Blackhawks Have Intriguing Free-Agent Target In Penguins Forward

The Chicago Blackhawks' biggest objective this offseason when it comes to adding to their roster should be to bring in a top-six winger. While this is the case, they also should not be against improving their bottom six after trading away veterans like Jason Dickinson and Nick Foligno at the trade deadline.

When looking at this year's pending unrestricted free agents (UFAs), one player who stands out as a solid potential target for the Blackhawks is Pittsburgh Penguins forward Connor Dewar. 

If the Blackhawks signed Dewar, he would have the potential to give their bottom six a nice boost. His stats from this regular season show this, as he set career highs with 14 goals, 16 assists, 30 points, and 144 hits in 78 games for the Penguins. This was all while in a bottom-six role for the Penguins. 

With numbers like these, Dewar would give the Blackhawks a solid bottom-six forward who can provide solid secondary scoring and plenty of grit. He is also capable of playing both center and the wing, so he would give the Blackhawks another forward with good versatility. He is also an impactful penalty-killer due to his solid defensive play.

With this, if the Blackhawks want to add a proven NHL-caliber forward to their bottom six this summer, Dewar stands out as a good potential option. This is especially so when noting that he is currently 26 years old, so he is entering his prime years. 

Pistons vs Magic Computer Picks: Our Best Player Prop Projections for Game 3

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Our NBA player prop projections are all set for tonight's Game 3 matchup between the Detroit Pistons and Orlando Magic, with the model flagging several high-value opportunities.

By breaking down the data and stacking it up against current market lines, we’ve identified where the strongest edges lie.

These Pistons vs. Magic predictions aren’t based on feel — they’re backed by the numbers.

If you’re building out your card, here are the model’s top NBA picks for Saturday, April 25.

Pistons vs Magic computer picks for Game 3

Pistons PistonsMagic Magic
Cunningham u28.5 points 
-117
Banchero o20.5 points
-165
Duren u10.5 rebounds 
-132
Suggs o4.5 assists
-139
Thompson o2.5 assists
-120
Wagner o4.5 rebounds
-114

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Pistons Game 3 computer picks

Cade Cunningham Under 28.5 points (-117)

Projection: 26.7 points

As the series shifts to the Sunshine State, the Detroit Pistons are aiming to steal at least one game on the road against the Orlando Magic. Playing at the ninth-slowest pace in the league over their last 25 games, Detroit will look to control the tempo while carefully managing Cade Cunningham’s workload due to health concerns.

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Jalen Duren Under 10.5 rebounds (-132)

Projection: 10.4 rebounds

Jalen Duren averages 10.5 rebounds per game on the season, but he’s fallen short of that mark in each of the first two games of the series.

Now heading on the road, the Magic present another tough matchup on the glass, making it difficult for him to clear this number especially with Duren hitting the Under in eight of his last 10 games at a 10.5-rebound line.

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Ausar Thompson Over 2.5 assists (-120)

Projection: 2.7 assists

The Pistons could see an uptick in possessions in this matchup against Orlando, who rank as the fourth-fastest offense over their last 10 games.

That added pace should create more opportunities for Ausar Thompson to facilitate and make plays, especially after clearing his 2.5-assist line in seven of his last 10 outings.

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Magic Game 3 computer picks

Paolo Banchero Over 20.5 points (-165)

Projection: 21.6 points

The Magic have been productive offensively, averaging 117.4 points per game over their last 25 outings (10th in the league), but they’ll need more from Paolo Banchero to keep that momentum going—especially at the free-throw line.

This matchup against the Pistons sets up well for drawing contact, with opposing starting power forwards attempting 5.0 free throws per game over the last 10 (sixth-most in the league). The opportunity is there for Banchero & it just comes down to capitalizing and turning those chances into points in front of the home crowd.

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Jalen Suggs Over 4.5 assists (-139)

Projection: 4.8 assists

Jalen Suggs has been quietly effective as a facilitator, clearing his 4.5 assist line in five of his last 10 games, and this matchup sets up well for him to do it again in Game 3 against the Pistons.

With Orlando playing at a faster tempo lately, there should be more possessions to go around, giving Suggs additional opportunities to create.

His role as a secondary playmaker alongside Banchero and Wagner puts him in prime position to rack up assists, especially when defenses collapse on those primary scoring options.

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Franz Wagner Over 4.5 rebounds (-114)

Projection: 4.9 rebounds

Franz Wagner has been reliable on the glass in this series against the Pistons, clearing this line in both Game 1 and 2. Now back on his home floor, expect an extra boost of energy that could help him cash the Over once again.

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How to watch Pistons vs Magic Game 3

LocationKia Center, Orlando, FL
DateSaturday, April 25, 2026
Tip-off1:05 p.m. ET
TVPeacock

Not intended for use in MA.
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Mets Morning News for April 25, 2026

Apr 24, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets third baseman Mark Vientos (27) reacts after lining in to a double play to end the eighth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Meet the Mets

It was good while it lasted. After winning two straight games, the Mets are back to their losing ways following a 4-3 loss to the Colorado Rockies last night. Freddy Peralta faltered late in the game, as he is wont to do, and the Mets failed to get enough clutch hits to overcome the deficit, as they are wont to do.

Choose your recap:Amazin’ Avenue, NY Post, MLB.com, Newsday, Daily News

Following an unremarkable start on Thursday night, the Mets optioned Christian Scott back to the minors and called up Carl Edwards Jr. to join the bullpen.

In case it wasn’t already clear, we won’t be seeing Francisco Lindor for quite a while.

David Stearns acknowledged the rough play of his team but expressed hope that they would turn it around.

It’s still early, but the questions continue to mount about this team.

The state of the starting rotation has been in flux for most of the season thus far, and that will likely continue.

Around the National League East

The Braves continue to roll and the Phillies continue to flounder, as Atlanta delivered the tenth straight loss to Philadelphia.

There’s not too much to be happy about in the Phillies clubhouse these days, but here is one positive: Zack Wheeler makes his return today.

The Marlins gave plenty of run support to Sandy Alcántara and defeated the Giants 9-4.

The Nationals pitching staff surrendered four runs in their final three of work and fell to the White Sox 5-4.

Around Major League Baseball

Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: Giancarlo Stanton is hurt.

The Blue Jays have removed Jeff Hoffman from the closer’s role for the moment.

Pirates rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin celebrated the end of his teen years with his first career home run.

The Cubs decided they were tired of beating up on underperforming NL East teams and defeated the Dodgers to bring their winning streak up to ten.

Eugenio Suárez will be missing some time due to an oblique strain.

Pete Crow-Armstrong previously played like an MVP candidate but has struggled for some time dating back to last year.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

Vasilis Drimalitis previewed the battle of giants that is this weekend’s series between Mets and Rockies.

Joe Sokolowski got to actually provide some post-win comments in the latest installment of This Week in Mets Quotes.

This Date in Mets History

David Wright became the all-time RBI leader in Mets history on this date in 2012.

Former Penguins Forward Has Big Playoff Game vs. Oilers

The Anaheim Ducks beat the Edmonton Oilers by a 7-4 final score in Game 3 of their first round matchup. With it, the Ducks now have a 2-1 series lead over Edmonton and are in a good spot heading into Game 4. 

A former Pittsburgh Penguins forward certainly played a role in the Ducks' Game 3 win, as Mikael Granlund dominated. Granlund scored a goal and recorded three assists in the Ducks' victory over the Oilers. With this, he put together a four-point night in a playoff game, which is certainly impressive. 

With this big performance, Granlund now has one goal, four assists, and five points in three playoff games so far this postseason for the Ducks. This is after the former Penguins forward recorded 19 goals, 22 assists, and 41 points in 58 games for the Ducks during the regular season. 

Granlund played in 21 games for the Penguins during the 2022-23 season, where he had one goal, five points, and a plus-1 rating. He was traded to the San Jose Sharks during the 2023 NHL offseason in the deal that brought star defenseman Erik Karlsson to Pittsburgh. 

Rayner Castillo spins a gem in Whitecaps victory, Kelvis Salcedo returns to Lakeland

Toledo Mud Hens 4, Omaha Storm Chasers (box)(F/5)

This one lasted just long enough as the Mud Hens seized the lead in the bottom of the fifth, and then the game became official as rain washed out the rest of the day.

Lael Lockhart Jr. was uncharacteristically wild in this one, walking four. He gave up a run in the third, and then two more in the fourth. Matt Seelinger cleaned up a little jam, and then Brenan Hanifee handled the top of the fifth.

So it was 3-0 headed into the bottom of the fourth. Jace Jung led off with a walk, and Eduardo Valencia launched his third homer of the year to make it a 3-2 game.

Hanifee immediately allowed a single and then a Josh Rojas double in the top of the fifth. A strikeout and a pair of ground outs got him out of the inning unscathed.

Ben Malgeri singled to open the bottom of the fifth, and by then the rain was really coming down and a half hour delay followed. It was still ominous when they resumed, but after Max Clark struck out, Gage Workman singled Malgeri to third. Workman stole second base, and the throw went into center field as Malgeri scampered home to tie the game, and the throw in from Drew Waters in center field also went awry as Workman roared around to score as well.

It wasn’t a walkoff, but it eventually functioned as one as the rain picked up again and the game was put into the books after five innings.

Malgeri: 2-3, R

Workman: 2-3, R, SB

Valencia: 1-2, R, 2 RBI, HR

Coming Up Next: It’s a 5:05 p.m. ET start on Saturday in Toledo as the Hens lead the series 3-1.

Binghamton Rumble Ponies 10, Erie SeaWolves 2 (box)

Dariel Fregio made his fourth start after getting promoted to Erie and converted to the rotation out of need. He was mauled for six runs as the Ponies ran roughshod over the SeaWolves on Friday.

The Ponies scored a run in each of the first three frames, two on solo shots, before the SeaWolves answered back in the fourth. Brett Callahan led off the top half with a walk and Chris Meyers singled. Andrew Jenkins reached on a fielders choice that forced Meyers at second, and Callahan scored on an Izaac Pacheco ground out.

Fregio gave up three straight singles in the bottom of the fourth, and Colin Fields had to take over. That did not work out as Fields allowed all three runs to score on two sac flies, and then a two-run homer from the Ponies’ A.J. Ewing. 7-1 Binghamton.

In the sixth, Peyton Graham was hit by a pitch and Callahan walked. Graham moved to third on a Meyers ground out and scored on a wild pitch. Otherwise it was a poor night for the offense.

Fields allowed two more runs in relief, and the Ponies added one against Eric Silva to complete the scoring. The SeaWolves only had two hits on the night.

Fregio (L, 0-1): 3.0 IP, 6 ER, 6 H, BB, 2 K

Fields: 2.0 IP, 3 ER, 3 H, 0 BB, 2 K

Coming Up Next: The SeaWolves lead the series 3-1, with first pitch on Saturday set for 1:00 p.m. ET.

West Michigan Whitecaps 7, Lake County Captains 6 (box)

Rayner Castillo threw a great game, but the late innings got dicey until the Whitecaps stormed back to walk this one off in Comstock Park.

Castillo, our 25th ranked prospect in the offseason, had a down year in 2025 and has been up and down early on this year. The 21-year-old locked in on Friday night, two-hitting the Captains over five scoreless frames with five strikeouts.

The ‘Caps got on the board right away when Jackson Strong led off the bottom of the first with a single and scored on a Samuel Gil double. Nolan McCarthy launched a solo shot for his first with the Whitecaps in the fifth inning. Andrew Sojka followed him with a solid single to center and Clayton Campbell pumped an RBI double to center to make it a 3-0 lead.

Carlos Lequerica took over from Castillo with a snappy 1-2-3 sixth, but gave up a solo shot in the seventh. 3-1 ‘Caps.

Seth Chavez followed Lequerica, taking over in the eighth, and the Captains jumped all over him after the leadoff hitter reached on a Gil error from second base. They banged out five straight hits and a sac fly and it was a 6-3 Lake County lead with the smoke cleared.

Gil redeemed himself quickly by leading off the bottom half with a single, and Garrett Pennington made it count with a two-run blast that made it a 6-5 Lake County lead.

Lefty Ethan Sloan cleaned up the eighth and tossed a 1-2-3 top of the ninth. That was well as it set the Whitecaps up for the comeback. Campbell led off with a single and Hunter Dobbins reached on an error. Two fly outs followed, but Pennington got an 0-2 pitch on the outer edge and dumped it into right field for a two-run walkoff double. And the LMCU faithful rejoiced.

Pennington: 3-5, R, 4 RBI, 2B, HR, K, CS

McCarthy: 2-4, R, RBI, HR, K

Gil: 2-4, R, RBI, 2B, BB

Rainer: 1-4, 3 K

Castillo: 5.0 IP, 0 R, 2 H, 2 BB, 5 K

Coming Up Next: It’s a 2:00 p.m. ET start on Saturday with the series all tied up.

Tampa Tarpons 4, Lakeland Flying Tigers 3 (box)

Tampa rallied back to win on Friday, but I don’t care because RHP Kelvis Salcedo was back on the mound for his first start of the year.

The 20-year-old right hander broke out in a big way last summer, featuring huge stuff and advanced strike throwing. He had a minor meniscus clean up procedure this spring, so the Tigers started easing him back in with a two-inning outing in this one. Once he’s built up, Salcedo should be moving to West Michigan pretty quickly. He torched the Tarpons for two innings in this one, striking out five and allowing one single and a walk. His fourseamer was 94-95 mph, and he racked up plenty of whiffs on his slider in particular, getting 7 total whiffs on 15 Tarpon swings.

This is arguably the most exciting young pitcher in the system, at least of those who aren’t perpetually on the injured list. We’ll see.

Jordan Yost got the Flying Tigers started on Friday by leading off the bottom of the first with a deep drive to center field. He turned on the afterburners and raced around the bases for a triple off of lefty Justin West. Thayron Liranzo immediatley pulled a single to left for a 1-0 lead.

After the leadoff hitter reached on a Carson Rucker error to start the third, RHP Jose Guzman took over from Salcedo and did a nice job getting out of the inning, though most of the credit goes to Liranzo, who cut down the runner trying to steal third.

Zach MacDonald, one of the big stories early on this spring, crushed a 112.9 mph home run in the bottom of the third to make it 2-0. The 22-year-old outfielder now has six homers in 17 games and is showing off huge raw pop to go with his speed. He is still striking out a huge amount, however. Don’t get too excited. It’s just that center fielders with double plus raw don’t grow on trees.

Guzman was solid, while Charlie Christensen allowed a run in the top of the fifth. In the bottom half, Yost slapped a ground ball single the opposite way and advanced to third on a passed ball and a wild pitch. Liranzo lifted a fly ball to right field for a sac fly to make it 3-1.

After that it was all Tampa. Eliseo Mota gave up three runs, two earned in the late innings, and the Flying Tigers’ offense didn’t have an answer.

Yost: 2-4, 2 R, 3B, K

Liranzo: 1-3, 2 RBI

MacDonald: 1-4, R, RBI, HR, 3 K

Salcedo: 2.0 IP, 0 R, H, BB, 5 K

Coming Up Next: It’s a 6:00 p.m. ET start in Lakeland on Saturday.

Braves News: Michael Harris II heroics continue, Raisel Iglesias update, and more

Apr 24, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves pinch hitter Michael Harris II (23) hits a double to drive in two runs against the Philadelphia Phillies during the sixth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images | Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

The Atlanta Braves began the homestand on a high note and defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 5-3. For the first time in 19 years, the Braves have now won four straight over the Phillies to open a season. It was a solid night from both the lineup and the bullpen, but once again, Michael Harris II headlined the night with some later-inning heroics.

Though originally scratched from the lineup with quad tightness, he came to the plate as a pinch-hitter in the sixth inning and delivered a double to give the Braves the edge.

It was previously reported that Harris was day-to-day, but so far, that has not limited him from driving in runs for Atlanta. The Braves aim to ride this momentum and collect another series win tonight at 7:15 ET.

More Braves News:

Walt Weiss announced that though Raisel Iglesias has not started throwing yet, he is expected to return relatively soon. 

Isaiah Drake, Eric Hartman, and John Gil continue to be the heavy hitters for the Rome Emperors. More in the minor league recap.

MLB News:

The Cincinnati Reds will place DH Eugenio Suarez on the 10-day injured list due to a low-grade oblique strain. Fortunately, this injury does not appear to be overly serious.

From the Feed:

The Braves have already been successful in game one, so submit your picks on how many games the Braves win this series.

Red Sox News & Links: Brayan Bello’s rotation spot safe for now

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - APRIL 24: Starting pitcher Brayan Bello #66 of the Boston Red Sox reacts in first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 24, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) | Getty Images

It’s more than fair to wonder whether Brayan Bello is on the verge of losing his spot in the starting rotation. Bello has been the Sox’ clear weak link, posting an ERA of exactly 9.00 after 5 starts this year. But with Sonny Gray and Johan Oviedo currently on the shelf, Alex Cora says Bello isn’t going anywhere, as the Red Sox plan to “stay the course.” That’s why, when Alex Cora pulled the unusual move of paying Bello a mound visit in the third inning last night, he didn’t remove him from the game but, rather, wanted him to improve his body language: “We’re here to compete, be prepared. We go out there and do our best. Regardless of the situation, you’ve got to keep competing and he actually did. I’ll give him that. But we’ve got to figure it out.” (Chris Cotillo, MassLive)

Speaking of staying the course, it doesn’t look like Caleb Durbin will be losing his job anytime soon, either, despite the fact that Durbin is the single-worst hitter by OPS in all of baseball right now. “I hate the comparison, but Dustin Pedroia was hitting .190 on May 15 in 2007,” Alex Cora said incorrectly, as Pedroia was actually .259 with an OPS over .700 on that date. “It’s still early in the season. There’s some trends that we like. He’s not chasing. Of course, he’s not hitting the ball hard — we know that — but he keeps working. He’s a good defender, too. We cannot forget that. Just got to keep playing.” (Peter Abraham, Boston Globe)

It’s not merely Bello and Durbin whom Cora is sticking by. The manager continues to believe in the roster at his disposal and is trying to block out the criticism: “You have to cancel the noise because it’s loud, very loud. Anywhere you look, they’re talking about us and how bad we are. Deservedly so. The record is the record. But I don’t think we have a bad team. We’re just going through a bad stretch.” (Chris Cotillo, MassLive)

At least they won’t have much time to dwell on last night’s lopsided loss in Baltimore. Due to bad weather expected in the mid-Atlantic, today’s game has been moved up from 4:05 PM to 12:05 PM (MLB)

But will Roman Anthony be back in the lineup for the earlier start? He is reportedly making progress with the sore back that has kept him out of the lineup for three straight games. “[He’s] feeling better, moving better,” said Cora. “Hopefully at one point during the weekend he plays. We’re not gonna rush it, but it was a better day for him.” (Ian Browne, MLB.com)

Anthony better get back into the lineup quickly, because this Red Sox season is beginning to be characterized by something even worse than bad baseball: fan apathy. (Rob Bradford, WEEI)

A series opening win in Toronto!

CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 16: Angel Martínez #1 of the Cleveland Guardians hits the ball in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field on April 16, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Russell Lee Verlinger/Cleveland Guardians/Getty Images) | Getty Images

In what looked like it could be a laugher early, the Guardians were able to hold on for an 8-6 victory to open the series in Toronto, off the back of two 2-run home runs from Angel Martínez. It was Martínez’s first career multi-home run game.

The first inning started off with a bang, as Daniel Schneemann took Max Scherzer deep on the 8th pitch of the first at bat of the game. The Guardians weren’t done yet, though. After a José Ramírez walk and a Rhys Hoskins single, George Valera just missed a home run, as he hit a 2 run double off the very top of the high wall in right field, giving the Guardians a 3-0 lead. Then the very next hitter Angel Martínez took Scherzer deep, capping off a 5 run first inning.

Toronto was able to answer back in the bottom half. Nathan Lukes doubled off Gavin Williams to lead off the inning for Toronto, but he would leave with injury. (As of writing, the only available update was “left hamstring discomfort”.) The pinch runner Davis Schneider moved to 3rd on a sac fly and scored on a ground ball to short stop. Then with two outs and no one on base, Jesús Sánchez took The Big Rig deep, making it a 5-2 game. 

After a scoreless 2nd from the Guards, the Blue Jays were able to tack on one more on a solo shot from Kazuma Okamoto, closing the gap to just 2 runs. Then it was Angel Martínez to the rescue again. After falling behind 0-2, Martínez fouled off several pitches, working the count back to full. On the 11th pitch of the at bat, he took Scherzer deep again to right field for his second 2-run home run of the night. 

Gavin Williams was able to settle in after that, at one point retiring 11 Blue Jays in a row, before walking Davis Schneider in the 5th, who would go on to score on an Ernie Clement double. The Guards would tack on a big insurance run with an RBI fielder’s choice by Chase DeLauter, making it 8-4. The Jays would go on to score two more in the 6th on a bloop double by Andrés Giménez off Williams to bring the Jays closer at 8-6. Williams would get out of the inning though, and was done for the night. His final line was 6IP 6ER 7H 2BB 4K, and while not ideal from the pitcher most consider the Ace of this staff, he was able to keep the lead intact and get through 6 innings to help ease the load on the bullpen.

The Guardian’s bullpen then came in and got 6 hitters out in a row, with both Hunter Gaddis and Erik Sabrowski each throwing a 1-2-3 inning in the 7th and 8th respectively. After that, it was up to Cade Smith to close it out. It wasn’t without drama, as Okamoto led off the inning with a 112 mph laser beam high off the wall in left field, but a great play on the ball off the wall by Angel Martínez held Okamoto to a very long single. He was followed by known Guardian hater Andrés Giménez lining a single to RF, and it looked like the inning was set up perfectly for the Blue Jays. However, Cade Smith was able to get the pinch hitter Eloy Jiménez to hit a weak ground ball to José Ramírez, and the Guards defense got the very clutch 5-4-3 double play. Finally, with a runner on 3rd and 2 outs, Smith was able to get Schneider to pop out to second base to end the game and seal a series opening victory for the Guardians. 

The Guards will have a chance to take the series tomorrow afternoon, but they’ll have to take down Kevin Gausman, the Blue Jays Ace, to do it. It’ll be Joey Cantillo on the mound for Cleveland, with first pitch scheduled for 3:07pm.

Dach’s Redemption Leads Canadiens To Important Win

With the series tied 1-1, the Montreal Canadiens were hosting the Tampa Bay Lightning on Friday night at the Bell Centre. After coming some seven minutes away from taking a 2-0 lead in the series on Tuesday night, the Habs looked deflated in overtime and couldn’t even muster one shot on net after the Bolts survived Scott Sabourin’s brain cramp.

Despite Kirby Dach’s pair of gaffes on Tuesday night, Martin St-Louis elected not to make any changes to his lineup, despite the storm it caused in town. There was a lot of talk in town about what the coach would decide to do, but after he came out in a Zoom availability to defend his player, it became clear it was unlikely. St-Louis is not one to be swayed by popular opinion, either. Why would you care what someone thinks if you’d never ask them for advice?

Canadiens’ Hutson Is Making Smart Reads
Canadiens' Xhekaj Laughs Off Lightning's Self-Given Bad Guys Tag
Canadiens’ Caufield Big Tribute

As expected, the opening montage was something to behold, with the late great Ken Dryden narrating the opening before it moved on to a compilation of highlights from the season, including Pierre Houde’s marvelous call of Cole Caufield’s 50th goal. Unsurprisingly, it sent the Bell Center into a frenzy, and when Yvan Cournoyer appeared on the Jumbotron with the torch, the building erupted.

A Brand New Dach

After being treated as public enemy number one by fans all week, Dach flew out of the gates. Even though he didn’t have a shot on net in the first, he showed combativity, went through traffic and didn’t hesitate to take the hit when necessary. The newly formed fourth line, comprising Dach, Zachary Bolduc and Alexandre Texier, scored the first goal less than five minutes into the game.

Dach was also called for a trip a bit later on, but there really wasn’t much to it. One would have thought that if they were going to call that, they’d call a corresponding embellishment, but it didn’t happen.

The Albertan wasn’t done, though. In the second frame, he scored to bring everyone back to square one after a great shift. He was set up all alone in front of the net and was stopped by Vasilevskiy, but seconds later, after battling to get the puck back, he beat him.

There’s no question that this was a great game for Dach, but he needs to do this when he doesn’t have anything to be forgiven about, not just when he got badly burned. The Dach who played on Friday is the one the Canadiens thought they were getting from the Chicago Blackhawks. It will be interesting to see if he can sustain that level of effort.

After the game, Dach declined to say what Martin St-Louis had said to him about Tuesday night’s game, but he still spoke about his coach:

I think Marty is a phenomenal coach and a great person. He’s able to level with you on a personal level and kind of understand what you, as a player, are going through. I think he’s also able to find how to get the best out of every one of us.
- Dach on St-Louis

As for the coach himself, he explained his decision to stick with Dach and not scratch him after Tuesday by saying he’s never going to give up on someone who hasn’t given up on themselves, calling Dach a great hockey player.

A Strange Second Frame

For the first half of the second frame, it looked like the Canadiens were handling a live grenade in their own zone. Unsurprisingly, it blew up in their faces when Jake Evans committed a turnover as he was exiting his zone. Hagel was allowed to walk in Montreal’s territory and take a shot that beat Jakub Dobes. It’s more than likely one that the Czech netminder would like to have back, but there’s no do-overs in hockey.

Still, after Ivan Demidov was sent to the box for a high stick, which Tampa couldn’t capitalize on, Dach tied the score, and the Bolts appeared shaken up, so much so that they took three penalties in a row, allowing the Canadiens three chances to take the lead. However, they did some good work on the penalty kill, giving the Canadiens no time to plan in the offensive zone or even to shoot much. After 40 minutes, Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki didn’t have a single shot, while Juraj Slafkovsky only had one. Jon Cooper was doing a very good job at juggling in his lines to keep Cirelli on Suzuki despite not having the last change. He kept pulling guys off the ice to send Cirelli in whenever needed, and while St-Louis did see what he was doing, he decided not to be drawn into that, opting not to mess with his team’s rhythm.

First Line Troubles

If there’s one thing that has worked all year for the Canadiens, it’s their first line, but now, when it matters most and against a matchup master, they are struggling not only to score but even to get shots on goal. Still, on the bright side of things, the Canadiens are up 2-1 without their top line making much of an impact at even strength. Asked if it was a bit of a worry for him to be down 2-1 in the series, despite having shut down the opposition’s top line, Cooper explained:

I don’t know, we could be down 2-1, and they could be lighting it up, so we’ve got to take some positives out of what’s gone on. Sitting up here right now, choked because we just lost the game, but I think both teams would tell you that the series is far from over.
- Cooper on the Canadiens' first line

It was a particularly challenging night for Caufield; the sniper only managed one shot on goal and seemed to be fighting the puck all night long. Even his passes weren’t up to his usual standard. When he managed to take off on a breakaway, alone against Andrei Vasilevskiy, the Bell Centre crowd buzzed with excitement, but he ended up fanning on the shot. The Habs have three clear-cut breakaways on the night, that one, Demidov’s and Anderson’s, but failed to score on any of them.

Had the Canadiens lost the game, they would have only themselves to blame for so many missed opportunities, not just on those sequences, but also on the power play, where they were unsuccessful on five-man advantages.

Thankfully for them, though, Lane Hutson called the game early in the overtime period, scoring on a slapshot while Kirby Dach’s line was once again on the ice. The blueliner recognized the opportunities with plenty of big bodies in front of Tampa’s netminder. He elected to give it a shot, and the puck found its way in the back of the net. Funnily enough, before the overtime period, he had joked in the room that he was going to put the game away, and that he did.

Montreal will have an optional skate tomorrow morning before playing game four on Sunday night at the Bell Centre.


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Kirby Dach, Brandon Hagel, Who Helped Blackhawks Get Rebuild Truly Going, Were Brilliant On Friday

The Chicago Blackhawks haven't been a playoff team in a long time, but their rebuild truly began towards the end of the 2021-22 season. They went into that season expecting to win, and were one of the worst teams in the NHL. 

They started that year without a first-round pick because they traded it to the Columbus Blue Jackets in the Seth Jones trade, which is a move a team trying to make the playoffs makes. 

With Chicago's original pick, Columbus selected David Jiricek 6th overall. He's been traded twice, so it didn't hurt the Blackhawks all that much. That's especially true since the Blackhawks acquired three first-round picks in that 2022 Draft through three separate trades. 

One of those picks came from the Blackhawks trading Kirby Dach to the Montreal Canadiens. In return for Dach, the Blackhawks received the 13th overall pick. The selection originally belonged to the New York Islanders before it landed with the Canadiens. 

Chicago used that selection on Frank Nazar, who is now one of the players they believe is a part of the core. Nazar is someone who could play wing or center on any line, with exceptional skills in all three zones. 

The tools are there for him to be a high-end offensive player, and he's already shown flashes of being a star in this league. 

Nazar's skills and age fit the current state of the Chicago Blackhawks significantly more than Dach's, so this was an incredible trade in hindsight when evaluating the rebuild. 

Since going to Montreal, things have been up and down for Dach. He is not one of their cornerstone stars, but he fits in with their younger core. 

Just as the trade that sent Brandon Hagel to the Tampa Bay Lightning (the Blackhawks got Oliver Moore and Sacha Boisvert in return) has made the Blackhawks' future brighter, so has this deal involving Dach. 

Hagel and Dach are currently facing off in a first-round playoff series between Montreal and Tampa Bay. On Friday, they each made a big impact in Game Three. 

During regulation, Hagel had a go-ahead goal, then Dach tied it up (he also had an assist on their first goal). In overtime tied at two, the Canadiens won on a goal scored by Lane Hutson. Dach didn't collect a point on the goal, but he created the screen in front of Tampa Bay goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy. 

This was a redeeming game for Dach, who did not play well in their game two loss (also in overtime). J.J. Moser's overtime winner in that one was mostly due to a bad defensive play by Dach. 

There was a thought that Montreal coach Martin St. Louis would scratch Dach, but he stuck by his player. St. Louis was rewarded for this decision, as Dach and his 4th line mates were the best trio on the ice for most of the match. 

After dealing with those aforementioned ups and downs throughout his tenure in Montreal, Dach was thrilled to have a game like that. 

"I love playing here. I love the fans," Dach said after the win. "They've stuck with me through a lot of hard years".

Hagel didn't have the same warm feelings after the win, but there is nobody debating that he has been the best forward on either team throughout the series. If the Lightning are going to get past the Canadiens, he will have to be a big part of the comeback. This series has been a treat to watch with two former Blackhawks playing key roles in outcomes. 

Image

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Plaschke: Believe yet? Lakers leave no doubt in stunning comeback win over Rockets

HOUSTON, TEXAS - APRIL 24: Deandre Ayton #5, Marcus Smart #36, and Rui Hachimura.
Lakers teammaes Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart and Rui Hachimura celebrate during their overtime win against the Rockets on Friday night in Houston. (Kenneth Richmond / Getty Images)

LeBron James was exhausted. Marcus Smart was drained. Luke Kennard was invisible.

The Lakers were cooked, the playoff magic finally drained from a team without its two leading scorers, a team in the process of making every conceivable mistake, reality bouncing off their feet and ricocheting off their hips and falling out of their hands.

On a jarring Friday night at Houston’s Toyota Center, the Rockets led by six with 30 seconds remaining and had possession of the ball. They just needed to get it upcourt. They just needed to play catch.

The Lakers were done.

And if you believe that, then you don’t believe what they believe.

They believed Smart would steal a terrible backcourt pass, absorb a terrible shooting foul and make three free throws.

Read more:Marcus Smart leads Lakers to commanding 3-0 lead over Rockets in playoff series

They believed James would knock away a dribble on the next possession, run to beyond the three-point line, take a pass from Kennard and sink a game-tying trey.

They believed in the miracle of forcing this game into overtime, then believed in the destiny of a 112-108 victory to take an historically insurmountable three-games-to-none lead in a first-round playoff series they should have lost.

How frantic was that finish? In the postseason over the last 29 years, NBA teams that led by six or more points in the last 30 seconds are now 1,713-2.

“It was just a gutty win for us,” James said.

Gutty, gritty, growling, great, great win.

“Everything that we needed to do, even when it wasn't pretty, we just kind of found a way to do it,” said coach JJ Redick. “And ... we're playing hard. I mean, that's what you have to do to put yourself in a position to win."

Lakers center Deandre Ayton, right, and guard Marcus Smart slap hands as they celebrate in overtime during their win Friday.
Lakers center Deandre Ayton, right, and guard Marcus Smart slap hands as they celebrate in overtime during their win Friday. (Kenneth Richmond / Getty Images)

They are true believers, this bunch, as much as any Laker team has believed since the 2020 championship run, perhaps more than any other Lakers team in history.

They believe in their legendary leader, LeBron. They believe in the playoff-tough Smart. They believe in their connectivity, in their desperation, in their destiny.

They believe this is a special team. Once they get their two injured scorers back — and Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic are apparently returning faster than anyone imagined — they believe this could be a championship-contending team.

They will find out in the next round, when their opponent will be either the defending champions from Oklahoma City or the the Phoenix Suns.

Even if they finish off the Rockets in a sweep — and this series is already over considering NBA teams are 159-0 with a 3-0 lead — they will be considerable underdogs moving forward.

Surely they were lucky that star Kevin Durant didn’t play in two of these three games, including missing Friday’s Game 3 with a sprained ankle.

Surely they can’t keep winning games with 21 turnovers and half as many offensive rebounds and blown 15-point leads.

Surely that even if Reaves and Doncic return, they will revert to being the same team that lost to Oklahoma City by 43 points and lost to San Antonio by 16 in their most recent meetings while at full strength.

Surely they’re not this deep and committed and inspired as they’ve shown in these first three games.

Right? Wrong. Were you watching?

The Rockets used numerous Lakers mistakes and defensive mistakes to take the lead in the final five minutes and seemingly hold it for a series-changing victory. The dagger appeared to be a fastbreak dunk by Alperen Sengun to give the Rockets a 101-95 lead and eventually the ball with the crowd roaring and barely 30 seconds left.

Little did they know the Lakers had them right where they wanted them.

“We've talked ... about elevating everything,” said Redick, later adding, “You have to elevate your poise, you have to elevate your composure, recognizing that there's going to be moments where the crowd's going crazy or you get down, they make a run, whatever it may be. We weathered a lot tonight. ... And then, in that moment, just to have the poise to just keep playing."

The Lakers had that poise. The Rockets lost their cool.

In that moment... what was Jabari Smith Jr. doing throwing a looping backcourt pass to apparently nobody? And after Smart grabbed it and threw up a desperate three... what was Jae’Sean Tate doing fouling him?

“I see Tate running really fast and I’m like, 'OK, he probably not going to be able to stop in time,'" explained Smart. “So, I just pulled up right away and he ran right under me, exactly what happened. So, it was a smart play. That’s part of my vet, being a vet and my vet savvy. Been in the league for 12 years. I picked up some tricks from some guys.”

Even after the vet’s three free throws, the Rockets still could have easily won this, but... what was Reed Sheppard doing casually dribbling the ball upcourt without noticing James behind him? James knocked the ball away for the steal, eventually got it back, and drained a trey with 13 seconds remaining for the eventual overtime-sending gut punch.

"We don't have the luxury of being passive or being complacent," James said. “Our whole mindset is we have to do everything it takes in that particular game and that particular moment in that particular possession in order for us to win basketball games, because we don't have a long leash of error. We don't have a lot [of room] for error."

Once they reached the extra period, well, it was over the moment an angrily stunned Sengun threw a towel to the floor in front of the Rockets' bench moments after the end of regulation.

The Rockets were unnerved and eventually undone.

Smart started the extra period by hitting a three, then kept the Lakers' mojo going with a flying save of a rebound that became a Rui Hachimura layup.

Soon thereafter James went to the floor fighting for a ball, then missed a shot that Smart came out of nowhere to grab the offensive rebound, leading to two free throws that eventually put the game out of reach.

Even on a night when James scored 29 points, had 13 rebounds, and threw an ally-oop pass to son Bronny for a reverse layup — so cool! — the hero here was Smart.

He was signed by the Lakers last summer for his postseason toughness and savvy, and he showed every bit of it Friday, with 21 points, 10 assists and five steals. Not to mention, eight points in overtime.

“You got to leave it all on the court, because you never know," Smart said. ”Because you never know. It can be taken away at any moment, right? And with two of our best players down, we got to play desperate. We got to be the most desperate team and that’s how we have been playing and that’s how we are winning, right? The chemistry has been built because of that.”

It’s a chemistry that works. It’s a chemistry that has built a faith even amid Friday night’s immeasurably high hurdle, a faith that should persist beyond the framework of this finished first-round series.

Down six. Thirty seconds left. Steal the game. Steal the series.

Believe.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

Open Thread: Tim Duncan hits the big 5-0

SAN ANTONIO, TX - APRIL 19: Tim Duncan and David Robinson attend a game between the San Antonio Spurs and the Portland Trail Blazers during Round One Game One of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 19, 2026 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photos by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

I am 52. Most of my friends are around my age. On a regular basis, someone I know turns fifty.

And this is what I send them:

Five-Oh!

Today Tim Duncan turns the big 5-0!

Tim Duncan is one of the GOATs of the game, one who exemplified Spurs Culture and said more with his gaze than most do in a soliloquy.

In some cases, it got him in hot water.

He also had a great sense of humor.

Oh, yeah, and Tim was a killer basketball player.

May you have the best year to come, Big Fun. May you be surrounded by friends, and have lots of laughs.

Happy birthday, Timmy.


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Game Preview: Pittsburgh Penguins @ Philadelphia Flyers, Round 1 Game 4, 4/25/2026

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 22: Noel Acciari #55 of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Trevor Zegras #46 of the Philadelphia Flyers battle for the puck off the first period faceoff in Game Three of the First Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena on April 22, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Who: Pittsburgh Penguins (0-3) @ Philadelphia Flyers (3-0)

When: 8:00 p.m. ET

How to Watch: Locally broadcast on Sportsnet Pittsburgh and NBC Sports Philadelphia, nationally on TBS and TruTV, streaming on HBO Max

Pens’ Path Ahead: The Penguins need to win tonight to force Game 5, which would take place Monday in Pittsburgh at a time yet to be determined.

Opponent Track: The Flyers are up 3-0 after outscoring the Pens by a combined score of 11-4. They’re riding a six-game win streak dating back to the end of the regular season.

Hidden Stat: Teams that gain a 3-0 lead in an NHL playoff series have gone on to win 209 out of 213 times.

Hidden Stat II: Stuart Skinner is two years removed from coming close to a historic reverse sweep with the Edmonton Oilers. The Oilers had fallen into an 0-3 hole to the Florida Panthers in the 2024 Stanley Cup Final when he backstopped the team to three straight wins and forced a Game 7.

Getting to know the Flyers

Projected lines (from Thursday’s practice)

FORWARDS

Tyson Foerster – Trevor Zegras – Owen Tippett

Travis Konecny – Christian Dvorak – Porter Martone

Denver Barkey – Noah Cates – Matvei Michkov

Luke Glendening – Sean Couturier – Garnet Hathaway

DEFENSEMEN

Travis Sanheim / Rasmus Ristolainen

Cam York / Jamie Drysdale

Nick Seeler / Noah Juulsen

Goalies: Dan Vladar (?) and Samuel Ersson

Potential scratches: Garrett Wilson, Carl Grundstrom, Alex Bump, Emil Andrae

Injured Reserve: Rodrigo Abols (fractured ankle), Nikita Grebenkin (upper body)

Goaltending questions

The biggest Game 4 question for the Flyers will be who is starting in net.

Rick Tocchet said Thursday that Dan Vladar is “a little banged up.” The Flyers goaltender had what Tocchet described as “maintenance days” on both Thursday and Friday, and he’s considered a game-time decision heading into Game 4.

Vladar was in visible discomfort after taking contact from Bryan Rust in the third quarter of Wednesday’s Game 3. He at times appeared to be limited in his movements after that play.

If Vladar is unable to play Saturday, the Flyers will turn back to Samuel Ersson. Ersson has started just one game over the last few weeks, and it was the Flyers’ regular-season finale after they’d already clinched their playoff spot.

Ersson’s overall numbers for the season (.870 SV%, 3.12 GAA) aren’t great, but he picked up his game after the Olympic break in February (.912 SV% and 1.8 GAA in nine games since then, per Hockey Reference).

If Vladar is hurting, the Flyers have enough cushion with their three-game series lead to see if Ersson can build on that momentum in Game 4.

“I’m not really worried if he had to play,” Tocchet said about Ersson Friday, per NHL.com’s Adam Kimelman. “He’s locked in. Even in practice. If his number is called, he’ll be ready to go.”

And now for the Pens

Projected lines (from Friday’s practice)

FORWARDS

Rickard Rakell – Sidney Crosby – Bryan Rust

Egor Chinakhov – Tommy Novak – Evgeni Malkin

Elmer Soderblom – Ben Kindel – Anthony Mantha

Connor Dewar – Blake Lizotte – Noel Acciari

DEFENSEMEN

Parker Wotherspoon / Erik Karlsson

Sam Girard / Kris Letang

Ryan Shea / Ilya Solovyov

Goalies: Stuart Skinner and Arturs Silovs

Potential Scratches: Justin Brazeau, Kevin Hayes, Ryan Graves, Jack St. Ivany, Connor Clifton

IR: Filip Hallander, Caleb Jones (season-ending shoulder surgery)

  • Chinakhov is back on a line with Malkin, reuniting what’s been a solid combo from the regular season.
  • It looks like Elmer Soderblom is drawing back into the lineup and Justin Brazeau is back out, based on Friday’s practice lines.
  • Another change saw Ilya Solovyov slotting in on the bottom defense pairing alongside Ryan Shea in place of Connor Clifton.
  • The Pens’ goalscoring through three postseason games have been limited to Erik Karlsson, Bryan Rust and Evgeni Malkin (2). They’ll hope that list gets longer in Game 4.
  • The Penguins have controlled play for parts of this series, including late in Game 2 and early in Game 3. This team has yet to maintain that level of control for an entire playoff game. Whether or not Dan Muse and his players can figure out how to change that will determine whether the season ends tonight.
  • Part of those changes will involve avoiding retaliatory penalties. The Penguins acknowledged the scrums around the midway point of Game 3 seemingly energized the home team. Avoiding a repeat of that brawl, which swung the momentum of Wednesday’s loss, could be key to the Penguins finding a way to win for the first time this series.

Mets Daily Prospect Report, 4/25/26: More means Morabito

Feb 19, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets outfielder Nick Morabito (70) poses for a photo during media day at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Triple-A: Syracuse Mets (13-11)

SYRACUSE 3, WORCESTER 0 (BOX)

Three runs in the third were all the Mets needed in this one. Nick Morabito and Ji Hwan Bae drove basically all of the offense, compiling five hits and three walks atop the lineup. Meanwhile, six pitchers combined to shutout the Red Sox, including a perfect inning from the rehabbing A.J. Minter. Austin Warren also recorded two outs and has a 1.13 ERA on the season.

Double-A: Binghamton Rumble Ponies (7-11)

BINGHAMTON 10, ERIE 2 (BOX)

Four homers for the Rumble Ponies propelled them to a 10-2 win. A.J. Ewing launched a homer for the second consecutive day and now has an OPS over 1.000, and he sure looks the part of a top-end prospect. Chris Suero, Jose Ramos, and Nick Lorusso also went deep; Lorusso finished a triple shy of the cycle.

High-A: Brooklyn Cyclones (4-14)

HUDSON VALLEY 6, BROOKLYN 4 (BOX)

Despite a big day from Kevin Villavicencio, the Cyclones couldn’t rally back from an early deficit. Mitch Voit’s offense continues to be sluggish, and there’s not many other names of true note on the offensive side here. Hopefully there will be some reinforcement here down the line this season, but the current iteration of the team isn’t much fun.

Single-A: St. Lucie Mets (9-10)

PALM BEACH 12, ST. LUCIE 4 (BOX)

Second straight ugly loss for the Mets to the visiting Cardinals. Ernesto Mercedes was the primary culprit, surrendering five runs while recording only a single out. Elian Peña continues to look real good though, so that’s something.

Rookie: FCL Mets (0-0)

NO GAME (SCHEDULE)

STAR OF THE NIGHT

Nick Morabito

GOAT OF THE NIGHT

Ernesto Mercedes

MLB Predictions and Moneyline Picks for Saturday, April 25

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Saturday’s MLB board is full of spots to attack — if you know where to look.

We’re locking in our top MLB picks and moneyline plays for Saturday, April 25, targeting pitching mismatches, fading overpriced favorites, and backing teams in strong form before the market fully adjusts.

MLB moneyline picks for April 25

MatchupPick
MarinersSEA
vs
CardinalsSTL
Mariners
-138
GuardiansCLE
vs
Blue JaysTOR
Blue Jays
-133
Red SoxBOS
vs
OriolesBAL
Orioles
-113
MarlinsMIA
vs
GiantsSF
Giants
-113
RockiesCOL
vs
MetsNYM
Mets
-186
TwinsMIN
vs
RaysTB
Twins
+117
Nationals WSH
vs
White SoxCWS
Nationals
+113
PadresSD
vs
DiamondbacksAZ
Padres
+100
AthleticsATH
vs
RangersTEX
Rangers
-133
AngelsLAA
vs
RoyalsKC
Angels
-138
YankeesNYY
vs
AstrosHOU
Yankees
-133
PiratesPIT
vs
BrewersMIL
Pirates
+127
TigersDET
vs
RedsCIN
Tigers
-104
PhilliesPHI
vs
BravesATL
Braves
-127
Cubs CHC
vs
Dodgers LAD
Dodgers
-150

Prices courtesy of Polymarket as of 4-25.

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Expert MLB moneyline picks for April 25

Mariners vs Cardinals: Mariners (-138)

Mariners win probability: 58%

Bryan Woo has been really solid to start the year, and that gives them a clear edge on the mound.

The Cardinals haven’t done enough offensively to scare you, and Liberatore tends to put guys on base, which can get him in trouble.

If Woo does his job, Seattle should be in control and win this one.

Guardians vs Blue Jays: Blue Jays (-133)

Blue Jays win probability: 57%

Kevin Gausman has been sharp and gives them the edge over Joey Cantillo, who’s been fine but not dominant.

The Jays are also hitting better right now, and Cleveland’s offense hasn’t done much to separate.

At home with the better arm, Toronto should take care of business.

Red Sox vs Orioles: Orioles (-113)

Orioles win probability: 53%

Garrett Crochet has been getting hit hard, and that’s a bad combo against an Orioles lineup with some pop.

Trevor Rogers isn’t perfect, but he’s been more stable, and Boston’s offense has been near the bottom.

Baltimore has the edge.

Marlins vs Giants: Giants (-113)

Giants win probability: 53%

Robbie Ray has been solid, and Miami’s offense drops off in this matchup.

The Marlins can hit, but Ray limits damage better than Pérez, and the Giants should do just enough at the plate.

This feels like a controlled, lower-scoring win for San Francisco.

Rockies vs Mets: Mets (-186)

Mets win probability: 65%

Not pretty, but New York has the edge.

Both starters have been bad, but Kodai Senga still has more upside than Quintana, and Colorado on the road is always a tough sell.

The Mets have the slightly safer path to outscore them.

Twins vs Rays: Twins (+117)

Twins win probability: 46%

Bailey Ober has been the more stable arm, and Tampa’s pitching hasn’t been as sharp as usual.

The Rays can hit, but Minnesota has been more consistent overall, especially at the plate.

If Ober holds things down, the Twins can get this done.

Nationals vs White Sox: Nationals (+113)

Nationals win probability: 47%

Neither team is great, but Washington’s lineup has been more productive, and Chicago’s pitching still gives up too much.

Jake Irvin isn’t perfect, but he’s facing an offense that hasn’t done much. Washington can outscore them here.

Padres vs Diamondbacks: Padres (+100)

Padres win probability: 50%

San Diego has been more reliable on the mound, and Arizona hasn’t done enough to earn trust.

Zac Gallen is solid, but the Padres' lineup can get to him, and their pitching does a better job limiting damage over nine innings.

Athletics vs Rangers: Rangers (-133)

Rangers win probability: 57%

Jeffrey Springs has been good, but Texas is the more complete team.

The Rangers' lineup is deeper, and they’ve been much better at preventing runs. 

Angels vs Royals: Angels (-138)

Angels win probability: 58%

Cole Ragans has struggled, putting too many runners on base, and that’s dangerous against a lineup with power.

Walbert Ureña isn’t dominant, but he should be steady enough. The Angels have the better path to control this game.

Yankees vs Astros: Yankees (-133)

Yankees win probability: 57%

Ryan Weathers has been solid, while Houston’s pitching has been a problem.

The Yankees' lineup is in a much better spot right now, and the Astros are giving up runs at a high rate.

That’s a tough combo to overcome.

Pirates vs Brewers: Pirates (+127)

Pirates win probability: 44%

Mitch Keller has been more reliable, and Pittsburgh’s lineup has shown a bit more pop.

Milwaukee can create pressure on the bases, but if Keller keeps things steady, the Pirates can grind out enough offense to win.

Phillies vs Braves: Braves (-127)

Braves win probability: 56%

Atlanta is rolling right now. The offense is producing, and Bryce Elder has been sharp, while Zack Wheeler hasn’t looked like himself. 

Philly isn’t hitting enough to keep pace.

Tigers vs Reds: Tigers (-104)

Tigers win probability: 51%

Detroit’s lineup has been more consistent, and while Jack Flaherty hasn’t been perfect, he’s still a step up from Brady Singer.

Cincinnati’s offense has been one of the weakest in the league.

Cubs vs Dodgers: Dodgers (-150)

Dodgers win probability: 60%

This is a strong matchup, but the Dodgers have the deeper lineup and a more complete team.

Even with some pitching questions, their offense can carry them at home.

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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