after coming over from the Rays, is expected to be the Opening Day shortstop.

There is reason for Volpe to try to get back on the field as soon as he can.

Anthony Volpe throws a ball during the Yankees’ spring training workout Feb. 16. Charles Wenzelberg

So far, so good.

“I’m in a good spot,” Volpe said, “and I feel like I could do more, which I think is what [the trainers] want.”

Kodai Senga’s fastball makes velo jump in first spring outing in positive Mets sign

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows New York Mets pitcher Kodai Senga (34) pitches in the first inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium, Image 2 shows New York Mets pitcher Kodai Senga (34) walks off the mound in the second inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium
Mets

JUPITER, Fla. — Kodai Senga’s four-seam fastball scintillated Saturday, a positive development that didn’t match his results from this first Grapefruit League outing. 

One of those fastballs disappeared behind the fence at Roger Dean Ceverlot Stadium.

An inning later, Senga threw a forkball that also went for a solo homer. 

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“Overall, really good outing,” Senga said through an interpreter on a day the Mets beat the Cardinals 3-2. “The results, a couple of homers, but no big deal. I’m working on things and we’ll continue to work on things the next outing, but overall it was really good today.” 

Senga, who allowed two earned runs on three hits with two strikeouts over 2 ²/₃ innings, peaked at 98.9 mph with his four-seamer.

He averaged 96.7 mph with the pitch — an increase of 2 mph from last season. 

“It’s not something that I have seen the last two years that I have been here,” manager Carlos Mendoza said. “On the first day [of camp], he’s 94-95 and then Day 1 when he’s playing in a real game you see 97-98, and just how sharp he was. He’s healthy and you can see it now.” 

New York Mets pitcher Kodai Senga (34) pitches in the first inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium on March 7, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Senga, who threw 50 pitches, allowed a homer to Joshua Baez in the second inning and another to Miguel Ugueto in the third.

He got Nolan Gorman to hit into a double play to end the first inning after allowing a single to Alec Burleson. 

“Not only the 98 [mph], but his ability to spin it, too,” Mendoza said. “I thought he stole a couple of strike ones with his breaking ball, but he used the fastball, he used the split. You have got 98 and got that forkball, it’s pretty impressive.” 

The right-hander finished last season at Triple-A Syracuse following a second-half nosedive.

Senga, who carried a 1.47 ERA into mid-June, never really regained his mojo following a stint on the injured list with a hamstring injury

Senga cited mechanical adjustments as the biggest factor in his increased velocity. 

“I’m getting my body back to where I need to be so that I can perform,” Senga said. “I feel like I’m there right now.” 

New York Mets pitcher Kodai Senga (34) walks off the mound in the second inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

If the Mets escape spring training with full health among the starting pitchers — a big “if” — the plan is to deploy a six-man rotation that includes Senga. 

And Senga said he is prepared to pitch on the normal fifth day if that is what the organization decides. Over his first three seasons, Senga has mostly been afforded an extra day of rest. 

“I’ve never said that I can’t throw on regular rest or that I prefer an extra day,” Senga said. “If I’m told by the organization, ‘Hey, you are going on this day,’ that is what I am going to prepare for. As long as I know beforehand, I have no issues with that. Nothing has changed.” 

Senga appears more relaxed to Mendoza. 

“You see a Kodai Senga in the clubhouse smiling, more interactions with teammates,” Mendoza said. “He’s not in the training room getting treatment. He’s a healthy player that is able to do a lot of different things, but it affects the personality, so definitely a different version this year.” 

How different is Senga’s level of confidence from the second half of last season? 

“It’s pretty high because he’s feeling good,” Mendoza said. “We have got to keep it there. He’s working hard and he’s listening. Not that he didn’t listen before, but he’s just a different guy.”

Mets getting to test their double-play combination as Francisco Lindor continues recovery

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows New York Mets second baseman Marcus Semien (10) throwing to first, Image 2 shows New York Mets player Francisco Lindor jogging during spring training
Marcus Semien and Francisco Lindor have started to build some infield chemistry for the Mets.

JUPITER, Fla. — The Mets’ double-play combination is finally getting together, albeit only in drills.

Marcus Semien in recent days has begun taking ground balls alongside Francisco Lindor, as the Mets shortstop rehabs from hamate bone surgery in his left hand.

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“It’s exciting to see him joining us for defense, and hearing that he is swinging the bat — it’s impressive to be at the point he’s at right now,” Semien said.

Lindor is on a progression the Mets are optimistic will land him in the Opening Day lineup.

Semien, who arrived in a trade with Texas during the offseason to play second base, is looking to build familiarity with Lindor.

In the meantime, he’s getting exposure to Ronny Mauricio, a strong possibility to begin the season at shortstop if Lindor isn’t ready.

“Ronny is 6-foot-4 and moves like a very good shortstop,” Semien said. “I think we have a great coaching staff that identifies things he needs to work on immediately. Just taking double-play feeds from him, and little tips that either me or Francisco give him to keep him sharp.”

Marcus Semien (10) is pictured during the Mets’ March 3 game. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Francisco Lindor is pictured Feb. 18. Corey Sipkin for the NY Post

Luis Robert Jr.’s initial start this spring in the Grapefruit League is slated for Thursday against the Cardinals.

The Mets have been slow-playing the outfielder’s spring, limiting him to minor league games every other day in attempt to keep him healthy.

“He’s in a good place right now and you just watch him take batting practice and the way the ball comes off his bat is just different,” manager Carlos Mendoza said. “Our goal is to keep it on the field. If he stays on the field, it could be special.”


David Peterson has been pushed back a day to start Tuesday against the Cardinals in Port St. Lucie.

Mendoza said the switch was made after deciding there wasn’t a need to pitch the left-hander on the fifth day after only one exhibition start.

Brandon Waddell will start against the Marlins on Monday.

Freddy Peralta is scheduled to face the Yankees on Sunday at Clover Park.


Luke Weaver was slow in returning to the mound after sliding into first base to record an out, but remained in the game to complete the fifth inning.

“A lot went through my mind,” Mendoza said when asked about his level of relief that Weaver was uninjured. “But that’s who he is, he’s an athlete, a competitor and when they are out there the game is going to dictate, but it wasn’t a good feeling.”

White Sox sink Mariners, 5-1

A friendly reminder. And also a good idea for players. | postermywall.com

It’s certainly nice to watch a White Sox game where the team that looks like it has no idea how the game is supposed to be played is the other guys.

It was the supposedly good Mariners (yeah, yeah, they’ve got 18 guys playing in the WBC, but so what?) who misplayed two bunts, started a two-run giveaway with an obvious error that was somehow called a hit by a verrrry friendly official scorer, hit four batters, wild-pitched a run home, went 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position, etc., etc., etc. … meanwhile, the Sox played pretty decent ball.

Early on, it looked like typical Soxdom. Facing the very good Logan Gilbert, Chicago got the bases loaded with one out in the second on one of those hit batters, a walk and a bloop single — only to have Braden Montgomery strike out and Chase Meidroth pop up.

But once Gilbert left in the fifth for Carlos Vargas and his 16.88 spring ERA, Montgomery singled, went to second when a Meidroth bunt went for what was called a hit, went to third on a force out and scored on a wild pitch. In the seventh, Dru Baker (in for Montgomery) doubled, Meidroth walked, Dustin Harris (in for Luisangel Acuña) bunted for what was called a hit for no reason, and lo and behold, up came Andrew Benintendi.

That made the score 3-0, and Sox added two more in the eighth on a Caden Connor single (in reality an error, when the throw from short that had him by 15 feet went 10 feet wide of the bag), a couple of hit batters and a Harris single.

Benintendi and Harris each had two of the 10 White Sox hits. The Sox ended up 4-for-17 with runners in scoring position, which isn’t great, but will do considering 17 is a whole lot of runners to get to second and third.

Meanwhile, Sox pitchers mostly cruised. Grant Taylor acted as an opener, after which Davis Martin had an easy three innings, with one hit, one walk, no runs, and four K’s. Four pitchers later, the Mariners finally scored off Tyson Miller in the eighth. They threatened in the ninth, but decided actually scoring was too much work.

Meanwhile, before the game the White Sox optioned Tanner McDougal to Charlotte and reassigned Noah Schultz to minor league camp. He’ll end up in Charlotte, as well.

The Sox host the Royals tomorrow, with a 3:05 p.m. start time because of that Daylight Savings weirdness.


Cavs vs. Celtics: How to watch, odds, and injury report

BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 29: Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dribbles the ball during the game against the Boston Celtics on October 29, 2025 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 2025 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The Cleveland Cavaliers don’t have many marquee games left, but this is one of them. They take on the Boston Celtics for the third and final time this season. It’s also Cleveland’s last game against the current top four in the standings in either conference. This will be our final chance to see how the Cavs stack up against an elite opponent before the playoffs.

The Celtics have been elite all year, even though they’ve been without the services of Jayson Tatum for all but one game this season. Their style of play has carried over despite the roster turnover and who’s been out of the lineup. They’ve been one of the best teams in the league all season. Adding Tatum back to the mix makes them a very real threat to win the NBA Finals. We’ll get a look at the Tatum-led Celtics on Sunday.

Boston won the previous two games against the Cavs this season, but those came at the beginning of the season. Both teams have changed drastically in that time. We’ll see how the Cavs match up against one of the league’s best.

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WhoCleveland Cavaliers (39-24) vs. Boston Celtics (42-21)

Where: Rocket Arena – Cleveland, OH

When: Sun. March 8 at 1 PM

TV: ABC

Point spread: Cavs -1

Cavs injury report: Jarrett Allen – OUT (knee), Donovan Mitchell – PROBABLE (groin), Dean Wade – PROBABLE (ankle), Jaylon Tyson – QUESTIONABLE (neck), Tyrese Proctor – OUT (quad), Max Strus – OUT (foot), Riley Minix – OUT (G League), Olivier Sarr – OUT (G League)

Celtics injury report: Nikola Vucevic – OUT (finger), John Tonje – OUT (G League)

Cavs expectedstarting lineup: James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Jaylon Tyson, Dean Wade, Evan Mobley

Celtics expected starting lineup: Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, Sam Hauser, Jayson Tatum, Neemias Queta

Previous matchup: The Cavs lost 117-115 to the Celtics on Nov. 30 after a questionabe decision on the final play of the game

Here’s a look at both teams’ impact stats via Cleaning the Glass.

Offensive RatingDefensive RatingNet Rating
Cavs118.1 (9th)113.9 (11th)+4.1 (8th)
Celtics120.9 (2nd)112.6 (6th)+8.2 (2nd)

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White Sox sink Mariners, 5-1

A friendly reminder. And also a good idea for players. | postermywall.com

It’s certainly nice to watch a White Sox game where the team that looks like it has no idea how the game is supposed to be played is the other guys.

It was the supposedly good Mariners (yeah, yeah, they’ve got 18 guys playing in the WBC, but so what?) who misplayed two bunts, started a two-run giveaway with an obvious error that was somehow called a hit by a verrrry friendly official scorer, hit four batters, wild-pitched a run home, went 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position, etc., etc., etc. … meanwhile, the Sox played pretty decent ball.

Early on, it looked like typical Soxdom. Facing the very good Logan Gilbert, Chicago got the bases loaded with one out in the second on one of those hit batters, a walk and a bloop single — only to have Braden Montgomery strike out and Chase Meidroth pop up.

But once Gilbert left in the fifth for Carlos Vargas and his 16.88 spring ERA, Montgomery singled, went to second when a Meidroth bunt went for what was called a hit, went to third on a force out and scored on a wild pitch. In the seventh, Dru Baker (in for Montgomery) doubled, Meidroth walked, Dustin Harris (in for Luisangel Acuña) bunted for what was called a hit for no reason, and lo and behold, up came Andrew Benintendi.

That made the score 3-0, and Sox added two more in the eighth on a Caden Connor single (in reality an error, when the throw from short that had him by 15 feet went 10 feet wide of the bag), a couple of hit batters and a Harris single.

Benintendi and Harris each had two of the 10 White Sox hits. The Sox ended up 4-for-17 with runners in scoring position, which isn’t great, but will do considering 17 is a whole lot of runners to get to second and third.

Meanwhile, Sox pitchers mostly cruised. Grant Taylor acted as an opener, after which Davis Martin had an easy three innings, with one hit, one walk, no runs, and four K’s. Four pitchers later, the Mariners finally scored off Tyson Miller in the eighth. They threatened in the ninth, but decided actually scoring was too much work.

Meanwhile, before the game the White Sox optioned Tanner McDougal to Charlotte and reassigned Noah Schultz to minor league camp. He’ll end up in Charlotte, as well.

The Sox host the Royals tomorrow, with a 3:05 p.m. start time because of that Daylight Savings weirdness.


Sonay Kartal shocks Navarro at Indian Wells while Draper starts title defence in style

  • Kartal beats No 20 seed Emma Navarro 6-1, 3-6, 7-6

  • British men’s No 1 defeats Bautista Agut 3-6, 6-3, 6-2

Jack Draper came from behind to beat Roberto Bautista Agut 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 to start his title defence in Indian Wells, and his success was followed by a superb performance in the women’s event from Sonay Kartal, as the British No 2 twice broke back to stay in the match and beat the No 20 seed, Emma Navarro, 6-1, 3-6, 7-6 (2).

Kartal, the world No 54, raced through the first set but needed a medical time out and Navarro levelled the match in the second. The Briton was serving first in the final set but failed to put her opponent under much pressure and was broken in the ninth game by the American. The defiant Kartal broke back but could not hold her serve next up, meaning the world No 25 would serve for the match again at 6-5. Kartal refused to go down without a fight, saved a match point, broke back and then dropped just two points in the tie-break.

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Rays Reacts Results: Fifth Outfielder

Sep 24, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Chandler Simpson (14) rounds the bases to score during the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images | Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images

The Rays seem primed to carry five outfield capable defenders this season, with Jake Fraley (L) and Cedric Mullins (L) on MLB deals, utility man Ryan Vilade (R) out of options, and previous starting center fielder Jonny DeLuca (R) returning from injury.

If the Rays carry a fifth, these five players are the key candidates, and our poll asked who should win:

  • Justyn-Henry Malloy (R)
  • Jacob Melton (L)
  • Victor Mesa Jr. (L)
  • Richie Palacios (L)
  • Chandler Simpson (L)

Here are the results:

Interestingly, Mesa Jr. did not receive any votes, but it perhaps shouldn’t be surprising Simpson got the nod in this poll when he has a “bobblelegs” giveaway on the calendar.

Our Reacts posts are SB Nation are sponsored by FanDuel — you can prep your bets for the new MLB season here: https://sportsbook.fanduel.com/navigation/mlb.

Jonathan India homers as Royals top Reds, 6-2

SURPRISE, ARIZONA - MARCH 3: Jonathan India #6 of the Kansas City Royals waits for a pitch during a World Baseball Classic exhibition game against Team Cuba at Surprise Stadium on March 3, 2026 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Jonathan India turned around a 94.3 mph sinker in a 2-2 count, launching it 392 feet over the left field wall for a leadoff dinger in Saturday afternoon’s Cactus League outing. It was precisely the kind of thing that made Cincinnati Reds fans smile for most of four seasons, the 2021 National League Rookie of the Year working a count, waiting for his pitch, and punishing it atop the lineup.

India, of course, is on the Kansas City Royals now. His homer came off Reds lefty starter Nick Lodolo and put the Reds in an early hole, one they’d never get out of in an eventual 6-2 loss. Good for Indy, though, who struggled mightily in his first season with KC and is looking for a serious bounce-back campaign in ‘26.

In his second start of the spring, Lodolo struggled a bit more than he had in his previous outing – he yielded 6 hits and issue a pair of walks in his 3.0 IP day – but he struck out 4 and didn’t allow anyone else to score after India, somehow. The Reds of the Cincinnati pitching staff looked rather excellent on the day so long as you ignore the outing by Caleb Ferguson, who was thumped for 5 ER in 0.2 IP after allowing a pair of walks and 5 hits on the day.

Cincinnati’s offense simply couldn’t wake up in Surprise on the day. Both Matt McLain and Elly De La Cruz went hitless, which is something that’s been completely unthinkable for both during their white-hot starts to Cactus League play, and Sal Stewart went 0 for 3, too. The lone offensive bright spots on the day came from Spencer Steer (2 for 3 with a double and a run scored), Dane Myers (who walked twice), and Christian Encarnacion-Strand (a double that plated Steer).

While India’s leadoff homer immediately set the tone for the day, he wasn’t the only former Red who did damage against them. Kevin Newman started at shortstop for the Royals and went 2 for 3 with a double and a run scored, and Brandon Drury went 1 for 4 as KC’s starting 1B on the day.

The Reds will head back to Goodyear and will host the Arizona Diamondbacks tomorrow at 3:05 PM ET, this time with Brady Singer on the mound to start. He’s looking to improve upon his rather ugly first outing of the spring, and he’ll get the chance to do so in front of your eyes as this one will be viewable via MLB.tv and Reds.tv (for those of you in the Reds TV area).

Colorado Rockies spring training game no. 16 thread: Sean Sullivan vs. Landon Knack

SCOTTSDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Sean Sullivan #85 of the Colorado Rockies delivers a pitch against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Salt River Fields on Friday, February 20, 2026 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kyle Cooper)

After five straight spring training losses, including one in the Team USA exhibition, the Colorado Rockies got back in the win column against the Athletics, riding an 11-run explosion from the offense. Front and center in those fireworks was spring standout T.J. Rumfield, who notched three runs including a solo HR (his fourth of camp). Kyle Karros had a day as well (2-for-3, 1 HR, 2 RBI), and Brett Sullivan and Chad Stevens pitched in with early dingers. The offense will look to carry that momentum into a Saturday night showdown with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Prospect Sean Sullivan (0-0, 2.45 ERA) will take the mound for the Rockies against LA, his first start of the spring. The southpaw has tallied six strikeouts and one earned run in 3.2 innings pitched across three appearances so far. The non-roster invitee will look to make the case for his big league potential after a year derailed by injuries. Brenton Doyle and Hunter Goodman make their returns to the lineup.

On the other side, Landon Knack (0-0, 16.20) will get his third start in what has been an up-and-down spring to this point. The “up” was impressive. Knack’s first start came against the Seattle Mariners, where he delivered a clean first inning. The “down” was ugly. The Los Angeles Angels rocked Knack for four hits (two of which were home runs), a walk, and three runs across seven batters faced, jacking up his ERA to 16.20. The Rockies could be poised to test his susceptibility to the long ball after their big day.

First Pitch: 6:05 p.m. MST

TV: MLB Network

Radio: Dodgers Radio AM570

Lineups:


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