Feb 20, 2026; Sarasota, Florida, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Trevor Rogers (28) throws a pitch in the first inning against the New York Yankees during spring training at Ed Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images | Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
With 13 days to go before Opening Day, the Orioles have their starting pitcher. The team announced before Friday’s spring training game against the Phillies that the dominant star from last year, Trevor Rogers, is getting the nod for the first start of the season.
On one hand, it’s no surprise that the guy who had a 1.81 ERA across 18 starts last season, who accumulated 5.5 bWAR in only 109.2 innings, is getting lined up as the #1 starter for the season. If he had performed like that over a full season, he would have been an easy winner for the AL Cy Young award.
On the other hand, it’s at least a tiny surprise, if only because there’s also Kyle Bradish, who is longer-tenured with the team and still looked pretty ace-like in his return last year from Tommy John surgery. By starting Wednesday’s spring training game, Bradish appeared to be lined up for Opening Day on regular rest. The team has gone in another direction.
As of this writing, there has not been any official indication from manager Craig Albernaz about how he might line up his other starting pitchers. Given that there are six starting pitching candidates, he hasn’t even announced whether he will do a six-man rotation. For now, my best guess is that things will line up with Rogers followed by Bradish, Shane Baz, Chris Bassitt, and Dean Kremer, with Zach Eflin getting something like a two-week rehab stint at the start of the season to fully build up from last year’s back surgery.
The team has continually not indicated Eflin is behind schedule, though, so I’m starting to doubt that as the resolution. If nobody gets hurt between now and Opening Day, are they going to put Kremer in the bullpen? Send him to the minors? Though the #1 spot is resolved, many questions remain here. The Orioles probably have an idea internally what they’re going to do about these things, but they haven’t showed their cards yet.
MILWAUKEE, WI - MARCH 10: Jalen Green #4 of the Phoenix Suns drives to the basket during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on March 10, 2026 at Fiserv Forum Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images). | NBAE via Getty Images
What’s the saying go? Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me. Fool me three times, shame on both of us. Well, what’s four? Because we’re at that with Jalen Green.
He’s stringed together four straight 24+ point performances, all coming in Phoenix Suns wins. Last night’s victory against the Pacers was not just his best game of the win streak, but of his Suns’ tenure. The guard scored 36 points on 14-of-23 from the field and was tied for the team lead in plus/minus.
When Suns GM Brian Gregory said recently that Green and Devin Booker can be the NBA’s best backcourt, a game like last night can only further his belief in the idea. The two combined for 79 points, both going for season highs and accounting for more than 64% of the team’s points.
The key for Green is that he’s deferring to Booker. During Phoenix’s four-game win streak, the fifth-year guard is taking three fewer shots per game than Booker is, and his efficiency has been the best it’s been all season. He’s shooting 50.6% from the field, doing so by taking nearly five more shots per game than his season average.
One of the knocks on Green to start his career has been about his efficiency. No season as a Rocket did he shoot better than 42.3% from the field or 35.4% from three, low marks for an undersized guard that can be a liability on offense, takes a lot of shots, and has a thin frame.
In two of his last three seasons on the Rockets, Green led Houston in points per game, and all four years he was a member of the team, he led them in shots per game. That is not his role on the Suns. It’s a fundamentally different one than the one he played with his former team, especially when Devin Booker is playing.
When he’s sharing the court with Booker, Green is not the offensive team’s main perimeter focus. He has more room to operate, as well as put less consistent tax on his body as he recovers from his multiple hamstring injuries that could impact his energy. When Booker plays, Green shoots 44% from the field and is a +75. When he doesn’t, he shoots 29.8% from the field and is a -34. When Green is playing without Booker, he reverts back to the role he played during his time in Houston, where he was often a first option.
Amid all the injuries both have had, Booker and Green have played just 13 games together. Since Booker returned from his hip injury, the six-straight games the two have played is the longest streak they’ve gone this year playing with each other, and they’re finally hitting their stride. Both playing similar positions and sharing similar skillsets, the two have needed time to find their rhythm. Booker’s was always going to come first. He’s the team’s best player and leader. Green is starting to find his.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 10: Javonte Green #31 of the Detroit Pistons reacts during the second quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on March 10, 2026 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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 Ishika Samant/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Detroit Pistons are handling who’s in front of them. They’ve exploded offensively after a brief four-game rut. Detroit takes on the Memphis Grizzlies tonight. You need to scroll three times to view their full injury report.
Tonight’s matchup won’t be a battle between two playoff teams, but the Pistons are finding a rhythm from deep. Some of the most important strikers are trending in the right direction as the playoffs approach.
Game Vitals
Where: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, Michigan
When: 7:30 PM
Watch: Fan Duel Sports Network Detroit
Odds: Pistons (-15.5)
Analysis
The Brooklyn Nets and last night’s Philadelphia 76ers aren’t the most stout defensive teams, but making shots can do good for a player’s mental. Duncan Robinson went 8/10 from deep in the two demolitions. That type of hot streak needs to continue against the great teams.
Robinson is shooting 35 percent from 3 against top-10 defenses, according to Cleaning The Glass. It makes sense that tougher defenses make shooters take more difficult shots, but maybe a hot stretch vs lesser opponents can trigger an overall parade from range.
Javonte Green’s shooting is always an extra. If he can make defenses pay consistently, his playoff minutes might increase. It’s no secret that teams are going to leave streaky shooters like Green to bottle up Cade Cunningham. Green was nails going 4-6 from 3 last night. This version of Green is a 3-and-D menace who seems up for the moment.
Marcus Sasser has stepped in as a shot taker and maker. He’s a sparkplug. He won’t start when Ausar Thompson eventually returns, but Sasser is another piece on the board JB Bickerstaff can play. Sasser has always shown he can get buckets, and there will be dry spots in the postseason where he could help the team.
Cade had it going from deep in three of the past four games. He only shot the ball six times last night. His off-the-bounce shooting could swing a playoff series one way or another. He has shot 36 percent on 3.5 pullup 3-point attempts for the season. Was last year more about poor pullup shooting or Cade seeing playoff defenses for the first time? I’d bet he’s better this time around.
The Grizzlies saw the playoffs last year, too, but they’re far from that type of team now. They’ve trotted out a very young roster over the last few weeks. 21-year-old GG Jackson has been one of their focal points lately. Ty Jerome has been too. He missed the last game with a calf injury.
This isn’t Jackson’s first time getting the keys over the final stretch of the year. During the last 18 games of the 2024 season, Jackson averaged 20 points. He had a 44-point bomb on the last day of the regular season.
Olivier-Maxence Prosper has been the Grizzlies’ big with Zach Edey out for the year. Prosper isn’t the force and paint beast Edey is, but he can shoot the rock. 38 percent of his shots are from 3, and he’s solid.
Javon Small, Jaylen Wells, and Rayan Rupert are other candidates who could play 30-plus minutes tonight. The Grizzlies are on a six-game losing streak with a minus-7.6 net rating in that span. They won’t win the Western Conference, but Detroit has to focus on itself. Don’t play down to your comp and continue to handle who is in front of you.
Lineups
Detroit Pistons (47-18): Cade Cunningham, Marcus Sasser, Duncan Robinson, Tobias Harris, Jalen Duren
Sep 21, 2025; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Milwaukee Brewers left fielder Christian Yelich (22) is showered with beer and champagne after the Brewers clinched the 2025 National League Central Division Championship following a game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images | Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
The National League Central could be the most highly volatile, wide open division of the 2026 season.
The Central was red hot in 2025, producing three of the six playoff teams in the NL. It looked like the year that the Chicago Cubs might finally dethrone the Milwaukee Brewers, but the Brew Crew rocketed up the standings from third place on June 1st to a 97 win season and a three-peat as division champs. The Cubbies finished with 92 wins and clinched the 4 seed, joined by the Cincinnati Reds who snuck in as the final Wild Card team.
The year ahead could yield wildly different results.
The PECOTA Standings are projecting major swings for three teams, predicting an 11-game improvement for the Pittsburgh Pirates, while calling for the Brewers and St. Louis Cardinals to be 16 and 11 games worse, respectively. Anchored by rising superstar Paul Skenes, the Pirates seem to be trending in the right direction and could push for a playoff spot, or escape the basement at the very least. On the other hand, the Cardinals are facing the reality that they may not be perennial contenders anymore.
It feels likely that the Central will have two representatives in the postseason. If things break right, they may get three again. But who those two or three teams could be feels very up in the air in a wide open division.
Key Additions: 3B Alex Bregman, SP Edward Cabrera, RP Hunter Harvey
Key Departures: OF Kyle Tucker, RB Brad Keller
The NL Central may be competitive and could come down to the wire like last year, but the Cubs are heavy favorites as things begin. Chicago brings back a very talented lineup on both sides of the ball, with Pete Crow-Armstrong, Seiya Suzuki, Dansby Swanson, Nico Hoerner, and Ian Happ.
That core group will be bolstered by one of the splashiest offseason signings, as the team finally got their long-pursued free agency target, signing Alex Bregman to a five-year, $175 million contract. Bregman will hold down third base and add a strong bat and a Gold Glove, along with World Series experience and a veteran presence. The Cubs also re-signed Shota Imanaga on a qualifying offer, keeping him in the North Side for another year.
Chicago has done an excellent job of fostering a roster of both home-grown talent and smart acquisitions, which has been rewarded with slow but steady improvement since 2021. They now feel like they’re at the place to add some final big pieces to compete regularly. With a balanced attack, they hope to continue their upward trajectory and perhaps avenge last year’s NLDS result, climbing a step higher in 2026.
Key Departures: INF Gavin Lux, OF Austin Hays, 3B/OF Miguel Andujar
On the back of a strong finish and a New York Mets collapse, the Reds finished 8-3 in their last 11 games — including a four-game sweep of the Cubs — to make the playoffs with some Game 162 luck across the NL. Their success came with a slight down year for their star Elly De La Cruz, who dropped in home runs (from 25 down to 22) and stolen bases (plummeting from 67 to 37) between 2024 and 2025, despite playing all 162 games.
Cincinnati floated right under the league average in most team batting and pitching statistics last year. Despite that, the Reds didn’t tinker with the roster much in the offseason, opting for stability. Still, there will be noticeable change as their key offseason pickups, Suárez and Bleday, are projected to slot right into the starting lineup at DH and left field, respectively.
As is, they’re likely to finish right around where they did last season, so their floor is steady.
However, they bring back a pitching rotation with upside. A strong year from that group plus an offensive boost from their newcomers and a return to 2024 form for De La Cruz keeps their ceiling high. Consistency throughout the year could once again set them up for a Wild Card push if things begin to click.
Key Additions: SP Brandon Sproat, SP Kyle Harrison
Key Departures: SP Freddy Peralta, C Danny Jansen, 1B Rhys Hoskins, INF Caleb Durbin
Projections are not being kind to a team looking for a fourpeat as NL Central champs.
It feels hard to bet against a team that’s won 90+ games and finished first in four the last five seasons. That bet feels especially risky given Milwaukee’s explosion last season. The team was unstoppable after the All-Star break, including a stretch where they went 15-1 in August.
The Brew Crew is well-rounded. On the mound, they had the second best ERA, gave up the third-fewest hits, the third-fewest homers, and were top 10 in saves. Offensively, they were third in runs scored, third in hits, second in stolen bases, and fifth in strikeouts against. For the cherry on top, they were a very strong fielding team, too.
By the numbers, they’re a top team and well-worthy of last year’s NLCS appearance as the 2 seed. So why the pessimism? Milwaukee heads into the season looking to prove that they can weather a number of key departures. Most notable might be the loss of their ace, Freddy Peralta. Peralta was a source of consistency, hitting the 30 game and 200 strikeout mark in each of the last three seasons. Brandon Woodruff, coming off an injury, is set to be the team’s new ace. Harrison and Sproat will mix into the rotation alongside some younger pieces who debuted in 2025: Jacob Misiorowski and Chad Patrick.
Milwaukee may be able to patch together a lineup to withstand some of their offensive losses. The loss of a 30-game starter and a reliance on more unproven pitching assets could cost make or break the team’s season and their hold on the division.
Key Departures: DH Andrew McCutchen, SP Johan Oviedo
The upcoming season will be a defining year for the Pirates. Some expectations place them in a tier with the Reds, firmly behind the Cubs and Brewers in the division pecking order. PECOTA is much more bullish, projecting them to finish ahead of the Brewers for second in the division, with a 43.3% chance to make the playoffs. Honestly, though, both a fight for second or a fight for third would both be a welcome sight for the Bucs, who have finished in last for five of the last nine seasons (and in fourth for the remaining four).
A competitive year in the Central would show marked improvement for the young squad.
Obviously, ace Paul Skenes is a reason for a lot of the buzz around this team. The 2024 NL Rookie of the Year turned 2025 Cy Young winner has been nothing short of phenomenal. He’s added to his young legacy with a brilliant World Baseball Classic debut, driving his stock even higher. With that, he’s obviously drawing interest from every other team in the league, but is under club control through 2029 and has denied any trade rumors. That window could force the club to strike while the iron is hot, so a successful 2026 could very well lead to an exciting offseason heading into 2027.
As for 2026, a sense of realism might check expectations for a jump from fifth to second. Pittsburgh will need to not only grow but make a big leap in a number of categories to meet their projected 11-win jump. In batting, the team was 28th in hits and batting average, bottom 10 in strikeouts, and dead last in home runs and RBI. That doesn’t inspire confidence. The Pirates acquired three new starters in the offseason (Lowe at second base, O’Hearn in right field, and Ozuna at DH). The trio will help, but will certainly have their work cut out for them.
To end on a positive, Pittsburgh’s success comes from its rotation. Last year, they were third in home runs allowed, seventh in ERA, and top 10 walks, The club brought back four of its five starters and kept the bullpen mostly unchanged. More pitching magic mixed with some new bats could help the Buccos reach new heights.
It’s hard to imagine a world where the Cardinals aren’t in the playoff mix after the team’s historical success for so many decades. But playoff misses in 2023, 2024, and 2025 might have been the final three nails in the coffin for the Cards. This offseason represented a full shift into rebuild mode, following the vision of new President of Baseball Operations, Chaim Bloom.
The team shipped out two pitchers from their starting rotation in Gray and Mikolas. They moved on from an all-star in Donovan. And they moved away from players like Arenado and Contreras, core veteran pieces that were brought in when the club felt firmly in contention. However, a few years of middle of the road finishes led the team to make those sweeping changes.
Given the commitment to the rebuild and the other strong teams in the division, the projected dip and last place finish make sense. While the Cardinals were neck and neck with the Reds at the end of July and even again in early September when they crawled within half a game of third, their dropoff from their most recent first place finish in 2022 warranted bigger changes.
They have moved to a younger roster, restocked their farm system, and added draft capital. Although they are a team who won’t be kept down for long, the growing pains and move to new talent are likely to keep them towards the bottom of the division this season.
After winning the division for three years in a row, will the Brewers really fall as far as they’re expected to? Is a Cubs crown feeling like a sure thing? Or do the Pirates have what it takes to go worst to first?
Let us know what you think the NL Central has in store!
CLEARWATER, FL - MARCH 07: Philadelphia Phillies Pitcher Andrew Painter (76) delivers a pitch to the plate during the spring training game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Philadelphia Phillies on March 07, 2026 at BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Here are the lineups for today’s Grapefruit League matchup. Let’s discuss!
Jordan Wicks has been a bit of an enigma for the Cubs. When he first came up, he was an effective lefty starter, but those results haven’t been consistent, and he keeps getting hurt. He’s starting this season on the IL, along with Porter Hodge, who didn’t look good. Neither injury is said to be long-term, but you never know. Wicks hasn’t pitched yet this year.
Wicks is still just 26 but the clock is running and the luster has been worn off of the #21 overall pick in 2021. He’s pitched to a lifetime 6-6 record, with a ghastly 5.21 ERA and 1.516 WHIP and 0.5 bWAR (0.3 fWAR).
It’s hard to pinpoint what exactly the problem is. His stuff is not bad. He clearly puts in the effort and the coaches says he puts in the work. His K/9 is in the eights. He gives up around 1.5 HR/9.
Projections have him as a spot starter, and that’s probably his future, if he gets into major-league games at all. Wicks might be better off in another organization where he’ll have more chances to throw in the bigs, but he’s a tough sell right now, and teams hate to give up on first-rounders historically, because of their potential.
Wicks has a five-pitch mix — FB, sinker, slider, curve, change. He’s also thrown a cutter in the past but not in 2025. Let’s hope that the Cubs’ coaches can determine what the issue(s) is/are, and Wicks can regain the effectiveness that got him drafted in the first round.
Mar 12, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) dribbles against Denver Nuggets guard Julian Strawther (3) in the second half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images | Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
Coming off a tough win against the Boston Celtics, the Spurs battled the Denver Nuggets. It was announced before the game that Victor Wembanyama would not play due to ankle soreness. Nonetheless, the Spurs dominated the first half. They outscored the Nuggets 37-25 in the first quarter, led by as much as 20 points, and took a 14-point lead into halftime. However, the Nuggets’ offense began to wake up in the third. They outscored the Spurs 41-37 in the third and embarked on a 14-0 run in the fourth. The Spurs were ice cold shooting from three, outscored 42-25, and could not stop the onslaught brought on by Jamal Murray. The Spurs ultimately lost 136-131.
Stephon Castle led the way with a triple-double: 30 points (4-8 3PT, 12-13 FT), 11 rebounds, and 10 assists. This is Steph’s 3rd triple-double of the season. His four threes tied a season high from December 23rd against the OKC Thunder. Without Wemby, Steph was aggressive on offense. He drained 12 of his 13 free throws and dished out double-digit dimes for the 11th time this season. He had the tough assignment of guarding Murray, and he defended well in the first half. However, Murray caught fire in the fourth and was able to score on multiple defenders. Nonetheless, a performance like the one Steph put on shows his skyward potential for the 21-year-old.
AND-ONE! Steph drives on Christian Braun, and he uses his patience for the tough and-one finish off the backboard!
De’Aaron Fox dropped 27 points (10-19 FG), nine assists, three rebounds, and two steals. Just like Steph, Fox was aggressive on offense. Besides dropping a near double-double, Fox drained four threes and got into the paint off of P&R’s and iso plays. He also picked pockets on defense. After playing well all game, Fox missed a crucial three-point attempt late and attempted to lock down Murray late in the game down by three. Unfortunately, he was called for a foul when Murray was clearly about to go out of bounds. Nonetheless, the two-time all-star will continue to play fast as the season dwindles.
SPLASHTOWN! Fox drains the three from the corner early in the first!
Harrison Barnes returned from injury and dropped 20 points (6-10 FG, 6-7 FT), seven rebounds, one assist, and one steal. After missing the last five games due to an ankle injury, HB returned with a bang. This is his first 20+ game since December 23rd against OKC. He played 27 minutes, which is his most since February 1st. Clearly, Mitch Johnson wanted HB to get extra burn after a week off. The 33-year-old will look to continue contributing to this young, contending squad as the playoffs are a month away.
Old man hustle! HB tracks down the loose ball and drives into the paint with a fake and a slam!
Devin Vassell dropped 18 points, three assists, two steals, and a rebound. It was not a 35-point explosion with seven threes like the last time Dev played the Nuggets, but he did have a near 20-point game thanks to four threes. He started hot, but cooled down in the fourth. As one of the x-factors on the team, Dev also played excellent off-ball defense, especially forcing steals on passes to Nikola Jokic. The two-way wing will continue to be a willing defender and knockdown shooter.
Dylan Harper dropped 13 points (6-12 FG), five rebounds, five assists, and a block. The rookie guard made the most of his 24 minutes, finishing with the highest plus/minus on the team with +9. With Castle and Fox combining for 57 points and 19 assists, Dyl did not play after the four-minute mark in the fourth. It remains to be seen if Mitch Johnson will play all three guards together in the fourth quarter, but for now, Dyl will continue to be a spark plug combo guard off the bench.
Block to assist! After swatting Braun’s shot attempt on one end, Dyl finds Steph for a side corner three-ball!
Carter Bryant dropped 10 points (4-6 FG), three rebounds, and an assist in just nine minutes. The rookie wing came to play and capitalized on his playing time, or lack thereof. He played fearlessly in the paint and hustled on both ends, including playing great defense on Jokic. Despite having the second-highest plus/minus with +7, Carter only played nine minutes. A clear explanation would be the return of Barnes. It will be curious to see how Mitch Johnson manages HB and CB’s minutes during the last month of the regular season.
VET MOVES! CB tracks down the offensive rebound and takes it back into Jokic in the paint for the tough finish!
In what would have been an outstanding statement win without their best player, this young team relinquished the lead they held for most of the game to a seasoned, contending team. The one-two punch of Jokic and Murray did most of their damage in the fourth, as it was clear a certain alien-like figure was missing in the paint that could have disrupted the Nuggets’ offensive game plan. Nonetheless, this team has defeated the Nuggets without Wemby before, so a loss like this only prepares them for their rematch in April.
Finally, here are the full game highlights.
The Spurs continue their homestand this Saturday against the Charlotte Hornets at 2:30 P.M. (CST) on Prime Video/FDSN-SW.
DUNEDIN, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 20: José Berríos #17 of the Toronto Blue Jays poses for a portrait during photo day at the Toronto Blue Jays Player Development Complex on February 20, 2026 in Dunedin, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
I guess we’ve found out why José Berríos wasn’t allowed to pitch in the WBC. The team is saying he’s heading to Texas to talk to Dr. Keith Meister about ‘right elbow inflammation. We hadn’t been told that there was an issue. He was scratched from his start against the Phillies. This is one of those things that gives Tom a bad feeling in his stomach.
Apparently, an MRI didn’t show anything. I can’t imagine he’ll be on the roster out of spring training.
Beyond that:
Shane Bieber is throwing from flat ground and will continue doing that. In a few days they will decide if he is ready to pitch in a game.
Alejandro Kirk is back in camp. He’s catching tomorrow, when Max Scherzer throws next.
Scherzer has become more important now that Berrios isn’t going to be on the team and Trey Yesavage is a a long shot too, depending on how things go the next few days.
The Jays host the Twins today, 1:00 Eastern. Here’s the lineup. Cody Ponce starts. Use this as the GameThread:
Today’s Lineups
TWINS
BLUE JAYS
Alan Roden – CF
George Springer – DH
Brooks Lee – SS
Daulton Varsho – CF
Matt Wallner – RF
Addison Barger – RF
Eric Wagaman – 1B
Jesus Sanchez – LF
James Outman – LF
Brandon Valenzuela – C
Ryan Kreidler – 3B
Sean Keys – 1B
Tristan Gray – 2B
Rafael Lantigua – 2B
Gio Urshela – DH
Arjun Nimmala – SS
Alex Jackson – C
Carlos E. Mendoza – 3B
Mick Abel – RHP
Cody Ponce – RHP
And tonight we have two WBC quarter finals:
6:30 PM Dominican Republic/Korea
8:00 PM Canada/USA. Logan Webb and Mike Soroka are the starters. I think we’ll have a GameThread up.
AKRON, OHIO - AUGUST 23, 2025: Magnus Ellerts #34 of the Akron RubberDucks throws a pitch during the sixth inning against the New Hampshire Fisher Cats at Canal Park on August 23, 2025 in Akron, Ohio. (Photo by George Kubas/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
The Guardians have some players who are doing well in Spring Training, so let’s talk about that.
The usual caveat applies here that in-game performance in Spring Training is a dangerous game. You never know exactly what is meaningful, what is not meaningful, and what is somewhere in between. With that said, here are some players catching my eye this Spring:
Pitchers: Slade Cecconi – 3.15 FIP, 9.95/2.13 K/BB/9 – Cecconi has come into camp looking a lot more confident in his new, Guardians-inspired pitching repertoire/pitch shapes than he did last year, and seems primed for improvements across the board.
Cade Smith – 0.96 FIP, 12/0 K/BB/9 – Despite missing the first part of camp with neck soreness, Smith looks absolutely locked in as the team’s established closer for 2026.
Magnus Ellerts – 0.63 FIP, 13.5/0 K/BB/9 – Folks, if Ellerts has corrected at least some of his walk issues he will be in the major league bullpen sooner rather than later because he has electric stuff and can hit 100 mph. He has the highest perceived velocity in Guardians’ camp this spring at 95.9 mph.
Daniel Espino – 0.65 FIP, 13.5/0 K/BB/9 – Ah, if he can only stay healthy… he looked special as always.
Jack Jasiak – 0.20 FIP, 15.43/0 K/BB/9 – Jasiak has been eating hitters alive with his sweeper. Can that continue? I guess we will see.
Peyton Pallette – 0.96 FIP, 21/6 K/BB/9 – Pallette has popped with some great velocity and pitch movement. We’re all rooting for him to make the Opening Day roster and stay with the club.
Erik Sabrowski – 1.38 FIP, 20.25/6.75 K/BB/9 – Sabrowski remains absolutely nasty for no good reason.
Will Dion – 2.05 FIP, 7.11/0 K/BB/9 – With Austin Peterson hurt, it’s important that Dion looks like a potentially viable fifth starter.
Connor Brogdon – 3.05 FIP, 10.29/2.57 K/BB/9 – Brogdon should get a chance to show he belongs with Hunter Gaddis likely building up for the season after experiencing forearm tightness.
Tim Herrin – 3.63 FIP, 10.8/5.40 K/BB/9 – Herrin has been building on some positives late in 2025 to show he belongs back in the bullpen.
Tanner Bibee – 3.15 FIP, 7.82/0 K/BB/9 – Bibee has very obviously been working on throwing strikes and getting his pitch mix right… stop throwing that four-seamer so much, Tanner.
Gavin Williams – 3.38 FIP, 10.13/1.13 K/BB/9 – Williams looks like the Opening Day starter and anchor to the rotation the Guardians need him to be.
Jack Leftwich – 0.90 FIP, 12.270 K/BB/9 – Leftwich is working his way into that long-man role and looking potentially viable there if called upon.
Some underlying numbers also look great for Joey Cantillo and Colin Holderman, they just need to hone in on control and command.
Hitters: Bo Naylor – 258 wRC+, 16.7/16.7 K/BB% (his OPS in the WBC is a shade below .700, which isn’t great but not bad, either).
Chase DeLauter – 188 wRC+, 5/10 K/BB% – If he’s healthy, the kid just HITS.
George Valera – 108 wRC+, 25.9/7.4 K/BB% – This can play vs. RHP.
Petey Halpin – 176 wRC+, 20.8/16.7 K/BB% – No way that Halpin can maintain this walk rate, but if he could cut his strikeouts closer to this and play great defense, he will be an excellent strong-side platoon centerfielder.
Ralphy Velazquez – 155 wRC+, 7.1/7.1 K/BB% – Ralphy definitely opened some eyes this Spring. He is getting steady “First Baseman of the Future” talk, but hopefully will make himself a left-field option.
Kahlil Watson – 213 wRC+, 31.3/12.5 K/BB% – Watson was a camp darling and you can see his approach was “swing the bat” and he made a lot of quality contact… but also had a lot of whiff.
Brayan Rocchio – 144 wRC+, 18.2/12.2 K/BB% – Rocchio has looked quiet, confident and effective at the plate. Him being an above average hitter would be a huge boon to this lineup.
Milan Tolentino – 185 wRC+, 14.3/33.3 K/BB% – Tolentino is not going to be a good major league hitter unless a miracle happens, but he is at least making himself look like he can do a Gabriel Arias approximation if the team FINALLY moves on there.
Jaison Chourio – 144 wRC+, 18.8/0 K/BB% – Good to see Chourio get some solid contact, but he’ll obviously need to take some walks to build back up his prospect status
Angel Martinez – 250 wRC+, 14.8/7.4 K/BB% – Angel has looked more confident in center and his K/BB% is what you want to see, along with – obviously – some good hitting. I think Angel has probably secured the 4th outfielder spot on the Opening Day roster, and good for him.
Juan Brito – 104 wRC+, 29.2/20.8 K/BB% – Just on the edge of missing this list, Brito had a couple terrible games defensively at third base, but has looked fine at second base. Really wish they’d give him a shot at Opening Day there and move Rocchio to short, but it looks like we are getting Arias at short and Rocchio at second for a while. Ah well.
As we’ve said several times, if the Guardians can finish camp mostly healthy, it will be a successful spring training. But, so far, with a couple weeks left, the team has also seen plenty of performances to be encouraged about as far as 2026 is concerned. Which of the names above has you most excited? Let us know in the comments below.
FORT MYERS, FL - MARCH 07: Ketel Marte #4 of Team Dominican Republic poses for a photo during the Team Dominican Republic 2023 World Baseball Classic Headshots at Lee County Sports Complex on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/WBCI/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | WBCI/MLB Photos via Getty Images
While there is still plenty to sort through in the rotation and bullpen, notably the decision of whether or not Kelly will start on the injured list, the D-backs’ position player group has cleared up to a degree with the minor league reassignments of many prospects and dark horse candidates such as outfielder Ryan Waldschmidt and infielder Tommy Troy.
The position player group is not completely settled, but here’s what the Opening Day starting lineup could look like two weeks out — keeping in mind that the Diamondbacks will play the Los Angeles Dodgers, who will likely start a right-handed pitcher based on who’s available.
It was his first taste of the outfield since travel ball, but he played it well enough that with Perdomo at short and the addition of third baseman Nolan Arenado via trade this winter, the Diamondbacks have had him playing center this spring.
Does he enjoy the outfield?
“I enjoy playing every day,” Lawlar said with a smile. “I played all the sports growing up, and it kind of reminds me of like a slot receiver in football — run your route and go track the ball down.”
Former Arizona Diamondbacks left-hander Jalen Beeks has reportedly agreed to a deal with the Texas Rangers, according to Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News. It is a major league deal, pending a physical.
Beeks, who was one of the D-backs’ most effective relievers in the 2025 season, won’t be returning to Arizona ahead of the regular season, after all.
WBC pool play wrapped up on Wednesday with eight teams left standing. The Diamondbacks’ players and prospects eliminated from the WBC have started heading back to spring training, while those alive in the tournament will take the field in win-or-go-home games starting this weekend.
The 20-team field is down to eight, and while pool play didn’t go the way Team USA would’ve envisioned, the dream team survived thanks to Italy’s extraordinary 4-0 run through Pool B. Now, the top four favorites from our initial World Baseball Classic power rankings still remain standing, but Italy looks capable of taking any team down.
The circumstances were virtually identical — a superstar of the sport delivering an early lead in a critical game — and yet the reactions, and the atmosphere, could hardly have been more different. Here’s another look. And it’s not just the D.R. Listen to how loud it got in San Juan, at a stadium with half the capacity of Daikin Park in Houston, when Puerto Rican pitcher Seth Lugo escaped a jam against Columbia:
There’s no better way to tip off the weekend than with some winning NBA player prop bets, and my NBA predictions have found a trio that are a slam dunk, including Karl-Anthony Towns being purr-fect on the boards against the Pacers.
Those and more NBA picks for Friday, March 13, right meow.
Karl-Anthony Towns is the New York Knicks best rebounder, averaging 11.9 boards per game, and he’s taken that to the next level recently.
KAT has hauled down 13.0 rebounds per contest over his last eight games, grabbing 13 or more boards five times during that stretch, and there’s no reason to think he’ll slow down when he faces the Indiana Pacers.
It’s a year to forget for the Pacers and enter this game losers of 11 in a row. Indiana has a lot of issues and rebounding is one of them. The Pacers rank next-to-last in both rebounding rate and opponent rebounds per game.
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Where to watch: MSG, FanDuel Sports Network Indiana
Prop #2: Kyle Filipowski Double-Double
+150 at bet365
The Utah Jazz are another team that is not-so-subtly tanking at this point in the season. But they’ve been surprisingly scrappy recently, going 4-2 ATS in their last six games.
That’s because the guys who are actually playing for the Jazz are playing for their futures. Including Kyle Filipowski.
The Jazz big man is averaging 15.1 points and 8.9 rebounds since becoming a regular starter 11 games ago. He’s also hauled down double-digit boards in four of his last five games, which has me looking at him to record another double-double.
You might not think that Steph Curry being out would affect the Golden State Warriors' rebounding, but that’s exactly what’s happened.
Steph has been out since the start of February, and the Warriors are still taking the fourth-most shots per game, but not surprisingly, they rank 25th in field goal percentage. As a result, the Dubs have surrendered the third-most opponent rebounds per game.
The T-Wolves shooting guard is averaging 4.4 rebounds per game, but his total sits at 3.5. A number he’s topped in four of his last five games and nine of his last 13.
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On this day 72 years ago, the White Sox were part of the first-ever national Spring Training telecast. | Society for American Baseball Research
1934 All-time White Sox playing and managing great Fielder Jones died, at age 62, in Portland. His 32.0 WAR for the club ranks 10th all-time among hitters and places him as the best center fielder in White Sox history. Jones was staggeringly good with the White Sox, never dipping below a 3.1 WAR season and leaving the game after a 1908 season that saw him tally 4.7 WAR, at age 36.
Jones was a player-manager for his final five White Sox seasons (1904-08), never suffering anything close to a losing season and by far the winningest (%) manager in club history. He piloted the White Sox to their first World Series win, over the Cubs in 1906.
1952 One day before celebrating his 31st birthday, southpaw hurler Bill Kennedy was sold to the White Sox by the St. Louis Browns. Kennedy would end up having the best season of his career on the South Side, leading the AL in appearances (47) and putting together a marvelous 2-2, five-save, 2.80 ERA/131 ERA+, 1.4 WAR season.
Eleven months after this purchase, Kennedy was shipped to Boston in a package that yielded the Pale Hose Vern Stephens.
1954 Think today’s streaming madness has made baseball too hard to watch, or the MLB’s blackout rules are an anachronism?
On this day, ABC made an ill-fated effort to televise a Spring Training game featuring the White Sox at the Phillies in Clearwater, Fla. ABC intended the game as a national Game of the Week presentation, while GM Frank Lane of the White Sox felt it would not be shown in MLB cities and the Phillies believed the game was only going to be broadcast back to Chicago.
ABC proceeded with its broadcast prep, which would feature just a single camera, in the stands behind home plate. A hole was cut in the protective screen and the sole cameraman, from a local affiliate in Ft. Lauderdale, donned full catcher’s protective gear in case of foul balls getting through the opening.
The resulting chaos — during the game broadcast, mind you — forced ABC to cut its broadcast off after the third inning, without any explanation for viewers.
The White Sox won the game, 6-3.
1960 During spring training and near this date, the White Sox became the first team in MLB history to wear player names on the the back of their jerseys. The announcement had been made back on January 22. It was another Bill Veeck innovation, only done on road jerseys, met with some resistance from players, but soon adopted across baseball.
2000 White Sox slugger Frank Thomas was again featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated. A lengthy story talked about his career, the controversies and his desire to return to the top of the game. The headline stated, “Don’t Question My Desire. Frank Thomas Comes Out Swinging.”
Thomas would have a spectacular 2000, missing a chance to win his third AL MVP after losing in a narrow vote to the A’s Jason Giambi, who’d later admit to using steroids in grand jury testimony. Frank’s numbers in 2000 included a .328 batting average, 43 home runs, 143 RBIs, 112 walks and a slugging percentage of .625 for the team that led the American League in wins with 95. Despite those gaudy figures, Thomas didn’t lead the league in any single category that year.
2024 In the first major trade of GM Chris Getz’s tenure, the White Sox shipped superstar starter Dylan Cease to San Diego. The Padres shipped back four players: starting pitching prospects Drew Thorpe and Jairo Iriarte, outfield prospect Samuel Zavala and veteran reliever Steven Wilson.
Cease originally arrived on the South Side with Eloy Jiménez in exchange for José Quintana in 2017. The righty had a brilliant year out west, putting up 4.2 WAR and going 14-11 with a 3.47 ERA/3.10 FIP and 1.067 WHIP, and continued his streak of essentially never missing a start to five seasons. Brilliant beginnings in Double-A by Thorpe (7-1, eight earned runs in his first 10 starts) and Iriarte (one earned run in his first four starts) seemed to grade this speculative deal out evenly from the get-go. But after making their major league debuts later on in the summer, both Thorpe (injured elbow) and Iriarte (wildness) ended the year on softer notes and Zavala had a very down season in High-A ball.
Backlund scored the game-winning goal in the third period—his 229th career tally—to record the 600th point of his NHL career. The milestone further strengthens the veteran centre’s legacy with the Flames, the only NHL team he has played for since entering the league.
The goal also moved the Västerås, Sweden native into a tie for fifth place on the franchise’s all-time goals list alongside former Flames star Kent Nilsson.
Adding another layer to the moment, the milestone goal came against fellow Swede and former Flames teammate Jacob Markstrom, who was in net for New Jersey.
“Feels good to score and help the team win and (finally on) Marky, (and) do it at the same time (as) 600,” expressed Backlund.
May 3, 2022; Mikael Backlund (11) and Jacob Markstrom (25) celebrate the win over the Dallas Stars in game one of the first round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Saddledome. Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images
Flames head coach Ryan Huska said he was pleased to see the captain reach the milestone—especially with such a meaningful goal.
“Happy for him,” Huska told the media following the game. “That’s a great milestone for a guy that’s given a lot to this organization, so it ’s really nice to see him score that.”
Backlund has been a consistent presence in Calgary’s lineup this season, currently leading the club in scoring with 14 goals and 23 assists for 37 points through 65 games. He also carries a team-best plus-11 rating.
NEW YORK (AP) — The Chicago Blackhawks and Ottawa Senators will play two games in Duesseldorf later this year as part of the NHL and NHLPA’s efforts to grow hockey in Germany, the league announced Friday.
The Global Series games on Dec. 18 and 20 at PSD Bank Dome are the second and third regular-season games the league has staged in the country, along with several exhibitions. The Buffalo Sabres and Los Angeles Kings played in Berlin in 2011.
Overall, the league has played 42 regular-season games in Europe since 2007.
Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly called the commitment to grassroots development in Germany “a critical next chapter for the NHL.”
Rob Zepp, the union's Director of International Strategy and Growth, played several years in Germany and represented the national team as a goaltender during his career and said it “is a wonderful country with an avid, sophisticated hockey audience that is eager to engage with the NHL.”
Senators forward Tim Stützle is expected to be the big star of the event. Stützle grew up just outside Duesseldorf in Viesen and led Germany in goals at the Milan Cortina Olympics with four.
"I think German hockey has been growing a lot, and there are a lot of great players from there,” Stützle said. “Hopefully it gets even more people to play hockey in Germany. It’s really exciting news.”
Germany, with Stützle, 2020 NHL MVP Leon Draisaitl of the Edmonton Oilers and emerging star Moritz Seider of the Detroit Red Wings, lost in the quarterfinals at the Olympics. The country's team went on an improbable run to the final at the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics, with now-Boston Bruins coach and retired player Marco Sturm behind the bench.
We’ve got only two games on the NHL betting slate tonight, including a Western Conference clash between the Edmonton Oilers and St Louis Blues.
I’m expecting a bounce back from the Oilers forgetting walloped by the Stars last night.
The Oilers' team goal total will be the feature for Oilers vs. Blues predictions and NHL picks for Friday, March 13.
Oilers vs Blues prediction
Oilers vs Blues best bet:Oilers TT Over 3.5 goals (-110)
If there’s one thing the Edmonton Oilers have done well this year, it’s score goals. Edmonton averages 3.53 goals per game this season, tied for the second-most in the league.
The Oilers’ posted goal total tonight is set at 3.5, which is a number they’ve eclipsed in six of their last eight contests.
After losing an important match to Dallas last night, I’m expecting a bounce back against the St. Louis Blues tonight, a team with an .883 SV% this season, and the seventh-highest GAA in the NHL.
Oilers vs Blues same-game parlay
I'll back Connor Ingram to go over 21.5 saves. The Oilers have allowed 25+ shots against in eight of their last 10 outings.
Lastly, I’ll add Over 0.5 assists for Evan Bouchard. The Oilers defenseman has an assist in seven of his last eight games, and leads all NHL blueliners with 74 points, 56 of which count as assists.
Oilers vs Blues SGP
Oilers TT 3.5 goals
Connor Ingram Over 21.5 saves
Evan Bouchard Over 0.5 assists
Oilers vs Blues odds
Moneyline: Oilers -155 | Blues +136
Puck Line: Oilers -1.5 (+157) | Blues +1.5 (-180)
Over/Under: Over 6.5 (-115) | Under 6.5 (-105)
Oilers vs Blues trend
The Under is 7-3 in the last 10 contests between the two teams. Find more NHL betting trends for Oilers vs. Blues.
How to watch Oilers vs Blues
Location
Enterprise Center, St. Louis, MO
Date
Friday, March 13, 2026
Puck drop
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
Hulu
Oilers vs Blues latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
Karl-Anthony Towns
