Feb 21, 2026; West Palm Beach, Florida, USA; Washington Nationals pitcher Jake Eder (46) warms-up between innings during the game against the Houston Astros at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images | Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
The Dodgers on Wednesday acquired pitcher Jake Eder from the Washington Nationals, in exchange for cash considerations.
Eder was designated for assignment by Washington on Saturday. The left-hander pitched in the majors in parts of the previous two seasons, appearing in one game for the Chicago White Sox in 2024 and seven games for the Angels in 2025. Over those two years, Eder has a 4.87 ERA with 16 strikeouts and 10 walks in 20 1/3 innings.
All of Eder’s major league appearances have been in relief, while in the minors all 69 of his games have been starts. Last season, between Salt Lake and Rochester in Triple-A had a 6.59 ERA with 61 strikeouts, 20 walks, and 15 home runs in 68 1/3 innings.
The 27-year-old has 42 days of major league service time, and has one option year remaining, having used options in 2024 and 2025.
To make room on the 40-man roster for Eder, the Dodgers moved Jake Cousins to the 60-day injured list. Cousins, who signed a one-year deal on March 25, had Tommy John surgery last June and isn’t expected back until midseason at the earliest.
Cuban also dredged up the Luka Doncic trade — and dragged Jason Kidd into it. Here are Cuban comments from the “Intersections” podcast: "I think there were issues that J-Kidd coached with Anthony Davis and was close to him, and [former GM Nico Harrison] was close to AD... You talk about confirmation bias, there was some of that as well. That doesn't justify it for our coach and general manager to stand up and trade our best player."
"When are we going to move on? We have to move forward. We're focused on the present and the future, and we've got an incredible opportunity to build...
"And so the things that are going on between two owners is between the two owners. I think we have a great owner in Patrick, and he's going to give us every resource to build a championship team. Out of respect to Cuban, he helped me and my family. We won a championship together. The two owners will figure it out. I truly believe that we have to focus on the present and the future. We've got a great opportunity."
That "we have to move forward" mentality is what Kidd was saying the day after the trade — and from his perspective as coach, that's exactly what he has to preach. To the team, to the fans, to everyone. He said in his full comments that the Mavericks and their fans have to rebuild and, again, from his perspective, that is what has to happen. We can discuss how they wouldn't have to rebuild without that trade — and Doncic's recent MVP-level play, scoring 600 points in March, is a little salt in the wound — but that's living in the past, and Kidd has moved on.
It's a lot easier to move on and rebuild because the Mavericks lucked into Cooper Flagg, too.
First-round bids for teams in the new NBA Europe were due Tuesday, and multiple bidders offered $1 billion to be part of the league. Several others offered at least $500 million, according to someone familiar with the process who was not authorized to discuss publicly.
Overall, more than 120 investors, including private equity funds, sovereign wealth funds and high-net-worth individuals expressed interest. Bidders also included multiple existing EuroLeague teams. The bids are non-binding, and it is a still a wildly complicated process to get the league off the ground for the NBA’s target of a fall 2027 launch.
The owners of Paris Saint-Germain, Qatar Sports Investments (QSI), did not submit a bid by the deadline, according to two sources, but the soccer club is still expected to file a bid and would not be excluded from league consideration, per one source. Sporticopreviously reported that Real Madrid and AC Milan, and sovereign wealth funds like Saudi Arabia’s PIF, were interested in teams.
“We have received significant interest from a range of prospective teams and investors for permanent franchise spots in a new league in Europe backed by the NBA and FIBA,” Mark Tatum, NBA deputy commissioner, said in a statement. “The level of engagement and the scale of the bids reflect the marketplace’s belief in our proposed model and the enormous, untapped potential for European basketball.”
Tatum said the league will now review the bids and “shortlist the partners who share our vision and commitment” to growing the game in Europe. The league is expected to announce new teams on a rolling basis, versus all at once.
The NBA would own 50% of NBA Europe. Multiple potential investors expressed concerns to Sportico about the economic structure of the league that would require significant initial outlays for the franchise fee and infrastructure needs, and then have the NBA retain 50% of the entity.
The NBA’s plan calls for teams in 12 permanent cities, including Berlin, London, Madrid, Paris and Rome. There is competition for teams in each of those markets, but not necessarily bids, according to a source. NBA Europe would encompass 14 to 16 teams overall, with the non-permanent slots open to teams in existing European leagues.
The NBA’s ambitious plans in Europe started more than two years ago. FIBA aligned itself with the NBA, but it has consistently been rebuffed by the EuroLeague. The frosty relationship between the two organizations has thawed a bit with former NBA executive Chus Bueno taking over as EuroLeague CEO earlier this year. He spent 12 years at the NBA, including running NBA Spain.
“I think for the betterment of European basketball, the best outcome would be if we came together with the EuroLeague here and that we came up with a systematic approach to growing the game throughout Europe,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver told the media last week after the league’s board of governors meeting.
The NBA and EuroLeague have a meeting scheduled for the end of April.
Raine Group and JPMorgan Chase are advising the league on the matter.
MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 27: Kyle Freeland #21 of the Colorado Rockies pitches against the Miami Marlins in the first inning of the game at loanDepot park on March 27, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Finishing out a road trip in which they are 1-4, the Colorado Rockies look to go out on a high note with a series win before kicking off their home opener on Friday. Unfortunately for them, they face a tough customer for the Toronto Blue Jays (4-1), as it will be a battle of the Colorado kids to close out the series.
Kyle Freeland (0-1, 4.15 ERA) makes his second start of the year for the Rockies’ rotation. The first time through the rotation, the starting pitching hasn’t been bad, but it hasn’t been great. In the season opener, Freeland labored through 4 1/3 innings, allowing two runs on five hits with two walks and two strikeouts, having thrown 81 pitches. The Rockies remain the only team not to have a starting pitcher go five innings yet this season. It would be quite beneficial if Freeland could go a bit longer into this game and help relieve a bullpen that has already worked quite a bit to start the year. In his career, Freeland owns a 9.31 ERA against Toronto in two starts and a 7.20 ERA in his lone start at the Rogers Centre.
Kevin Gausman (0-0, 1.50 ERA) takes the hill for the Blue Jays after a spectacular performance in his first outing of the year. The Denver native allowed just one run on one hit, a home run, facing the Athletics in the season opener. He went six innings, didn’t allow a single walk, and struck out 11 batters on 83 pitches, 60 of which were strikes. Gausman has been one of the most reliable and effective starters in baseball since his 2020 season with the San Francisco Giants and has only gotten better while in Toronto. A certified workhorse, Gausman has thrown at least 170 innings a year over the last five seasons, all while boiling down to a two or three-pitch mix. Gausman offers pinpoint control, making his fastball and splitter mix effective against hitters, with a slider tossed in for good measure. He has a 4.78 ERA in his nine career starts against Colorado.
Additionally, the Rockies have activated Tyler Freeman from the injured list and sent Braxton Fulford down to Triple-A Albuquerque.
The St. Louis Blues are in California tonight to take on the Los Angeles Kings in what can be considered a must-win game.
While most outcomes of tonight’s game still leave the Blues with very slim odds of making the playoffs, a loss would almost put the nail in the coffin.
According to moneypuck.com, the Blues currently have a 4.8 percent chance of making the playoffs. That number falls to 1.4 percent if they lose in regulation and 3.0 percent if they are defeated in overtime or a shootout, according to Mike Meyer. If they win in regulation, their chances jump to 9.0 percent, and an overtime/shootout win increases their odds to 7.1 percent.
Needless to say, the Blues have a tough hill to climb either way, but a loss gives them little to no hope.
The Blues suffered a heartbreaking loss to the San Jose Sharks on Monday. The Blues tied the game at 4-4 after trailing by a pair of markers, but with 22 seconds remaining, the Blues gave up an odd-man rush, and Adam Gaudette squeaked a shot past Joel Hofer to give the Sharks a late 5-4 lead.
The Blues were unable to tie it and lost in regulation. That result witnessed the Sharks spring two points ahead of the Blues, and the Blues now trail the Nashville Predators by four points for the second wild card spot. Additionally, four teams are ahead of the Blues in the race for the wild card spot.
One of those teams sitting ahead of the Blues is the Kings, who are just one point back of the Predators with a game in hand. The Kings and Blues have squared off twice this season, with the Kings winning both contests after regulation.
The importance of this game cannot be understated, which should lead to a spirited affair with plenty of great hockey.
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Kevin Gausman’s splitter was too hard to handle for the A’s on opening night, and I expect similar struggles from the Colorado Rockies this afternoon.
Find out why with my Rockies vs. Blue Jays predictions and MLB picks for today's game.
Rockies vs Blue Jays predictions
Rockies vs Blue Jays best bet: Kevin Gausman Over 6.5 strikeouts (-145)
When Kevin Gausman is locating his split-finger fastball, he's one of the most unhittable pitchers in all of baseball.
This was the case last week when he rang up 11 A’s batters on Opening Night, and I’m expecting a similar outcome this afternoon against the Colorado Rockies.
The Rockies batted just .133 against the splitter last season with a MLB-worst 41.5% strikeout rate, including striking out eight times against Gausman in his lone start against them.
Gausman had a 34% K-rate with his splitter last season and a 72.7% rate in his last outing vs the A’s.
COVERS INTEL: Kevin Gausman is averaging 7.8 strikeouts per game over his last five starts.
Rockies vs Blue Jays same-game parlay (SGP)
The Toronto Blue Jays are averaging 5.2 runs per game this season, going Over the 4.5-run mark in four out of their five games this year. With Freeland and his career 9.31 ERA when facing Toronto on the mound, I think they'll eclipse that mark again.
I’ll also add Kazuma Okamoto to go Over his hits prop. He’s logged a hit in every game this season, including two dingers, and will have the platoon advantage against Kyle Freeland.
Rockies vs Blue Jays SGP
Kevin Gausman Over 6.5 strikeouts
Kazuma Okamoto Over 0.5 hits
Jays team total Over 4.5
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Rockies vs Blue Jays home run pick: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (+285)
I’m only making this a half-unit wager. Freeland is a line-drive contact pitcher who gets hit hard by righties, and the best line drive right-handed power hitter on the Jays is Vladdy, who's certainly primed to hit his first homer of the season.
2026 Transparency record
Best bets: 1-3, -1.65 units
SGPs: 1-3, +0.5 units
HR picks: 1-3, +0.05 units
Rockies vs Blue Jays odds
Moneyline: Colorado +240 | Toronto -290
Run line: Colorado +1.5 (+115) | Toronto -1.5 (-135)
Over/Under: Over 7.5 | Under 7.5
Rockies vs Blue Jays trend
The Over is 7-3 in the last 10 games between these teams. Find more MLB betting trends for Rockies vs. Blue Jays.
How to watch Rockies vs Blue Jays and game info
Location
Rogers Center, Toronto, ON
Date
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
First pitch
1:07 p.m. ET
TV
Rockies.TV, SN
Rockies starting pitcher
Kyle Freeland (0-1, 4.15 ERA)
Blue Jays starting pitcher
Kevin Gausman (0-0, 1.50 ERA)
Rockies vs Blue Jays latest injuries
Rockies vs Blue Jays 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.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MARCH 31: Drake Baldwin #30 of the Atlanta Braves celebrates a solo home run against the Athletics during the first inning at Truist Park on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Atlanta Braves are set to face off against the offensively struggling Athletics in a series finale that features both staff aces in Chris Sale and Luis Severino.
The Braves have only scored 3.80 runs thus far and the Athletics have only scored 3.20. The crazy part is even though the Braves have a thin rotation they have the second-best ERA per game in MLB. If the Braves win today, they will have won their first two series of the year and started 4-2. That seems much better than last year when the Braves were swept twice and started 0-7.
If the Braves lose then they will have lost a series to an inferior opponent on paper and started the season off with a .500 record in their first six games. Although this game is only one of many, it is a game that on paper they are supposed to win. If the Braves want to stay in playoff contention it is games like today that will be a key to them getting there.
San Diego, California - September 27: Xander Bogaerts #2 of the San Diego Padres tags Ildemaro Vargas #6 of the Arizona Diamondbacks out at second base during the fourth inning at Petco Park on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025 in San Diego, California. (Meg McLaughlin / The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty Images)
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Opening Week was a little bit funny in the NL West. Everyone expects the Los Angeles Dodgers to run away with the division, but it didn’t need to happen so fast, did it? But no. With one series in the books, the Dodgers stood a perfect 3-0, while the rest of the division had a combined record of 1-11.
It won’t stay that way forever, of course. The Dodgers have, thankfully, lost a baseball game since then, while your San Francisco Giants have won one (two, even!). But the sentiment remains: LA is expected to be in a subdivision of their own within the actual division.
Conventional wisdom has the Dodgers alone atop the NL West, and the Colorado Rockies alone at the bottom, while the Giants, San Diego Padres, and Arizona Diamondbacks battle for runner-up supremacy. In the expanded playoff era, the Giants don’t need to be the leader among that trio to make the playoffs — hell, they don’t even need to be second! — but it sure helps. Which means that we’ll likely spend the bulk of the year, if not all of it, watching the standings to see how the Giants stack up against Arizona and San Diego.
Both teams have their share of star power, accompanied by some very loud question marks. So we want to poll you and get your opinion: which team poses the biggest threat to the Giants in the standings?
ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 30: Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers (23) swings at a pitch during the MLB game between the Athletics and the Atlanta Braves on March 30th, 2026 at Truist Park in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Rise and shine everyone! We got an early one today as the Athletics wrap up their first road trip of the year. Toronto was not kind to us but Atlanta has been a bit better after yesterday’s first victory of the year. Another win today and we’ll also have our first series win of the season.
We got our Opening Day starter Luis Severino back on the mound for his second appearance of the year. His performance on Opening Night was solid as he pitched five full innings against the Blue Jays while only allowing two runs. The A’s would gladly take that again today against a Braves squad that is 3-2 to start their campaign.
Here’s how the starting lineup looks for the finale against the Braves:
With today being get away day for the club manager Mark Kotsay is giving a couple of his regulars the finale off. Catcher Shea Langeliers, who is tied for the league lead with four home runs already, gets breather as he’ll only DH today while Austin Wynns gets his catcher’s gear on. That means regular DH Brent Rooker will need to grab his outfielder’s glove and get ready to play the grass, taking over in right field for Lawrence Butler. who is just 1-for-12 to start the year.
No Nick Kurtz either today as Andy Ibanez gets the start at first base. We can likely expect to see Kurtz make a late-game appearance if the score is close so having his stick on the bench will come in handy if the A’s need a big hit.
And another day with no Jeff McNeil, who is also struggling to get going after collecting just one hit so far. This’ll be his second day off in a row so hopefully he’s not dealing with any sort of injury this early in the year. That means Darell Hernaiz gets his second start of the year at the keystone. He’s still looking for his first hit of the year after going 0-for-3 on Saturday. Maybe today’s the day for him.
The Braves meanwhile will be sending their own Opening Night starter to the mound in Chris Sale. He looked like the Chris Sale of old in his first start of the season, shutting the Kansas City Royals down for six innings and allowing just three hits. The A’s will be hoping to do more damage against the ace lefty.
The Sacramento Kings have sunk to the bottom of the Western Conference, leaving little to play for.
However, my Kings vs. Raptors predictions forecast a motivated showing from veteran forward DeMar DeRozan when Sacramento wraps up its five-game road trip in Toronto.
Find out more about why our NBA picks like the setup for DeRozan on Wednesday, April 1.
Kings vs Raptors prediction
Kings vs Raptors best bet: DeMar DeRozan Over 17.5 points (-120)
DeMar DeRozan is one of the few Sacramento Kings stars still standing at this point in the season. With a laundry list of injuries around him, DeRozan’s usage has shot up this month, jumping to a team high 25.8% from 21.43% on the season.
He’s averaging 19 points over that stretch and posted 22 and 33 points in his last two games before sitting out Sunday’s trip to Brooklyn with a sore hamstring. That’s given DeRozan three full days off, bringing fresh legs and plenty of motivation to Toronto.
DeRozan started his career with the Toronto Raptors, and while he has a soft spot for the city, he’s gone after his former club.
For his career, DeRozan’s 22.5-point average against Toronto ranks fourth among all 30 NBA teams. In his last appearance at Scotiabank Arena, he dropped 33 points, and who knows how many more times the 17-year pro will return to Toronto.
If sticking it to the Raptors again wasn’t enough motivation to feed him the ball, DeRozan is just nine points away from 17th on the NBA’s All-Time scoring list and 51 points out of 16th.
Given his rest, usage, and motivations, I like the Kings vet to top 17.5 points tonight.
Kings vs Raptors same-game parlay
Toronto is playing the second night of a back-to-back after a tough matchup in Detroit. The Raptors rarely cover spreads this big, going 6-0 SU but just 2-4 ATS as double-digit favorites this season.
Brandon Ingram was back in action last night after sitting out due to injury. He finished with 22 points but looked a little rusty from outside, shooting 1-for -6 from beyond the arc. He’ll get cleaner looks against a poor Sacramento perimeter defense.
Kings vs Raptors SGP
Kings +13.5
DeMar DeRozan Over 17.5 points
Brandon Ingram Over 1.5 threes
Our "from downtown" SGP: Canadian Beef
DeRozan will get a warm welcome from the Toronto crowd, but they could be cursing him by the time the final whistle blows.
With the Kings' rotation running paper-thin, he’ll get all the touches and minutes he wants tonight.
Kings vs Raptors SGP
Kings +13.5
DeMar DeRozan Over 17.5 points
DeMar DeRozan Over 4.5 assists
DeMar DeRozan Over 2.5 rebounds
Kings vs Raptors odds
Spread: Kings +13.5 (-110) | Raptors -13.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Kings +600 | Raptors -900
Over/Under: Over 226 (-110) | Under 226 (-110)
Kings vs Raptors betting trend to know
Toronto has gone Under the total in 31 of its last 50 games (+10.10 Units / 18% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Kings vs. Raptors.
How to watch Kings vs Raptors
Location
Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON
Date
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Tip-off
8:00 p.m. ET
TV
NBCSCA, TSN
Kings vs Raptors latest injuries
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Ankeny Centennial pitcher Joey Oakie warms up his arm at practice Wednesday, April 19, 2023.
The 2026 season for the Single-A Hill City Howlers begins Thursday.
First things first, the team underwent a rebrand in the offseason, transitioning from the Lynchburg Hillcats to the Hill City Howlers. Personally, I love it. They just sound more ferocious. The Howlers released a preliminary roster Tuesday. Here are the active players we have so far:
Pitchers:
Eudry Alcantara RHP, Jerfis Alfaro RHP, Harrison Bodendorf LHP, Wes Burton RHP, Luke Fernandez RHP, Miguel Flores LHP, Ettore Giulianelli RHP, Nelson Keljo LHP, Aidan Major RHP, Will McCausland RHP, Chase Mobley RHP, Joey Oakie RHP, Angel Perez RHP, Zane Petty RHP, Jacob Zibin RHP, Keegan Zinn RHP.
Analysis:
All eyes will be on top pitching prospect Joey Oakie as the headliner of this starting rotation, and rightfully so after his extremely promising finish to 2025. I’ll be interested to see what development former 10th round pick Jacob Zibin has made after pitching the entire 2025 campaign healthy for the first time in his career. Aidan Major, a 2024 fourth round pick, will be making his pro debut after missing last season with Tommy John surgery. Chase Mobley earned a huge bonus from Cleveland in 2024 and has a high ceiling, but likely will be a long developmental project.
Catchers:
Tyler Howard RHH, Victor Izturis LHH, Cannon Peebles SH.
Analysis:
I don’t see a ton here in terms of catching prospects, but Howard (11th round) and Peebles (17th round) were both 2025 draft picks by Cleveland while Izturis is finally making his full-season debut after three years in Arizona.
Infielders:
Luis De La Cruz SH 1B, Dauri Fernandez SH SS/3B, Anthony Martinez LHH 1B, Johnathan Martinez SH 2B, Yaikel Mijares SH 3B, Riley Nelson 1B LHH, Gabriel Rodriguez LHH SS.
Analysis:
Talk about a youth movement. The big names here are Dauri Fernandez and Gabriel Rodriguez. Fernandez had an extremely impressive 2025 campaign and could get a rocket strapped to him if his development continues in the same trajectory while Rodriguez has continued steady production and looks like he has the strong defensive chops to stay at shortstop. Nelson and Martinez also are interesting college bats from the 2025 draft.
Outfielders:
Robert Arias LHH CF, Juneiker Caceres LHH RF, Yeiferth Castillo LHH LF, Yerlin Luis SH LF, Jose Pirela LHH RF.
Analysis:
The oldest player in this group is Luis at an ancient 20 years old, incredible. Juneiker Caceres made a name for himself by raking a both Arizona and Lynchburg last season, but don’t forget about Robert Arias and Yeiferth Castillo. Arias has been an on-base machine his first two seasons, walking more than he struck out while Castillo has some sneaky power, blasting five home runs in Arizona last season despite standing just 5-foot-8.
Hill City is home of Cleveland’s youth movement, with prominent teenage infield, pitching and outfield prospects all getting huge full-season opportunities. Many of the high-end prospects may be on the other three full-season squads, but we’re getting a tremendous preview of the future of Cleveland’s offense and pitching with this team.
Which players are catching your eye as the Single-A season starts? Tell us in the comments below:
FORT MYERS, FL - FEBRUARY 22: Nick Sogard #20 of the Boston Red Sox bats during the game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Boston Red Sox at JetBlue Park at Fenway South on Sunday, February 22, 2026 in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Natalie Reid/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
This Major League team is tough to watch, right? Well, guess what? The WooSox, featuring Nick Sogard, Nate Eaton, Kristian Campbell — all guys with playing time in the organization in the last year — are raking in the series opener in St. Paul. Let’s get right into it!
You ever see a box score that makes you blink at a certain stat and wish you were there, just to know how it felt to witness it in person? This was yesterday’s game for me.
The WooSox scored nineteen runs off of thirteen hits and TWENTY walks issued by the Saints (Twins AAA). This was actually the most walks drawn in the International League in two decades. St. Paul used seven pitchers and every single one of them issued a walk and all but former WooSox member Dan Altavilla allowed a hit. This game was honestly over in the first inning when the WooSox scored 8 runs, but it was REALLY over when Kristian Campbell emptied the bases with a long single in the sixth, making the game 12-3. It was so over that over wasn’t the word to use by the time Nick Sogard hit a grand slam. The slam was Sogard’s third hit of the game and capped off a 10-run sixth inning in which the team sent fourteen hitters to the plate. The game also featured Allan Castro’s first two hits and four RBIs of the season.
Even though the WooSox pitching staff walked nine St. Paul batters, that incredible sixth inning also capped off Seth Martinez powering through three innings in relief without allowing a baserunner. That grind of a relief effort helped matters, but no one was stopping the club regardless yesterday.
Sandy Alcantara looked a little more like his old self in his first start of the season. Now, the Miami Marlins ace will try to carry that momentum into start No. 2 when he takes the ball against the Chicago White Sox.
Alcantara allowed just one unearned run on four hits while striking out five in a matchup against the Colorado Rockies, and today he gets to face one of the more free-swinging teams in baseball.
The White Sox have hit a bunch of home runs to start the season, but that swing-for-the-fences mentality also means a lot of strikeouts. Chicago is getting punched out a whopping 35.9% of the time so far this season.
Alcantara should work deep into this game, giving him plenty of opportunities to top this modest number.
Time: 1:10 p.m. ET
Where to watch: CHSN, Marlins.TV
Kazuma Okamoto Over 0.5 RBI (+130)
People aren’t paying enough attention to how good Kazuma Okamoto’s bat is going to play in the big leagues. The former NPB star has a great swing path, which creates an impressive exit velocity, and we’ve seen that in his early at-bats with the Toronto Blue Jays.
Okamoto has at least one hit in each of his first five games with the Jays and enters today’s game against the Colorado Rockies with a .300 average, a .991 OPS, two home runs, and three RBI.
Now, he gets a matchup with Rockies starter Kyle Freeland. The left-hander has been in the Bottom 13% in expected ERA and Bottom 8% in expected batting average each of the last four seasons.
Okamoto’s propensity to take the ball to all fields makes him a tough out for Freeland, and with him being in the middle of the Jays' lineup, I love him to drive in another run.
Time: 1:07 p.m. ET
Where to watch: Rockies.TV, Sportsnet
Yoshinobu Yamamoto Over 6.5 strikeouts (-106)
Yoshinobu Yamamoto picked up right where he left off last season, opening the 2026 MLB campaign by allowing two runs on five hits and striking out six over six innings in a matchup against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Tonight, the Los Angeles Dodgers ace takes the ball against the Cleveland Guardians in the rubber. The 27-year-old is coming off a year where he ranked in the 89th percentile in strikeout rate, and there’s no reason to think he won’t keep that up against the Guardians.
Cleveland’s lineup has been a little more exciting with a little more pop thanks to Chase DeLauter’s hot start, but it’s also meant more strikeouts. The Guardians enter this game with the third-highest K-rate in baseball at 29.5%.
Yamamoto looks like one of the best pitchers in the world, and should be able to go deep enough to cover this number.
Time: 8:20 p.m. ET
Where to watch: CleGuardians.TV, SNLA
2026 Transparency record
Prop picks: 6-4, +1.87 units
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.
Los Angeles, CA - March 31: Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Shohei Ohtani (17) blows away flies as he gets ready to throw a pitch during the first inning of a MLB game against the Cleveland Guardians at Dodger Stadium on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Ronaldo Bolaños/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Sarah Langs of MLB.com dropped this wonderful nugget late Tuesday night.
These are regular-season streaks. The pitching streak for Ohtani dates back to last August 27, when he allowed a third-inning run to the Cincinnati Reds then added two more scoreless frames to finish out his time on the mound.
The on-base streak dates back a few days earlier than the pitching streak. On August 23 in a loss in San Diego, Ohtani was 0-for-4, but has reached base in every game since, including the final 31 games last year and the first five this year. During those 36 straight games reaching base, Ohtani is hitting .276/.409/.597.
Mar 31, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Texas Rangers left fielder Brandon Nimmo (24) celebrates after hitting a single during the sixth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images | Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images
COVERS INTEL: Kevin Gausman is averaging 7.8 strikeouts per game over his last five starts.
Sandy Alcantara
Kazuma Okamoto
Yoshinobu Yamamoto
