LeBron James, during his illustrious NBA career, has played in more than 1,900 games. He’s said the craziest thing probably happened in his latest one – in which the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Houston Rockets, 107-98, in Game 1 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series Saturday, April 18.
In the second quarter, James shared the court with his son Bronny for four minutes. It’s the first time a father and son have played together in an NBA playoff game.
"That’s probably the craziest thing that’s ever happened to me in my career," James, a four-time NBA champion, told reporters after the game. "It was just so cool to be out there with him, and his brother and his sister and his mom in the building. And his grandma.
"You know, like, that’s just insane. You know, like, my mom get to watch her son and grandson during the playoffs. Now that’s crazy,"
Statistically, it was not a memorable four-minute stretch for Bronny James. He had a turnover and two personal fouls and did not attempt a shot.
Now in his second NBA season, Bronny James scored double figures in three of the Lakers’ final six regular-season games. He averaged 2.9 points in 42 games during the regular season.
His father turned in a a scintillating playoff performance in the first game of the best-of-seven series against the Rockets. LeBron James had 19 points, 13 assists and eight rebounds while helping the Lakers overcome the absence of Luke Doncic and Austin Reaves, both who missed the game because of injuries.
Strategy and coaching decisions are a big factor when the playoffs roll around, and line-matching plays a crucial role in taking advantage of your opponent.
As massive underdogs against the Colorado Avalanche, the Los Angeles Kings and interim head coach D.J. Smith will need to take line-matching seriously and give it careful consideration.
Offensively, the Avalanche's top-three forward lines can really inflict damage. With Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Necas on the top line, Brock Nelson on line No. 2, and Nazem Kadri and Gabriel Landeskog listed on the third line, Los Angeles will need to spread out its defensive expertise.
So Smith should be asking himself, 'Who will be matching up with MacKinnon, Nelson and Kadri?' Luckily for the Kings, especially the centers on the team, they thrive in a shutdown assignment.
Colorado's top-three centers are met with Los Angeles' Anze Kopitar, Quinton Byfield, and newcomer Scott Laughton.
Laughton will likely get the assignment of looking after Kadri when the two third lines meet on the ice. Kadri and Laughton both share a nasty and physical edge to their individual games, which could create a fiery matchup.
More importantly, Laughton excels in the defensive side of the game, particularly in the faceoff dot and on the penalty kill. Among players who take faceoffs regularly, Laughton leads the team in faceoff percentage at 59.4 percent.
That just leaves two-time Selke Trophy winner Kopitar and Byfield to supervise MacKinnon and Nelson.
Based on overall defensive talent, Kopitar would have the edge on Byfield with the aforementioned awards and legacy that the Kings captain has imposed.
However, there's a little more to it when dealing with the Rocket Richard Trophy winner and Hart Trophy candidate, MacKinnon. And one of MacKinnon's biggest assets is speed, which would make Byfield a sensible matchup for the Avalanche superstar center.
Byfield has proven to be not only one of the best skaters on the Kings but in the entire NHL. According to NHL Edge, Byfield is in the 98th percentile in speed bursts over 20 mph and skating distance. He's also ranked in the 89th percentile for max skating speed, reaching 23.16 mph against the Chicago Blackhawks back in December.
Furthermore, next to Byfield are Trevor Moore and Alex Laferriere, who are both very strong skaters. That'll be key when MacKinnon is likely paired with Necas on the top line, also a speedster who reached 100 points for the first time in his career this past regular season.
Nathan MacKinnon (Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images)
That leaves an appropriate matchup of Kopitar's line going up against Nelson's line. Kopitar and Nelson are a bit slower and are aging, with Kopitar being 38 years old and Nelson being 34.
Aside from the idea of shutting down the opposition, putting Kopitar's line with Artemi Panarin and Adrian Kempe on his flanks could benefit the Kings offensively. Reports say that Nelson is joined by Valeri Nichushkin, who is a strong offensive player but not known for his two-way game, and Parker Kelly, who has spent most of the year on Colorado's bottom six.
In the end, the home team's coach will have the upper hand in terms of getting the matchup they like, but it's always fascinating to see specific assignments.
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CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 08: Joey Cantillo #54 of the Cleveland Guardians throws a pitch during the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Progressive Field on April 08, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Sep 24, 2025; West Sacramento, California, USA; Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (1) fields a ground ball against the Athletics in the third inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images | Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
The Houston Astros (8-14) look to salvage the finale of this three-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals (12-8) at Daikin Park.
Astros starter RHP Mike Burrows (1-3, 6.55 ERA), who pitched in the NL Central for the Pirates last season, will surprisingly make his first career appearance against the Cardinals today opposite LHP Matthew Liberatore (0-1, 4.29 ERA).
TODAY’S ASTROS STARTER: RHP Mike Burrows, who’s making his fifth start of the season, was acquired from the Pirates this offseason as part of a three-team, six-player trade in which the Astros sent OF Jacob Melton and minor leaguer RHP Anderson Brito to the Rays, while the Rays sent IF Brandon Lowe, OF Jake Mangum and LHP Mason Montgomery to the Pirates.
Burrows impressed this Spring, making five starts and posting a 1.50 ERA (3ER/18IP) while allowing a .200 opponent batting average with 17 strikeouts.
VS. THE CARDS: This series is a matchup of former division rivals, who spent 19 seasons together in the NL Central from 1994-2012…overall, the two teams have played each other 724 times, with the Astros going 336-386…these teams also have postseason history, with the Astros going 7-6 vs. the Cards in the playoffs.
The two clubs faced off in back-to-back NLCS in 2004-05 with St. Louis taking the ‘04 NLCS in seven games and Houston winning the ‘05 NLCS in six games.
BLISTERED!: Last night, LF Yordan Alvarez hit a 3rd inning double with a 117.8 MPH exit velocity, marking the Astros hardest-hit ball of the season and the second hardest hit in the Majors so far in 2026 (Oneil Cruz, 119.0 MPH double, April 16 vs. WSH).
Alvarez’s ball was also the second hardest-hit ball of his career (117.9 MPH groundout on Sept. 6, 2019 vs. SEA).
DOWN IN CORPUS: The Astros had a pair of rehabbing players working down at Double A on Friday night.
OF Zach Dezenzo (right elbow sprain) went 0x1 with a HBP in a start at DH, while LHP Bennett Sousa (left oblique strain) tossed 1.2 scoreless innings on Friday night, striking out five.
HARRIS REPORTS: OF Dustin Harris (#37), who was acquired off waivers from Chicago (AL) yesterday, has joined the Major League club today.
Harris has appeared in six Major League games for the White Sox this season, hitting .250 (3×12) with a .438 OBP.
MORE ROSTER MOVES: The Astros have recalled RHP Jayden Murray from Triple-A Sugar Land and have placed OF Joey Loperfido on the 10-day IL with a right quad strain (retro to April 18).
Additionally the Astros have acquired IF Braden Shewmake from the New York Yankees in exchange for minor leaguer RHP Wilmy Sanchez. Shewmake has played his entire 2026 season at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in the Yankees minor league system.
THE ORDER: The Astros have used 22 different batting orders in their 22 games so far this season. Only LF Yordan Alvarez has started every game in the same spot in the lineup (second).
MVP CALIBER: LF Yordan Alvarez ranks first in the AL in extra-base hits (16), total bases (60), RBI (20), OPS (1.274), SLG (.789) and OBP (.485), ranks second in batting average (.342), tied for second in doubles (7), tied for third in runs scored (18), and fourth in walks (19).
AGENT SMITH: According to Baseball Savant, RF Cam Smith has played like one of the best all-around Major League players in 2026, ranking in the 100th percentile in fielding range (OAA), 98th percentile in bat speed, 97th percentile in sprint speed and 92nd percentile in barrel percentage.
On the season, Smith is hitting .257 (19×74) with three homers, 10 RBI and an .802 OPS in 22 games.
BEHIND THE DISH:C Christian Vázquez is hitting .375 (12×32) with a .444 OBP, four doubles, two homers and 10 RBI in 10 games.
He’s made just eight start at catcher, yet already has thrown out four baserunners attempting to steal.
HARD TO HIT: RHP Kai-Wei Teng, just the second Taiwanese-born player to appear with the Astros in their history, has held opponents to 6×41 on the season for a .146 opponent average.
Overall, Teng has gone 1-0 with a 2.31 ERA (3ER/11.2IP), a 0.86 WHIP and 11 strikeouts in 11.2 innings in relief.
KID TAKEOVER: Kids will take over Daikin Park today with a Future Astros parade happening pregame, which will be shortly followed by Kreinhop Elementary performing the National Anthem.
Kids Run the Bases, presented by Olshan Foundation Solutions will take place following the game for kids in attendance ages 5-12.
THE ROAD AHEAD: The Astros are concluding a six-game homestand today in which they hosted the Rockies (2-1) and Cardinals (0-2).
They’ll hit the road again after today’s contest for a quick three-game road trip to Cleveland beginning tomorrow.
TODAY IN ASTROS HISTORY: 1964 – RHP Bob Bruce throws the first immaculate inning in club history in the 8th inning of a 6-1 loss to the Cardinals. Bruce is the first of nine pitchers in club history to accomplish the feat.
He’s since been joined by LHP Pete Harnisch (1991), LHP Mike Magnante (1997), LHP Randy Johnson (1998), RHP Shane Reynolds (1999), RHP Brandon Backe (2004), RHP Will Harris (2019), RHP Luis Garcia (2022) and RHP Phil Maton (2022).
Game Info
Game Date/Time: Sunday, April 19, 1:10 p.m. CST
Location: Daikin Park, Houston, TX
TV: Space City Home Network
Streaming: SCHN+
Radio: KBME 790 AM & 94.5 FM HD2; TUDN 102.9 FM HD2 (Spanish)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - APRIL 18: Brice Turang #2 of the Milwaukee Brewers rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run against the Miami Marlins in the fifth inning of the game at loanDepot park on April 18, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After losing six straight games, the Milwaukee Brewers have rebounded quite nicely, ripping off four consecutive wins, back-to-back series wins, and are searching for their first sweep since the opening series of the season.
The Brewers have gotten great results out of their starting rotation through this winning streak and will have their Opening Day starter on the bump to try to extend it.
It’ll be a battle of the incredibly tall, young flamethrowing phenoms on the mound today. The 6’7” 24 year old Jacob Misiorowski is starting for the Crew while the Marlins have 6’8” 23 year old Eury Perez on the bump.
Misiorowski has a 3.32 ERA through his first four starts of the season with 33 strikeouts in 21.2 IP. Last time out, he allowed two runs in 5.1 IP against the Toronto Blue Jays. Perez has a 5.40 ERA through his four starts this year and last time out he allowed three earned runs in 4 IP against the Braves.
It’s a very Sunday afternoon lineup for Pat Murphy today. There’s no William Contreras and no Sal Frelick in the order. Garrett Mitchell will lead off and DH today. That means the outfield consists of Greg Jones, Brandon Lockridge, and Luis Matos. Gary Sanchez is behind the dish. David Hamilton and Luis Rengifo make up the left side of the infield.
Can the Brewers make it five wins in a row? Perez has struggled a bit this year, but with two phenoms on the mound, it’s sure to be a fun game to watch.
ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - APRIL 06: Shane McClanahan #18 of the Tampa Bay Rays pitches against the Chicago Cubs during a game at Tropicana Field on April 06, 2026 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) | Getty Images
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 19: The tarp is shown on the infield prior to the game between the New York Yankees against the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium on April 19, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The New York Yankees are eyeing a series sweep of the Kansas City Royals on Sunday afternoon, and first pitch of the expected matchup between southpaws Ryan Weathers and Cole Ragans was supposed to be 1:35pm ET. Unfortunately, the weather isn’t cooperating.
Even before the Yankees revealed their starting lineup for Sunday, they posted at 10:25am ET that they didn’t expect the game to start on time due to the inclement weather forecast. Indeed, that has come to pass, as at 12:58pm ET, they said that the game would begin in a rain delay.
We’ll wait this out with anyone watching—or even in the stands on your phones—and let you know when any updates get reported! The Yankees have an interesting lineup today with the scorching-hot Ben Rice leading off at DH despite the same-handed lefty Ragans on the bump. Manager Aaron Boone has said that he’s confident in Rice against any kind of pitcher, which he’s probably earned at this point. Giancarlo Stanton’s 1-for-22 slump encouraged him to start both Rice and lefty-masher Paul Goldschmidt, who will man first. Also, Jazz Chisholm Jr. is getting a day off amid his awful start to 2026, with Ryan McMahon returning to the lineup at third after a couple days off and the surging Amed Rosario in Jazz’s spot at second.
We are officially in a rain delay. Updated information will be provided as it is received.
Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs are major favorites to win both the series and Game 1 at home. It would be a major upset if the Portland Trail Blazers pulled off a win tonight.
Our prediction:Spurs to win
Not only does our NBA expert expect the Spurs to follow through on their favorite status in Game 1, but he doesn't think San Antonio loses any in the series. "The San Antonio Spurs should focus on wrapping up this series quickly if they dream of a long postseason run. The specter of the Denver Nuggets in the second round, or even the Minnesota Timberwolves, should worry the Spurs enough to emphasize rest and recovery before the second round."
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Carson Benge – LF Bo Bichette – 3B Francisco Lindor – SS Luis Robert – CF MJ Melendez – DH Mark Vientos – 1B Brett Baty – RF Marcus Semien – 2B Luis Torrens – C
David Peterson – LHP
Cubs lineup
Nico Hoerner – 2B Michael Busch – 1B Alex Bregman – 3B Ian Happ – LF Seiya Suzuki – RF Moises Ballesteros – DH Carson Kelly – C Pete Crow-Armstrong – CF Dansby Swanson – SS
Javier Assad – RHP
Broadcast info
First pitch: 2:20 PM EDT TV: SNY Radio: Audacy Mets Radio WHSQ 880AM, Audacy App, 92.3 HD2
BALTIMORE, MD - APRIL 14: Trevor Rogers #28 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches in the second inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 14, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Orioles’ first four-game series of the season has not quite gone according to plan. An impressive eighth-inning comeback on Friday aside, the Birds’ bats have mostly been missing in action during their trip to Cleveland.
The O’s have had no answer for Guardians starting pitchers. Rookie Parker Messick carried a no-hitter into the ninth inning in the opener, the previously struggling Tanner Bibee had no problem shutting down the Orioles in Game 2, and Gavin Williams pumped strikeout after strikeout in his dominant outing last night. That trio combined for a 1.29 ERA in this series. I assume the Orioles do actually game-plan for opposing starters, but you’d never know it based on their performance so far. The offense has seemed woefully unprepared.
Will they have any more luck against Cleveland’s final starter in this series, lefty Joey Cantillo? The 26-year-old Hawaiian is having a nice year so far, with a 2.61 ERA in four starts, and the last time he faced the Orioles, he pitched five solid innings against them last July. I’m not particularly optimistic, especially considering the lineup the Orioles are using this afternoon.
If you thought the days of the O’s using bizarre platoon lineups against southpaws would go out the door with the arrival of Craig Albernaz, you were…mistaken. The Orioles once again have Johnathan Rodríguez in the cleanup spot and right field, and Blaze Alexander playing center. Weston Wilson, who had a big two-run double in Friday’s comeback, gets his first start at third base. But Coby Mayo is still in the lineup anyway as the DH. Sam Huff spells Samuel Basallo behind the plate. It’s an abnormal lineup, for sure, but it’s not as if the normal lineup has been doing anything great. I don’t love that outfield defense, though, and I would’ve liked to see Leody Taveras get the start.
At least the Orioles have Trevor Rogers going for them. The O’s ace suffered his ugliest outing of the season last time out against Arizona, but in general, the Orioles have the pitching advantage every time Rogers is on the hill. The last time he faced Cleveland was in his Orioles debut back on Aug. 1, 2024, when the Guardians torched him for five runs in 4.1 innings. This is, of course, a very different version of Rogers.
Still, no matter how well Trevor pitches, it won’t matter if the Orioles don’t start hitting. Now’s as good a time as any, guys.
Orioles lineup:
LF Taylor Ward SS Gunnar Henderson 1B Pete Alonso RF Johnathan Rodríguez 2B Jeremiah Jackson 3B Weston Wilson DH Coby Mayo C Sam Huff CF Blaze Alexander
LHP Trevor Rogers
Guardians lineup:
CF Steven Kwan LF Angel Martínez 3B José Ramírez 1B Rhys Hoskins RF David Fry 3B Daniel Schneemann 2B Juan Brito C Austin Hedges SS Brayan Rocchio
There were moments. For example, against the Clippers in the first play-in game, when the Warriors got the Kristaps Porzingis they needed — 20 points on 8-of-12 from the field and 3-of-6 from 3-point range, plus five rebounds, five assists and a couple of blocked shots. If the Warriors decide to get the band back together next season and try to make another run in the Stephen Curry era, they could use that Porzingis.
For his part, Porzingis isn't sure what's next. After a roller coaster of a season where, once again, illness and injuries again limited him (32 games), he said he wants to take a step back in an exclusive interview with Melissa Rohlan of the California Post. She asked Porzingis if he wanted to return to the Warriors.
"That's a good question. I do love my time here, honestly. Not one bad thing I can say about the organization, the team, the teammates. I really love it here, I really do.
"As I said before, I haven't had a good year. If I had a good year, I think I'd have a more clear picture of what I want to do. Because I've had an up-and-down year like this, this is an offseason in my career that I think I'm just going to take a step back, look at the whole picture and then see what's the best direction for me."
What's next for Porzingis involves a few questions. If the Warriors are going to get the band back together next season (or make a bold move, such as chasing Giannis Antetokounmpo) to position themselves for another big run in the Stephen Curry era, they would likely want Porzingis back — but at considerably less than the $30.7 million he was making this season. Which leads to the next couple of questions: Would another team step up with a bigger offer? What will Porzingis prioritize in picking where he plays next? Money? Role? Contending team?
Porzingis' value when healthy is not in question, just ask the champion 2024 Celtics. He's an All-Star-level player when on the court. However, his availability is on the table. Porzingis has played in fewer than 60 games in each of the past three seasons, and has cleared 65 games just three times in his 10-year career (and two of those were his first two seasons in the league).
Porzingis isn't going to be the biggest free agent name on the board this summer, but he is one of the more interesting ones.
The Kings are taking on the Avalanche for their first game of the 2025-26 NHL Playoffs. The Kings have made the playoffs in their past 5 seasons, and the previous 4 have featured them facing the Edmonton Oilers in the first round. But this season is different, as the Kings are taking on the President's Trophy winners. Puck drop is scheduled for 3:00 P.M Eastern time.
Here are the projected Avalanche lines for game 1:
Artturi Lehkonen - Nathan MacKinnon - Martin Necas
Parker Kelly - Brock Nelson - Valeri Nichushkin
Gabriel Landeskog - Nazem Kadri - Nicolas Roy
Joel Kiviranta - Jack Drury - Logan O’Connor
Brett Kulak - Cale Makar
Devon Toews - Sam Malinski
Josh Manson - Brent Burns
Mackenzie Blackwood
Scott Wedgewood
Line Changes and Injuries
The Kings' interim coach said that Malott, Turoctte and Kuzmenko are all available for the first round, but only Malott is expected to play in game 1. For the Avalanche, Kadri, who missed 4 games due to a finger injury, and Manson, who missed 2 games with an undisclosed injury, are both expected to play today. Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar also said that he would not reveal lineup decisions, including his starting goaltender.
Key Factors
The Kings have done the hard part by making the playoffs, and now they have to prove they deserve to be there. They face the best team in the NHL. The Kings will have to get all of their players at their best, especially the offensive duo of Panarin and Kempe.
While today is only game 1, it is still very important for the Kings to set the tone, and if they can steal a game on the road, that could be extremely impactful later in the series.
While the Avalanche have not released a true starting goaltender, it looks like the Kings will start Anton Forsberg in game 1, and this feels like the right call, as Forsberg has won 4 of his last 5 starts for the Kings.
Overall, the Kings can flip the series on its head with a win tonight. Game 1 between the Kings and the Avalanche starts at 3:00 P.M. Eastern Time, and the Kings are looking to go up 1-0 after today.
ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 11: Osvaldo Bido #70 of the Atlanta Braves pitches in the eighth inning during the game against the Cleveland Guardians at Truist Park on April 11, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Matthew Grimes Jr./Atlanta Braves/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Pitcher Osvaldo Bido has been claimed off waivers by the Chicago White Sox. The Atlanta Braves had designated him for assignment on April 16, 2026.
Bido, who pitched last season with the West Sacramento Athletics, has surfed across the waiver wire six times since the end of the 2025 season – including two stints with the Braves. He’s gone from the A’s to the Braves to Tampa Bay Rays to the Miami Marlins to the Los Angeles Angels to the New York Yankees then back to the Braves and now to the White Sox.
The Braves designed Bido for assignment when they brought reliever Ian Hamilton to the big league roster. Bido had pitched in six games for Atlanta, picking up a win and a save cross 10 innings. He allowed seven earned runs but had a respectful 1.20 WHIP.
Bido has started 28 of the 64 career games he’s appeared in since debuting with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2023.
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 18: James Wood #29 of the Washington Nationals celebrates with teammates after hitting a home run in the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Nationals Park on April 18, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Yesterday’s loss was a real bummer, but the boys have to go again and try to salvage the series this afternoon. The combination of poor pitching, mental mistakes and a lack of situational hitting cost them. Hopefully the boys can be more buttoned up after meeting with Blake Butera about their mistakes.
One player who made a lot of mistakes yesterday was Daylen Lile, who will not be in the lineup today. Instead, James Wood will shift to left and Joey Wiemer will play right field. Curtis Mead will try to redeem himself at first base today. Keibert Ruiz will be behind the plate. The Nats will be creative with their pitching plan. PJ Poulin will be the opener, while Miles Mikolas and the recently called up Andrew Alvarez are also likely to be involved.
The Giants are not making many changes to their lineup. Rafael Devers will DH, while Casey Schmitt will play first base. Other than that, it is mostly the same faces. Luis Arraez has been really impressive this series, as has Heliot Ramos. Robby Ray was actually a Nats draft pick, but never played for the team. Many years later, he will get the ball against the franchise that drafted him.
Giants 4/19
W. Adames SS L. Arraez 2B M. Chapman 3B R. Devers DH C. Schmitt 1B J. Lee RF H. Ramos LF D. Gilbert CF P. Bailey C
The Nats have been two different teams on the road and at home. They are 1-7 at home now, and need to get going. This team has shown life, but it has mostly been when the home fans are not watching. Hopefully that can change today. Follow along down below, and let’s go Nats!
Apr 14, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Ryan Weathers (40) pitches in the first inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images | Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
The Yankees have managed to right the ship a little bit this weekend, taking the first two games of this series versus the Royals. After a bit of a rocky week or so, the way to really get back on track isn’t just to win a series, but to sweep it, and ahead of a road trip that would be exactly the kind of momentum the team could really use. On a more personal level, a nice easy blowout win like yesterday would be welcome for hard-luck starter Ryan Weathers, who hasn’t seen a single run in support in his first four starts as a Yankee.
Weathers has been … interesting to watch in those four starts. In his worst outing, earlier this week against the Angels, he had a 5:1 K:BB ratio that if replicated over a full season would almost guarantee a unanimous Cy Young season. He also gave up five runs in five innings, including back-to-back-to-back homers. Every start made by the triumvirate of Weathers, Will Warren, and Luis Gil seems like a mini-audition to stay in the rotation when Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón return from injury, and if that happened today I’m not sure Weathers wins that contest for the final spot (even if Gil is left out as well, as he was at the start of 2026). Then again, if Weathers replicates that eight-inning, one-run showing against the Athletics two weeks ago, he’ll be back on the inside track, run support or no.
Cole Ragans, meanwhile, has been a pitcher I’ve enjoyed watching for a while, even during his injury-hampered 2025. In some ways he’s a classic crafty lefty, not having a dominant or overwhelming pitch but controlling contact quality and taking advantage of a strong Royals defense. His walk rate has been quite high to start the year, which is one avenue the Yankees could use to gameplan against him.
Ben Rice is your leadoff hitter today, taking over the DH spot while Giancarlo Stanton gets a day off amid a 1-for-22 skid (also allowing one of those back-to-back days off situations since New York doesn’t play tomorrow). Facing a lefty, Paul Goldschmidt will be at first. As Aaron Boone previously hinted, Ryan McMahon is back in the lineup today due in part to Ragans’ reverse splits, but Amed Rosario will start anyway — this time at second as Jazz Chisholm Jr. gets a day to clear his head. His 49 wRC+ ranks fifth-worst among all American League players with at least 80 PA on the young season. Fortunately for the Yankees I suppose, two of those four worse than Jazz are in today’s Royals lineup, Sal Perez (36) and Vinnie Pasquantino (46).
Please be advised the team does not expect to start the game on time.
All Yankee Stadium Gates will open for today’s Yankees-Royals game (Sunday, April 19) to fans with valid tickets at 12:00 p.m.
As of 10:25 a.m., please be advised we do not anticipate starting today's game on time due to the current forecast of inclement weather. We will provide…
