MESA, AZ — The Chicago Cubs officially made center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong the face of their team Monday night by finalizing a contract extension that will make the soon-to-be 24-year-old their longest-tenured player, two persons with direct knowledge of the deal told USA TODAY Sports.
The persons spoke on the condition of anonymity since the Cubs have not announced the contract.
Crow-Armstrong, who was scheduled to earn $894,000 this season, will now earn in excess of $100 million with his new deal, a person with direct knowledge of the contract said.
Crow-Armstrong, who turns 24 on Wednesday with one year and 170 days of major-league service, was not eligible for free agency until after the 2030 season.
The contract length is not yet known, but it will be at least six years and perhaps as long as nine years, tying him up to the franchise longer than any active Cubs player. San Diego Padres center fielder Jackson Merrill’s nine-year, $135 million extension last spring is the highest contract for a player with between one and two years of major-league service.
The Cubs' projected payroll has jumped to about $221 million.
The Cubs tried to lock up Crow-Armstrong a year ago with a $66 million offer, now is more than doubling that with his new deal. He will now be with the Cubs at least until 2031, eclipsing Alex Bregman, who signed a five-year, $175 million free agent contract this winter.
Crow-Armstrong, who earned an All-Star berth last summer, has emerged as one of the game’s brightest young stars, and perhaps the finest NL center fielder. He was on an MVP pace in the first half last season, hitting .265 with 25 home runs and 27 stolen bases, but tailed off during the second half, hitting just .216 with six homers and eight steals. He still wound up hitting 31 homers with 35 stolen bases, the first Cubs player to achieve the feat.
The Cubs believe he’s a superstar-in-waiting, which certainly deepens the pain for the New York Mets, who drafted him with their first pick in 2020, and then traded him a year later to the Cubs for shortstop Javier Baez and pitcher Trevor Williams. It will go down as one of the worst trades in Mets franchise history.
“The one thing with Pete that I always focus on,’’ Jed Hoyer, Cubs president of baseball operations, told reporters at the end of last season, “is when he’s not hitting or struggling offensively, he’s a great player. And when he’s hitting, he’s a superstar.”
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — RJ Barrett scored 27 points, Sandro Mamukelashvili added 23 and the Toronto Raptors defeated the Utah Jazz 143-127 on Monday night.
Ja’Kobe Walter had 21 points and Scottie Barnes finished with 20 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds as the Raptors (40-31) stopped a two-game skid. They remained a half-game ahead of Atlanta for fifth place in the Eastern Conference — the top six teams are assured a playoff berth without needing to qualify via the play-in tournament.
Utah rookie Ace Bailey had 37 points and Brice Sensabaugh scored 24 off the bench for the Jazz (21-51), who have lost six of seven and are eliminated from playoff contention.
Toronto outscored Utah 49-30 in the third quarter to open a 29-point cushion. Led by Walter and Barrett, the Raptors shot 54% from 3-point range (20 of 37) and 61% from the field overall.
Walter went 6 for 8 on 3-pointers and 7 of 10 from the floor. Barrett was 10 for 15 from the field, including 4 of 5 on 3s. He added six assists without committing a turnover in 25 minutes.
Jamal Shead had 15 assists for the Raptors to go with his seven points. Jamison Battle scored 17 off the bench, and Gradey Dick had 13.
Markelle Fultz, the top pick in the 2017 draft, played 16 minutes off the bench for Toronto in his first NBA game this season. He had two points on 1-of-5 shooting with five assists and three turnovers.
The 27-year-old Fultz signed a 10-day contract with the Raptors, the team announced earlier in the day. He had been playing for their G League affiliate.
Up next
Raptors: Wrap up a five-game trip Wednesday night against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Jazz: Finish a four-game homestand Wednesday night versus the Washington Wizards.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 23: Roki Sasaki #11 of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws against the Los Angeles Angels in the first inning at Dodger Stadium on March 23, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Dodgers were down early against the Angels on Monday, having to fight their way back from the first inning. A pair of home runs cut a six-run deficit in half, and the Dodgers tied the game late in the eighth inning, but the contest ultimately ended in a 7-7 tie .
Roki Sasaki was given the start as the Dodgers looked to see him improve in his final tuneup. Instead, Sasaki was erratic immediately, plunking Zach Neto on a 3-0 pitch to begin the game. Sasaki got a ground ball from Mike Trout, but an errant throw to second base from Miguel Rojas allowed him to reach. Sasaki then walked three consecutive hitters, with both Neto and Trout scoring, and the right-hander was pulled after throwing 30 pitches without recording a single out.
Ronan Kopp was called on for clean-up duty, managing to complete the first inning but not before allowing a two-run single from Josh Lowe to put the Angels up by four. All four runs were charged to Sasaki.
Sasaki went back out for the second inning, this time plunking Neto for the second time after being ahead 0-2 in the count. Sasaki subsequently allowed his fourth walk of the game to Mike Trout, but finally recorded an out with Nolan Schanuel reaching on a fielder’s choice. Jorge Soler grounded into a double play to give Sasaki a full inning of work.
Sasaki was able to settle in on the mound during the top of the third, as after walking his fifth batter, he struck out two consecutive hitters and faced just four men. The Dodgers were a swing away from tying the game in the bottom half, but Angels lefty Reid Detmers struck out Will Smith and got Freddie Freeman to ground out to end a bases-loaded threat.
Sasaki’s command couldn’t improve as he allowed a lead-off walk to begin the top of the fourth, after which Dave Roberts had seen enough. Over 2+ innings of work, Sasaki tossed 66 pitches (32 for strikes) and although he didn’t allow a hit, he was charged for five earned runs, while walking six and striking out two. Out of the 66 pitches he threw, his fastball and splitter counted for 56 of them, with his cutter and slider failing to land a single time in the plate. His fastball started at 99 miles per hour to start but dropped down to 95 during his final full inning, while his splitter was his most accurate pitch with a 63 percent (17 out of 27) strike percentage.
Sasaki now ends spring with a 15.58 ERA across 8 2/3 innings of work, having been charged for 15 earned runs on just nine hits, striking out 12 but walking 15. With opening day just three days away, the latest concern now for Sasaki is whether or not he’ll begin the regular season in the rotation. He is slated to start the first game against the Cleveland Guardians on Mar. 30.
Ben Casparius recorded a pair of outs in relief of Sasaki, both being sacrifice flies, and Tanner Scott got out of the jam.
Teoscar Hernández and Miguel Rojas each connected for home runs against Ryan Zeferjahn in the bottom of the fourth inning to put the Dodgers on the board and trim the deficit in half. For Hernández, he regained the team home run lead with his fifth of the spring while knocking home his 21st RBI.
The Dodgers cut the deficit to two runs after a bases-loaded walk from Dalton Rushing in the bottom of the sixth inning, but the Angels got that run back on a Josh Lowe single against Will Klein, giving him his third RBI of the game and bringing the lead back to three. Rushing once again provided some late-game offense, drilling a two-run double against Jordan Romano in the bottom of the eighth inning. Alex Call made it a brand new ballgame by bringing home Rushing with an RBI double of his own, tying the game at seven.
The Dodgers put the leadoff man on in the bottom of the ninth, but could not cash in and settled for a draw.
UP NEXT
Tuesday marks the final spring game of 2026 for the Dodgers, as they host the Angels for the finale of their exhibition series (5:10 p.m. PT, SportsNet LA). Shohei Ohtani makes his final spring tune-up, while the Angels have yet to announce their starter.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MARCH 23: LeBron James #23 and Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers walk off the court after their loss to the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on March 23, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Nic Antaya/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Given some of the great escapes they’ve had over the last 10 days, the Lakers were certainly due for the defeat that came on Monday against the Pistons.
That’s not to say Monday didn’t bring some positives with it and signs of the growth this team has had in recent weeks and months. Think back to the last meeting against the Pistons, which came at a time when the Lakers were at potentially their lowest point of the season.
Detroit came into Crypto.com Arena and, frankly, punked the Lakers. On Monday, that same physicality certainly impacted the game, but it didn’t knock the Lakers off the tracks as it did three months ago.
To a similar point, this was also a team that, at many points early in the year, would let go of the rope. As things started to slip away in the second period, a Lakers team from December or January would have let things spiral and the starters would be on the bench in a blowout in the fourth.
Now, this is a team that keeps fighting. They not only got themselves back into the game on Monday but had chances to tie or win the game in the final seconds.
By definition, moral victories come with a bittersweet taste. But the Lakers should be able to take some away from Monday’s streak-snapping defeat.
So, let’s dive into the loss. As always, grades are based on expectations for each player. A “B” grade represents the average performance for that player.
The Lakers didn’t have many options to put in the starting lineup with both Marcus Smart and Rui Hachimura out, so I get turning to LaRavia, someone who has started earlier this season. However, it was a rough outing for him, particularly defensively.
While LeBron is not one to really have a go at the officials — even if he’s not afraid for an initial complaint — I think he’s well within his rights to pick up a technical. There were a half-dozen plays on Monday where he had a legitimate claim for a foul that went by without a whistle.
The bulk of Reaves’ scoring came in the third period. His only bucket in the fourth was a clutch one inside the final minute. Still, it’s hard to fault him for going 5-7 from the field for 16 points in a half.
Specific to this type of article, Luka can have some really funky games. In the first quarter, he had 17 points on 5-11 shooting. Over the next three quarters, he had 15 points on 6-18 shooting. On top of that, he had one field in the fourth and missed two shots in the last 30 seconds.
As good as he was to start, it tailed off pretty badly in the end. If anything, it looks like he’s tired, an understandable excuse at this point on the road trip.
Kennard’s only make came in the first quarter, but he did draw a big shooting foul in the fourth. He also had a nice drive and dish that led to Ayton getting fouled and going to the line in the final minute.
Like Ayton, Hayes had a strong game, particularly defensively with six stocks. He was so good on that end that I can excuse a couple of miscues offensively.
Grade: A-
Adou Thiero, Maxi Kleber
Thiero got a brief run in the first half that was a bit chaotic, as you’d expect. I would have liked to see a second stint, but I get why he didn’t in a tight second half.
Maxi made a cameo he did in Phoenix earlier this year by coming in for the final play and setting a hell of a screen. If LeBron’s inbound pass wasn’t tipped, it would have been an open look.
JJ Redick
There’s probably a conversation to be had about the minutes the Lakers’ stars are playing. Austin has logged at least 38 minutes in the last nine games. Luka has played 37 minutes in eight of the last nine. LeBron’s minutes are a bit lower, but still safely north of 34 minutes on a nightly basis.
These next three games would be a really good time to cut down on those minutes before the run to the postseason.
DALLAS, TX - MARCH 23: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks drives to the basket during the game against the Golden State Warriors on March 23, 2026 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Dallas Mavericks lost again at home in overtime, this time to the Golden State Warriors on Monday night, 137-131. Moses Moody led the Warriors with 23 points. Cooper Flagg scored a game high 32 points but also turned the ball over seven times.
Fans in the American Airlines Center were treated to a display of high-caliber offense from both teams in the opening period. Dallas came out attacking early, while Golden State looked dead on arrival. Following a quick timeout, the Warriors rattled off a run that put them past the Mavericks, only for Cooper Flagg to lead the Mavericks to another run to take the lead. Both teams had flames coming off them from three-point range, with Dallas hitting eight of 10 in the frame and the Warriors hitting eight of 13 . That slight shooting advantage carried Golden State to a 34-31 lead after 12 minutes of action.
Dallas took firm control in the second quarter, despite both teams still shooting lights out from everywhere. Turnovers bit the Warriors. Their complicated offense might result in good looks, but it also results in lots of turnovers and Dallas took full advantage, building up a 15-point lead late in the period. Golden State chipped the lead down to six points only to embarass themselves in the final minute, allowing Dallas to chip in two more buckets and carry a 73-63 lead into the half.
A reversal of fortune occred for the Mavericks in the third quarter. After managing to keep the Warriors at bay for most of the period, the Warriors tranferred their turnover bug to Dallas midway through the third. After being up 89-78 with 5:30 to go in the period, Dallas gave up a 20-9 run to Golden State and the game was tied 98 all heading into the final quarter.
Cooper Flagg started the final frame in disasterous fashion: three turnovers in a row. Dallas gave up 11 points in quick succession and the Mavericks looked on the ropes with nearly 11 minutes of game to go. The two teams would exchange buckets throughout the frame. After Kristaps Porzingis scored a basket to make it 122-114 with four minutes left, Dallas head coach Jason Kidd called a timeout (perhaps to admonish Flagg for bypassing an open three). The next possession Flagg buried a three, the Warriors turned it over bringing it up the court, and Max Christie scored a lay up making it a three point game. A pair of Flagg free throws with 1:43 left would bring Dallas within two. Max Christie would tie it at 126 with an awesome three following Porzingis splitting a trip to the line. Neither team could capitalize so the game went to overtime.
The Warriors jumped out to a quick seven point lead in overtime and just like the overtime against the Clippers, Dallas seemed out of gas. The Mavericks, being the Mavericks we all know, of course didn’t die outright, and cut the lead enough to make the game exciting. Sadly, Moses Moody went down very late after a clean steal and looked to suffer a major knee injury.
Cooper’s got to shoot these open threes
This is a minor quibble, but it has to be said: Cooper’s got to take what the defense gives him a few more times per game. I get that Flagg probably didn’t regularly shoot threes in games until last season at Duke. If you followed his games, he didn’t shoot the ball well, then after the new year during his freshman season, all of a sudden he was outstanding from distance. The transition to NBA threes hasn’t been easy, but his shot looks good.
Defense are sagging off and he has to make them pay. He shot 2 of 4 tonight and passed up a few open looks by either moving the ball, dribbling into long twos, or driving when there wasn’t space.
It probably feels bizarre, being urged to take a shot at volume that hasn’t been part of your diet for your entire life. But he has to start. He will make them. I believe that.
Neither team could hold on to the ball or protect their own basket after turnovers
These two teams combined for 47 turnovers and 59 points conceded off of turnovers. It was exciting to watch but pretty sloppy and embarassing if you like cleaner basketball.
Hope Moses Moody is okay
I don’t remember seeing an injury that gruesome in open court before. The camera lingered on his knee for too long and I don’t suggest seeking that out. Here’s to hoping he’s okay.
Golden State's Moses Moody was carted off late in overtime against Dallas with what appeared to be a serious knee injury after his left leg buckled when he went up for a shot with nobody around him.
Moody, who missed the previous 10 games with a sprained right wrist, had just stolen the ball from Mavericks rookie standout Cooper Flagg and was dribbling all alone, planted his left leg to go up for the shot and instead lost the ball as he crumpled to the court with 58 seconds remaining in the extra period.
Play continued at the Dallas end until the ball went out of bounds. After the whistle, Warriors coach Steve Kerr put his hands to his face as the Mavericks' home arena went silent.
The Warriors led 136-131 when Moody was injured, and only one more point was scored in a victory that extended Dallas' home losing streak to 12 games.
DALLAS, TX - MARCH 23: Moses Moody #4 of the Golden State Warriors drives to the basket as Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks plays defense during the game on March 23, 2026 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
An awful and heartbreaking scene unfolded on Monday night, as the Golden State Warriors wrapped up a six-game road trip against the Dallas Mavericks. Late in overtime, Warriors forward Moses Moody leaked out ahead of the defense for an uncontested transition opportunity. As he planted to leap for a dunk, his legs gave out on him. He was blocked by the rim on the way up, and landed on the court in a heap, grasping at his knee.
Play continued until a dead ball on the other end of the court, but Moody was still down under Golden State’s basket. As the cameras panned so fans could see Moody, it immediately became clear that something was horribly wrong with his knee, with a bone protruding at a gruesome and unnatural angle. Recognizing the severity, cameras immediately cut away from Moody, and the national broadcast went to a break.
When the broadcast returned, Moody had his leg in an air brace, and was being taken off the court in a stretcher, while his teammates and opponents embraced him, and the otherwise deadly-silent crowd applauded.
It was a hard scene to watch, and there’s no doubting that it was a serious injury that Moody sustained. The only hope now is that it’s something like a dislocation, where the leg can be stabilized and popped back into place, and that he didn’t suffer structural damage that will cost him a significant amount of time.
Prior to Moody’s injury, the game was stopped multiple times so that wet spots on the court could be wiped up. It’s unclear if that had any impact on his fall and subsequent injury.
Needless to say, it’s always heartbreaking to see a player suffer a serious injury, but doubly so in Moody’s case: this was his first game back after 10 games on the sidelines with a wrist injury. It seems highly unlikely that Moody will play again this year, but that’s both putting the cart in front of the horse, and doesn’t feel very important right now. For now, we all cross our fingers and hold our breaths, and hope for the best for Moses.
Sep 2, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; A general view of the exterior of Chase Field before the game between the Texas Rangers and the Arizona Diamondbacks. Mandatory Credit: Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images | Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images
Sometimes you’re the bug, and sometimes you’re the windscreen. After a ten-run victory in the Cactus League finale yesterday, it was not a happy return to Chase Field for the D-backs. They were held to just two hits – both of them off the bat of Pavin Smith – as former Diamondback Slade Cecconi and three Cleveland relievers blanked Arizona. The home team did not have a single at-bat with a runner in scoring position all night, mustering three walks (to Ketel Marte, Geraldo Perdomo and Jordan Lawlar) in addition to Smith’s pair of singles. Cecconi went four scoreless against us, allowing one hit.
Merrill Kelly got hit hard, lasting only two innings and giving up five earned runs. He was charged with four hits, two of which left the park, and two walks, with a single strikeout. Jonathan Loaisiga and Ryan Thompson were also tagged for a run in their inning of work. But there were scoreless frames for Isaiah Campbell, Kevin Ginkel, Paul Sewald, Gerardo Carrillo and Casey Anderson. Though of those five, only Ginkel and Sewald will be part of the Opening Day bullpen. Here’s what Merrill had to say after his outing tonight:
“Body and back and arm feel good, so that’s what matters to me right now.”
The final warm-up is tomorrow afternoon at Chase Field, again versus these Guardians. Michael Soroka gets the start for Arizona, with a 12:40 pm first pitch. After that, it’ll be off to Los Angeles for the Diamondbacks!
Opening Day for the 2026 Major League Baseball season is quickly approaching. As the seasoned stars are gearing up for another season, prospects are finding out whether they made the cut or not.
Rosters were finalized Monday and the Texas Rangers let one of their players know he made the team in the best way possible.
Carter Baumler, a 24-year-old right-handed pitcher who stands 6-foot-2, was on the mound in the bottom of the fifth inning after throwing his seventh pitch of the game when the rookie got the news that he wasn't coming out of the game but instead that he'd be playing in future games as a member of the team.
Rangers manager Skip Schumaker used a mound visit to inform Baumler that he made the Opening Day roster.
Skip Schumaker told Rule 5 pick Carter Baumler that he made the Rangers Opening Day roster during a mound visit 🥹 pic.twitter.com/19J10vk39Q
"I wasn't expecting it. I was like, 'why is he coming out here?' And he got on the mound and told me I made the team. So, yeah, pretty cool," Baumler said. "I mean, honestly, I thought I was like, getting taken out of the game. I didn't know what was going on. Obviously, whenever the manager comes out, like, you know, you're usually done. So, yeah, he just came up and told me, I made the team, and everybody just, you know, kind of said, congrats. And, I mean, what a special way, like, I caught me totally off guard, so it was pretty cool."
In eight spring training games, Baumler has registered a win with 132 pitches thrown in 9.1 innings. He has 10 strikeouts and allowed four hits and a run. According to MLB, 65% of his pitches are strikes.
Baumler was emotional following the news delivered by Schumaker. He was overwhelmed with joy to think about officially being a big leaguer.
"[I] went through a lot of hard times over the last, like, few years. [It's] pretty cool, pretty special," Baumler said. "You know, like a few years ago, I never would have expected this. You know, looking back, it's just I'm glad kept my head down and kept hammering away."
Baumler was born in Des Moines, Iowa, on Jan. 31, 2002. He attended Dowling Catholic High School in West Des Moines.
He was originally selected in 2020 MLB Draft by the Baltimore Orioles with 133rd overall pick in the fifth round, which came with a $1.5 million signing bonus.
He didn't see any action until 2022 after having Tommy John surgery in 2020 and 2021.
He bounced around the minor leagues playing for the GCL Orioles, Delmarva Shorebirds, FCL Orioles, Mesa Solar Sox, Aberdeen IronBirds and Chesapeake Baysox.
Baumler was drafted in the Rule 5 Draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates in December and later traded to the Rangers for Jaiker Garcia and cash.
MESA, Ariz. — Turns out that Spencer Jones can crush homers in the Cactus League, too.
After a strong spring in the Grapefruit League, Jones made the trip west with the Yankees and put an exclamation point on his big league camp, belting a pair of home runs after coming off the bench in a 15-6 loss to the Cubs.
“Really good to see,” manager Aaron Boone said. “The homers, yes, but just the more consistent quality of the at-bat has been there, and that’s been noticeable all spring.”
Jones, who now has hit six home runs this spring, went deep against two members of the Cubs’ projected bullpen. Facing setup man Phil Maton in the seventh inning, Jones turned on a changeup and drilled it 372 feet to right field. Then he went the other way against Jacob Webb in the ninth inning, which came off the bat at 104.5 mph.
New York Yankees center fielder Spencer Jones #78, at bat in the 2nd inning. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
The 24-year-old outfielder is set to start the season back at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (alongside Jasson Domínguez), where he played 67 games last year, now trying to keep cutting down on his strikeouts to put himself in a position to impact the big league club when it has a need.
“More competitive at-bats, game after game, whether there’s results or not,” Boone said. “Even in some where, ‘Man, it’s a tough matchup for him,’ he’s put together really good at-bats. He’s grown too.”
The Yankees were still trying Monday to finalize where Luis Gil will begin the season — either in the bullpen or the minor leagues after being the odd man out of their four-man rotation.
The club does not need a fifth starter until April 11, and Gil seems more likely to stay built up in the minors as opposed to piggybacking out of the bullpen, though Boone was not yet ready to commit to that Monday.
Hanging in the balance are the final bullpen spots, which could bump from two to three if Gil starts in the minors, with Cade Winquest, Brent Headrick, Jake Bird and Osvaldo Bido all still in contention.
Winquest, the Rule 5 pick, was the only one of those who pitched Monday, continuing his uneven spring as he gave up two runs on two hits and a walk across 1 ²/₃ innings.
A handful of Yankees veterans and pitchers flew to San Francisco on Monday night ahead of Wednesday’s Opening Day, while the rest of the team stayed back for one more exhibition against the Cubs on Tuesday. … Monday and Tuesday marked the Yankees’ first spring training games in Arizona since 1951, when they swapped spring training sites with the New York Giants. That year, the Yankees worked out in Phoenix while the Giants worked out in St. Petersburg, Fla.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Milwaukee Bucks requested waivers on guard Cam Thomas and converted forward/center Pete Nance, who had been on a two-way deal, to a multi-year standard NBA contract.
Nance, 26, entered Monday night’s game with the Los Angeles Clippers having averaged 4.5 points, 2.2 rebounds and 12.1 minutes in 37 games while playing on a two-way deal.
Thomas scored 34 points in a 116-108 victory at Orlando in his Bucks debut and had 27 points in a 139-118 win at New Orleans nine days later, but his role eventually decreased. He didn’t play at all in back-to-back games with Indiana and Cleveland last week.
This move continues what’s been a difficult season for Thomas, who had scored 22.5 points per game in 2023-24 and 24 points per game in 2024-25 while playing for Brooklyn.
Thomas was averaging 15.6 points in 24 games with Brooklyn this season before the Nets waived him. He averaged 10.7 points and 16.6 minutes in 18 games with Milwaukee.
Mar 4, 2026; Fort Myers, Florida, USA; New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone (17) walks back to the dugout after making a pitching change in the fifth inning against the Boston Red Sox at JetBlue Park at Fenway South. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images | Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
The Athletic | Chris Kirshner: (subscription required) Who sets the Yankees’ lineups? The predominant assumption among fans is that the front office and their analytics department has the final say. Not so, says Aaron Boone. He, Brian Cashman, and bench coach Brad Ausmus all claim that Boone sets all of his lineups himself, and that the front office has never once dictated a batting order. They even refute the theory that each game’s lineup is a synthesis of three lineups – Boone’s, Ausmus’, and the front office’s – claiming that it is a collaborative effort between Boone and Ausmus, with the analytics department only occasionally serving as an advisor, and only “major decision (s)” being run by Cashman (and Hal Steinbrenner). Boone and Ausmus are surprisingly candid about their approach to lineup construction in this piece, providing plenty of insights about the plethora of factors they consider when setting the order for each game. I don’t know if their stated modus operandi will assuage your fears or provide even more fuel for the “fire Boone” movement, but either way, this is well worth your time.
Sports Illustrated | Joseph Randazzo: One name was missing from the Yankees’ four-man rotation to start the 2026 season: Luis Gil. The Yankees are reportedly still weighing whether to option him to the minors or use him as a piggyback starter in the early days of the season, but in any case, he does not have a rotation spot. Randazzo argues that the Yankees made the correct decision, as Gil still needs to work on some issues, and starting the year in Scranton (should he be sent down) wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world, as it would provide him with an opportunity to start games consistently. He also points out that Gil would also be the first arm up in the event of an injury befalling the rotation, so it’s likely that he’ll get another crack at securing a rotation spot. I’m sure the Yankees at this point would rather have Gil be a depth piece rather than a load-bearing component of their starting corps, but here’s hoping Gil recaptures some of that 2024 magic and steps up when the team needs him to.
MLB.com | Will Leitch: MLB’s power ranking of all 30 teams dropped yesterday. Sitting at number one is, to the surprise of absolutely nobody, the Los Angeles Dodgers. I guess signing Kyle Tucker is a good way to address a middling outfield, and as bullpen upgrades go you could do worse than Edwin Díaz. Our beloved Yankees are ranked fourth, with Aaron Judge being Aaron Judge and Gerrit Cole returning to the mound named as highlights in the dedicated blurb. Personally, I think there are enough positives besides those two – a full season of Cam Schlittler, Carlos Rodón returning with a healthy elbow, and Ben Rice building on a breakout 2025 – to rank them even higher, maybe even just below the Dodgers. Maybe I’m drinking too much of that Kool-Aid, but I think this year’s Yankees have the goods to go toe to toe with just about any other team.
MLB.com | Manny Randhawa: MLB.com also dropped their staff predictions for the league leaders in the following categories: batting average, home runs, and stolen bases for hitters, and ERA, strikeouts, and saves for pitchers. Aaron Judge is the only Yankee that was the top vote-getter for any category, in his case home runs. Yeah, I could definitely see that happening. Judge also garnered votes for the AL batting title, which would have been an incomprehensible statement prior to 2022, but is totally reasonable as things stand now. Elsewhere, David Bednar was the runner-up pick for the AL saves leader, and I would note that he actually posted better peripherals in 2025 than the top vote-getter, Andrés Muñoz of the Mariners, making him a strong pick. The only other Yankee receiving votes for any category was Jazz Chisholm Jr. to lead the league in stolen bases. Hopefully Jazz can make good on his stated goal of posting a 40-40 season.
Mar 23, 2026; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz forward Ace Bailey (19) dunks the ball against the Toronto Raptors during the second quarter at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images | Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images
Look, you probably watched this game on a Monday afternoon because of the four-day gap between March Madness’ Round of 32 and the Sweet 16. I don’t blame you — probably scrolling between the mediocre options on League Pass and settling for a tranquil Jazz-Raptors experience.
Utah’s swift 126-116 loss against Philadelphia two nights ago was only to uphold the parity going on in the Eastern Conference. Toronto, Atlanta and Philly all stood with 39 wins each between the 5th-7th seed. 8th-9th seeded Orlando and Miami weren’t too far behind with 38 wins of their own. The point is, the Utah Jazz would pretty much dominate the Eastern Conference if teams were judged based on how good they look on the eye test.
And Utah tyrannizes that field so much that they had to send Cody Williams to a sunny beach—I mean, to rehab because of his cruel sore shoulder. Totally. Can’t have him pulling anything. That meant the Jazz only had eight active players on the floor, minus Svi Mykhailiuk and Kevin Love. who can’t seem to find playing time because they might infect their teammates with oldness. Toronto faired off much better, listing Ingram, Quickley and Poeltl out, considering they just finished a 22-point lashing against Phoenix last night it’s probably for the best.
And spoiler alert: they maintained their end of the bargain with a plain and simple 143-125 blowout loss at home — nothin’ too fancy. An unorthodox, but welcome sight. Sometimes you need one of these if you want to compete with the big dogs like Sacramento, Indiana or Washington.
Will I ever get sick of the overachieving first quarter Jazz? No. No I will not. Known volume shooter, John Konchar, opened the gates with 8 points on a perfect 2-2 for the Jazz, which is ,fun fact, is a first quarter career-high for Jitty! No? Just me celebrating? That was apart of Utah’s highest 5-point lead before Toronto erased the deficit on an 8-0 run — Jazz missing all their shots and turning over the ball. The Raptors closed Q1 ahead 31-25 after shooting 57% from the field and logging 11 assists on 12 made shots. Kennedy Chandler chipped in 3 points, 2 assists and 2 steals with 5 minutes he recorded in that quarter.
Utah endured a gruelling shooting drought through the second quarter. They were a flat 0-4 from beyond the arc and shot 6-14 from the field. Though Ace Bailey did pour in 7 points in the second quarter, adding to his 13-point total, Toronto was outmatching them on nearly every aspect on the floor. Probably the best news Jazz fans have had all month after having to hold their breath until the final moments against supposedly legitimate Playoff teams. The Jazz did have an edge on the glass with a 27-21 advantage, including 4 offensive rebounds, but weren’t able to generate a single second-chance point. Ace wrapped things up with a highlight I can only describe as a grown man’s jam.
Jazz couldn’t put a stop to the apparent real Greek Freak, Sandro Mamukelashvili. The Jazz were punished by his 15 halftime points, a career-high 4 steals and 1 block in 15 minutes. Jamal Shead was by far the best passer on the floor with 8 assists, who should count himself lucky he never had to run into Isaiah Collier.
The third quarter was pretty much what put the final nail in the coffin. Toronto outscored Utah 18-3 through four minutes, and left the Jazz in a 24-point hole. Maybe a possible comeback if you were any middling team against the 2022 Quin Snyder Jazz, but impossible for anyone else. They finished the quarter with 117 team points, which would probably send anyone circa-1992 into a coma. That was, in fact, a franchise-high for the Raptors for points up to the end of the third quarter, along with a record 38 assists. On Utah’s end, that tallied to giving up 49 points in a single quarter. Woof.
Toronto put the Jazz to sleep by outscoring them 13-13 in the final 12 minutes. The Raptors had four players finish with over 20 points, and six players with double-digits. Utah gave up 25 fastbreak points, and the 15 turnovers they had generated into 25 points off turnovers. It was by far one of the worst defensive lapses the Jazz have had all year. Though Utah did have an unorthodox 16-3 advantage near the end, which made this game a tad more appetizing. You should take this game for what it was, which was filler that will become lost media a year from now.
A swift glance suggests it’s a typical tank loss. A punishing double-digit deficit, half of the rotation sitting on the sidelines…an Ace Bailey 37-ball?!
I’m no longer going to sit here as Ace Bailey remains nicknameless. No, Ace doesn’t count. Neither does ‘SGA’. Or ‘JT’. From now on, he needs something more fitting — ‘His Airiousness’ shall suffice. All rights and revenue belong to the Kato Parina Corporation. The rookie has been going off on a March heater, and tonight was no different. He finished with 37 points, 6 boards, 3 assists, 2 blocks on 11-19 shooting. Though most of his performances beforehand came along with efficient shooting performances, this one was an outlier.
I have to say it: whoever’s in charge of Utah’s 10-day contract scouting department should be given a raise. Kennedy Chandler, in just 26 minutes, recorded 13 points, 5 rebounds, 9 assists, 3 steals on 4-10 shooting. I know who I’d rather have compared to 10-day Markelle Fultz’s 2 points and 5 assists debut for the Toronto Raptors. I’m leaving here with something.
Up Next
All of their suffering has led up to this: they’ll hold a marquee matchup against the Washington Wizards at the Delta Center, March 25th, at 6:00 PM MST.
Zion Williamson is slimmer and healthier for his trip to MSG.
The “freak of nature,” as Josh Hart called Williamson, appeared in 45 of the past 46 games before Tuesday night’s showdown against the Knicks. It’s a noteworthy accomplishment for a player whose path toward superstardom was derailed by injuries and DNPs.
“Extremely talented,” Hart, who was teammates with Williamson for 1 ½ seasons in New Orleans, told The Post. “When he’s locked in and he’s focused, he’s one of probably 15 or 20 top players in the league, if not better.”
After years of being hyped by the NBA and scheduled for national broadcasts, Williamson, the No. 1 pick in the 2019 draft, has largely been away from the spotlight this season.
Zion Williamson (1) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley (4) and guard James Harden (1) in the second half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, March 21, 2026, in New Orleans. AP
He was also on a minutes restriction earlier this season and his per game averages — 21.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 59.8 percent shooting, 29.7 minutes — won’t garner any postseason awards.
But Williamson’s still a show and a problem the Knicks will have to deal with.
“He’s a freak of nature. I say that with all due respect,” Hart said. “He’s obviously extremely explosive, the way he’s able to maneuver and contort his body, and he has a great touch around the rim. That’s going to be a challenge for us. We got to make sure we’re just solid. Don’t swipe down. Don’t smack down. And try to make him finish.”
The Pelicans (25-47) are disappointing this season but are surging lately with 12 wins in their past 19 games. Unlike the Knicks’ past three opponents — the Pacers, Nets and Wizards — the Pelicans aren’t tanking. They have no incentive to lose after trading their 2026 first-round pick to the Hawks.
Zion Williamson looks to go to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade (32) in the second half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, March 21, 2026, in New Orleans. AP
So the Knicks are facing a motivated team and a motivated athletic bulldozer in Williamson, who has only twice previously played at MSG as a pro — a win in 2024 and a loss in 2021.
“I think what’s really impressive is that first burst but also his second jump,” Hart said. “When I first saw him, the way he shoots the ball around the rim, you’d think he has no touch. But he has an amazing touch. And the ones where he doesn’t, he has a quick enough second jump where he’s able to get the rebound and sometimes before guys even get off the ground.”
Landry Shamet was ruled out for a second straight game and there’s now an official injury designation.
According to the Knicks, Shamet, who banged his knee in Friday’s victory over the Nets, has a tibial plateau contusion. The good news is the injury is nothing major, a league source said, and the guard is not expected to miss much time.
Shamet watched Sunday’s win over the Wizards in street clothes, when his injury designation was right knee soreness.
PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Sahith Theegala picked the right time to find a fairway, setting up a two-putt birdie on the final hole Monday night to flip the match and give Los Angeles a 6-5 victory over Jupiter Links and a 1-0 lead in the TGL finals.
Match 2 is Tuesday night at the SoFi Center, followed immediately by Match 3, if necessary.
LA was without Collin Morikawa, who suffered a back injury at The Players Championship.
Tiger Woods heads the Jupiter team but has sat out all year as he recovers from back surgery last fall. Jupiter had been using Akshay Bhatia as an alternate, but Bhatia is playing the Hero Indian Open this week in New Delhi on the European tour.
That put Kevin Kisner — who has been in the broadcast booth for NBC during the Florida swing on the PGA Tour — in the lineup for Jupiter for only the second time since Feb. 2.
Theegala twice hit tee shots out of play, and hit another drive into a bunker that kept LA from reaching the green in two on a par 5. He also missed a 3-foot putt that cost his team a point. But he wound up hitting a winner.
Jupiter led 5-4 going to the par-5 closing hole and LA threw the hammer, meaning the hole was worth two points. Theegala ripped his drive into the fairway to set up a second shot to 35 feet. Kisner found the rough off the tee, the rough on his second shot and a wedge came up short of the green. His birdie chip from 20 feet to tie the hole — and win the match — narrowly missed.
Jupiter had taken a 3-2 lead after alternate shot involving all three players through nine holes.
LA won the first two holes of singles for the lead, only for Kisner to hit driver onto the green at No. 12 after Theegala had gone into a hazard. That tied the match at 4.
Jupiter regained the lead at 5-4 when Justin Rose three-putted from long range. Tom Kim hit his tee shot on a par 3 to 6 feet and Jupiter threw the hammer. LA accepted, meaning if it lost the hole it would lose the match. Tommy Fleetwood responded with a tee shot to 4 feet for matching birdies.
That sent it to the 15th and final hole, and Theegala's length — and accuracy — was the difference.
