On paper, the Los Angeles Clippers have something to play for tonight. In reality, they are more likely to mail in this game against the Golden State Warriors and get ready for the next one against Steph Curry this week.
My Warriors vs. Clippers predictions and these NBA picks spot that quiet logic to folding tonight, Sunday, April 12.
Warriors vs Clippers prediction
Warriors vs Clippers best bet: Kawhi Leonard Under 28.5 points (-115)
Fun fact: As this bet was being logged before sunrise on the West Coast, Kawhi Leonard’s points prop jumped to 28.5 from 26.5. That only emboldens this belief.
The Los Angeles Clippers made their bed. Now they have to lie in it. Losing to Portland twice in the last two weeks knocked the Clippers into the No. 9 seed, now needing the Trail Blazers to lose to the Kings today if L.A. is to have any hope of escaping the single-elimination half of the Play-In Tournament.
Not only does Portland have an obvious incentive to win, but Sacramento also wants to lose to give its tanking efforts one last boost, currently tied with Utah for the fourth-worst record in the NBA.
So, welcome the Clippers to the stressor of a single-elimination game against Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors. No, not today. This is just a prelude to that stressor this week.
And knowing that is coming down the pipe lessens any incentive for Los Angeles to show anything notable today. As Portland pulls away against Sacramento — a 17-point favorite — do not be surprised if L.A. benches its main contributors.
Kawhi Leonard has already fallen short of this prop in six of his last seven games. Fewer minutes or intentionally less aggression tonight should assure that becomes seven of eight to close the season.
Warriors vs Clippers same-game parlay
While the Warriors have nothing to play for tonight, they do need to keep playing Steph Curry back into a rhythm. He missed two full months of the season.
Every minute Curry can get on the court right now helps Golden State’s slim chances of winning two games in the Play-In Tournament, to then at least worry the Thunder.
Curry playing nearly 30 minutes tonight against an ambivalent Clippers team should be enough to notch this win against the spread.
Warriors vs Clippers SGP
Kawhi Leonard Under 28.5 points
Kawhi Leonard Under 7.5 rebounds
Warriors +6.5
Our "from downtown" SGP: Steph, please!
Curry has shot 11-for-27 (40.7%) from deep in his three games back from injury. If he finds a rhythm tonight, Golden State should encourage him to keep shooting to establish some team-wide confidence before the Play-In Tournament.
And we all know, Steph Curry chucking from deep is always a recipe for an outright upset.
Warriors vs Clippers SGP
Kawhi Leonard Under 28.5 points
Kawhi Leonard Under 7.5 rebounds
Warriors moneyline
Warriors vs Clippers odds
Spread: Warriors +6.5 | Clippers -6.5
Moneyline: Warriors +220 | Clippers -270
Over/Under: Over 224.5 | Under 224.5
Warriors vs Clippers betting trend to know
The Clippers have gone 2-6 ATS in their last eight games. Find more NBA betting trends for Warriors vs. Clippers.
How to watch Warriors vs Clippers
Location
Intuit Dome, Inglewood, CA
Date
Sunday, April 12, 2026
Tip-off
8:30 p.m. ET
TV
NBCS-Bay Area, FDSN-SoCal
Warriors vs Clippers latest injuries
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NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 10: Jalen Brunson #11 and Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks looks on during the game against the Toronto Raptors on April 10, 2026 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
81 down, one to go.
81 games into this roller coaster ride of a regular season, we’ve reached a point of reflection.
In a season that’s seen few true moments to breathe, the Knicks are entering Game 82 with absolutely nothing to play for (unless you want to go for the team’s first 54-win season since 1996, that is). The Hornets looked like a potential playoff matchup for a while, but they’re currently locked into the 9-10 game despite being one of the best teams in basketball in the last few months. It’s a cruel world!
While four different teams can still slide into the 6-seed and face the Knicks (Antonio broke down the scenarios for Sunday), the Knicks have no control over it. They’ll play their final game tomorrow and get ready for war.
But before then, I want to rehash an exercise I had fun with last year: looking at the rarest of the rare calls in the NBA and how many times the Knicks have been called for it.
The Least Rare Calls
A bunch of normal violations fall under here. The Knicks have committed:
Compared to last year, the Knicks are committing more offensive fouls and charges, but less kicked-balls, delay-of-games, and shot-clock violations. Here’s who leads the Knicks in each of these categories:
The Knicks do not goaltend very often. The average team has committed around 20 of these violations, but we only see it happen once every nine games for the Knicks.
Mitchell Robinson’s done it three times, KAT and Mo Diawara have done it twice, and both OG Anunoby and Ariel Hukporti have done it once. Leaguewide, Kel’el Ware has somehow done it 21 times, followed by Alex Sarr at 14.
Defensive 3-seconds is a center’s call. Of the 11 players who’ve been called for it at least five times, only one isn’t a big man (Egor Demin has somehow been called for it eight times as a guard).
On the Knicks, Mikal Bridges leads the way with three, but the only other regular to be called for it is KAT. The other five violations are by Diawara, Hukporti, and Guershon Yabusele.
Of all the teams not to commit this violation, you wouldn’t think it’s the worst team in basketball, but it is! DeAndre Ayton has been called for this seven times this season on his own, but the man who’s second in this category turns out to be Towns, who’s been called for it all six times.
It’s a very innocent call that I think goes uncalled a lot. Towns just parks the bus in the paint here in March 20’s extremely odd win over the Nets.
I think offensive goaltending is an extremely interesting concept. It’s legal in Europe and in international play, but illegal in the NBA.
My issue with it is that if a player tips a ball in while it’s on the cylinder and it isn’t called, there is no way to check it. Now, if it was called incorrectly, it could be challenged, but that only plays one side of the coin. It’s basically the same as an uncalled goaltending.
Jalen Duren, Nick Richards, and Robert Williams III have all been called for it five times. Both of the Sixers’ backup centers have been called for it four times. On the Knicks, only two have been called on Mitch, which tells you just how good he is at his craft that almost none of his tip-ins are illegal. Both of them were in March, too. He was perfect for months!
Here’s one that Diawara committed back in November.
What’s the archetype of player who usually commits the most double-dribbles? I’d think it’s also centers, and in looking at the data, I’m mostly right. Yves Missi has had three of them this season by himself.
For the Knicks, only Brunson and Bridges have done it. Does it surprise you that one of the violations came during the three-week stretch from hell?
Lane Violation (2)
Rank: T-15th | Most: Rockets (10) | Least: Jazz (0)
A ticky-tack call most of the time. I feel like a lot of lane violations also go uncalled, but the Rockets have managed to do it 10 times.
Brunson and Bridges have both been called for it. The refs clearly weren’t in the Christmas spirit when the Knicks played the Cavs, because that’s when Brunson was called for it.
8-Second Violation (1)
Rank: T-15th | Most: Rockets (5) | Least: Several (0)
These ones are always interesting. I feel like you see them more in college basketball, since pros can break a press better.
The only time it’s been called on the Knicks all season was January 2 against the Hawks. Of course, it was in that three-week slump.
The Knicks are getting better at inbound plays, especially in situations where they’re getting intentionally fouled. That was an issue in prior years, but they seem to be more dialed in on that front. Their potential first-round opponents just so happen to lead the league in this category…
Jump Ball Violation (1)
Most: Nuggets (3) | Least: Several (0)
You usually see this with guards who get matched up on centers and are just trying to find any type of advantage. Unless you’re Nikola Jokic, who’s committed a jump ball violation three times.
Predictably, the lone Knick to do it is Jose Alvarado, who was called for it early in the second quarter of the team’s February 24 win over Cleveland.
Discontinued Dribble (1)
Most: Timberwolves (5) | Least: Several (0)
I need a primer on a discontinued dribble. Hang on.
The only time this happened was on March 31, when Josh Hart did it against the Rockets. Frankly, it looks like a double-dribble.
Palming (0)
Most: Raptors (5) | Least: Several (0)
Another one that, frankly, should be called more. The Knicks were only called for it three times last season, but are at zero through 81 games.
Say, does that say the Raptors also lead the league in this category? Hmm.
Inbound Violation (0)
Most: Clippers (3) | Least: Several (0)
The last time a Knick committed an inbound violation?
March 16, 2022 against Portland (lol) by Jericho Sims. I can’t find a video of that, but the Knicks somehow committed one just nine days earlier in Sacramento, when Deuce McBride literally handed the ball to Immanuel Quickley on an inbound with 0.2 seconds left in 16-point game.
If you’re wondering, the Josh Hart inbound mistake before Bridges’ game-winner against the Blazers last year technically counted as a travel.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 10: Michael Harris II #23 of the Atlanta Braves hits a single during the third inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Truist Park on April 10, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Well the Braves had a bit of a dud on Saturday night, but reinforcements are making their way to Atlanta, as Spencer Strider and Sean Murphy will be on minor league rehab assignments this week. They will also be without Michael Harris and likely functionally Eli White for a few days, as Michael Harris tends to the birth of his child and Eli White tends to a foot injury. They should also be getting Ha-Seong Kim back in a month or two, which should help. Despite the suboptimal game on Saturday, the team has performed pretty well this year, even if the results have been a bit wonky as compared to the performances in various aspects of the team. There is a decent chance that the beginning of the season could be the low point of the season in terms of player availability, so having a strong start is encouraging. Hoping its only upward from here.
Braves News
The Braves had a dud of a night, particularly on offense, on Saturday night, losing 6-0 to the Guardians.
Wrexham missed the chance to move within a point of the Championship playoff places after they suffered a 2-0 defeat by Birmingham at St Andrew’s. The visitors’ hopes of an unprecedented fourth straight promotion were dealt a massive blow after they were beaten for a second consecutive match which leaves them four points behind sixth-placed Hull with four games to play.
After their 5-1 defeat by Southampton, Wrexham have now suffered back-to-back defeats for the first time since August. Phil Parkinson, the Wrexham manager, said: “We’ve had a tough week this week. But we’re not down and out yet. It’s not over yet.
For the fourth and final time this season, the Milwaukee Bucks will take on the Philadelphia 76ers, and the home team will look to complete the sweep with a much-needed victory.
Paul George has been on a roll offensively, and my Bucks vs. 76ers predictions and NBA picks expect him to rack up points against a shorthanded opponent.
Bucks vs 76ers prediction
Bucks vs 76ers best bet: Paul George Over 18.5 points (-120)
Paul George has been great as a scorer since returning to this Philadelphia 76ers lineup. Across his last nine games, PG has averaged 22.1 points and 3.7 triples while shooting 46.8% from the field and 42.3% from beyond the arc.
Across the last five games, the Milwaukee Bucks rank 27th in defensive rating at 125.6. The team has surrendered the ninth-most points per game (120.3) and the fifth-highest shooting percentage from beyond the arc (41%).
George has scored 19+ in seven of his last nine, doing so in three straight at home. George has been stellar against Milwaukee this season, averaging 24.3 points and five triples in three matchups. He's shot 52.1% from the floor and 53.6% from downtown in those games, scoring 19+ in each of them.
The Bucks are missing several key defenders, and George should be able to take full advantage. With Joel Embiid sidelined, George should be the second option on offense behind Tyrese Maxey, and I don’t expect a depleted Milwaukee team to slow him down in front of the home crowd in a critical game.
Bucks vs 76ers same-game parlay
The 76ers have failed to cover the spread in four straight games, but they’ll return from a three-game road trip in a must-win situation. A Sixers win and losses by the Magic and Raptors would move Philly into the No. 6 seed, so I expect the home team to come out highly motivated.
Neither offense has been playing at a high level lately, but this Bucks defense is so depleted that Philadelphia should be able to score at will in front of the home crowd.
Aside from Joel Embiid’s absence, the home team is healthy, and Paul George and Tyrese Maxey can lead Philly to a big night on the scoreboard and push the Over the total.
Bucks vs 76ers SGP
Paul George Over 18.5 points
76ers -15.5
Over 227
Our "from downtown" SGP: Next man up!
Milwaukee’s injury report reads like a CVS receipt, so Cormac Ryan, A.J. Green, and Ousmane Dieng will need to step up to provide big minutes on the final day of the season.
Ryan has averaged 19.2 points across his last six games, going for 20+ in three of them. He finished with a career-high 28 points in his last game out.
Green has scored 20+ in two of his last three. He went off for a career-best 35 points in his last game, setting a Bucks franchise record with 11 triples.
Dieng has averaged 6.7 rebounds across his last seven games, grabbing at least seven four times. With most of the team’s frontcourt sidelined, Dieng should see plenty of opportunities to crash the glass.
Bucks vs 76ers SGP
Cormac Ryan Over 19.5 points
A.J. Green Over 19.5 points
Ousmane Dieng Over 6.5 rebounds
Bucks vs 76ers odds
Spread: Bucks +15.5 | 76ers -15.5
Moneyline: Bucks +750 | 76ers -1200
Over/Under: Over 227 | Under 227
Bucks vs 76ers betting trend to know
The 76ers have cashed the second-half moneyline in 11 of their last 14 games for +13.05 units and a 63% ROI. Find more NBA betting trends for Bucks vs. 76ers.
How to watch Bucks vs 76ers
Location
Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA
Date
Sunday, April 12, 2026
Tip-off
6:00 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN-Wisconsin, NBCS-Philadelphia
Bucks vs 76ers latest injuries
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SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 11: Ramon Laureano #5 of the San Diego Padres rounds the bases past third base coach Bob Henley #20 after hitting a three-run home run during the fourth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Petco Park on April 11, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
German Marquez was not sharp in his start against the Colorado Rockies at Petco Park on Saturday night. The former Rockies ace who was facing his former team for the first time, allowed three home runs and Colorado held a 4-0 lead heading into the bottom of the third inning. In years past, the game would have been over essentially before it started, but this San Diego Padres team went to work. San Diego put up three runs in the bottom of the third inning after Manny Machado hit a two-run home run. The Padres added three more runs in the fourth when leadoff hitter Ramon Laureano hit a three-run home run to put San Diego ahead 6-4. But the Padres did not stop there. They added another run in the bottom of the sixth on a bases loaded walk to push the score to 7-4 and Jackson Merrill broke the game open with a two-run double through the middle of the infield with the bases loaded to give San Diego a 9-4 lead. The Padres would allow the Rockies to add another run to make the score 9-5 and with the bases loaded and two outs in the top of the ninth inning, Stammen had to call on Jason Adam to get the final out and slam the door shut.
Padres News:
The San Diego Padres wanted to bring back Luis Arraez, but he wanted to play second base. The Padres could not guarantee Arraez playing time at his preferred position, so he became a member of the San Francisco Giants. Thomas Conroy of Gaslamp Ball says without contact-heavy Arraez at the top of the lineup, San Diego is working to find a new offensive identity.
Craig Stammen did not have the best start to his managerial career, but it was not all bad either. Respondents who took part in the Padres Reacts Survey this week on Gaslamp Ball believe Stammen has earned a middling grade to this point in the season.
Fernando Tatis Jr. found himself in a new position in Stammen’s lineup on Saturday night – second base. Xander Bogaerts got the night off, so Jake Cronenworth bumped to short and Tatis Jr. came in to man second base, while Nick Castellanos filled the hole in right field.
Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union Tribune provided some notes on the night that was on Friday, including Walker Buehler, Jason Adam and Jeremiah Estrada and the run of bad luck that has befallen Tatis Jr.
Houston Astros pitcher and one of the top free agents this past offseason Tatsuya Imai is returning to Hoston for an exam after experiencing arm fatigue on road trip.
Adley Rutschman lands on 10-day IL and Ryan Mountcastle leaves the Baltimore Orioles game against the San Francisco Giants early with a foot pain.
Dec 21, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton (33) grabs a rebound against Toronto Raptors forward/guard Scottie Barnes (4) during the second half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images | John Jones-Imagn Images
The Toronto Raptors will play their final game of the 2025-26 NBA regular season at home against the Brooklyn Nets after receiving a thrashing from the New York Knicks on Friday.
It’s fitting that a matchup with Brooklyn is how this team finishes off this season, characterized by the end of the rebuild begun two years ago. After all, it was the Nets who struck down the 2013-14 Raptors in the first round of the playoffs, all those years ago, when DeMar and Kyle were still coming into their own as the duo that defined Toronto basketball for the 2010s. Perhaps this game against the Nets will be the end of the beginning for the Raptors roster that will define the 2020s.
Toronto is coming into this game after an ugly loss to the Knicks on Friday. No one scored 20 or more points, and they lost by 17 in a blowout. With the contest against the Nets being the last game of the season against such a limited team, the Raptors may choose to rest some starters who are nursing injuries. However, should Toronto lose this game while the Celtics fall to the Magic, the Raptors, currently boasting a record tied with Orlando, could fall into the Play-In. While the Raptors’ situation is favoured in both matchups, they must be cautious in letting the foot off the gas too early. It’s probable that if the game becomes a one-sided contest, some Raptors bench pieces will get extra minutes tonight, so it’s possible that Ja’Kobe Walter and Jamal Shead will see an increased role, especially if RJ Barrett ends up sitting this game out with an injury.
The Raps also have the chance to take the season series tonight, sealing it 3-1 against Brooklyn, who were beat 119-109 on two separate occasions, while trouncing Toronto 96-81 on an off-night for the Raptors in December. Whether for injury or for personal reasons, the Nets are playing without almost every member of their starting lineup, save for Nolan Traore at point guard, who is day-to-day due to illness. Their franchise player, Michael Porter Jr., has been shut down for the season to allow for injury recovery. The Nets have lost 14 of their last 17 games, picking up wins only against fellow bottom-feeders like the Washington Wizards and Milwaukee Bucks. There has never been such a game ripe for the taking. But, if the fiasco that was the loss to the Sacramento Kings on April 1st (a crueler April Fools joke there never was) tells us anything, the Raptors can’t afford to let their guard down entirely, even against opponents like the Nets.
Granted, the Nets are throwing out starting fives like Friday’s against the Bucks, featuring not a single player who’s averaged double digits this season. This is not to say that these players are incompetent, of course, with increased roles naturally resulting in better production, but this team is not equipped to take on the Raptors so shorthanded. While there is some uncertainty about the Raptors heading into the postseason, to think that they can’t beat these Brooklyn Nets is to cast too much doubt upon Toronto.
Apr 1, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal reacts against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Detroit Tigers came into the weekend riding a five-game losing streak, including a four-game sweep at the Minnesota Twins. On Sunday, with their ace on the mound, the team has a chance to complete their reversal of fortune by sweeping the Miami Marlins at home.
AJ Hinch’s squad took the first two games of the series, 2-0 and 6-1, respectively, but earning that third victory will not be easy. Sunday’s pitching matchup is a marquee one: twice-consecutive Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal takes the mound for the home team, while the 2022 Cy winner Sandy Alcantara is up opposite him.
Here is a look at how the two match up.
Detroit Tigers (6-9) vs. Miami Marlins (8-7)
Time (ET): 1:40 p.m. ET Place: Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan SB Nation Site: None Media: Detroit SportsNet, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network
Game 16: LHP Tarik Skubal (1-2, 2.55 ERA) vs. RHP Sandy Alcantara (2-0, 0.74 ERA)
Before making any prop bets or NBA picks on the last day of the regular season, study the NBA standings. Be sure the team has something to play for. Only a handful do — the Portland Trail Blazers, the Los Angeles Clippers, the Los Angeles Lakers, the Denver Nuggets, and seeds No. 5 through 10 in the Eastern Conference.
Even some of those teams — looking at you, Denver — are choosing to rest more than compete on Sunday, April 12.
The Philadelphia 76ers could still evade the Play-In Tournament. Most likely, the 76ers will end up the No. 8 seed out East, but it is conceivable they host the first Play-In game, needing the Magic to lose to the Celtics today. Do not hold your breath on that; Orlando is favored by 12 points. But stranger things have happened.
That combination of possible but unlikely yields value in doubting Tyrese Maxey to hit three 3-pointers. The sportsbook is presenting the option on the board because Philadelphia should play a full and honest rotation. Players on any teams without that likelihood are effectively not prop options today.
But if the Magic are up handily on the Celtics late, the 76ers may pull their starters earlier than the game would otherwise suggest.
And it is not like Maxey has been shooting well of late, hitting just 11-of-37 (29.7%) from beyond the arc in his last six games.
Time: 6:00 p.m. ET
Where to watch: FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin or NBC Sports Philadelphia
Prop #2: Kawhi Leonard Under 26.5 points
-115 at bet365
The writing is on the wall for the Los Angeles Clippers. They need to beat the Warriors, as 6-point favorites, while the Blazers lose to the Kings for Los Angeles to climb back into the No. 8 seed.
First of all, Portland is favored by 16.5 points.
Secondly, LA’s swoon in the last week that knocked it into the No. 9 seed also means it would face Golden State in a single-elimination game this week.
Which is all to say, do not expect the Clippers to play long minutes. They know their fate. And do not expect them to show the Warriors anything of note.
Kawhi Leonard has already fallen short of this prop in each of his last two games and in six of his last seven. Any reduction in his minutes or aggression should assure it tonight.
Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
Where to watch: FanDuel Sports Network SoCal or NBC Sports Bay Area
Prop #3: Luke Kennard Over 5.5 assists
-125 at bet365
Point guard Luke Kennard may be a Los Angeles Lakers’ playoff reality. With both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves expected to miss at least the start of the first round, Kennard’s starting streak should extend into the postseason.
It may not be Los Angeles’s design or preference, but Kennard is at least filling the role, clearing this prop in three of his four games as a starter this month and averaging 7.75 assists per game. Perhaps even more impressively, Kennard has committed a total of only five turnovers in those four games.
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The Montreal Canadiens are right back in action on Sunday, April 12, as they head south of the border to face the New York Islanders. The Isles are hanging onto playoff hopes by a thread, while the Canadiens are fighting for the Atlantic Division crown along with home ice advantage.
My Canadiens vs. Islanders predictions and NHL picks suggest fans may be treated to a high-scoring thriller in Long Island, with some of the Habs' usual suspects eager to right the ship after a tough loss at home last night.
Canadiens vs Islanders prediction
Canadiens vs Islanders best bet: Juraj Slafkovsky o0.5 Assists (+110)
Montreal Canadiens forward Juraj Slafkovsky has emerged as one of the game's premier power forwards. The young Slovak has 10 assists in his last 12 games and 13 in his last 16. He has four helpers across an active three-game streak.
This matchup is right up Slaf's alley, as he torched the Islanders with two goals and four points on March 21.
Canadiens vs Islanders same-game parlay
The Canadiens' blue line took a massive hit last night as Noah Dobson will likely miss extended time with an injury.
Cue Lane Hutson, who already ranks second in the NHL in blocked shots since the last time these teams played, as he'll be expected to step up in Dobson's absence.
The sophomore blueliner has blocked 25 shots in his last 11 games.
Although the Isles rank 24th in goals scored, they've actually hit the Over in five of their last seven. Furthermore, these teams have hit the Over in three straight and in eight of their last 10 meetings.
The Over has hit in three straight meetings, and in eight of the last 10. Find more NHL betting trends for Canadiens vs. Islanders.
How to watch Canadiens vs Islanders
Location
UBS Arena, Elmont, NY
Date
Sunday, April 12, 2026
Puck drop
6:00 p.m. ET
TV
TSN2
Canadiens vs Islanders latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 07: Yohel Pozo #63 and Riley O'Brien #61 of the St. Louis Cardinals celebrate after defeating the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 in Washington, District of Columbia. (Photo by Alyssa Piazza/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
If you are going to sit there and tell me you have not been entertained by the St. Louis Cardinals so far this year, I would have to check your pulse. Whether it was JJ Wetherholt homering in his debut then walking off one game later, Jordan Walker sitting at the top of every offensive leaderboard, or the team in general sitting above .500, the Cardinals have been a fun, yet frustrating watch early in the 2026 season.
Heading into the weekend against the Boston Red Sox (traveling this weekend so have to get this scheduled before the series), the Cardinals entered the series with a 7-5 record that could easily be 3-9 or 9-3 depending on which bullpen showed up that day. Entering the year with a somewhat trustable back end of the pen, it seemed that the relief corps could be an underrated strength for the team, as long as they got into the late innings with a lead. Turns out, that was not the case.
Should the Cardinals pay for bullpen support if they compete for the NL Central this year?
At the beginning of the season, I pointed out how the Cardinals once again made minimal investment into their relief corps. A year after signing Phil Maton to the team’s lone major league deal in 2025, Chaim Bloom enlisted the help of reliever Ryne Stanek to bolster an untested bullpen with a $3.5 million contract, along with a $6 million club option for the 2027 season (if it happens). Stanek was projected to work with JoJo Romero at the back of the bullpen before each of them are ultimately traded this year. Now, just a few weeks into the season, maybe the Cardinals should pump the brakes and revisit that bullpen set up.
Firefighter Matt Svanson has been anything but, although he did have a solid performance his late time out. To really nobody’s surprise, Chris Roycroft was downright awful before getting demoted, and I don’t want to hear how he got soft-contacted into bad luck because the eye test backed up him getting hammered. Justin Bruihl is just John King with a different name, and Jared Shuster was just called up to fill the spot vacacted by Roycroft. Rule 5 pick Matt Pushard is on the IL with a knee issues, but got hit hard in his one outing prior to the “injury”.
Putting big financial commitments into the bullpen is something that teams shy away from unless they have an elite closer or lockdown late-inning arm. The same holds true for the Cardinals, with everyone outside of Stanek still playing on their arbitration contracts. That is not really a bullpen alignment that is set up for success, especially when we assumed that Stanek and Romero were going to be dealt at the deadline if not sooner. In order to get the best out of Stanek, he will have to hone in his command, walking five batters and allowing seven hits in just 5.2 innings of work, but all five runs he has allowed came in just two games. Romero has been solid, but he is taking on the stopper role, rather than closer, as he has pitched in the sixth, seventh, and eighth inning this year. Gordon Graceffo has been sort of a final option when the game has been close, and he has been effective in 4.2 innings while being helped by his defense a couple times. George Soriano, who was acquired in the Andre Granillo trade, has made an impression with a couple stellar outings sandwiched between some mediocre ones. The most consistent has been Riley O’Brien, a sentence that probably was not expected to be said at any point this year as ROB has typically struggled with command and health so far in his big league career. Through the first 12 games, he has yet to walk a batter or allow an earned run and has already picked up three saves.
So back to the question at hand. If the Cardinals are near the top of the division and in striking distance as the season continues, should they revamp the bullpen?
As a fan, I always want the Cardinals to win. I want them to go 162-0 and win their 12th World Series title. But, as a realist, I also understand that the team is not in their competitive window just yet. I will compare them to the Chicago Bears from last season, so if you’re not a Bears fan (I’m not either, I just live in the Chicago area), skip to the next paragraph. Coming into this last year, the Bears were going through their own transition season, changing head coaches and leadership while trying to bounce back from a couple tough years. Then, they overachieved big time, winning the NFC North and advancing in the playoffs. As the season progressed, their roster holes showed up and fans were clamoring for their GM to go out and add a high-cost superstar who could help them win the Super Bowl. The reality of it, though, is that the Bears were not just one player away and really just in the beginning of their process, so like Chaim Bloom says, all moves (or non-moves) should be future-focused first rather than the short-term as the goal is to build a strong foundation. That is how I see the 2026 St. Louis Cardinals.
It is 12 games in, yes, but they have probably already surpassed some preseason expectations and have started to build some optimism among the fanbase who now feel that this team will not actually battle the White Sox for the worst record, which I was informed was the plan multiple times by many social media GMs. The reality is, this team was never built to be bottom of the barrel. The lineup featured major league hitters and the rotation had arms with a track record. It was not like the Cardinals were planning to give Johnny Nobody 500 at-bats and 30 starts on the mound. The goal was always see what their current crop of talent could do in order to see who will be around for the future.
Because of this, giving up long-term assets for a short-term bullpen game would be illogical for this iteration of the Cardinals, unless the entire lineup continues putting up Jordan Walker numbers and the rotation is full of top-three arms. Because of the implausibility of that, any success this season should truly just be basked in by the fanbase as we get a glimpse towards the next great Cardinals team already taking the field in St. Louis. Bullpen arms rise in costs as the deadline approaches and with more teams able to qualify for the playoffs, the price will continue to go up. The shift I would be okay with for Bloom and the Cardinals, would be to just hold onto Romero and Stanek, as long as they keep producing like late inning arms. With relievers though, it would likely be in best practice to hold true to the plan and get whatever they can from those two relievers and see where the season takes us.
What do you think? Memphis shuttle? Dumpster dive? Make a splash? Let me know!
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - APRIL 11: Julio Rodríguez #44 of the Seattle Mariners reacts as he rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run in the fifth inning against the Houston Astros at T-Mobile Park on April 11, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Olivia Vanni/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Saturday’s game against the Rays was not pretty viewing for Yankees fans. The Yankees held two separate late leads against Tampa Bay, but couldn’t hold onto either. In the 10th inning, the Rays took advantage of the auto-runner and bunted the Yankees to death, eventually scoring twice in the frame to overtake the Yankees.
With the Yankees now firmly in their first annoying stretch of the 2026 season, let’s see what the competition around the AL did in Saturday’s games.
Minnesota Twins (8-7) 7, Toronto Blue Jays (6-8) 4
The Blue Jays only actually allowed the Twins to score in one inning of the game. The issue is that inning was a seven-spot, which was plenty enough to doom Toronto.
The Jays started the game decently enough, as Daulton Varsho hit a two-run homer in the first to give them the lead. However, things flipped in a hurry a couple innings later.
In the third, Brooks Lee led off with Minnesota with a homer, but Toronto starter Eric Lauer then recorded an out. It would be a while before he got his next one. The next five Twins’ batters all reached base, with Josh Bell giving them the lead with a two-run single. Lauer then finally got the second out, but Trevor Larnach responded with a three-run homer to break the game open.
On the mound, Joe Ryan mostly cruised for the Twins, allowing just two those runs on two hits in seven innings. The Blue Jays picked up a couple runs off Minnesota’s bullpen in the ninth, but it was too little, too late. Further worrying for Toronto will be that George Springer suffered a fractured toe after fouling a pitch off his foot. As of last night, he was undergoing further scans to see what the severity and what the next steps were going to be.
Boston Red Sox (5-9) 7, St. Louis Cardinals (8-6) 1
The Red Sox used a five-run ninth to get some separation and pull away from the Cardinals, who had previously threatened to rally.
For much of the game, Willson Contreras’ two-RBI double in the fourth inning held up as the lone run-scoring moment. Red Sox offseason signing Ranger Suarez was looking the part for them, as he allowed just three hits in six scoreless innings. The Cardinals’ pitching wasn’t terrible themselves, as those two runs were the only they had allowed for much of the game, despite other chances for Boston.
In the bottom of the eighth, Jordan Walker got St. Louis on the board with a homer, however that would be the extent of their rally. The Red Sox responded with five runs on six hits in the top of the ninth to take any drama out of the ninth inning.
Seattle Mariners (6-9) 8, Houston Astros (6-9) 7
J.P. Crawford’s walk-off single allowed the Mariners to come all the way back after trailing by as many as five runs.
The game featured some wild swings early. Initially, the Mariners took a lead in the bottom of the first, but the Astros immediately responded with seven runs over the second, third, and fourth innings. However, Seattle then put up a five-spot in the fifth to climb all the way back, with Julio Rodríguez finally getting in the home run column to tie the game up.
The game remained tied going into the ninth, despite the Astros recording 17 hits on the game. The Astros’ Bryan Abreu got the first out of the bottom of the ninth, but then proceeded to walk the bases loaded. Crawford then dropped a single into left field, allowing the Mariners to get the walk-off win.
As mentioned, the Astros had plenty of chances, but they finished the game with 13 runners left on base.
Other Games
Detroit Tigers (6-9) 6, Miami Marlins (8-7) 1: The Tigers scored five runs over the first three innings and never looked back in a win over the Marlins. On the mound, Casey Mize gave Detroit 5.2 solid innings, allowing just one run. On offense, Riley Greene led the way, driving home four runs and going 2-for-3 with a walk.
Cleveland Guardians (9-6) 6, Atlanta Braves (9-6) 0: Cleveland’s Parker Messick allowed just four hits and two walks in 6.2 shutout innings and the Guardians cruised past the Braves. José Ramírez gave the Guardians a lead with a homer in the third at-bat of the game, and they never looked back from there, as Messick dominated and Cleveland slowly and surely added to their lead.
Columbus Clippers Travis Bazzana (12) throws the ball to first base during home opener at Huntington Park on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, in Columbus, Ohio. | Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
All the metrics had been saying Kahlil Watson’s improved approach was going to lead to results and they proved prophetic Saturday as Watson had one of the best games of his MiLB career, going 3-for-4 with two home runs, a triple a walk and a stolen base.
Akron’s offense teed off for 11 runs on 14 hits Saturday, led by Wuilfredo Antunez, who went 3-for-5 with his second home run of the season and a triple.
Also having a huge game was Ralphy Velazquez, who blasted his second bomb of 2026 while going 2-for-5 with three runs batted in and two runs scored.
Nick Mitchell reached base safely twice, going 2-for-4 with a walk while Alex Mooney went 1-for-4 with a double and a walk and both Angel Genao and Jake Fox both went 2-for-5, with Genao also walking. Alfonsin Rosario doubled and was hit by a pitch.
Starting pitcher Cam Favors was outstanding, allowing one run on just one hit in 5.2 innings pitched. He struck out eight and walked three.
Matt Jachec closed out the victory with two scoreless innings.
There wasn’t much to say with this one. Lake County’s offense was practically nonexistent once again. No one reached base safely twice, although Garrett Howe and Jaison Chourio both doubled.
Starting pitcher Rafe Schlesinger was the tough-luck loser, giving up two runs on three hits in 4.0 innings with four strikeouts and two walks. He also hit three batters.
Cam Schuelke was the standout out of the bullpen, tossing 2.0 scoreless innings of relief.
Hill City erupted for eight runs on eight hits with nine walks.
Catcher Tyler Howard went 2-for-3 with two walks. Jose Perela went 2-for-4 with a double and a walk and Luis De La Cruz went 2-for-3 with a walk and a stolen base.
Dauri Fernandes walked twice with a stolen base and Jonathan Martinez walked, was hit by a pitch and stole two bases.
Starting pitcher Harrison Bodendorf was terrific, tossing 4.2 shutout innings of two-hit ball while striking otu nine and walking just one. The 6-foot-5 22-year-old southpaw who was a 10th round pick out of Oklahoma State last year just entered my radar.
DETROIT, MI - APRIL 04: Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Justin Verlander (35) in the dugout during the game between the Detroit Tigers versus the St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday April 4, 2026 at Comerica Park in Detroit, MI. (Photo by Steven King/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Detroit Tigers’ starter Justin Verlander is eligible to be activated from the 15-day injured list on April 16, but Verlander and the Tigers will take their time before talking about a date for a return. The long-time ace and future Hall of Famer was moved to the injured list on April 4 with left hip inflammation. However, the move was retroactive to April 1, meaning he could theoretically return on Thursday at Comerica Park against the Royals. Manager A.J. Hinch told reporters before the Tigers victory over the Marlins on Saturday that a quick return isn’t in the cards.
Speaking to reporters after a Verlander bullpen session that reportedly went very well, Hinch said that it was still too soon to think about a timeline to activation. He also said that Verlander will at least need one rehab start or simulated game to stretch out fully before the Tigers consider taking him off the injured list. It’s possible that he could start a game for the Toledo Mud Hens sometime late this week or into next weekend, and then be on track to return during the Tigers’ home series against the Milwaukee Brewers from April 21-23.
Expect the timetable to be pushed back even a little further. If Verlander is going to rehab with the Mud Hens this week, he’d have to do so on the road in Louisville against the Bats. I suspect that the Tigers would consider that a sub-optimal spot for such an outing. Obviously a 43-year-old legend in the sport isn’t going to be taking the bus down to Louisville with Max Clark and the boys, but even on his own travel arrangements, the setting isn’t ideal.
The Tigers will want their own people with him to ensure everything in Verlander’s workouts and preparation go smoothly on start day. I’m not familiar enough with the Louisville Bats to evaluate their facilities, but the Cincinnati Reds affiliate is presumably somewhat less equipped than the Hens facilities after the Tigers and their affiliates put a lot of time and money into modernizing them over the past half decade. Much simpler to let Verlander stay in Detroit and simply drive down to Toledo on start day, prepare, pitch, and return immediately to Detroit for the usual post-start treatment and recovery protocols.
The Hens will return to Toledo on April 21 against the Omaha Storm Chasers, and that six-game set is probably more when we should expect a Verlander outing if they decide it’s worth giving him a Triple-A rehab start rather than just throwing bullpens and getting in a simulated game. Such an outing would no doubt be very well attended, and the Tigers would prefer their affiliates get a nice day at the box office rather than the Louisville Bats.
Of course, the crucial part of these considerations is the fact that Keider Montero has pitched well in two starts in Verlander’s stead. The 25-year-old right-hander has so far banished some of the control issues that plagued him in his first two seasons in the major leagues. After pitching for Team Venezuela in the WBC this spring, Montero never really got stretched out in the final weeks of spring training, and the Tigers kept his first outing for the Hens, as well as his two starts with the Tigers, on a short leash. Still, he’s thrown the ball well and shown maturity as in a pitcher in terms of course correcting when things start to go wrong in an outing.
Montero has allowed just two earned runs in 10 1/3 innings of work so far, and while it’s a very small sample, his walks are way down and his strikeouts are up. He’s looked very much in command of his game, and no doubt his performance has the Tigers wanting to see more before they’re faced with the tricky decision of how to proceed once Verlander is 100 percent. Montero’s success means there’s no rush to decide anything, but on the other hand, if he continues to pitch like this you can’t really send him down either, so the decisions do get tricker.
As I’ve said before, the reason for signing Verlander in the first place wasn’t nostalgia or overconfidence in his strong second half for the San Francisco Giants last year. Adding Verlander only cost the Tigers $2 million this season, allowing them to add starting depth without going over the luxury tax by deferring most of Verlander’s $13 million total. The penalties for going over and potentially losing revenue sharing funds would also hurt their draft pick compensation in 2027. This was just an opportunity to add depth into a pitching staff that doesn’t have much in the way of optionable members, knowing full wel that Verlander isn’t going to make 25-30 starts for them this season.
Adding Verlander gives them an additional usable starter without going over the threshold, but it also allows them a fair amount of flexibility. Plenty of teams make stashing an injury prone, but still effective veteran starter a regular feature of their offseason roster builds. A 43-year-old pitcher, no matter that he’s a freak and the greatest arm talent of the last quarter century in this case, is still 43 years old. Injuries aside, just to continue pitching at the game’s highest level takes a lot of work with the Tigers’ strength and conditioning staff, as well as with their physical therapists. It’s presumably rare that there’s literally nothing wrong physically, and that provides opportunities for the Tigers to give him stints on the injured list as needed, making sure that Verlander is only taking the mound when he really feels his best, while enabling them to use Montero or any other young starter who is pitching well.
In essence, you’re stashing an extra starting pitcher on the roster, knowing full well that you’ll never get 30 starts from them, and will instead have some flexibility in how that veteran starter and his replacement, Montero in this case, are deployed. That’s pretty useful depth, espcially early in the season when pitcher arm injuries are rampant. Later on in the season, the Tigers may have help coming in the form of Troy Melton or other young pitchers currently on the injured list. Right now, they need to succeed with what they’ve got. Of course, you can’t just hold a guy on the injured list forever with nothing wrong with them, and this is a lot simpler when the veteran starter isn’t a franchise legend. There may well come a point where some really difficult decisions have to be made. For now though, an issue is pretty easily massaged by stretching out Verlander’s rehab work.
So for now, stretching out Verlander’s timetable makes all the sense. If they have him throw bullpens this week, and then schedule a rehab start with the Hens somewhere in the 21-23rd of April, it allows Verlander to make such a start while still under the eye of the Tigers training staff, and pushes the decision on what to do when he returns off toward the end of the month.
Montero could then make another three starts while Verlander rehabs before the Tigers have to decide what to do with them both, and maybe two Verlander rehab starts are required, particularly if Montero is still pitching well. A lot can happen in a few weeks time during a baseball season that might make the longer term decisions simpler.
A.J. Hinch said it's too soon to think about an activation timeline, as Verlander will still need a rehab start or a sim game.
"This is a huge step for him today with a high-intensity bullpen. Then we’ll evaluate after that what’s next."
Tyrese Maxey
Kawhi Leonard
Luke Kennard
