WEST PALM BEACH, FL - MARCH 07: New York Yankees pitcher Will Warren (98) throws the ball from the mound during a MLB spring training game against the Washington Nationals at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches on March 7, 2026 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Doug Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Has anyone else struggled to keep up with the spring training Yankees during the World Baseball Classic, or is it just me? There’s been some thrilling action across all four pools through Wednesday night, culminating in Italy, Canada, and the Dominican Republic’s pool-clinching victories yesterday, and allowing Mark DeRosa’s blunder to be forgiven as the U.S. also moved on with Mexico’s loss. With no WBC on today, of course, the Yankees aren’t televised. Boo.
Will Warren gets the start in Lakeland, his fourth of the spring. The 26-year-old has only allowed one earned run in 10.1 innings while reigning in his command and limiting damage. A new release point has pitching models loving his stuff, but he’s still struggling against lefties in a small sample. Detroit offers some good left-handed hitters, so it’ll be a good test for him as he looks to build up past 50 pitches.
An old foe is on the mound for Detroit today, as 43-year-old Justin Verlander has returned home to the Motor City to likely finish out a first-ballot Hall of Fame career. He rebounded in 2024 with San Francisco after a rough final year in Houston, making 29 starts with a 3.85 ERA (103 ERA+) and 3.85 FIP despite a continually declining strikeout rate. As much as he tortured the Yankees, especially in an Astros uniform, when he pitches against the Yankees this year, we’ll have to appreciate the final games of his storied career.
Ben Rice will lead off and play first base, followed by Jasson Domínguez, J.C. Escarra, and Paul DeJong. Spencer Jones is back in the lineup, batting fifth and playing center field, while George Lombard Jr. bats eighth at shortstop. Max Schuemann, Seth Brown, and Yanquiel Fernández round out the starting nin.
Kerry Carpenter leads off a Detroit lineup with a good amount of regulars that includes Matt Vierling, Colt Keith, Spencer Torkelson, Dillon Dingler, Zach McKinstry, and Javier Báez. Trei Cruz and John Peck wind out the lineup.
How to watch
Location: Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium — Lakeland, FL
JUPITER, FL - MARCH 06: New York Mets pitcher Sean Manaea (59) throws the ball from the mound during a MLB spring training game against the Miami Marlins at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium on March 6, 2026 in Jupiter, Florida. (Photo by Doug Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
If the Detroit Red Wings are to break their lengthy postseason drought, they're going to have to do it without the help of their top two centers for an extended period of time.
Before their evening matchup against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Red Wings head coach Todd McLellan announced on Thursday afternoon that both Dylan Larkin and Andrew Copp were at least two weeks away from further evaluation.
Additionally, veteran David Perron, who was acquired one week ago from the Ottawa Senators but hasn't played since Jan. 20, is still at least a week away.
"Both Andrew and Dylan are going to be two weeks, and we'll reassess them then," McLellan said. "David Perron, we're shooting for a week."
Per @DetroitRedWings head coach Todd McLellan following Thursday’s morning skate in Tampa Bay, both captain Dylan Larkin and Andrew Copp are “gonna be two weeks..will reassess them then.” #LGRW
This means both players will, at minimum, miss Detroit's next six games.
Larkin was injured last Friday against the Florida Panthers at home when he fell to the ice, his knee bending awkwardly. While he traveled with the Red Wings on their subsequent road trip, he hasn't been able to play.
Copp, who was also hurt against the Panthers, albeit on Tuesday in Florida, when former Red Wings forward Tomas Nosek fell onto his left leg during a face-off.
The Red Wings suffered damaging regulation losses to the Panthers in both games.
On Wednesday, the Red Wings announced that John Leonard, Sheldon Dries, and Eduards Tralmaks have all been recalled from the AHL's Grand Rapids Griffins under emergency conditions.
They now sit in the first Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference, with the Boston Bruins and the Columbus Blue Jackets hot on their trails. Meanwhile, the Buffalo Sabres have taken over the first-place position in the Atlantic, while the Montreal Canadiens have moved three points ahead of Detroit.
Never miss a story by adding us to your Google News favorites!
For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.
The Phoenix Suns will look to continue their march up the Western Conference standings as they visit the Indiana Pacers tonight.
Indiana has lost 10 straight and shows no signs of turning things around, so I’m taking Phoenix to cover in my Suns vs. Pacers predictions and NBA picks below.
Suns vs Pacers prediction
Suns vs Pacers best bet: Suns -8.5 (-110)
Not only have the Indiana Pacers lost 10 straight games, but they're 0-10 ATS during that streak. Indiana is also dealing with a slew of injuries, with Obi Toppin on a minutes restriction and Pascal Siakam, Andrew Nembhard, and TJ McConnell all missing time recently.
The Phoenix Suns have won five of their last six and have found some offensive rhythm behind Devin Booker. They’ve always been solid on defense, holding opponents to 111.0 ppg on the year.
I’m taking Phoenix to cover tonight against a Pacers team that looks completely uncompetitive right now.
Suns vs Pacers same-game parlay
Along with taking the Suns to cover, I’m going with two of the better-looking Phoenix props on the board tonight for my SGP. That includes taking Jalen Green to go Over 20.5 points for a fourth straight game, as well as backing Collin Gillespie to grab 5+ boards, something he’s done in four of his last five games.
Suns vs Pacers SGP
Suns -8.5
Jalen Green Over 20.5 points
Collin Gillespie Over 4.5 rebounds
Our "from downtown" SGP: Booker time
Booker has been on fire during Phoenix’s current three-game winning streak. I’m backing him to hit all his major prop totals tonight after he put up a 30-point double-double on Sunday and recorded seven assists and five rebounds on Tuesday against the Bucks.
Suns vs Pacers SGP
Suns -8.5
Devin Booker Over 27.5 points
Devin Booker Over 4.5 rebounds
Devin Booker Over 5.5 assists
Suns vs Pacers odds
Spread: Suns -8.5 | Pacers +8.5
Moneyline: Suns -400 | Pacers +300
Over/Under: Over 224 | Under 224
Suns vs Pacers betting trend to know
The Pacers are 0-10 ATS in their last 10 games overall. Find more NBA betting trends for Suns vs. Pacers.
How to watch Suns vs Pacers
Location
Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN
Date
Thursday, March 12, 2026
Tip-off
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
KTVK, FDSN-Indiana
Suns vs Pacers latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - MARCH 11: Jordan Clarkson #00 of the New York Knicks talks to the media after the game against the Utah Jazz on March 11, 2026 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
I started to watch Wednesday’s game and thought about quitting for a minute.
Only then did I realize we had Jordan Clarkson sitting on the bench, so it was just a matter of time for the Knicks to flip the script.
Here’s the latest from your superheroes in a JC-heavy chapter of the bulletin.
On Clarkson’s play after going through the Jazz’s tribute video:
“It was awesome. I don’t know the Jazz organization. For them to play that video, that was awesome that was unexpected for me. I don’t know if Jordan knew about it, that was a cool touch. And then for him to go out and perform the way he did, you couldn’t ask for anything better, And it says a lot about him. It goes to show he’s not just keeping his body right but his mind his mind is in a good spot to go do that when you’re down 20 in the first half. So just to see that, you couldn’t ask for anything better. Especially from him, who is a veteran who hasn’t been playing or in the rotation and all of a sudden we need.”
On assistant Maurice Cheeks’ advice to bring JC in:
“Mo said earlier today, he said, we got to find a way to get Jordan in the game because he can have a big one for us tonight, we may need it. And Mo is the prophet. He was right on target with it. We needed it every single thing that Jordan brought to the table tonight.”
On the comeback victory against the Jazz:
“Really good comeback win.”
On cleaning up turnovers at halftime:
“We committed eight turnovers for 14 points in the first half and a lot of them were unforced. A lot of those turnovers led to easy baskets in transition for Utah. They had 27 fast-break points in that first half, the way we calculate it. We cleaned both those areas at halftime. We had just four turnovers in the second half, giving up four points off those turnovers, and then we gave up just five fast-break points in the second half. And that was the difference in the game. We gave ourselves an opportunity to shoot the basketball. And when we did, it obviously went in.”
On Clarkson’s all-around performance:
“Jordan Clarkson was huge for us, and we had a lot of guys that played the right way in the second half, including Jalen, but Clarkson kept us in the game when we were down. And then definitely helped us get over the hump with the performance he had. And on top of the 27 points, he had five offensive rebounds, and that helped slow their transition game down. So, he was our defensive player of the game. But just a whale of a game by Jordan in a lot of different areas, his physicality too on the ball was good. He just gave us a spark on both ends of the floor.”
On defensive accountability:
“Everybody’s a lot better with the accountability aspect of it too. Not just making sure we’re holding each other accountable but being OK with being held accountable”
"We started off slow––good halftime for us to all kinda get at each other and let us know we gotta pick it up…Good win"
– Jordan Clarkson on Knicks comeback after 2.5 bad games as he returns to Utah with best stat line since leaving (27-5-3 off bench) pic.twitter.com/HTErk0XfJG
“I spent six years in this arena so the rims are pretty familiar to me. It’s not the first time I’ve been hot in this arena. Just being able to start the flame and keep it going.”
On the emotional return to Utah:
“It was amazing. Just being back here, being back in Utah, feeling the love, this city, this organization, everybody man, showing me love, accepting me when I got here. I still feel the love now. I mean, that was pretty heartwarming. I tried to hold my tears in, just feeling the love it was amazing.”
On the halftime message from Brown leading to the comeback win:
“Get our s–t together.”
On holding each other accountable at halftime:
“It was our halftime speech, in terms of how we came at each other, where we tried to hold each other accountable. And then just came out here and wanted to win.”
On the slow start and second-half response:
“As a team, we started off slow. Good halftime for us to kind of get at each other and let us know we gotta pick it up. Just a good win. It’s not the first time I’ve been high in this building, and I’m just glad it happened here. Continue to keep working and get the next win.”
On staying professional amid a challenging season:
“It’s really not about rotations right now. We got one goal and one goal in mind, and that’s to win each game. As always, next, man up, man. We just trying to compete and win every game.”
“It’s who he is. He comes in & works every single day…I love him…Example for anybody: Doesn’t matter where you are in your career–things may not be going your way–continue to work…Persevere"
– Jalen Brunson on Jordan Clarkson (27 in 26-most minutes since Christmas)
“It’s just who he is. He comes in and works every single day. It’s just who he is, what he’s been able to do throughout his career. Just being able to talk to him all the time has been a joy to have him as a teammate and I love him. It can be an example for anybody. It doesn’t matter where you are in your career. Things may not be going your way. Continue to work and continue to persevere. You never know when things are going to fall into place.”
On the advice he’s given Mikal Bridges as he navigates another slump:
“Tell him to keep shooting. Tell him to keep playing. He’s out there. So he has to continue to be who he is.”
“If that’s what the numbers say, I don’t think the numbers are wrong. I think what we’re doing is a great attention to detail and a level of physicality. I think we can sustain that. We have good players, smart players. You see the formula that it takes for us to be successful. Now we just have to sharpen that.”
On whether aggression is the issue affecting his game of late:
“The aggression thing is not an issue at all. I don’t think that’s the issue at all. Even if I miss a couple, there’s nothing wrong with that. Nah, I don’t think that’s the issue.”
On why he’s struggling to put the ball in:
“I don’t know. I think it’s just the game of basketball. Sometimes you try to get open and sometimes it doesn’t find me. Just try to find ways to stay aggressive. That’s it.”
On Brown’s offensive system and not having many plays called:
“It’s got its pros and cons. You try to have the feel of the game sometimes.”
On adjusting to a reduced role:
“It’s all right. I’m just trying to do whatever it takes to win, trying to find opportunities, try to do all the right things and be aggressive. Sometimes doesn’t come my way. Just try to do other things.”
"Hurry the f*ck up 😆"
–– Jalen Brunson as Jordan Clarkson hugs everyone postgame in Utah from the team owner to the mascot pic.twitter.com/J4btHYkDjB
PORT CHARLOTTE, FL - FEBRUARY 23: Connelly Early (71) of the Boston Red Sox looks on during a spring training game against the Tampa Bay Rays on February 23, 2026 at Charlotte Sports Park in Port Charlotte, Florida. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Is it on TV?
Yes, thank Pedro. In a week when there has barely been any televised Red Sox baseball, this one is on NESN at 1:05 PM. That’s especially fortuitous since there’s no World Baseball Classic action today.
What’s the lineup?
What should we watch for?
It’s all about Connelly Early today. With exactly two weeks until Opening Day, this will be one of his final chances to force himself into the Red Sox rotation.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 06: Jesus Luzardo #44 of the Philadelphia Phillies walks to the dugout during the fourth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in game two of the National League Division Series at Citizens Bank Park on October 06, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) | Getty Images
We’ve got a great night of hoops action. The Celtics take on the Thunder, the Nuggets face the Spurs, and what will Bam Adebayo do for an encore after his 83-point performance?
That means there are plenty of great player props on the board, and my favorites for the day include a play in that Heat game, while Paolo Banchero will pull a magic trick on the glass against the Wizards.
Those and more NBA picks for Thursday, March 12, below.
The Orlando Magic are playing their best basketball of the season. They have climbed to fifth in the East and enter tonight’s matchup vs. the Washington Wizards, as winners of five in a row.
Paolo Banchero is a big reason why. The Magic forward is putting up 25.7 points and 9.5 rebounds per game in his last 10 games.
I want to focus on the rebounds. Washington ranks dead last in rebounding rate and opponent rebounds per game. With Banchero hitting double-digit boards five times during that span, I like him to do it again and record a double-double in the process.
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Where to watch: Monumental, FanDuel Sports Network-Florida
Well, I’m actually more interested in another aspect of that performance. The Heat took 90 shots in that game. Which has been their M.O. all season long. Miami leads the NBA in pace and field goal attempts per game.
That means lots of rebounds, where they allow the third-most per game.
So, let’s go Kevin Porter Jr. Over 4.5 rebounds. Porter is questionable, but it’s a number he’s topped in four of his last five, including hauling down seven in a February 24 meeting against Miami.
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Where to watch: FanDuel Sports Network-Wisconsin, FanDuel Sports Network-South
Prop #3: Victor Wembanyama Over 4.5 steals & blocks
Wembanyama is averaging 4.3 blocks in 11 games since coming out of the break. Now, obviously, books have caught on, generally putting a lot of juice on the Over. But with him also averaging 1.3 steals over that stretch, there’s still value in his steals & blocks prop.
It’s sitting at 4.5 with the Over at plus money for tonight’s game vs. the Denver Nuggets. A number he’s topped in eight times during those 11 games.
Time: 9:00 p.m. ET
Where to watch: Alt, FanDuel Sports Network-Southwest
Cash your ML bets quicker with bet365's early win payout!
Take advantage of the early win payout at bet365, where any pre-game NBA moneyline bet gets paid out as a winner if your team goes up by 20+ points!
Learn more about this feature, and all of bet365's offerings, with our comprehensive bet365 review!
Sign Up Now atimg src="https://img.covers.com/betting/sportsbooks/2/bet365.svg" alt="bet365" width="100" height="28" style="vertical-align: middle;"
21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
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.
SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO - MARCH 06: Edwin Díaz #39 of Team Puerto Rico celebrate 5-0 win against Team Colombia at Hiram Bithorn Stadium on March 06, 2026 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) | Getty Images
With the World Baseball Classic beginning quarterfinal play on Friday, let’s look back to see how all the Dodgers did during pool play in the tournament. Five Dodgers on the 40-man roster played during the opening round, as well as two minor leaguers. In all, nine Dodgers were active in the WBC, representing seven countries.
Star power
Shohei Ohtani reached base nine times in 13 trips to the plate in Pool C, with two home runs, a double, four walks, six runs batted in, and four runs scored, and did not strike out, helping Japan to a 4-0 start to the tournament.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto walked more (three) than he struck out (two) on March 6 in Japan’s opening game against Chinese Taipei, but got through 2 2/3 innings without permitting a run, throwing 55 pitches.
Edwin Díaz faced seven batters in Pool A for Puerto Rico, and struck out five of them, tossing two scoreless innings with one hit allowed.
Will Smith started two of four games in pool play for the United States, and had a double and single in six at-bats, with two walks, and one RBI on a sacrifice fly.
Hyeseong Kim hit a two-run home run for Korea against Japan, but that was his only hit in 10 at-bats during Pool C. Kim drove in three, walked twice, and stole a base in his three games. He injured his left hand in stealing that base in the 10th inning on March 8 against Chinese Taipei, and did not play in Korea’s final game of the pool.
Clayton Kershaw warmed up late in Team USA’s loss to Italy, but did not pitch in Pool B.
Minor leaguers
Jake Gelof played all four games for Israel, starting three at third base. He had two hits, including a double, and three RBI in Tuesday night’s win over The Netherlands. But in the other three games he was hitless in a combined seven at-bats. Before leaving for the WBC, the second-round draft pick from 2023 got into two Cactus League games for the Dodgers, up from minor league camp, playing third base both times.
Christian Suarez, who pitched for Double-A Tulsa last year, got one out for Venezuela in his one appearance. Venezuela already has a berth in the quarterfinals, but first will play one more game against the Dominican Republic on Wednesday night to decide the winner of Pool D.
Shawndrick Oduber, who pitched in 29 games for Class-A Rancho Cucamonga last year as a 20-year-old, was in the pitching pool for The Netherlands, but did not pitch in their four games.
The Detroit Pistons visited the Philadelphia 76ers back in April 2024 and were 15-point underdogs. In 2026, it’s the Pistons who are the 15-point chalk.
I'm not crazy about backing Detroit at a big number, but my 76ers vs. Pistons predictions have found some value in a Tobias Harris player prop.
That and more NBA picks for this Eastern Conference clash set to tip off at 7:00 p.m. ET on Prime Video this Thursday, March 12.
76ers vs Pistons prediction
76ers vs Pistons best bet: Tobias Harris Over 5.5 rebounds (+102)
The Philadelphia 76ers were always going to be underdogs in this matchup, but all the injuries are why the number is so big.
Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, and Kelly Oubre Jr. are all out. And more recently, Andre Drummond has been downgraded to questionable.
Philly already struggled on the glass, ranking 22nd in rebounding rate and 19th in opponent rebounds per game. The Detroit Pistons have the third-highest rebounding rate in the NBA.
So, give me Tobias Harris Over 5.5 rebounds. He’s hauling down 6.5 rebounds per game over his last 12, topping this number seven times.
76ers vs Pistons same-game parlay
With all those injuries, somebody's going to have to score for the Sixers. My best bet in this case is Cam Payne. The journeyman guard showed he can still get buckets after coming off a 32-point performance against the Memphis Grizzlies.
With not many other options to take shots, over 12.5 points looks like a solid bet here.
However, that doesn’t mean Philly will score consistently. The Pistons are one of the best defensive teams in the NBA, ranking second in defensive rating. They’ll keep the Sixers under their team total in this one.
76ers vs Pistons SGP
Tobias Harris Over 5.5 rebounds
Cameron Payne Over 12.5 points
76ers TT Under 103.5
Our "from downtown" SGP: Bad Boys on the Boards
Just carrying on the theme that the Sixers will be bullied on the boards tonight. Isaiah Stewart has snagged five or more boards in three of his previous five, while Cunningham has snared six or more rebounds in three of his last six contests.
76ers vs Pistons SGP
Tobias Harris Over 5.5 rebounds
Jalen Duren Over 10.5 rebounds
Cade Cunningham Over 5.5 rebounds
Isaiah Stewart Over 4.5 rebounds
76ers vs Pistons odds
Spread: 76ers +15.5 (-110) | Pistons -15.5 (-110)
Moneyline: 76ers +750 | Pistons -1200
Over/Under: Over 221.5 (-110) | Under 221.5 (-110)
76ers vs Pistons betting trend to know
The Pistons have hit the Game Total Under in 25 of their last 40 games for +9.60 Units and a 22% ROI. Find more NBA betting trends for 76ers vs. Pistons.
How to watch 76ers vs Pistons
Location
Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI
Date
Thursday, March 12, 2026
Tip-off
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
Prime Video
76ers vs Pistons latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
Jaylen Brown is in the midst of the best season of his career — which is saying something for a five-time All-Star who not only has a championship ring but also a Finals MVP trophy to pair with it. With Jayson Tatum out most of the season in Boston, Brown has stepped up as the No. 1 option, has career highs in points (28.3), rebounds (7.1) and assists (5.1) and has the Celtics looking like the favorites to come out of the East.
However, after his third season in the league in 2019, Brown questioned whether that success would ever come in Boston alongside Tatum, and whether he should push for a trade. In an appearance on the "Cousins” podcast with Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady, Brown revealed it was McGrady who talked him out of asking for a trade back in 2019. After that season, Brown went to live with McGrady in Houston for part of the offseason.
"Right around that time after that season that we lost in a second round to the Bucks (2019). I came right after that to Houston to get some work in. And I'm so grateful for that time and I'm I'm grateful to this day for you opening up your crib to me and just coming to be able to kick it with the fam and just ask questions and get some good advice about how I should look at the next couple years and how I should think about and where my mind should be at at the time. And you told me the potential that I have and what I needed to do if I needed to make it work and I followed those instructions to achieve and fast forward I became an NBA champion...
"Coming and sitting down with T-Mac. We spent a couple days just working out and talking, having some food, and he's telling me like, I'm thinking like one thing and he's thinking like, nah, you need to stay, it's going to be you. He's telling me all the stuff that all just manifested itself. So, I can't even like, it's crazy looking back on it now."
That next season, Brown made a leap — he was not just taking more shots but was far more efficient — and he scored 20.3 points a game, his first time breaking 20 (and he has never been below that number since).
This season, Brown's play has earned him MVP ballot consideration, as he has reached yet another level when his team needed him. However, we may never have seen that if seven years earlier, McGrady had not talked Brown out of the idea of leaving Boston.
JUPITER, Fla. – Clay Holmes will forgo the remainder of the World Baseball Classic to prepare for the Mets’ season.
The right-hander was headed back to spring training Thursday, according to manager Carlos Mendoza, after conversations with Team USA officials determined he was unlikely to receive the innings buildup needed for his first start this season.
Clay Holmes pitches during the WBC. Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Holmes pitched three scoreless innings for Team USA against Great Britain last week.
“It was hard for Team USA to guarantee him (innings) – especially where they are at, where every game is pretty much an elimination game,” Mendoza said before the Mets faced the Cardinals in the Grapefruit League. “It’s hard, especially as a piggyback, to guarantee the number of pitches we are asking him to get.
“It’s not an easy spot for managers now in the WBC. It’s easy to second guess and I have been in those tournaments and people have no idea how hard it is to please every organization, so Clay had a good talk with the coaching staff and they understand.”
Mendoza indicated the plan was “fluid” for Holmes when he departed for the WBC.
Clay Holmes pitches on March 1 during spring training. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
“They are facing an elimination game and the starter needs to go 60-65 pitches and we’re getting there, so they understood,” Mendoza said.
Holmes will pitch in a piggyback, behind Kodai Senga, on Friday, according to Mendoza.
The Ottawa Senators are getting back their forfeited 2026 first-round pick, though it is being moved to a later position.
The NHL restored the pick on Thursday, March 12, but moved it to the end of the first round at No. 32 overall. The league said the Senators could not trade or transfer the pick. The team will also be fined $1 million Canadian.
The original forfeiture stemmed from a 2021 trade of Evgenii Dadonov to the Vegas Golden Knights. The Golden Knights traded Dadonov to Anaheim in 2022 but hadn't been informed that the Ducks were on the player's no-trade list. That trade was invalidated and the Senators were later told that they would have to forfeit their first-round pick in 2024, 2025 or 2026.
Here's what to know about Thursday's decision, including how it affects the draft and the draft lottery:
Why was the pick restored?
The punishment was handed down after Michael Andlauer purchased the Senators in September 2023. General manager Pierre Dorion stepped down after the penalty. The NHL said Andlauer had filed for relief based on the move being done under previous ownership, and the league agreed to modify the punishment.
"We fully accept the modified sanctions the league has imposed today. We are grateful for the league and commissioner keeping an open mind on this issue and modifying the penalty," Andlauer said in a statement. "The Senators organization is appreciative the fine money will be directed to the NHL Foundation Canada, to help grow the sport in our country. We consider this matter closed and will have no further comments on the situation."
How does this affect the draft?
Normally, the Stanley Cup champion (or the team that acquired that pick) would draft 32nd overall. They will draft 31st instead, and all other teams that finish ahead of the Senators in the standings will move up one pick.
How does this affect the draft lottery?
If the Senators miss the playoffs, they will be assigned the usual lottery odds based on where they finish. But they won't be allowed to win the lottery. If the drawing picks the Senators' combination of numbers for the No. 1 or No. 2 overall pick, there will be a redraw.
Where do the Senators currently stand?
The Senators are five points out of an Eastern Conference playoff spot and are ranked 17th in the league. They have 18 games left.
CLEARWATER, Fla. – Every Little Leaguer in the Philadelphia area from 2005 to 2015 wanted the number.
Even today, a decade after it was informally retired, it remains popular in the stands back home at Citizens Bank Park and down here in spring training.
26.
For Phillies fans, the number is synonymous with Chase Utley.
The great former Phillies second baseman was back in Clearwater on Thursday as the team announced he would become its 51st Wall of Famer in an August 7 ceremony at Citizens Bank Park.
Dan Baker, no doubt, is already loosening up his vocal cords …
Number 26, Chase Utley!
But how different it might be if Utley had gotten his wish 20 years ago.
In high school and later at UCLA, he wore No. 7.
“It was always my lucky-ish number,” he said.
As a minor-leaguer attending big-league spring training camp, Utley first wore a football number – 78. When he graduated to the majors, he was assigned No. 26, which wasn’t a bad thing because he got to sit next to Jim Thome in the spring-training clubhouse.
Wearing 26 on his back, Utley became the Phillies’ regular second baseman in the second half of the 2004 season and began a rise to stardom in 2005.
But he still longed to wear his old favorite, No. 7.
After that season, Utley approached Frank Coppenbarger, the team’s longtime clubhouse and equipment man about possibly changing numbers.
“I’d begun to establish myself a little bit so I figured I’d ask,” Utley said.
Coppenbarger was OK with the switch and started to get the ball rolling. He ran it by the front office. The number was open so there were no major objections. The next step was alerting Majestic, then the uniform manufacturer for Major League Baseball.
That’s where there were objections.
“A couple of weeks later, Majestic got back to me,” the now-retired Coppenbarger recalled Thursday. “They were really concerned. They had several thousand ‘Utley 26’ jerseys in stores all over the region and they didn’t want to eat all those jerseys.”
Coppenbarger explained the situation to Utley.
“Oh, wow,” Utley said at the time. “Forget it. Let’s keep 26.”
Two decades later, Utley recalled that conversation on Thursday.
“From that day on, I felt like 26 was my number,” he said. “It worked out pretty good.”
Sure did.
In 13 seasons with the Phillies, Utley played in 1,551 games, made six National League All-Star teams and won four Silver Slugger awards. He was part of a homegrown core of players (along with Jimmy Rollins, Ryan Howard, Cole Hamels, Pat Burrell and others) that won five NL East titles, two NL pennants and a World Series from 2007 to 2011. He played in 46 postseason games for the Phillies and hit seven home runs, five in the 2009 World Series. He ranks in the franchise’s top 10 in a slew of categories, including runs, hits, RBIs, doubles, homers, total bases and extra bases.
You can add standing ovations to that list. Dubbed “The Man” by legendary broadcaster Harry Kalas, Utley was a huge fan favorite not only for his talent and production but also his heads-up, gritty style of play.
On the night the Phillies won the World Series in 2008, Utley made an instinctive defensive gem to cut down Tampa Bay’s Jason Bartlett at the plate. It ranks with Brandon Graham’s strip-sack of Tom Brady in Super Bowl LII as one of the most iconic defensive plays in Philadelphia sports history.
Phillies owner John Middleton praised Utley as “one of the greatest players in franchise history.” Middleton sees the Wall of Fame as a place to honor “Phillies history and its great players, great personnel and great moments.”
“When Chase’s plaque goes up on the Wall of Fame in August, he will deservedly live permanently and visibly forever in Phillies history,” Middleton said.
Utley is the third player from the 2008 World Series championship team to be honored on the Wall of Fame, joining Burrell and Rollins. Manager Charlie Manuel and general manager Pat Gillick have also been honored. In the coming years, more 2008 Phillies will surely be feted. Howard’s time will come soon. Hamels’, as well. Both were in Clearwater for the Utley announcement Thursday.
“For me, being able to hit behind Chase all those years and getting to see it first-hand, watching him work to do his thing day in and day out, was amazing,” Howard said. “Now, for him to be enshrined on the Wall of Fame, it’s awesome. It’s awesome to see a player and leader like that be recognized.
“As a player, you don’t set out for this type of stuff. It just happens when you do great things, and what Chase did was great. For me, answering these questions now — I’m standing here, but mentally, I’m in the on-deck circle watching his greatness. He’s a special player and a special individual.”
The Wall of Fame likely will not be the last great honor for Utley. In January, he received 59.1 percent (of a necessary 75 percent) of the vote in his third year on the Hall of Fame ballot. With seven years of eligibility remaining, he seems like a shoo-in. When that day comes, Phillies fans will flock to Cooperstown with No. 26 on their backs and the team will officially retire the number that no one has worn since him.
And to think, it could have been No. 7.
“I’m glad Chase didn’t change his number,” Frank Coppenbarger said. “Now, 26 is iconic. He’s 26 and he’ll be 26 forever.”
Feb 20, 2026; Surprise, Arizona, USA; Texas Rangers catcher Willie MacIver (47) in the sixth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Texas Rangers lineup for March 12, 2026 against the Athletics of the West Coast.
Two weeks from Opening Day, and we have a spring training game this afternoon. It is against the Athletics. Jack Leiter is starting.
Paolo Banchero
Kevin Porter Jr.
Victor Wembanyama
