SCOTTSDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 26: Michael Massey #19 of the Kansas City Royals leaves the field during the game between the Kansas City Royals and the Arizona Diamondbacks at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on Thursday, February 26, 2026 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Annalee Ramirez/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The Royals announced they have activated Michael Massey off the Injured list and have demoted Nick Loftin to Triple-A Omaha. Massey had missed the first nine games with a calf injury. He spent three games on rehab with Omaha and hit 3-for-12 (.333) With a home run.
Massey is facing an important season after missing much of last year with injury. He hit just .244/.268/.313 with three home runs in 77 games, but came on at the end of the season, hitting .375 in his final 21 games after returning from the Injured List. The Royals signed him to a $1.57 million contract in his first year of arbitration, expecting him to fill in at second base and outfield. Massey shows good power potential for a middle infielder, but has struggled to get on base and has battled a myriad of injuries in his career.
Loftin appeared in four games and hit 2-for-9 (.222) with two walks and a double and struggled defensively in left field in Sunday’s loss to Milwaukee.
Thirty-seven different Division I men's basketball teams have claimed an NCAA Tournament championship.
That number will not grow on Monday, April 6, in the national championship game of the 2026 Men's NCAA Tournament between No. 1 Michigan and No. 2 Connecticut: Both the Wolverines and Huskies will look to add a trophy to their shelves when they square off at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
For UConn, the goal will be to move into sole ownership of third place with seven program national championships. Meanwhile, Michigan will look to become the 17th program to win two national titles.
The Huskies are seeking their third title in four seasons, while the Wolverines and their fans are desperate for the first one for the program since 1989 (and first for the Big Ten since 2000).
Here's a look at every NCAA Tournament champion in Division I men's basketball since the first tournament played in 1939, when Oregon defeated Ohio State in Evanston, Illinois.
Men's NCAA Tournament champions by year
Here's a look at the year-by-year NCAA Tournament national champions in men's basketball:
2025: Florida defeats Houston, 65-63
2024: UConn defeats Purdue, 75-60
2023: UConn defeats San Diego State, 76-59
2022: Kansas defeats North Carolina, 72-69
2021: Baylor defeats Gonzaga, 86-70
2020: Canceled due to COVID-19
2019: Virginia defeats Texas Tech, 85-77 (OT)
2018: Villanova defeats Michigan, 79-62
2017: North Carolina defeats Gonzaga, 71-65
2016: Villanova defeats North Carolina, 77-74
2015: Duke defeats Wisconsin, 6-63
2014: UConn defeats Kentucky, 60-54
2013: Louisville defeats Michigan, 82-76*
2012: Kentucky defeats Kansas, 67-59
2011: UConn defeats Butler, 53-41
2010: Duke defeats Butler, 61-59
2009: North Carolina defeats Michigan State, 89-72
2008: Kansas defeats Memphis, 75-68 (OT)
2007: Florida defeats Ohio State, 84-75
2006: Florida defeats UCLA, 73-57
2005: North Carolina defeats Illinois, 75-70
2004: UConn defeats Georgia Tech, 82-73
2003: Syracuse defeats Kansas, 81-78
2002: Maryland defeats Indiana, 64-52
2001: Duke defeats Arizona, 82-72
2000: Michigan State defeats Florida, 89-76
1999: UConn defeats Duke, 79-76
1998: Kentucky defeats Utah, 78-69
1997: Arizona defeats Kentucky, 84-79 (OT)
1996: Kentucky defeats Syracuse, 76-67
1995: UCLA defeats Arkansas, 89-78
1994: Arkansas defeats Duke, 76-72
1993: North Carolina defeats Michigan, 77-71
1992: Duke defeats Michigan, 71-51
1991: Duke defeats Kansas, 72-65
1990: UNLV defeats Duke, 103-73
1989: Michigan defeats Seton Hall, 80-79 (OT)
1988: Kansas defeats Oklahoma, 83-79
1987: Indiana defeats Syracuse, 74-73
1986: Louisville defeats Duke, 72-69
1985: Villanova defeats Georgetown, 66-64
1984: Georgetown defeats Houston, 84-75
1983: North Carolina State defeats Houston, 54-52
1982: North Carolina defeats Georgetown, 63-62
1981: Indiana defeats North Carolina, 63-50
1980: Louisville defeats UCLA, 59-54
1979: Michigan State defeats Indiana State, 75-64
1978: Kentucky defeats Duke, 94-88
1977: Marquette defeats North Carolina, 67-59
1976: Indiana defeats Michigan, 86-68
1975: UCLA defeats Kentucky, 92-85
1974: North Carolina State defeats Marquette, 76-64
1973: UCLA defeats Memphis State, 87-66
1972: UCLA defeats Florida State, 81-76
1971: UCLA defeats Villanova, 68-62
1970: UCLA defeats Jacksonville, 80-69
1969: UCLA defeats Purdue, 92-72
1968: UCLA defeats North Carolina, 78-55
1967: UCLA defeats Dayton, 79-64
1966: UTEP defeats Kentucky, 72-65
1965: UCLA defeats Michigan, 91-80
1964: UCLA defeats Duke, 98-83
1963: Loyola Chicago defeats Cincinnati, 60-58 (OT)
1962: Cincinnati defeats Ohio State, 71-59
1961: Cincinnati defeats Ohio State, 70-65 (OT)
1960: Ohio State defeats California, 75-55
1959: California defeats West Virginia, 71-70
1958: Kentucky defeats Seattle, 84-72
1957: North Carolina defeats Kansas, 54-53 (3 OT)
1956: San Francisco defeats Iowa, 83-71
1955: San Francisco defeats LaSalle, 77-63
1954: La Salle defeats Bradley, 92-76
1953: Indiana defeats Kansas, 69-68
1952: Kansas defeats St. John's, 80-63
1951: Kentucky defeats Kansas State, 68-58
1950: CCNY defeats Bradley, 71-68
1949: Kentucky defeats Oklahoma State, 46-36
1948: Kentucky defeats Baylor, 58-42
1947: Holy Cross defeats Oklahoma, 58-47
1946: Oklahoma State defeats North Carolina, 43-40
ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 1: Ausar Thompson #9 of the Detroit Pistons drives to the basket during the game against the Orlando Magic on March 1, 2026 at Kia Center in Orlando, Florida. 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 Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Potential playoff match ups in April can either be a telltale sign or a nothing burger. The Detroit Pistons face the sliding Orlando Magic tonight. The Pistons clinched the top seed in the East, while the Magic are sliding.
Cade Cunningham and Isaiah Stewart remain out for Detroit. Anthony Black has been out since March 8, but Franz Wagner is back in the lineup. The real story in Orlando is Paolo Banchero’s recent struggles. It is the wrong time of the year not to have it going.
Game Vitals
Where: Kia Center, Orlando, Florida
When: 7:00 PM
Watch: FanDuel Sports Network Detroit
Odds: Pistons (-2.5)
Analysis
After going on a seven-game winning streak in March, the Orlando Magic came back to earth. The hot stretch was the highlight of their season, but they are back in the play-in picture. They are 4-7 in their last 11 games and have been decimated in the process. Orlando is currently the 9th seed, so it is very possible that they face the Pistons in round one if their inconsistent ways continue.
That said, maybe JB Bickerstaff does not want to play his hand tonight with the playoffs approaching. Some organizations handle business that way, but Detroit is the type of team that tries to win every game at any cost. Detroit’s superstar offensive engine is already out tonight anyway, so this is not the exact team Orlando would see in the first round, health willing.
We may not see guys resting tonight. Tobias Harris and Duncan Robinson are questionable. Harris gets up for this Orlando match up as he and Banchero have built-in friction. From a Magic fan’s POV, it is sad that Harris duels with their No. 1 pick this late into Harris’ career.
Banchero is slumping at the worst time. Over the last five games, he is averaging 14.4 points with a 46.1 true shooting percentage. Rough efficiency and a shaking my head shot diet are recurring themes for Banchero. To his credit, he has erased some of the long 2s from his shot diet. But he still shoots them too much, considering he is not a terrific shooter (until the postseason hits for some reason).
Per Cleaning The Glass, 41 percent of Banchero’s shots come at the rim, which is a career high. That is better, but that number should be bumped up a bit with Banchero’s skill level and physical stature. His scoring approach should be more Giannis than Carmelo Anthony-like.
Maybe Banchero is a big game player, though. He has been at a different level in two playoff appearances, especially shooting the basketball from range.
In 12 playoff games, Banchero shoots 42 percent from 3 on nearly six attempts. He is at about 32 percent in the regular season. Would his playoff hot streak continue against a stellar Pistons defense?
Good offense beats good defense, but Detroit has a great defense — a great defense with some of the best individual defenders in the sport. Ausar Thompson and Stew get their pub, but Ron Holland is an All-Defense caliber perimeter defender, too. With more minutes and responsibilities, the NBA community will catch up to how destructive he is on that side of the ball.
Banchero and Wagner would deal with these hounds every second they are on the floor. Javonte Green and Paul Reed match up with them nicely as well. Wagner has been solid in the postseason, but unlike Banchero, his jumper has abandoned him. He shoots 22 percent on 71 attempts. Those two could struggle against this Pistons D.
Orlando’s defensive identity has left the building. They are not defending at an elite level like they have done the past two years. Without an elite defense to take advantage of a questionable Pistons half-court offense, one needs a great offense with snipers to compete with Detroit. Orlando does not have that either. Desmond Bane and Tristan da Silva are knockdown shooters who need attention, but that probably will not be enough.
Every game counts for Orlando in the standings race, and Detroit approaches every game like it is in that boat. The Pistons may have clinched the top seed in the East, but they will not bow out tonight. Orlando better bring it.
ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 04: Los Angeles Angels outfielder Jo Adell (7) falls into the stands after he robbed his third home run of the game in the 9th inning of the MLB game between the Seattle Mariners and the Los Angeles Angels on April 4, 2026 at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Well, the good news is that the Atlanta Braves still have yet to lose a series here in 2026. By this time last year they were doing nearly nothing but losing, so I will happily take a 6-4 start over that shambolic 2-8 start that they had over the course of their first 10 games in 2025.
Still, there does feel like there were some missed opportunities to get off to an even better start. The split in Arizona comes to mind and the power outage against Seth Lugo and the Royals in their attempt to get a sweep also comes to mind as well. With that being said, winning (or splitting) series on a regular basis will pay off in the long run and since baseball is a marathon rather than a split, it’s more fruitful to look forward than backwards.
So here we are, looking forward to what’s in store for the Braves this week. Interestingly enough, it’s more interleague action as Atlanta will finish their West Coast swing in Anaheim against the Angels before returning home to take on the Guardians for three games. Let’s get into the details, y’all.
April 6-8: Los Angeles Angels
Current Record: 5-5 Projected Record (via FanGraphs): 72-90
So the Angels are 5-5 so far and they actually don’t look as moribund as a lot of folks expected them to look coming into this season. Granted, this could just be a case of a bad team getting off to a decent start before eventually bottoming out but hey, the Braves can’t choose whenever they play anybody so they appear to be getting the version of the Angels that could be very tricky to deal with.
Of course, when you think of the Angels you think of Mike Trout and unfortunately for them, his status for this series is currently in doubt. Trout got hit on his left hand by a pitch on Sunday and he’s now day-to-day. It’s a shame because so far, he’s actually showed some signs of looking like the old Mike Trout who could put up some gaudy numbers and be an absolute pain for opponents to deal with. Atlanta might dodge a bullet there with Trout but they’ll still have to deal with shortstop Zach Neto, who has gotten off to a very good start to begin the season. First baseman Nolan Schanuel has launched a pair of homers as well so that’s another guy to keep an eye on (in addition to old friends Travis d’Arnaud, Jorge Soler and mangaer Kurt Suzuki as well).
With that being said, the biggest headache for Atlanta in this series may come from the pitching for the Halos. They will have to deal with José Soriano, who has yet to give up a run so far through his first two starts and Reid Detmers has also been a handful for opposing hitters to deal with here in the early goings. The good news is that the Braves will be countering Soriano with Chris Sale on Monday night and as long as both Reynaldo López and Grant Holmes continue their strong starts to their respective seasons then the Braves should be fine when it comes to matching wits on the pitching mound.
Also, we have to mention what Jo Adell did because it’s just sick and I still can’t believe he robbed three homers in a single game. Absolutely incredible stuff.
Game 1: Monday, April 6 at 9:38 p.m. ET (BravesVision) Game 2: Tuesday, April 7 at 9:38 p.m. ET (BravesVision, Gray TV) Game 3: Wednesday, April 8 at 4:07 p.m. ET (BravesVision)
April 10-12: Cleveland Guardians
Current Record: 6-4 Projected Record: 76-86
Following a much-needed off day on Thursday, the Braves will be home to take on the Cleveland Guardians. Cleveland’s off to a nice start as well. and they have one player in particular to thank for it: Chase DeLauter. Major League Baseball’s 2026 rookie class has had a lot of hype surrounding it and so far, the young guns look to be living up to the expectations here in the extremely early portion of the season. DeLauter is one of those young guns, as he’s come out of the gates by clubbing five homers, bringing in nine RBI and scoring seven runs, himself. Naturally, when it comes to the Guardians lineup then you have to be concerned with Jose Ramirez could do to you with Steven Kwan lurking as well. However, it’s been guys like DeLauter, Gabriel Arias, Austin Hedges, David Fry and even Rhys Hoskins who have been getting it done to get the season started for the Guardians.
More than likely, the Braves will be seeing Parker Messick, Slade Cecconi and Tanner Bibee during this series and being completely honest here, I do like Atlanta’s chances in these pitching matchups. Now granted, this’ll mean that Bryce Elder will have to keep things going in the right direction and the fifth spot in the rotation will have to deliver a good-to-great start for once but hey, this pitching staff has been puling its weight so far this season and who’s to say that they can’t get it done against this Cleveland team once they come back to town? This is another series that I’d label as “tricky” but the Braves can handle it — especially being at home where they’ve looked comfortable very early on.
Game 1: Friday, April 10 at 7:15 p.m. ET (BravesVision) Game 2: Saturday, April 11 at 7:15 p.m. ET (BravesVision) Game 3: Sunday, April 12 at 7:20 p.m. ET (NBC Sunday Night Baseball)
ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 04: Los Angeles Angels outfielder Jo Adell (7) falls into the stands after he robbed his third home run of the game in the 9th inning of the MLB game between the Seattle Mariners and the Los Angeles Angels on April 4, 2026 at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Well, the good news is that the Atlanta Braves still have yet to lose a series here in 2026. By this time last year they were doing nearly nothing but losing, so I will happily take a 6-4 start over that shambolic 2-8 start that they had over the course of their first 10 games in 2025.
Still, there does feel like there were some missed opportunities to get off to an even better start. The split in Arizona comes to mind and the power outage against Seth Lugo and the Royals in their attempt to get a sweep also comes to mind as well. With that being said, winning (or splitting) series on a regular basis will pay off in the long run and since baseball is a marathon rather than a split, it’s more fruitful to look forward than backwards.
So here we are, looking forward to what’s in store for the Braves this week. Interestingly enough, it’s more interleague action as Atlanta will finish their West Coast swing in Anaheim against the Angels before returning home to take on the Guardians for three games. Let’s get into the details, y’all.
April 6-8: Los Angeles Angels
Current Record: 5-5 Projected Record (via FanGraphs): 72-90
So the Angels are 5-5 so far and they actually don’t look as moribund as a lot of folks expected them to look coming into this season. Granted, this could just be a case of a bad team getting off to a decent start before eventually bottoming out but hey, the Braves can’t choose whenever they play anybody so they appear to be getting the version of the Angels that could be very tricky to deal with.
Of course, when you think of the Angels you think of Mike Trout and unfortunately for them, his status for this series is currently in doubt. Trout got hit on his left hand by a pitch on Sunday and he’s now day-to-day. It’s a shame because so far, he’s actually showed some signs of looking like the old Mike Trout who could put up some gaudy numbers and be an absolute pain for opponents to deal with. Atlanta might dodge a bullet there with Trout but they’ll still have to deal with shortstop Zach Neto, who has gotten off to a very good start to begin the season. First baseman Nolan Schanuel has launched a pair of homers as well so that’s another guy to keep an eye on (in addition to old friends Travis d’Arnaud, Jorge Soler and mangaer Kurt Suzuki as well).
With that being said, the biggest headache for Atlanta in this series may come from the pitching for the Halos. They will have to deal with José Soriano, who has yet to give up a run so far through his first two starts and Reid Detmers has also been a handful for opposing hitters to deal with here in the early goings. The good news is that the Braves will be countering Soriano with Chris Sale on Monday night and as long as both Reynaldo López and Grant Holmes continue their strong starts to their respective seasons then the Braves should be fine when it comes to matching wits on the pitching mound.
Also, we have to mention what Jo Adell did because it’s just sick and I still can’t believe he robbed three homers in a single game. Absolutely incredible stuff.
Game 1: Monday, April 6 at 9:38 p.m. ET (BravesVision) Game 2: Tuesday, April 7 at 9:38 p.m. ET (BravesVision, Gray TV) Game 3: Wednesday, April 8 at 4:07 p.m. ET (BravesVision)
April 10-12: Cleveland Guardians
Current Record: 6-4 Projected Record: 76-86
Following a much-needed off day on Thursday, the Braves will be home to take on the Cleveland Guardians. Cleveland’s off to a nice start as well. and they have one player in particular to thank for it: Chase DeLauter. Major League Baseball’s 2026 rookie class has had a lot of hype surrounding it and so far, the young guns look to be living up to the expectations here in the extremely early portion of the season. DeLauter is one of those young guns, as he’s come out of the gates by clubbing five homers, bringing in nine RBI and scoring seven runs, himself. Naturally, when it comes to the Guardians lineup then you have to be concerned with Jose Ramirez could do to you with Steven Kwan lurking as well. However, it’s been guys like DeLauter, Gabriel Arias, Austin Hedges, David Fry and even Rhys Hoskins who have been getting it done to get the season started for the Guardians.
More than likely, the Braves will be seeing Parker Messick, Slade Cecconi and Tanner Bibee during this series and being completely honest here, I do like Atlanta’s chances in these pitching matchups. Now granted, this’ll mean that Bryce Elder will have to keep things going in the right direction and the fifth spot in the rotation will have to deliver a good-to-great start for once but hey, this pitching staff has been puling its weight so far this season and who’s to say that they can’t get it done against this Cleveland team once they come back to town? This is another series that I’d label as “tricky” but the Braves can handle it — especially being at home where they’ve looked comfortable very early on.
Game 1: Friday, April 10 at 7:15 p.m. ET (BravesVision) Game 2: Saturday, April 11 at 7:15 p.m. ET (BravesVision) Game 3: Sunday, April 12 at 7:20 p.m. ET (NBC Sunday Night Baseball)
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 28: Freddy Fermin #54 of the San Diego Padres bats during the third inning against the Detroit Tigers at Petco Park on March 28, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Some of us hardcore fans track Royals players from the moment they are signed. Some of these players spend some time in Royals blue at the big league level, only to depart, others never make it to Kansas City, but continue their career bouncing around in other organizations.
Some former Royals signed multi-year contracts last winter, including Ryan O’Hearn with the Pirates, Brad Keller with the Phillies, and Mike Yastrzemski with the Braves. Some were former top prospects that could use a change of scenery, like MJ Melendez with the Mets and Nick Pratto with the Rangers. Former first round pick Foster Griffin returned from a stint in Japan to become a sought-after free agent, signing with the Nationals. Some players have changed positions – Fernando Cruz and Erick Mejia were infielders when they were in the Royals farm system, and now they are pitchers.
Here’s a compilation of players that once played in the Royals organization either as big leaguers or minor leaguers, that are on MLB-affiliated rosters or in Asia to begin the year. These rosters are as of today, and are subject to change.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 28: Freddy Fermin #54 of the San Diego Padres bats during the third inning against the Detroit Tigers at Petco Park on March 28, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Some of us hardcore fans track Royals players from the moment they are signed. Some of these players spend some time in Royals blue at the big league level, only to depart, others never make it to Kansas City, but continue their career bouncing around in other organizations.
Some former Royals signed multi-year contracts last winter, including Ryan O’Hearn with the Pirates, Brad Keller with the Phillies, and Mike Yastrzemski with the Braves. Some were former top prospects that could use a change of scenery, like MJ Melendez with the Mets and Nick Pratto with the Rangers. Former first round pick Foster Griffin returned from a stint in Japan to become a sought-after free agent, signing with the Nationals. Some players have changed positions – Fernando Cruz and Erick Mejia were infielders when they were in the Royals farm system, and now they are pitchers.
Here’s a compilation of players that once played in the Royals organization either as big leaguers or minor leaguers, that are on MLB-affiliated rosters or in Asia to begin the year. These rosters are as of today, and are subject to change.
The Cubs continue their early-season interleague tour through American League divisions. They began with an AL West club (Angels), played an AL Central team (Guardians) over the weekend, and now it’s an AL East matchup with the Rays, who come into this series with the same record as the Cubs — 4-5. But Tampa Bay has played all nine of its games on the road so far, scheduled that way to make sure the renovated Tropicana Field was ready to go. The Rays will be the last of MLB’s 30 teams to play their home opener this year.
As you likely know, BCB’s Ashley MacLennan also writes for the SB Nation Rays site DRays Bay. Here’s Ashley with some comments on the Rays for us.
The start of the 2026 season hasn’t really gone the way the Rays had hoped, though of course the very small sample size is at play. One of the highlights of the season so far, though, has been the return of Shane McClanahan, the All-Star pitcher the Rays had to live without for two seasons. In his one start this year against Milwaukee he looked really good, despite the Rays not being able to get much run support to get him the win.
Drew Rasmussen has also had a good start to the year so he’ll be a pest to Chicago bats. The fielding for the Rays has been a difficulty so far, with plenty of errors and inconsistent results. They’ll hopefully get their feet under them soon, but right now they’ve had struggles with keeping game leads and providing their pitching staff run support when needed.
Chandler Simpson, as always, will be one to watch out for if he gets on base, as he has incredible speed and great steal instincts and he’s not afraid to be aggressive.
Fun facts
The Cubs have played only 25 previous games against the Rays. They have played fewer against only one current team: 24, vs. the Athletics. They also have played 25 vs. the Orioles.
The Cubs are 11-14 overall against the Rays, but only 2-6 at Tampa, where they lost three straight in 2008, split two games in 2017 and went 1-2 in 2024. Last year, the Cubs won two of three at Wrigley Field. … This will be the Cubs’ third consecutive series against an American League team, their longest such stretch of the season.
Wednesday: Colin Rea, RHP (0-0, 4.26 ERA, 1.421 WHIP, 3.18 FIP) vs. Joe Boyle, RHP (0-0, 3.18 ERA, 0.882 WHIP, 1.68 FIP)
NOTE: Colin Rea is not officially listed as the Wednesday starter as of the time this series preview posted, but it does seem likely that he’ll be the guy on Wednesday.
Times & TV channels
Monday: 3:10 p.m. CT, Marquee Sports Network
Tuesday: 5:40 p.m. CT, Marquee Sports Network
Wednesday: 5:40 p.m. CT, Marquee Sports Network
Prediction
I keep saying “two of three” and at some point, I’m going to be right. Maybe this time.
Up next
The Cubs have Thursday off, then return to Wrigley Field for a three-game series against the Pirates beginning Friday afternoon.
The Cubs continue their early-season interleague tour through American League divisions. They began with an AL West club (Angels), played an AL Central team (Guardians) over the weekend, and now it’s an AL East matchup with the Rays, who come into this series with the same record as the Cubs — 4-5. But Tampa Bay has played all nine of its games on the road so far, scheduled that way to make sure the renovated Tropicana Field was ready to go. The Rays will be the last of MLB’s 30 teams to play their home opener this year.
As you likely know, BCB’s Ashley MacLennan also writes for the SB Nation Rays site DRays Bay. Here’s Ashley with some comments on the Rays for us.
The start of the 2026 season hasn’t really gone the way the Rays had hoped, though of course the very small sample size is at play. One of the highlights of the season so far, though, has been the return of Shane McClanahan, the All-Star pitcher the Rays had to live without for two seasons. In his one start this year against Milwaukee he looked really good, despite the Rays not being able to get much run support to get him the win.
Drew Rasmussen has also had a good start to the year so he’ll be a pest to Chicago bats. The fielding for the Rays has been a difficulty so far, with plenty of errors and inconsistent results. They’ll hopefully get their feet under them soon, but right now they’ve had struggles with keeping game leads and providing their pitching staff run support when needed.
Chandler Simpson, as always, will be one to watch out for if he gets on base, as he has incredible speed and great steal instincts and he’s not afraid to be aggressive.
Fun facts
The Cubs have played only 25 previous games against the Rays. They have played fewer against only one current team: 24, vs. the Athletics. They also have played 25 vs. the Orioles.
The Cubs are 11-14 overall against the Rays, but only 2-6 at Tampa, where they lost three straight in 2008, split two games in 2017 and went 1-2 in 2024. Last year, the Cubs won two of three at Wrigley Field. … This will be the Cubs’ third consecutive series against an American League team, their longest such stretch of the season.
Wednesday: Colin Rea, RHP (0-0, 4.26 ERA, 1.421 WHIP, 3.18 FIP) vs. Joe Boyle, RHP (0-0, 3.18 ERA, 0.882 WHIP, 1.68 FIP)
NOTE: Colin Rea is not officially listed as the Wednesday starter as of the time this series preview posted, but it does seem likely that he’ll be the guy on Wednesday.
Times & TV channels
Monday: 3:10 p.m. CT, Marquee Sports Network
Tuesday: 5:40 p.m. CT, Marquee Sports Network
Wednesday: 5:40 p.m. CT, Marquee Sports Network
Prediction
I keep saying “two of three” and at some point, I’m going to be right. Maybe this time.
Up next
The Cubs have Thursday off, then return to Wrigley Field for a three-game series against the Pirates beginning Friday afternoon.
JUPITER, FLORIDA - MARCH 19, 2026: Miguel Sime Jr. #55 of the Washington Nationals throws a pitch during the second inning of a spring training Spring Breakout game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium on March 19, 2026 in Jupiter, Florida. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
With the current state of the Nationals being widely viewed as far from a legitimate contending window, fans should begin to get familiar with their next generation of top prospects. An impressive crop of talent tops the Washington prospect rankings, including SS Eli Willits, RHP Travis Sykora, and C Harry Ford, among others, but the system has already seen early success further down the list.
One player in particular who has made waves among Nats fans since his selection in the 2025 MLB Draft is right-handed pitcher Miguel Sime Jr., a flamethrowing starting pitcher.
Sime Jr., taken with the 111th overall pick in the draft out of Brooklyn’s Poly Prep Country Day School, lit up the pre-draft scene with multiple record-setting appearances in the MLB Draft League and the national travel baseball circuit. He consistently reached triple-digits with his fastball and was one of the most polarizing arms in the entire class.
The lack of polish with his secondary offerings and overall “pitchability” caused most scouts to view him as more of a project, but his 70-grade fastball alone makes his potential sky high. Washington was enamored enough with his arsenal to hand him a hefty $2 million signing bonus to secure his services, and they are banking on their ability to mold the teenager into an impact arm down the line.
The 18-year-old flashed at times in the Nationals’ minor league camp outings during 2026 Spring Training and was assigned to Single-A Fredericksburg to open his first professional season. He saw the first action of his minor league career on Easter Sunday, and, while not perfect, he put together a start that should already begin to draw more eyes to his development.
Miguel Sime Jr. registers his first pro strikeout!
Facing the Augusta GreenJackets, the Atlanta Braves’ Single-A affiliate, he began his pro career with 2.1 innings of 1-run ball, striking out 6 batters, walking just 1, and giving up a single hit. The metrics looked the part as well, sitting around 100 MPH with his fastball and showcasing some early action with his offspeed pitches, including getting 2025 1st-round pick Tate Southisene to chase on a breaking ball out of the zone.
Stadium radar gun is broken, but Miguel Sime Jr’s SLOWEST fastball so far was 98.9 mph. Pro debut for the Nats’ 4th rounder, he had punched out 5 of 6 hitters and topped 101.3.
NASTY.
— Noah Adcock-Howeth (@n_adcock_howeth) April 5, 2026
Sime Jr. isn’t someone who will impact the 2026 Nationals, or the 2027 Nationals, and likely not even the 2028 Nationals. However, he’s more than worth keeping tabs on, especially as Washington continues to revamp their pitching development program under new President of Baseball Operations Paul Toboni.
The focus remains, at least this early in the season, on the performance of the MLB roster. With that being said, it’s no secret that not many analysts are projecting the Nationals to be a playoff team in 2026. All eyes are pointed toward the future, and the emphasis on the development of their prospects will only continue to grow under the new front office, with Sime Jr. a prime candidate to rise up the ranks if he can maintain the early growth he’s displayed.
JUPITER, FLORIDA - MARCH 19, 2026: Miguel Sime Jr. #55 of the Washington Nationals throws a pitch during the second inning of a spring training Spring Breakout game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium on March 19, 2026 in Jupiter, Florida. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
With the current state of the Nationals being widely viewed as far from a legitimate contending window, fans should begin to get familiar with their next generation of top prospects. An impressive crop of talent tops the Washington prospect rankings, including SS Eli Willits, RHP Travis Sykora, and C Harry Ford, among others, but the system has already seen early success further down the list.
One player in particular who has made waves among Nats fans since his selection in the 2025 MLB Draft is right-handed pitcher Miguel Sime Jr., a flamethrowing starting pitcher.
Sime Jr., taken with the 111th overall pick in the draft out of Brooklyn’s Poly Prep Country Day School, lit up the pre-draft scene with multiple record-setting appearances in the MLB Draft League and the national travel baseball circuit. He consistently reached triple-digits with his fastball and was one of the most polarizing arms in the entire class.
The lack of polish with his secondary offerings and overall “pitchability” caused most scouts to view him as more of a project, but his 70-grade fastball alone makes his potential sky high. Washington was enamored enough with his arsenal to hand him a hefty $2 million signing bonus to secure his services, and they are banking on their ability to mold the teenager into an impact arm down the line.
The 18-year-old flashed at times in the Nationals’ minor league camp outings during 2026 Spring Training and was assigned to Single-A Fredericksburg to open his first professional season. He saw the first action of his minor league career on Easter Sunday, and, while not perfect, he put together a start that should already begin to draw more eyes to his development.
Miguel Sime Jr. registers his first pro strikeout!
Facing the Augusta GreenJackets, the Atlanta Braves’ Single-A affiliate, he began his pro career with 2.1 innings of 1-run ball, striking out 6 batters, walking just 1, and giving up a single hit. The metrics looked the part as well, sitting around 100 MPH with his fastball and showcasing some early action with his offspeed pitches, including getting 2025 1st-round pick Tate Southisene to chase on a breaking ball out of the zone.
Stadium radar gun is broken, but Miguel Sime Jr’s SLOWEST fastball so far was 98.9 mph. Pro debut for the Nats’ 4th rounder, he had punched out 5 of 6 hitters and topped 101.3.
NASTY.
— Noah Adcock-Howeth (@n_adcock_howeth) April 5, 2026
Sime Jr. isn’t someone who will impact the 2026 Nationals, or the 2027 Nationals, and likely not even the 2028 Nationals. However, he’s more than worth keeping tabs on, especially as Washington continues to revamp their pitching development program under new President of Baseball Operations Paul Toboni.
The focus remains, at least this early in the season, on the performance of the MLB roster. With that being said, it’s no secret that not many analysts are projecting the Nationals to be a playoff team in 2026. All eyes are pointed toward the future, and the emphasis on the development of their prospects will only continue to grow under the new front office, with Sime Jr. a prime candidate to rise up the ranks if he can maintain the early growth he’s displayed.
Apr 5, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson (2) looks on from the dugout against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the fifth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
In last week’s episode of the podcast, I remarked on the new Orioles slogan for 2026, fly different, and how important it is that the O’s actually do things differently compared to last season. Since then, they’ve gone 1-5 and things are feeling all too familiar from what we’ve now been seeing since around the All-Star Break in 2024. It’s not great.
For this week’s episode, I’m reacting to all the ugliness we’ve seen over the last week. It hasn’t been good. You could fairly put more than half of the Opening Day roster on the list of players who are stinking so far. It’s still early, so at least there’s that.
We’re going to find out pretty quickly whether these guys have sterner stuff than last year’s team. If they pull it together and avoid a deep early hole, then they’ve got something they weren’t able to do last year. If they just keep falling, especially with their next opponent being a presumably-weak White Sox team, well, we’ve seen that story before. It wasn’t fun the first time around and it would feel even worse the second time after they had an offseason to try to fix everything.
This is my weekly podcast about whatever is going on lately with the Orioles. If you enjoyed this episode, please make sure to subscribe. You can get the show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you prefer to access your podcasts.
How are you feeling about the way things have gone over the first nine games? Answers could make it into the mailbag section of the next episode of the podcast.
Apr 5, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson (2) looks on from the dugout against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the fifth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
In last week’s episode of the podcast, I remarked on the new Orioles slogan for 2026, fly different, and how important it is that the O’s actually do things differently compared to last season. Since then, they’ve gone 1-5 and things are feeling all too familiar from what we’ve now been seeing since around the All-Star Break in 2024. It’s not great.
For this week’s episode, I’m reacting to all the ugliness we’ve seen over the last week. It hasn’t been good. You could fairly put more than half of the Opening Day roster on the list of players who are stinking so far. It’s still early, so at least there’s that.
We’re going to find out pretty quickly whether these guys have sterner stuff than last year’s team. If they pull it together and avoid a deep early hole, then they’ve got something they weren’t able to do last year. If they just keep falling, especially with their next opponent being a presumably-weak White Sox team, well, we’ve seen that story before. It wasn’t fun the first time around and it would feel even worse the second time after they had an offseason to try to fix everything.
This is my weekly podcast about whatever is going on lately with the Orioles. If you enjoyed this episode, please make sure to subscribe. You can get the show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you prefer to access your podcasts.
How are you feeling about the way things have gone over the first nine games? Answers could make it into the mailbag section of the next episode of the podcast.
A new week of NBA action tips off with a light slate of just five games, but I’ve found some slam dunks when it comes to NBA player props.
My best bets include Nickeil Alexander-Walker making it rain on the Knicks from downtown, and Victor Wembanyama continuing his block party against Joel Embiid and the Sixers.
Those and more NBA picks for Monday, April 6, below.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker has been letting it fly from beyond the arc for most of this season, but he’s been really locked in for the last month and is a big reason why the Atlanta Hawks have climbed all the way to fifth place in the Eastern Conference.
Alexander-Walker is shooting a crazy good 48% from 3-point range on a big 7.8 attempts from deep per game over his last 16 games, and I like him to keep raining treys in tonight’s matchup with the New York Knicks.
The Knicks have taken advantage of a soft schedule down the stretch, but they’ll need to improve their perimeter defense if they want to have a deep playoff run. New York ranks 22nd in opponent 3-point attempts per game and 20th in opponent 3-point shooting percentage.
Alexander-Walker has drained four or more threes nine times in the last 16 games.
It is fair to say that Wembanyama has surpassed Embiid in the big man hierarchy and will be a staple in the MVP conversation for years to come.
You can make the case Wemby deserves the award this year, but for now, he's got Defensive Player of the Year locked down.
He’s always been impactful on defense, but he’s taken it to another level in the second half of the season. Wembanyama is swatting a ridiculous 3.9 blocks over 22 games since coming out of the All-Star break, and has rejected four or more shots in 15 of those 22 games.
The Sixers rank 19th in opponent blocks per game. At even money, I love backing Wemby to have another block party in San Antonio tonight.
Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
Where to watch: NBCSP, FDSN SW
Prop #3: Cam Johnson Over 12.5 points
-115 at bet365
The Denver Nuggets are the best offense in the NBA. A lot of that has to do with Nikola Jokic, but they are so hard to contain because they have so much depth and so many players who can hurt you.
Look at Cam Johnson. He’s probably the Nuggets' fourth or even fifth option most nights. But when he gets in a groove, he can put up some great numbers.
Johnson is averaging 14.8 points while shooting a crazy good 48.7% from 3-point range over his last 13 games. He’s the type of player that can get overlooked even by a good Portland Trail Blazers defense.
He's topped this number in nine of those 13 games, including putting up 19 when these teams last met back on March 22.
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With this homer, 14 years ago on this day, Adam Dunn hit his record-tying eighth Opening Day home run and signaled that 2012 would be better than his disastrous 2011 season. | Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
1993 The divisional championship season began with a night game in Minnesota, and a big 10-5 win over the Twins. Tim Raines had a three-run home run, and scored two runs. The White Sox would wind up winning the division by eight games, compiling 94 victories. Jack McDowell picked up the first of his 22 wins on the year in a six-inning effort.
2002 Mark Buehrle cruised to an easy win in Kansas City, allowing five hits over six innings of a 14-0 whitewash. Paul Konerko scored three times, and he and Magglio Ordoñez drove in three runs apiece. Down 9-0 to start the eighth inning, the Royals summoned the youngest pitcher in the majors, Miguel Asencio, into the game for his MLB debut. Asencio walked Kenny Lofton on four pitches, then did the same to Ray Durham, Frank Thomas, and Ordoñez. All 16 of Asencio’s pitches were outside the strike zone.
The rookie was removed, replaced by Cory Bailey. Bailey managed to throw a strike — but then walked Konerko to surrender another free run.
2003 After starting the season 0-3, the White Sox won two and then pulled back to .500 with a crazy win over the Tigers, ensuring a sweep. Detroit led, 2-1, in the eighth when Chicago ran off nine runs to pull ahead by the eventual final of 10-2.
The nine Sox runs were scored on just four hits; Magglio Ordoñez had the first hit of the inning (single) and the last (three-run homer).
For Detroit, the loss made them the first team in 40 years to start two seasons in a row with an 0-6 record.
2009 For the first time in new Sox Park history (and the first time since 1982) the White Sox home opener was snowed out.
Players arrived at the park to three inches of snow, with Alexei Ramírez playing and throwing snowballs in what he said was his first experience with it. Groundskeeper Roger Bossard and his crew arrived at the park at 6 a.m. to shovel and hose down the snow to melt it into the drainage system.
The White Sox won the rescheduled opener the next day, 4-2, but dropped the next two of the opening home series to the Royals en route to a 79-83 season.
2011 Adam Dunn underwent an emergency appendectomy with the White Sox on the road in Kansas City, just days after Cardinals outfielder Matt Holliday suffered same.
Dunn had gotten off to a terrific start for the 2-2 White Sox, slashing .286/.474/.571 with a homer and five RBIs. Although he pronounced himself fit to at least pinch-hit just a day after his procedure, Dunn would sit out a week and see his hitting evaporate in his first season after signing a mulit-year deal with Chicago. His average dipped as low as .149 before settling at .159. Dunn’s -2.9 WAR remains the worst single season in White Sox history, and some 16% worse than his nearest challenger, and ranks as the 13th-worst in MLB history among hitters.
2012 What a difference a year makes.
Adam Dunn, coming off of the worst season in White Sox history and one of the worst of any MLB hitter, ever, homered on Opening Day to tie a record held by Frank Robinson for most in history (eight). While the White Sox lost against the defending World Series champs in Texas, 3-2, Dunn would go on to swing his season WAR back up 4.5 from 2011 and finish at 1.6. His 41 homers in 2012 would stand as the second-most of his career and remain tied for sixth in White Sox history.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker
Victor Wembanyama
Cam Johnson