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Kodai Senga makes spring debut, allows two home runs in Mets' win over Cardinals

The Mets beat the St. Louis Cardinals, 3-2, on Saturday afternoon at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium in Jupiter, Fla.

New York is now 6-5 in Grapefruit League play.

Here are some takeaways...

-- Kodai Senga had an encouraging first start of spring training, despite allowing two solo home runs.

The right-hander threw 50 pitches (34 strikes) over 2.2 innings, letting up two runs on three hits with two strikeouts. He had a solid first inning, getting a pop out and an inning-ending 4-6-3 double play with his fastball topping out at 98.9 mph

Senga recorded his first strikeout against JJ Wetherholt for the first out of the second inning, catching the star prospect looking on a slider. After a nice catch by Mike Tauchman in right field, Senga gave up a homer to Joshua Baez on a fastball down the middle. Senga gave up the second home run to Miguel Ugento in the third inning with two strikes in the count. The righty was replaced after getting a groundout vs. Masyn Winn.

Overall, Senga's fastball averaged at 96.7 mph (hitting 98-plus three times) and he threw it 18 times (36 percent of pitches). He also worked in a cutter (nine pitches), slider (seven pitches), forkball (seven pitches), sweeper (five pitches), sinker (three pitches), and curveball (one pitch). Opposing hitters swung 25 times and whiffed six times (24 percent).

-- Cardinals starter Kyle Leahy threw four perfect innings with five strikeouts. He struck out the side in the fourth inning against Tauchman, Jorge Polanco (second time), and Bo Bichette.

-- Brett Baty recorded New York's first hit of the game in the top of the fifth inning on a line drive to left field. Baty also showed off his speed and stole second base. He went 2-for-3 at the plate, tacking on a seventh-inning single, and logged six innings at first base defensively.

Tauchman drove in Jackson Cuff from first base on a double to center field in the sixth to make it a 2-1 game. He finished the day 1-for-3 with the RBI. Luis Torrens also went 1-for-3 with a seventh-inning single.

-- Cristian Pache made an impressive catch in the bottom of the sixth inning, slamming into the center field wall to rob Nolan Gorman of extra bases.

-- Luis Garcia, Luke Weaver, and Brooks Raley all tossed scoreless innings. Garcia was the only reliever to not record a strikeout, while Raley was the only one to give up a hit. Weaver also flashed his glove by fielding a bunt and sliding to first to get the out.

-- New York tied the game in the seventh inning on an error and then Wyatt Young recorded a go-ahead RBI-single in the top of the eighth, giving the team a 3-2 lead.

-- Prospect Jack Wenniger threw three scoreless innings to seal the victory, striking out five Cardinals (three in the eighth inning) and allowing three hits. He escaped a first-and-third jam in the ninth thanks to a nice play from Young, charging the ball and throwing home to prevent the game-tying run. Wenninger threw his changeup just as much as his fastball (16 out of 52 pitches), getting seven whiffs (out of nine swings) on the off-speed pitch. His fastball averaged 96.0 mph and topped out at 97.4 mph.

Highlights

What's next

Opening Day starter Freddy Peralta takes the mound on Sunday afternoon against the Yankees.

First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 p.m. on PIX11

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Mets' Kodai Senga showing results of productive offseason, ready to put past behind him: 'It's a new me'

The 2026 season will be huge for Kodai Senga.

After the Mets right-hander burst onto the scene in 2023, quickly becoming the team's best starter and earning Rookie of the Year votes, the next two years were marred by injuries and ineffectiveness, especially in 2025. After starting the year looking like he did during his rookie campaign, Senga suffered an injury in June that derailed his season.

Senga never returned to his dominant form and became ineffective on the mound and off the field. The right-hander was simply unhappy with his mechanics to the point where the Mets sent Senga to the minors at the end of the year. Trade rumors swirled this offseason, but Senga is still in a Mets uniform and hoping to put those issues behind him.

Making his spring debut on Saturday, Senga pitched 2.2 innings, allowing two runs on three hits (two homers) while striking out two batters. 

"I feel very good, felt very good. Been able to attack all the things I wanted to work on from last year," Senga said after his outing via an interpreter. "I think that’s flourishing now."

The most noticeable aspect of Senga's start was his velocity. According to StatCast, Senga topped out at 98.9 mph and his average velocity was 96.7 mph. The 33-year-old said that's a result of him feeling good physically and with his mechanics.

"It’s clear when I’m not feeling great, the velo doesn’t tick up like that," Senga said. "It’s clear the velo wasn’t there [last year], too. But like I said, I feel good. I’m content with where I’m at. Obviously, there’s still some work to do, but overall I’m happy." 

Senga said he used his first spring start to work on some things and the two solo homers were a result of that, and "no big deal" to the starter. He said he'll continue to use this spring to work on some things, especially getting acclimated to the changes in his mechanics. Senga wasn't willing to go in-depth with the adjustments -- not yet, at least, because the explanation "can get long" -- but reiterated its importance to how he pitches. 

"That’s the most important thing, the mechanical changes that I’ve made," he said. "Battling back from the injury in 2024, getting myself, getting my body back to where I need to be so I can perform. I feel like I’m there now."

In 2024, Senga started the season on the IL with a shoulder strain and when he finally returned in late July, he suffered a calf strain in his first start, which knocked him out until the postseason.

While it's just one spring start, Senga understands that MLB is all about evolution and adjustments. He's approached this offseason with that mentality and continues to attack this spring, preparing himself to be a "new" Kodai Senga.

"I know my body is different from where it was three years ago, now. I’m not really trying to get back to that," Senga said. "It’s a new me and trying to find new mechanics."

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza spoke about that "different version" of Senga prior to Saturday's start and that new mentality is encouraging for the skipper. Part of that new mentality is Senga's self-awareness. And with accomplished vets like Freddy Peralta and Clay Holmes in the rotation, and youngsters in the form of Nolan McLean, Senga's spot is not guaranteed and he needs to constantly make himself better.

"In this industry, you either perform or you don’t. I haven’t proven anything over here," Senga said. "Keeping that in mind, I was able to spend a good, productive offseason and here I am."

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Wrexham 2-4 Chelsea: FA Cup fifth round – as it happened

Chelsea survived a major scare at Cae Ras, twice coming from behind before beating 10-man Wrexham in extra-time

7 min Chelsea look happy to move the ball around and take the sting out of the atmosphere. Wrexham aren’t seeing much of the ball but haven’t been troubled defensively.

4 min A pretty quiet start to the game, at least on the field. The Wrexham fans are still making a very decent noise.

Continue reading...
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Ozzie Albies' 3-run walk-off HR lifts Netherlands vs. Nicaragua in WBC

Angel Obando never made it out of the Dominican Summer League, hasn't been affiliated with a Major League Baseball team for eight years yet, at the age of 27, was one strike from pitching Nicaragua to an epic upset over Netherlands in the World Baseball Classic on March 7.

Instead, up two runs with two outs in the bottom of the ninth, the bases empty and two strikes on the batter, Obando saw a dream outcome for Dusty Baker's Nicaragua squad turned into a nightmare by three major league stars.

Boston Red Sox center fielder Ceddane Rafaela dunked a squibber into right field - exit velocity, 76.7 mph - to bring the tying run up. San Diego Padres All-Star shortstop Xander Bogaerts dribbled a ball down the third base line - that struck the bag for a fluke double.

And then, Obando delivered a first-pitch fastball over the heart of the plate to three-time All-Star Ozzie Albies, who with a simple flick sent the ball over the right field wall at loanDepot Park, delivering the heavily favored Netherlands a stunning 4-3 victory that keeps itself alive in Pool D in Miami.

Albies got the standard ice bath after crossing home plate, though his teammates were likely too stunned to produce a garish celebration.

So, too, were the Nicaraguans.

Obando cursed into his mitt after Rafaela's ball dropped into right, as if to foresee the coming calamity. Baker, soon to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, chomped on his toothpick, per usual, in the Nicaraguan dugout.

Yet nine innings of nearly pristine baseball got undone in just three batters, capping a brutal 18-hour sequence for Nicaragua.

They held leads of 1-0 and 3-2 against a Dominican Republic squad that thoroughly outmanned them on paper, and carried a 3-3 tie into the bottom of the sixth in their March 6 opener. But Junior Caminero's home run snapped the deadlock and the dam burst: Dominican Republic 12, Nicaragua 3.

Undaunted, Nicaragua came back just hours later and broke a 1-1 eighth-inning tie on Jeter Downs' two-run homer. Obando, who'd pitched 2 2/3 innings of scoreless relief against a lineup of five current or recent major league regulars, came back out to close it out.

The first two outs came easily, as a group of Nicaraguan fans gathered behind home plate to video the final out of this upset. Instead, they were left to witness a stunning Netherlands celebration.

And was just one strike, one good hop, away from doing so.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Netherlands downs Nicaragua in WBC with three-run walk-off HR

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Didier Fuentes dominates, Mike Yastrzemski homers again in 2-2 contest

Grant Holmes took the mound against the Orioles, as the Braves stacked their lineup with most of their regular bats.

Holmes had a mixed day on the mound, as he issued 3 walks in 2.2 innings, something Grant has been prone to in his major league career, but striking out 3 and holding the Orioles scoreless during his time on the mound. He also drew a solid 7 whiffs over his 58 pitches. Tyler Kinley and Dylan Lee each worked scoreless innings in relief with a strikeout each and Kinley issuing a walk. Didier Fuentes came into the game in the sixth and opened some eyes hitting 98 with his fastball, and ultimately ending his first inning with a whiff on 98 above the zone. He did get some defensive help from Drake Baldwin, throwing out a runner attempting to steal second who had never been thrown out in his minor league career. Fuentes came back out for the seventh and was even more dominant, striking out the side and topping out at 98.8 MPH on his fastball. Fuentes drew an impressive 7 whiffs in his 25 pitches. James Karinchak continued his dominant spring, allowing a baserunner on a soft grounder that led to some confusion between Riley at third and Gil at shortstop, but striking out 3 in a scoreless eighth.

On the offensive side, the Braves were pretty quiet for the first half of the game. Michael Harris did draw a walk early in the game, as he continues to look more patient and discerning with pitches this spring than he has been so far in his career. The offense broke out in the sixth, as Drake and Olson started the inning with two hard hit outs and then Austin Riley and Mike Yastrzemski went back to back with two solo homers as those two have been hitting the ball well this spring.

Hot prospect John Gil continued to demonstrate his advanced approach, drawing another walk in the eighth. The Orioles were able to tie things up at 2 runs on a bit of a weird sequence in the ninth, giving some Braves prospects a chance to walk things off in the ninth, but the youngsters were unable to muster a baserunner, leaving the game as a tie.

Overall, the Braves generally did what you want to see from a spring game. The bats mostly hit the ball well and the pitchers that are of any relevance looked anywhere from fine to great. We’ll be back tomorrow for another 1:05 PM ET start against the Rays.

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Game No. 62 Preview: Flyers vs. Penguins

The final meeting of the season between the Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins arrives under unusual circumstances for both teams.

Pittsburgh will take the ice without two of their superstars—Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin—while Philadelphia arrives with a slightly altered lineup following the trade that sent Bobby Brink to Minnesota and a call-up from Lehigh Valley that will see Alex Bump make his NHL debut. 

1. Pittsburgh Without Crosby and Malkin Changes the Dynamic

For nearly two decades, the identity of the Penguins has revolved around two names: Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.

Therefore, their absence dramatically alters the tactical landscape of this matchup.

Crosby, who is out of the lineup due to a lower-body injury sustained at the Olympics, has an undeniable influence that extends far beyond scoring totals. His puck protection, faceoff dominance, and ability to dictate pace through controlled offensive-zone possession have long forced opposing teams to adjust defensive matchups.

Malkin, who was suspended for five games after slashing Buffalo's Rasmus Dahlin, meanwhile, has historically provided the Penguins with a second offensive engine—capable of generating offense through power and creativity in transition.

Without them, Pittsburgh’s attack becomes more distributed but less predictable. The Penguins may lean more heavily on speed through the neutral zone and a committee-style offensive approach rather than the familiar star-driven structure.

For Philadelphia, the challenge is psychological as much as tactical. Rivalry games can produce complacency when star players are absent. The Flyers must resist that temptation. Even without Crosby and Malkin, Pittsburgh remains a team capable of exploiting defensive lapses.

2. The Flyers’ Offensive Structure Must Adjust Without Bobby Brink

The trade sending Bobby Brink to the Minnesota Wild created both opportunity and disruption within Philadelphia’s forward group.

Brink had become an effective playmaking presence, particularly when deployed alongside Noah Cates and Tyson Foerster. His ability to maintain possession along the boards and distribute the puck under pressure allowed that line to sustain offensive-zone time.

Replacing that skill set is not as simple as just inserting another winger into the lineup.

Without Brink, the Flyers may rely more heavily on collective puck support rather than individual playmaking. Transition entries may need to be simpler, with an emphasis on speed and direct attacks rather than prolonged possession cycles.

3. Alex Bump’s NHL Debut Brings Opportunity

Tonight’s game will also mark the NHL debut of Alex Bump, a winger who has steadily climbed the Flyers’ prospect rankings.

Debuts rarely unfold predictably. Some players attempt to do too much, eager to justify the opportunity. Others play cautiously, prioritizing safe decisions over creative instincts.

The ideal outcome lies somewhere in between.

Bump’s offensive instincts and ability to find open ice made him an intriguing addition to the lineup, but his immediate role will likely be straightforward: forecheck aggressively, move the puck quickly, and avoid unnecessary risks.

If Bump channels that energy into disciplined play, he could provide the Flyers with a spark—particularly against a Penguins defense adjusting to new offensive patterns without its traditional stars.

4. Rivalry Games Demand Emotional Control

The Battle of Pennsylvania has historically produced moments of volatility. For the Flyers, emotional discipline will be crucial.

Rivalry intensity can either elevate a team’s focus or derail its structure. Philadelphia’s recent success has been built on controlled aggression: physical play within a system that prioritizes defensive positioning and puck management.

Maintaining that balance in Pittsburgh’s hostile environment will be essential. The Penguins, especially without Crosby and Malkin, may rely on physical engagement and pace to disrupt Philadelphia’s rhythm.

The Flyers must respond with composure rather than escalation.

Projected Lines

Philadelphia Flyers

Forwards:

Trevor Zegras - Christian Dvorak - Owen Tippett

Denver Barkey - Noah Cates - Matvei Michkov 

Alex Bump - Sean Couturier - Nikita Grebenkin 

Carl Grundstrom - Luke Glendening - Garnet Hathaway 

Defense:

Travis Sanheim - Rasmus Ristolainen

Cam York - Jamie Drysdale

Emil Andrae - Noah Juulsen

Goalies:

Dan Vladar

Sam Ersson

Pittsburgh Penguins

Forwards:

Avery Hayes - Rickard Rakell - Bryan Rust

Egor Chinakhov - Tommy Novak - Ville Koivunen

Anthony Mantha - Ben Kindel - Justin Brazeau 

Connor Dewar - Blake Lizotte - Noel Acciari 

Defense:

Parker Wotherspoon - Erik Karlsson 

Samuel Girard - Kris Letang

Ryan Shea - Connor Clifton

Goalies:

Stuart Skinner

Arturs Silovs

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Brennan Othmann Gets Much-Needed Fresh Start With Flames

Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

Brennan Othmann could still transform into an impactful NHL player, but it just won’t be with the New York Rangers. 

On Friday, the Rangers traded Othmann to the Calgary Flames, finally giving the fresh start he so desperately needed. 

Chris Drury once thought highly of Othmann, given that he was his first draft pick as president and general manager of the Rangers. 

Despite the high expectations placed on Othmann upon being drafted, his game never quite translated to the NHL level, and his play was inconsistent in the American Hockey League as well.

The 23-year-old forward has spent the past two seasons getting sent up and down from the Hartford Wolf Pack of the AHL to the NHL, struggling to carve out a permanent role with the Rangers. 

Over the past two seasons, Othmann has played a total of 39 NHL games, recording one goal, two assists, and three points.

"He's a terrific kid and worked extremely hard to try and make it work here,” Drury said of Othmann. “For a number of reasons, it just didn't. To no one's fault. I think he'd been looking for a new opportunity, and really wanted to give him that chance. 

“Just like any other deal, not going to give him away. Think he's a good young player and we were able to get the prospect we did with Calgary and made the deal. Certainly, no hard feeling on our end and wish him luck."

When he was in the Rangers’ lineup, Othmann played a limited bottom-six role, and he was oftentimes called up for short stints before quickly being sent back down to the AHL. 

Chris Drury Gives Reasoning For Holding On To Vincent Trocheck Past Trade DeadlineChris Drury Gives Reasoning For Holding On To Vincent Trocheck Past Trade DeadlineWhen New York <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-rangers/">Rangers</a> president and general manager Chris Drury issued a letter on Jan. 16 outlining the team’s plan to “retool” the roster, the expectation was that the Blueshirts would be busy ahead of the NHL Trade Deadline.&nbsp;

Othmann hinted at his confidence struggles at certain points, but for the most part, he spoke with a positive tone, conveying a sense that he can turn things around. 

“We wish Otter well,” Sullivan said. “He’s trying to find his way, and obviously has high aspirations for himself. He has the ability to be an NHL player. We tried to work with him in certain aspects of his game in trying to define what the expectations were to try and carve a path for him or provide a path for him to be a New York Ranger, and for whatever reason, we couldn’t seem to make it work. 

“We wish him the very best, he’s a great kid, he’s a good player, and we wish him very well in his stop in Calgary.”

Othmann’s departure marks yet another Rangers’ prospect who has failed to carry over their game to the NHL and was traded because of it. 

Time will only tell if Othmann can reignite his career in Calgary.

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Spring Training Game Thread #14: Milwaukee Brewers (6-7) @ Los Angeles Angels (5-9)

Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Brandon Woodruff (53) throws in the outfield during spring training workouts Saturday, February 14, 2026, at American Family Fields of Phoenix in Phoenix, Arizona. | Dave Kallmann / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Milwaukee Brewers are back in action on Saturday afternoon as they’ll travel to take on the Los Angeles Angels for Brandon Woodruff’s spring debut.

Woodruff, the only pitcher to not appear this spring of the non-Quinn Priester variety (Priester’s availability to begin the season is in doubt as he deals with wrist discomfort), will get the start for the Crew. DL Hall, Trevor Megill, Grant Anderson, Easton McGee, and Drew Rom are also slated to pitch in this one.

The Brewer offense will take on Grayson Rodriguez, who was traded to Los Angeles from Baltimore this offseason. Sal Frelick bats leadoff and starts in center today, followed by Blake Perkins and Andrew Vaughn. Gary Sánchez bats cleanup as the catcher, with Luis Rengifo and Brandon Lockridge rounding out the middle of the order. Luke Adams bats seventh as the DH with Cooper Pratt and Jesús Made bringing up the back of the lineup.

The Angels are rolling with most of their starters, as a split-squad day means many of their reserves will be in Las Vegas taking on the A’s.

First pitch is slated for 2:10 p.m. CT on 620 WTMJ and the Brewers Radio Network.

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Arizona Diamondbacks Spring Training Gameday Thread, #16 vs. Giants

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - MARCH 16: A general view of the MLB spring training baseball game between the Oakland Athletics and Arizona Diamondbacks at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on March 16, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Just time for the barest of Gameday Threads this afternoon. Here’s our line-up, which saw a late change with Crisantes coming in to replace Torin. There were also some shuffling of other positions, like Vargas moving over to 3B and Fernandez covering short in place of Torin:

A busy day of World Baseball Classic baseball is already well under way. Michael Soroka started for Canada in their 8-2 win over Colombia. He went three innings, and allowed a run on four hits, with a walk and a pair of strikeouts. He was followed o the mound by Indigo Diaz, who posted a zero in the fourth, allowing one walk but striking out a pair. Jatoine Kelly started for the Netherlands, as they also won, 4-3 over Nicaragua. He pitched a pair of scoreless innings on one hit, one walk and three K’s. Druw Jones went 2-for-3 with a walk in that game too.

This game is on the radio, through Arizona Sports 98.7 FM.

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Spring Training Game Thread: Texas Rangers at San Francisco Giants

SURPRISE, ARIZONA - MARCH 6: Jacob Latz #67 of the Texas Rangers participates in a fielding drill prior to a Spring Training game against the Seattle Mariners at Surprise Stadium on March 6, 2026 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Today the Texas Rangers head over to Scottsdale, AZ for a Cactus League matchup against the San Francisco Giants.

Taking the mound for Texas will be LHP Jacob Latz in his latest audition for the fifth spot in the rotation. Opposing him will be LHP Carson Whisenhunt for San Francisco.

Today’s Lineups

RANGERSGIANTS
Sam Haggerty – RFWilly Adames – SS
Wyatt Langford – CFMatt Chapman – 3B
Corey Seager – SSPatrick Bailey – C
Jake Burger – 1BCasey Schmitt – 2B
Kyle Higashioka – CBryce Eldridge – 1B
Joc Pederson – DHLuis Matos – LF
Josh Smith – 2BGrant McCray – CF
Mark Canha – LFJerar Encarnacion – RF
Ezequiel Duran – 3BDaniel Susac – DH
Jacob Latz – LHPC. Whisenhunt – LHP

The Giants have a telecast which will also be on MLB Network out of market, otherwise you can listen via 105.3 The Fan or follow along on Gameday. First pitch from Scottsdale Stadium is scheduled for 2:05 pm CT.

Go Rangers!

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Spring Training GAME THREAD: Guardians vs. Padres

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - MARCH 05: CJ Kayfus #2 of the Cleveland Guardians rounds the bases after hitting a home run in the first inning against the Chicago White Sox during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch on March 05, 2026 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Here’s your Guardians’ lineup for the day:

Kwan CF

Valera LF

Ramirez 3B

Arias SS

Manzardo DH

Hoskins 1B

Rocchio SS

Hedges C

Kayfus RF

Cecconi P

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Islanders Gameday: In San Jose with Schenn, #10

Now #92 in your program… | NHLI via Getty Images

The 2025-26 New York Islanders begin the rest of their season with a roster that has three veterans they did not have a couple of months ago. Two of them were once semi-stars but are now in their decline — while carrying cap hits that reflect the former phase than the latter — but Mathieu Darche is betting they will add enough to carry this year’s team forward into securing their playoff position and possibly making a little noise. The impact on following seasons is for another day.

The newest, Brayden Schenn, joins the team for their game in San Jose tonight, where his former Blues teammates beat the Sharks, 3-2 in overtime, despite lobbing only 14 shots on goal.

Newly extended backup Alex Nedeljkovic was in goal for that one, so the Islanders will presumably face Yaroslav Askarov tonight.

Based on the first draft of lines, the Islanders see Schenn as a center, a second-line center, pushing Calum Ritchie to the wing. That might be a subtle improvement as Ritchie adjusts in his rookie season at age 20, but it’s also asking too much a lot of Schenn, who was frequently moved to wing with the Blues over the past few seasons. With the matchups, and J-G Pageau taking on some assignments, maybe it’s more like they have two third lines.

First Islanders Goal picks go here.

Islanders News

“You should see the texts we got from former players, players that have been with him,” says Mathieu Darche in the media availability scrum below. This does not surprise me at all; I’m a fan of Schenn’s game at its peak and his approach even today. The challenge and fear is that was yesteryear. Former players are former players for a reason. Schenn probably gets, and delivers, a boost down the stretch here in this new environment, and freed from the burden of captaining a team that was in full identity crisis.

The impact on following seasons is, again, for another day.

At the beginning of this hotel interview about leaving the Blues, Schenn talks a little bit about excitement for the team and opportunity he’s joining — and later, about he and his brother Luke fielding “probably 45 calls” since 11 p.m. the night before discussing possible trade destinations and logistics with family:

Here’s how they may line up tonight:

And Schenn on the power play, too. He’s a smart player who still has hands, so…well, surely he can’t make the PP any worse?

I’m actually curious to see if the Isles ever use Schenn in 3-on-3 overtime. You wouldn’t think it from his speed at this age, but he can be effective and finish coming down the wing in that role.

  • Our reactions (and comment fights) to the trade and the extension of J-G Pageau. [LHH]
  • Another bit of trivia and orientation: Schenn will wear the #10 he’s worn at every NHL stop — save for his first callup in Philly — while Simon Holmstrom will take #92, while Lou Lamoriello rolls over in his retirement chair.
  • Previewing tonight: The Islanders look to come out of their California slump. [Isles]
  • A little more on those morning lines, with Anthony Duclair coming into the lineup in place of Kyle MacLean. [Isles]

It’s a laaaaate start tonight, 10 p.m. EST — and EDT starts tomorrow, you’ll lose an hour! — but I know we’ll all be curious to see how they look and do.

Elsewhere

  • Evgeni Malkin suspended five games for trying to chop a guy’s head off. Maybe he’ll learn by the time he retires? [NHL]
  • New Duck John Carlson carries mixed emotions after 17 seasons in D.C. [NHL]
  • What the hell is the Leafs’ plan now? (You hate to see it…) [Sportsnet]
  • Winners and losers: “There’s nary a bad vibe to be found in Buffalo these days, but it still had to be disappointing to think an Olympic-calibre defenceman in Parayko was coming your way, only to find out you were going to be Luke Schenn’s 10th NHL team.“ [Sportsnet]
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Evan Mobley knows what he has to do to make partnership with James Harden work

MILWAUKEE, WI - FEBRUARY 25: Evan Mobley #4 and James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers look on during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on February 25, 2026 at Fiserv Forum Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images). | NBAE via Getty Images

INDEPENDENCE — James Harden’s ability to make each of his new teammates better in different ways has stood out in the first nine games with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The instant chemistry he’s developed with Donovan Mitchell, Jarrett Allen, and Sam Merrill has been easy to see. Evan Mobley is looking to be the next Cavalier to benefit from playing alongside the all-time great guard.

“He’s not scared to take risks,” Mobley said about playing alongside Harden after practice on Saturday. “There’s a lot of benefits with how he just controls the game.”

Mobley hasn’t had the same time to develop chemistry with Harden. He missed Harden’s first few games with the team due to a calf strain. As such, they’ve played in just five games and 99 minutes together, but the results have been impressive.

Cleveland has been good on both ends of the court when Harden and Mobley share the floor. They’re scoring 118.4 points per 100 possessions (76th percentile for offensive ratings) and allowing 102.3 points per 100 possessions (99th percentile for a defensive rating) when both are playing. These lineups have outscored opponents by 16 points per 100 possessions, which is in the 98th percentile for net rating.

It’s a much smaller sample size when Mobley is the only center on the court (just 57 possessions). Groups with Harden and Mobley, but without Allen, have been better offensively as they’ve posted a 122.8 offensive rating (95th percentile). The defense hasn’t been as good as they’ve had a 120 defensive rating (20th percentile) and just a +2.8 net rating (65th percentile). It’s worth noting that the Cavs have been without Dean Wade in most of these lineup configurations, which likely hurts how they’ve performed defensively.

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Lineups with Mobley as the only big alongside Harden will likely get tested on Sunday against the Boston Celtics. Allen may not be able to go as he’s still dealing with knee soreness after leaving Tuesday’s game against the Detroit Pistons with a knee injury.

Offensively, these groups have thrived due to Mobley knowing exactly what he needs to do to make things work on that end.

“I got to be dominating the paint,” Mobley said. He pointed out that it includes setting good screens and being aggressive offensively so that Harden can attack in the pick-and-roll.

Being a more physical screen setter is an area Mobley needs to improve. He is good at finishing in the pick-and-roll and can have success alongside Harden by just slipping screens. However, doing so doesn’t create the same space for Harden that a physical screen does. And he knows this.

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“Hitting my screen hard,” Mobley said when asked how he could help Harden. “They’re going to put the best defenders on him, make sure we get [his defender] off James.” Mobley also mentioned that they want to get switches in these actions, which requires him to roll hard to the basket to do so.

There’s a learning curve that comes with playing alongside a new pick-and-roll partner, which is something the duo is still working through.

“Tendencies, that’s the main thing,” Mobley said. “When they like to throw it. How they like to throw it, how they would like to come off the screen as well. When he looks to attack, when he doesn’t. … I’ve been watching him most of my life, so I know some of his tendencies, but as you play with him, you learn more and more.”

Plugging Harden into the offense has worked incredibly well so far for the Cavs, but there are still areas that the team needs to work through. And they only have 19 games to do so. As of now, they’re confident that’s enough time for everyone to get up to speed.

“We’ve done a great job so far,” Mobley said. “All the guys fit in pretty well. We just got to keep sharpening it.”

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Washington Nationals late additions to the bullpen impressing in camp

BALTIMORE, MD - APRIL 29: Baltimore Orioles pitcher Cionel Pérez (58) throws a pitch during the game between the New York Yankees versus the Baltimore Orioles on April 29, 2025 at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore, MD.(Photo by Charles Brock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Washington Nationals added two experienced relievers on minor league deals right as camp was starting. Drew Smith and Cionel Perez have been quality big league relievers in the not too distant past, but have seen their stock fall due to injuries in the case of Smith and a dropoff in production for Perez. Now, they will look to bounce back on a team with plenty of bullpen spots up for grabs.

Each have made two scoreless appearances so far, and have looked good. Perez has been particularly sharp. After a rough year, it seems like Perez was in the lab this offseason. His fastball is in the mid to upper 90’s and his breaking ball has looked really sharp. He caught Ronald Acuna Jr. looking on a nasty slurve the other night.

At this point, I would be very surprised if Perez did not make the team. From 2022 to 2024, Perez made at least 60 appearances each season and was a valuable member of the Orioles bullpen. At just 29 years old, there is a decent chance last year was just a blip on the radar.

Perez’s BABIP in 2025 was .391, which is just unsustainably high. The Nats infield might be somewhat problematic for the ground ball heavy lefty, but that batting average on balls in play number is inevitably going to come down. His career BABIP is .303, so I really think last year was a fluke in that regard. 

There are some pitchers, like MacKenzie Gore, who run high BABIP numbers because of the quality of contact they allow, but Perez is not like that. His expected batting average number was low at .213 and he does not allow many barrels. Perez’s ERA is inevitably going to come down, just by getting better batted ball luck.

One thing I am more worried about is his control. He has always allowed his fair share of walks, but that number spiked in 2025. His 16.4% walk rate is simply too high. Perez is going to walk people, but he needs to get that number closer to 10%, which is where he was before 2025.

If Perez does become a contributor, I think he will become a bit of a fan favorite. The amount of velocity he gets from a small frame is crazy. He also seems like a big personality. Perez has long flowing hair and can be quite fiery on the mound. He also had a funny tradition of catching home runs with his hat while sitting in the O’s bullpen. I wonder if he will bring that to DC.

The situation for Drew Smith is a bit less straightforward in my opinion. He has thrown the ball well so far, but I do not think he is a lock to make the team out of camp. I certainly think we will see him at some point, but I think he could benefit from some time in AAA.

Smith had not pitched since June of 2024 before this spring. He underwent Tommy John Surgery, the second one of his career. Coming back from a second TJ can be quite dicey. I would not be surprised to see the Nats give Smith some time to acclimate before throwing him in the big leagues.

The 32 year old was an effective reliever for the Mets from 2021 until his injury in 2024. He has missed a lot of time though, which is why he had to settle for a minor league deal. Smith is a strikeout artist who can really spin the ball though.

He has tossed two scoreless innings this spring, but his velocity has been down a tick. However, his fastball has always relied more on its shape than the pure velocity. The shape has been solid. He has been leaning heavily on his slider. The velocity of that pitch is down over 3 MPH, so I wonder if this is a different type of slider than what he was throwing before.

Before picking up Smith and Perez, the Nats bullpen was painfully short on experience. These guys are not sure things, but they have been there and done that before. That is more than you can say for most of the other guys in the Nats ‘pen. They should also be very hungry to prove themselves.

If Spring Training is any indicator, these could be shrewd additions for Paul Toboni. You just never know with relievers though. At this time last year, I was hyping up Lucas Sims and Colin Poche, and we all know how that turned out. Hopefully these guys prove to be better than that, and help the Nats bullpen improve after they were the worst unit in baseball last year.