BALTIMORE, MD - MARCH 26: Trevor Rogers #28 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches during the game between the Minnesota Twins and the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on Thursday, March 26, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
It already feels like the Orioles are teetering on the edge of the abyss. That’s being dramatic, of course. They’ve only played five games out of 162, which is 3.1% of a baseball season. If the Orioles went 2-3 over any random stretch in June or July, no one would blink at that. But here at the start of the year, when there’s nothing else that’s happened yet and it all feels connected to the same malaise from last year, it’s bad.
Add to this Zach Eflin’s probably-season-ending injury from Tuesday night already taxing the starting pitching depth, and a bullpen that pretty much nobody believed in having some anticipated problems (Yaramil Hiraldo) and some less anticipated ones (Tyler Wells) and it’s a recipe for bad feelings.
Win today to avoid the sweep by Texas and the Orioles are 3-3 and that will stave off some misery. If they have more problems and fall to 2-4, then every concern will be one game closer to being solidified and the team will be starting to dig its way into a hole it will need to escape from. As we know from last year, the deeper the hole gets, the harder it is to address that later.
At least it’s Trevor Rogers day. Hopefully that turns out to be a good thing.
Orioles lineup
Taylor Ward – DH
Gunnar Henderson – SS
Pete Alonso – 1B
Samuel Basallo – C
Coby Mayo – 3B
Dylan Beavers – LF
Colton Cowser – RF
Leody Taveras – CF
Jeremiah Jackson – 2B
It’s the first start of the year for Taveras.
The young 4-5-6 hitters in today’s lineup have all not yet done much at the plate in 2026. Hopefully they can flip that around some today.
Rangers lineup
Brandon Nimmo – DH
Wyatt Langford – CF
Corey Seager – SS
Jake Burger – 1B
Andrew McCutchen – RF
Danny Jansen – C
Josh Jung – 3B
Ezequiel Duran – 2B
Sam Haggerty – LF
The Orioles batters will be facing Nathan Eovaldi initially. He had a rocky 2026 debut. Maybe they can continue that problem for him. That would be fun for us.
Feb 27, 2026; Jupiter, Florida, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Freddy Peralta (51) warms up against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Mets lineup
Francisco Lindor – SS
Juan Soto – LF
Bo Bichette – 3B
Jorge Polanco – DH
Luis Robert – CF
Mark Vientos – 1B
Marcus Semien – 2B
Francisco Alvarez – C
Tyrone Taylor – RF
Freddy Peralta – RHP
Cardinals lineup
JJ Wetherholt – 2B
Ivan Herrera – DH
Alec Burleson – 1B
Masyn Winn – SS
Nolan Gorman – 3B
Thomas Saggese – LF
Nathan Church – RF
Pedro Pages – C
Victor Scott – CF
M. Liberatore – LHP
Broadcast info
First pitch: 1:15 PM EDT TV: SNY Radio: Audacy Mets Radio WHSQ 880AM, Audacy App, 92.3 HD2
The Atlanta Hawks have been one of the hottest teams in the Association since the All-Star break, and they truly look like a dark horse coming out of the East. Quin Snyder’s group is 8-2 in their last 10, and they’ve covered tonight’s spread in back-to-back contests.
The Hawks beat the Kings 123-113 on Saturday before grabbing a 112-102 win over the Celtics on Monday. When Atlanta does win, they’re dominating opponents. Last week’s 130-129 victory over the Pistons was their closest victory in weeks.
Atlanta has also won four straight versus the Orlando Magic, covering the four-point spread in all of those meetings.
Hawks vs Magic same-game parlay
Nickeil Alexander-Walker is one of the best three-point shooters in the Association. He’s averaging 3.1 treys per game on 8.0 attempts for a 39.1% clip. The guard has cashed the Over in four of his last five.
The Canadian has also tormented Orlando from long range this season. Across three meetings, he’s averaging 4.3 makes on 9.7 attempts for a 44.8% clip.
Jalen Johnson is one of the best all-around players in the league, and he showcases his versatility on a nightly basis. The Duke product is averaging 22.9 ppg and 8.1 assists per game.
He’s hit the Over in points+assists in three of his last four contests, and two of those games were on the road.
Hawks vs Magic SGP
Hawks -4.5
Nickeil Alexander-Walker Over 2.5 threes
Jalen Johnson Over 31.5 points + assists
Our "from downtown" SGP: Hawks take flight
CJ McCollum is averaging 18.7 ppg since joining the Hawks, and he averaged 18.9 ppg in March. The veteran has cashed the Over in three of his previous four outings, and he’s scored 20+ in back-to-back road contests.
Onyeka Okongwu is averaging 15.3 ppg this season against Orlando, and he’s hit the Over in two of his last four. The big man just poured in 20 points in the win versus Boston, and he’s averaging 15.9 points per contest on the road in 2025-26.
Hawks vs Magic SGP
Nickeil Alexander-Walker Over 2.5 threes
Jalen Johnson Over 31.5 points + assists
CJ McCollum Over 18.5 points
Onyeka Okongwu Over 14.5 points
Hawks vs Magic odds
Spread: Atlanta -4.5 (-110) | Orlando +4.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Atlanta -185 | Orlando +155
Over/Under: Over 232.5 (-110) | Under 232.5 (-110)
Hawks vs Magic betting trend to know
The Atlanta Hawks have hit the Moneyline in 22 of their last 30 games (+15.00 Units / 18% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Hawks vs. Magic.
How to watch Hawks vs Magic
Location
Kia Center, Orlando, FL
Date
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Tip-off
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
FDSN SE-ATL, FDSN-FL
Hawks vs Magic latest injuries
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.
KANSAS CITY, MO - MARCH 30: Maikel Garcia #11 of the Kansas City Royals signals for an ABS challenge against home plate umpire Alex Tosi in the fifth inning during the game between the Minnesota Twins and the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium on Monday, March 30, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Mikayla Schlosser/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Over the first week of games, you may have noticed pitchers, catchers, and hitters tapping their head after a pitch, signaling for a review. After six years of testing in the minors, MLB has implemented an Automated Ball Strike (ABS) challenge system that allows players (not coaches) to ask for a replay review of balls and strikes. Through the first week of games, the new wrinkle has brought added excitement and accountability to umpires. So how does it work?
Human umpires still call balls and strikes behind home plate. But if a pitcher, catcher, or hitter wants to challenge the ruling, they have to tap their head. Each team will be given two challenges during the first nine innings, with one challenge in each extra inning. Each team gets an additional challenge in the tenth inning. If that challenge is used, they’ll receive another in the next inning; if not, it carries over
The home plate umpire will announce the challenge, and the replay will be displayed on the ballpark video board. It should take no more than 15 seconds for the Automatic Ball Strike ruling to be issued. If the call is confirmed, the challenging team loses its challenge, but a team with a successful challenge will retain its challenge. Challenges are not allowed after replay reviews, or when a position player is pitching. If there is potential for a replay review after an ABS challenge, umpires will check to see if either manager wants to initiate a replay review before restarting the pitch clock. MLB has implemented a delay on all pitch location data to prevent teams from basing their challenge on the GameDay feed or other ball-tracking systems.
How is the strike zone determined? Each ballpark has a dozen Hawk-Eye technology cameras installed to capture player and ball movement. Each player has been officially measured, which has led to some amusing cases of players “shrinking.”
The top of the strike zone is set at 53.5% of the player’s height, while the bottom is set at 27%. The depth of the zone extends 8.5 inches in front of and behind the center of the plate. The zone is 17 inches wide, the width of home plate.
The strike zone is two-dimensional, rather than three-dimensional. Testing in the minors showed that some breaking balls barely nicked the front of the zone, only to move out of the zone as it crossed the batter, causing inconsistencies in calls.
Players have two seconds to challenge a pitch, although as we found out in the Royals’ game on Monday, the challenge may be made within two seconds after the play ends, such as when Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers made a snap throw to first.
From MLB: "If there is an ensuing play (such as a checked-swing appeal or a play involving a runner), the challenge may be made at the conclusion of the play." pic.twitter.com/cPC98g5AHr
How will ABS affect the placement of runners? The umpires will let stand any calls unaffected by the incorrect call, but if an incorrect ball/strike call impacts a play on the bases, the umpires have discretion to then place any runners involved.
In the Royals/Rangers exhibition game last month, Seth Lugo threw a pitch that was called ball four. But the runner at first took off for second and eased up – perhaps because he thought it was a ball four call that would have forced him to second safely. Salvador Perez called for a challenge, and the call stood, but if it were overturned, Langford could have potentially been called out at the umpire’s discretion. Players will have to learn to ignore any calls, assuming it could be overturned.
Interesting ABS situation here.
3-2, runner goes, ball 4 is called and he pulls up into 2B. Catcher challenges… and now you start to wonder what would happen if it’s overturned.
Are the announcers right, would this become a double play? Or would the umpires send the runner… pic.twitter.com/6YNVky3gp6
Speaking of Salvy, he has been terrific at calling for challenges, successful on four of five so far. Baseball Savant even tracks which players are making the most valuable challenges. Here is the catcher leaderboard:
Royals hitters have made just one challenge, with Maikel Garcia getting a call overturned on Monday against the Twins. The Royals have been formulating a strategy on how to deal with challenges, and will not allow pitchers to challenge.
“No. 1, I don’t think pitchers should challenge any call,” pitching coach Brian Sweeney said Saturday. “Let the guy behind the plate, who has the feel for it, [do it]. I’m sure we’re going to see it over there right away. A pitcher is going to square up the glove, it’ll be a ball, he’ll go like that [tap his hat], and it’ll be a foot off the plate. It’s a process we’re trying to understand and talking to R&D and the guys in the Minor Leagues who have used it before.
The early data shows that teams are successful overturning calls slightly more than half the time, consistent with numbers from testing in the minors.
ABS update: as expected, challenges are a coin flip, and fielding team better than batters. (You can click the little refresh arrow there to cycle catchers vs pitchers, who have only 7 challenges.)https://t.co/7ia3wKMkWb
But the addition of the challenge system has brought an added measure of excitement to the ballpark. Testing in the minors showed it only added a minute to the length of games. It has added some drama to situations as fans await the outcome of a challenge.
There are moments that offer a pretty good sense that something new is going to work. This feels like one for ABS. The Cincinnati crowd’s reaction was thunderous. And the situation itself — twice it salvaged a bases-loaded opportunity. This system plays. pic.twitter.com/vS0TYzBX6H
It will also be interesting to see how the technology impacts the game. Will pitchers nibble more at the edges, hoping to hit the strike zone box? Could we see more high strikes – something many umps are less likely to call? How will teams use their challenges? Will hitters draw heat from teammates for overusing challenges? Will a catcher like Salvador Perez, who has fared poorly in framing metrics – seem like a more valuable catcher based on his challenges and the lessening value in framing? Will the system undermine the authority of umpires?
What do you think of the ABS challenge system so far? Any tweaks that need to be made?
PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 26: Cristopher Sánchez #61 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches during the game against the Texas Rangers on March 26, 2026 at Citizens Bamk Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Here are the lineups for the series finale against Washington, with a chance to win the series. Cristopher Sanchez looks for his second win of the season, while the Nats’ Cade Cavalli looks for his first.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 31: Hunter Brown #58 of the Houston Astros reacts during the sixth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Daikin Park on March 31, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Houston Astros/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The latest news on the Houston Astros and everybody else.
This was the worst blown call of the season so far, and it benefitted the Astros:
Home-plate umpire Mark Wegner admitted he lost track of the count in Cam Smith's fifth-inning at-bat. As a result, Smith swung and missed three times and worked a three-ball walk
“I’ve never done that before. I’m not happy about it. Just made a mistake.” –https://t.co/1TwpAWMIyu
Home plate umpire Mark Wegner acknowledged to a pool reporter (@Chandler_Rome) that he forgot the count for Bello/Smith in the fifth inning of Red Sox-Astros today.
Astros managerJoe Espada had strong praise for RP Cody Bolton, who pitched well in his Astros’ debut last night:
Espada on reliever Cody Bolton, who got his first career save: "Those three innings of work, five punchies, saves our bullpen. An opportunity tomorrow to go back in there tomorrow and sweep the Red Sox with a fresh bullpen and Mike Burrows on the mound. That's great stuff."
The soon-to-be 28 year old Bolton entered last night’s game with only 42 innings of major league experience, and little success. Can he be the next pitcher to go to the “Astros’ Lab” and come out better?
The Astros have been chasing starting pitchers early:
Astros opposing starting pitchers innings by game:
Hunter Brown became the second fastest Astros pitcher to 600 strikeouts, doing so in 102 games. Only teammate Lance McCullers Jr. got there faster (100 games).
C.B. Bucknor continues to work on being the worst umpire in MLB. Thankfully there is replay.
C.B. Bucknor called Jake Bauers out for getting tagged after he stepped over first base, except Bucknor wasn't even looking at Bauers, who definitely hit the bag.
Feb 21, 2026; West Palm Beach, Florida, USA; Washington Nationals pitcher Jake Eder (46) warms-up between innings during the game against the Houston Astros at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images | Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
The Dodgers on Wednesday acquired pitcher Jake Eder from the Washington Nationals, in exchange for cash considerations.
Eder was designated for assignment by Washington on Saturday. The left-hander pitched in the majors in parts of the previous two seasons, appearing in one game for the Chicago White Sox in 2024 and seven games for the Angels in 2025. Over those two years, Eder has a 4.87 ERA with 16 strikeouts and 10 walks in 20 1/3 innings.
All of Eder’s major league appearances have been in relief, while in the minors all 69 of his games have been starts. Last season, between Salt Lake and Rochester in Triple-A had a 6.59 ERA with 61 strikeouts, 20 walks, and 15 home runs in 68 1/3 innings.
The 27-year-old has 42 days of major league service time, and has one option year remaining, having used options in 2024 and 2025.
To make room on the 40-man roster for Eder, the Dodgers moved Jake Cousins to the 60-day injured list. Cousins, who signed a one-year deal on March 25, had Tommy John surgery last June and isn’t expected back until midseason at the earliest.
Cuban also dredged up the Luka Doncic trade — and dragged Jason Kidd into it. Here are Cuban comments from the “Intersections” podcast: "I think there were issues that J-Kidd coached with Anthony Davis and was close to him, and [former GM Nico Harrison] was close to AD... You talk about confirmation bias, there was some of that as well. That doesn't justify it for our coach and general manager to stand up and trade our best player."
"When are we going to move on? We have to move forward. We're focused on the present and the future, and we've got an incredible opportunity to build...
"And so the things that are going on between two owners is between the two owners. I think we have a great owner in Patrick, and he's going to give us every resource to build a championship team. Out of respect to Cuban, he helped me and my family. We won a championship together. The two owners will figure it out. I truly believe that we have to focus on the present and the future. We've got a great opportunity."
That "we have to move forward" mentality is what Kidd was saying the day after the trade — and from his perspective as coach, that's exactly what he has to preach. To the team, to the fans, to everyone. He said in his full comments that the Mavericks and their fans have to rebuild and, again, from his perspective, that is what has to happen. We can discuss how they wouldn't have to rebuild without that trade — and Doncic's recent MVP-level play, scoring 600 points in March, is a little salt in the wound — but that's living in the past, and Kidd has moved on.
It's a lot easier to move on and rebuild because the Mavericks lucked into Cooper Flagg, too.
First-round bids for teams in the new NBA Europe were due Tuesday, and multiple bidders offered $1 billion to be part of the league. Several others offered at least $500 million, according to someone familiar with the process who was not authorized to discuss publicly.
Overall, more than 120 investors, including private equity funds, sovereign wealth funds and high-net-worth individuals expressed interest. Bidders also included multiple existing EuroLeague teams. The bids are non-binding, and it is a still a wildly complicated process to get the league off the ground for the NBA’s target of a fall 2027 launch.
The owners of Paris Saint-Germain, Qatar Sports Investments (QSI), did not submit a bid by the deadline, according to two sources, but the soccer club is still expected to file a bid and would not be excluded from league consideration, per one source. Sporticopreviously reported that Real Madrid and AC Milan, and sovereign wealth funds like Saudi Arabia’s PIF, were interested in teams.
“We have received significant interest from a range of prospective teams and investors for permanent franchise spots in a new league in Europe backed by the NBA and FIBA,” Mark Tatum, NBA deputy commissioner, said in a statement. “The level of engagement and the scale of the bids reflect the marketplace’s belief in our proposed model and the enormous, untapped potential for European basketball.”
Tatum said the league will now review the bids and “shortlist the partners who share our vision and commitment” to growing the game in Europe. The league is expected to announce new teams on a rolling basis, versus all at once.
The NBA would own 50% of NBA Europe. Multiple potential investors expressed concerns to Sportico about the economic structure of the league that would require significant initial outlays for the franchise fee and infrastructure needs, and then have the NBA retain 50% of the entity.
The NBA’s plan calls for teams in 12 permanent cities, including Berlin, London, Madrid, Paris and Rome. There is competition for teams in each of those markets, but not necessarily bids, according to a source. NBA Europe would encompass 14 to 16 teams overall, with the non-permanent slots open to teams in existing European leagues.
The NBA’s ambitious plans in Europe started more than two years ago. FIBA aligned itself with the NBA, but it has consistently been rebuffed by the EuroLeague. The frosty relationship between the two organizations has thawed a bit with former NBA executive Chus Bueno taking over as EuroLeague CEO earlier this year. He spent 12 years at the NBA, including running NBA Spain.
“I think for the betterment of European basketball, the best outcome would be if we came together with the EuroLeague here and that we came up with a systematic approach to growing the game throughout Europe,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver told the media last week after the league’s board of governors meeting.
The NBA and EuroLeague have a meeting scheduled for the end of April.
Raine Group and JPMorgan Chase are advising the league on the matter.
MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 27: Kyle Freeland #21 of the Colorado Rockies pitches against the Miami Marlins in the first inning of the game at loanDepot park on March 27, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Finishing out a road trip in which they are 1-4, the Colorado Rockies look to go out on a high note with a series win before kicking off their home opener on Friday. Unfortunately for them, they face a tough customer for the Toronto Blue Jays (4-1), as it will be a battle of the Colorado kids to close out the series.
Kyle Freeland (0-1, 4.15 ERA) makes his second start of the year for the Rockies’ rotation. The first time through the rotation, the starting pitching hasn’t been bad, but it hasn’t been great. In the season opener, Freeland labored through 4 1/3 innings, allowing two runs on five hits with two walks and two strikeouts, having thrown 81 pitches. The Rockies remain the only team not to have a starting pitcher go five innings yet this season. It would be quite beneficial if Freeland could go a bit longer into this game and help relieve a bullpen that has already worked quite a bit to start the year. In his career, Freeland owns a 9.31 ERA against Toronto in two starts and a 7.20 ERA in his lone start at the Rogers Centre.
Kevin Gausman (0-0, 1.50 ERA) takes the hill for the Blue Jays after a spectacular performance in his first outing of the year. The Denver native allowed just one run on one hit, a home run, facing the Athletics in the season opener. He went six innings, didn’t allow a single walk, and struck out 11 batters on 83 pitches, 60 of which were strikes. Gausman has been one of the most reliable and effective starters in baseball since his 2020 season with the San Francisco Giants and has only gotten better while in Toronto. A certified workhorse, Gausman has thrown at least 170 innings a year over the last five seasons, all while boiling down to a two or three-pitch mix. Gausman offers pinpoint control, making his fastball and splitter mix effective against hitters, with a slider tossed in for good measure. He has a 4.78 ERA in his nine career starts against Colorado.
Additionally, the Rockies have activated Tyler Freeman from the injured list and sent Braxton Fulford down to Triple-A Albuquerque.
The St. Louis Blues are in California tonight to take on the Los Angeles Kings in what can be considered a must-win game.
While most outcomes of tonight’s game still leave the Blues with very slim odds of making the playoffs, a loss would almost put the nail in the coffin.
According to moneypuck.com, the Blues currently have a 4.8 percent chance of making the playoffs. That number falls to 1.4 percent if they lose in regulation and 3.0 percent if they are defeated in overtime or a shootout, according to Mike Meyer. If they win in regulation, their chances jump to 9.0 percent, and an overtime/shootout win increases their odds to 7.1 percent.
Needless to say, the Blues have a tough hill to climb either way, but a loss gives them little to no hope.
The Blues suffered a heartbreaking loss to the San Jose Sharks on Monday. The Blues tied the game at 4-4 after trailing by a pair of markers, but with 22 seconds remaining, the Blues gave up an odd-man rush, and Adam Gaudette squeaked a shot past Joel Hofer to give the Sharks a late 5-4 lead.
The Blues were unable to tie it and lost in regulation. That result witnessed the Sharks spring two points ahead of the Blues, and the Blues now trail the Nashville Predators by four points for the second wild card spot. Additionally, four teams are ahead of the Blues in the race for the wild card spot.
One of those teams sitting ahead of the Blues is the Kings, who are just one point back of the Predators with a game in hand. The Kings and Blues have squared off twice this season, with the Kings winning both contests after regulation.
The importance of this game cannot be understated, which should lead to a spirited affair with plenty of great hockey.
For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.
Kevin Gausman’s splitter was too hard to handle for the A’s on opening night, and I expect similar struggles from the Colorado Rockies this afternoon.
Find out why with my Rockies vs. Blue Jays predictions and MLB picks for today's game.
Rockies vs Blue Jays predictions
Rockies vs Blue Jays best bet: Kevin Gausman Over 6.5 strikeouts (-145)
When Kevin Gausman is locating his split-finger fastball, he's one of the most unhittable pitchers in all of baseball.
This was the case last week when he rang up 11 A’s batters on Opening Night, and I’m expecting a similar outcome this afternoon against the Colorado Rockies.
The Rockies batted just .133 against the splitter last season with a MLB-worst 41.5% strikeout rate, including striking out eight times against Gausman in his lone start against them.
Gausman had a 34% K-rate with his splitter last season and a 72.7% rate in his last outing vs the A’s.
COVERS INTEL: Kevin Gausman is averaging 7.8 strikeouts per game over his last five starts.
Rockies vs Blue Jays same-game parlay (SGP)
The Toronto Blue Jays are averaging 5.2 runs per game this season, going Over the 4.5-run mark in four out of their five games this year. With Freeland and his career 9.31 ERA when facing Toronto on the mound, I think they'll eclipse that mark again.
I’ll also add Kazuma Okamoto to go Over his hits prop. He’s logged a hit in every game this season, including two dingers, and will have the platoon advantage against Kyle Freeland.
Rockies vs Blue Jays SGP
Kevin Gausman Over 6.5 strikeouts
Kazuma Okamoto Over 0.5 hits
Jays team total Over 4.5
img loading="lazy" width="100%" height="null" src="https://img.covers.com/editorial/2026/jaysmlcbp.jpg" alt="Canada’s best price for Jays"
Get the best Jays ML odds at BET99 — every game.
Rockies vs Blue Jays home run pick: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (+285)
I’m only making this a half-unit wager. Freeland is a line-drive contact pitcher who gets hit hard by righties, and the best line drive right-handed power hitter on the Jays is Vladdy, who's certainly primed to hit his first homer of the season.
2026 Transparency record
Best bets: 1-3, -1.65 units
SGPs: 1-3, +0.5 units
HR picks: 1-3, +0.05 units
Rockies vs Blue Jays odds
Moneyline: Colorado +240 | Toronto -290
Run line: Colorado +1.5 (+115) | Toronto -1.5 (-135)
Over/Under: Over 7.5 | Under 7.5
Rockies vs Blue Jays trend
The Over is 7-3 in the last 10 games between these teams. Find more MLB betting trends for Rockies vs. Blue Jays.
How to watch Rockies vs Blue Jays and game info
Location
Rogers Center, Toronto, ON
Date
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
First pitch
1:07 p.m. ET
TV
Rockies.TV, SN
Rockies starting pitcher
Kyle Freeland (0-1, 4.15 ERA)
Blue Jays starting pitcher
Kevin Gausman (0-0, 1.50 ERA)
Rockies vs Blue Jays latest injuries
Rockies vs Blue Jays weather
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.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MARCH 31: Drake Baldwin #30 of the Atlanta Braves celebrates a solo home run against the Athletics during the first inning at Truist Park on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Atlanta Braves are set to face off against the offensively struggling Athletics in a series finale that features both staff aces in Chris Sale and Luis Severino.
The Braves have only scored 3.80 runs thus far and the Athletics have only scored 3.20. The crazy part is even though the Braves have a thin rotation they have the second-best ERA per game in MLB. If the Braves win today, they will have won their first two series of the year and started 4-2. That seems much better than last year when the Braves were swept twice and started 0-7.
If the Braves lose then they will have lost a series to an inferior opponent on paper and started the season off with a .500 record in their first six games. Although this game is only one of many, it is a game that on paper they are supposed to win. If the Braves want to stay in playoff contention it is games like today that will be a key to them getting there.
San Diego, California - September 27: Xander Bogaerts #2 of the San Diego Padres tags Ildemaro Vargas #6 of the Arizona Diamondbacks out at second base during the fourth inning at Petco Park on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025 in San Diego, California. (Meg McLaughlin / The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty Images)
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Giants fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
Opening Week was a little bit funny in the NL West. Everyone expects the Los Angeles Dodgers to run away with the division, but it didn’t need to happen so fast, did it? But no. With one series in the books, the Dodgers stood a perfect 3-0, while the rest of the division had a combined record of 1-11.
It won’t stay that way forever, of course. The Dodgers have, thankfully, lost a baseball game since then, while your San Francisco Giants have won one (two, even!). But the sentiment remains: LA is expected to be in a subdivision of their own within the actual division.
Conventional wisdom has the Dodgers alone atop the NL West, and the Colorado Rockies alone at the bottom, while the Giants, San Diego Padres, and Arizona Diamondbacks battle for runner-up supremacy. In the expanded playoff era, the Giants don’t need to be the leader among that trio to make the playoffs — hell, they don’t even need to be second! — but it sure helps. Which means that we’ll likely spend the bulk of the year, if not all of it, watching the standings to see how the Giants stack up against Arizona and San Diego.
Both teams have their share of star power, accompanied by some very loud question marks. So we want to poll you and get your opinion: which team poses the biggest threat to the Giants in the standings?
ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 30: Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers (23) swings at a pitch during the MLB game between the Athletics and the Atlanta Braves on March 30th, 2026 at Truist Park in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Rise and shine everyone! We got an early one today as the Athletics wrap up their first road trip of the year. Toronto was not kind to us but Atlanta has been a bit better after yesterday’s first victory of the year. Another win today and we’ll also have our first series win of the season.
We got our Opening Day starter Luis Severino back on the mound for his second appearance of the year. His performance on Opening Night was solid as he pitched five full innings against the Blue Jays while only allowing two runs. The A’s would gladly take that again today against a Braves squad that is 3-2 to start their campaign.
Here’s how the starting lineup looks for the finale against the Braves:
With today being get away day for the club manager Mark Kotsay is giving a couple of his regulars the finale off. Catcher Shea Langeliers, who is tied for the league lead with four home runs already, gets breather as he’ll only DH today while Austin Wynns gets his catcher’s gear on. That means regular DH Brent Rooker will need to grab his outfielder’s glove and get ready to play the grass, taking over in right field for Lawrence Butler. who is just 1-for-12 to start the year.
No Nick Kurtz either today as Andy Ibanez gets the start at first base. We can likely expect to see Kurtz make a late-game appearance if the score is close so having his stick on the bench will come in handy if the A’s need a big hit.
And another day with no Jeff McNeil, who is also struggling to get going after collecting just one hit so far. This’ll be his second day off in a row so hopefully he’s not dealing with any sort of injury this early in the year. That means Darell Hernaiz gets his second start of the year at the keystone. He’s still looking for his first hit of the year after going 0-for-3 on Saturday. Maybe today’s the day for him.
The Braves meanwhile will be sending their own Opening Night starter to the mound in Chris Sale. He looked like the Chris Sale of old in his first start of the season, shutting the Kansas City Royals down for six innings and allowing just three hits. The A’s will be hoping to do more damage against the ace lefty.
COVERS INTEL: Kevin Gausman is averaging 7.8 strikeouts per game over his last five starts.
