Apr 30, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies left fielder Jordan Beck (27) celebrates with center fielder Brenton Doyle (9) and outfielder Mickey Moniak (22) after the game against the Atlanta Braves at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images | Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
“The Rockies are in the midst of changing everything, and that’ll take time. The projections adore both center fielder Brenton Doyle and shortstop Ezequiel Tovar, despite relative down seasons for each, and Hunter Goodman provided roughly average catcher defense, which is harder than it sounds. The expected improvement comes from the departure of first baseman Michael Toglia, who rated as among baseball’s weakest defenders, and the expectation that new outfielder and elite speedster Jake McCarthy might help shift Mickey Moniak into more of a DH role. Keep an eye out for third baseman Kyle Karros, who rated well in limited time last year and should get a larger opportunity this season.
So, the Rockies improved by subtraction.
I’ll turn the floor over to the Purple Row night owls: Will the Rockies see improved defensive numbers in 2026, and where will those improvements come from?
OXFORD, Miss. (AP) — Cotie McMahon racked up 21 points and dished five assists as No. 14 Mississippi cruised by Arkansas 80-57 on Thursday night to reach 20 wins for the fifth straight season.
McMahon scored 20 or more points for the fourth straight game and has scored double figures in all but one outing this season.
The Rebels (20-5, 7-3 Southeastern Conference) bounced back from a 64-63 loss at then-No. 21 Alabama last Thursday to comfortably get back into the win column in their first home game in over a month.
Latasha Lattimore added 17 points on 7-of-11 shooting and grabbed 11 rebounds for her fourth double-double of the season, and Denim DeShields tacked on 12 points for Ole Miss.
Ole Miss took the lead for good just 2:25 into the first quarter on a Lattimore layup and built a double-digit lead before the end of the first frame. They kept the lead the rest of the way, with a 40-27 lead at the half stretching to 20 points after a 7-0 run to open the second half.
For the Razorbacks (11-15, 0-11), Taleyah Jones led in scoring with 16 points, and Bonnie Deas had 14 with eight rebounds. Arkansas struggled at 34% and 19% shooting from the field and beyond the arc, respectively.
"It is with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we mourn the passing of Pirates Hall of Famer Elroy Face, a beloved member of the Pirates family," Pirates chairman Bob Nutting said in a statement. “I was fortunate to get to know Elroy personally, and I will always be proud that we had the chance to honor him with his induction into the Pirates Hall of Fame."
Nicknamed "The Baron of the Bullpen," Face was a groundbreaking pitcher, performing in a role that evolved into the modern-day closer. Face holds the National League record for wins in relief (96). Face also holds Pirates franchise records for appearances (802) and saves (188). His NL record for saves was not broken until 1982, when Hall of Famer Bruce Sutter surpassed Face's total.
It was Face's 1959 season that was his finest. He went 18-1 with a 2.70 ERA over 57 appearances, finishing seventh in NL MVP voting. During his career, he was a three-time league leader in saves and twice led the league in games pitched.
Face spent 15 seasons with the Pirates before pitching briefly with the Detroit Tigers and Montreal Expos to close out his storied career.
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Elroy Face, an All-Star reliever for the Pittsburgh Pirates who saved three games in the 1960 World Series to help them upset the New York Yankees, has died. He was 97.
In a news release Thursday, the Pirates announced they confirmed Face's death. Team historian Jim Trdinich said the club was contacted by Face's son, Elroy Jr., and informed the former pitcher died earlier in the day at an independent senior living facility outside Pittsburgh in North Versailles, Pennsylvania.
No cause of death was provided. Face was eight days shy of his 98th birthday.
“It is with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we mourn the passing of Pirates Hall of Famer Elroy Face, a beloved member of the Pirates family,” team chairman Bob Nutting said in a statement.
“Elroy was a pioneer of the modern relief pitcher — the ‘Baron of the Bullpen’ — and he played a critical role in our 1960 World Series championship."
Selected to six All-Star teams, Face went 104-95 with a 3.48 ERA in 16 major league seasons with Pittsburgh (1953-68), Detroit (1968) and Montreal (1969). He pitched in 848 games, starting only 27, and compiled 191 career saves — although saves didn't become an official statistic until 1969.
The 5-foot-8 right-hander holds the National League record for wins in relief with 96 and the major league mark for relief wins in one season after going 18-1 with a 2.70 ERA in 1959.
He topped the National League with 68 appearances and 61 games finished in 1960, when the underdog Pirates stunned Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra and the mighty Yankees on Bill Mazeroski's famous home run that won Game 7 of the World Series at Forbes Field in Pittsburgh.
Face made four relief appearances in the Series, posting a 5.23 ERA in 10 1/3 innings. He closed out Pirates wins in Games 1, 4 and 5.
Inducted into the Pirates Hall of Fame in 2023, he is the club's career leader in appearances with 802. And the team noted that if saves had been an official stat before 1969, he also would hold that franchise record with 188.
Face was born in Stephentown, New York, on Feb. 20, 1928. He is survived by his three children, Michelle, Valerie and Elroy Jr., and his sister Jacqueline, the Pirates said.
Bronx, New York 9/18/18 Brock Holt #12 of the Boston Red Sox reacts after he strikes out swinging to end the 6th inning in an MLB baseball game at Yankee...
The Red Sox won the 2018 World Series, but not without some clubhouse crossfire.
Postseason hero and longtime Boston infielder Brock Holt revealed an incident from that season in which a teammate allegedly said he would bring a gun to the field and “kill” the entire team.
Brock Holt spent seven seasons with the Red Sox. Paul J. Bereswill
This ultimately led to Holt addressing the 2018 team.
“We had a guy or two in ’18 like that, and we got rid of them,” Holt began.
“We were in Tampa, and we were in a circle stretching before [batting practice], and having a good ol’ time. And this someone looks around at all of us and says, ‘You know what? I’m going to bring a gun to the field tomorrow and kill all of you.’ And then he looks straight at me and says, ‘And you’re gonna be first.’”
Brock Holt tells us an INSANE story about a member of the 2018 Red Sox…who was then quickly released pic.twitter.com/in9Qx5Mhrx
Holt, who spent seven seasons in Boston, said the unnamed Red Sox player was “probably joking,” but the nature of his comments left people around the organization concerned.
“Our strength coach at the time was like, ‘Dude, I got to tell [then-team president Dave Dombrowski].’ And I was like, ‘Please do because I’m the first one that’s going to go.’
“We don’t have a lot of time, let’s get him out of here.”
Andy Barkett, who was the Red Sox’s assistant hitting coach during the 2018 season, appeared to corroborate Holt’s allegations on social media.
Boston Red Sox players celebrate after defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers in game five of the 2018 World Series at Dodger Stadium. USA TODAY Sports
“True Story…” he posted on X while replying to a clip of the podcast.
The purported incident did not impact the Red Sox on the field.
Boston won 108 regular-season games before steamrolling through the Yankees, Astros and Dodgers en route to the franchise’s ninth world championship.
Holt enjoyed a strong season, .277/.362/.411 with seven home runs and 46 RBIs in 109 games.
The 2015 All-Star also became the first player in MLB history to hit for the cycle in the playoffs, reaching the feat in Game 3 of the ALDS against the Yankees.
After spending 10 MLB seasons with the Pirates, Red Sox, Brewers, Nationals and Rangers, Holt retired from baseball in 2022.
Elroy Face, one of the late-inning reliever pioneers in baseball, died Thursday, the Pirates announced. He was 97.
Face, nicknamed “The Baron of the Bullpen,” emerged as a forerunner for what would later be considered a closer during his 16-year career, which was primarily with the Pirates.
“It is with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we mourn the passing of Pirates Hall of Famer Elroy Face, a beloved member of the Pirates family,” Pirates chairman Bob Nutting said, according to MLB.com. “I was fortunate to get to know Elroy personally, and I will always be proud that we had the chance to honor him with his induction into the Pirates Hall of Fame.
Headshot portrait of American baseball player Elroy Face, of the Pirates in Pittsburgh, Pa. 1960. Getty Images
“Elroy was a pioneer of the modern relief pitcher — the ‘Baron of the Bullpen’ — and he played a critical role in our 1960 World Series championship, leading the league in appearances and recording three saves against the Yankees.
“Our thoughts are with his three children — Michelle, Valerie and Elroy Jr. — and his sister Jacqueline.”
After some struggles as a starter at the beginning of his career, Face was moved to the bullpen full-time during the 1956 season, seeing immediate success.
Face, a native of Stephentown, spent 15 seasons in Pittsburgh, racking up 188 saves, the most in franchise history.
The righty held a 3.46 ERA during his Pirates tenure and was named an All-Star during three straight seasons (1959-61).
Pittsburgh Pirates Elroy Face in action vs New York Yankees in the 1960 World Series. Sports Illustrated via Getty Ima
Face was also a key member of Pittsburgh’s 1960 World Series Championship squad that bested the Yankees in seven games, notching saves in Games 1, 4 and 5.
His most remarkable year came in 1959, when the reliever had an 18-1 record with a 2.70 ERA in 57 appearances, finishing seventh in National League MVP voting.
Face was inducted into the Pirates Hall of Fame in 2023 alongside Bob Friend, Kent Tekulve and Dick Groat.
Elroy Face acknowledges the crowd after being inducted into the Pirates Hall of Fame Class of 2023 before Pittsburgh’s loss to the Cubs at PNC Park on Aug. 26, 2023. Getty Images
Upon that class being announced, Tekulve credited Face for his impact on the future of relief pitchers.
“At one time, relief pitchers were guys who weren’t good enough to start,” Tekulve said at the time.
“But Elroy Face helped relief pitchers become important members of their team — not just an extra piece.”
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - FEBRUARY 12: Alex Caruso #9 of the Oklahoma City Thunder plays defense during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on February 12, 2026 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Milwaukee Bucks just keep on surprising, beating the (admittedly bruised) Oklahoma City Thunder 110-93. Ousmane Dieng led the Bucks with 19 points, six assists, 11 rebounds, and four blocks! That said, Milwaukee had seven guys reach double digits, which is amazing. Isaiah Joe was probably the Thunder’s best player, dropping 17 points. Also, a big shoutout to Nikola Topic, who played his first NBA game tonight after undergoing treatment for testicular cancer. Salute.
The Bucks were able to keep the Thunder at arm’s distance throughout the opening quarter, with AJ Green and Kevin Porter Jr. scoring 12 of Milwaukee’s first 16 points. With both SGA and Jalen Williams out, the Thunder stayed in it through the three-ball, with their first nine points coming from deep; Isaiah Joe was spectacular early for OKC, scoring 11 of their first 20. The Bucks built a small edge to close the quarter, highlighted by an Andre Jackson Jr. put-back slam from the clouds, leading 30-25 after one.
Milwaukee extended its lead to open the second, clearly identifying that the newly acquired Jared McCain could not guard AJ Green, who knocked some threes down in quick succession. However, two big triples from Alex Caruso kept the Thunder close initially, with him later hitting another to cap an 8-0 run and tie the game at 40, four minutes in. The Bucks, however, would respond in a major way, going on an extended 20-4 run! How? Well, the visitors ran a great offence and took advantage of the smaller Thunder lineup, which allowed them to set their defence and force OKC to play in the half-court. The Thunder got some stops to close the half, reducing the deficit to 12, Bucks up 67-55.
Scoring slowed significantly for both teams for most of the third. It was a brick-fest until the final few minutes of the period. The Thunder were getting by on Lue Dort self-created buckets, which never seemed very sustainable, while it was a lot of KPJ and Cam Thomas for the Bucks. Milwaukee’s lead remained at around 10 for most of the quarter, but it was later in the third when some exciting stuff started to happen. Ousmane Dieng nailed a step-back triple, followed by a mid-range jumper off the empty-side pick-and-roll, followed by a Connaughton-esque no-dip three. The Ous’ is loose! This was the run that allowed the Bucks to grab a major edge heading into the fourth, up 89-73.
Believe it or not, the Bucks delivered the knockout blow in the opening 1:29 of the final frame, with AJ Green cashing his fifth triple of the night, followed by Pete Nance knocking his third to put the visitors up 22! OKC would make a few shots to get it down to the 16-point mark, but the Bucks had an answer at every turn (and it truly was a bunch of different contributors). What really stood out is the way Milwaukee was moving the ball; I haven’t seen them cause rotation after rotation like that in a long time. What a game; what a win.
Stat That Stood Out
I mean, Dieng’s four blocks stand out to me. If he can become a true plus on defence… man, that trade could be a steal. Not counting my chickens before they hatch, but it’s exciting.
The 6-foot-6 Serbian had been unavailable after being diagnosed with testicular cancer in October and undergoing chemotherapy.
He received a standing ovation from the home crowd at Paycom Center after checking into the game with 1:55 left in the first quarter.
Topić was the 12th overall pick in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft by the Thunder. He played in just one preseason game before having surgery and undergoing chemotherapy.
The amazing story of Nikola Topić.
He was diagnosed with testicular cancer in October last year.
Now, four months later, he receives a standing ovation as he makes his NBA debut. pic.twitter.com/qmM1KRv9GK
The prevalence of gambling has yet to create serious issues for the NFL. For the NBA, it's a different story.
Widespread talk of multiple teams tanking in the hopes of landing high in the coming draft lottery has resulted in an uptick in "load management," with healthy players not playing in games.
The NBA has taken action on the issue. Via ESPN.com, the league has fined multiple teams for compromising the integrity of games by sitting players who could have played.
Specifically, the NBA fined the Utah Jazz $500,000 and the Indiana Pacers $100,000.
"Overt behavior like this that prioritizes draft position over winning undermines the foundation of NBA competition and we will respond accordingly to any further actions that compromise the integrity of our games," Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. "Additionally, we are working with our Competition Committee and Board of Governors to implement further measures to root out this type of conduct."
The move comes at a time when some are questioning whether it's time for Silver to go. He succeeded David Stern 12 years ago.
The failure of teams to at all times put their best players on the field undermines both the integrity of the games and the integrity of the wagers on the game. It also creates a new vein of inside information, with those who know that certain players won't play in certain games possessing knowledge that can be leveraged into winning bets.
Part of the problem is that the NBA plays 82 games. The non-contenders are known well before the regular season ends. For the NFL, which plays (for now) 17 games, there are fewer opportunities to overtly tank.
Still, isn't that what the Raiders did by shutting down defensive end Maxx Crosby and tight end Brock Bowers with two games to play? Crosby was livid, to the point that he may truly not want to remain with the team.
The decision of both the NBA and the NFL to welcome millions in sponsorship dollars from sportsbooks raises the stakes. The possibility of a reckoning hovers over both sports. And with the NBA already embroiled in a full-blown gambling scandal, it needs to be vigilant if/when teams aren't trying their best to win.
Even then, it feels like it's just a matter of time before the shit fully hits the fan for both leagues. The problem is that both leagues seem to be content to continue cramming gambling money into their pockets until the consequences come.
There are moments in Los Angeles when basketball feels less like a game and more like a living, breathing fraternity. Wednesday night was one of them.
Luka Dončić hosted his “77x.world” event in L.A., a sleek celebration of his growing global brand, stitched together with fashion, hoops culture and that unmistakable No. 77 swagger.
Fans were given a meet and greet, the room was full of influencers and executives and then a couple familiar faces walked in.
First it was Dončić’s old teammate with the Dallas Mavericks, Dirk Nowitzki.
The first 7-footer to win the NBA Three-point contest crown came to show his support for the Slovenian star. When Dončić spotted him, his smile said everything. The mentor showing up, unprompted, because that’s what legends do.
SHUTT UP SHUTUP dirk went to luka's heartbreak factory event to support him !!!pic.twitter.com/hoLNihW2ZX
Nowitzki has always played the long game with Luka — part big brother, part wisecracking uncle. After the Lakers beat the Mavericks back in November. Dirk famously teased that Luka wasn’t “good enough” for the postgame interview because Austin Reaves had just dropped 38. The joke landed because the bond is real. It’s layered in trust, in banners, in shared history.
Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters
And speaking of Reaves, he was there too! Dončić’s current co-star was spotted earlier in the evening at a South Bay Lakers game, but he also came to Luka’s factory to support his teammate. Reaves and Dončić like to needle each other, hijack interviews, and toss around the word “friend” like it’s a secret handshake.
CINCINNATI, OH - JULY 11: Cincinnati Reds Chief Operating Officer Phil Castellini pumps up the crowd before The Budweiser All-Star Concert, Part of the Pepsi Concert Series at Paul Brown Stadium on Saturday, July 11, 2015 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Preston Mack/MLB via Getty Images) | MLB via Getty Images
Somewhat lost in the news circus today was that Phil Castellini, son of majority Cincinnati Reds owner Bob Castellini, was officially approved to succeed his father as controlling owner of the club. Charlie Goldsmith, formerly of The Enquirer (and now of his Charlie’s Chalkboard newsletter) relayed the news on Twitter earlier Thursday, noting that the AP had quotes about it from a Rob Manfred interview.
The AP reported today from a Rob Manfred press conference that Phil was approved to succeed Bob as the controlling owner. pic.twitter.com/dLwEPCKrcK
This comes at the same time as the 20 year mark of the Castellini family being principal owners of the Reds, and it’s hard to put a defining word, phrase, or even moment on the field alongside that era.
A 20 year old copy of the email sent to Cincinnati Reds fans upon Bob Castellini taking ownership of the team.
It remains to be seen whether the club will fundamentally change with Phil under control. You’ll notice the Williams name in the above copied image, and that’s the same Williams family where former GM Dick Williams came from, too. So, while the first names gradually change when it comes to who’s in charge of this endeavor, always remember that it’s been a consistent family affair during one of the most mediocre stints in the franchise’s otherwise successful history.
DALLAS, TEXAS - JANUARY 24: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the first half against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on January 24, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. 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 Sam Hodde/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Dallas Mavericks (19-34) head further West, this time to play the Los Angeles Lakers (32-21). The Mavericks have lost eight in a row, a streak that started by a loss to these Los Angeles Lakers a few weeks back. Dallas fell most recently to the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night. Los Angeles is looking to avoid a three-game skid of their own, as they’ve lost games most recently to the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs.
Here’s the main things you need to know before tipoff.
WHO: Dallas Mavericks vs Los Angeles Lakers
WHAT: Road trippin’, still
WHERE: crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, California
WHEN: 9:00 pm CST
HOW: Amazon Prime
The injury report is bad again for the Dallas Mavericks. Cooper Flagg is the headliner, missing this game with a foot sprain. Tim MacMahon reported that while Flagg will be out for the All Star break, Dallas expects him to return to play when games resume on February 20th. The Dallas two-way guys are all unlikely to play as well; they’re all listed as doubtful. Naji Marshall and Caleb Martin are each listed as questionable with nagging injuries. On the Laker side of things, Luka Doncic and Deandre Ayton will miss this contest. Otherwise it’s a clean injury report.
With both Cooper Flagg and Luka Doncic out, this game probably becomes unwatchable for most Mavericks fans given the late start time. I do not blame them, but as I run a Mavs website, I try to watch all games.
Keeping a lid on Austin Reaves is the challenge for the Mavericks tonight and it will not be remotely easy. He and LeBron James have good chemistry, so Dallas is going to have to be connected on defense for any of this to really matter. I think they have a chance though, so we’ll see. Naji Marshall missing the game would flip that prediction though.
Be sure to chime in with your predictions in the comments!
Consider joining Josh and me on Pod Maverick live after the game on YouTube, we should start LATE. Thanks so much for spending time with us here at Mavs Moneyball. Let’s go Mavs!
The 2025 season could have been a big year for Jasson Domínguez. The long-heralded next big thing in the Yankees outfield was well-positioned to earn a starting role following Juan Soto’s crosstown departure, and had finally recovered from the litany of injuries which plagued his previous two seasons. But while the 22-year old had his moments here and there, he was clearly the team’s fourth-best outfielder; merely adequate at the plate and unreliable in the field.
This offseason, in a concerted effort to run it back, the Yankees have welcomed Trent Grisham and Cody Bellinger back to the Bronx, meaning Domínguez is once again looking at a reserve role in 2026. But the dream of a dominant Martian is not yet dead. If he can find his power stroke more consistently, flatten out his stark platoon splits, and take a step forward on defense, Domínguez could finally escape the clouds and reach his galactic potential.
I’ve wanted to discuss Jasson for a while, since he represents one of the bigger wild cards on a team loaded with veterans and known commodities. He is a flawed player, no doubt. For one thing, the prodigious power he has always possessed was in short supply last year—just 10 homers for a guy like him came as a big surprise to me. The main culprit seems to be an inability to generate lift against fastballs. A hitter like Domínguez, possessed with freakish bat speed, should be able to drive heaters a long way, but a mere .399 slugging percentage (and .364 xSLG) against the harder stuff limited his thump.
The switch-hitter was also woeful from the right side, managing a pithy .569 OPS against left-handed pitchers. This made him effectively a platoon bat for most of the year, as the Yankees had too little margin for error in the postseason race to let Domínguez figure it out down the stretch. Since his lefty production was not spectacular either—Bellinger and Grisham simply outhit Jasson from that side of the plate—his opportunities became fewer and fewer as the season progressed.
Then came the outfield lowlights. Domínguez just couldn’t seem to figure out the right angles in left field, where he played the majority of the time. His -9 Outs Above Average ranked in the third percentile among qualified outfielders. Jasson is not lacking for speed, but he takes a shockingly long time to track the baseball and make up lost ground. Of course, Yankee Stadium is not the friendliest ballpark to a left fielder, but an OAA figure that low does not suggest his troubles are limited to his home turf.
Those are three big black clouds surrounding the longtime top prospect, but of course, time and youth are still on Domínguez’s side. Having just turned 23 a few days back, it’s far too early to write him off as a Joc Pederson-lite; though I may have grumbled something to that effect a time or two in the middle of last year. And ultimately, Domínguez was still statistically above-average at the plate with all those factors weighing against him. Posting a 103 wRC+ while not playing every day is hard to do; just recall how Trent Grisham scuffled without regular playing time in 2024.
The first issue we discussed—subpar power production—feels like by far the easiest fix. It may just take one tweak to attack angle or a stance alteration to get Domínguez firing on all cylinders in the power department once again. I also think it’s not out of the question that he improves a bunch on defense—maybe not to the point of being above-average, but competence should be the goal. If he does, he’ll get more opportunities to try his hand in the other two outfield spots, which would only increase the amount of options Aaron Boone has at his disposal.
The platoon splits are going to be a tougher challenge; since the Yankees will be jockeying for position with the Blue Jays, Red Sox, and the potentially resurgent Orioles for divisional superiority, there will, like last year, be little wiggle room for Domínguez to get the live reps he might need to start to improve as a right-handed hitter. The solace is that he would be taking the majority of his PAs from the left side anyway, but it limits his ability to settle into a full starting role in the future—and was likely a driving factor behind the Yankees’ decision to bring back Bellinger and Grisham this winter.
The ultimate X-factor for Domínguez is injuries: both for himself and for his stablemates in the outfield. Jasson is the next man up if any of their starting triumvirate—who all played at least 140 games last year—hits the shelf for an extended period. The inevitable Giancarlo Stanton injury absence would create an opportunity at DH as well. The Yankees have often started seasons with little depth beyond their starters, leaving them exposed if anybody got hurt. As Michael detailed earlier today, they’ve consciously adopted a different strategy in 2026, and Jasson is a big part of that depth. Of course, if he himself gets injured, it would just be another treacherous bend in what just a few years ago seemed to be an open road to stardom.
FanGraphs’ Depth Charts projections has a very pessimistic outlook on Domínguez’s overall playing time share in 2026—supposedly because of the possibility he starts the season in Triple-A. I’ll believe that when I see it. The ZiPS projections agree, penciling Domínguez in for a more believable 471 plate appearances; while the .246/.323/.399 triple slash it prescribes would be disappointing, it’s important to remember these systems are conservative by nature. There’s not yet a precedent for Domínguez slugging higher than .400 in a full MLB season, but we humans understand that a SLG of at least .450 can be a reasonable goal for him.
With the majority of the players on this Yankees team, you know more or less what you’re going to get. But the concrete has not yet settled on this young man. As far as 2026, the Yankees just need him to be a reliable extra option in their outfield; anything extra is gravy. But if the opportunity presents itself, Domínguez has the talent to enter the stratosphere. It’s true that he has been part of the future for going on six years now, but that possibility should still excite us.
NBA All-Star Weekend is far more than just the All-Star Game itself — that is just the culmination of a whole weekend of on-the-court and off-the-court entertainment.
There are skills highlighted — like the 3-Point Contest and the Dunk Contest — and an HBCU college game, not to mention musical artists performing all weekend, such as Ludacris on All-Star Saturday night. There are the game's biggest names — young, old and retired — just walking around Los Angeles. And there are things you don't fully see on television, such as fan fests and activations with shoe and apparel companies all across the city.
It's a packed schedule, so we're here to help. Here is the full schedule for the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend and where you can watch everything happening.
This year, the NBA All-Star Game returns to NBC and debuts on Peacock — and it falls right in the middle of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. That was a perfect setup for the first-of-its-kind All-Star Game format, a USA vs. World showdown that fans and players have been asking for.
The 24 All-Star players have been divided into three teams, two USA teams — USA Stripes and USA Stars — and one World Team. Those three teams will compete in a round-robin tournament of four 12-minute games, each team playing at least two games.
At the end of the round-robin, the two top teams will play a championship game (the fourth 12-minute game of the day) for the title. (If there is a tie it comes down to point differential.)
The 75th NBA All-Star Game will take place on Sunday, Feb. 15, at 5 p.m. Eastern, an earlier time than in previous years, leading into more coverage of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.
Every moment of All-Star Weekend — the Rising Stars challenge on Friday. (Feb. 13), All-Star Saturday Night with the 3-Point Contest and Dunk Contest (Feb. 14), as well as the All-Star Game on Sunday, Feb. 15 — will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock.
The 75th NBA All-Star Game will take place on Sunday, Feb. 15, at 5 p.m. Eastern, a time earlier than in previous years, leading into more coverage of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.
Peacock NBA Monday will stream up to three Monday night games each week throughout the regular season. Coast 2 Coast Tuesday presents doubleheaders on Tuesday nights throughout the regular season on NBC and Peacock. On most Tuesdays, an 8 p.m. ET game will be on NBC stations in the Eastern and Central time zones, and an 8 p.m. PT game on NBC stations in the Pacific and often Mountain time zones.
Check local listings each week. Both games will stream live nationwide on Peacock. NBC Sports will launch Sunday Night Basketball across NBC and Peacock on Feb. 1, 2026. For a full schedule of the NBA on NBC and Peacock, click here.
How to sign up for Peacock:
Sign up here to watch all of our LIVE sports, sports shows, documentaries, classic matches, and more. You'll also get tons of hit movies and TV shows, Originals, news, 24/7 channels, and current NBC & Bravo hits—Peacock is here for whatever you're in the mood for.
NBA on NBC 2025-26 Schedule
Click here to see the full list of NBA games that will air on NBC and Peacock this season.
Mason Miller February 10, 2026 at Padres spring training complex in Peoria, AZ | Getty Images
It’s not impossible that San Diego Padres president of baseball operations A.J. Preller will use the quality and quantity of his bullpen to acquire needed roster pieces before the season begins but he has stated his reluctance to weaken the team’s biggest strength.
The inflated player prices this offseason have made it more difficult for Preller to round out the Padres roster. The budget constraints of the organization seemingly imply that the biggest expense was re-signing starter Michael King. With what is left, the bargain bin is the most likely place to find the rotation help and another bat that Preller has repeatedly said he is looking to sign before the season.
The real question is if there is enough cash left in the budget to sign these additions without losing anyone from the current roster. So far, Preller has stayed true to his statement at the GM meetings where he voiced a desire to not lose any of his bullpen in the trade market.
The Padres 2025 bullpen finished the season with the best ERA in baseball at 3.06. The loss of closer Robert Suarez should not seriously affect this group as Mason Miller, ranked the No. 2 reliever in baseball by MLB Network, assumes that role. Jason Adam, with his 1.93 ERA last year, served as the setup man for much of the season and should again be considered the leader for that role when he returns from his season-ending ruptured quad tendon.
Behind those two dominant pitchers, the Padres have an embarrassment of riches in their bullpen. Assuming they go into the 2026 season with five starters and eight relievers, there are only six spots available to fill out the rest of the bullpen.
Options for six spots
From the current roster, both the 40-man and the non-roster invitees who are in camp, the Padres have at least 18 pitchers to fill those six roles. From that group, only Ron Marinaccio is out of options and will have to be placed on waivers if he doesn’t make the 26-man roster.
The Padres signed RHP’s Sean Boyle, Evan Fitterer and Justin Yeager to minor league contracts with invites to Spring Training. Yeager is a confirmed reliever but both Boyle and Fitterer could be used as starters and have starter histories. Of the system’s minor league relievers invited to camp, RHP Manuel Castro, RHP Francis Pena, RHP Ethan Routzhan and RHP Ryan Och all showed the stuff that got the attention of the organization and earned them an invite to major league camp. Both Castro and Pena could be close to being added to the roster during the coming season. All of these are probable to start the season in the minor leagues.
RHP Logan Gillaspie, who was a minor league pickup in 2023, has had an inconsistent career with four different organizations and was re-signed to a minor league contract with the Padres in 2024. Between injuries and poor performances, Gillaspie has stayed with the organization and gets another chance this season to take a step forward. He got a spring invite after being retained following the end of 2025.
Who makes the 26-man roster?
On the 40-man roster there are 13 relievers to compete for those six slots in the bullpen. RHP Jhonny Brito will not be ready to start the season due to his Tommy John surgery last season. He is likely to be available by mid-season. Whether he is brought back as a starter or reliever has not been discussed to this point.
The Padres signed right-handers Ty Adcock and Daison Acosta to major league contracts during the offseason. Acosta was with the Nationals organization last season but has not made his major league debut. Adcock, who pitched in three games and three innings for the Mets last season, signed with the Padres and pitched for Estrellas Orientales (Dominican Winter League) during the offseason.
RHP Garret Hawkins was added to the roster to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft during the offseason and is most likely starting the season with San Antonio or El Paso and would be a depth piece for the bullpen during 2026.
That leaves long-man/swing-man Bryan Hoeing to come back after an injury-riddled 2025 to reclaim his spot. His competition could be Adcock or Marinaccio who was a limited contributor last season but had a 0.84 ERA in his 10.2 innings pitched. Lefty Kyle Hart will begin by competing for a starting job. If that role does not go to him, he would also be a competitor for the long-man role with Hoeing, Adcock and Marinaccio.
The five remaining spots will be a battle between Jeremiah Estrada, Alek Jacob, Yuki Matsui, Adrian Morejon, Wandy Peralta, David Morgan and Bradgley Rodriguez. Adcock, Hoeing, Hart or Marinaccio could also be in competition as only one of them can win the swing-man or long-man job.
Estrada, Morejon, Morgan and Peralta have all pitched in high-leverage situations while Matsui, Jacob and Rodriguez can cover the middle innings. Rodriguez also has the potential for a late-inning role with his stuff. MLB Network recently listed their top 10 relievers in baseball. The Padres had Miller, Morejon and Adam all make that list. It would seem a lock for Morejon to keep his spot as a high-leverage reliever along with Adam and Miller.
Spring Training will tell the tale
Many say that six weeks is too long for Spring Training. That could be true for hitters, most of whom say that three to four weeks is plenty to get ready for a season. The six weeks is for the pitching staff to be ready. With the big decisions that this organization has to make with its pitching staff, both starters and relievers, the next six weeks will be fascinating to watch. Add to that the time that the World Baseball Classic cuts into the preparation, and those decisions will be even more interesting.
Look for all the borderline pitchers to get lots of looks during spring games. Matsui, Peralta and Miller will be gone for the duration of their WBC teams’ participation in the tournament. Miller for Team USA, Matsui for Samurai Japan and Peralta for the Dominican Republic.
Figuring out who makes this bullpen will be a great challenge for the staff. The fans can play along and see how close we get.
(@lukalexicon) 
