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Game Thread: White Sox (0-3) at Marlins (3-0)

Munetaka Murakami looks on, preparing to hit at least one more home run tonight, hopefully. | MLB Photos via Getty Images

The winless White Sox will face the undefeated Marlins in Miami tonight to start the second series of the 2026 season.

Davis Martin, who had a fair Spring Training, will get his first start of the season. Martin owned an ERA of 3.24, with 13 strikeouts, eight walks, and six earned runs throughout 16 2/3 innings. Edgar Quero is back behind the plate. Will Venable has mixed up his lineup a bit, putting Munetaka Murakami as his second batter and Colson Montgomery, who hit a grand slam in Sunday’s game, at cleanup:

While the South Siders hit a rough patch against a tough Brewers team, there are some highlights left from the opening series. The team shared that the young slugger Colon Montgomery had surpassed Alexei Ramírez, becoming the fastest player in team history to record his first two career grand slams. Previously, Ramírez managed it in 97 games in 2008, but Montgomery made it happen faster.

And to go with the positives from the first series, Murakami homered in all three games. (I even got to see one in person.)

The Marlins are starting Chris Paddack, who had a solid Spring Training. Paddack ended with an ERA of just 0.69, striking out 12, only giving up three walks and one earned run on seven hits in 13 innings. Not bad for a No. 4 starter.

First pitch is 5:40 p.m. CT. You can listen on ESPN Chicago 1000 or watch on CHSN.

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Game 4: Red Sox at Astros

Feb 17, 2026; Lee County, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox pitcher Ranger Suarez (55) poses for a photo during media day at JetBlue Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

The Red Sox are still on the road, having decamped south to Houston to face the dastardly Astros after losing 2 of 3 to the Reds. Which is fine. It’s March. March! The game’s at 8:10 EDT and the ‘Stros will be wearing their City Connect unis, which I learned from this post:

The Sox will start Ranger Suarez — a Texas Ranger!?! — who makes his team debut. The rest is standard-issue fare. Go Sox!

Oh also you haven’t seen it, here’s Rosalia’s performance at the BRIT awards. Probably more important than all this, ngl:

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Knicks listing Miles McBride as questionable for Tuesday's game after 'tough' exit vs. Thunder

Miles McBride's first game back since mid-February surgery for a sports hernia left the Knicks holding their collective breath.

McBride collided with Luguentz Dort going for a loose ball and did not return to the game, leaving the court for the locker room midway through the third quarter of Sunday's 111-100 loss at the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Now, New York is listing McBride as questionable for Tuesday's matchup with the Houston Rockets. Additionally, Landry Shamet (knee) will remain out.

"I haven't talked to medical yet, so I don't know how bad it is," Knicks coach Mike Brown said Sunday night, according to the New York Post's Stefan Bondy. "But it's tough. He's worked his tail off to be back.

"And I don't think he made a shot in the first half, but he gave us a lift. You felt his presence. It made us deeper. And because of the foul trouble we had, we were a little shorthanded in that second half, and it was part of the reason they were able to pull away, too."

McBride was scoreless on 0-of-3 shooting but grabbed a rebound, dished an assist and blocked a shot in 11 minutes off the bench against the NBA-best Thunder (59-16).

Prior to his Sunday return, he last played Jan. 27 in New York's 103-87 win over the Sacramento Kings.

McBride entered Sunday with averages of 12.9 points and 2.8 assists in 28 minutes through 35 games (14 starts).

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Pistons vs Thunder Prediction, Picks & Best Bets for Tonight’s NBA Game

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The top teams in each conference face off tonight as the Oklahoma City Thunder host the Detroit Pistons at Paycom Center.

With defensive attention focused on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Detroit’s frontcourt decimated by injuries, my Pistons vs. Thunder predictions call for Chet Holmgren to have a monster night at home.

Here are my best free NBA picks for this powerhouse showdown on Monday, March 30.

Pistons vs Thunder prediction

Pistons vs Thunder best bet: Chet Holmgren Over 22.5 points+rebounds (-120)

Chet Holmgren is averaging 17.1 points and 8.9 rebounds per game, and he’s recorded 24-plus points+rebounds in 39 of 64 appearances. That includes five of his last eight games heading into tonight's tilt with the Detroit Pistons.

Holmgren has been more productive at Paycom Center, averaging 27.4 points+rebounds at home compared to just 24.8 on the road. He’s hit the Over on this combo line in 20 of 31 games in front of the home crowd, recording exactly 23 twice more. Holmgren has posted 24+ points+rebounds in four of his last five at home, finishing with 23 once more.

Star defender Ausar Thompson should be tasked with guarding superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander tonight, which means Holmgren should see more open looks. In a game with a 218.5 implied point total, there may be additional rebounding opportunities if the teams are forced into tough, contested shots.

Isaiah Hartenstein will be sidelined for the second leg of the Oklahoma City Thunder's back-to-back set, allowing Holmgren to operate as the team’s unquestioned leader in the frontcourt. He’s averaged 25.3 points+rebounds while sharing the court with Hartenstein, compared to 27.2 with Hartenstein sidelined. Jalen Williams’ absence will also boost Holmgren’s statistical workload.

All-Star center Jalen Duren is out tonight, and backup Isaiah Stewart is still sidelined. Detroit will have to rely on undersized big man Paul Reed to pick up the slack and limit Holmgren in the paint and on the glass. That’s a mismatch opportunity, and Holmgren should feast.

This line has fluctuated between 22.5 and 24.5 throughout the day, but I’m more than willing to bet it up to 24.5.

Pistons vs Thunder same-game parlay

Detroit will be missing Cade Cunningham and Isaiah Stewart, and all of Duncan Robinson, Tobias Harris, and Jalen Duren are doubtful.

Despite Detroit’s deep bench and scrappy style of play, they’re simply outmanned by the first-place Thunder, who will cruise to their 60th win of the season.

The Thunder should put away the Pistons with ease, and starters on both sides may see less run late in the game. The short-handed Pistons will struggle to score against OKC’s dominant defense, so I’ll take the Under here.

Pistons vs Thunder SGP

  • Chet Holmgren Over 22.5 points+rebounds
  • Under 219
  • Thunder -12

Our "from downtown" SGP: Defense matters

SGA has seen his scoring dip from 31.4 points to 29.4 points per game across his last 12 outings, and he’s reached 30+ points only six times in that span.

Get the popcorn ready as one of the NBA’s best scorers takes on one of its best defenders. Thompson is one of the favorites for Defensive Player of the Year, and he should be tasked with guarding SGA tonight. 

Thompson’s 107 defensive rating ranks seventh among starters with at least 40 appearances and 25 minutes per game, and he can limit the reigning MVP in the scoring column.

He's also recorded multiple swipes in 36 of 65 games, including three straight. In his first tilt with OKC, Thompson recorded three steals.

Pistons vs Thunder SGP

  • Chet Holmgren Over 22.5 points+rebounds
  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Under 29.5 points
  • Ausar Thompson Over 1.5 steals
  • Under 218.5

Pistons vs Thunder odds

  • Spread: Pistons +12 (-110) | Thunder -12 (-110)
  • Moneyline: Pistons +475 | Thunder -650
  • Over/Under: Over 218.5 (-110) | Under 218.5 (-110)

Pistons vs Thunder betting trend to know

The Oklahoma City Thunder have hit the Team Total Under in 15 of their last 20 games at home (+9.25 Units / 41% ROI) Find more NBA betting trends for Pistons vs. Thunder.

How to watch Pistons vs Thunder

LocationPaycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK
DateMonday, March 30, 2026
Tip-off9:30 p.m. ET
TVPeacock

Pistons vs Thunder latest injuries

Not intended for use in MA.
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Why Mets have Jorge Polanco at DH for second straight game, Jared Young in starting lineup

Monday marks Luis Robert Jr’s first time out of the Mets’ lineup this season.

The outfielder was one of the teams most productive bats in the season opening series win over the Pirates, but they opted to sit him to open the seven-game roadtrip. 

With Robert out of the lineup, Carson Benge slides over to make his first start in center and Brett Baty will play right for his first-ever big-league appearance in the outfield. 

Jorge Polanco is set to DH for the second straight game as he deals with an Achilles issue that flared up over the weekend, so taking his place at first base is Jared Young.

Carlos Mendoza said the team isn’t concerned as Polanco plays through the issue, but they are trying to limit his exposure in the field as they treat it.

“We just have to be careful with him, especially this early,” the skipper said. 

Mendoza also explained that the team decided to give Young his first start of the season in an effort to load up on their lefty bats with right-hander Kyle Leahy on the mound. 

“We’re comfortable with him,” he said on Young. “I wanted to get as many left-handed hitters in the lineup as possible. That’s why Luis understanding he’s going to get an off day in the middle of this stretch here that we’re playing, it made the most sense with Baty in right, Benge in center, and Jared at first.”

While Mark Vientos was passed over this time, Mendoza said pregame Saturday that he expects he’ll make his first start of the season when the Mets face lefty Matthew Liberatore in the series finale on Wednesday. 

Despite seeing just one at-bat to this point, Mendoza is confident Vientos will be ready when his name is called.

Bo knows

Carlos Mendoza wasn’t surprised by how Bo Bichette handled things on Sunday. 

The Mets’ new third baseman owned his early-season struggles after squandering more opportunities and going hitless again in the series finale loss to the Pirates. 

Bichette thought it took too long to start receiving boos from the orange and blue faithful, as he put together what he descried as “terrible at-bats” in search of his first Mets moment.

The skipper expected that type of response from a player he called a “total pro.”

“This is a guy that grew up in the game,” Mendoza said. “He understands the meaning of every pitch, every at-bat, every game, and he understands the stage -- when he signed here, he knew what he signed up for, and he was like I love it, I can’t wait. Watching him yesterday handling the whole situation the way he did, I wasn’t surprised.”

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Washington Nationals vs Philadelphia Phillies Game Thread

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 29: CJ Abrams #5 high-fives Brady House #12 of the Washington Nationals celebrate after the final out of a game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on March 29, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Griffin Quinn/Getty Images) | Getty Images

After a great series win in Chicago to open the season, the Nats face another tough challenge. The Philadelphia Phillies have had their number for the last few years. However, these new look Nats have already shown they will not back down. This is also the first divisional matchup and the last series before the Nats home opener.

Blake Butera tried to balance analytics and feel in this lineup. He put the red hot Joey Wiemer in the lineup, but is hitting him 9th against a righty. Wiemer has not been productive against right handed pitching in his career, but he is too hot to sit. He will also be in center field today.

 James Wood will remain in the leadoff spot, while Luis Garcia Jr. will be in the two hole. Even against a righty, CJ Abrams will be down hitting fifth, which is a bit surprising. Drew Millas will be catching, as it seems the Nats are doing a true time share behind the plate. Foster Griffin will make his first start for the Nats and his first outing since reinventing himself in Japan.

If you have followed the game the last few years, you would know the Phillies lineup by now. The three former Nats will be at the top of the order. One new face in Philly is Adolis Garcia, who the Phillies picked up in free agency. Starting catcher JT Realmuto will get the day off today. Taijuan Walker will be on the mound. He had a bit of a bounce back year in 2025.

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Game Info:

Stadium: Citizens Bank Park

Time: 6:40 PM EST

TV: Nationals.TV

Radio: 106.7 The Fan

It was a great start to the season, but the Nats need to keep the good times rolling. I like the decision to go against the numbers and keep Wiemer in the lineup. It shows a level of feel from Butera and the front office. Hopefully Joey can continue his hot streak. Follow along in the comments down below and let’s go Nats!

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Crosby's Status Up-In-The-Air For Biggest Game Of Season Against New York Islanders

If the Pittsburgh Penguins are going to make the playoffs - or make any kind of run in the playoffs - it would serve them well to get healthy as soon as possible. 

And they may have their best player back for the biggest matchup of their season on Monday night.

Penguins' captain Sidney Crosby - who sustained a lower-body injury during Pittsburgh's 4-3 shootout win against the Ottawa Senators on Thursday - skated with the team on Monday morning and, according to head coach Dan Muse, is still being evaluated as an option for their standings-critical game against the New York Islanders later the same day.

Forward Evgeni Malkin - day-to-day with an upper-body injury - was ruled out for the game, while Muse didn't want to give any specifics on other players such as Bryan Rust and Noel Acciari, who also skated Monday but missed Sunday's team practice for "maintenance" reasons. 

"I still have to have conversations with the medical staff, so in regards to everybody, I'm not going to comment right now," Muse said after the morning skate. "I'm just waiting until I have some final conversations with the medical staff in regards to the game lineup."

The Penguins did call up forward Avery Hayes as insurance before their game against the Islanders, who are one point above the Penguins - who sit in the third place - in the Metropolitan Division standings as of now. They will still have a game in hand on the Isles after their Monday matchup, so a regulation win would go a long way in giving them a higher chance of making the playoffs.

Pittsburgh Penguins At New York Islanders Preview: Lineup Changes, Where To WatchPittsburgh Penguins At New York Islanders Preview: Lineup Changes, Where To WatchThe Pittsburgh Penguins will try to earn two massive points in the standings on Monday.

The Penguins have nine regular season games remaining, and they also play the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday and the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday. They will conclude their 2025-26 with six games against teams that are currently out of the playoff picture. 

In addition to Crosby and Malkin, the Penguins have also been playing without the services of Blake Lizotte, who is a key part of their bottom-six and has missed the last seven games with an upper-body injury. He is currently set to be re-evaluated during the final week of the regular season.

Penguins Notebook: Crosby, Malkin Return To Practice Ahead Of Monday's Massive Game On Long IslandPenguins Notebook: Crosby, Malkin Return To Practice Ahead Of Monday's Massive Game On Long IslandThe Pittsburgh Penguins got two of their best players back at practice on Sunday.

Bookmark THN - Pittsburgh Penguins on your Google News tab to follow the latest Penguins news, roster moves, player features, and more!   

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Colorado Rockies game no. 4 thread: Tomoyuki Sugano vs. Cody Ponce

SCOTTSDALE, AZ - MARCH 24: Colorado Rockies pitcher Tomoyaki Sugano (11) throws a pitch against the Detroit Tigers during a Spring Training game on March 24, 2026, at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

After being swept by the Marlins in opening weekend, the Rockies will see if going to Canada will help them find their first win of the 2026 season as they take on the Toronto Blue Jays tonight. 

It won’t be easy for the Rockies (0-3) as the Blue Jays (3-0) are not only the defending American League Champions, but they also went 3-0 against the A’s over the weekend. The Rockies made it close, losing all three games by one run to Miami and were outscored 10-7 in the series. Toronto also won two one-run games, but outscored the A’s 16-11.

While it wasn’t an ideal start for the Rockies, it’s a small sample size and it’s too soon to draw conclusions. However, in addition to suffering a walk-off loss on Sunday, the Rockies also faced travel delays heading north of the border.

Colorado is hoping RHP Tomoyuki Sugano can have a solid start in his Rockies debut, and maybe even become the first starting pitcher of 2026 to make it to the sixth inning. The Rockies signed Sugano, a free agent with 12 years of experience in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball League, on Feb. 10 to a one-year, $5.1 million deal just before spring training. Pitching for Japan in the World Baseball Classic this spring, Sugano threw four scoreless innings in his only start.

Sugano, 36, made his MLB debut with Baltimore last season and posted a 4.64 ERA in 30 starts (157 innings). On the bright side, he throws strikes and posted a 5.3% walk rate, in addition to throwing 106 strikeouts. On the downside, he gave up an AL-leading 33 homers. Sugano pitch mix features a split finger, a sweeping slider, two fastballs — a four-seamer and a “shuuto” that is sometimes identified as a sinker, a cutter and a curveball.

The Rockies will face RHP Cody Ponce, who, like Sugano, will be making his first start of the season and debuting for a new team. Ponce pitched for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2020-21, making 20 appearances (five starts) with a 5.86 ERA in 55 ⅓ innings with 48 strikeouts and 17 walks, while giving up 13 homers. He’s spent the last four seasons playing in Japan and Korea, putting up an outstanding 2025 where he recorded a 1.89 ERA with 252 strikeouts over 180 2/3 innings.

Earlier on Monday, the Rockies announced their minor league rosters.

First Pitch: 5:07 p.m. MDT

TV: Rockies.TV

Radio: 850 AM/94.1 FM KOA Rockies Radio Network (1:55 p.m. pregame)

SBN Site: Bluebird Banter

Lineups:

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Bulls waive Jaden Ivey after homophobic rant on social media

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 09: Jaden Ivey #31 of the Chicago Bulls reacts during the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on February 09, 2026 in 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 Evan Bernstein/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Chicago Bulls acquired Jaden Ivey at the trade deadline from the Detroit Pistons in an attempt to cash in on the potential he once showed as a former top-five pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. Ivey only played four games with the Bulls before being shut down with knee soreness, which had been bothering him since the start of the season. Ivey was slated to become a restricted free agent this summer, but he’s no longer in the Bulls’ plans after some strange rants on social media over the weekend.

The Bulls waived Ivey on Monday after he made homophobic comments on social media during a speech about his religion views, according to ESPN insider Shams Charania. The Bulls put out a statement saying Ivey was released for “conduct detrimental to the team.”

Ivey went on Instagram live and discussed his Christian faith as it relates to topics like gay rights and abortion.

“They proclaim Pride Month in the NBA,” Ivey said in the video. “They say come join us for Pride Month to celebrate unrighteousness. They proclaim it”

Ivey also made these comments about how two women can’t have a baby.

Ivey said he was struggling with drinking and pornography addiction before finding Jesus.

Ivey was also responding to fans on Instagram comments. When asked if he goes to confession, Ivey called Catholicism a “false religion” and said it “does not lead to salvation in Jesus Christ.”

Ivey drew headlines earlier this season when he said “the old JI is dead.” Here’s the full quote:

“I’ve been dealing with knee soreness in my knee,” Ivey said. “I’m sure people can call it out that I’m not the same player I used to be. That’s why. I’m not the J.I. I used to be. But the old J.I. is dead. I’m alive in Christ no matter what the basketball setting is.”

Ivey suffered a horrific leg injury when he broke his fibula during a terrifying play on New Years Day 2025. He was out through Nov. of that year, and then experienced knee soreness when he tried to come back, which ultimately ended his short run with the Bulls.

When Detroit fans commented on Ivey’s social media videos, he said “the Pistons aren’t going to matter on judgement day.”

Ivey had a $30 million cap hold this summer if the Bulls would have extended him the qualifying offer as a restricted free agent. Essentially, the Bulls would not have been able to access their cap space unless they came to a quick free agent agreement with Ivey. That’s not a problem anymore with the team deciding to move on.

Ivey had a reputation as a “preacher” in the locker room before he got to the Bulls, and there were rumblings he liked to talk to teammates about their faith. Chicago Sun-Times reporter Joe Cowley first reported that the Bulls planned to move on from the guard.

Read our old scouting report on Ivey ahead of the 2022 NBA Draft. His explosiveness was taken away by the ugly leg injury. Maybe the 24-year-old can get his career back on track if he gets healthy. It just won’t be with the Bulls.

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Orioles-Rangers Monday Game Thread

SARASOTA, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 16: Chris Bassitt #40 of the Baltimore Orioles looks on during practice at Ed Smith Stadium on February 16, 2026 in Sarasota, Florida. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Baltimore Orioles/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Tyler O’Neill earned another appearance in the lineup after smacking a momentum shifting three-run home run Sunday against the Twins. O’Neill will serve as the designated hitter and bat fifth tonight against the Rangers. Taylor Ward (left), Colton Cowser (center) and Dylan Beavers (right) will handle the outfield duties.

Samuel Basallo will begin the game on the bench with Adley Rutschman set to catch Chris Bassitt. Bassitt will make his Orioles debut after signing a one-year deal with the Birds over the offseason.

Coby Mayo will return to his new home at third base with Gunnar Henderson playing to his left. Blaze Alexander will get the nod at second, and Pete Alonso will play first base.

The Orioles will face former first-round pick Jack Leiter.

Orioles lineup:

  1. Taylor Ward LF
  2. Gunnar Henderson SS
  3. Pete Alonso 1B
  4. Adley Rutschman C
  5. Tyler O’Neill DH
  6. Dylan Beavers RF
  7. Coby Mayo 3B
  8. Colton Cowser CF
  9. Blaze Alexander 2B

Starter: RHP Chris Bassitt

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    Phillies' slow start continues and the fans aren't happy about it

    Phillies' slow start continues and the fans aren't happy about it originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

    Yo, Phillies. You know the season has started, right?

    Just asking because the first four games have been more bad than good and the natives are getting a tad frustrated.

    Yes, those were boos raining down in the early innings Monday night. The Washington Nationals turned the basepaths into a carousel in the first inning. They scored four times against Taijuan Walker in that frame and went on to beat the Phillies, 13-2, in front of 35,609 at Citizens Bank Park.

    In the second inning, as the Nats opened up a 5-0 lead, one of the patrons shouted, “Pull the goalie!”

    In the third, as the Nats opened up a 7-0 lead, the folks just booed.

    And it’s still March.

    Yikes.

    Since their exhilarating opening day win over Texas, the Phillies have dropped three straight en route to a 1-3 start. They were no-hit for the first 4 2/3 innings in Saturday’s loss and the first five innings in Sunday’s loss.

    Monday night, they had just two hits through 4 2/3 innings and played some sloppy defense against the team widely picked to bring up the rear in the National League East. Manager Rob Thomson was spared watching most of the carnage. He was booted in the first inning for arguing the placement of a base runner after a play had been challenged and won by Washington.

    The ugly night included Phillies newcomer Dylan Moore, a utility man, making his first appearance in the field … as a mop-up reliever in the ninth inning.

    Washington left-hander Foster Griffin, who spent the last three seasons pitching in Japan, was a winner in his first start back in the majors. He held the Phils to five hits and two runs over five innings. He walked none and struck out five. J.T. Realmuto got the night off. Rafael Marchan made his first start of the new season and provided the Phillies’ offense with a two-run homer to left in the fifth inning. It was the Phillies’ first homer and just their second extra-base hit since opening day.

    In his first start of the season, Walker was tagged – softly – for 10 hits and seven runs over 4 2/3 innings.

    Walker gave up four runs in the first inning on five hits, a walk and a sacrifice fly. The exit velocities on the five hits were 73, 91, 68, 91 and 91 mph, not exactly bullets. Nonetheless, Walker didn’t miss many bats. He gave up another run in the second and two in the third, one of which was unearned.

    Walker is not one to light up the metrics with his overall stuff. It’s worth noting that it was down, across the board, from where it was last year. His four-seam fastball touched 94 mph early but averaged just 91.5 mph.

    Starting the final year of a four-year, $72 million contract, Walker is in the rotation only until Zack Wheeler returns sometime in April. At that time, Walker will head to the bullpen. Despite his poor results Monday, he remains an important guy on this team for the starting pitching depth he provides in an organization that lacks it.

    On Tuesday night, the Phillies will debut the young prize of their pitching staff, rookie Andrew Painter. Who knew he’d have to play the role of stopper in his first big-league start?

    Painter would benefit from a little early offensive support, which has been scarce the last three games.

    In fact, the Phillies have not held a lead in any of those games. Through four games, they are hitting .189 (25 for 132) as a team.

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    Dodgers on Deck: Tuesday, March 31 vs. Guardians

    LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 24: Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Shohei Ohtani (17) throws a pitch during the MLB Spring Training game between the Los Angeles Angels and the Los Angeles Dodgers on March 24, 2026 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

    The middle game of the Dodgers’ game against the Guardians on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium features the 2026 pitching debut of Shohei Ohtani at Dodger Stadium.

    This is expected to be a full two-way season for Ohtani, who had his second Tommy John surgery in 2023, did not pitch in 2024, and last year didn’t pitch in a game until June. In all, Ohtani in 2025 had a 3.34 ERA in 67 1/3 innings between the regular season and postseason, with 90 strikeouts (a 33.2-percent rate) and 16 walks.

    Right-hander Tanner Bibee starts on the mound for Cleveland, making his second start of the season. He allowed three runs, all on solo home runs, in five innings in a no-decision last Thursday, with seven strikeouts.

    Tuesday game info
    • Teams: Dodgers vs. Guardians
    • Ballpark: Dodger Stadium
    • Time: 7:10 p.m.
    • TV: SportsNet LA
    • Radio: AM 570 (English), KTNQ 1020 AM (Spanish)
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    Game #4: Athletics at Braves Game Thread

    A new week means a fresh start, something the Athletics badly need after losing all three games of the season-opening series against the Toronto Blue Jays.

    Entering the season, the team’s pitching was considered its biggest weakness as the A’s did not do much to improve that part of its roster this offseason. It did not take long for that to come back to hurt the team. They lost their initial two games in walk-off fashion. On Friday, reliever Justin Sterner allowed the Blue Jays to score the winning run in the bottom of the ninth immediately after A’s catcher Shea Langeliers hit his second home run of the game to tie the score in the top of that inning. The next day, Langeliers bashed a grand slam to give the A’s a four-run lead in the seventh inning. Only nine outs away from a victory, the A’s bullpen just needed to protect that sizable lead to get the team its first win of the season. Alas, that was too much for them to handle as multiple relievers let the Blue Jays come back and eventually win in 11 innings.

    On the other hand, the A’s offense was seen as its biggest strength, the likes of Brent Rooker, Tyler Soderstrom and Nick Kurtz bringing enough firepower to help the team overcome any pitching struggles. Through three games, that has not been the case.

    The team is off to an extremely slow start at the plate with the exception of Langeliers. The A’s struck out an MLB record 50 times in their inaugural series. Even contact-king Jacob Wilson, who only struck out 39 times in 486 at-bats last year, has already struck out five times in 13 at-bats. Part of the credit goes to Toronto’s stellar rotation fronted by right-handers Kevin Gausman and Dylan Cease. Yet, the A’s have been pressing, chasing pitches and just having bad approaches at the plate.

    Hopefully, things will change now that the team is back on U.S. soil. This evening, the A’s begin a three-game series against the Atlanta Braves. Like the A’s, the Braves have several talented hitters but pitching question marks due to key starters Spencer Strider and Spencer Schwellenbach beginning the season on the injured list.

    Left-hander Jacob Lopez will make his first start of the season today. Lopez has a high ceiling as evidenced by how well he was pitching last summer before his injury. If he can return to that level of performance, that would alleviate some questions surrounding the A’s starting rotation.

    The A’s starting lineup:

    Despite the team’s putrid performance this past weekend, Kurtz remains in the leadoff spot with Wilson batting fifth. Playing in his hometown, look for Lawrence Butler to put forth a strong showing in front of family and friends. He gets the start in center field with Carlos Cortes in right as the A’s give offensively-challenged Denzel Clarke the night off.

    The Braves starting pitcher is right-hander Bryce Elder, who went 8-11 with a 5.30 ERA in 28 starts last year. If the A’s offense struggles against Elder, that would further raise alarm bells.

    Here’s how Atlanta lines up behind Elder:

    The top of their lineup features a formidable trio of superstar right fielder Ronald Acuña Jr, reigning National League Rookie of the Year Drake Baldwin and former A’s player Matt Olson. Atlanta’s catcher Jonah Heim also used to play for the Athletics before he was traded to the Texas Rangers.

    Let’s go A’s! Time for that first win!


    Posted on

    Game #4: Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Cincinnati Reds

    CINCINNATI, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 24: Sal Stewart #43 of the Cincinnati Reds reacts after striking out during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Great American Ball Park on September 24, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Jeff Dean/Getty Images) | Getty Images

    Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Cincinnati Reds, March 30, 2026, 6:40 p.m. ET

    Location: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, OH

    Broadcast: KDKA AM/FM, FS1, SportsNet Pittsburgh+

    The Pittsburgh Pirates are on the road today against the Cincinnati Reds looking to grab a win at Great American Ball Park.

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    BD community, this is your thread for today’s game. Enjoy!