CHICAGO - APRIL 2: A general view of U.S. Cellular Field during the National Anthem before the Chicago White Sox take on the Cleveland Indians for the opening day game on April 2, 2007 at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago, Illinois. The Indians defeated the White Sox 12-5. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After an rare Friday off-day, their first of the season, the Jays play game the second of a three game series with the White Sox.
And today, I’m actually not in Japan. If everything goes as planned we are in Busan, South Korea today. I often buy soccer jerseys when I’m traveling. I have many of them now and I use them when I play tennis or squash. Yesterday (yesterday from when I’m typing this), I wore a Newcastle United jersey. A fellow stopped me, telling my that Newcastle was his team (and, he didn’t have to tell me, he had a northerner accent).
I wore one last week from the Casablanca, Morocco club and another fellow stopped me, saying he was from Morocco. I told him how much we enjoyed our time there (until Covid became a thing and we had to find a way out of the country).
Late in regulation Thursday - very late in regulation - against the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Pittsburgh Penguins were awarded a power play opportunity despite trailing 6-2 with the game out of reach at that point.
For the most part, the Penguins' best players weren't out on the ice. At this juncture, almost everyone had already checked out and was clearly looking ahead to the next one.
Well, almost everyone.
On that power play and with just 0.8 seconds on the clock, forward Egor Chinakhov gathered the puck in the slot area and released an 82.9 mph wrister that beat Andrei Vasilevskiy top-shelf and allowed Pittsburgh to go home on with a better taste in their mouths. It also gave Chinakhov 20 goals for the first time in his NHL career - with 17 of those coming as a Penguin - and after casually, angrily, and effortlessly flinging that vulcanized piece of rubber into the net, he barely even flinched as he headed back to the bench and took a seat without a lick of celebration.
Can someone provide a logical reason as to why this guy isn’t on the first power-play unit?
Since 87 has come back and Chinakhov got bumped to PP2, the Pens have had 22 opportunities through eight games. They are 3/22 (one on a 5 on 3). 13.6%.
For Chinakhov, 82.9 mph is a pretty regular occurrence - and, according to NHL Edge data, it's actually below his average shot speed of 83.59 mph, which is 99th percentile in the league - but it's almost daily at this point that he shoots at least one puck 90 mph-plus. In fact, earlier in the period, Chinakhov released a 91.06 mph wrister, and this was after a first period in which he scored a beautiful goal on the backhand.
And that's nowhere close to his season-high, ridiculous 99.03 mph wrister that he shot as a member of the Columbus Blue Jackets on Nov. 22, or two shots against the Dallas Stars on Mar. 28 that registered at 98.61 and 95.17.
At this point, everyone - fans, teammates, coaches, and media alike - is aware of how lethal a weapon Chinakhov possesses with his shot, which is quite literally one of the very best in the NHL. His teammates' eyes light up when you ask about it, and they usually crack a smile, too. That asset alone could make him a solid middle-six option on any team, barring that he scores at a relatively high rate.
But that's the thing with Chinakhov: It's not just the shot. He's also tapping more into his playmaking ability in minutes alongside Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, who are more than capable of finishing plays on their own. It's his smarts, as he never makes bad line changes, is always in the right position to make plays, and knows how to expose the danger areas to create chances for himself and his teammates.
It's also his defensive capabilities, as he's almost always the first forward on the backcheck, he's the first guy up to cover the point on a defensive pinch, and he's keen in using his stick detail and ability to read plays to disrupt. And, then, there's his speed, which is a huge asset to his overall game in all three zones. His forechecking isn't lacking, either, as he fairly consistently wins puck battles and forces the opposition into defensive zone mistakes.
The fact of the matter is that the Penguins didn't get their hands on a one-dimensional goal-scorer. Again, that alone would be enough to elevate him to near-star status if he would be able to maximize that skill. He has 17 goals and 30 points in 38 games since joining the Penguins, and that production is top-five on the team during his tenure.
Instead, they seem to have gotten their hands on an elite goal-scorer with the hockey IQ, puck skills, and speed to be an elite top-line option on the wing.
Of course, making proclamations about a 25-year-old former first-round pick (21st overall in 2020) who has never produced to this extent, has struggled to remain healthy, and needed a change of scenery after a very rough start with his former team (three goals and six points in 29 games) is, typically, doing a bit too much.
Usually, there is some underlying reason that these kinds of players fail to flourish in a sustained manner. They peak after their initial introduction to a new environment, and they revert back to the old, standard version of themselves.
But something feels different with Chinakhov. And it certainly has a lot to do with those aforementioned details in his game. But it's also easy to tell when a player has instant chemistry with certain players and fits into a team's system, and there is skill involved as far as the ability to play with elite playmakers in the NHL.
Jan 15, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Egor Chinakhov (59) celebrates his goal with Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin (71) and center Tommy Novak (18) against the Philadelphia Flyers during the second period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Now, he is on a top line with Crosby, and he hasn't missed a beat, putting up three goals and four points in the three games he's been 87's flank. And he had a million chances to score in an 8-3 rout of the New York Islanders as well - when he was one of three players who failed to register a point - hitting iron a few times and having three additional dangerous shots on goal.
The Penguins have found a way to unlock a version of Chinakhov that was probably always there but just never quite broke through. Head coach Dan Muse and the rest of the Penguins' coaching staff is known for their individualized approach to coaching, and they don't try to force players into being something they're not. A prime example is Erik Karlsson, who struggled to adapt and play at optimal capacity for two seasons under a different coaching staff and who is thriving under a new one that unleashes him and allows to be the version of the player who has won three Norris Trophies.
In Pittsburgh, Chinakhov isn't buried in bottom-six minutes. He's not being asked to play in roles that don't suit him. He's thriving in a role that plays to his strengths and allows him to, simply, be himself.
And if the Penguins can re-sign the restricted free agent this summer continue to get this version of Chinakhov - the one who is scoring at a 37-goal, 65-point pace with, potentially, an even higher level to reach - they might just have a budding star on their hands.
The Bucks are in hot water for their handling of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s playing status.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Friday that the team is under investigation for potentially violating the league’s “player participation policy and potential inconsistent statements.”
The team won’t medically clear Antetokounmpo, who hyperextended his knee on Mar. 15, per Charania, although the two-time NBA MVP has vowed he’s healthy and ready to take the court.
Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo looks on during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Indiana Pacers, Sunday, March 15, 2026, in Milwaukee. AP
“You know who you are dealing with,” Antetokounmpo told reporters Friday.
“For somebody to come and tell me to not play or not to compete it’s like a slap in my face. So, I don’t know where the relationship goes from there.”
“I’ve never seen a case of a player saying, my caliber of player, that’s like, I’m saying it publicly, I want to f–king play. You know what I’m saying?” Antetokounmpo added. “I don’t think I’ve seen this. So, if there needs to be an investigation, great. There should be. I don’t know. There should be. Until we figure something out.”
Charania added to the report on Saturday, saying that the Bucks told NBA investigators that Antetokounmpo declined the opportunity to play 3-on-3 scrimmages as part of the return protocol from his knee injury. The team’s franchise player told the league he is healthy enough to take the court.
Late last month, the National Basketball Players Association suggested that the Bucks, who are 30-47 and eliminated from playoff contention, were tanking and holding a healthy superstar out of the lineup.
“The Player Participation Policy was designed by the league to hold teams accountable and ensure that when an All-Star like Giannis Antetokounmpo is healthy and ready to play, he is on the court,” the union wrote in a statement.
The face-off marks yet another rift between Antetokounmpo and the Bucks, who drafted him No. 15 overall in 2013 and won a championship with the Greece native in 2021.
GM Jon Horst of the Milwaukee Bucks speaks to the media about the dismissal of head coach Adrian Griffin prior to a game between the Bucks and the Cavaliers at Fiserv Forum on January 24, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Getty Images
Trade rumors swirled last offseason and during this season with various reports about Antetokounmpo’s desire to leave the only franchise he’s known.
Before the trade deadline, Milwaukee opted to hold on to Antetokounmpo, who is averaging 27.6 points with 9.8 rebounds in 36 games this season, despite rumors that he could be dealt.
In March, Bucks co-owner Wes Edens said he doesn’t want Antetokounmpo, who has one year plus a player option for the 2027-28 season left on the three-year, $186 million extension he signed in 2023, playing out the 2026-27 NBA season with the team without a new deal.
There are just three games in the Association today (apparently, some other basketball games are getting all the attention today), but I've still found some value in the NBA player props market.
My NBA picks for Saturday, April 4 cover all three of today's matchups — see why I'm targeting rebounds in what should be an absolute slopfest, Wemby to focus more on defense than offense, and Daniss Jenkins continuing to cash the Over on his threes.
Prop #1: Jaime Jaquez Jr. Over 5.5 rebounds (+110)
+110 at bet365
What can we expect with mediocre (or outright) bad teams playing? That's right: Bad offense! The Miami Heat sit 20th in the league in field goal percentage, with Washington 23rd, with plenty of missed shots up for grabs on both sides.
The big difference here is that the Wiz are also dead last in rebounding percentage, meaning we should look to Miami to clean the glass — and Jaime Jaquez Jr. has been doing just that, topping this number in three straight games.
His numbers took a dip during a four-game stretch a few weeks ago (where his minutes were limited due to a hip ailment), but looking at when he's had regular run (27+ minutes), he's cashed this prop in five of his last seven games — and our NBA player prop projections put him right at six boards today.
Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
Where to watch: MNMT, FDSN SU
Prop #2: Victor Wembanyama Under 28.5 points (-112)
-112 at bet365
Victor Wembanyama is coming off back-to-back 41-point outings, but those were against the depleted Warriors and hapless Bulls.
Neither team has a truly threatening interior presence, and today he's squaring off with three-time MVP Nikola Jokic. Wemby will have to spend more time and effort defending (and dealing with the physicality of the much thicker Jokic), and I'm anticipating it will come at the expense of his scoring production.
The Spurs star went Under this number in six of his previous seven games before his 40+ outbursts, and our NBA player prop projections have Wemby pegged for just 24.4 points today.
A number of other books have moved to 27.5 already (or have higher juice on u28.5), giving us a little bit of value on the number as well.
Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
Where to watch: Prime Video
Prop #3: Daniss Jenkins Over 1.5 threes (-120)
-120 at bet365
Daniss Jenkins has stepped up in a big way for the Pistons since Cade Cunningham has been sidelined with a collapsed lung, getting moved into the starting lineup and seeing his usage expand from around 20 per game to 36 minutes per night.
His scoring has also skyrocketed, averaging more than 19 points per game in that span, while hitting just over two threes per game (on almost five attempted) and cashing this prop in six of 10 games since becoming the starting PG.
Jenkins and Detroit will face Philadelphia tonight, which is giving up the most 3-point attempts since March 1 — and could have some tired legs on defense after grinding through a tough matchup with Minnesota last night.
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We've got a full slate of games today — which means a full slate of MLB player props to choose from — but I'm looking at some strikeout markets that are way too low, and an elite slugger continuing to produce.
Find out why Jesus Luzardo and Randy Vasquez should be getting a little more respect... and why we need to jump on Yordan Alvarez's RBI prop while it's still at plus money.
Here are my favorite MLB picks for Saturday, April 4.
Best MLB player props today
Player
Pick
Odds
Randy Vasquez
o3.5 strikeouts
-130
Yordan Alvarez
o0.5 RBI
+105
Jesus Luzardo
o6.5 strikeouts
-102
Randy Vasquez Over 3.5 strikeouts (-130)
Randy Vasquez has never been a high-volume strikeout candidate, but this is a low floor, and today’s conditions are conducive to him going deeper into the game.
The wind in Boston will be blowing in from RF between 18 and 36 mph for much of the game. That’s especially helpful for a pitcher sporting a career 0.72 groundout-to-airout ratio.
Vasquez looked good in his season debut, allowing just two hits and striking out eight Tigers in six innings, showing a noticeable uptick in his fastball, sinker, and slider velocity over last season — in addition to adding a good amount of spin to his cutter.
The San Diego Padres righty doesn’t need to recreate his first start either; he just needs four Ks vs. a Red Sox lineup striking out in 29.3% of plate appearances so far in 2026.
Time: 4:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: NESN, SDPA
Yordan Alvarez Over 0.5 RBI (+105)
Yordan Alvarez has had an incredibly hot start to 2026, hitting .400 with an MLB-leading .596 xwOBA, and driving in a run in five of his last seven games.
Alvarez is simply crushing the ball right now, sitting third in the bigs with an adjusted exit velo of 99.5, plus he’s cut down on his whiff rate against fastballs and breaking balls from last season.
He's in a hitter’s park today, with excellent weather conditions, against a pitcher in Luis Morales who gave up five runs in his opening start vs. Toronto, failing to finish five frames.
Yordan also has an ISO of .480, as he's launched three dingers so far as well, and considering Morales allowed a 10.9% barrel rate and had a 4.54 xFIP last year, he’s likely to get a few pitches he can hit hard — and sitting in the middle of the Houston order, there should be some traffic on or him to cash in.
I'd also sprinkle on his home run prop at +255 as well: Morales allowed 1.48 HR/9IP last year, including three bombs vs. the Jays.
Time: 4:05 p.m. ET
Where to watch: NBCSCA, SCHN
Jesus Luzardo Over 6.5 strikeouts (-102)
It wasn’t the ideal season debut for Jesus Luzardo: He was shelled for six runs on six hits vs. Texas, including two balls that left the yard, yet he still struck out seven hitters.
The lefty boasts a pitch arsenal that ranked him in the 86th percentile in K rate and 87th percentile in whiff rate in 2025, so I was shocked to see this strikeout total against Colorado.
I fully expected this to be at 7.5 with some juice on the Over, especially given the Rockies have struck out 32 times over the last two games.
Luzardo will be at a platoon disadvantage today, but the Rockies have also whiffed in 12 of their 25 ABs vs. LHP this season. I’m jumping on this and laddering Luzardo up to 10 Ks as well.
Time: 8:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: COLR, NBCSP+
Jason Ence's 2026 Transparency Record
Prop picks: 1-2, -1.02 units
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MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MARCH 28: Chad Patrick #39 of the Milwaukee Brewers is taken out of game in the fifth inning against the Chicago White Sox at American Family Field on March 28, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Thankfully, the weather in Kansas City today is cold, windy, yet — unlike last night — sunny. With last night’s series opener postponed due to inclement weather, today’s game was moved up to 1:10 p.m. to accommodate a doubleheader, with the makeup game now set for 6:10 p.m.
Chad Patrick, originally scheduled to start last night’s game, will be on the mound today. Patrick went 4.1 innings against the White Sox in his first start of the season, allowing a single earned run and five hits while striking out four. Starting for the Royals is Luinder Avila, Kansas City’s No. 9 prospect, who will be making his first career start. Avila made his major league debut last year, putting up a 1.29 ERA out of the bullpen over thirteen appearances.
Also of note: both teams are allowed to bring up a 27th player for today’s doubleheader, but the Brewers elected not to add anyone to their roster for Game 1. Tonight would be Brandon Sproat’s spot in the rotation, but Logan Henderson was reportedly seen in the Brewers’ clubhouse this morning. He pitched three innings on March 31st with Triple-A Nashville, which means he wouldn’t be working with a full five days of rest. Even so, it’s possible we could see him on the mound — maybe in relief — at some point during the nightcap.
Today’s lineup happens to be the exact same as the lineup that was released for last night’s game. As Paul mentioned, the Brewers are going lefty-heavy against the right-handed Avila. Brice Turang, one of the hottest hitters in baseball so far this season, leads off again tonight. Luis Rengifo is hitting second and playing third base, with catcher William Contreras and designated hitter Christian Yelich behind him.
Hitting fifth is center fielder Garrett Mitchell, who had a two-run double in the series finale against the Rays. Jake Bauers, Sal Frelick, Brandon Lockridge — getting the start over switch-hitter Blake Perkins — and David Hamilton round out tonight’s lineup. You’ll notice Joey Ortiz isn’t in the lineup tonight, with the left-handed hitting Hamilton replacing him at shortstop.
Today’s game will be broadcast on Brewers.TV, WTMJ 620, and the Brewers Radio Network. As mentioned above, first pitch is slated for 1:10 p.m.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - MARCH 30: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers in action during a game against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center on March 30, 2026 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Cavaliers fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
If you’ve scrolled Twitter lately, you might think the Cleveland Cavaliers are stuck in a doom spiral. Fans are upset about some of their recent performances. I share some of that sentiment. But the truth is, Cleveland has won eight of their last 11 games and continues to be one of the Eastern Conference’s strongest contenders.
Even the fans agree with that, despite some grumbles.
More than a third of fans said they believe the Cavs will make it to the Eastern Conference Finals this May. Another 26% predict the Cavs will make it to the NBA Finals, win or lose.
FanDuel tends to agree. The Boston Celtics are the only Eastern team with higher odds to win the title. Overall, Cleveland has the fifth-highest odds behind the Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs, Celtics, and Denver Nuggets.
On the flip side, fewer than 10% of the fan base is worried about a first round loss. It seems no one is overly concerned about the Atlanta Hawks.
Hope is a good thing. It’s the reason why we root for these teams in the first place. The Cavs have done enough this season, largely behind a seismic change for James Harden, to make you feel like they have a fighting chance at doing something special. All that’s left now is to finish the regular season and get healthy.
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MARCH 31: Head coach Doc Rivers of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts during the first quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at Fiserv Forum on March 31, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Bucks head coach Doc Rivers has been voted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026. Rivers, who boasts one NBA championship and 1,162 wins (sixth-most all-time), will join legendary figures like Mark Few, Amar’e Stoudamire, and Candace Parker. The enshrinement ceremony will occur from August 14–15 in Springfield, MA.
Although Rivers can boast a successful career as an All-Star point guard, he earned his induction for his achievements as a coach. Named as one of the 15 greatest coaches in NBA history in 2021, Rivers is the winningest active NBA coach and sixth-winningest all-time. He’s best known for his nine-season stint with Boston, where he won the 2008 NBA championship, and his leadership of the Lob City Clippers with Chris Paul and Blake Griffin. He’s adapted to the increasingly fluid NBA landscape by managing superstar egos and acting as a “player’s coach,” while developing young prospects into All-NBA guards through his offensive sets.
“It would mean the world to me,” Rivers told the media on Tuesday. “I’ve done a lot, the numbers are the numbers. But it’s not, I swear, it’s not why I got into this. It’s the relationships, it’s the people. From the day that I was nominated, the calls, I can’t tell you. It’s in the hundreds, the player calls. And some of the calls have been amazing because I thought they didn’t like me anymore… It’s been amazing that they have reached out, and it’s made me feel really good about just doing what I do. It’s been great.”
It remains to be seen if Rivers will accept the award in August as the Bucks’ head coach. Reports from ClutchPoints insider Brett Siegel suggest he could be let go after the season ends, regardless of any offseason drama between Giannis and the Bucks front office.
Once again, Bucks legend Marques Johnson was snubbed as a Hall of Famer. Johnson was the only nominee to be chosen as a finalist by the Hall of Fame’s Veterans Committee, but failed to make the nine-member class. The Veterans Committee recognizes candidates who have retired from basketball for at least 35 years. Johnson beat out former stars like World B. Free and Paul Silas to reach the final stage.
Johnson, a five-time All-Star, averaged 20.1 points and seven rebounds across 691 NBA games, 524 of which were with Milwaukee. He led the Bruins to an NCAA title in 1975 under the legendary John Wooden, while collecting several All-American and Player of the Year Awards in Los Angeles. The Bucks legend saw his no. 8 jersey retired in 2019 by Milwaukee and pioneered the point forward role under coach Don Nelson.
With the committee’s failure to induct Johnson for another year, he remains one of two eligible players who have scored at least 13,000 points, 4,500 rebounds, and 2,500 assists in the first eleven years in the NBA, along with Griffin. His contributions to basketball are certainly Hall-of-Fame-level, and it remains to be seen whether the Veterans Committee inducts Johnson again in 2027.
MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 10: Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat drives against Tristan Vukcevic #00 of the Washington Wizards during the third quarter of the game at Kaseya Center on March 10, 2026 in Miami, Florida. 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 Megan Briggs/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Washington Wizards play the Miami Heat at 3 p.m. today. Watch the game on Monumental Sports Network.
SURPRISE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 23: Luinder Avila #58 of the Kansas City Royals pitches during the fourth inning of a Spring Training game against the Chicago Cubs at Surprise Stadium on February 23, 2026 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Mike Christy/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Let’s try this again, shall we?
First, here’s what I wrote last night about the expected starters for that game who will both still pitch in today’s first match:
In the series opener, the Royals are going to be relying on a rookie making his first MLB start, but not his first MLB appearance. Michael Wacha is having his start pushed back while dealing with an illness, so Luinder Avila will get the call. Avila made a few appearances out of the bullpen last September and impressed many while he was at it, pitching to a 1.49 ERA in 13 relief appearances. During Spring Training, manager Matt Quatraro indicated that he saw Avila as having front-line starter potential, but most outsiders agreed that if Avila was going to contribute this year, it was going to be out of the bullpen. Craig Brown over at Into the Fountains, though, told me he thought that Avila would be the first starter up. So kudos to him for getting that right. Bailey Falter was added to the IL in a corresponding move after a near-disastrous ninth-inning appearance on Wednesday.
Chad Patrick will get the ball for the Brewers, making his second start of the season. His first start saw him go only 4.1 innings against the White Sox, striking out 4, walking 1, and giving up a run in a no-decision that would become a Brewers win. Patrick is a 27-year-old sophomore who pitched to a 3.53 ERA in his rookie campaign last year. He faced the Royals in his second big league appearance and first start, pitching 4.2 scoreless innings in a game the Brewers won 5-0.
Last year, Patrick threw six pitches, but three are variations of fastballs – a four-seamer, a cutter, and a sinker – which he combined to throw 86.5% of the time. He also mixes in a slider, a slurve, and a changeup, but every kind of fastball gets thrown more than those three pitches combined. In his first start this year, he threw 74 pitches. Six were slurves, two were changeups, and he didn’t throw a single slider. His cutter is a very good pitch, though, getting lots of chases and whiffs despite the lack of variety and the fact that it’s kind of slow for a cutter. Patrick can struggle with the strike zone at times, so the new, (hopefully) patient Royals might have an advantage over him that the free-swingers of last year didn’t.
Now, let’s talk a little about the pitching matchup for game two:
Seth Lugo gets the ball in the nightcap for KC. He was the Cy Young runner-up in 2024 and looked completely cooked following the All-Star Break in 2025. One of the biggest questions about the rotation coming into 2026 was how Lugo would look. And the answer, at least through one start, is: a lot closer to the 2024 guy, which is very good news for the Royals.
The Brewers can unleash a lot of lefties on him, as we’ll see in the first game lineups posted below, so it could be a struggle for him, but if he pitches like he did Sunday in Atlanta, it’s not going to matter that much. He didn’t get a lot of swing and miss but he induced a ton of chases and soft contact. There was also some loud contact, but all of it was to centerfield, which will play in the current Kauffman dimensions.
Brandon Sproat will take the mound for the Brew Crew. Sproat was acquired during the offseason, along with top prospect Jett Williams, when the Brewers decided to maximize the value of last year’s ace, Freddy Peralta. Sproat is a top pitching prospect even after debuting for a few games for the Mets last season and looking fine. However, FanGraphs notes that his changeup delivery changed in 2025 and ruined the pitch. In his first start of the season things went pretty poorly in the Brewers’ sole loss to start the year. He allowed 7 runs in 3 innings on 4 walks, 6 hits, and 3 strikeouts.
Checking in on Sproat’s outing via TJStats shows that all of his pitches were rated highly stuff-wise, but he still couldn’t get any chase or any whiffs. Hopefully the Royals will be able to similarly pick on him, tonight.
Lineups
The Royals are using the same lineup they had originally planned for last night to start off, so here’s what I wrote about it then:
Carter Jensen continues to ride the pine after oversleeping yesterday. Starling Marte gets his first game action in exactly one week since his last, on Opening Day. Without Carter in the lineup, Jac Caglianone remains bumped up to the fifth spot in the lineup; hopefully, he’ll get some more hits there tonight than he did yesterday afternoon. Nick Loftin gets the start over Jonathan India. Despite Wednesday’s grand slam, India is having a poor start to the season, including popping up fully one-third of the balls he’s put in play. I know it worked against Royce Lewis in the rain, but that’s no way to get a hit.
The Brewers are using six lefties and a switch-hitter in their first lineup. As I noted above, I expect something similar in the evening contest. The Royals have indicated they’ll announce their 27th man between games. Per documents provided to the press, in 22 previous doubleheaders vs. the Brewers, the Royals have swept 11, split 9, and been swept only twice. Promising history, indeed.
Grant Taylor was so devastatingly good as on opener on Friday, he takes the ball again today to open for Anthony Kay. | Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Fresh off a dramatic 10-inning victory largely thanks to an emergency Blue Jays catching situation after Alejandro Kirk injured his thumb, the White Sox take on a Toronto team with an emergency pitching situation that’s the result of originally-scheduled starter Eric Lauer recovering from a bout of flu (as apparently is the case for much of the team).
That sets up a game with not one, but two dueling openers. Well, OK, it’s a full bullpen game for the Jays, but on the White Sox side, Grant Taylor had such an easy inning opening yesterday — just nine pitches, all strikes — that Will Venable is going to give him an encore.
This time Taylor will be opening for lefty Anthony Kay, who had a respectable start against the Brewers his first time out (4 1/3 innings, two earned runs, but with four walks), only to have the bullpen collapse. Kay has standard platoon splits and won’t face as many left-handed hitters with Toronto — but also won’t have to deal with Kirk at the plate.
First in the train of relievers throwing for the Jays will be lefty Mason Fluharty, who has never started an MLB game. He had a rough first outing to the regular season, but has had three very short successful appearances since. Fluharty et al. will face a White Sox lineup that includes Lenyn Sosa at DH and Reese McGuire catching:
The Blue Jays lineup is built for Kay, not Taylor, with six righties and one switch-hitter. Catcher Tyler Heineman, who had no chance to throw before the game resumed yesterday and proceeded to pick up a bunt and fling the ball into right field, will presumably be more settled today and has a strong career record against would-be thieves, throwing out 30.1%.
First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 p.m. Central, with rain expected to end by noon, temps in the low 50s, and 18 mph wind toward left. Usual broadcast suspects.
The New York Yankees and Miami Marlins get game two of a three-game set going tonight, with the situation looking very similar to yesterday.
Yesterday, the Bronx Bombers took advantage of a Marlins pitcher who struggles with giving up hard contact... and my Marlins vs. Yankees predictions today see things playing out similarly.
See why my MLB picks for Saturday, April 4, lean towards the Yankees winning (and runs being scored) in the Bronx.
Who will win Marlins vs Yankees today: Yankees -1.5 (+115)
Many elements from yesterday’s matchup carry over today. Max Meyer’s average exit velocity last season was among the worst for qualified starters, which is a big problem when you’re headed to Yankee Stadium.
I think we will see the Yankees target this yet again, using the dimensional advantages of their home stadium to their benefit (looking towards those short porches down the lines), with Ben Rice, Giancarlo Stanton, and Cody Bellinger all starting the year strong — plus Aaron Judge showing signs of life with his first multi-hit game (and his third homer of the year) in the home opener yesterday.
After an 8-2 win in the series opener, the Yankees' lineup has momentum and a clear matchup edge.
COVERS INTEL: Meyer's hard-hit rate and average exit velocity ranked in the bottom 5% all qualified MLB pitchers last year.
Marlins vs Yankees Over/Under pick: Over 7.5 (+100)
I was perplexed when I projected this total at just 8.8 until I saw it — a brisk wind blowing in.
While that will certainly play a part, it’s still not enough to get me off this Over: The Yankees have already illustrated enough diversity at the plate to suggest they can score plenty of runs with hard-contact rather than relying on the home run.
On the other side, we’ve yet to mention Ryan Weathers on the mound for New York. He should be better than Meyer, but he’s still exploitable and struggled during Spring Training.
I don’t think the Marlins will need to do much to push this Over either, as I expect the Yankee bats to do some heavy lifting yet again.
Chris Hatfield's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 1-1, +0.12 units
Over/Under bets: 3-0, +3 units
Marlins vs Yankees odds
Moneyline: Miami +156 | New York -163
Run line: Miami +1.5| New York -1.5
Over/Under: Over 7.5| Under 7.5
Marlins vs Yankees trend
The New York Yankees have hit the 1st Five Innings (F5) Moneyline in 32 of their last 47 games (+18.25 Units / 23% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Marlins vs. Yankees.
How to watch Marlins vs Yankees and game info
Location
Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY
Date
Saturday, April 4, 2026
First pitch
7:05 p.m. ET
TV
Marlins TV, YES
Marlins starting pitcher
Max Meyer (0-0, 5.40 ERA)
Yankees starting pitcher
Ryan Weathers (0-0, 2.08 ERA)
Marlins vs Yankees latest injuries
Marlins vs Yankees weather
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
The Pittsburgh Penguins will welcome the Florida Panthers to Pittsburgh for the first half of a back-to-back on Saturday. The two teams will play again in Pittsburgh on Sunday.
It's the type of back-to-back that you don't see super often on the schedule, but that's how it shook out for this season. These two teams met for the first time back on Oct. 23, with the Penguins winning 5-3.
The Penguins had a 3-1 lead through two periods before doing enough in the third period to secure the win.
The Panthers had a much different lineup in that game than they do now. They're currently without Aleksander Barkov, Anton Lundell, Brad Marchand, Sam Reinhart, Aaron Ekblad, Evan Rodrigues, Dmitry Kulikov, Niko Mikkola, and Jonah Gadjovich. Of those players, Kulikov could return this weekend.
Despite their injury-riddled season, the Panthers have played well this week, beating the Ottawa Senators and Boston Bruins. They'll look to play spoiler against a Penguins team that is fighting to get into the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The Panthers still have Sam Bennett, who has compiled 26 goals and 57 points in 72 games this year. Carter Verhaeghe has also been good with 23 goals and 53 points in 73 games. Don't forget about Matthew Tkachuk, too. He has 13 goals and 31 points in 28 games since coming back from injury.
Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky will start in at least one of the two games this weekend. He has recorded 27 wins, a 2.96 goals-against average, and a .881 save percentage this year.
Here's a look at the projected Penguins' lineup:
Forwards
Chinakhov-Crosby-Rust
Novak-Kindel-Malkin
Mantha-Rakell-Brazeau
Soderblom-Dewar-Acciari
Defensive pairs
Wotherspoon-Karlsson
Girard-Letang
Shea-Clifton
Penguins head coach Dan Muse will announce a starting goaltender when he talks to the media at 3 p.m. ET.
Puck drop is set for 5 p.m. ET on SportsNet Pittsburgh. Fans can also listen to the game on 105.9 'The X.'
The Chicago Cubs and Cleveland Guardians play the second of a three-game set at Progressive Field tonight.
Although Chicago fell 4-1 on Friday, my Cubs vs. Guardians predictions are backing the visitors to bounce back.
Here are my top free MLB picks for this interleague showdown on Saturday, April 4.
Who will win Cubs vs Guardians today: Cubs moneyline (-126)
The Cleveland Guardians are sending Slade Cecconi to the mound after he surrendered six runs in 4 1/3 innings in his season debut. He posted a 4.99 xERA in 2025 and ranked second-worst in barrel rate and hard-hit rate among pitchers with at least 100 innings of work.
On the other side, the Chicago Cubs respond with southpaw Shota Imanaga, who pitched to a 3.73 ERA with a 0.99 WHIP last year.
Both teams are struggling at the dish, but the Cubs were significantly more productive last year. They also lead the majors in hard-hit rate, while the Guardians are 27th.
COVERS INTEL: Cleveland batted just .224 against lefties last year, while Imanaga flashed an impressive .218 OBA in 25 starts.
Cubs vs Guardians Over/Under pick: Over 7.5 (-120)
Pete Crow-Armstrong and Michael Bush are slugging just .308 and .320, respectively, this season. That said, Bush has an xSLG of .548, while PCA’s sits at .475. These big hitters are due for a breakout, and Cecconi could be the perfect pitcher to exploit.
While Imanaga is marginally better than Cecconi, he also tends to get hit hard. The southpaw allowed 1.9 home runs per nine innings in 2025 and gave up four runs in his season debut.
With both starters struggling and the wind blowing towards the outfield at 12 mph this evening, the total is too low at 7.5.
Rohit's MLB 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 3-2, +0.3 units
Over/Under bets: 1-0, +1 units
Cubs vs Guardians odds
Moneyline: Chicago -126 | Cleveland +117
Run line: Chicago -1.5 (+138) | Cleveland +1.5 (-144)
Over/Under: Over 7.5 (-120) | Under 7.5 (+113)
Cubs vs Guardians trend
Chicago has hit the F5 team total Over in 30 of its last 46 games (+11.35 Units / 20% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Cubs vs. Guardians.
How to watch Cubs vs Guardians and game info
Location
Progressive Field, Cleveland, OH
Date
Saturday, April 4, 2026
First pitch
7:15 p.m. ET
TV
FOX
Cubs starting pitcher
Shota Imanaga (0-1, 7.20 ERA)
Guardians starting pitcher
Slade Cecconi (0-1, 12.46 ERA)
Cubs vs Guardians latest injuries
Cubs vs Guardians weather
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
DALLAS — Cooper Flagg didn’t get a call, and his coach and a teammate got kicked out of the game trying to stick up for the rookie No. 1 pick of the Dallas Mavericks.
Less than a quarter later, Flagg was the first teenager to score 51 points in an NBA game in Dallas’ 138-127 loss to the Orlando Magic on Friday night.
Flagg scored 24 points in the fourth quarter after coach Jason Kidd and forward Naji Marshall were ejected complaining about what they thought was a no-call when Desmond Bane fouled Flagg.
Kidd was tossed even though he was assessed just one technical foul, while Marshall had gotten another tech at the end of the first half. His second came just moments after Kidd was thrown out.
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) makes a jump shot over Orlando Magic forward Jamal Cain (8) for his fiftieth point of the night during the fourth quarter at the American Airlines Center. Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
“It’s great to see,” Flagg said after going 19 of 30 from the field and making all seven of his free throws and topping his previous career high of 49 in a 123-121 loss to Charlotte on Jan. 29.
“I already know that coach has my back and Naji … I know he has my back for sure out there,” Flagg said. “Just seeing their emotion, seeing them fight for me and fight for the calls. Definitely some emotion, and motivated me even further.”
Flagg exited the game with 45 points, but assistant coach Frank Vogel, filling in for Kidd, told the 19-year-old he was just resting him during a defensive possession.
Vogel called a timeout to get Flagg back in with 3:22 remaining, and Flagg made history a little more than a minute later. He missed a 3-pointer the first time down, then missed a follow attempt on Brandon Williams’ miss, got the rebound again and made a corner 3.
On the next Dallas possession, he hit an off-balance shot in the lane while getting fouled to clinch 50, made the free throw and left to a standing ovation.
Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall and head coach Jason Kidd speaking to NBA referee Eric Lewis. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The Mavericks were down 30 when Flagg started his fourth-quarter scoring barrage in what ended up being their 14th consecutive home loss. It’s the longest home losing streak since Dallas lost the first 19 games at since-demolished Reunion Arena in 1993-94.
“It’s always fun getting into that type of mode,” Flagg said. “The basket feels big. My teammates are looking out for you, helping you out. But I like to win. That was my main focus. It’s hard for me to fully enjoy myself out there when we’re down 20, down 10, down 15, for the majority of the game.”
Flagg said he thought it was obvious Bane had fouled him in the opening two minutes of the fourth.
“I think it was warranted,” Flagg said about Kidd’s reaction. “I’m not going to lie. I talked to Bane after the play, and he told me he was intentionally trying to foul me. I honestly don’t know how they didn’t see that. Obviously, they must not have had the right view, or they weren’t paying attention. But they missed it.”
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) and forward Dwight Powell (7) celebrates Flagg making a three point basket against the Orlando Magic during the second half at the American Airlines Center. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Kidd said there was “a lot of excitement in the back” as he watched Flagg with a TV delay, hearing the crowd reaction before the buckets as the former Duke standout was 8 of 12 from the field and 4 of 6 from deep in the fourth.
Flagg’s previous career high came against former Duke teammate Kon Knueppel, the fourth overall pick and fellow contender for rookie of the year.
Kidd continues to stump for Flagg to win the same award Kidd won with the Mavs 31 years ago, and dropped a Michael Jordan reference after Flagg’s latest milestone. Yes, Jordan was the 1985 Rookie of the Year.
“He should be rookie of the year,” Kidd said. “It’s unbelievable. The country’s not watching the same thing we get to watch on a daily basis. He’s in rare air. He’s with the GOAT when you talk about MJ and what he did in his rookie year. And as a teenager, to see what Cooper’s doing, just the excitement, the joy, playing the game, win or lose, his spirit, is about winning. Right now we’re not.”
For at least one night, the rookie overshadowed the long home losing streak, even though he couldn’t end it.
Jaime Jaquez Jr.
Victor Wembanyama
Daniss Jenkins
Randy Vasquez
Yordan Alvarez
Jesus Luzardo
COVERS INTEL: Meyer's hard-hit rate and average exit velocity ranked in the bottom 5% all qualified MLB pitchers last year.
