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Gerrit Cole pitches scoreless inning in first spring training appearance since Tommy John surgery

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Gerrit Cole returned to a mound to pitch in a game after a 377-day absence and threw a scoreless first inning Wednesday for the New York Yankees in an exhibition game against the Boston Red Sox.

Cole threw 10 pitches, seven for strikes, including six four-seam fastballs that averaged 97.1 mph, ranging from 98.7 mph 96.1 mph. He threw two sliders and a pair of knuckle-curves.

His first pitch, a 96.6 mph fastball to Braiden Ward, was bunted to the right side for a single as Cole slid toward the base trying to field it. Ward stole second, held as Kristian Campbell flied out and was caught stealing third by catcher Austin Wells.

Jason Delay lined a 1-2 fastball into left for a single, and Nathan Hickey grounded out on a first-pitch knuckle-curve.

Pitching with a slight beard — the Yankees relaxed their facial hair policy last year — Cole showed his altered windup, in which he puts his hands over his head.

A 35-year-old right-hander, Cole had Tommy John surgery on March 11 last year with Los Angeles Dodgers team physician Dr. Neal ElAttrache.

His last official outing was in Game 5 of the 2024 World Series that Oct. 30. The six-time All-Star pitched in two spring training games in 2025, the last on March 6.

Cole threw his first bullpen of spring training on Feb. 13 and faced hitters for the first time seven days later.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone projects Cole to make his season debut in late May or early June.

Cole’s 2024 season debut was delayed until June 19 because of nerve irritation and edema in his right elbow. He went 8-5 with a 3.41 ERA in 17 starts for New York and was 1-0 with a 2.17 ERA in five postseason starts.

Cole is signed to a $324 million, nine-year contract through 2028. He has a 153-80 career record and 3.18 ERA over 317 starts with Pittsburgh (2013-17), Houston (2018-19) and the Yankees (starting in 2020).

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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

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Washington Nationals option top catching prospect Harry Ford to Triple-A

HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 06: Harry Ford #1 of Team Great Britain celebrates in the dugout with props after hitting a solo home run in the sixth inning during a World Baseball Classic game against Team Mexico at Daikin Park on March 06, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Houston Astros/Getty Images) | Getty Images

It felt like it was trending this way for a little while, but Harry Ford was officially optioned to Triple-A this afternoon. Paul Toboni acquired Ford in a trade that sent Jose A. Ferrer this offseason. At first, I thought Ford would have a good chance of cracking the Opening Day roster. However, as camp progressed, it was clear the new regime wanted to give Keibert Ruiz another chance.

That is an understandable decision, especially considering the service time ramifications for Ford. However, I cannot say I am fired up about a Keibert Ruiz and Drew Millas catching tandem. The Nats had the worst catching situation in baseball last season, yet they still did not give Ford a spot on the Opening Day roster.

Yes, we will see plenty of Harry Ford this season, but I am still bummed out that he did not make the Opening Day roster. I really hope Ruiz’s contract doesn’t give him a longer leash than he deserves. While Ruiz showed promise in 2022 and 2023, the last two seasons have been disastrous for the Venezuelan catcher. As a bat first catcher, he has posted a .619 and .595 OPS the last two seasons. 

His contract which runs through the 2030 season and a solid spring have given Ruiz another shot behind the plate. However, his leash is going to be shorter this time. With Ford in the fold, he has real competition for the first time in DC. Hopefully, he can rise to the challenge, but I have my doubts. Ruiz has serious flaws on both sides of the ball which have persisted for years.

Ford is far from a perfect player himself, but he would provide new blood. He also represents a big investment from Paul Toboni. Ford had solid WBC and an up and down spring, but he showed why the Nats got him. He walked a lot this spring, which is a big part of his game. Ford also showed off some power for Great Britain at the WBC.

I do not think sending Ford down is an irrational decision by any means, it is just a bit of a bummer. Fans were excited to see him, and now they are going to have to wait a little longer. Ford already has a strong track record in AAA with a .283 average and .868 OPS at the level last year.

However, the new regime clearly thinks he needs more seasoning. I would not be surprised if a big reason for the demotion is to work on his defense. While Ford has steadily improved on that side of the ball, there is still more work to be done.

Another reason for this demotion could be service time related. If teams keep a player in the minors long enough, they can gain an extra year of team control. That deadline usually comes sometime in mid to late April, so it would not be a surprise to see Ford called up around then.

I cannot say I am excited about this decision, but it is understandable. Keibert Ruiz has looked better this spring, but he still has a lot to prove before he can regain faith from the fanbase. Hopefully we see Harry Ford sooner rather than later.

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Bless You Boys 2026 Detroit Tigers prospects #13: RHP Kelvis Salcedo

LAKELAND, FL - MARCH 16: The scoreboard displays a Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) Challenge sponsored by T-Mobile during the spring training game between the Detroit Tigers and the Philadelphia Phillies at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium on March 16, 2026 in Lakeland, Florida. The Tigers defeated the Phillies 13-6. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

While it feels like the baseball gods have laid low every Detroit Tigers pitcher under the age of 22, that’s not strictly true. One of the best stories at the A-ball levels last summer was the emergence of right-hander Kelvis Salcedo. While there is certainly relief risk present in his frame and delivery, Salcedo arguably boasts the nastiest set of pitches in the whole farm system already, so we’ll kick off our 45 FV tier with a pitcher who will have a lot of eyes on him in 2026 as he looks to build on a breakout campaign.

The Tigers signed 20-year-old Kelvis Salcedo back in January 2023, as he was turning 17. He hails from Santa Barbara del Zulia, Venezuela in the northwestern corner of the country. Salcedo wasn’t a big bonus prospect in a class where catcher Enrique Jimenez and outfielder Anibal Salas were the big names at the time, but he’s already outpaced them in terms of future major league projections.

The young right-hander stands 6’0” but while his official weight is 180 pounds, he’s clearly bulked up since that weigh-in and has filled out in his chest and legs significantly. He looks like he’s probably touching 215 pounds or more. That additional muscle now powers a fastball that can clip 99 mph at max effort. It’s a fairly high effort delivery, but as he continues to develop things may come more easily for him. There really isn’t any physical projection left, and the program for him is more about building more functional strength rather than filling out any further.

Salcedo will sometimes utilize a rock step with the bases empty, but either way it’s a simple motion and he’s basically pitching out of the stretch most of the time already. Like most with a higher arm slot, he has to pull his head hard to the first base side to create space for his arm path to get to that high three-quarters position, and as a result he will spin off to the first base side at times. Still, while he’ll occasionally sail a fastball or have his cutter and slider back up on him somewhat, he’s already an effective strike thrower who pounded the zone very well for his age and didn’t walk too many batters. He hides the ball well and that delivery makes it hard to pick up his release point until a hitter has seen him a few times.

A delivery with a good deal of visible upper body effort to throw hard is something scouts tend to key on as a poor sign for a future starting pitching role, and Salcedo isn’t the long-limbed, lanky 6’3”-6’5” with big extension that teams favor these days in a starting role. As a result, Salcedo gets high relief risk marks. Of course, you can tell that to Max Scherzer and many other high effort starters around the league. It’s just up to the player to put the work in to get in the best shape possible by the time they reach the major leagues. Salcedo may well be able to keep repeating his delivery with better efficiency as he builds up reps into his early 20’s. So, right now it’s just a note of caution as to his future role, and we’ll see how well he holds up to full seasons of pro ball the next two years.

The right-hander worked with fourseam fastball, cutter, and splitter last season, though he will mix in a slider and sinker as well, per Statcast. He can really spin the baseball to go with the raw velocity, and has a pretty intriguing fourseam fastball shape. In Lakeland last summer, Salcedo’s average fastball was already 95.4 mph and he topped out at 98.5 mph. The deception in his delivery helps balance out his below average extension, but it’s still not a huge, whiff generating fourseamer. The movement is more deceptive than explosive. It looks like a fourseamer in terms of spin alignment on the ball, but instead it has some late cut and drop that routinely had hitters breaking bats and beating it into the ground last summer. Hitters don’t swing and miss at it much, but they really struggled to barrel it up.

Salcedo backs the heater with a nasty 88-89 mph cutter that averaged 2711 rpms of spin last year. It plays off the fastball well with sharp late break to his gloveside and average depth. He drew a whopping 50 percent whiff rate on the cutter last year. His slider moves like the cutter but with a little more depth in the mid-80’s, and Salcedo tended to turn to it once he already had a hitter down and was trying to get them to chase down. It too produced a huge whiff rate, but it’s inconclusive whether these are even two distinct pitches as they blur together often. He might do better adding a spike curveball from that arm slot for a change of pace and something with more downward action.

His best pitch is a pretty spectacular changeup that looks like a splitter although the grip hasn’t been confirmed. It’s a mid-80’s offspeed pitch and Salcedo really kills the spin on it to go with the velocity separation, getting serious late drop and armside run on it. This is already a consistent plus pitch and drew a 60 percent whiff rate in Lakeland. When he’s really commanding it well it’s better than plus and you won’t see a nastier changeup anywhere in the minor leagues.

Salcedo had a really good Dominican Summer League season in 2024, and arrived stateside last year to pitch in the Complex League. He dominated there, and then moved over to the Single-A side to pitch for the Lakeland Flying Tigers in August and early September. He was already boasting an ERA under 2.00 in Complex League action, with really good strikeout to walk ratios, but things clicked into another gear in full season ball as he finished the year with a flourish. Salcedo only spent about a third of his season there, but he put up a 1.54 ERA with a downright crazy 39 percent strikeout rate against a walk rate of just 7.3 percent. He threw strikes, he didn’t give up hard contact, and the cutter and changeup generated tons of whiffs. If he was a young college draft pick this would be outstanding, but when you also consider that Salcedo only turned 20 in January of 2026, that’s particularly eye-popping.

Salcedo made 10 starts and had 18 appearances in 2025, throwing a combined 68 2/3 innings between Complex League ball and the Florida State League. He finished with a 1.83 ERA and a 2.88 FIP and a combined 33.5 percent K-rate. So, we have a very young pitcher here doing all the things we were hoping to see from recent top picks like Owen Hall, Paul Wilson, Zach Swanson, Ethan Schiefelbein, among others.

Like any young starter, Salcedo has to refine his game and prove he can hold up to a starter’s workload over the next few seasons. His frame and delivery raise some red flags for relief risk, but even as a reliever he’s got a good chance at a long career in high leverage work. On the other hand, the stuff is already overpowering from an A-ball standpoint and he had no real issues throwing a lot of strikes. As long as he’s handling the workload, the Tigers will rightfully continue to develop him as a starter. There’s a chance that Salcedo turns out to be a really good one. If they decide to convert him to relief at some point, Salcedo already has closer caliber stuff when he airs out the fastball. He could prove a really great weapon for the Tigers’ bullpen.

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White Sox solidify Opening Day rotation

Anthony Kay provides a lefty look with bite, balance, and just enough edge to keep hitters guessing. | (David Durochik/Getty Images)

Will Venable told reporters on Tuesday that Chicago’s Opening Day rotation is set, and there is nothing here that’s unexpected. 

Shane Smith comes off a strong rookie campaign to head the rotation, eyeing a second All-Star nomination and looking to improve upon a strong 7-8 record, 3.81 ERA, and 1.20 WHIP. If Smith can keep his performance at a similar level and tack on a few more starts, he’ll take significant pressure off a bullpen that now needs more help than expected.

Last year’s Opening Day starter Sean Burke gets the No. 2 spot, which is a strong testament to Venable’s confidence in him. His six quality starts and ability to pitch deep into games make him a logical choice to back up Smith, helping build in a lighter workload for relievers.

Anthony Kay, slotting in third, is not at all shocking upon closer inspection. His lefty arm breaks up the two straight righty starters. Additionally, his reformed sinker ball and emergence as a strikeout pitcher from playing in Japan offer a dynamic and natural deviation from Smith and Burke’s styles. His 1.72 ERA, 130 punchouts in 24 games, and veteran presence almost serve as a palate cleanser before getting to the back half of the bullpen. 

Davis Martin at fourth is a bit interesting, considering he was Venable’s second rotation arm in 2025, but with the first half set, it’s difficult to put him anywhere else. Martin’s pitching wasn’t mind-blowing last season, but he showed glimpses of brilliance. He lasted at least five innings in 23 of his 26 games, and he recorded two runs or fewer in 11 of his games. His range, from a durable innings eater to an effective strikeout-seeker, offers plenty of upside with a tolerable amount of risk. Sensible for a fourth pitcher.

Finally, the prodigal son, Erick Fedde, brings up the rear. Venable is justified in prioritizing young guys and newcomer Kay in the rotation over a veteran traded away in 2024. Zach Bove and Co. should be carefully dissecting Fedde’s command issues and dramatic decline from a 3.30 ERA in 2024 to a 5.49 ERA last year. Perhaps he missed pitching for Chicago so much, or maybe it’s because he didn’t have Ethan Katz whispering in his ear during mound visits. The southpaw is looking to squeeze a couple more years of baseball out of that arm, and the Sox are hoping they don’t have to go to the pen before the fourth inning when he starts.

All told, it’s a rotation built on balance more than flash — a clear blend of upside, durability, and just enough experience to stabilize things early. If the top half delivers as expected and the back end holds its own, this group should give Chicago a fighting chance to stay competitive while the rest of the roster finds its footing.

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Former Laker Lamar Odom reflects on first hit of cocaine, near-fatal overdose and more in new doc

Lamar Odom attending his Celebrity Boxing contract signing.

A new Lamar Odom documentary is promising to shed new light on all the ups and downs of Lamar Odom’s life.

“Untold: The Death & Life of Lamar Odom” is slated to air on Netflix on March 31, and it’ll address his near-death experience in Las Vegas, his NBA career, his addiction and his relationship with Khloe Kardashian.

An 88-second teaser for the project, which dropped earlier this month, shows Odom talking about his first encounter with cocaine.

A new documentary is promising to shed light on all the ups and downs of Lamar Odom’s life. NBAE via Getty Images

“That first hit of cocaine was amazing,” he said, before adding, “but you unlock a vault that you can’t really control.”

Kardashian can also be heard in the preview recalling times where Odom would “escape rehab and go on a drug bender.”

Odom also gave his thoughts on the afterlife in the clip.

While fans wait for the film to drop, Odom is dealing with a legal matter stemming from his January run-in with cops in Nevada.

Odom’s attorney, Kevin Coburn, submitted a not guilty plea on the former NBA player’s behalf inside a Las Vegas court room on Tuesday.

Pro Tem Justice of the Peace Bruce Nelson listens during an arraignment for former NBA player Lamar Odom on a DUI charge in Las Vegas Justice Court at the Regional Justice Center on March 17, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Getty Images

At the proceedings, Coburn also requested a bench trial for his client, which was set for July 7.

Odom is facing three misdemeanors in the case — one count of DUI, one count of speeding 41 MPH over posted speed limit and one count of failure to properly maintain travel lane — after authorities alleged he drove over 100 MPH while under the influence on a Las Vegas highway on Jan. 17.

Attorney Kevin Coburn speaks during an arraignment for his client, former NBA player Lamar Odom, on a DUI charge in Las Vegas Justice Court at the Regional Justice Center on March 17, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Getty Images

An incident report stated Odom was pulled over for going well over the posted speed limit of 65 MPH and he smelled of marijuana during the ensuing traffic stop.

Lamar Odom was hit with multiple misdemeanors following his January arrest in Nevada. Getty Images

The former Laker was then arrested after he allegedly failed field sobriety tests.

Coburn, according the Las Vegas Review-Journal, declined to comment on the allegations against Odom on Tuesday, though the attorney did confirm his client had completed rehab in the wake of the arrest.

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Pittsburgh Penguins At Carolina Hurricanes Preview: Lineup Changes, Where To Watch

The Pittsburgh Penguins will finish their five-game road trip against the Carolina Hurricanes on Wednesday night.

The road trip started in Raleigh last Tuesday and will end with another game against the Canes. This will be the third of four matchups between the two teams this season. The Penguins won the first game back on Dec. 30 before the Hurricanes won the second game in a shootout last Tuesday. 

The Penguins have won two in a row coming into this contest, while the Hurricanes lost 5-1 to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday night. They'll be playing the second half of a back-to-back with travel, while the Penguins had Tuesday off. 

Sebastian Aho is having another strong season for the Hurricanes, compiling 24 goals and 68 points in 67 games. Andrei Svechnikov, who scored in the shootout against the Penguins last Tuesday, is also having a good season, racking up 25 goals and 59 points. 

Seth Jarvis was on the Team Canada Olympic roster and has been fantastic this year,  leading the Hurricanes with 28 goals. He also has 53 points and is steady every time he's on the ice. 

Jaccob Slavin is one of the best defenseman in the NHL and is elite at suppressing chances in his own zone. He'll see a healthy amount of time against the Penguins' top line, which will look a bit different for this game (and going forward). 

Brandon Bussi started in goal for the Hurricanes on Tuesday, meaning Frederik Andersen will likely replace him on Wednesday.

As mentioned above, the Penguins' top line will look a bit different because Sidney Crosby is officially back. He skated on a line with Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust during the morning skate and will return after missing 11 games. 

Here's a look at the projected lineup: 

Forwards

Rakell-Crosby-Rust

Chinakhov-Novak-Malkin

Mantha-Kindel-Brazeau

Soderblom-Dewar-Acciari

Defensive pairs

Wotherspoon-Karlsson

Shea-Letang

Solovyov-Clifton

Stuart Skinner will start in goal after Arturs Silovs started on Monday. 

Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. ET on SportsNet Pittsburgh. Fans can also listen to the game on 105.9 'The X.'

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

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Gerrit Cole flashes heat during eventful inning in Yankees spring debut

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Aerial view of a baseball game in progress, Image 2 shows New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole on the mound

TAMPA — It was only a Grapefruit League exhibition, and only 10 pitches in one inning.

But 53 weeks after undergoing Tommy John surgery, Gerrit Cole returned to the mound for his first game action on Wednesday afternoon at Steinbrenner Field, checking off another significant box in his comeback toward potentially rejoining the Yankees by May.

Cole looked as sharp as one can while only throwing 10 pitches — he was set to head down to the bullpen afterward to throw about 20 more — flashing some life on his fastball, which topped out at 98.7 mph, in the scoreless frame.

The 35-year-old threw six fastballs (averaging 97.1 mph), two sliders and two knuckle curveballs.

He allowed two singles — one on a bunt up the first base line on the first pitch he threw — but also got some fielding work in when he covered first base on a groundout to end the inning.

Cole still has more hurdles to clear over the next two months before he could return to a big league mound, building up his workload and stamina after not throwing a single inning last season.

Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole throws a pitch against the Red Sox during the first inning of a spring training game on March 18, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

But the Yankees are eagerly awaiting his return, and Wednesday’s tease only re-emphasized that feeling, allowing them to dream on what their rotation could look like with him in it.

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Oh deer! Rory McIlroy puts elk on the Masters champions dinner menu

  • Reigning champion reveals elk helped fuel 2025 win

  • Champ, a traditional Northern Irish side, is an accompaniment

Elk as the key to Masters success: who had any i-deer? Rory McIlroy will serve starters made from the meat of the North American animal at Augusta National next month in tribute to his food of choice before winning the Masters last year.

The wine McIlroy drank to toast victory, food that conjures ­memories of his childhood in Belfast and a dish made by his mother, Rosie, also ­feature in the ­Masters ­champion’s dinner for 2026. In a nod to the venue’s attention to detail, McIlroy revealed that chefs from Augusta made a special visit to a New York restaurant to replicate his favourite tuna recipe.

Continue reading...
Posted on

Oh deer! Rory McIlroy puts elk on the Masters champions dinner menu

  • Reigning champion reveals elk helped fuel 2025 win

  • Champ, a traditional Northern Irish side, is an accompaniment

Elk as the key to Masters success: who had any i-deer? Rory McIlroy will serve starters made from the meat of the North American animal at Augusta National next month in tribute to his food of choice before winning the Masters last year.

The wine McIlroy drank to toast victory, food that conjures ­memories of his childhood in Belfast and a dish made by his mother, Rosie, also ­feature in the ­Masters ­champion’s dinner for 2026. In a nod to the venue’s attention to detail, McIlroy revealed that chefs from Augusta made a special visit to a New York restaurant to replicate his favourite tuna recipe.

Continue reading...
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Fantasy Basketball Week 21 Injury Report: Giannis, Anthony Edwards among the sidelined stars

It's playoff time in fantasy basketball, which means many fantasy managers are scrounging for any value to be had on the waiver wire. And it's especially difficult to do when a star player has been sidelined due to injury. There are some key players on the mend during Week 21, with some likely missing Week 22 as well.

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F Michael Porter Jr., Brooklyn Nets

Porter has missed Brooklyn's last three games with a sprained right ankle and was listed as questionable for the team's March 18 game against the Thunder at the time of publishing. Danny Wolf (10 percent rostered, Yahoo!) has, as has been the case throughout the season, been his replacement in the starting lineup. While the overall production has not made the rookie a must-add, he did record a double-double in Brooklyn's March 14 loss to the 76ers. Plus, with Day'Ron Sharpe suffering a season-ending thumb injury, more opportunities may open up for Wolf, even if he and Sharpe have not been used in similar positions this season.

C Moussa Diabaté, Charlotte Hornets

Diabaté injured his left hand during the fourth quarter of Tuesday's rout of the Heat. He's been more productive than many expected him to be before the season began, doing enough to lock down the starting center job. If Diabaté has to miss time, Ryan Kalkbrenner (10 percent rostered) may find himself back in the starting lineup, and there may also be times when Grant Williams (one percent) has to absorb some of the available minutes at the center position.

C Jarrett Allen, Cleveland Cavaliers

Allen's knee injury has sidelined him for the last two weeks, most recently sitting out Tuesday's win over the Bucks. That was the first of three games the Cavaliers will play in Week 21, all on the road, and the starting center has been ruled out for all three. Allen's absence has shifted Evan Mobley (100 percent rostered) to the center position, raising his fantasy ceiling as the lone big in the starting lineup. Sam Merrill (six percent) has been the fifth starter, which gives him a little more value, but Max Strus (14 percent), who made his season debut on Sunday, adds another option for head coach Kenny Atkinson. While his production decreased on Tuesday after hitting six three-pointers in his season debut, Strus was the projected starter before his foot injury.

G Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons

Cunningham left Tuesday's win over the Wizards after playing five minutes due to back spasms. Daniss Jenkins (two percent) offered legitimate fantasy value earlier this season when the Pistons were shorthanded, and he'd have another opportunity if Cunningham misses time. Marcus Sasser (less than one percent) made some starts while the Pistons were without Ausar Thompson, but his upside would be limited in this scenario.

G Stephen Curry and C Al Horford, Golden State Warriors

Curry has been out since late January due to a right knee issue described as "runner's knee." He is due to be re-evaluated toward the end of Week 21, which effectively takes the sharpshooter off the board for the Warriors' final three games of the week. From a fantasy basketball standpoint, the hope is that Curry can return soon enough to make an impact, even if his playing time is restricted. Brandin Podziemski (46 percent), Gui Santos (36 percent) and De'Anthony Melton (15 percent) have all taken on larger roles with Curry out, although the latter still is not playing both games of back-to-backs. And with the Warriors ending Week 21 with a back-to-back, Melton loses some of his luster.

As for Horford, a mild right calf strain has sidelined him for the entirety of Week 21, with the veteran center set to be re-evaluated at the end of the week. Kristaps Porziņǵis (91 percent) was outstanding in Monday's win over the Wizards, but availability remains a concern for him. Draymond Green (74 percent) returned to the lineup on Monday after missing two games with a back injury, but he has largely underwhelmed this season. There's no reason for shallow-league managers to consider adding him at this point.

F Kawhi Leonard and G Bennedict Mathurin, LA Clippers

Leonard sprained his left ankle during a March 14 loss to the Kings and did not play in Monday's loss to the Spurs. However, he did travel with the team for a three-game trip that begins with games in New Orleans on Wednesday and Thursday, and he was considered questionable at the time of publishing. If Leonard can play on Wednesday, can fantasy managers get two games out of him? That's the question. John Collins (77 percent) moved into the starting lineup on Monday, playing 26 minutes and finishing with 11 points, nine rebounds, four assists and one steal. He's been a bit limited due to a recent return from a neck injury, so shallow-league managers considering Collins will need to keep their expectations in check.

Unfortunately for the Clippers, they won't have one of the players expected to pick up the slack in Leonard's absence for their road trip. A toe injury has sidelined Mathurin and he will miss the three-game trek, opening a massive hole in the bench rotation. Jordan Miller (five percent), who put up 22 points, nine rebounds and three assists against the Spurs, has not been a very good category league option due to lackluster production outside of points, rebounds and assists, but he may be worth the risk in deeper points leagues if Leonard can't return on Wednesday.

G Scotty Pippen Jr. and F/C Santi Aldama, Memphis Grizzlies

Two Grizzlies underwent season-ending surgeries on Tuesday. Pippen underwent a procedure on his right big toe, while Aldama had one on his right knee. According to the team, both players are expected to make a full recovery ahead of the 2026-27 season.

In the backcourt, Ty Jerome (25 percent) remains the most valuable fantasy asset when healthy. Cam Spencer (17 percent) also possesses value despite being in a reserve role, while Walter Clayton Jr. (three percent) started Monday's loss to the Bulls with Jerome sidelined. Javon Small (16 percent) is the wild card due to his status as a two-way contract player. He was removed from the injury report ahead of Wednesday's game against the Nuggets, likely a sign that he'll be good to go. But there may be a few more nights when he's inactive due to the 50-game rule.

In the frontcourt, the Grizzlies will continue to rely on GG Jackson (23 percent), Olivier-Maxence Prosper (nine percent) and Taylor Hendricks (eight percent). For those seeking defensive stats, Hendricks has been most productive, while Prosper has started every game but once since the All-Star break.

F/C Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat

A calf injury kept Adebayo out of Tuesday's loss to the Hornets, leading to Norman Powell (91 percent) being moved back into the starting lineup. He's going to be a starter once the Heat are whole, and there aren't many leagues where he remains available. The players to watch once Adebayo is healthy are Kel'el Ware (64 percent) and Pelle Larsson (11 percent). While the former offers a higher ceiling, his inconsistent production has at times limited his minutes. Also, if Andrew Wiggins (52 percent) can return from his toe injury during Week 21, Ware and Larsson are likely headed to the bench.

F Giannis Antetokounmpo and C Myles Turner, Milwaukee Bucks

The day after Antetokounmpo appeared to injure his left knee on an awkward landing during the team's March 15 win over the Pacers, he was listed on the initial injury report as out for Tuesday's loss to the Cavaliers with a sprained ankle. The injury would eventually be characterized as a bone bruise and hyperextension of his left knee. Tuesday evening, it was announced that Antetokounmpo will be re-evaluated in one week, which could take him off the board for part of Week 22.

Add in Myles Turner, who's out with a strained calf, and the Bucks were down two frontcourt starters for Tuesday's loss to the Cavaliers. Taurean Prince (less than one percent) and Jericho Sims (two percent) filled the resulting voids, neither offering much fantasy value, with the latter being limited to 16 minutes. Bobby Portis (37 percent) and Ousmane Dieng (six percent) were far better despite coming off the bench; Portis may be the only trustworthy option for fantasy managers.

G Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves

Edwards has been dealing with inflammation in his right knee for a little while, and he reportedly will be re-evaluated in one to two weeks. Ayo Dosunmu (27 percent) and Bones Hyland (five percent) will have added value, with the former being the priority fantasy add. Dosunmu started Tuesday's win over the Suns and finished with 19 points, five rebounds, two assists and one three-pointer. Hyland also played well, tallying 22 points, two rebounds, five assists, one steal and four three-pointers. Also, Edwards' injury means that Julius Randle (98 percent) snapping out of his recent funk takes on heightened importance. He finished the win over the Suns with 32 points, seven rebounds, two assists, three steals and two three-pointers.

F Keegan Murray, Sacramento Kings

Sidelined since aggravating his sprained left ankle during a February 25 game against the Rockets, Murray is due to be re-evaluated in two weeks, as of March 13. The question for redraft league managers is whether holding onto Murray is worth the risk at this point in the season. Precious Achiuwa (39 percent) and Nique Clifford (23 percent) are the two players to add, with Dylan Cardwell (six percent) being someone to consider for those needing rebounds. Daeqwon Plowden (four percent) was another player worth considering in deep leagues, but he exited Tuesday's loss to the Spurs with a left leg injury.

G Keyonte George, Utah Jazz

George strained his right hamstring during a March 11 loss to the Knicks, with the Jazz giving him a re-evaluation timeline of two weeks. In addition to Week 21, that may take him off the board for Week 22 as well. Isaiah Collier (43 percent) is the priority for fantasy managers, and he's a player who should have been added well before George's most recent injury. Brice Sensabaugh (31 percent) doesn't have point guard eligibility, but Utah's need for scoring makes him an attractive option, especially in points leagues. Lastly, EJ Harkless (one percent) has scored in double figures in three of his last four outings and logged 40 minutes in Sunday's loss to the Kings.

G Trae Young and C Alex Sarr, Washington Wizards

Young suffered a right quad contusion during Monday's loss to the Warriors and did not play against the Pistons the following night. As has been the case in the past, Bub Carrington (eight percent) moved into the starting lineup, and he was sensational. The second-year guard logged 37 minutes and scored a season-high 30 points. Carrington may be worth holding onto even if Young can play in Thursday's rematch with the Pistons, as Young has played no more than 24 minutes in any of his five appearances for the Wizards.

As for Sarr, his hamstring was cited as the reason for his absence from the lineup on Monday. For Tuesday's game, it was the second-year center's toe that prompted his absence. Julian Reese (two percent) and Anthony Gill (less than one percent) were the replacements in the starting lineup for those two games, with Tristan Vukčević (10 percent) playing limited minutes off the bench in both. While Reese has had his moments, a healthy Vukčević offers the highest fantasy upside if Sarr can't return on Thursday, but the playing time is a concern. Since returning from a thigh injury that sidelined him for four games, Vukčević has not exceeded 21 minutes in any of his five appearances.

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Highlights: Spurs drop franchise-record 25 threes on Kings

Mar 17, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Carter Bryant (11) scores against Sacramento Kings forward Doug McDermott (7) during the second quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images | Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

Coming off their 50th win of the season against the Los Angeles Clippers, the Spurs traveled to Sacramento on a SEGABABA to take on the Kings for the final time this season. Dylan Harper and Luke Kornet returned from injury, but Devin Vassell was ruled out with ankle soreness. Nonetheless, from the opening tip, the Spurs quickly built a double-digit lead and never relinquished it. After building a 17-point lead after the first quarter, the lead ballooned to 31 at halftime. In the third, the Kings kept a scoring pace to match the Spurs, but the 31-point deficit did not change at the end of the quarter. No matter who checked in for the Spurs, they were on an absolute heater. 13 Spurs players scored at least one point, and altogether they drained a franchise-record 25 three-pointers. The Spurs ultimately won in a wire-to-wire domination, 132-104.

Victor Wembanyama led the way with 18 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and a block. Wemby shot 50% from the field and only played 22 minutes due to the blowout. Nonetheless, he still managed to swat Maxime Raynaud. He drove to the paint with ease and picked his spots in the post for smooth mid-range jumpers and threes. With only 13 games left in the regular season, Wemby will look to cement his MVP case alongside his lock for DPOY.

LOOK OUT BELOW! Wemby gets Raynaud in the air and drives in through three Kings defenders for a two-handed slam!

Just throw it up there! De’Aaron Fox and Wemby run the p&r, and it results in an alley-oop slam!

DEJA VU! Another p&r, another alley-oop connection between Fox and Wemby!

Keldon Johnson led the way with 18 points (8-12 FG), one rebound, and an assist. KJ managed to score efficiently and co-led the scoring punch with Wemby in just 20 minutes. He drained two threes and battled in the paint for his finishes at the rim. After scoring just eight points against the Clippers, this bounce-back game from KJ will hope to spark his scoring off the bench with only 13 games remaining.

Julian Champagnie dropped 17 points (5-7 3PT), one rebound, and an assist in just 24 minutes. Julian was on fire from the three-point line. His five threes are his most since March 6th against the Clippers, and it was much needed after his last two games. Because of Dev’s injury, Julian started at small forward and found himself open on multiple threes. This blazing performance is only a smidge of how dangerous he can be from three the rest of the way.

Harrison Barnes dropped 16 points (4-5 3PT), four rebounds, and three assists in just 22 minutes. HB started in place of Dev, and like Julian, he was also on fire from three. His four threes are his most scored in a game since February 5th against Dallas. Playing against the Kings may have had something to do with his aggressiveness. The time off from his sprained ankle has allowed him to play freely, as he is shooting 53% from three during the month of March. His scoring will be a huge x-factor for this team, especially when he returns to the bench.

UNC STILL GOT IT! Stephon Castle finds a wide open HB under the basket, who then slams it down!

De’Aaron Fox dropped 15 points (3-5 3PT), six assists, five rebounds, and a steal. With the return of Dyl, Fox was able to garner more rest and be patient with his looks. In just 22 minutes, Fox drained three threes and got into the paint with floaters and layups. Even though it was not an offensive explosion, Fox still played with an edge against his former team. Fox has started every game he has played with the Spurs, and he will look to help command the floor with Steph as the season draws near towards the playoffs.

D3’AARON! After Wemby rejects Raynaud on one end, he finds Fox open on the wing for the trey!

Dylan Harper dropped 15 points (6-9 FG, 3-5 3PT), five assists, and four rebounds in just 20 minutes off the bench. Dyl came back from injury and wowed on offense. His playmaking led the second unit as the Spurs’ lead kept growing throughout the game. He also drained three threes, which is his most since March 8th against the Rockets. The 20-year-old will look to continue his All-Rookie charge as his talent will continue to elevate this contending team.

TEAM FIRE ENABLED! Dyl knocks down the open three off the tip-out for the team’s 22nd three-pointer of the game!

Lindy Waters III dropped 11 points, four rebounds, and two assists in 23 minutes off the bench. Lindy checked into the game during the second quarter and immediately showed why he is a hidden three-point specialist. He scored in double figures for the first time this season and drained three threes, which is also a season-high. Mitch Johnson’s decision to play Lindy and Kelly Olynyk shows that whoever is on the Spurs’ bench should be ready at any time, and it paid off with the hot shooting Lindy provided. Oh yeah, he’s also got some hops!

Stephon Castle dropped 3 points, a rebound, a block, but dished out 12 assists. Steph struggled from the field, but of all the games to struggle shooting, this was the one that could be excused. He still managed to drain one of the 25 threes the Spurs splashed, and his playmaking vision was on full tilt. He is the first Spur with 12 assists and 0 turnovers since Chris Paul. It is the fifth time he’s dished out double-digit assists this month, and he will continue to co-lead playmaking duties with Fox as one of the fastest-paced offenses continues to roll.

Lob City Dimer! Steph finds a wide-open Luke Kornet cutting to the basket for the alley-oop slam! Luke returned from injury and dropped four points, 10 rebounds, two assists, two steals, and a block.

All in all, this was a take-care-of-business game. This young team, especially early on in the season, has had a mediocre habit of playing down to its competition. However, this game reminded Spurs fans of their game against the 76ers. Wire-to-wire, the Spurs literally shot the lights out of the Golden 1 Center. To win your 51st game of the season by breaking the franchise record of most threes scored in a game with 25 proves that this team has the ability to not settle. A total team domination.

Finally, here are the full game highlights.

The Spurs return home to take on the Phoenix Suns this Thursday at 7:00 P.M. (CST) on FDSN-SW.

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Deandre Ayton has keyed recent Lakers run, 'I bought in. Completely, like 110%'

It was no secret, JJ Redick had been preaching it since Day 1: The Lakers didn't need Deandre Ayton to be a star, they just needed him to thrive in his role. Set picks. Roll hard to the rim. Defend the rim. Rebound. Do that, and this team wins.

It took a while for “I’m not Clint Capela” Ayton to buy in. This was a different role than even the one he accepted with the Chris Paul/Devin Booker Phoenix Suns, a team that reached the NBA Finals with Ayton setting picks, rolling hard to the rim and defending.

However, during this recent run — in which the Lakers have gone 9-1 in their last 10 and have the league's sixth-best defense during that stretch — the Lakers have finally gotten the Ayton they needed. He was at the heart of recent wins against the Knicks, Timberwolves, Nuggets and Rockets. Ayton spoke to Dan Woike of The Athletic about filling his role and understanding how he can impact a game without scoring.

"And I've completely … I bought in. Completely, like 110 percent. I hope you see the work."

"I just started looking in the mirror and said 'Yo bro, … you're not that guy. You don't need to be on this team doing that at all. This team, you came here to be the effort guy and close out possessions, rebound. Run the damn floor hard as hell, make bigs work, make superstars work.

"And I'm having fun with it, I'm not gonna lie."

A lot of things are going right in Los Angeles: Luka Doncic is looking like a guy who belongs on the MVP ballot, Austin Reaves is healthy and a clear No. 2 option (about to get paid this summer), and LeBron James has accepted his role and is diving on the floor after loose balls. However, none of it works if Ayton isn't the glue in the paint, providing the size and energy the team needs. He hasn't done that consistently this season, and Redick has either put Jaxson Hayes in the mix or tried to play small. Those are not solutions. The Lakers need Ayton to thrive.

When it's all going right, as it has recently, the Lakers look like the third-best team in the West and a team that can push Oklahoma City or San Antonio in a series. That said, there will be no easy rounds in the West — if the playoffs started today, the Lakers would face a Timberwolves team that knocked them out of the playoffs a season ago — and consistency has been an issue for these Lakers this season and Ayton in his career. It's fair to have questions.

But when Ayton is playing like this, when he is fully buying into his role, this Lakers team is very good and a threat to make a playoff run.

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Warriors Reacts: Will Golden State make it out of the play-in tournament?

Steph Curry dribbling between Kawhi Leonard and Kris Dunn.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 28: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors dribbles past Kawhi Leonard #2 an Kris Dunn #8 of the LA Clippers during the first quarter at Chase Center on October 28, 2025 in San Francisco, California. 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Warriors fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

The Golden State Warriors have been on a collision course with the 2026 play-in tournament for a long time. They’ve occupied one of the 7-10 spots in the Western Conference for most of the season, but for the first few months held visions of rising into the top six. Jimmy Butler III’s ACL injury saw those dreams come to a heartbreaking halt, and Steph Curry’s ensuing runner’s knee injury has sent the Dubs in a downward spiral. But they had banked enough wins — and the cellar dwellers in the West had banked enough losses — that their spot in the play-in tournament was all but assured.

Even with their recent skid, the Warriors are a full 9.5 games ahead of the first team out. With just 14 games left to play, you can be assured that the Dubs will have an 83rd game this season.

But will they have an 84th? And an 85th? That’s the real question.

If the season ended today, the Warriors would host the Portland Trail Blazers in the first round of the play-in tournament. If they won that game, they’d go on the road to play the loser of a game between the LA Clippers and Phoenix Suns. The odds would not favor the Warriors getting out of that tourney, but if Curry and Kristaps Porziņģis are healthy — two very large “ifs,” admittedly — I wouldn’t bet against them.

What would really help Golden State is if they could rise up a spot, and pass the Clippers in the play-in standings. They’re just one game behind LA presently, so that’s very much in play, especially if Curry returns soon.

So what do you think, Dub Nation. Will we see the Warriors advance to the honest-to-goodness playoffs, and get a seven-game series with one of the West’s elite? Or will they fizzle and burn in the play-in tournament?

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Red Sox season preview: Biggest keys to a deeper postseason run

Red Sox season preview: Biggest keys to a deeper postseason run originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Editor’s note: Leading up to Opening Day, our staff will share several predictions for the 2026 Red Sox season. In Part 2 of the season preview series,our three-person panel named the biggest key to Boston making a deeper postseason run.

Part 1:Predicting the regular-season record

The Boston Red Sox ended their four-year postseason drought last season, winning 89 games en route to the Wild Card Series against the New York Yankees.

After falling to their archrival in the opening round, the Red Sox are poised to make a deeper playoff run in 2026. They loaded up on starting pitching during the offseason, trading for Sonny Gray and Johan Oviedo before signing Ranger Suarez as their No. 2 starter. They lost veteran Alex Bregman in free agency, but the addition of first baseman Willson Contreras should help replace his offensive production.

Boston should also get a significant boost from its collection of young talent, with Roman Anthony and Marcelo Mayer looking to take the next step at the big-league level. Top prospects Payton Tolle and Connelly Early — who started in Game 3 vs. New York — figure to play key roles in 2026 as well.

So, what are the biggest keys to the Red Sox making a deeper postseason run? Our panel tackled that question in Part 2 of our season preview series:

Justin Leger: Starting pitching lives up to expectations

After acquiring Ranger Suarez, Sonny Gray and Johan Oviedo in the offseason, the Red Sox are expected to boast one of the best rotations in baseball. They also still have admirable depth if one or two starters go down. Top prospects Payton Tolle and Connelly Early are in the mix, plus veterans Kutter Crawford and Patrick Sandoval are set to return from injuries.

If the starting pitching staff disappoints, it could be a long season. Boston’s lineup leaves plenty to be desired heading into the campaign, with FanGraphs’ ZiPS projecting zero players projected to hit 20-plus home runs.

Nick Goss: Young players take the next step

Roman Anthony has superstar potential, and if healthy, 2026 could be the year he makes that jump.

What will the Red Sox get from Marcelo Mayer? Can he earn a regular role at the MLB level and be a key contributor? Can he stay healthy for a full season? Injuries are inevitable, so the Red Sox will need prospects and/or utility guys to step up.

Brayan Bello has All-Star potential. It was encouraging to see him lower his ERA by more than a full run in 2025 and pitch a career high in innings. Can he make another jump in 2026? The Red Sox need it to be a true contender.

Darren Hartwell: The rotation staying intact

The Red Sox had 13 pitchers make multiple starts last season, including September call-up Connelly Early, who got the ball for a winner-take-all playoff game against the Yankees. Craig Breslow’s offseason investment in the rotation should decrease that number in 2026, and they now have the depth to roll out seasoned starters in every game of a playoff series… assuming their “horses” are healthy in October.

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Collin Gillespie might be better served leading the Suns second unit

Mar 10, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie (12) during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images | Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

There is a question that has followed this team all season, one that keeps resurfacing and never quite finds resolution. Should Collin Gillespie start when everyone is healthy?

It is a fair question, and one we still do not have a clean answer to. Not because the sample size is lacking, but because the opportunity to truly evaluate it has never fully existed. Health has been the constant variable, shifting lineups, changing roles, and preventing any real continuity from forming. Every time it feels like the Suns are close to finding that rhythm, something interrupts it. 

This conversation first picked up when Jalen Green was working his way back from the hamstring injury earlier in the season. There was a window where you thought, okay, now we will see what this looks like. Then came the setback. Then came the extended absence. 48 games gone, and with it, any chance at clarity.

Now the conversation returns in a different form. Dillon Brooks is out. Devin Booker and Jalen Green are both available. And so Gillespie remains in the starting lineup, continuing to log minutes, continuing to show what he brings. But the offense has changed. It’s a three-guard lineup that should really only be starting two. There isn’t enough opportunity for all three to be the best versions of themselves offensively, and when two of the three combine for $86.7 million in payroll, the guy making $2.3 million gets squeezed out. 

Just look at the numbers. Prior to Jalen Green’s return to the starting lineup on February 19, Gillespie was averaging 13.3 points on 10.7 attempts per night. In 28.3 minutes, he found his rhythm and had shooting splits of 43/42/85. Then there was the period from February 19 to March 3, a time when Green and Gillespie were the backcourt as Booker was out with injury. Gillespie averaged 16.2 points in 33.2 minutes played on 43/42/83 splits.

Since March 3, when Devin Booker made his return, and the Suns consistently started their three-guard lineup of Booker, Green, and Gillespie, the numbers have started to dip. 9.9 points on 37/37/100 splits. But it is the last four games that really spark concern, as the offense has shifted to a more Booker/Green dominant brand of basketball. Collin is averaging 4.8 points on 7.8 shots, doing so on 23/21/100 splits. Is this regression? Or is this causation? 

It brings you right back to the same question. When everyone is available, what is the right role for Collin Gillespie? Does he stay in the starting group and continue to be that connective piece, or does he shift to the bench and become the stabilizer for the second unit? It is a question without a final answer. At least not yet.

Dillon Brooks is still out, and even on the optimistic end, it will be a couple more weeks before we see him again. That part of the equation is clear. When he is back, someone becomes the odd man out. Well, unless the Suns want to go so small that they might now be legally permitted to ride Space Mountain.

What has changed is the dynamic around Collin Gillespie. As Devin Booker and Jalen Green have ramped up their scoring and expanded their shot diet, Gillespie has naturally faded into the background. It is not hard to see why. When you share the floor with two high-use guards, the opportunities shrink. The ball finds you less. 

So the question you are asking is a logical one. Why not shift him to the bench now? Why not insert Grayson Allen into the starting lineup (when healthy) and let Gillespie run the second unit, where his skill set might shine more consistently? Because there is a real argument for it.

Allen gives you spacing and volume shooting alongside Booker and Green, which could open things up even more offensively. Gillespie, on the other hand, thrives with the ball in his hands, organizing, connecting, making decisions. That version of him is harder to access when he is the third option sharing the floor with two primary scorers. He’s not someone you stick in the corner, nor should he be.

The counter, and it is an important one, is what Gillespie does that does not always show up in the box score. He keeps the offense connected. He makes the right read. He helps maintain structure. Coaches value that, especially in starting groups where early tone matters.

So it becomes a philosophical decision. Do you prioritize spacing and scoring in the starting lineup with Allen, or do you prioritize connectivity and control with Gillespie? Right now, the numbers and the recent trend suggest there is a case to explore the shift. Let Gillespie cook with the second unit. Let Allen stretch the floor with the starters. At the very least, it is a lever worth pulling, especially during a stretch where the Suns are still searching for balance.

When everyone is healthy, which might only be for a handful of games before the postseason arrives, Collin Gillespie is going to the bench. That is the right move for this team. With Devin Booker and Jalen Green in the backcourt, and Dillon Brooks and Royce O’Neale holding down the forward spots, regardless of who starts at center, Gillespie becomes the odd man out. And that is okay.

He has already shown what he can do. He can carry a scoring load. He can run an offense. He can be a primary distributor. But when you have that much investment in your backcourt, those are the players who are going to start. That is how this league works. The role Gillespie was brought in to fill was backup point guard. So while he is searching for rhythm in a lineup where touches are limited, and the team is still dealing with injuries, there is value in leaning into what his role will actually be moving forward. Let him come off the bench. Let him run the second unit. Let him get comfortable being the guy with the ball in his hands.

You can start that now.

Grayson Allen fits cleanly with the starters. He spaces the floor. He is the ideal corner option when Booker or Green collapses the defense and needs an outlet. He thrives in that environment. Gillespie can do some of that, but his skill set is better utilized when he is initiating, when he is orchestrating, when he has a higher usage, and the freedom to create for others. 

Right now, that usage is not there. Earlier in the season, it sat around 16.9%. During this recent stretch where he has been less involved offensively, it has dipped to 11.7%. That is not where he is most effective. So lean into it. Let him run the bench unit. Let him find his rhythm in the role he is most likely to have when the games matter most.

If the Suns want to do anything this postseason, if there is any real noise to be made, Collin Gillespie has to be a primary cog. He has shown that all season. He has the ability to organize, to score, to create, to steady a unit that needs direction. There is something there, something that can matter when the games tighten, and every possession carries weight. And it is going to have to come from the bench.

So why wait?

Why not lean into that role now? Get him comfortable. Let him understand the sets he will see, the rhythm he will play with, and the responsibility he will carry. Give him the keys to the second unit and let him operate. Let him cook against opposing benches. There is no better time than the present to start building that version of him, the one this team is going to need when the postseason arrives.

…and hey, if Grayson is out, you can throw Rasheer into the starting lineup here and there…