Before the team took the field for their Opening Day meeting with the Pirates, though, we had to go through the festivities that come with the day.
With this roster completely overhauled from last season, player introductions gave the fan base their first opportunity to welcome the several new faces to Citi Field.
Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta, Luis Robert Jr, and Devin Williams were among those who received a big hand from the orange and blue faithful.
Familiar faces such as Francisco Lindor, Juan Soto, Brett Baty, Francisco Alvarez, Nolan McLean, and Kodai Senga also received a warm welcome back home.
Arguably the loudest cheers of the day, though, came when top prospect Carson Benge came running out of the Mets’ dugout for the first time wearing his No. 3 jersey ahead of his MLB debut.
Here's some of the scenes from the pregame festivities…
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MARCH 23: Brice Turang #2 of the Milwaukee Brewers is congratulated by William Contreras #24 after hitting a solo home run in the third inning against the Cincinnati Reds during the exhibition game at American Family Field on March 23, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After a long, cold, baseball-less winter, we’ve made it. At long last, here are the words I’ve been waiting to write since Game 7 of the World Series: Happy Opening Day!
In case you missed it, Harrison and I put together a season primer with everything you need to know about the Brewers before today’s first pitch. You can find that article here.
With Freddy Peralta now in New York, Milwaukee’s starter for today’s game is right-hander Jacob Misiorowski. Not only is this Misiorowski’s first Opening Day start, it’s his first Opening Day as a major leaguer. He had an up-and-down rookie season, though the highs — outdueling Paul Skenes, striking out nine Dodgers over five innings in Game 3 of the 2025 NLCS — were exceptionally high. Misiorowski will look to improve on last season’s 4.36 ERA as the Brewers’ newly-minted #1 starter.
On the mound for the White Sox is righty Shane Smith. Smith was originally signed by the Brewers as an undrafted free agent following the 2021 draft and remained with the Brewers organization until 2024, when Chicago selected him with the first overall pick in the 2024 Rule 5 Draft. He was named an AL All-Star in 2025, finishing the season with a 3.81 ERA over 29 games started.
The top of today’s lineup consists of Brice Turang, William Contreras, and Christian Yelich (DH’ing tonight). Andrew Vaughn will hit cleanup tonight, facing the team that drafted him No. 3 overall for the first time since being traded to Milwaukee. He’s followed by Jake Bauers, who posted a 1.725 OPS with seven home runs in 39 spring training at-bats. Bauers will look to stay hot as Chourio’s replacement in left field. Sal Frelick, David Hamilton (playing third tonight), Garrett Mitchell, and Joey Ortiz round out the lineup for the Brewers.
First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 p.m. You can catch the television broadcast on Brewers.TV and the radio broadcast on WTMJ 620 and the Brewers Radio Network. With the recent uncertainty surrounding local TV availability, the Brewers have released a handy tool (found here) to help fans find where to watch.
CLEARWATER, FLORIDA - MARCH 13, 2026: Adolis García #53 of the Philadelphia Phillies warms up prior to a spring training game against the Baltimore Orioles at BayCare Ballpark on March 13, 2026 in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
Tonight's Sweet 16 game between Houston and Illinois will be a home game for the Cougars, but UH players don't expect that to matter much.
"Last year we played Purdue in Indiana. It doesn't really give you too much of an advantage, honestly," Cougars guard Milos Uzan said. "Every team here is good, and, yeah, it doesn't really give you too much advantage. I think we just continue with the same preparation and live with the results."
This could be the best game of the night. Illinois averages 85 points a game, while Houston is known for its defense. It will also feature two of the top freshmen in the country, Kingston Flemings for Houston and Keaton Wagler for Illinois, who both figure to go early in the 2026 NBA Draft.
The winner of tonight's game advances to Saturday's Elite Eight to face the winner of Nebraska vs. Iowa in the South Region's other Sweet 16 game.
Here's what you need to know about tonight's game, including predictions:
HIT REFRESH FOR UPDATES.
Illinois vs Houston basketball live score
TEAMS
1H
2H
F
Illinois
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Houston
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What time is Illinois vs Houston Sweet 16 game today?
Tip-off is scheduled for 10:05 p.m. ET from Houston.
What channel is Illinois vs Houston game on? How to watch, streaming info
Houston vs. Illinois will air on TBS/truTV and stream via Fubo.
Houston vs Illinois prediction
Odds provided by BetMGM, as of noon, Thursday, March 26.
Blake Toppmeyer: Houston
Paul Myerberg: Houston
Jordan Mendoza: Houston
John Brice: Houston
Matt Glenesk: Houston
Craig Meyer: Houston
John Leuzzi: Illinois
Austin Curtright: Houston
Ehsan Kassim: Illinois
Moneyline: Houston (-165); Illinois (+135)
Spread: Houston (-2.5)
Over/under total: 139.5
Is Andrej Stojakovic related to Peja Stojakovic?
Yes, Peja is his dad. Peja Stojakovic played 13 seasons in the NBA, primarily for the Sacramento Kings, and was a three-time All-Star.
Andrej played at Cal and Stanford before transferring to Illinois.
How many Europeans are on Illinois' team?
David Mirkovic is from Montenegro
Andrej Stojakovic lists Thessaloniki, Greece as his hometown
Tomislav Ivisic is from Croatia
Zvonimir Ivisic is from Croatia
Mihailo Petrovic is from Serbia
Toni Bilic is from Croatia
Kingston Flemings 2026 NBA Draft, mock draft prediction
Utah Jazz at No. 5 overall.
Kalbrosky's Analysis:
The Jazz currently have the worst defensive rating in the league but could potentially improve that by selecting Houston freshman Kingston Flemings. The All-Big 12 guard has several games when he has recorded at least three steals, notching eight against Arizona State earlier this season. He scored 42 points against No. 11 Texas Tech on Jan. 24 and had a strong performance against Baylor, recording 21 points with seven assists and two steals on March 4. With highs as high as his thus far, it will not take long for him to hear his name called on draft night.
Keaton Wagler 2026 NBA Draft mock draft prediction
Atlanta Hawks, pick No. 7.
Kalbrosky's Analysis:
After trading away Trae Young, the Hawks could find their point guard of the future in Illinois standout Keaton Wagler using a first-round pick they received from the Pelicans. The 19-year-old guard scored 46 points while shooting 9-of-11 on 3-pointers against No. 12 Purdue on Jan. 24. He projects as one of the best 3-point shooters in this class, shooting 41.0 percent from beyond the arc as a freshman this year. The Big Ten Rookie of the Year is a cerebral basketball player who is also averaging 4.9 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game this season.
The Buffalo Sabres began their four-game homestand against the Boston Bruins on a sluggish note, stumbling through the opening 40 minutes and trailing 2-1 before rallying to take the lead, but the Sabres allowed Boston to tie the game late in the third and lost 4-3 in overtime on Pavel Zacha’s goal 38 seconds into the extra frame.
The Buffalo rally was due mainly to the work of pesky Zach Benson, who blew past a defender at the end of a Bruins power play and scored, and drew an undisciplined penalty from Boston’s Mason Lohrei, which resulted in Jason Zucker’s second power play goal of the game. Former Sabre Casey Mittelstadt evened the score with six minutes remaining, before Zacha gave the Bruins the win, slipping a wrist shot five-hole past Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen.
Head coach Lindy Ruff spoke to the media after the game:
What happened on the overtime goal?
I think we just didn't play the entry well. Our forward that was back, kinda got caught on the D side. We opened up the shot. I didn't really like our first forward, that he swung by Pastrnak either........you're out of your zone and responsible for a guy or your man on man as soon as he gets over the blue line.
What was the reason for the improved play in the third?
(We) went back to simple, went back to working harder. Those first two periods were probably our poorest periods of last three months. I thought there's a lot of things, puck decisions weren't very good. You're playing a team that's battling as hard as it can to stay in a playoff picture. They won more battles. I don't think (that) had anything to do with being sluggish; that has a lot to do with willpower. To get over the puck and make sure you win your battles. And we didn't win enough of them. Started at the start of the game, and then you watch some of our puck play in the second period that we just gave them opportunities. In the third period, we got back to playing our game, (we) went north, put the puck in the right place, had a good power play, created turnovers. We didn't give up anything.
What did you think of the play of Conor Timmins in his first game in three months?
I thought Timmins on our penalty killing (was) rock solid, and that penalty killing has been hurting now for a little bit.
Your changes on special teams seemed to work well:
We're trying to move some things around. We were just trying to, and I thought the power play looked really good for only practicing once. Move (Tage Thompson) around a little bit, use them in the bumper, try to get them up high on top of the circle, try to get him in different places where they they got to try to find them and let those guys operate low. But I thought he made a great play on the on the second (power play goal), going behind the net.
The Hockey News released their edition of the top 100 NHL-affiliated prospects in their Future Watch 2026 issue.
Featuring in these rankings were three St. Louis Blues players. Those being defenseman Adam Jiricek, and wingers Justin Carbonneau and Otto Stenberg.
Adam Jiricek, D, Brantford Bulldogs
Coming in at No. 14 in THN.com’s rankings was Jiricek, a 6-foot-3, right-handed defenseman. Jiricek is enjoying a stellar season with the Brantford Bulldogs in the AHL, finishing the regular season with 19 goals and 59 points in 55 games. His Bulldogs team enters the OHL playoffs as the No. 1 seed and the favorites to win it all.
In addition to his strong OHL campaign, Jiricek posted five goals and six points in seven games at the world juniors, forming a shutdown top pairing and leading Czechia to a silver medal.
Jiricek was the third-highest-ranked defenseman in these rankings. The former 16th overall pick of the 2024 NHL draft will join the Blues organization next season, likely starting with the Springfield Thunderbirds in the AHL. But he'll have every opportunity to impress and attempt to make the roster out of training camp.
Justin Carbonneau, RW, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada
It would be challenging to find a player the Blues organization is more excited for than Carbonneau. The 19-year-old did everything he could to earn a roster spot out of training camp this season, and fell just short. But he didn’t pout or mope around; instead, he scored 51 goals and 80 points in 60 QMJHL games. His 51 goals tied him for the most this season.
Carbonneau was a surprise omission from Team Canada’s World Junior Championship team, as his shot and physicality could have helped the Canadians in the medal round.
Nevertheless, Carbonneau ranked 29th and will also join the Blues organization next season, and he could very well start the season in the NHL. Standing 6-foot-1, 205 pounds, Carbonneau could develop into a power forward with a real strong scoring touch. His talent will fit in nicely with the U-25 core the Blues have built.
Stenberg’s season has been split between the NHL and AHL, but his game hasn’t altered, which brings him in at No. 62 in these rankings.
Despite being listed at just 5-foot-11, Stenberg shows no fear flying into puck battles and getting to the front of the net.
In the NHL, the 20-year-old has posted two goals and nine points in 24 games, averaging 13:48 of ice time. In the AHL, he scored four goals and 15 points in 33 games. Although the production isn’t eye-popping, he contributes in several ways.
He’s not necessarily a lock to make the team out of training camp next year, but the NHL experience he’s accumulating as the season winds down should provide him with the confidence to stand out during pre-season.
Future Watch 2026 looks at the world's best prospects from every angle. We analyze the top 10 in the pipeline for each NHL club and count down the top 100 in the game.
In addition, we take an in-depth look at how the Seattle Kraken are refining their development system, and we profile several of hockey's best youngsters, including Anton Frondell, Tij Iginla and Sebastian Cossa.
Jul 12, 2019; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez (13) laughs with broadcaster Rex Hudler before the game against the Detroit Tigers at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Another baseball season is here! Can the Kansas City Royals build on their back-to-back winning seasons and win the American League pennant? That’s the goal, and we’ll have to watch and see.
There’s the rub, of course: watch. As has been the case really since Fox Sports Kansas City ceased existing (and arguably even before that), this year is different than past years. The good news: things are simpler now than they ever have been in the streaming era. Let’s get into how and where to watch the Royals this year.
How to stream Royals games in 2026
Royals games can be streamed on Royals.TV, the new platform for Royals baseball. If you’ve been following along, you know that the company that owned Bally Sports Kansas City went bankrupt. Without getting too into it, the Royals chose to utilize Major League Baseball’s video production arm as their media partner this year.
Royals.TV is best considered as a package under the MLB.TV umbrella. The specifics of which package you can or should get depend on whether you’re in Royals media territory. Royals media territory includes all of Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas, and most of Missouri save for the area around the St. Louis metro.
If you live in Royals territory, the cheapest way to watch Royals games is to buy the $99.99 Royals.TV package. That gets you streaming access to all Royals games without any blackout restrictions. Subscribers also get access to all MiLB games through the MiLB site, as well as Royals affiliate games in the MLB app, along with other select MiLB games in the MLB app.
If you need even more baseball, there’s a $199.99 Royals.TV + MLB.TV package which provides access to all Royals games without any blackout restrictions and every other MLB game across the league for the 2026 season. All MiLB games are also available with this package.
New this year, though, is that if you live outside of Royals territory you may still sign up for Royals.TV at $99.99 to see Royals baseball blackout-free. You won’t get access to other teams, but it makes streaming the Royals for fans outside Royals territory easier than it’s ever been before.
Additionally, if you live outside Royals media territory you can also sign up for the $149.99 MLB.TV package. This package grants access to all out-of-market games. So, for instance, if you live in Seattle, you’ll be able to watch all MLB games except Mariners games—and that includes when the Royals are playing the Mariners. So, if you’re a Royals fan and an MLB fan who lives outside the midwest, consider signing up for the $199.99 Royals TV + MLB.TV package.
How to watch Royals games on satellite and cable in 2026
Royals.TV will be available on a variety of satellite and cable carriers in 2026. These carriers include:
DirecTV
Comcast/Xfinity
Charter/Spectrum
Cox
Midco
Blue Valley Technologies
Craw-kan Telephone
H&B Communications
Ozarks Go
Paragould
Ritter Communications
United Services
Tri-county Telephone
If you subscribe to one of the above carriers and live within Royals media territory, you’ll get access to Royals.TV and won’t need to pay the $99.99 fee required of streamers. If you live outside of Royals media territory, you’ll still need to pick up a streaming option.
How to listen to Royals games in 2026
Royals games will continue to be available on the radio this year. In Kansas City, they’ll be on 96.5 The Fan every regular season game. You can also listen elsewhere on the Royals Radio Network, with 50 affiliate stations across Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri. The station map and list, as pulled from the 2026 Royals media guide, is below:
Royals TV and radio FAQ
Will all the Royals announcers return?
Yep, the Royals are returning all their play-by-play announcers and analysts for both television and radio.
Denny Matthews will be calling his 58th season on the radio, joined by Steve Stewart. Ryan Lefebvre and Jake Eisenberg will continue to contribute on both television and the radio. Rex Hudler and Jeremy Guthrie will be back as analysts, and Joel Goldberg and Jeff Montgomery will continue to host the pre- and postgame show.
Are there going to be any new faces on the Royals broadcast?
The Royals are adding two key new faces to their broadcasts this year. From the media guide:
Bridget Howard is in her first season as part of the Royals broadcast team, serving as a host and sideline reporter on Royals.TV. A Kansas City native, she has deep roots in the local sports community. Howard graduated from Blue Valley High School and attended Kansas State University, where she was a member of the inaugural K-State women’s soccer team in 2016.
Eric Hosmer joins the Royals.TV broadcast crew as an Analyst for the 2026 season. He’s previously appeared on MLB Network and as a pre and postgame host for games on Apple TV. Hosmer enjoyed a 13-year career in Major League Baseball, including seven seasons with the Royals from 2011-17.
What app do I use to stream Royals games?
Royals games via Royals.TV or MLB.TV can be accessed through the MLB streaming app, which is available on the following device types:
Yes. Just like last year, 10 Royals games will be available over the air—including Opening Day on March 30. There will be one each in March, April, and May, and two each in June, July, and September. No two opponents repeat.
Date
Opponent
Time (CST)
Station
Monday, March 30
Minnesota Twins
3:10 p.m.
SIMULCAST KCTV/KSMO
Friday, April 24
Los Angeles Angels
6:40 p.m.
KCTV
Friday, May 22
Seattle Mariners
6:40 p.m.
KCTV
Friday, June 12
Houston Astros
7:10 p.m.
KCTV
Thursday, June 18
St. Louis Cardinals
6:40 p.m.
KCTV
Friday, July 17
San Diego Padres
7:10 p.m.
KCTV
Friday, August 7
Chicago Cubs
7:10 p.m.
KCTV
Friday, August 21
Detroit Tigers
7:10 p.m.
KCTV
Friday, September 4
Toronto Blue Jays
7:10 p.m.
KCTV
Monday, September 7
Arizona Diamondbacks
1:10 p.m.
KCTV
Is Royals.TV available on YouTube.TV?
No, Royals.TV is not available as a channel or add-on on YouTube.TV. The caveat here is that the aforementioned 10 over the air games will be on YouTube.TV by watching KCTV (or KSMO for the home opener).
Do note that Royals.TV is included as a channel on Fubo as well as DirecTV Stream, so if you get your television through either of those services, you’ll get access to Royals.TV if you’re in Royals territory.
Tonight’s battle between the Edmonton Oilers and Vegas Golden Knights has massive playoff implications, and I expect Zach Hyman to play a big factor.
Find out why in my Oilers vs. Golden Knights predictions and NHL picks for Thursday, March 26.
Oilers vs Golden Knights prediction
Oilers vs Golden Knights best bet: Zach Hyman Over 0.5 points (-135)
Zach Hyman has a point in three of his last five games and 17 points in 20 career games against the Vegas Golden Knights.
I'm expecting the Edmonton Oilers to score in bunches tonight, especially with Vegas struggling down the stretch, allowing four goals in three of their last four games.
One reason for Vegas’ struggles lately has been a poor penalty kill, which is not ideal with the league-leading Oilers power play coming to town on a three-game scoring streak.
Oilers vs Golden Knights same-game parlay
The Oilers blue liner leads all NHL defensemen with 80 points, 61 of which are assists. He’s also registered an assist in 12 of his last 15 games
I’ll actually back the Oilers to win tonight, too. They’re 8-2 on the moneyline in the last 10 meetings against Vegas, and the Golden Knights have lost four of their last five.
Oilers vs Golden Knights SGP
Zach Hyman Over 0.5 points
Evan Bouchard Over 0.5 assists
Oilers moneyline
Oilers vs Golden Knights odds
Moneyline: Oilers +115 | Golden Knights -135
Puck Line: Oilers +1.5 (-220) | Golden Knights -1.5 (+165)
Over/Under: Over 6.5 | Under 6.5
Oilers vs Golden Knights trend
The Oilers have covered the second-period puck line in 16 of their last 20 road games for +16.8 units and a 69% ROI. Find more NHL betting trends for Oilers vs. Golden Knights.
How to watch Oilers vs Golden Knights
Location
T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, NV
Date
Thursday, March 26, 2026
Puck drop
9:30 p.m. ET
TV
Sportsnet West
Oilers vs Golden Knights latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
Abbotsford Canucks goaltender Ty Young earned his first career AHL shutout against the Colorado Eagles, stopping 23 shots in a 4-0 win on March 7. Young, a fifth-round Canucks pick in the 2022 draft, has split the last two seasons between the AHL and ECHL’s Kalamazoo Wings.
“[The] team came out hot, played really good in front of me,” Young commented post-game, “that kind of just carried the momentum forward and felt pretty good after that, a little bit more comfortable. It takes the nerves away a little bit.”
The 21-year-old goaltender has played 24 games for Abbotsford, with an overall record of 11-13. Young played junior hockey with the WHL’s Prince George Cougars in northern BC, appearing in parts of four seasons with the team. Young also played 17 games with the Junior A AJHL Calgary Canucks ahead of being drafted by the professional Canucks organization.
The shutout came in Young’s third game back after his most recent callup from Kalamazoo. Young credited his 13-game midseason ECHL stint as a good refresh ahead of his second AHL run, having started his Abbotsford campaign with seven straight losses.
“The opportunity I got there to go down and play and figure out my game a little bit. I couldn't be more grateful for that. Obviously, didn't want the start that I had this year, but all you can do is just kind of build, grow, and learn from it.”
“I just kind of feel a lot stronger now, and it's great. Getting a little bit looser almost and just kind of going back to having fun with it and feeling less pressure.”
With Nikita Tolopilo called up to play for Vancouver in lieu of the injured Thatcher Demko, Young has been sharing the crease with AHL veteran Jiří Patera as the Abbotsford season nears its end. It has been a revolving door of skaters and netminders alike in Abbotsford due to a plethora of injuries to the NHL and AHL squads. Young and Patera are two of six netminders who have played at least a period for the Canucks this season, including an emergency back-up goalie who entered a game in Colorado earlier in the season after Young left early with an injury.
Young signed his entry-level contract in 2023, which went into effect when he became a pro last season with Kalamazoo and Abbotsford. Young is one of three goalies drafted by the Canucks in the last five years, along with 2021 fifth-round pick Aku Koskenvuo, who also got his first AHL shutout earlier this season with Abbotsford, and 2025 second-round selection Alexei Medvedev.
It has been an underwhelming season for Abbotsford overall, a tough turnaround after their 2025 Calder Cup win. The team were the first to be eliminated from the AHL postseason, and currently sit at the bottom of the league standings as the regular season comes to a close. At the time of writing, the team sits last in Goals For and has the third-highest Goals Against in the AHL. Young and Koskenvuo are the only goalies to have earned a shutout this season, as Abbotsford have struggled throughout the year to keep pucks out of their zone and especially out of their net.
Still, there is promise for the young netminder. As the Canucks enter their rebuilding phase, a developing goalie like Young is a promising asset for years to come. The team will have another goaltending logjam at the start of next season, barring any trades, as Tolopilo will need to pass through waivers to join the AHL squad, just as Calder Cup MVP Artūrs Šilovs would have had to before being traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins. With the organization having Demko and Kevin Lankinen signed on for next year, it will be an uncertain offseason for the Canucks goaltending depth chart. Eyes will be on all the young netminders, including Young, who has practiced on occasion with the big club, as they now turn to their future potential.
“Dream come true,” Young commented on his Vancouver experience, “They were my favourite team growing up. So, to be able to go there and just be a part of that group and be one of the guys there is obviously a dream. So, hopefully [I] can go up there full-time soon.”
Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, don't forget to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News.
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BALTIMORE, MD - MARCH 26: A detail shot of the Opening Day logo before 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
After yesterday’s Opening Night on Netflix, MLB Opening Day officially kicks off for 22 other teams today. The San Francisco Giants and New York Yankees will resume their series tomorrow.
The day kicks off with a marquee matchup of Paul Skenes and the Pittsburgh Pirates facing off against Juan Soto and the New York Mets. The Chicago White Sox will face the Milwaukee Brewers, which comes on the heels of the news that Brewers’ star outfielder Jackson Chourio was placed on the injured list with a fractured hand suffered in the World Baseball Classic.
The other big nationally televised matchup is that of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Los Angeles Dodgers, who will kick off the evening slate. World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto was named the Opening Day starter for the reigning champs, and he will face a recently re-signed Zac Gallen, making his fourth Opening Day start for the Snakes.
Here’s how the full slate breaks down today:
Game 1: Pittsburgh Pirates at New York Mets
RHP Paul Skenes vs. RHP Freddy Peralta
First Pitch: 11:15 a.m. MDT
TV: NBC/Peacock
Radio: Sports Radio 93.7 KDKA The Fan (Pirates); Audacy Mets Radio WHSQ 880AM, Audacy App 92.3 HD2 (Mets)
Radio: TIBN, WCCO 830, The Wolf 102.9, Audacy App, LosTwins.com (Twins); 98 Rock 97.9 FM, WBAL 1090 AM (Orioles)
Lineups:
Twins' Opening Day lineup vs. left-hander Trevor Rogers and the Orioles in Baltimore:
LF Austin Martin, R CF Byron Buxton, R 2B Luke Keaschall, R C Ryan Jeffers, R RF Matt Wallner, L DH Josh Bell, S 1B Victor Caratini, S 3B Royce Lewis, R SS Brooks Lee, S
CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 01: José Ramírez #11 of the Cleveland Guardians looks on during Game Two of the American League Wild Card Series between the Detroit Tigers and the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on Wednesday, October 1, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Ben Jackson/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The weight of expectations is now a burden the Seattle Mariners must carry with them this year. To rise so high last season, only to be let down in the end, eight outs away from the franchise’s first World Series appearance. To stand so close to unknown territory, only to be turned away, produces the desire to find the way back to that precipice. As the weather warms and the days grow longer, the bitterness of a cold, autumn defeat is replaced by the spring hope of a new season. We’ve tasted greatness. Now we want the whole meal.
The Mariners look like one of the most complete teams in the American League. There’s star power in the form of Julio Rodríguez and Cal Raleigh, both projected to be the best in baseball at their respective positions. The team made the right win-now moves to bolster the lineup, re-signing Josh Naylor and trading for Brendan Donovan. The pitching staff remains a strength. There’s a gaggle of young prospects pushing to make an impact in the big leagues sooner rather than later. Seattle is looking to defend a division title for the fourth time in franchise history and earn a postseason berth in consecutive seasons for just the second time ever. The expectations for this team haven’t been this high since the turn of the century. We’ve been burned by high expectations before, but this team is built to deliver, and anything less than a World Series appearance should be seen as a disappointment. Go M’s.
Welcome to another year of series previews. If you’re a regular Lookout Landing reader, welcome back. If you’re a new face, welcome home. This will be my 12th year writing these previews. Above, you’ll see a brief overview of the upcoming series: probable pitchers, game times, and a rundown of the Mariners and their opponents. Below, you’ll see the Mariners’ opponents laid out in more detail: projected lineups, key players, and starting pitcher analysis. Finally, you’ll get a view of the big picture: AL West and Wild Card standings. As always, I appreciate your feedback and hope that these features continue to be helpful and educational throughout the season.
The Guardians know a thing or two about surpassing expectations. Last year, they surprised everyone by winning the AL Central for the second consecutive season and the sixth time in the last decade. It took a historic collapse from the Tigers and a furious hot streak in September to get there, but the team blew past their projections. The team exceeded their pythagorean record by eight wins and their BaseRuns record by 11, and counting on that kind of overperformance again in 2026 wouldn’t be a great bet.
Of course, Cleveland didn’t go out and make a bunch of moves to capitalize on their division title this offseason. They did sign José Ramírez to a new seven-year contract extension that should keep him in Cleveland for the rest of his career. Everything else was focused on the fringes of their roster; they signed Rhys Hoskins to DH and cover 1B as the short side of a platoon and brought in a bunch of new relievers to help a bullpen that’s still reeling from Emmanuel Clase’s gambling scandal. The Guardians are hoping for breakouts from young guys like Kyle Manzardo and Chase DeLauter to fuel some real improvements to the team’s talent level. This is a pretty young roster and there’s certainly room to grow, but the projections aren’t buying it. FanGraphs is projecting 76 wins and a fourth place finish in the AL Central. Still, don’t underestimate this team.
Player
Position
Bats
PA
K%
BB%
ISO
wRC+
Steven Kwan
CF
L
693
8.7%
7.9%
0.102
99
Angel Martínez
LF
S
484
22.7%
4.8%
0.135
74
José Ramírez
3B
S
673
11.0%
9.8%
0.219
133
Kyle Manzardo
1B
L
531
25.4%
9.0%
0.221
113
Rhys Hoskins
DH
R
328
27.7%
11.6%
0.179
109
Chase DeLauter (MiLB)
RF
L
177
15.8%
15.8%
0.209
128
Gabriel Arias
SS
R
471
34.4%
5.7%
0.144
77
Bo Naylor
C
L
414
23.9%
10.9%
0.184
85
Brayan Rocchio
2B
S
383
20.1%
5.7%
0.108
77
2025 stats
This lineup runs through Ramírez. He’s a perennial MVP candidate and has already booked a place in the Hall of Fame when he decides to hang up the cleats. Last year was a “down” season for him and I put scare quotes there because down for him means a 133 wRC+ and just 6.3 fWAR. His power output was a little lower than normal due to a slight dip in contact quality, though he still managed to muscle out 30 home runs. Manzardo and DeLauter are the youngsters who have the pedigree to become middle-of-the-order compliments to Ramírez. The left-handed first baseman had an up-and-down season last year but managed to make some real improvements to his plate approach during the second half of the season. DeLauter has been a top prospect in Cleveland’s farm system since being drafted in the first round in 2022 but injuries have really derailed his development pathway. He’s plenty talented at the plate but doesn’t field particularly well. The Guardians actually had him make his debut in center field in the playoffs last year, but he’ll shift to an outfield corner as his regular home. To accommodate DeLauter, Steven Kwan has shifted to the middle of the outfield after winning Gold Gloves in left field in each of his first four seasons in the big leagues. While Kwan’s defensive acumen will be put to the test in center, his bat definitely needs to rebound if the Guardians want a shot at defending their division title. He’s oscillated between very good years at the plate and merely average years and a lot of that has to do with the capriciousness of an approach that is so contact oriented.
Tanner Bibee took a pretty significant step backwards last year. He managed to make 31 starts, but his strikeout rate dropped by five points, and his ERA and FIP jumped up nearly a full run. His fastball has never really been a standout pitch for him but it was hit extremely hard last year. A mechanical issue led to less ride on the pitch and batters really keyed in on that pitch. Thankfully, the rest of his secondary pitches didn’t lose much effectiveness and all the underlying data looked good. His changeup and sweeper, in particular, have been fantastic pitches, but his repertoire is deep enough, he can keep batters off balance in any count. The key, then, is figuring out his mechanics to regain the ride on his four-seam fastball.
Pitcher
IP
K%
BB%
HR/FB%
GB%
ERA
FIP
Gavin Williams
167.2
24.6%
11.8%
14.4%
44.7%
3.06
4.39
George Kirby
126
26.1%
5.5%
12.8%
44.1%
4.21
3.37
2025 stats
Pitch
Usage vRHB
Usage vLHB
Velocity
Stuff+
Whiff+
BIP+
xwOBA
Four-seam
30.9%
43.1%
96.6
99
106
91
0.383
Sinker
12.0%
1.7%
95.9
95
59
88
0.352
Cutter
14.1%
14.0%
91.8
79
78
120
0.378
Curveball
9.9%
32.8%
82.0
109
108
87
0.238
Slider
33.1%
8.4%
86.5
114
133
93
0.245
2025 stats
Gavin Williams ended last season on an extremely lucky run. From June through the end of the season, his BABIP allowed was just .221 which led to a 2.50 ERA that far outpaced his 4.27 FIP. Most of his underlying peripherals stayed pretty stable through the season, but a ton of good batted ball luck allowed him to be a key piece of the Guardians’ playoff run in September. He added a sweeper to his pitch mix last year and it returned a 44.0% whiff rate. That gives him two excellent breaking balls to attack batters with alongside a hard fastball. The issue is his command. His walk rate is well below average and it’s pretty shocking he was able to get away with all those baserunners without giving up a ton more runs.
Pitcher
IP
K%
BB%
HR/FB%
GB%
ERA
FIP
Joey Cantillo
95.1
26.9%
10.5%
11.0%
40.8%
3.21
3.55
Bryan Woo
186.2
27.1%
4.9%
12.8%
40.8%
2.94
3.47
2025 stats
Pitch
Usage vRHB
Usage vLHB
Velocity
Stuff+
Whiff+
BIP+
xwOBA
Four-seam
40.4%
46.0%
91.7
90
68
100
0.389
Changeup
34.4%
20.8%
78.3
113
159
123
0.216
Curveball
21.3%
12.4%
77.3
113
76
79
0.206
Slider
4.0%
20.8%
85.1
83
86
73
0.347
2025 stats
Joey Cantillo spent last year split between the bullpen and the rotation. Once he made the move to starting in July, things really took off for him; he posted a 2.96 ERA and a 3.21 FIP across 13 starts down the stretch. His calling card is a phenomenal changeup that produced a 49.4% whiff rate last year! His two breaking balls are okay too — his curveball is the better of the two but he was testing a new grip on his slider this spring to hopefully increase that pitch’s effectiveness. His command is his weakness, though his walk rate improved slightly after joining the rotation last year. With a role in the rotation secured to start this season, he’s well positioned to take a big step forward if he can get his errant command under control.
Pitcher
IP
K%
BB%
HR/FB%
GB%
ERA
FIP
Slade Cecconi
132
20.0%
5.9%
15.5%
41.3%
4.30
4.64
Luis Castillo
180.2
21.7%
6.2%
10.5%
41.3%
3.54
3.88
2025 stats
Pitch
Usage vRHB
Usage vLHB
Velocity
Stuff+
Whiff+
BIP+
xwOBA
Four-seam
39.0%
47.8%
94.3
90
84
91
0.388
Sinker
17.7%
5.2%
93.6
93
33
98
0.402
Cutter
2.9%
3.2%
88.8
Changeup
1.4%
12.9%
84.3
93
78
67
0.432
Curveball
9.7%
22.4%
75.5
100
101
118
0.228
Slider
29.4%
8.5%
84.2
95
108
94
0.299
2025 stats
Slade Cecconi came to the Guardians last offseason in the December 2024 trade that sent Josh Naylor to Arizona. He had a decent year in Cleveland, managing to stick in the rotation for the entire year after spending the first two years of his career as a swingman in Arizona’s bullpen. He doesn’t have outstanding stuff and won’t overpower batters, but he does have excellent command and a deep repertoire to keep batters off balance. His two breaking balls are his best pitches and he added a cutter and sinker to his arsenal last year. His fastball is pretty lackluster and that’s where his whole approach breaks down. If he’s not keeping batters honest with his secondary pitches, they can key in on his heater and do some real damage.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 25: Max Fried #54 of the New York Yankees pitches against the San Francisco Giants during the first inning on Opening Day at Oracle Park on March 25, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
New York Yankees ace Max Fried posted a 4.40 ERA in the Grapefruit League, with four walks and 12 strikeouts in 14.1 innings. That’s exactly why you shouldn’t fully trust spring training stats: no one in his or her right state of mind had any reason to doubt the stellar southpaw heading into the season. Taking the ball on Wednesday night versus the San Francisco Giants, Fried didn’t disappoint. The Yankees won comfortably 7-0, and their Opening Day starter was dealing all night. Fried kept his opponents off the scoreboard for 6.1 innings, in which he conceded just two hits and one walk. He struck out four and retired the last eight hitters he faced.
In the first couple of innings, you could see that Fried didn’t quite have his best curveball command, yet he cruised through those first two frames with no runs, just one hit, a walk, and four strikeouts. After that, he didn’t strike out any more hitters, but was still able to keep the Giants in check with an increased usage of sinkers and sweepers the second and third time through the order:
By the last couple of innings, the Giants started making more contact in the air, but Fried still finished with seven outs on the ground and three flyouts. In other words, he was always in control despite still not reaching his best velocity. The one time he was in some trouble was in the first inning, and he got out of the jam with a trademark groundball to second:
Last season, Fried’s four-seam fastball averaged 95.8 mph, but the pitch was at 94.6 mph on Wednesday night, peaking at 96.4 mph. It’s certainly something to keep in mind, but it doesn’t sound like a major problem, and he should be able to reach peak velo in a few outings. In fact, the 94.6 mph average fastball velocity Fried showed last night was actually a small step forward because he checked in at 94 mph in his last outing.
Top velocity or no, it quickly became clear that it was going to be a long night for San Francisco anyway.
Fried totaled 86 pitches in the productive night, 53 of which were strikes. He ‘only’ got six swings and misses, though: one with the four-seamer, three with the cutter, one with the curveball, and one with the changeup.
As the season goes on, Fried should be able to regain the feel for his excellent curve, a pitch that had a 42 percent whiff rate last year. It only earned a single whiff in three swings, but the fact that the offering only had a 15 percent CSW (two called strikes+whiffs in 13 pitches) was perhaps a bit more concerning.
Still, it’s nothing to be alarmed about, as Fried is good enough to bounce back eventually. This is a pitcher who posted a 2.86 ERA in 195.1 innings last season in his first year in pinstripes, winning 19 of his 32 starts. He’s 32, still in his prime, with no signs of slowing down. The Giants indeed helped Fried a bit on Wednesday night, as they consistently expanded the zone and produced empty swings and less-than-ideal contact every time they did it. The pitcher, however, was smart enough to keep testing their limits and getting good results. It should be another productive campaign for the talented left-hander, who was on pace to have a much better season last year if it weren’t for blister issues that popped up in July. This time around, we’ll hopefully see what a fully healthy season of Fried can provide.
PHOENIX, AZ - CIRCA 1990's: Guard Kevin Johnson #7 of the Phoenix Suns in action brings the ball up court against the Utah Jazz circa early 1990's during an NBA basketball game at the US Airway Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Johnson played for the Suns from 1988-98 and 2000. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It is a slow day around Bright Side, the kind of day where you start digging through the corners of the NBA looking for something worth talking about, seeking something that sparks a little curiosity. And here we are. Uniform talk. Always a good lane to wander down.
There are whispers that the Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, and Houston Rockets are all looking to make updates next season. Nothing official yet, but these are the same channels that had people in Phoenix buzzing before the 2023 refresh, so there is something to it.
And when you look at what Minnesota is doing, it hits a nerve in the best way.
Minnesota Timberwolves – we've been told the Wolves are going back to their classic look across the board, with white, blue and black versions.
*Note: this is not an official design, just our prediction of the base for each jersey. There will be more details than what you see… pic.twitter.com/R0DdI5dwcg
Those original Timberwolves sets, the ones that take you back to the early days, are clean. They are the same set that Isaiah Rider donned while winning the 1994 Slam Dunk Contest. That whole vibe from their 1989 introduction, there is something simple about it. It feels right. Before the late 90s shift into something louder and more complicated, those uniforms had a clarity to them.
They have brought them back in pieces over the years with little throwback runs here and there, but bringing them back full-time feels like a smart play. It taps into memory, it taps into identity, and it gives fans something that feels authentic.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – DECEMBER 30: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves dribbles the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers in the first quarter at Target Center on December 30, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Lakers 108-106. 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 David Berding/Getty Images) | Getty Images
And yeah, there is a little jealousy there. Because I look at that and immediately think about the Phoenix Suns. The recent refresh the organaization did has been solid. Bringing back the Sunburst, tying in elements of the past, it all works. It looks good. No complaints. But there is another look that lives in the back of my mind, one that never really leaves.
Those Wild West uniforms.
When Phoenix arrived in 1968, their original uniforms had ‘Phoenix’ written across the chest in a sans font. But after the 1972-73 season, the team made a subtle tweak that was a stroke of genius. They morphed the sans into a western font that stretched across the chest, with the names on the back in that same style. It was simple and unmistakable. It was not trying too hard. It did not need to. There is elegance in that simplicity, and the Wild West unis had balance that feels natural when you look at it. Not loud, not muted, but right in that space where it sticks with you. And very Phoenix.
LANDOVER, MD – CIRCA 1978: Paul Westphal #44 of the Phoenix Suns looks to make a pass against the Washington Bullets during an NBA basketball game circa 1978 at the Capital Centre in Landover Maryland. Westphal played for the Suns from 1975-77. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The team wore them until the introduction of the Sunburst in 1992. We had nearly 20 years of Wild West, the look that lasted the longest in the Valley.
I caught a glimpse of it again this past weekend as I was watching the NCAA Tournament. It was St. John’s Red Storm against the Kansas Jayhawks. Both teams were running that western-style font across the chest, and it pulled me right back. It reminded me how good that look can be when it is done right. You see it with the New York Yankees, the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Dallas Cowboys, and the Los Angeles Lakers. They find something that works, and they stay there. They build identity through consistency. The Suns had that once. It is still there in the archives, still there in the highlights, still there in the memory.
St. John’s rocking that subtle Wild West font and it just works. Clean, simple, perfect. Suns…I’m begging. Bring it back
One thing that does catch me off guard in this era of uniform overload, with statement editions and city editions dropping every season, is how little the Phoenix Suns have leaned into the Wild West font. It is sitting right there. It is part of the DNA of the franchise. And yet, it barely shows up.
Yeah, last season you had “The Valley” City Edition uniforms in that style, and it looked clean, although the “The” above “Valley” wasn’t something I was fond of. But the last time we saw “Phoenix” in that Wild West look was 2015-16, and it came on those gray sleeved uniforms that never really landed. The design felt forced, the sleeves felt unnecessary, and it buried what should have been the focal point.
PHOENIX, AZ – FEBRUARY 25: Ronnie Price #14 of the Phoenix Suns drives up the court against the Brooklyn Nets during the game on February 25, 2016 at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
That is what makes it so puzzling. In a time where teams are constantly searching for identity through design, constantly pushing new looks, new colorways, and new concepts, the Suns have a built-in answer. That font carried the franchise for two decades. It is recognizable, it’s tied to the history, and it connects generations of fans without needing an explanation.
And yet it sits on the shelf.
You would think with all the resources, all the marketing muscle, all the attention to brand storytelling, they would tap into something that already resonates. Something that already feels like Phoenix. Not as a one-off, not as a nod, but as a real part of the rotation. Because sometimes the strongest move is not creating something new, it is bringing something back that never needed fixing in the first place.
So yeah, credit to Minnesota. It is a sharp move. Nostalgia hits, fans connect, and with modern design and marketing layered on top, it opens the door for some really clean merchandise. If I were a Timberwolves fan, I would be all in on it.
The Hawks’ dipping back into the Hawk across the chest look follows that same path. Lean into what worked, remind people of what made it stick in the first place. There is a reason those designs linger. While the Mutumbo era uniforms will not be a full-on rebrand like Minnesota, it’ll be nice to see them on the court.
Atlanta Hawks – we're told the Hawks will revive the 90s era bird design as a mix with their current look for the Statement Edition (in red). The Icon edition (currently red) will become black.
*Note: this is not an official design, just our prediction of the base for each… pic.twitter.com/iMA7lr2NnM
Then you get to Houston, and it feels like more of the same. The Rockets have never quite found that signature look. There have been moments, flashes, but nothing that settles in. Even the 90s shift with the pinstripes felt off, a little late to the party, a little too much going on. Some teams never quite land on it.
Which is why I keep coming back to Phoenix. There is a version of this franchise that already figured it out. That clean, Wild West font, orange on purple with a white stroke or orange on white with a purple stroke; it’s simple and strong. Ah, if we only knew how good we had it as kids. Youth is truly wasted on the young.
Maybe one day it will come back in full. Maybe one day they will lean into that identity again. Because sometimes the best move is not to reinvent anything. It is to remember what already worked and let it live again. Mr. Ishbia, please make it so.
SURPRISE, ARIZONA - MARCH 18: Wyatt Langford #36 of the Texas Rangers swings the bat during a Spring Training game against the Kansas City Royals at Surprise Stadium on March 18, 2026 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Opening Day!
The 2026 season begins today for the two-time defending National League East champion Philadelphia Phillies. We’ve got 162 games to determine if they can make that a three-peat, and then hopefully advance to the ultimate goal of a World Series title.
They’ll start things off with a relatively unfamiliar opponent from the American League. I realize that with 15 teams in each league, at least two teams are going to begin with an interleague matchup, but it still feels somewhat wrong not to go against an NL team – if not a divisional opponent – to begin the season.
But since the schedule makers have given us the Rangers, it is the Rangers we shall discuss.
Texas Rangers
2025 record: 81-81 (Third place in American League West)
The last time they met
The Phillies visited Arlington in August 2025, and despite a history of poor play in Arlington over the years, the Phillies won all three games.
What’s the deal with the Rangers?
After a .500 season, the Rangers’ biggest change was firing manager Bruce Bochy and replacing him with Skip Schumacher. You may remember Schumaker winning the 2023 Manager of the Year award for leading the Miami Marlins to the playoffs, and getting fired a season later because Marlins gonna Marlin, and they lost 100 games.
The Rangers get their new Skipper in Skip Schumaker!
The Rangers have agreed to a 4-year contract with Skip Schumaker to manage the club! pic.twitter.com/XTlK79kSGI
As for the roster, the biggest additions came via trade, as they picked up two former NL East players in MacKenzie Gore and Brandon Nimmo. (Yes, we have to open the season against stupid Brandon Nimmo.) Offensively, they seem to largely be counting on better health and/or rebound seasons from players who disappointed in 2025, such as Corey Seager and Josh Jung. They also believe outfielder Wyatt Langford is ready to take another step forward on offense.
Wyatt Langford ranks among MLB this Spring (min 30 AB)
The starting rotation looks strong with Gore joining Jacob deGrom, Jack Leiter, and Nathan Eovaldi. (Or at least it will be strong if deGrom can have a second consecutive healthy season. Last year, was the first time since 2019 he made 30 starts in a season.) The bullpen looks less intimidating, as they’re counting on Robert Garcia and Chris Martin to handle the high leverage innings
Player spotlight: Andrew McCutchen
I always felt the idea of Andrew McCutchen on the Phillies was better than actually having him on the Phillies. When they signed the former MVP, he was no longer in his prime, but the hope was that he would be a strong presence in the clubhouse, and a viable contributor as the team’s leadoff hitter.
By most reports, he was a great teammate, but sadly, the results on the field didn’t match expectations. In 2019, he was playing well before his season was prematurely ended by a knee injury. In 2020, he got off to a slow start recovering from that injury and didn’t get going until the abbreviated season was close to over. In 2021, he had a solid season with the bat, but the former Gold Glover had become a liability in the field.
The next season, the Phillies chose to instead pursue Kyle Schwarber and Nick Castellanos (They batted .500 on that decision) and let Cutch head to Milwaukee. Afterwards, he went back to Pittsburgh for a few seasons, putting up decent offensive numbers but slowly declining to the point where he was basically a replacement player in 2025.
At 39 years of age, there wasn’t high demand for Cutch’s services, but he came to camp with the Rangers as a non-roster invitee, and thanks to a strong showing in Spring Training, made the team.
Andrew McCutchen has been informed that he will make the Rangers Opening Day roster after hitting .444 with a 1.361 OPS this Spring! pic.twitter.com/TIvLL3WtrV
For some reason, this is the third time the Phillies and Rangers have squared off on Opening Day. (Does MLB like having contrasting red, white, and blue color scheme going at it to start the season?) The first time was in 2014, which seemed to be a mismatch with Cliff Lee facing someone named Tanner Scheppers.
Last year, I wrote about how it can feel depressing when you don’t have a legit Opening Day starter. It’s much nicer to see Cristopher Sanchez get the ball the first game rather than the likes of Jeremy Hellickson (Hellickson had a cromulent career, but nobody was mistaking him for an ace) or Omar Daal. (On the other hand, I still love me some Robert Person, who started Opening Day in 2002!)
Anyway, the Phillies knocked Scheppers around, but surprisingly, the Rangers did the same to Lee. But thanks to big days by Ben Revere and Cody Asche (Another reminder that Opening Day is rarely predictive) and a grand slam by Jimmy Rollins, the Phillies prevailed 14-10. (This was not a harbinger of things to come for neither the 2014 season nor the Phillies-Rangers rivalry. The Phillies finished in last place and would lose their next nine games against the Rangers.)
Six years ago today, Jimmy Rollins hit his 200th career home run, a grand slam to give the Phillies a 6-0 lead over the Rangers on Opening Day.
The Phillies also visited Texas to open the season in 2023. The game started off nicely, with the Phillies getting off to a 5-0 lead, only to have Aaron Nola and the bullpen implode in a nine-run fourth inning. The Phillies lost and would lose their next three games as well.
I was trying to remember what happened on Opening Day last year, and I was drawing a blank. That’s especially embarrassing since I was in attendance at the game in Washington. (A lot easier to get Opening Day tickets down there!) It was the one where everyone was striking out (and blaming the shadows) until the late innings when the Phillies unloaded against the Nationals’ bullpen.
Opening Day is supposed to be a time for optimism but let me tell you: The Washington fans were not feeling positive about their chances that season. (And they were right! The Nats sucked last year!)
Remembering a guy who used to play for the Rangers
In 1992, the Rangers traded for A’s outfielder Jose Canseco. The former MVP expressed a desire to team with Rangers’ first baseman Rafael Palmeiro as the “new Bash Brothers,” but Canseco’s time in Texas is more remembered for PED use, injuring himself while pitching, and letting a ball bounce off his head for a home run.
As a new feature this year, I’ll be picking songs from a year in which the Phillies won the NL Pennant and pitting them against each other. (I may try to challenge myself and pick songs somehow related to the series at hand!) The winner stays on until defeated.
Here We Are Again – Debroy Somers, 1915
Coming from the year of the Phillies’ first ever National League title, the song seemed appropriate for the start of another season.
Ghost – Justin Bieber
In honor of the least popular change to Citizens Bank Park, here’s Justin Bieber’s hit from 2022.
Vote now!
If you have any favorite songs from 1915, 1950, 1980, 1983, 1993, 2008, 2009, or 2022, feel free to suggest them in the comments.
Closing thought
It’s Opening Day! Even if you don’t like what the Phillies did this past offseason or don’t like their chances to win it all, who cares? Everyone is 0-0, and you can let yourself dream a little! Go Phils!
Texas rangers lineup for Opening Day, March 26, 2026 against the Philadelphia Phillies: starting pitchers are Nathan Eovaldi for the Rangers and Cristopher Sanchez for the Phillies.
It is Opening Day, y’all. Let’s do this.
The lineup:
Nimmo — RF
Langford — CF
Seager — SS
Burger — 1B
McCutchen — DH
Jung — 3B
Smith — 2B
Jansen — C
Haggerty — LF
3:15 p.m. Central start time. Rangers are +130 underdogs.
