GameThread: Tigers vs. Red Sox, 1:05 p.m.

LAKELAND, FLORIDA - MARCH 09: Spencer Torkelson #20 of the Detroit Tigers rounds first base after hitting a double in the third inning against the Tampa Bay Rays during the Grapefruit League spring training game at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium on March 09, 2026 in Lakeland, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Detroit Tigers vs. Boston Red Sox

Time/Place: 1:05 p.m., JetBlue Park – Ft. Myers, FL
SB Nation Site: Over the Monster
Media: MLB+ Audio (Red Sox broadcast)

Lineups

TIGERSRED SOX
Parker Meadows – CFKristian Campbell – CF
Zach McKinstry – SSTrevor Story – SS
Matt Vierling – LFMarcelo Mayer – 2B
Wenceel Perez – RFCaleb Durbin – 3B
Riley Greene – DHCarlos Narvaez – C
Trei Cruz – 3BIsiah Kiner-Falefa – 1B
Jace Jung – 1BMickey Gasper – DH
Jake Rogers – CBraiden Ward – RF
Max Anderson – 2BTyler McDonough – LF

What was your favorite defensive play in Royals history?

Kansas City Royals third baseman Mike Moustakas dives into dugout suites to catch a foul fly ball by the Baltimore Orioles' Adam Jones in the sixth inning in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2014. The Royals won, 2-1, for a 3-0 series lead. (Kenneth K. Lam/Baltimore Sun/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

The amazing plays by Bobby Witt Jr. in the World Baseball Classic yesterday had me thinking about Royals defense. He has dazzled us just a few years into his playing career, but Royals fans have really been spoiled by great defense over the years. There was Amos Otis, then Willie Wilson flying around the outfield. Frank White winning Gold Gloves at second by playing at the edge of the infield. We had Bo Jackson throwing guys out from the warning track. Carlos Beltran making dazzling catches at the wall. Alex Gordon learning how to play left field and firing guys out. Salvy gunning guys from behind the plate.

But what was your favorite defensive play in Royals history? A few come to mind:

Was there a moment you caught live that stands out to you? Was there a play that may not be the best, but just the one you aesthetically appreciate, or perhaps one that came in a clutch moment? What was your favorite defensive play in Royals history?

Tuesday spring training Orioles game thread: at Astros, 1:05

SARASOTA, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 18: Dylan Beavers #12 of the Baltimore Orioles poses for a photo during Spring Training photo day at Ed Smith Stadium on February 18, 2026 in Sarasota, Florida. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The O’s are making the 3.5-hour trip across Florida to West Palm Beach this afternoon, taking on the Astros at CACTI Park. Most of the regulars are staying in Sarasota, but the Birds’ lineup today includes four projected Opening Day starters — Dylan Beavers, Colton Cowser, Samuel Basallo, and Coby Mayo — along with a bunch of randos. Interestingly, Beavers is starting in center, with Cowser sliding over to right.

Mayo, who started at third base yesterday, gets a semi-breather with DH duty this afternoon. Samuel Basallo starts behind the plate, where he hasn’t looked stellar this spring. I guess that’s why you practice. They’ll face veteran Astros starter Lance McCullers Jr.

The Orioles’ expected pitchers today are all guys who won’t be breaking camp with the team. Levi Wells makes the start, with Andrew Magno, Eric Torres, and Josh Walker scheduled to follow. Prospects like Wells, Trey Gibson, and Luis De León have all made starts in the past few days, which is nice to see, but I’m sort of wondering where all the actual O’s starting pitchers are. None of the Orioles’ top six guys have started since Chris Bassitt last Friday the 6th. Dean Kremer has the excuse of being away at the World Baseball Classic, but it’s been a minute since we’ve seen any of the others. I assume they’re getting their work in on the back fields and simulated games.

Orioles lineup:

CF Dylan Beavers
RF Colton Cowser
C Samuel Basallo
3B Bryan Ramos
DH Coby Mayo
1B Ryan Noda
SS José Barrero
2B Willy Vasquez
LF Will Robertson

RHP Levi Wells

AL West Preview – Rangers Pitchers, restocked with vets

SURPRISE, ARIZONA - MARCH 04: Pitcher Jacob deGrom #48 of the Texas Rangers looks on from the dugout during the World Baseball Classic exhibition game against Team Brazil at Surprise Stadium on March 04, 2026 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Rangers led all of baseball in run prevention in 2025. Behind a full, healthy season from Jacob deGrom, a career-best and injury-shortened season from Nathan Eovaldi, and a big step forward from Jack Leiter, the starting rotation was among the best in baseball and the bullpen was deceptively deep. Even though the team led the majors in ERA, their peripherals didn’t necessarily back up that performance; they were just fifth by FIP, tenth by xFIP, and 16th by xERA.

Facing an exodus of a significant portion of their depth this offseason, Texas’s pitching staff looks a lot weaker than the elite unit from last year. Yes, deGrom and Eovaldi still form a formidable pair atop the rotation, and the team made one huge move to bolster that unit behind those two stars, but there were just too many pieces they needed to replace across the entire staff. The run prevention should still be very good, just not as good as it was a year ago.

Notable Transactions

Out: RHP Tyler Mahle, RHP Merrill Kelly, RHP Jon Gray, LHP Patrick Corbin, RHP Phil Maton, RHP Shawn Armstrong, LHP Hoby Milner, LHP Danny Coulombe, RHP Jacob Webb
In: LHP MacKenzie Gore, LHP Jordan Montgomery, RHP Jakob Junis, LHP Tyler Alexander, RHP Alexis Díaz, RHP Carter Baumler, RHP Michel Otañez, RHP Ryan Brasier, LHP Austin Gomber, RHP Cal Quantrill
Italics = Minor League Deals with Spring Training Invite

The biggest move the Rangers made this offseason was sending a ton of prospects to the Nationals in exchange for MacKenzie Gore. After being one of the centerpieces in the Juan Soto trade a few years ago, Gore established himself as a solid, if inconsistent, starter in Washington. He’s still got two years of team control remaining which fits the Rangers’ contention window pretty neatly.

The team also restocked the bullpen with a mix of veteran arms and reclamation projects. None of those relievers look like they’re up to the level of Maton, Armstrong, or Milner, but relief performance is notoriously volatile so maybe they’ll get lucky with a few of the new arms.

The Rotation

PlayerAgeThrowsIPK/BBERAFIPWAR
Jacob deGrom38R1694.753.513.463.7
Nathan Eovaldi36R1733.643.783.772.9
MacKenzie Gore27L1603.053.833.712.9
Jack Leiter26R1482.324.294.292.0
Kumar Rocker26R1062.924.184.021.2
Jacob Latz30L1111.984.424.450.8
Cody Bradford28L713.564.364.250.5
FanGraphs Depth Charts Projections

After pitching just 265.1 total innings over the previous five seasons, deGrom dialed things back a bit in 2025 in an attempt to stay healthy for an entire season. The effort was a great success; he made 30 starts for the first time since 2019 and crossed the 150 IP threshold for just the fifth time in his career. The tradeoff from a small amount of elite production on a per inning basis to pretty good results over a full season was the right call. Yes, he posted his lowest strikeout rate since 2016 and the highest FIP of his career, but as the saying goes, the best ability is availability.

Eovaldi made some pretty significant changes to his pitch mix last year, fueling his fantastic season. He dropped the usage of his four-seam fastball by nearly 15 points, added a sinker to his repertoire, and increased the usage of his cutter and curveball. The result was a pitch mix that was a lot less predictable and a lot less dependent on his deteriorating fastball velocity. Unfortunately, an elbow issue forced him to miss a month of the season in June and then he was sidelined in September with a shoulder strain and underwent surgery in October for a sports hernia.

Leiter finally took a big step forward last year behind his excellent raw stuff. His command still leaves a lot to be desired, but he’s got the look of a mid-rotation arm now with some ceiling to grow into if he can get his walk rate under control. The fifth spot in the rotation is a bit up in the air. Kumar Rocker hasn’t been able to harness his raw stuff like Leiter did last year but the talent is still very apparent. He’s battling with Jacob Latz for that final spot in the rotation this spring. For his part, Latz is attempting to evolve from his swingman role last year but needs to bring down his walk rate to really take a step forward.

And then there are the injured arms who could make an impact later on in the season. Cody Bradford had a really promising stint in the rotation back in 2024 but was sidelined for all of 2025 after undergoing elbow surgery in the spring. He’s working his way back from that injury and should be a factor in May or June. And then there’s Jordan Montgomery who was a huge part of Texas’s 2023 championship run, but hasn’t pitched since late 2024 and is still recovering from Tommy John surgery. I have no idea what to expect from him and I don’t think the Rangers do either.

The Bullpen

RolePlayerAgeThrowsIPK/BBERAFIPWAR
CloserRobert Garcia30L643.103.543.520.9
SetupChris Martin40R544.663.383.420.8
SetupCole Winn26R631.784.644.67-0.3
MiddleJakob Junis33R653.344.083.950.4
MiddleJosh Sborz32R482.424.074.010.1
MiddleTyler Alexander31L693.114.684.490.1
MiddleRyan Brasier38R482.853.993.970.1
LongCarter Baumler24R521.844.634.540.0
FanGraphs Depth Charts Projections

The Rangers’ bullpen was pretty strong last year thanks to unheralded seasons from guys like Phil Maton, Shawn Armstrong, and Hoby Milner. That trio of veteran arms is out the door while guys like Jakob Junis, Tyler Alexander, and Ryan Brasier take their place. The most important roles in the ‘pen will be manned by two veteran holdovers. The ninth inning should be handled by Robert Garcia; he spent a few months as the team’s closer last year, compiling nine saves and 15 holds with a 2.95 ERA. He was a bit home run prone which pushed both his FIP and xERA nearly a run higher than his ERA. Texas also re-signed the ageless Chris Martin to continue serving as a setup man. Even as he enters his age-40 season, he’s shown very few signs of decline and would be the next man up in the pecking order if Garcia falters.

Cole Winn is a former first round pick who flamed out as a starter but has taken to short-stint relieving pretty well. He’s got a lively fastball and a nasty slider but has a tough time with his command. Josh Sborz has spent the last five years with the Rangers but missed all of last year with a major shoulder injury. He re-signed with Texas this offseason on a minor league deal, and given his familiarity with the organization, he probably has an inside track on a backend bullpen role if he can prove he’s healthy. Carter Baumler is a Rule 5 pick and will need to stick on the major league roster or risk being sent back to Baltimore. He’s dealt with both elbow and shoulder injuries but was finally healthy last year. He’s got an explosive fastball and a big, bendy curveball, but profiles as a pretty generic middle relief arm.

Does William Nylander Believe The Maple Leafs Can Return To Contention Next Season?

William Nylander, like most of the Toronto Maple Leafs' players during this last stretch of games, looks dejected.

It's a brand new situation for Nylander, who, like Auston Matthews and a few others on the team, hasn't experienced missing the playoffs in the NHL yet. As it stands, Toronto is 11 points out of a playoff spot, with 18 games remaining in its season.

They've also lost their last seven games coming out of the Olympic break. To put it into more of a perspective, though: Toronto has lost 13 of its last 16 games, dating back to Jan. 13 against the Utah Mammoth.

"I mean, hard to really stay optimistic in this situation," a down Nylander said on Tuesday, ahead of the Maple Leafs' game against the Montreal Canadiens. "But yeah, just try to get a win."

This year has been difficult for Nylander for a multitude of reasons.

He's missed 17 games this year due to a lingering groin injury. He lost out on a medal at the Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, falling in the quarterfinals to his Maple Leafs teammate, Auston Matthews, and the United States.

(A positive is that, despite missing games, Nylander still leads the Maple Leafs with 21 goals and 59 points in 47 games this season.)

Now, for the first time in his career, Nylander's season will end in mid-April, while half of the NHL gears up for the postseason.

"At the beginning there, after the break, it was a lot of frustration and everything," Nylander continued.

"But now, I mean, it's not going to help being frustrated. I think the mood in the locker room has changed a little bit, and I think that's made it a better environment for everybody."

If there's any positive in this situation, it's that the Maple Leafs aren't too far off from being a playoff team once again. They've still got the core pieces, like a Matthews, a Nylander, a John Tavares.

Even Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper believes this season is a one-off for Toronto.

But what does Nylander think?

"I sure hope that's the case," he said. "Otherwise... yeah."

'Everyone's Almost A Target': Maple Leafs' Matthew Knies Reacts To Name Being In Trade Speculation'Everyone's Almost A Target': Maple Leafs' Matthew Knies Reacts To Name Being In Trade SpeculationKnies signed a six-year, $46.5 million contract with the Maple Leafs last June.

Matthews, after Monday's practice, said he sees a path back towards contention soon.

"Yeah, of course. I mean, I remember the Lightning missed the playoffs one year, and then the next year they're back at the top of the division competing. I look at a team like Boston this year that had a down year, and same thing, like they're in the mix," Toronto's captain said.

"Sometimes that happens, and we've been fortunate to be in the playoffs for the last nine years or so. And you kind of hope that it's a one-off and we can continue to build and continue to be in contention.

"Obviously, the focus is on right now and trying to get our game back and trying to get in the win column. But obviously, it's something you think about."

As mentioned, this is a unique situation for several Maple Leafs players. They've never been in this position, nor will they want to be in it again after this season.

Why The Maple Leafs Are Separating Auston Matthews And William Nylander Ahead Of Canadiens MatchupWhy The Maple Leafs Are Separating Auston Matthews And William Nylander Ahead Of Canadiens MatchupFollowing an 0-5-2 slump and an 11-game goalless drought for Auston Matthews, the Maple Leafs are returning to familiar lineup combinations in hopes of igniting a stagnant offense.

However, you've got to attempt to finish the year on a positive note. While fans might want the team to get as close to the bottom of the standings for draft purposes, head coach Craig Berube and his players are likely looking in the opposite direction.

It's a difficult balance for a team. But battling through it is the only way to get back on track positively, says Berube. 

"I mean, [Nylander has] always been in [the playoffs] and it's new for him, for sure. But, you know, every player and team goes through adversity at one point in their career, and this is some adversity that he's normally not used to. And like I said, he's got to work his way out of it."

Does William Nylander Believe The Maple Leafs Can Return To Contention Next Season?

William Nylander, like most of the Toronto Maple Leafs' players during this last stretch of games, looks dejected.

It's a brand new situation for Nylander, who, like Auston Matthews and a few others on the team, hasn't experienced missing the playoffs in the NHL yet. As it stands, Toronto is 11 points out of a playoff spot, with 18 games remaining in its season.

They've also lost their last seven games coming out of the Olympic break. To put it into more of a perspective, though: Toronto has lost 13 of its last 16 games, dating back to Jan. 13 against the Utah Mammoth.

"I mean, hard to really stay optimistic in this situation," a down Nylander said on Tuesday, ahead of the Maple Leafs' game against the Montreal Canadiens. "But yeah, just try to get a win."

This year has been difficult for Nylander for a multitude of reasons.

He's missed 17 games this year due to a lingering groin injury. He lost out on a medal at the Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, falling in the quarterfinals to his Maple Leafs teammate, Auston Matthews, and the United States.

(A positive is that, despite missing games, Nylander still leads the Maple Leafs with 21 goals and 59 points in 47 games this season.)

Now, for the first time in his career, Nylander's season will end in mid-April, while half of the NHL gears up for the postseason.

"At the beginning there, after the break, it was a lot of frustration and everything," Nylander continued.

"But now, I mean, it's not going to help being frustrated. I think the mood in the locker room has changed a little bit, and I think that's made it a better environment for everybody."

If there's any positive in this situation, it's that the Maple Leafs aren't too far off from being a playoff team once again. They've still got the core pieces, like a Matthews, a Nylander, a John Tavares.

Even Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper believes this season is a one-off for Toronto.

But what does Nylander think?

"I sure hope that's the case," he said. "Otherwise... yeah."

'Everyone's Almost A Target': Maple Leafs' Matthew Knies Reacts To Name Being In Trade Speculation'Everyone's Almost A Target': Maple Leafs' Matthew Knies Reacts To Name Being In Trade SpeculationKnies signed a six-year, $46.5 million contract with the Maple Leafs last June.

Matthews, after Monday's practice, said he sees a path back towards contention soon.

"Yeah, of course. I mean, I remember the Lightning missed the playoffs one year, and then the next year they're back at the top of the division competing. I look at a team like Boston this year that had a down year, and same thing, like they're in the mix," Toronto's captain said.

"Sometimes that happens, and we've been fortunate to be in the playoffs for the last nine years or so. And you kind of hope that it's a one-off and we can continue to build and continue to be in contention.

"Obviously, the focus is on right now and trying to get our game back and trying to get in the win column. But obviously, it's something you think about."

As mentioned, this is a unique situation for several Maple Leafs players. They've never been in this position, nor will they want to be in it again after this season.

Why The Maple Leafs Are Separating Auston Matthews And William Nylander Ahead Of Canadiens MatchupWhy The Maple Leafs Are Separating Auston Matthews And William Nylander Ahead Of Canadiens MatchupFollowing an 0-5-2 slump and an 11-game goalless drought for Auston Matthews, the Maple Leafs are returning to familiar lineup combinations in hopes of igniting a stagnant offense.

However, you've got to attempt to finish the year on a positive note. While fans might want the team to get as close to the bottom of the standings for draft purposes, head coach Craig Berube and his players are likely looking in the opposite direction.

It's a difficult balance for a team. But battling through it is the only way to get back on track positively, says Berube. 

"I mean, [Nylander has] always been in [the playoffs] and it's new for him, for sure. But, you know, every player and team goes through adversity at one point in their career, and this is some adversity that he's normally not used to. And like I said, he's got to work his way out of it."

Does William Nylander Believe The Maple Leafs Can Return To Contention Next Season?

William Nylander, like most of the Toronto Maple Leafs' players during this last stretch of games, looks dejected.

It's a brand new situation for Nylander, who, like Auston Matthews and a few others on the team, hasn't experienced missing the playoffs in the NHL yet. As it stands, Toronto is 11 points out of a playoff spot, with 18 games remaining in its season.

They've also lost their last seven games coming out of the Olympic break. To put it into more of a perspective, though: Toronto has lost 13 of its last 16 games, dating back to Jan. 13 against the Utah Mammoth.

"I mean, hard to really stay optimistic in this situation," a down Nylander said on Tuesday, ahead of the Maple Leafs' game against the Montreal Canadiens. "But yeah, just try to get a win."

This year has been difficult for Nylander for a multitude of reasons.

He's missed 17 games this year due to a lingering groin injury. He lost out on a medal at the Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, falling in the quarterfinals to his Maple Leafs teammate, Auston Matthews, and the United States.

(A positive is that, despite missing games, Nylander still leads the Maple Leafs with 21 goals and 59 points in 47 games this season.)

Now, for the first time in his career, Nylander's season will end in mid-April, while half of the NHL gears up for the postseason.

"At the beginning there, after the break, it was a lot of frustration and everything," Nylander continued.

"But now, I mean, it's not going to help being frustrated. I think the mood in the locker room has changed a little bit, and I think that's made it a better environment for everybody."

If there's any positive in this situation, it's that the Maple Leafs aren't too far off from being a playoff team once again. They've still got the core pieces, like a Matthews, a Nylander, a John Tavares.

Even Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper believes this season is a one-off for Toronto.

But what does Nylander think?

"I sure hope that's the case," he said. "Otherwise... yeah."

'Everyone's Almost A Target': Maple Leafs' Matthew Knies Reacts To Name Being In Trade Speculation'Everyone's Almost A Target': Maple Leafs' Matthew Knies Reacts To Name Being In Trade SpeculationKnies signed a six-year, $46.5 million contract with the Maple Leafs last June.

Matthews, after Monday's practice, said he sees a path back towards contention soon.

"Yeah, of course. I mean, I remember the Lightning missed the playoffs one year, and then the next year they're back at the top of the division competing. I look at a team like Boston this year that had a down year, and same thing, like they're in the mix," Toronto's captain said.

"Sometimes that happens, and we've been fortunate to be in the playoffs for the last nine years or so. And you kind of hope that it's a one-off and we can continue to build and continue to be in contention.

"Obviously, the focus is on right now and trying to get our game back and trying to get in the win column. But obviously, it's something you think about."

As mentioned, this is a unique situation for several Maple Leafs players. They've never been in this position, nor will they want to be in it again after this season.

Why The Maple Leafs Are Separating Auston Matthews And William Nylander Ahead Of Canadiens MatchupWhy The Maple Leafs Are Separating Auston Matthews And William Nylander Ahead Of Canadiens MatchupFollowing an 0-5-2 slump and an 11-game goalless drought for Auston Matthews, the Maple Leafs are returning to familiar lineup combinations in hopes of igniting a stagnant offense.

However, you've got to attempt to finish the year on a positive note. While fans might want the team to get as close to the bottom of the standings for draft purposes, head coach Craig Berube and his players are likely looking in the opposite direction.

It's a difficult balance for a team. But battling through it is the only way to get back on track positively, says Berube. 

"I mean, [Nylander has] always been in [the playoffs] and it's new for him, for sure. But, you know, every player and team goes through adversity at one point in their career, and this is some adversity that he's normally not used to. And like I said, he's got to work his way out of it."

Timberwolves vs Lakers Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NBA Game

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The Minnesota Timberwolves laid an absolute egg on Saturday, a loss that should refocus them to such an extent that it should worry the Los Angeles Lakers tonight.

My Timberwolves vs. Lakers predictions and these NBA picks recognize Minnesota’s greatest edge in this matchup on Tuesday, March 10.

Timberwolves vs Lakers prediction

Timberwolves vs Lakers best bet: Under 234.0 (-110)

When the Minnesota Timberwolves dispatched the Los Angeles Lakers with ease in last year’s first round, it was largely a credit to how easily their defense mitigated the Lakers’ post game. Removing rim runners from Luka Doncic’s peripheral vision reduces Doncic’s overall effectiveness.

Thus, LA fell short of 105 points in four of the five games.

As Minnesota’s offense currently undergoes fits and starts, the best bet tonight should be doubting both it and Doncic’s ability to find teammates. A few botched drives because Jaxon Hayes and DeAndre Ayton cannot capitalize should be enough to doom this total.

Timberwolves vs Lakers same-game parlay

While these two met in the second game of the season, and Doncic tallied eight assists, that has been his only chance against the Timberwolves since last postseason. In those five games, Doncic averaged 5.8 assists. Minnesota knows how to slow his tosses to big men like DeAndre Ayton.

Timberwolves vs Lakers SGP

  • Under 234
  • Luka Doncic Under 7.5 assists
  • DeAndre Ayton Under 8.5 points

Our "from downtown" SGP: Gobert's control

Rudy Gobert’s defense needs to become a Minnesota emphasis, and oftentimes, the Timberwolves reward his defense with added offense, part of how Gobert cleared this prop in each of his last two games.

Timberwolves vs Lakers SGP

  • Under 234
  • Luka Doncic Under 7.5 assists
  • DeAndre Ayton Under 8.5 points
  • Rudy Gobert Over 10.5 points

Timberwolves vs Lakers odds

  • Spread: Timberwolves -3 | Lakers +3
  • Moneyline: Timberwolves -150 | Lakers +125
  • Over/Under: Over 234 | Under 234

Timberwolves vs Lakers betting trend to know

Minnesota’s last five games have all gone Under their totals and by an average of 22.3 points. Find more NBA betting trends for Timberwolves vs. Lakers.

How to watch Timberwolves vs Lakers

LocationCrypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
DateTuesday, March 10, 2026
Tip-off11:00 p.m. ET
TVNBC

Timberwolves vs Lakers latest injuries

Not intended for use in MA.
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Spring Game Thread: Braves @ Blue Jays

Feb 28, 2025; Dunedin, Florida, USA; a general view of the stadium during a spring training game between the Detroit Tigers and Toronto Blue Jays at TD Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

After an off-day, the Jays are back at it, hosting the Braves.

I’m putting this together Monday night, so I don’t have the lineups.

But the Jays have Dylan Cease making his second spring start. I’d guess they would want 3-4 innings out of him.

The Braves are starting JR Ritchie, who pitched in the Braves minor league system last year, when he could get away from Southfork (sure Tom, use a reference that no one under 60 will get), starting in A ball and finishing in Triple-A, with a 2.64 ERA in 26 starts, 140 innings with 140 strikeouts.

Astros Injury Updates: Hader, Pena

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 15: Jeremy Peña #3 and Josh Hader #71 of the Houston Astros pose for a photo after media availability during MLB All-Star Week at Truist Park on July 15, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Houston Astros/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Things may be progressing well for Astros closer Josh Hader, according to this update from Brian McTaggart:

While it should still be considered unlikely Hader would be ready Opening Day, this update does indicate that if Hader has to start the season on IL, he could potentially only miss the minimum required time.

Having Hader at the back of the pen with Bryan Abreu gives the Astros one of the best 1-2 punches to close out a game in baseball.

Meanwhile, SS Jeremy Pena is still getting some work in, despite his fractured finger, as shown here in another McTaggart update.

Pena is seen getting in grounders while not using his bare hand at all, flipping the ball with his glove to the coach during the drill.

Pena should be back as soon as his finger is healed, and the Astros have previously shown they will push a top player right back to the lineup in the past. If Pena misses Opening Day, he may not miss much more. At this point it seems like Pena could avoid the IL to start the season. Carlos Correa is scheduled to play SS until Pena returns, with Isaac Paredes playing 3B.

Best NBA Player Props Today for March 10: Edwards Stays Sharp from Distance

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It’s a jam-packed night of NBA action with 11 games gracing the slate. That means plenty of star power on the court, and I’ve pinpointed some standout player props to watch.

My top picks tonight include Victor Wembanyama hosting another block party against the Celtics and Anthony Edwards lighting it up in Los Angeles. 

Find out more in my NBA picks for Tuesday, March 10.

Best NBA player props today

PlayerPickbet365
Grizzlies Ty JeromeOver 16.5 points-115
Spurs Victor WembanyamaOver 3.5 blocks+130
Timberwolves Anthony EdwardsOver 3.5 threes+100

Prop #1: Ty Jerome Over 16.5 points

-115 at bet365

Backing Ty Jerome continues to be one of my favorite plays. 

The Memphis Grizzlies are thin on scorers, so Jerome’s ability to put points on the board is a huge asset.

In the 10 games since returning to the Memphis lineup, he’s averaging 19.4 points while shooting 40.3% from beyond the arc.

Jerome's total for tonight’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers is 16.5. Philly ranks 17th in defensive rating and 23rd in points allowed per game to opposing guards, and Jerome has eclipsed this number in eight of his last 10 games.

  • Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: FanDuel Sports Network Southeast-Memphis, NBCSP

Prop #2: Victor Wembanyama Over 3.5 blocks

+130 at bet365

We all know Victor Wembanyama is on another level, and his block numbers have been out of this world lately. I’m betting he keeps the block party going when the San Antonio Spurs host the Boston Celtics.

Wemby is averaging an absurd 4.5 blocks per game over his last 10 outings, rejecting at least four shots in nine of those games. His blocks prop is set at 3.5 for tonight’s matchup against the C's, with the Over offering solid odds.

The Celtics rank sixth in the NBA for getting blocked per game, making this a bet too good to pass up.

  • Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: Peacock

Prop #3: Anthony Edwards Over 3.5 threes

+100 at bet365

Anthony Edwards is on fire from beyond the arc. 

Over his last 10 games, the Minnesota Timberwolves forward is shooting an impressive 44.8% on 9.6 attempts per game, and he looks set to keep that rolling tonight against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Edwards has nailed 4+ threes in seven of his last 10 games, and L.A.’s perimeter defense is average at best, allowing the fourth-worst opponent effective field goal percentage in the Association. 

  • Time: 11:00 p.m. ET
  • Where to watch: Peacock

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Reds’ ace Hunter Greene could miss up to 4 months following right elbow surgery

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — Cincinnati Reds’ ace Hunter Greene is scheduled to undergo surgery Wednesday on his right elbow and could miss up to the first four months of the season.

The Reds said Greene was diagnosed with bone chips and loose bodies in his elbow. Greene needed an MRI last week after he left spring training camp due to right elbow stiffness.

Greene went 7-4 with a 2.76 ERA last year, helping Cincinnati earn an NL wild card for its first playoff appearance since 2020.

Greene, whose 99.5 mph average four-seam fastball velocity led the major leagues among those throwing at least 1,250 pitches, was limited to a career-low 19 starts and 107 2/3 innings. Still, his 296 pitches of 100 mph or higher were second in the major leagues behind Mason Miller’s 422.

Greene was placed on the 15-day injured list on May 9 with a right groin strain. He returned on May 23 and made three starts before going back on the IL with the same injury. This time, he was sidelined until Aug. 13.

The 26-year-old Greene is entering his fifth big league season. He made the NL All-Star team for the first time in 2024 while going 9-5 with a 2.75 ERA in 26 starts. He also had 169 strikeouts in 150 1/3 innings despite spending time on the IL that year with elbow soreness.

Lu Dort picks up another flagrant foul on Nikola Jokic, apologizes postgame

Lu Dort was ejected for a cheap shot on Nikola Jokic in the previous meeting between the Nuggets and Thunder 10 days earlier, which meant Monday night there were a lot of eyes on the duo.

They saw Dort pick up another flagrant foul for a shot to the face of Jokic.

After the game, Dort said he apologized to Jokic, with the quote via Tim MacMahon of ESPN.

"Just lost in the competition... But shook his hand, [said] 'great game' and I apologized that that happened...

"I didn't mean to hit him in the face. But when I go over screens and stuff like that, my arms are just everywhere, and then unfortunately I just hit him in the face. ... I didn't think it was a flagrant 1. Unnecessary means I did [it] on purpose, which I didn't."

When asked postgame if he thought Dort's actions on this play crossed the line, Jokic said "no." That is different from the previous game, when, after a hip check to knock Jokic to the floor, the Serbian big man got up and got in Dort's face.

The two instant classics between the Thunder and Nuggets in the past 10 days has fans hoping for a seven-game playoff series between these sides. If that happens, all eyes will be on the Dort and Jokic interactions.

On Monday night, Jokic was his peak self with another triple-double: 32 points, 14 rebounds and 13 assists. Yet it was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's night as his step-back 3-pointer with 2.7 seconds left earned the Thunder the win.

Pacers vs Kings Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NBA Game

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The Sacramento Kings are on a mini-heater and look to extend their one-game winning streak when they host the Indiana Pacers.

Fast-paced offenses meeting lousy defenses mean scoring, and my Pacers vs. Kings predictions expect a high-scoring affair at Golden 1 Center.

Read on for my NBA picks for Tuesday, March 10.

Pacers vs Kings prediction

Pacers vs Kings best betOver 236 (-110)

The Indiana Pacers have been a defensive disaster, allowing more than 125 points in eight straight games and giving up 126.9 points per game over their last 10.

The Sacramento Kings haven't been much better defensively, surrendering 114+ points in eight of their last 10 contests, and both teams rank in the bottom five in Defensive Net Rating during that stretch.

With both groups also playing at a top-five pace, the combination of extra possessions and awful stop units sets up as a high-scoring affair in Sacramento.

Pacers vs Kings same-game parlay

Maxime Raynaud has cleared his scoring prop in three of his last five games and now faces an Indiana Pacers defense allowing 61 points per game in the paint over its last five contests.

The Sacramento Kings may sit at the bottom of the Western Conference, but they’ve shown signs of life with wins over Chicago and Dallas in their last five games. Meanwhile, Indiana enters on a nine-game losing streak and has dropped five straight on the road.

Pacers vs Kings SGP

  • Over 236
  • Maxime Raynaud Over 16.5 points
  • Kings moneyline

Our "from downtown" SGP: Monk makes it rain

Malik Monk is knocking down 45% of his long-range attempts and will jack up as many as 10 triple tries. He’ll meet an Indiana defense allowing over 16 made threes per game during their last five games.

Pacers vs Kings SGP

  • Over 236
  • Maxime Raynaud Over 16.5 points
  • Kings moneyline
  • Malik Monk Over 2.5 made threes

Pacers vs Kings odds

  • Spread: Indiana +4 (-110) | Sacramento -4 (-110)
  • Moneyline: Indiana +150 | Sacramento -180
  • Over/Under: Over 236 (-110) | Under 236 (-110)

Pacers vs Kings betting trend to know

The Indiana Pacers have hit the Game Total Over in 14 of their last 19 games (+8.50 Units / 41% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Pacers vs. Kings.

How to watch Pacers vs Kings

LocationGolden 1 Center, Sacramento, CA
DateTuesday, March 10, 2026
Tip-off10:00 p.m. ET
TVFDSN Indiana, NBC Sports California

Pacers vs Kings latest injuries

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Spring Training March 10 Game Thread: Braves vs Blue Jays

We’re back with Tuesday Spring Training to go alongside your dose of the WBC.

Seattle native JR Ritchie will be entering his third game and first start with the Braves after being invited as a non-roster prospect during this Spring Training series. This is an open opportunity for him, especially after the news that LHP Joey Wentz is suffering a knee injury, scratching him out for the remainder of the season.

Ritchie will be facing Dylan Cease and the Blue Jays today at 1:07 EST, and the game will be broadcast on the Blue Jays’ Sportsnet and can be listened to on ESPN 103.7.