HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 13: Bobby Witt Jr. #7 of Team United States hits a ground double play against Team Canada during the sixth inning at Daikin Park on March 13, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images) | Getty Images
There is a lot of baseball for fans to watch tonight, exactly one week ahead of Opening Day – which will inexplicably be exclusively carried by Netflix, UGH – as the World Baseball Classic comes to a thrilling conclusion when Bobby Witt Jr. and Team USA take on Maikel (Pronounced like Michael, not the way we’ve all been saying it for years) Garcia and Salvador Perez in the Championship Game. An hour after that game starts, the Royals will go live with what I believe is their final televised Cactus League game of the year.
Team USA’s behavior will certainly make Bobby Witt Jr.‘s first plate appearance must-see TV with Salvador Perez behind the plate.
And here’s the Royals’ starting lineup for their Cactus League game:
I had thought that Bailey Falter was supposed to start tonight, but it looks like Aaron Sanchez will get the nod with Falter coming in as a reliever later in the match. At first I thought perhaps the Royals had finally traded the lefty, but no announcement has been forthcoming so I suppose only time will tell on that front. Here’s a list of every pitcher scheduled to throw tonight:
Bailey Falter
Lucas Erceg
John Schreiber
Aaron Sanchez
Hector Neris
You can tell we’re getting close to the regular season by how the scheduled pitcher list keeps shrinking. Almost there!
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MARCH 15: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks holds his knee during the third quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Fiserv Forum on March 15, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After suffering a scary fall in Sunday’s win over Indiana, Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo will miss a significant chunk of time with a hyperextended knee and a bone bruise. The Bucks reported that Antetokounmpo would miss at least one week after undergoing testing. Bucks staff changed his injury designation to out shortly before Tuesday’s primetime clash against Cleveland. Originally designated as questionable due to an ankle sprain, his knee injury marks a big setback as he continues to bounce back from a calf strain that kept him out for an extended period of time.
The injury occurred with roughly 3:50 left in the third quarter of their game against the Pacers. With the teams tied at 81, Giannis spun past Jay Huff off a transition play and finished with the dunk, landing stiffly on his left knee.
Although Giannis played a couple of minutes after the scary fall—albeit gingerly—he checked out of the game with roughly three minutes to go and didn’t return. After the game, Giannis brushed off injury concerns as typical wear and tear.
“I had the conversation with Luke and Tommy, and again, I don’t think anything changed,” Giannis told The Athletic after the win against the Pacers. “I wanted to get back in the game. They looked at me and said, ‘No, it’s not worth it.’ We were up 13, 15. They were like, ‘No, no way, it’s not worth it.‘”
“I’m just going to go back home, sleep, see how I feel tomorrow, try to lift some weights. And if I have a little bit of discomfort, then I’ll go from there. But as of now, I’m not really bothered by it at all.”
With Giannis out, the team faces a bleak future where qualifying for a play-in spot seems far away, but tanking isn’t a viable option. Giannis will likely miss the Bucks’ remaining 15 games, capping an injury-riddled season where he averaged 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game in 36 games played.
The Bucks have struggled without Giannis this season, going 11-20 in his absence and suffering despondent losses like their blowout loss to Boston or their struggles against the blatantly tanking Nets. With fellow frontcourt mate Myles Turner also suffering from injuries, the Bucks will look to Ryan Rollins, Kevin Porter Jr., and Bobby Portis to fill in the missing production. The 28-39 Bucks will continue their season tonight against the 41-27 Cavs.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - NOVEMBER 17: Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket against Kyle Kuzma #18 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the first half at Rocket Arena on November 17, 2025 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. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers will try to get back on track as they take on the rudderless Milwaukee Bucks for the fourth and final time this season.
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MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 15: Manager Mark DeRosa #9 of Team United States leaves the field after removing Paul Skenes #30 (not pictured) from the game against Team Dominican Republic during the fifth inning at loanDepot park on March 15, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Tonight we have the World Baseball Classic final, with the United States squaring off against Venezuela. One game, winner take all.
The lineups are as follows:
USA
Witt — SS
Harper — 1B
Judge — RF
Schwarber — DH
Bregman — 3B
Anthony — LF
Smith — C
Turang — 2B
Buxton — CF
Nolan McLean is the starting pitcher for the USA.
Venezuela
Acuna — RF
Garcia — 3B
Arraez — 1B
Suarez — DH
Torres — 2B
Tovar — SS
Abreu — LF
Perez — C
Chourio — CF
Eduardo Rodriguez starts on the mound for Venezuela.
MIAMI, FL - MARCH 16: Ronald Acuña Jr. #21 of Team Venezuela celebrates hitting an RBI single in the seventh inning during the 2026 World Baseball Classic WBC game presented by Capital One between Team Venezuela and Team Italy at loanDepot park on Monday, March 16, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/WBCI/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
At long last, we’ve come to the end. The World Baseball Classic concludes tonight at loanDepot park in Miami, and two teams who have forded adversity in the tournament will compete for the coveted championship. Team USA, the 2017 champions and 2023 runners-up, will host Team Venezuela, who defeated Italy last night to reach their first ever Classic final.
Venezuela’s victory over the plucky Italian squad marked their second consecutive come-from-behind win in an elimination game against an undefeated opponent. They had previously clawed back from a 5-2 deficit against defending champion Japan to prevail 8-5, thanks to outstanding relief pitching and a three-run homer from Red Sox outfielder Wilyer Abreu.
Manager Omar López’s squad relied upon a similar formula against Italy. After starter Keider Montero lost control, López was able to count on clutch performances from relievers Ricardo Sánchez and Luinder Avila to keep Italy’s white-hot offense at bay. When a three-run, seventh-inning rally off Michael Lorenzen gave Venezuela their first lead, the back-end relievers erased all possibility of a counter-rally. Andrés Machado and Daniel Palencia collected a pair of strikeouts apiece in the final two innings to seal the deal.
Of course, Team USA has that defeated Italian team to thank for being in their current position. After shockingly losing 8-6 to Francisco Cervelli’s group in pool play, the Americans only advanced because Italy trounced Mexico the following day. Not content to waste that second opportunity, they beat first-time quarterfinalist Canada 5-3, then found a way to outlast the high-powered Dominican Republic in a 2-1 nailbiter. Now they’re in position to take home their second WBC crown.
Let’s meet the starting pitchers! USA manager Mark DeRosa will be sending Mets rookie Nolan McLean to the hill for this title game. McLean made his Classic debut in that loss to Italy, allowing three runs on a pair of homers while striking out four across three innings. Fans unfamiliar with McLean got to see both his wipeout stuff and his penchant for surrendering the long ball, an issue which has dogged him throughout his time as a professional. He’ll attempt to keep a potent and confident Venezuelan offense in the yard tonight.
On the other end is veteran lefty Eduardo Rodriguez. The 2018 World Series champion has plenty of big game experience, though the most enduring image of him on the big stage is spiking his glove after surrendering a homer to Yasiel Puig. Rodriguez has ridden the struggle bus the past few seasons in Arizona, and had trouble in his first Classic start against the DR—surrendering three runs on three hits despite picking up five strikeouts. He’ll get a chance for redemption against an American lineup that feels like it still hasn’t truly fired on all this cylinders this tournament.
Will the United States send bombs bursting in air? Or will Venezuela dance tambor all night long? Tune in and share your thoughts as the game progresses in this open thread!
MIAMI, FL - MARCH 16: A general view of during the 2026 World Baseball Classic WBC game presented by Capital One between Team Venezuela and Team Italy at loanDepot park on Monday, March 16, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Kelly Gavin/WBCI/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The Jays made a bit of news today:
Jonatan Clase has been optioned to Buffalo. This is his last option year.
And Javen Coleman, Michael Plassmeyer, Geovanny Planchart, Sean Keys, Charles McAdoo and Arjun Nimmala have been assigned to the Jays minor league camp. Some of those guys got a fair bit of playing time, especially after some of the Jays players went to the WBC.
Tonight Ed Rodriguez starts for Venezuela, he was hit pretty hard earlier in the WBC. And, apparently, MLB teams have been asking them not to use any of the pitchers they used yesterday, which seems hardly fair.
Nolan McLean, who was also hit hard earlier, in the WBC. He made one start for the Mets last season. You would think the USA would have someone better.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Memphis Grizzlies guard Scotty Pippen Jr. and forward Santi Aldama will miss the rest of the season after each had surgery on Tuesday.
Pippen had an operation on his right big toe and Aldama had a procedure and injection to address discomfort in his right knee. The team said both procedures were successful and the players will be ready for next season.
The Grizzlies (23-44) have lost eight straight games and entered Tuesday night nine games back in the race for the final play-in berth in the Western Conference. Star Ja Morant has played in only 20 games this season, missing the last 25 with a left elbow injury.
Pippen had a similar procedure in October and didn’t make his season debut until last month. In 10 games, he averaged 11.4 points.
Aldama was averaging 14 points and 6.7 rebounds this season.
The Chicago Blackhawks made multiple moves leading up to the 2026 NHL trade deadline. This was expected, as the Blackhawks are still rebuilding and are on the wrong side of the playoff line.
Due to this, the Blackhawks traded multiple of their former pending unrestricted free agents (UFAs), as Nick Foligno (Minnesota Wild), Connor Murphy (Edmonton Oilers), and Jason Dickinson (Oilers) were all moved.
However, one Blackhawks pending UFA who did not get moved ahead of the deadline is veteran defenseman Matt Grzelcyk. Now, the Blackhawks have a decision to make with the Massachusetts native because of it.
Grzelcyk has been a solid depth addition for the Blackhawks this season. Due to this, could the Blackhawks try to keep the 32-year-old defenseman beyond this season?
The Blackhawks have a young blueline with several promising defensemen. With this, it would not be the worst thing in the world if the Blackhawks extended Grzelcyk and kept him around as a veteran mentor for the club's younger defensemen. Grzelcyk could work well as the Blackhawks' seventh defenseman next season.
Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see what the Blackhawks decide to do with Grzelcyk. In 66 games this season with the Original Six club, he has 12 assists and 30 penalty minutes.
Oct 8, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Boston Celtics guard Hugo Gonzalez (28), forward Baylor Scheierman (55) and center Luka Garza (52) react during the second quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images | Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
HYDE PARK — A whole lot changed for the Celtics after the midseason trade deadline. It’s well-known that the team lost four players: Anfernee Simons, Xavier Tillman, Josh Minott, and Chris Boucher. But some of the players who weren’t traded saw their situations directly impacted, too.’
Luka Garza is one such example. Garza, who joined the team as a free agent last summer, had carved out a consistent role in the rotation when the Celtics opted to flip Simons for Nikola Vucevic in an effort to bolster their frontcourt.
At that point, Garza had played double-digit minutes in 25 consecutive games, establishing himself as Neemias Queta’s primary backup. Vucevic, a former All-Star and perennial NBA starter, was undoubtedly going to shoulder significant frontcourt responsibilities, and it was almost inevitable that Garza’s minutes would decline.
To Garza’s surprise, after the trade, teammates went out of their way to encourage and motivate him.
“When the Vooch trade happened, obviously, it was an amazing thing for our team, and he’s a great player,” Garza said on Tuesday afternoon at a court renovation in Hyde Park. “But obviously, guys know, as a team, that that would probably impact my minutes a little bit. And, I was just really surprised at some of the guys coming up to me and really just kind of giving me motivating thoughts and being like, ‘Hey, like, stay ready. We’re going to need you. You’ve done good things for us.’”
Garza was struck by the fact his teammates opted to so thoughtfully consider his situation in the aftermath of that trade.
“As people, as players, that’s the kind of guys that are in that locker room,” he said. “And for me, that really meant a lot. I’m always going to be the guy with a very positive mindset. But, when you hear things like that, it helps you a lot.”
Garza, who has been in the NBA since 2021, said the Celtics’ locker room stands out when it comes to off-court camaraderie.
Last week, for example, the team watched a movie together in Oklahoma City. And, players regularly grab food and discuss things unrelated to the game itself.
“Guys get more comfortable with each other as the season goes on — obviously, you’re on the road, you start going to dinner more, and just kind of learning more about each other.”
So, when adversity strikes, players know they can lean on one another.
“With this team, I think it’s honestly unique, just how close we are off the court,” he said. “Just everyone wanting to know about each other’s personal lives, and checking in, and all those kinds of things.”
The Milwaukee Brewers' Luis Rengifo, right, steals second as Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts waits for a late throw during Monday's game. (Ross D. Franklin / Associated Press)
After a few days away, Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts returned to Camelback Ranch over the weekend, now a father of three after his wife, Brianna, gave birth.
The 33-year-old Betts said earlier in camp he was looking to ease into spring training ahead of his 13th major league season in an effort to turn the page from a career-worst statistical year in 2025. There have been encouraging signs as he's hitting .316 in Cactus League play, which includes a home run in Sunday's split-squad win over the Chicago Cubs.
“I just want to get better,” Betts said. “I’m not content with being where I’m at. I want to continue to get better in life and everything, and you know, be able to kind of teach my son how to be great. You know, I’ve got to go through it first. When you’re open-minded, there’s endless possibilities.”
Betts kept an open mind when he first learned of teammate Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s unique workout routine, which includes javelin throwing, yoga, and working with personal trainer Osamu Yada. Betts credits his improved defense at shortstop to the new training methods that he’s adopted.
“I’m not fully in his whole routine,” Betts said of Yada, who is often referred to as Yada Sensei. “But I wake up every morning and do my stretch routine that Sensei showed me, throwing the javelins every day. I think throwing javelins is the reason why I can make a play in the hole like that and throw it in the air on a line. I’m really grateful for Yoshi and Sensei, because they have definitely changed my perspective, changed my life, changed my game.”
Betts graded as a below-average defender in his first season at the shortstop position in 2024, posting a minus-6 in Defensive Runs Saved and a minus-3 in Outs Above Average. Last season, he saw a sizable improvement, leading MLB shortstops in DRS (plus-17) and placing in the top-third in OAA (plus-6).
It wasn’t hard for Betts to look at Yamamoto and think that the Japanese superstar may have been onto something.
“So I mean, Yoshi came over and [got] $300 million, and he hadn’t even thrown a pitch over here,” Betts said. “So, I’m pretty sure he does something right.”
Betts has yet to see the workouts translate offensively, but expects that to come in due time.
“He said eventually I’ll feel where it helps me hitting, but I haven’t gotten to that point yet,” Betts said. “I think he should be back, so you’ll see us back working, and eventually I’ll get it, but he said it will take a little time.”
In the meantime, Betts believes he’s found an easy fix that should return him to the MVP-caliber player he had been for close to a decade. Betts says he lost 10 mph in bat speed last season.
“I think the most important part is now that I think I’m 178 [pounds] now, almost 180, so I’m able to just have speed,” Betts said. “When I lost all the weight, I was down 10 mph in speed. You’ve got guys throwing 100 mph with a slow bat, it’s going to be hard to do. It’s not an excuse, but it’s a fact. So, now I’ve got my speed back, I don’t have to hurry up and make decisions so fast.”
Said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts: "I like where he's at physically. He looks stronger."
A stomach illness prompted Betts to lose 15 to 20 pounds last spring, putting him behind the eight-ball, and he never quite caught up after that.
“[I was] down 10 mph in bat speed,” Betts said. “Do you know how hard it is for somebody that weighs 160 [pounds] to gain bat speed, to gain strength and play a game all at the same time during the season? It’s tough to do. I tried it. I failed at it. But we’re in a new spot now, and we’ll try to stay here.”
Shohei Ohtani to pitch in Cactus League game
Shohei Ohtani, who was scheduled to throw a bullpen session Tuesday, will pitch in Wednesday's Cactus League game against the San Francisco Giants at Camelback Ranch, his first Cactus League action this year.
Roberts said he was uncertain how many innings he would pitch against the Giants and that he'll likely pitch one of the Freeway Series games against the Angels next week as he continues to ramp up to be part of the Dodgers' starting rotation.
"Even with the buildup, he was very clear on what he was going to do to prepare for the season," Roberts said.
Roberts also said Yamamoto is scheduled to start Friday's Cactus League game against the San Diego Padres.
The play was routine. In the third quarter of a Bucks win against the Pacers on Sunday, Giannis Antetokounmpo used a spin move then rose up for a slam, but when he landed, his left knee buckled a little underneath him. He pushed through it, and the next time down the court, he attempted another dunk, but it was clear he was in pain. Antetokounmpo shot his free throws and then went back to the locker room and did not return. Even so, after the game, Antetokounmpo didn't even think he'd need an MRI.
Things have changed in the last 48 hours. Now comes the word that Antetokounmpo is out Tuesday night with a left knee hyperextension and a bone bruise.
Injury Update: Giannis Antetokounmpo (Left Knee Hyperextension; Bone Bruise) is out for tonight’s game vs. Cleveland. https://t.co/FYbVWk9fN1
"The good news was it was a really good image, so there was no damage. Nothing. It was really just good news. But I don't know the next part (re: a timeline)."
It wouldn't be a surprise to see Antetokounmpo out for the season, although he will push back against that. The harsh reality is that the Bucks are 5.5 games out of the play-in with 15 games left in the season. Even with Antetokounmpo in the lineup, it is a long shot at best that the Bucks will make the postseason. The smart play would be to rest him and not risk further injury.
When healthy this season, Antetokounmpo has played at an MVP level, averaging 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists a game, shooting 62.4% from the floor. The problem is that he has played in just 36 games this season due to an assortment of knee, groin, and calf injuries.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 08: Julius Randle #30 of the Minnesota Timberwolves dribbles the ball against Grayson Allen #8 of the Phoenix Suns in the first quarter at Target Center on December 08, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Suns defeated the Timberwolves 108-105. 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 David Berding/Getty Images) | Getty Images
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 13: Head coach Mike Brown of the New York Knicks reacts against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 13, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Knicks (44*-25) return home to face the struggling Pacers (15-53), who enter on a 13-game losing streak. New York beat them just days ago behind big showings from Jalen Brunson, Mitchell Robinson, and OG Anunoby. Indiana has been one of the league’s worst teams on both ends and is dealing with major injuries. As of this writing, Brunson is ruled OUT and Robinson is available.
Tip-off is 7:30 pm EST on MSG. This is your game thread. This is Indy Cornrows. Please don’t post large photos, GIFs, or links to illegal streams in the thread. Enjoy each other’s company, respectfully. And go Knicks!
* Should be one more, but NBA Cup Finals wins blow away like dandelions.
Mar 16, 2026; Miami, FL, United States; Venezuela center fielder Jackson Chourio (1) advances to third base in the seventh inning against Italy during a semifinal game of the 2026 World Baseball Classic at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Here we are!
After starting with 20 teams earlier this month, we’re down to just two squads vying for the World Baseball Classic title in tonight’s championship game.
Team USA took down the Dominican Republic on Sunday in a closely fought 2-1 game, while Venezuela beat previously undefeated Italy 4-2 on Monday night.
Tonight’s game features a few of the Brewers’ top players, including second baseman Brice Turang for the USA (batting eighth) and catcher William Contreras (not in the lineup), outfielder Jackson Chourio (batting ninth), and lefty reliever Ángel Zerpa for Venezuela.
Mets’ pitcher Nolan McLean gets the start for the USA, while the Diamondbacks’ Eduardo Rodriguez starts for Venezuela. Team USA is the home team in this one, though based on how loud the Venezuelan fans were in last night’s win, it may feel more like a road game despite being played on home turf in Miami.
First pitch is slated for 7 p.m. CT on Fox, and the full lineups are included below.
