Apr 12, 2026; Newark, New Jersey, USA; New Jersey Devils left wing Jesper Bratt (63) skates against Ottawa Senators center Shane Pinto (12) during the third period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images | John Jones-Imagn Images
Here are your links for today:
Devils Links
A pair of Jesper Bratt goals pushed the Devils to a 5-3 win over the Red Wings on Saturday as Detroit was eliminated from playoff contention. [Devils NHL]
And on Sunday in the home finale, a power play goal from Nico Hischier in overtime gave the Devils a 4-3 win over the Senators. [Devils NHL]
“Whether it’s Sunny Mehta or whoever else the Devils hire, they have work to do once they begin the job. Let’s look at the four most important tasks facing the Devils’ next GM.” [Devils on the Rush ($)]
“Mehta is smart and media savvy. But he has not yet been a general manager in the NHL and could use an experienced front-office member to support him. Insert Shanahan, who fits both the experienced front-office member criteria as well as a franchise great. He was Lou Lamoriello’s first draft selection as Devils general manager in 1987 and played his first 281 games in a Devils uniform before bookending his career in New Jersey in 2008-09.” [New Jersey Hockey Now]
Could Tyler Dellow be another good option? “Dellow also has a data-driven background, a history with the organization, and has done tidy work to help elevate the Carolina Hurricanes.” [Infernal Access ($)]
Hockey Links
“The 2025-26 Stanley Cup Playoffs will be the first NHL post-season without all three NYC area teams (NJD, NYI, NYR) since the Devils entered the league in 1974 as the Kansas City Scouts.” [r/hockey]
Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar will not accompany the team on their upcoming two-game road trip due to facial fractures and a corneal abrasion. He will not require surgery at this time and is expected to make a full recovery.
Who are the league’s most underrated forwards? “This list could have easily been 30-50 players long, so unfortunately, a lot of highly deserving candidates (including the one on your favorite team) will likely be left off. Here’s my personal take on seven underrated NHL forwards. I’ve tried to include a diverse mix of player types, including top-six players that out-of-market fans have already heard of but whose talent/production they may not fully appreciate, and some under-the-radar middle-six forwards.” [The Athletic ($)]
“Nick Suzuki recorded his 100th point of the season Sunday night, becoming the first Montreal Canadiens’ skater to reach the single-season milestone in 40 years.” [Daily Faceoff]
Feel free to discuss these and any other hockey-related stories in the comments below.
BALTIMORE, MD - APRIL 12: Gunnar Henderson #2 and Jeremiah Jackson #82 of the Baltimore Orioles celebrate after the Orioles defeat the San Francisco Giants at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on Sunday, April 12, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Alyssa Piazza/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Good morning, Camden Chatters.
Your eyes do not deceive you. Take a gander at the AL East standings and you’ll find the Orioles atop the division (well, along with the Yankees and Rays in a three-way tie). The O’s, who a week ago at this time were practically left for dead, are back above .500 and currently sitting in first place.
Now, before we get too excited, let’s note that the American League as a whole is in a weird morass of extreme mediocrity. No one team is particularly good or particularly bad. Every club in the AL has between six and nine wins, and between six and 10 losses. The O’s, despite their first-place standing, are only 2.5 games better than the two worst teams in the AL, the 6-10 White Sox and Astros. All it would take is one bad series to knock the Orioles back to one of the league’s worst records.
Still, let’s enjoy this moment while it lasts, because there was no guarantee that the once 3-6 Orioles would get back above the even-water mark. The 2025 Orioles, most notably, never had an above-.500 record after their fifth game of the season, when they were 3-2. This year’s version has so far managed to avoid turning a slow start into a never-ending death spiral, so that’s cool.
And the Orioles are playing legitimately good ball of late. The O’s have won five of their last six games, including a decisive 6-2 victory in their rubber game against the Giants yesterday. Cade Povich pitched brilliantly on his birthday, Pete Alonso and Samuel Basallo each showed much-needed signs of life with two hits and a homer, respectively, and the O’s bullpen continued to pitch above expectations. Check out Tyler Young’s recap of the well-played win.
Of course, even with the good news of the series victory came yet more injury trouble, because the Orioles can’t have nice things. In a brutal three-game stretch, the O’s suffered three separate injuries — to Adley Rutschman, Tyler O’Neill, and Ryan Mountcastle — that have already landed the former two on the IL and will probably send the latter there as well. Barely two weeks into the season, the Orioles already have 12 players on the injured list. Their depth is being tested very early. For now, they’ve added catcher Maverick Handley to take Rutschman’s spot and outfielder Johnathan Rodríguez in place of O’Neill. No word yet on who might be the next man up from Triple-A Norfolk to replace Mountcastle.
To muddle their way through, the O’s will need to continue getting contributions from up and down the lineup like they did against the Giants this weekend. Middle-of-the-order bats Alonso and Basallo took a step toward hitting the way we’re expecting them to, while bottom-of-the-lineup guys like Colton Cowser, Coby Mayo, and Jeremiah Jackson showed signs of life. Let’s see if the O’s can keep the offense going — and perhaps move into sole possession of first place! — against the Arizona Diamondbacks, who roll into town for a three-game set starting tonight.
It’s hard not to feel terrible for Eflin, who worked so hard to return from his back injury, only for his 2026 season — and most of 2027 — to be taken away after just one start. Best wishes in recovery to Eflin, someone who is by all accounts a great guy.
I was as big a Mullins fan as anyone, but his performance with the Rays so far doesn’t exactly look like someone who would be an upgrade for the Orioles.
Rutschman gets scratched from the lineup, Mountcastle breaks his foot while running, and O’Neill injures himself fainting. It’s certainly been an eventful few days.
If those two guys start clicking at the same time…look out, opposing pitchers.
Orioles birthdays and history
Is today your birthday? Happy birthday! The only Oriole in history born on April 13 is fan favorite Steve Pearce, who turns 43 today. Pearce spent parts of five years with the Birds but was best known for his out-of-nowhere breakout season in 2014, when he mashed 21 homers and posted a .930 OPS for the AL East champion Orioles. Enjoy your day, Steve!
On this date in 1954, the Baltimore Orioles played their first game in franchise history, getting shut out in Detroit, 3-0. The former St. Louis Browns managed seven hits but none with runners in scoring position as Tigers starter Steve Gromek went the distance. The Orioles’ pitcher for their inaugural game was Don Larsen (the future World Series perfect-game-thrower with the Yankees), who went all eight innings but coughed up three solo home runs.
And on this day in 1966, newly acquired superstar Frank Robinson made his Orioles debut in style, hitting a home run and scoring twice to lead the Birds to a 5-4, 13-inning Opening Day win at Fenway Park. It was the beginning of what would be a Triple Crown and AL MVP season for Robinson and an eventual championship for the Orioles.
Random Orioles game of the day
On April 13, 2010, the Orioles suffered a 10-inning loss to the Rays in Baltimore, 8-6. The O’s seemed to be cruising along just fine, carrying a 3-0 lead into the eighth behind Brian Matusz’s seven shutout frames, but everything fell apart when the Rays rallied for five in the inning. Matusz struck out the first batter of the eighth before the next four batters all singled, and three more hits off the O’s bullpen gave Tampa Bay a 5-3 lead. Luke Scott tied the game with a two-run homer in the bottom of the eighth, sending the game to extras, where Carlos Pena’s three-run dinger in the 10th decided the game for the Rays.
It was the Orioles’ fifth straight loss in what became a nine-game losing streak, en route to a 1-11 record to start the 2010 season. That was a rough, rough year.
1969 – When the Cubs rally, scoring three runs in the bottom of the ninth, to beat the Expos, 7-6, twenty-seven thousand fans spontaneously swarm Wrigley Field in an early season frenzy. The enthusiastic display of affection for the team had not been witnessed in the ballpark since 1960, when Don Cardwell threw his no-hitter on the North Side of Chicago.
2012 – The Cubs spoil the Cardinals’ home opener and P Adam Wainwright’s return to St. Louis after missing a year with Tommy John surgery, with a 9-5 win. After the Cards receive their World Series rings before the game, Ian Stewart hits a three-run homer in the first, and Bryan LaHair adds his first career grand slam in the third. Jeff Samardzija is the winner.
2015 – Jon Lester* finally attempts a pickoff at first base, ending a streak that covered a span of 66 appearances. The Cubs southpaw, who signed a six-year free-agent deal worth $155 million to start for Chicago this season, last threw over to first base on April 30, 2013 while pitching for the Red Sox.
Apr 12, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Brice Turang (2) after hitting a home run during the fifth inning against the Washington Nationals at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images | Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Last Week’s Results
Monday: Brewers 8, Red Sox 6
Tuesday: Red Sox 3, Brewers 2
Wednesday: Red Sox 5, Brewers 0
Thursday: Off Day
Friday: Nationals 7, Brewers 3
Saturday: Nationals 3, Brewers 1
Sunday: Nationals 8, Brewers 6
Division Standings
Pirates: 9-6
Reds: 9-7
Cardinals: 8-7
Brewers: 8-7
Cubs: 7-8
Last Week
Pirates: 3-3
Reds: 3-4
Cardinals: 3-3
Brewers: 1-5
Cubs: 3-3
Top Pitching Performance of the Week
It hasn’t been a week to remember for, really, anyone on the Brewers or their performance as a team. Jacob Misiorowski did have an impressive start in which he struck out 10 Red Sox in just 5 1/3 innings, but he walked four in that game, allowed three earned runs, and lost, so I don’t think that’s it. I guess I’ll go with Grant Anderson, who made three scoreless appearances and earned a hold in Monday’s win, the team’s only victory of the week.
Top Hitting Performance of the Week
Again, no major candidates here because the team did so poorly. I think the choice is probably Brice Turang, who not only played well but also proved how important he is to the team: Turang missed the last two games of the Boston series, and Milwaukee scored only two runs in those two games combined. When he was playing this week, Turang led the team with a 1.188 OPS, tied Jake Bauers with two homers, walked more than anyone else this week (five times), and also led in stolen bases (2-for-2, which Christian Yelich matched).
Jared Koenig was sent to the 15-day injured list on Monday with a left elbow strain. That’s not good, and could lead to Tommy John surgery, but for now, Koenig will try short-term, non-surgical treatment, which, according to the team, could see him return in two to four weeks in a best-case scenario.
Christian Yelich had to leave Sunday’s game with hamstring tightness, and Pat Murphy sounded pessimistic after the game. “We’re most likely going to get some bad news,” was what he told reporters postgame.
On Saturday, two of Milwaukee’s young pitchers banged their knees: Kyle Harrison when a Gary Sánchez throw to first was wild and hit him in the kneecap, and Brandon Sproat when he laid out trying to make a defensive play. Both pitchers stayed in the game and pitched after their injuries, and there is no concern about a major injury for either, but both were headed for further examination after the game. The concern level here sounds low (and Sproat reported feeling fine on Sunday)
Turang did miss two games with ankle tendinitis, but he was back for the weekend series.
As for players recovering from injuries, Quinn Priester had a good live batting practice session and is scheduled to face hitters at extended spring training this week. Jackson Chourio and Andrew Vaughn are both recovering the way they should be, but Vaughn still has a ways to go, and while Chourio is closer, he hasn’t yet been cleared to start hitting.
The news isn’t as good on Rob Zastryzny, who had a setback — a ribcage injury — while he was out on a rehab assignment. He isn’t expected to be ready for several weeks.
The initial replacement for Koenig was Shane Drohan, who started against the Red Sox on Wednesday in his major league debut. That start didn’t go very well — four walks, three hits, and three runs in 2 2/3 innings — and Drohan was sent back to Triple-A Nashville after the game in favor of Easton McGee.
Steward Berroa, who was designated for assignment on April 3, was traded to the Phillies for cash.
The Brewers also signed pitcher Reiss Knehr, a 29-year-old right-hander who made 21 appearances between 2021 and 2023 for the Padres but hasn’t pitched in the majors since then, to a minor league deal.
PORT ST. LUCIE, FLORIDA - MARCH 19, 2026: Nick Morabito #70 of the New York Mets bats during the second inning of a spring training Spring Breakout game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Clover Park on March 19, 2026 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
Trailing 1-0 for most of the ballgame, a late three-run surge put Syracuse on top in the eighth inning and Ryan Lambert, Joe Jacques, and Ofreidy Gomez locked it down for the win. Duarte, Baumann, Jonathan Pintaro, and Lambert combined to allow a single run over seven innings, a fourth inning Charles McAdoo solo homer, but the offense struggled against Josh Fleming and the Buffalo bullpen behind him. Finally, in the top of the eighth, the bats came alive. Nick Morabito hit a two-run homer to put Syracuse on top and Christian Pache drove in an insurance run with an RBI triple. That insurance run came up big in the bottom of the ninth, as the Bisons loaded the bases and were able to bring a run home on a ground out before Gomez recorded the last out of the ballgame.
Jordan Geber looked fine early on, but he was lifted for Dakota Hawkins in the top of the fourth and things quickly went awry. The right-hander allowed a double, walked a batter, allowed another double, allowed a triple, and allowed yet another double before finally recording his first out. When everything was said and done, it was 5-0 Patriots. A Jacob Reimer two-run homer in the sixth put Binghamton on the board, but those runs were negated in the top of the ninth when Somerset scored two more runs off of Kevin Gowdy. It’s too bad, because the Rumble Ponies mounted a comeback in the bottom of the inning and plated three runs in the bottom of the frame on a Jose Ramon three-run homer before running out of outs; had Gowdy not allowed those two runs, Binghamton would’ve tied the game at 5-5 and who knows what would’ve happened in extras.
Earlier this week, Irving Cota piggybacked Joel Diaz and threw 3.2 innings of scoreless ball against the Jersey Shore BlueClaws after Diaz allowed 3 runs in 3.1 innings to start the ballgame off. This week, the roles were reversed but the results were the same. Cota got the start and threw 3.0 scoreless innings, and he was relieved by Joel Diaz, who allowed 4 runs in 4.0 innings piggyback innings. Allowing four runs in four innings ain’t great, don’t get me wrong, but the Cyclones offense did not at any point make this game feel competitive. Brooklyn logged a measly three hits on the afternoon- a Mitch Voit double and singles off the bats of Vincent Perozo and Kevin Villavicencio- and a couple of walks, while Jersey Shore logged ten hits and half as many walks.
That’s more of a football score than a baseball score. Suffice to say, St. Lucie pitching just didn’t have it yesterday afternoon. Joel Lara allowed 5 runs over 2.0 innings, Felix Cepeda allowed three in 1.1 innings, and Caden Wooster allowed 4 while recording just a single out. On the bright side, A.J. Minter looked good in his inning of work, Nate Lavender did as well, and the offense did log 10 hits, though sadly Elian Pena was 0-4, snapping his seven-game hitting streak going back to opening day. Also of note, a weird peculiarity: 2019 25th round selection Joe Charles pitched his first full inning of work after appearing in his first game on Friday night and recording an out! Charles was a prep right-hander from the TNXL Academy, but opted to not sign with the Mets, instead honoring his commitment to the University of North Carolina. It was a long and winding road for Charles, missing time from the COVID-19 pandemic, a major non-arm injury, and a major elbow injury. After transferring to and graduating from Florida State, the right-hander was signed as a minor league free agent last summer but did not play. Now, six years later, he finally has arrived, one of five prep players drafted by the Mets in 2019 (they selected 13 in total) still in affiliated baseball along with Jace Beck, Tucker Flint, Hunter Barco, and Brett Baty.
Jake LaRavia controls a loose ball against the Washington Wizards in March. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
Jake LaRavia pulled on his black T-shirt to reveal a motto befitting the Lakers’ newest iron man.
“Stack good days”
LaRavia has stacked 82 consecutive games for the Lakers, becoming just one of 18 players this season to appear in every regular season game after he finished the year with two points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals in the Lakers’ 131-107 win over the Utah Jazz on Sunday.
The 6-foot-7 forward hadn’t played more than 66 games in a season during his first three years in the NBA, often beset by nagging or unlucky injuries. A broken thumb sidelined him for the final 10 games of the regular season last year and the Sacramento Kings’ play-in tournament loss. When he signed with the Lakers as a free agent, he made playing all 82 regular seasons his biggest goal for the season.
“I just wanted to have a healthy, consistent, reliable year,” LaRavia said, “and I was able to make that happen.”
While helping the Lakers (53-29) secure the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference despite major injuries to LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves at different points this season, LaRavia averaged 8.2 points and four rebounds with career-highs in steals (1.3) and minutes per game (25.1). He was the subject of a viral meme early in the season when he torched Minnesota for 27 points with five made threes on six attempts in October, leaving fans and Minnesota star Anthony Edwards stunned at the unsung player wearing No. 12.
But the early season shooting display was a fleeting offensive highlight for LaRavia. He slogged through his worst three-point shooting season of his career. But he easily made up for it with his unwavering hustle. Entering Sunday’s finale, LaRavia led the Lakers with 249 total deflections and ranked second with 3.0 deflections per game.
“He takes a lot of pride in taking care of himself and doing all the things necessary to get ready to play, and he set that as a goal this year,” said Lakers coach JJ Redick, who played 82 games in one season of his career. “Really happy for him on a personal level. But also just for our team, he's brought a really high level of consistency, particularly on the defensive end, and with his effort throughout the season.”
Major injuries have made this season feel “disjointed,” Redick said. James began the year with a sciatic nerve injury that sidelined him for 14 games. Reaves missed six weeks because of a calf injury. The revolving door continues in the playoffs as the Lakers begin the first round at home against the Houston Rockets on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. without Reaves and Doncic, who are out indefinitely.
LaRavia credited good luck, an iron will and a dedicated weight training regimen for helping him survive the grueling season.
The 24-year-old was on the injury report only once this season. He was questionable against the Chicago Bulls on Jan. 26 with a quad contusion. LaRavia then started and played 33 minutes and 25 seconds with eight points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals.
“I feel like once you hit like a certain threshold, it’s just like, 'make it through this game, make it through this game, make it through this game,'” LaRavia said. “So, I feel like my mindset kind of just got to the point of just like, just keep thugging it out.”
Jake LaRavia reaches in for a steal against Charles Bassey of Golden State in an April 9 game. (David M. Barreda/Los Angeles Times)
The physical demands of the game have never felt greater. In 2018-19, the pace of play broke 100 possessions per 48 minutes for the first time in 30 years, and it has remained higher than at least 98.2 in every season since. From 1994 to 2015, the league-average pace didn’t exceed 94 possessions per 48 minutes in a season, according to Basketball Reference.
The 18 players who played in all 82 regular season games are the most to play every regular-season game in a non-pandemic-shortened season since 21 in 2018-19.
When LaRavia walked into the Lakers locker room after his pre-game warmups, he was greeted with celebratory calls of “Mr. 82.” But in this Lakers season especially, nothing is guaranteed. Walking past his locker, LaRavia stumbled over a towel on the ground.
Englishman led for a time in final round on back nine
‘These are the tournaments I focus on,’ says 45-year-old
Justin Rose refused to write off his major chances after another Masters near-miss. The 2013 US Open winner lost a playoff to Rory McIlroy at Augusta a year ago and held the lead on the back nine on Sunday before finishing in a tie for third, two shots behind the Northern Irishman who successfully defended his title.
It was Rose’s third top-six finish in his past eight major appearances and the 45-year-old, a winner on the PGA Tour in February, believes he can compete at the highest level. “In the last two years I’ve really re-kicked on and re-energised my career and myself and have a lot of belief there is a lot of runway ahead,” he said after shooting a final-round 70 having come undone at Amen Corner.
And the third! Aitchison on a hat-trick. A huge smile at the top of his run gets huger as Bailey plays inside the line and loses his stumps. Lancs 147-8. Mitch Stanley comes out, dropping his helmet and generally getting dressed as he does.
Second ball does it! Coughlin trudging back after a corking ball from Aitchison has him edging behind. Lancs 147-7, the lead 124.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - APRIL 12: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals poses for a picture with Sidney Crosby #87 of the Pittsburgh Penguins before their game on April 12, 2026 at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Here are your Pens Points for this Monday morning…
The Pittsburgh Penguins iced most of their regulars but generated little offense, falling 3-0 to the Washington Capitals on Sunday. Washington pulled away late with two third-period goals (including an empty-netter), in a game that may have marked one of Alex Ovechkin’s final appearances in Washington, D.C. [Recap]
ICYMI: The Penguins signed undrafted North Dakota defenseman Jake Livanavage to a two-year entry-level deal on Friday, adding a mobile, puck-moving blueliner to a thin prospect pool on the left side. [PensBurgh]
Forward Bryan Rust was selected as the Penguins’ nominee for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy, which recognizes “the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community.” [Trib Live]
News and notes from around the NHL…
After the Penguins-Capitals game on Sunday, Ovechkin was named the first star and was greeted with not only admiration from the fan base for what could be his final NHL home game, but also chants of “One more year!” from those same fans who don’t want to see the Great 8 hang up the skates just yet. [NHL]
Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar will not travel with his team on their upcoming western Canada road trip after taking a puck to the face during their game Saturday night. [Sportsnet]
Nick Suzuki is the first Montreal Canadiens player in 40 years to reach 100 points in a season. [TSN]
The 2025-26 New York Islanders have run into their ceiling, falling short of a goal that didn’t seem realistic before Matthew Schaefer put up a historic rookie season and Ilya Sorokin bounced back with a Vezina year in the face of a steady stream of high-danger chances. (And we shouldn’t forget the secondary assist from their never-to-be-repeated 10-0 overtime record. They didn’t fix the power play but they did fix that.)
By running out of steam in the final weeks, the Islanders deprived the franchise of two or three games of playoff revenue, robbed us of some postseason fun (and heartache, always heartache), and kept Schaefer from getting an early taste of postseason intensity. But they also probably spared us the traditional first-round humbling by the Hurricanes or, worse, a tough first-round loss to an in-form Penguins team whose greatest 2025-26 contribution will be driving more people in Toronto mad over the Shanahan-Dubas-yada-yada turning point.
Standings points in the no-tie, 3-on-3, shootout-and-hotdog-eating-contest era of deciding regular season “winners” are always a little bit smoke and mirrors. But last night when I switched my standings view from “Wild Card” to “League” to resume assessing where the Islanders are likely to pick in the draft, I was struck by the fact their 91 points — even amid a 3-7 slump — was still ahead of the Western playoff-bound Oilers, Mammoth and Ducks. No no no, my conference doesn’t suck, your conference sucks.
That’s small comfort that will soon be moot and forgotten, but each of those teams has 9 or 10 OT wins, too. The Islanders: Flawed like some other interesting teams!
And what’s better, this season Schaefer has shown they have something incredible to build off of, hopefully while Ilya Sorokin (who, don’t look now, turns 31 next year) can still be a game changer. Dear Mathieu Darche, please don’t Chiarelli, Holland or Bowman this up, and maybe introduce young Schaef-daddy to Connor McDavid this summer, okay?
Islanders News
About last night: Game over. [LHH] A once feel-good season comes crashing down. [Post]
Gross: In the end, they were not playoff-worthy. [Newsday]
For game 82, Pete DeBoer wouldn’t mind seeing players “in game action who are potentially part of this moving forward,” but knows it’s up to Mathieu Darche. In hopefully related news, Ondrej Palat was a scratch last night. [Post]
Another reason to cheer up: After finishing 32nd the last two AHL seasons, Bridgeport, in its final season, finally made the playoffs again! And Victor Eklund The Greater continues to score. [B-Isles]
Check this site for lots on Bridgeport, including their clincher, where Matt Maggio returned after a long run of scratches and Cole Eiserman sat out. [Isles in the Sound]
Elsewhere
Last night’s NHL scores included the Penguins continuing to roll over for the Capitals, almost like they’d prefer a first round vs. D.C. instead of vs. the Flyers.
James Hagens had an assist (and penalty) in his debut, as Boston reversed its slide and dealt the Blue Jackets a near-fatal blow. [Sportsnet]
An emotional and brief speech from Anze Kopitar, who vowed to Kings fans they would try to get into the postseason and create a couple more home games. [NHL]
Alex Ovechkin “will think about” playing another year. [NHL]
ST. PETERSBURG, FL - APRIL 10: Jazz Chisholm Jr. #13 of the New York Yankees prepares to bat in the fourth inning during the game between the New York Yankees and the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on Friday, April 10, 2026 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Mary Holt/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The good vibes that were emanating from the Yankees clubhouse have quickly dissipated. A sterling start has turned sour, a five-game losing streak bringing the Yankees to 8-7 after running an 8-2 record in their first ten games. We certainly shouldn’t be panicking, not so early in the season, and not considering literally every single one of the Yankees’ seven losses has come in a close game. But still, it’s disheartening to see the team fall into midseason malaise form so suddenly.
The culprits of this slump are not hard to find. The pitching certainly isn’t to blame, with the staff pacing the league. No, it’s a lineup that has struggled to find consistent production from many players not named Ben Rice, Aaron Judge included. So after a couple weeks of offensive struggles, let’s ask: which slumping hitter are you most worried about?
It probably shouldn’t be Judge, who, even if he doesn’t quite match his 2024-2025 form this year, should still be expected to crush from here on out. Perhaps it shouldn’t be Trent Grisham either, whose paltry power numbers are belied by better underlying stats and a robust on-base percentage.
The focus, as it’s been for the whole year so far, is probably towards the back half of the lineup. There’s Jazz Chisholm Jr., who came into the year talking about 50/50 seasons only to faceplant, swinging and missing at an alarming rate while making mind-numbing defensive mistakes. There’s Jose Caballero, who showed signs of life on Saturday but is still running a slash line so poor it’s somehow making fans pine for the relative offensive prowess of Anthony Volpe.
The list goes on, with Ryan McMahon combining to form a harrowing offensive duo with Caballero on the left side of the Yankee infield, his .114 batting average the worst mark on the whole squad. And there’s Austin Wells, who hit his first homer yesterday, and in doing so barely dragged his OPS above .500.
For my money, the most concerning signs have come from that left-side infield duo. Wells’ quality defensive work at catcher give him more runway to play with at the plate, and Chisholm just has too much offensive skill to be this bad for long. But neither Caballero nor McMahon has ever produced a full-season of offense better than league average per wRC+, and nothing they’ve done this year signals that they’re ready to come anywhere close to that standard. If I’m the Yankees, I’m feeling worried that half of the infield is going to need full-on renovations come the trade deadline.
What do you think? Which hitter has you the most worried after two weeks of floundering?
Today on the site, Nick looks ahead to a four-game series with the Angels that starts tonight, and offers the Yankees to right the ship against an opponent that they should beat. Later, Andrew recaps a busy Sunday of AL action, while Peter profiles one of the more flammable personalities in Yankee history, that of Kid Elberfeld. Also, Josh opines on the latest examples of the Yankees finding ways to step on rakes, and Madison puts out the call for this week’s mailbag.
Rory McIlroy has warned the rest of elite golf he will set further, lofty goals in his sport after a successful defence of the Masters.
McIlroy prevailed at Augusta National by a shot over Scottie Scheffler, making the Northern Irishman just the fourth golfer in history to win the tournament back-to-back. While McIlroy will cherish his win, he has no plans to rest on his laurels.
'I’ve waited so long to win the Masters and all of a sudden I win two in a row. So I still want to enjoy it. I’ve got a couple of weeks off before I go back to playing competitive golf but I don’t think I’ll go through that lull of motivation or the sort of things that I was feeling last year post winning this tournament.'
Ron Harper Jr. was everywhere for the Celtics on Sunday. | Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
It was fitting, in a sense, that no one gave the Celtics a chance entering Sunday’s regular-season finale.
That’s how it was as soon as Jayson Tatum tore his Achilles. That’s how it was to start the season. That’s how it was after their 8-8 start. But each time, the Celtics simply shrugged their shoulders, ignored the critics and kept on hooping.
A trio of Celtics had career scoring nights 🔥
Baylor Scheierman: 30 PTS (career-high) Luka Garza: 27 PTS (career-high) Ron Harper Jr.: 27 PTS (career-high) pic.twitter.com/qhDa45AkPy
When they trotted out a starting five of Ron Harper Jr., Max Shulga, Baylor Scheierman, Jordan Walsh and Luka Garza, some naively assumed the Magic would cruise to a stress-free victory. But those who have watched this team exceed expectations all season had a hunch that it would be anything from a cakewalk for Orlando.
The Celtics showed promise early, fell behind at halftime, surged ahead with a marvelous third quarter, then withstood a late Magic run to earn a 113-108 victory that encapsulated what has made this regular season so remarkable.
Here are 10 takeaways:
1) Look at Luka
Let’s start with the end. Garza hit arguably the most preposterous shot of the season, drilling a gutsy go-ahead 3 with a hand in his face and 31.7 seconds remaining.
With 21 seconds on the shot clock, Garza didn’t have to shoot it. Given the two-for-one opportunity, and the fact that he was feeling it, he decided to let it fly. The shot was a no-doubter, as it descended through the net with ease and vaulted the Celtics ahead.
Garza finished with 27 points and 12 boards in perhaps the best game of his career to this point. Against a team with limitless size, Garza helped the Celtics hold their own on the boards.
Scheierman was also electric, racking up 30 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists in a true masterpiece of a performance. Surprisingly, he never even scored 30 in college, so this one gets two major thumbs-up.
It’s a great reminder that NBA players are more than capable of producing at a high level when given a total green light and ample playing time. But not everyone can do it like Scheierman, who hit some wild contested 3’s and also found his teammates for easy 2’s.
He’s gained confidence throughout the season, and this could take it to another level in the postseason.
Baylor Scheierman drills the three for the Celtics as the Magic are fighting for a guaranteed spot in the playoffs on ESPN 👀 pic.twitter.com/gZmckS7XPT
Harper Jr. has been a pleasant surprise this season, and he, too, turned in his best game yet Sunday night. He set the tone early and gave the Celtics even more belief that they could really win it.
He isn’t good for a young guy, good for a reserve or good for an undrafted player. He’s just straight up good and should be in the rotation for years to come.
4) Free money
The Celtics went 17 of 17 from the free-throw line in the first half to stay within striking distance, down 61-52. It was their most makes in a first half since 2023, and they finished 22 of 22 for the game.
Don’t sleep on Walsh’s free throws in the final seconds to seal it. That’s a pressure-packed moment for a player who used to be very in his own head and is no only somewhat in his own head. Walsh looked calm and knocked them down with ease.
5) Battle of the boards
It would have been easy for the Celtics to lose this game because they lost the rebounding battle. While they ultimately did lose it, 50-46, a four-board differential is a win for Boston in this case.
Orlando’s size is its best asset, and the Celtics didn’t let the Magic bully or intimidate them. Garza was a catalyst in that realm, as usual, but Walsh, Scheierman and Harper Jr. also contributed.
6) Delightful Dalano
Remember Banton? Well, he’s back, and he’s the same long, rangy athlete who made his mark in Boston before. Banton is a fun player because he naturally pushes the pace just because of how he’s built and wired.
He doesn’t corral the rebound, think about what he’s having for dinner, glance up at the Jumbotron and go. He just gets it and goes. That sort of pace is contagious, and for a team that ranks last in pace (it’s a good thing; don’t get me wrong), this was a refreshing change of pace, so to speak.
He also had four blocks and remains a crazy leaper.
John Tonje also made his presence felt with 13 points and four rebounds in 30 minutes. Tonje had some impressive hustle plays, has a nose for the ball and is a capable shooter and playmaker.
He won’t crack the playoff rotation, but this was a promising audition to boost his long-term chances of remaining on the roster.
8) No Magic 3-ball
The Magic are a good basketball team, but in order to take the next step, they need to address their 3-point shooting. Desmond Bane helps, and Jalen Suggs was a bright spot Sunday, but they shot 28 percent as a team from distance on the night.
Whenever the Celtics and Magic play, regardless of who’s on the floor, the gap in shooting is obvious. The Celtics did the right thing by daring Orlando players not named Suggs or Bane to shoot. The Magic can wear you down with their physicality and toughness, but the Celtics can match that physicality and toughness and also burn you from deep.
9) Planting the seed
With the loss, the Magic fell to No. 8 in the East and could very well see the Celtics again in the first round. All they have to do is beat the 76ers, but even without Joel Embiid, that’s no easy task.
Professional athletes have a knack for putting their shortcomings behind them, but the Magic may second-guess themselves heading into a potential rematch. If they can’t beat the Scheierman-Harper Jr.-Garza Celtics (no disrespect to three Boston icons), how can they beat the Jayson Tatum-Jaylen Brown-Derrick White and more Celtics? Time will tell, but it’s advantage Boston until further notice.
10) Legendary run
Jim Edmonds, the Director of Celtics Basketball for 45 years, is retiring.
NBC Sports Boston honored Edmonds – a TV professional for 67 years who chronicled five NBA championships and won 16 Emmy Awards – throughout Sunday’s broadcast. Edmonds downplayed his role and tried to deflect the attention, even while Drew Carter and Brian Scalabrine sung his praises.
“I try to put them in a position to succeed,” Edmonds said.
He’s done exactly that for almost half a century, shining as behind-the-scenes glue for a powerhouse crew.
Mike Gorman even returned to the Garden to give Edmonds a proper farewell.
“I enjoyed every second of the 45 years I worked with Jim,” Gorman said.
Legendary NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle once floated his dream of an uber-balanced league where every team finished 8-8, a combination not totally outlandish given the abbreviated nature of the schedule.
In Major League Baseball, 30 teams finishing 81-81 is, of course, a near-mathematical impossibility, although the 2026 season is already trending that way.
Save for one team. Guess who?
The Los Angeles Dodgers may already be lapping the field just 15 games into the season.
At 11-4, they're every bit the super team folks envisioned once the two-time champions added $60 million outfielder Kyle Tucker to the mix, winning at a .786 clip while leading the big leagues in home runs and OPS.
Yet it's the performance of everyone else that truly makes the Dodgers seem a cut above.
Twenty-six of 30 teams are within 3 ½ games of each other, a massive logjam of teams between 9-6 and 6-10, with only the Dodgers and 10-6 San Diego Padres and the Chicago White Sox (5-10) resembling outliers of any sort.
Will the glut of so-so teams break up eventually, and the standings gain greater definition? Perhaps. For now, though, there's little surprise at the top of USA TODAY Sports' power rankings.
