DENVER, CO - APRIL 28: Ryan Feltner #18 of the Colorado Rockies pitches during the game between the Atlanta Braves and the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on Monday, April 28, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Geneva Heffernan/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Here it is: the penultimate game in spring training 2026.
This evening, the Colorado Rockies welcome the Detroit Tigers to Salt River Fields.
Starting for the Tigers is Jack Flaherty .
The righty has a 7.88 ERA in 8.0 IP. He’s struck out 8, and has a 1.10 WHIP.
Taking the mound for the Rockies will be RHP Ryan Feltner, their final addition to the starting rotation.
Currently, he has an ERA of 9.24 in 12.2 IP. He’s struck out 15 and has a 1.89 WHIP.
TEMPE, ARIZONA - MARCH 05, 2026: Luis Morales #19 of the Athletics throws a pitch during the second inning of a spring training game against the Los Angeles Angels at Tempe Diablo Stadium on March 05, 2026 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Bernacchi/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
The Athletics have finished up their spring schedule. With today’s 10-9 win over the Chicago White Sox the regular season is now next. All attention now turns to Friday’s Opening Night in Toronto when our A’s will play some meaningful baseball against the defending American League Champions. There were highs and lows for the team this spring but all of that is now in the rearview mirror as attention turns to getting wins.
But first, the recap from today. Right-hander Luis Morales got the ball for the spring finale looking to have some success before entering the season. The 23-year-old has had a rough go of things during camp and that continued today. Chicago jumped on the young righty from the jump. After loading the bases with two outs Morales gave up the big hit, a bases-clearing 3-run double that gave the Sox the early lead.
That put the A’s in an early hole but on the bright side Morales pitched a clean second and third innings without allowing any more runs. Still, today’s outing was not inspiring and continued his tough spring. There was an expectation after his strong debut last year that Morales had a spot in the rotation more or less sewn up. Morales looks like he’ll still be in the rotation after today’s roster moves but the A’s will want to see some results over his first couple of starts. If these struggles continue it wouldn’t be a shock to see the club make a move sooner than later in regards to his rotation spot.
The White Sox would add on four more runs in the fourth with Morales out of the game. Right-hander JJ Goss got lit up for all the damage, which included four hits and two walks. It was now 7-0 White Sox. Not a great way to start the day.
Meanwhile on the other side of the ball the A’s bats were held in check by Sox left-hander Anthony Kay. Over the first three innings the Athletics had their opportunities against the former top prospect but couldn’t get the big hit to get some runs on the board.
Until the fourth, that is. With Kay still in the game but most of the Athletics starters now out of the contest the A’s got to work against the lefty. A single, a pair of hit by pitches, a sac fly and then a walk gave the A’s their first run of the day and the bases were still loaded. Prospect Drew Swift came to the plate and went after the first pitch he saw from Kay and delivered a grand slam to make this a 7-5 game. Suddenly we had a ballgame.
They were still losing but now that mountainous 7-run lead was a more manageable 2-run deficit. The A’s didn’t wait around, collecting another pair of walks to open the frame. Top prospect Henry Bolte was now at the plate and it was his turn to deliver. He came in clutch, smacking a two-run double to knot this game all up at 7-apiece. They weren’t done there either, pushing across two more runs to take the first lead of the evening. They had come all the way back. Now it was the bullpen’s job to hold on.
For a minute it seemed like these two teams were about to start trading runs the rest of the way. Righty Nick Anderson got tagged for a run in the sixth thanks to several White Sox hits but he managed to keep the rally from getting out of control. The A’s got that run back in the bottom of the eighth, and they’d actually end up needing it too. It took four more A’s pitchers to finish off Chicago, who scored one more time in the ninth to make it a one-run game but the A’s held on for the win, finishing off the White Sox and ending spring with a win.
And that’s all she wrote for spring camp, folks. The A’s finished with a 14-16 record but most importantly the team didn’t suffer a single major injury all camp. That’s incredible luck. It’s not going to last for the next six months but the A’s will be at full strength for Opening Day.
Next time we see our A’s take the field will be on Friday evening in Toronto. Luis Severino is slated to get the ball for the Green & Gold to take on the Blue Jays, his second Opening Day assignment in as many years. The Blue Jays, though they sided Dylan Cease this year, have named Kevin Gausman as their man for Opening Day. Should be a good one, and the first of 162 games over the next six months. Buckle up folks, and get ready for a fun season!
DETROIT, MI - MARCH 20: Kristaps Porzingis #7 of the Golden State Warriors shoots the ball during the game against the Detroit Pistons on March 20, 2026 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Golden State Warriors are, mercifully, wrapping up their six-game road trip tonight. No matter what happens against the Dallas Mavericks, the six-city jaunt has been a struggle and a failure … but they can at least end it on a high note.
Thankfully, there might be reinforcements. Here’s the full injury report for both teams.
Warriors
Out — Steph Curry (right patellofemoral pain syndrome)
This is the 22nd straight missed game for Curry, though it’s finally looking like a return is around the corner. He should practice this week, which is a big step in the right direction.
Out — Al Horford (right soleus strain)
Not sure when we’ll see Horford back in the lineup. It’s certainly not out of the question that his season is over.
Out — Jimmy Butler III (right ACL surgery)
No new news on Butler, which is probably a good thing given that he’s still 10 or so months away from returning.
Out — Quinten Post (right foot injury management)
The Dubs will be down at least two centers tonight. Post continues to nurse an aching foot, as he — and the team — limp to the finish line. He certainly hasn’t been at his healthiest, or best.
Out — Seth Curry (left adductor strain)
Curry is still hoping to get back on the court and play more than just four games this season, but it’s no sure thing.
Questionable — Moses Moody (right wrist sprain)
After 10 straight games on the sidelines — he hasn’t played in March — Moody could rejoin the Dubs tonight. Wouldn’t that be great to see!
Probable — Kristaps Porziņģis(left low back injury management)
When Porziņģis left Saturday’s game with back pain, I didn’t think we’d see him again fro a while. Backs are tricky things, especially for players who have injury histories as extensive as Porziņģis. Him getting back on the floor would be huge, especially with Post and Horford out.
Probable — De’Anthony Melton (left hand contusion)
Melton’s play has been hot-and-cold lately, but there’s no denying that the Warriors need him, especially with Curry out.
Mavericks
Out — Kyrie Irving (left knee surgery)
Irving hasn’t played this season, and that’s not going to change. His focus is on getting healthy for next year.
Out — Brandon Williams (concussion protocol)
After playing just 74 games, combined, from his debut season in 2021-22 through last year, Williams has finally found a home in Dallas, playing in 60 games and averaging 12.8 points per game. Unfortunately, a concussion has kept him out for a week.
Out — Dereck Lively II (right foot surgery)
Lively has a lot of promise, but has been bit hard by the injury bug. After a strong rookie season, he’s played in just 43 games in two years since. He’s out for the year.
Out — Caleb Martin (right heel contusion)
Martin’s been out for the last week, and that won’t change today. He’s averaging a career-low 3.9 points per game this year.
Enjoy the game, Dub Nation! It tips off at 6:30 p.m. PT on NBC Bay Area and Peacock.
Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Ryne Nelson (19) throws to the Cincinnati Reds in the third inning during a spring training game on March 16, 2026, at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale. | Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The season is upon us! Let’s do a public confidence poll. Ok a scale of 1 to 10, how confident are you going into the season?
James: I would say a 5 or 8. I am supremely confident (8) that Arizona will have a largely average season. That mediocrity will likely result in a very pedestrian finish of something within spitting distance of .500 one way or the other by the end of the season.
Spencer: Solid 4. Arizona is overspending to pretend like they are contenders. I am confident we will spend the year getting the next wave developed in appropriate ways. That means Lawlar getting regular MLB reps. Waldy getting a cup of coffee. Dix, Jones, etc getting their next opportunities with affiliates. But at the major league level? Perdomo will regress to being very good instead of Ohtani level, Carroll will take time to get his power back.
Preston: I’m going with 6. I think the offense will continue to be good; while I don’t expect Perdomo to repeat his season entirely, I think the ABS challenge system might help him turn a few more strikeouts into walks. The defense should be better. But that pitching staff? Ouch. One of us might be able to join it by midseason. (One note on my predictions: going into 2016 I was high on the rebuilt pitching staff. They rewarded my confidence with an 88 ERA+ and a FIP of 4.50.)
A note on Perdomo. In integrated baseball, there have been 64 seasons by a shortstop with an OPS+ of 135 or higher. Nine of those belong to a known PED user, and three more happened in 2020. Another was Rich Aurelia in 2001, on a team of noted PED users. It’s far more likely that Perdomo becomes a one-year wonder than that he joins Corey Seager and Bobby Witt Jr. as the best hitting shortstops in history in a single season (both posted 174 OPS+, Seager in 2023 and Witt in 2024.)
Ben: I’ll say 5.5 simply because the pitching staff as a whole could be an absolute nightmare before the All-Star Break. I think the offense could be a pure, dynamic dream to watch with an excellent balance of speed, contact, and power up and down the lineup. We have to hope that getting Puk, Justin Martinez, and Burnes back at some point will buoy the whole team
1AZfan1: 6. I’m fairly confident we’ll play competent baseball most nights, but I think the bullpen will hold us back from being able to secure 88+ wins (target to make the playoffs). I think April will tell us a lot based on our incredibly difficult strength of schedule and not yet having our TJ arms back. If we’re close at the end of April and our bullpen isn’t a dumpster fire (or it is a dumpster fire but the starting pitching and lineup are good enough to overcome it) without Puk and J-Mart, I’ll bump that confidence level up.
Justin: 6
Dano: Yeah, I’m inclined to go with 6, especially since I just offered up my season W-L prediction and now I see that 1AZFan1 has put a value of 6/10 on broadly what my prediction was. But you know? Screw that. I do genuinely believe, for no good reason very likely, that we are going to overperform expectations this season. So let’s call it a 7!
Makakilo: This season is unusual because of the wide range of possible wins. My view is that the Diamondbacks will win between 81 and 89 games, depending on the health and performances of nearly all Diamondbacks players. Therefore, my confidence that they will reach the playoffs is less than 50%. Nevertheless, there is a realistic chance of reaching the playoffs. My confidence is about 4.
A different perspective on Perdomo. On Tuesday, this AZ Snake Pit article is scheduled to post. It looks at Perdomo’s batting strengths and weaknesses. It talks about four reasons that his 2025 breakout will continue this season.
What’s one prediction you have for this season that you feel is actually likely to happen?
James: Torey Lovullo is almost certain to spend a majority of the season dodging questions about bullpen usage. He really is not currently blessed with an abundance of quality options. Hopefully, as the season wears on, the team will develop and implement some relievers out of the pool of arms they acquired last summer.
Spencer: The team trades away expensive contracts midseason to save money (Gurriel, ERod, etc.). Whether this is because of a straight selloff or younger replacements with upside, I’m not sure. Maybe both.
Preston: We hear more about a player being “this year’s Geraldo Perdomo” than we ever heard about Perdomo last year. Or this year, except in the connection of whatever Dodger or Yankee is outperforming expectations.
1AZfan1: Preston had a pretty good one. I’ll predict this is Torey’s last season with us. I don’t think it’s the right call to let him go because I think there are very few managers who actually add a significant amount of wins to their teams and we are highly unlikely to get one as a replacement, but I imagine that we’ll once again finish the season right around .500 and there will be too much pressure from ownership/public to make a change.
Ben: There will be more than two rookies in the regular starting lineup by the end of the season. I’m not sure who those rookies will be, but there are several intriguing names sitting down in Reno who could contribute at the major league-level soon.
Dano_in_Tucson: We are going to win more games than we lose, and improved performance from our starting rotation is going to substantially be why.
Do you have any crazy, off the wall predictions for this season?
James: I’m honestly not sure that any of my predictions for the season are that off the wall. For the league, I think we may see a record-low for the number of qualified starts in a season. Is that particularly off the wall though, given the direction the game is moving? For the team, I guess I would say my big “off the wall” prediction would relate to Paul Sewald. He was given a guaranteed MLB contract and he has no options remaining. Usually, that would all but ensure he finishes the season on a Major League roster. I am honestly not convinced Sewald manages to make it to the end of the season before being cut loose by Arizona as the youth displaces him.
Spencer: AJ Puk signs an extension.
Preston: The Diamondbacks will have a pitcher named to the All Star Team, but Ketel Marte will not be there. How? After last year’s controversy, expect Marte to opt-out unless he’s truly having a remarkable season. That takes care of the second part of the equation. For the first part of the equation, Ryne Nelson will start the year in the rotation, and he’s pitched like an All Star in the second half of the last two seasons, plus a plethora of pitchers always opt-out. Eduardo Rodriguez looked good in the WBC so he might put together a solid first half, and Zac Gallen has name recognition. There’s also the chance that the league office will want to honor veteran players who are nearing the end of their careers in hopes of getting their support in negotiations and name Merrill Kelly to the team. He’s the best pitcher not named to an All Star team over the last few seasons, so he’s not at all undeserving on that note.
1AZfan1: Dodgers don’t win the division. Last year was closer than we all expected, with the NL West crown legitimately not being decided until the last week of the season. Injuries to the Dodgers pitching staff are a given, then all it takes are a couple poorly-timed injuries to the offense and the Dodgers are looking at a 90-win season. One of the Padres, Giants, or even Diamondbacks, could do better than 90 wins.
Makakilo: The Diamondbacks pitcher with the most saves will not be on the opening day roster.
Ben: Zac Gallen will return to form and get Cy Young votes at the end of the season.
Dano_in_Tucson: Oh, what the heck. I’m leaning into optimism for whatever reason just now, so let me just reiterate a thought I shared after Venezuela won the 2026 World Baseball Classic: bolstered by his crucially important and utterly brilliant start in the final against the US, our favorite hologram, Eduardo Rodriguez, will have an absolute banner year for the Diamondbacks and end the season at least in the conversation regarding who actually was our de facto ace.
When it’s all said and done, which Diamondbacks get awards votes?
James: With Moreno and Carroll starting the season hurt and Marte being a year older at second, I’m not sure that anyone will get votes enough to win anything. Those three players, plus Perdomo, may all receive a few votes for Gold Glove, but I think that’s likely it.
Spencer: Ryne Nelson for Cy Young. Marte and Perdomo for MVP.
Preston: This may be another year where the eligibility changes render someone losing votes. In 2023, Gabriel Moreno would have been a rookie had the rules not changed, and would have gotten plenty of votes. This year, that role is played by Jordan Lawlar, who I don’t predict to be at the level of Carroll in 2023, but will be good enough to get some down-ballot support if he were eligible.
1AZfan1: Alek will get Gold Glove votes, and possibly win it, in left field. I think Lawlar will do well enough to hold things down in center and Alek will be overqualified to play a corner outfield position.
Makakilo: Spencer is likely correct.
Ben: I think Spencer’s predictions are the strongest candidates for awards, but I could see a scenario where Gabriel Moreno stays healthy and makes a push for a Gold Glove at catcher. He was a top-15 player there last year and that was while missing significant time with various injuries.
Dano_in_Tucson: Yeah, I am with Spencer on both of those as well. Also, I agree with 1AZFan1 that Alek Thomas will get Gold Glove votes–assuming, of course, that he hits well enough once the regular season kicks off to keep himself in the lineup most every day.
And what’s one storyline you’re looking at in the broader MLB?
James: Labour strife and what the league does from now through the trade deadline to paint the players in as negative a light as possible. The current CBA prevents the players from scuttling the season the way they did back in 1994, or I would be starting a lottery for when in August/September the season comes crashing to a halt. I still remain firmly convinced that the league is going to miss a significant number of games in 2027. But, if things get any uglier in the early-season or if some sort of controversy develops before the break, I could see the season limping to an end as the 2027 season goes up in flames entirely.
Spencer: Skubal. His reputation was at an all time high after arbitration then hit a low when he only wanted to reap the benefits of the WBC without actually helping (read: doing anything). How he handles that stress will be important for the Mets and Yankees to watch in anticipation of his ability to survive NYC expectations. And if he hurts himself, his big payday is gone and he’ll have to “settle” for a contract beginning with 1 instead of 4.
Preston: The Dodgers. Is it better for them to win again so the players might get frustrated and we avoid a work stoppage, or is it better for them to have a down year so every other owner/fan base can regain some hope? I don’t know the answer, I just know that I am hoping that everything from “Homer at the Bat” befalls that overpaid and overhyped roster.
1AZfan1: The upcoming CBA negotiations top the list for me. I’m hopeful those talks become the most consequential of our generation, introducing some meaningful form of salary cap. Beyond that, I want to see if baseball can capitalize on the incredible WBC and become more popular domestically. Part of that likely depends on the CBA negotiations and whether or not there is a lockout, but baseball hasn’t been this hot in a long time. Can they keep it going or was it just a flash in the pan?
Makakilo: Possible new rules are being experimented with. Does baseball have more rule changes next season?
Ben: It’s hard to ignore the labor situation as it will loom over nearly everything that happens this season – from standings to shadow campaigns by both sides to paint themselves in the most sympathetic light while villainizing the other. I will be most interested to see how the labor situation affects any extensions and midseason trades. I suspect most front offices have a labor stoppage of some kind baked into their projections, but it will be a factor undoubtedly. Dano_in_Tucson: Yeah, it’s the labor stoppage that I can’t imagine isn’t coming at the end of the 2026 season, and the maneuvering and messaging on both sides as we barrel, seemingly inexorably, toward that. I expect it will be enraging, depressing, maddening, and also probably incredibly fascinating, especially for a labor economics nerd like me.
SCOTTSDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 27: Entrance at one of the entrances to Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, the Colorado Rockies and Arizona Diamondbacks spring training facility February 27, 2021. (Photo by )"n"n | Denver Post via Getty Images
Detroit Tigers vs. Colorado Rockies
Time/Place: 9:10 p.m., Salt River Fields – Scottsdale, AZ SB Nation Site:Purple Row Media:MLB.TV (Rockies broadcast), MLB+ (Rockies broadcast)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MARCH 21: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts from the bench against the Atlanta Hawks during first quarter at State Farm Arena on March 21, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Paras Griffin/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Back on March 21, Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr confirmed that Steph Curry — rehabilitating his runner’s knee — would be cleared for a scrimmage in Atlanta the following morning.
Steph Curry will get a scrimmage in tomorrow morning in Atlanta. It’s the next big checkpoint in his nearing return.
However, it turns out that Curry did not scrimmage in Atlanta. Rick Celebrini, the Warriors’ director of sports medicine and performance, did not clear Curry for a scrimmage. Instead, he and Curry did more court/rehab work. According to the Warriors, this doesn’t necessarily signal a setback; rather, that Curry just wasn’t ready to progress to the next stage of recovery.
Steph Curry wasn't cleared for the scrimmage in Atlanta on Sunday morning, per Warriors. Just did more court/rehab work with Rick Celebrini. Warriors saying there was no setback. He just wasn't yet ready to advance to next stage.https://t.co/avYZJZKrnX
Los Angeles, CA - March 15 : Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) jogs back to the dugout during the first inning of a MLB spring training game against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium on Sunday, March 22, 2026 in Anahiem , CA. (Photo by Ronaldo Bolaños/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
The Dodgers play their first game at Dodger Stadium since Game 5 of last year’s World Series on Monday, hosting the Angels for the second of a three-game exhibition series.
Roki Sasaki goes for the Dodgers against left-hander Reid Detmers.
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - MARCH 21: Alejandro Osuna #19 of the Texas Rangers runs to the dugout during the fifth inning of the spring training game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on March 21, 2026 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Jeremy Chen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Texas Rangers have optioned pitcher Luis Curvelo and outfielders Michael Helman and Alejandro Osuna to AAA Round Rock, the team announced this evening.
This leaves the team with 27 players on the 40 man roster who have not been optioned or put on the 60 day injured list. Codys Bradford and Freeman will presumably start the season on the injured list, and Texas will purchase the contract of Andrew McCutchen prior to Thursday’s game against Philadelphia, which would leave the Rangers with their 26 man roster. The Rangers will have to clear a 40 man roster spot for McCutchen.
With Curvelo going down, Rule 5 pick Carter Baumler would appear to have the inside track for the final bullpen spot. Josh Sborz is in camp on a minor league deal, and it is possible that he could make the team instead of Baumler, or Texas could make a waiver claim or deal for a reliever before Opening Day.
As a Rule 5 pick from the Baltimore Orioles, Baumler has to be on the major league roster or on the injured list, or else he would have to be put on waivers and, if he cleared, offered back to Baltimore.
The Gold Coast Dolphins are on the verge of winning their first Queensland Premier Cricket title in 17 years courtesy of a record-breaking partnership between Hugo Burdon and Stephan Muller at Allan Border Field over the weekend.
PEORIA, ARIZONA - MARCH 12: Ty France #4 of the San Diego Padres plays second base in the first inning against the Kansas City Royals during a spring training game at Peoria Stadium on March 12, 2026 in Peoria, Arizona. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Going into spring of 2026 with less uncertainty than last season, the San Diego Padres still had some questions that needed answering as well as competition for holes that needed filling.
As opposed to previous seasons, president of baseball operations A.J. Preller was able to sign multiple players that could fill those roles. None of them were over-the-hill players and most had recent success in the big leagues.
There were also some minor league invites that were in camp that needed to show what they were capable of. First baseman Romeo Sanabria started off strong and was leading all prospects in all offensive categories through the first four weeks of camp. He played solid defense at first and made loud contact with his hits. He was sent to minor league camp when it opened in earnest and has had fewer appearances since, while playing more regularly on the back fields.
Best minor league sign
Minor league signee Jase Bowen, who was with the Pittsburgh Pirates organization since being signed out of the 2019 draft, played in Triple-A most of last season but was allowed to leave as a free agent. He signed with the Padres 20 days after his free agency began. Bowen played in 25 games with 54 at-bats this spring. He hit .296/.333/.630 with a .963 OPS. His six doubles, four home runs and 11 RBI with 7-of-8 stolen bases shows off his offensive skills and speed. He is able to play all three outfield spots with a plus-arm.
Best offensive Padre
Catcher Freddie Fermin played in 15 games and had 38 at-bats while hitting .395/.425/.632 with a 1.057 OPS. He had three doubles, two home runs and 11 RBI, even attempting a stolen base but was thrown out. This will be his first season as the primary catcher, and he has shown both good contact skills as well as power this spring.
Best bench bat
Infielders Jose Miranda and Ty France were competing for the same job. With utility player Sung-Mun Song starting the season on the IL, France won the job with the Padres out of spring camp.
France finished with 19 games played with 49 at-bats with four doubles, two home runs and 12 RBI. He had a .306/.352/.510 line and .862 OPS. He plays first base, third base and can sub for Jake Cronenworth at second.
Miranda has played in 22 games and had 46 at-bats with four doubles, two home runs, nine RBI and a .304/.385/.522 line with a .907 OPS. He can also play both infield corners and left field but is a natural third baseman. Miranda has options and will start the season with Triple-A El Paso.
Miranda and Bowen would likely be the first call-ups in case of injury.
Best starting pitcher
While Randy Vasquez has been great and shown tremendous improvement this camp, Walker Buehler has stepped up and shown that he is ready for the rotation and a roster spot.
In four games started and 15 innings pitched, Buehler has a 6.60 ERA and a 2-1 record. He walked five with 16 strikeouts and allowed four home runs. Until his last start, he had allowed no homers and had a 3.09 ERA. With his last appearance, he allowed seven earned runs with those four homers.
With his seven-pitch mix, he has used his 92-94 mph fastball effectively and pitched backward at times. No one knew what to expect from Buehler, who has had Tommy John surgery twice and lost a lot of velocity on his fastball. He seems to finally be healthy and able to pitch in the big leagues.
Vasquez finished with the best ERA of all the starters at 4.91 but the results in spring mean nothing. The need to work on many different aspects of pitching overrules the desire to compete and these numbers are roundly ignored within the organization.
Ironically, the one pitcher not officially named to the rotation has the best strikeout number. Germán Márquez tops the team with 23 Ks while Michael King finishes a distant second with 17 Ks.
Best bullpen pitcher
Lefty Kyle Hart has quietly pitched himself into a valuable place in the Padres organization. Whether he starts with the big-league club or not, Hart has shown how effective he can be in a swing role with the team.
In 14 innings pitched over eight appearances, Hart has a 0.64 ERA with three walks and 15 strikeouts. He came to the Padres in 2025 as a starter after three seasons with the KBO. He has been more effective as a reliever but still has six pitches in his arsenal and can go multiple innings, open a game or be a spot starter. He also has options available and could go to Triple-A so other arms could be called up as a fresh replacement during the season.
Best prospect performance
Sanabria has reportedly worked hard during the offseason to improve his conditioning, but his hitting has been what has stood out this spring. Sanabria played a lot of games to begin Spring Training and was optioned to minor league camp when it opened. He has continued to make spot appearances on the major league side and finished his major league camp appearances with eye-opening numbers.
In 20 games and 24 at-bats, Sanabria had three doubles, three home runs and 15 RBI for a .333/.385/.833 line and 1.218 OPS. His 15 RBI led all players on the Padres. In his last spring game, he hit a grand slam to increase his numbers above Bowen, France and Fermin.
With the spring camp coming to a close and Opening Day just around the corner, final roster decisions are coming soon. The major league roster has to be set the morning of the first game on Thursday. The minor league season begins Friday for Triple-A El Paso.
Jan 22, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski (2) dives for the ball during the first half against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images | Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
The Dallas Mavericks (23-48) are still home for this Monday night nationally televised game against the Golden State Warriors (33-38). Dallas is on a three-game losing streak, falling on Saturday to the Los Angeles Clippers in overtime. The Warriors have also lost three in a row, most recently losing to the Atlanta Hawks.
Here are the main things you need to know:
WHO: Dallas Mavericks vs Golden State Warriors
WHAT: Welcoming the Steph Curry-less Warriors
WHERE: American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas
WHEN: 8:30 pm CST
HOW: Peacock
It’s a pretty clean injury report for the Mavericks. Brandon Williams is still out with a concussion. Caleb Martin is questionable with a heel contusion, but that’s been the case for several days. The two-way contract players are all questionable as well and will likely be a game-time decision. The Mavericks are in a good spot compared to the Warriors
Golden State has a long, long injury list. Steph Curry is missing the game with whatever “Right Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome” means. Al Horford is out due to a “right soleus strain”, which also feels made up. Jimmy Butler tore his ACL a while back. Quinten Post will also miss this game with foot injury management. Seth Curry will also miss this game. De’Anthony Melton and Kristaps Porzingis are probable. Moses Moody is questionable.
No idea how this one goes. Dallas has more talent, but the Warriors play a weird style of basketball and Dallas seems very capable of losing out, which is shocking even to me as someone who isn’t invested in the team winning at all.
Be sure to chime in with your predictions in the comments!
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Markelle Fultz, the No. 1 pick in the 2017 NBA draft who has bounced around the league for eight years, has signed a 10-day contract with the Toronto Raptors, the team announced.
Fultz played in six games this season for the Raptors G League team, the Raptors 905, and averaged 9.8 points and 5.3 assists per game. He scored in double figures in four of the games, including 17 points in a road victory over Rip City on March 20. The Raptors 905 claimed Fultz off the waiver wire earlier in March.
Fultz was famously the No. 1 pick of the 2017 NBA draft, however, he was dealing with a shoulder/nerve issue and between his college season at Washington and when he started playing for the 76ers, his shot changed. Things did not work out in Philly, and he ended up in Orlando, out of the spotlight. He fixed his game enough to become a solid rotation player and start 60 games for the Magic in one season. In total, Fultz has played in eight NBA seasons, including 21 games at the end of last season for Sacramento.
Current Toronto reserve point guard Jamal Shead has struggled recently, including shooting 1-of-6 Sunday against Phoenix, notes Michael Grange of SportsNet. Fultz may be given a chance to take over that reserve role.
New York Mets prospect Carson Benge, 23, has made quite the impression this spring. Despite amounting a .583 OPS in just 24 games in Triple-A a season ago, the 2024 draftee has turned his fortune around quickly, earning a spot on the Mets' 2026 Opening Day roster, per Mets manager Carlos Mendoza.
"He earned it…we are all excited to watch this kid play"
Benge enters the 2026 season as the Mets' No. 2 prospect (No. 16 overall) and the No. 5 overall outfield prospect, per MLB.com. And those numbers reflect just how dominant Benge has been this spring.
Benge slashed .366/.435/.874 across 41 at-bats this spring, including five runs and five RBI. Those numbers also do not include the games he played against international teams as they prepared for the World Baseball Classic. Benge hit his only home run of the spring in a game against Israel on March 4.
How did Benge earn the starting nod?
While Benge's spring success certainly played a large role, Mike Tauchmann, Benge's biggest competitor for the starting right field spot, also tore his meniscus over the weekend. Pair that with the fact that MJ Melendez was optioned to Triple-A last week, and the path had been paved.
Despite that, it was clear from the beginning of spring that Benge would have the opportunity to play his way into an Opening Day roster spot. He did exactly that. Manager Carlos Mendoza said, "He earned it. He had a hell of a camp. We are all excited to watch this kid play."
While 2025 was Benge's first full professional season, he did spend some of 2024 with Single-A affiliate St. Lucie.
In total, Benge has amassed 131 minor league games, recording a .280/.389/.468 triple-slash in that span with 17 home runs and 25 stolen bases.
When do the Mets open the season?
The Mets will open the season on Thursday, March 26 against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Yes, that means Benge's first major-league action will be against reigning National League Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes.
Mar 12, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman against the Cincinnati Reds during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
LOS ANGELES — Freddie Freeman is batting fifth for the Dodgers on Monday night in the Freeway Series against the Angels, with left-hander Reid Detmers starting on the mound. The last time Freeman was listed lower than fourth in a major league lineup was nearly a decade ago.
April 25, 2016 was the last time Freeman hit this low in the lineup. He batted sixth that night for the Atlanta Braves against the Boston Red Sox, and got two hits, including a double. In four years with the Dodgers, all of Freeman’s starts have come batting second (250 starts), third (331 starts), or fourth (61 starts).
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said he might deploy Freeman hitting one spot lower with a left-handed starter on the mound.
“A lot of times when I put together a lineup, I’m trying to make it more difficult for the opposing manager to navigate,” Roberts said.
The Dodgers did a little bit of this late in the 2024 season and postseason, and throughout 2025 as well, with Freeman starting 61 times batting cleanup instead of his usual third, usually with either Teoscar Hernández or Will Smith inserted before Freeman. The idea was that if an opposing manager wants to keep their southpaw starter in the game to face both Shohei Ohtani and Freeman, say, a third time through the order, they’d first have to go through two right-handed batters to do so.
Now with Kyle Tucker, the Dodgers have two dynamic left-handers at the top of the order, followed by Mookie Betts. It’s a testament to the incredible depth of the lineup that usually one of Hernández or Max Muncy is batting seventh, and now moving Freeman down a spot means him hitting fifth instead of fourth. That’s the mark of a strong lineup.
Muncy is not starting on Monday against the Angels, with Santiago Espinal at third base.
“Having the ability to sandwich Will between Mookie and Freddie, and having Espinal in the seven spot to potentially have Muncy be able to hit, it just poses threats, and not to have right- or left-handed runs,” Roberts said. “That makes our lineup tougher to navigate.”
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 13: Carmen Mlodzinski #50 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on September 13, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The battle for the Pirates fifth starter spot has been solved, and it was won by a familiar face.
Manager Don Kelly joined the SportsNet Pittsburgh broadcast on Sunday as the Pirates faced the Red Sox.
Kelly confirmed that Carmen Mlodzinski will begin the season in the Pirates rotation.
Mlodzinski beat out left-hander Hunter Barco and righty free-agent signings Jose Urquidy and Mike Clevinger.
He will start Sunday’s series finale against the New York Mets on March 28.
Barco and Urquidy have both made the Opening Day club, but will begin the year in the bullpen. Clevinger was outrighted to the minor leagues on Sunday.
Mlodzinski pitched well in four spring training outings (three starts). He allowed four earned runs over 12.1 innings with 14 strikeouts compared to two walks.
The 27-year-old righty delivered five innings of two-run ball in his final spring start against the Orioles on March 14, closing with a 2.92 ERA.
Urquidy allowed 11 earned runs in 10 spring training innings after being considered the favorite to land the spot.
Primarily a reliever during his three-year career (2023-25), Mlodzinski enters the season in the rotation for the first time.
In 34 games (12 starts) last year, Mlodzinski earned a 3.55 ERA, a 1.30 WHIP, struck out 89, and walked 27 over 89 innings.
Mlodzinski was one of the Pirates best relievers and was a little surprising to see the team attempt to make him a starter again.
In 22 relief appearances, Mlodzinski totaled a 2.15 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and .235 opponent batting average in 50.1 innings.
The former 31st overall pick in the 2020 draft made 12 starts. It didn’t go nearly as well, registering a 4.99 ERA, .293 opponent average, 1.52 WHIP, 85 hits, 16 walks, and 36 strikeouts spanning 48.2 total frames.
Mlodzinski was frequently removed from outings before facing the lineup a third time around. Opponents hit only .150 in the first and .239 in the second innings, but .326 and .404 in the third and fourth innings, respectively.
The Pirates are going to give Mlodzinski another chance to prove himself in the rotation after an impressive spring.
Pittsburgh begins 2026 in New York as Paul Skenes takes the mound facing the Mets on Thursday at 1:15 p.m. on NBC and Peacock.
