PHOENIX –– The most boring camp in baseball is over.
On Saturday, the Dodgers packed up their Camelback Ranch clubhouse into cardboard boxes, portable storage crates and moving vans bound for Los Angeles, departing Arizona after six largely unremarkable weeks of spring training.
Indeed, the Dodgers return home in about as strong a shape as they could have possibly hoped ahead of their World Series three-peat bid.
Roki Sasaki struggled during Cactus League play. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
They encountered only one unexpected injury this spring, when Gavin Stone suffered a setback in his surgically repaired shoulder. They got all five of their World Baseball Classic participants back from the tournament unscathed. They have only one roster spot left up for grabs, with Hyeseong Kim and Alex Freeland waiting to learn who earned the final bench spot to begin the season.
Most importantly, the team largely played well, too, posting a Cactus League-best 19-8-1 record after a 5-5 tie against the Athletics on Saturday.
However, some lingering questions remain ahead of Opening Day on Thursday. Even six long weeks of spring haven’t brought total clarity to the state of the team yet.
Here are the three most pressing, as the regular season nears:
Rotation depth
The top of the Dodgers’ rotation looks dominant. Yoshinobu Yamamoto will start on Opening Day after an impressive WBC showing. Tyler Glasnow became a spring standout with his improved mentality and delivery. Even Shohei Ohtani has seemed to handle his rushed pitching build-up following the WBC well. Add in the progress Blake Snell made this spring in his return from offseason shoulder problems –– putting him on track to return within the first couple months of the season –– and the Dodgers might have four potential aces before long.
The team’s rotation depth, however, is a potential red flag. Roki Sasaki’s spring training struggles were well-documented. Emmet Sheehan quietly struggled for much of camp, as well, finishing the spring with a 5.91 ERA after a 4 ⅔-inning, four-run, five-strikeout start Saturday.
For now, they will likely be the Nos. 4 and 5 arms in the rotation, with swingman Justin Wrobleski capable of piggybacking with them or being a spot sixth starter when needed (the Dodgers can get away with a five-man rotation for the first couple weeks of the season thanks to an abundance of off-days).
Last year, the Dodgers’ inability to get length from their starters incurred season-long costs on the bullpen. And until Sasaki, Sheehan or someone else beyond them can show consistent efficiency, the risk of overburdening the bullpen with repeatedly short starts will be a concern.
No matter how good the team’s top arms look.
Blake Treinen struggled during his final five Cactus League outings. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Right-handed relief
The Dodgers now boast one of the best right-handed relievers in baseball in new closer Edwin Díaz. How they get to him in the ninth inning, though, is something of a question.
While Alex Vesia, Jack Dreyer and a seemingly improved Tanner Scott provide plenty of left-handed weapons, the Dodgers’ righty middle relievers did not inspire much confidence this spring.
Blake Treinen was the biggest concern, allowing seven hits, seven walks and six runs over his final five Cactus League outings. Youngster Ben Casparius and Edgardo Henriquez also battled command issues.
Outside of Kyle Hurt, who had a strong camp but like Ryan was optioned as he returns from Tommy John, the most consistent right-handed reliever this spring might’ve been Will Klein, who followed up his heroics in last year’s World Series by allowing just one earned run and one walk in nine spring appearances while striking out nine batters.
Still though, Klein has just 22 career MLB appearances and was a journeyman before last year.
Thus, while the ninth inning might no longer be of concern for the team, building a bridge there –– especially against right-handed-heavy portions of opposing lineups –– could be a challenge barring some rapid individual improvements.
Staying healthy
The Dodgers might have gotten through this spring healthy. But staying that way will nonetheless be a task.
Their rotation still has to manage the heavy mileage they took on in last year’s playoffs. The lineup is full of 30-somethings who are coming off two consecutive grueling Octobers.
That’s why, in this year’s camp, the Dodgers were cautious with playing time, slowing the progressions of virtually everyone except Teoscar Hernández and Andy Pages. Once the regular season begins, they will no longer have that luxury. And whether they can keep everyone healthy over another 162-game marathon could be the defining question of their entire season.
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English cricket chiefs Rob Key and Richard Gould will speak to the media at Lord’s on Monday regarding a post-Ashes review into the team’s series loss in Australia, with coach Brendon McCullum set to keep his job.
This was announced late Saturday afternoon by manager Craig Counsell:
Craig Counsell announced today that Seiya Suzuki will not be ready for Opening Day, and they have until Wednesday to make an IL decision. pic.twitter.com/tniMKqFCrN
Obviously, this isn’t good news, though it seems possible that this IL stint won’t last too long. Earlier the team had said the injury was “minor,” but they obviously aren’t taking any chances.
This means that possibly all three non-roster outfielders, Dylan Carlson, Chas McCormick and Michael Conforto, will make the team. Or, for a short-term bench player, perhaps Kevin Alcántara will break camp with the Cubs.
Counsell has said Matt Shaw will start in right field on Opening Day if Suzuki wasn’t available, which is now the case. Personally, I think this is a mistake. The eye test says Shaw doesn’t take good routes to balls and his arm isn’t what you’d want from a right fielder. Granted, Shaw hasn’t played much out there — which is, I think, good reason to start Carlson in right field, at least he’s played there quite a bit and has decent range and a good arm.
As always. we await developments. Today’s game preview will post in 30 minutes at 6 p.m. CT.
GOODYEAR, AZ - MARCH 11: Robert Gasser #54 of the Milwaukee Brewers pitches during the game between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Cincinnati Reds at Goodyear Ballpark on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 in Goodyear, Arizona. (Photo by Zach Gardner/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Robert Gasser has a real chance at making the Brewers’ rotation to start the season, but his spring hasn’t gone well so far; coming into today, Gasser had allowed seven runs in less than seven innings, giving him an ERA over nine. But he made a strong push for a roster spot today with six excellent innings against the San Diego Padres, and the Brewers rode Gasser and three homers to an easy, near-shutout victory in the waning days of spring training.
The Brewers went nine-up, nine-down to start the game (though they did get a hit in there—a William Contreras shot off the wall on which he was thrown out at second base), but they got something going in the fourth. While Sophia Minnaert spoke with coach Néstor Corredor about the Venezuelan National Team, a pair of Venezuelans got the Brewers on the board when Jackson Chourio singled and William Contreras crushed a homer to right-center. The next batter was Jake Bauers, who exploded a center-cut fastball; unfortunately Statcast data appeared to be malfunctioning so we don’t have measurements Bauers’ homer, but it looked like it was over 450 feet.
Nestor Corredor on the call as Wild Bill & Bauers both SMASH 💥
Gasser, meanwhile, was cruising. He gave up a couple of hits and hit a batter in the first inning but stranded the bases loaded, and after that early hiccup he settled in nicely. A couple of Padres doubled off of Gasser but neither was able to come around to score, and he had the strikeout stuff working nicely. He finished with six scoreless innings in which he allowed five hits and one walk while striking out seven on 79 pitches.
The Brewers struck again in the bottom of the sixth when Jackson Chourio got into one for his first home run of spring training, a high fly ball over the wall in left. That chased Vásquez and gave the Brewers a 4-0 lead.
Milwaukee added two more in the seventh; after Joey Ortiz reached on catcher’s interference and Brandon Lockridge reached on what could’ve been called an error but was ruled a hit, Andrew Fischer cleared the bases with a well-struck double. (Does anyone else feel like Fischer would be a solidly above average hitter in the big leagues if he was there today?)
DL Hall pitched a scoreless seventh with a strikeout, which lowered his spring ERA to 2.00. He threw only 11 pitches, so it was hard to gauge, but he did hit 95.5 mph on his fastest pitch, an encouraging sign for a pitcher who has not been throwing as hard as he has at times in the past. A couple of batters reached against Aaron Ashby in the eighth on a hit and a walk, but finished the inning with a three-pitch strikeout to strand them both.
Francisco Acuna ruined the shutout by hitting a solo homer to left off of Easton McGee to start the ninth, but a walk, a double play, and a lineout ended the game.
Chourio, Contreras, and Bauers supplied today’s homers; Chourio had two hits and Contreras three, including his first-inning blast off the wall that resulted in an out at second base. Bauers’ homer was his sixth of spring training, and by going 1-for-3 he lowered his batting average by 17 points, from .488 to .471. The team’s other extra-base hit came in the form of Fischer’s double; his spring OPS is up to 1.429.
The Brewers have two games tomorrow; the grown-ups will play the Cubs at 2:05, while the kids will play in another Spring Breakout game against the Athletics at 3:05. Then it’s back to Milwaukee before the final preseason tuneups on Monday and Tuesday evening at American Family Field.
The New York Rangers have signed Drew Fortescue to his three-year entry-level contract.
Fortescue is expected to report directly to the Rangers, meaning his entry-level contract will begin right away and he’ll become a restricted free agent in the summer of 2028.
The Rangers selected Fortescue in the third round of the 2023 NHL Draft, and he’s spent the past three seasons playing for Boston College at the NCAA level.
The 20-year-old defenseman had the opportunity to join the professional ranks last season, similar to his former college teammate Gabe Perreault, but he and the Rangers organization decided it was best for him to return to Boston College for his junior season.
“I talked to the front office a little bit and kind of just think that’s best for my development going forward,” Fortescue said in July about his decision to return to Boston College. “Right now I’m just focused on getting bigger and stronger. My plan is to continue to work on that and be ready for the following year.”
According to Vince Mercogliano of The Athletic, Fortescue isn’t expected to play in the Rangers’ Sunday afternoon matchup against the Winnipeg Jets, and the preference is to get him some practice time before throwing him into the NHL fire.
In 36 games with Boston College this season, Fortescue recorded four goals, 10 assists, and 14 points.
Even when they come out of gate strong - as they did against the Winnipeg Jets on Saturday - a handful of things have not gone their way lately. Another goaltender interference call (which we'll get to shortly) eludes them. A few unfavorable bounces that resulted in goals against. Another shootout, where the Penguins were 1-10 going into this one.
But, it should come as no surprise at this point that these Penguins found a way.
On the back of two goals by defenseman Erik Karlsson - who has been on an absolute tear - the Penguins tied the game in the third period to force overtime and beat the Jets, 5-4, in the shootout. Pittsburgh held two leads in this game but lost both of them, yet they found a way - as they often have this season - to answer the bell and earn a crucial two points in what is just about as tight a playoff race as you'll ever see in the Eastern Conference.
Sidney Crosby and Rickard Rakell scored in the shootout for the Penguins to seal the win, and goaltender Arturs Silovs - who came into this one with a .435 save percentage (10 for 23) in shootouts this season - stopped both Winnipeg shots to give Rakell the opportunity to end it.
And, boy, does getting that shootout monkey off their back feel pretty good for this team.
“Oh, it feels awesome," Rakell said. "Obviously, going into a shootout, it’s been on top of everyone’s head that it hasn’t gone great. But, we kind of worked on some shootouts yesterday in practice and just said that we were just going to try to turn the page and try to go out there with confidence. That’s what we did.”
The Penguins did come out swinging in this one, as they earned two early goals. Just a minute and six seconds into regulation, Evgeni Malkin fed linemate Egor Chinkahov, who was breaking toward the slot in the offensive zone, and Chinakhov worked his way around a couple of Jets and got a quick, deceptive shot off to beat netminder Connor Hellebuyck for his 14th goal of the season and the 100th point of his NHL career.
Then, just 56 seconds later, the Penguins' first line was breaking into the offensive zone on the rush, and Bryan Rust found Rickard Rakell - who was crashing the net - in the low-slot area for redirection goal to put the Penguins up to an early lead, 2-0.
But, then, things got a bit hairy. Less than two minutes later, there was a scramble play at the Penguins' net-front after Silovs made an initial save, and Jets' center Morgan Barron went to play the puck in an attempt to shoot it on net. He ended up hip-checking Karlsson into Silovs in the process, knocking both Karlsson and Silovs into the post and squeaking the puck into the net amidst the chaos.
The Penguins challenged for goaltender interference - per Rule 69.1 - and were, once again, unsuccessful, as the goal stood. The Jets got some momentum in the latter part of the period afterward, and they carried it into the second.
And, six minutes into a generally poor middle frame, the Penguins were on the power play. A Karlsson shot bounced up in the air after hitting traffic on the way in, and it ended up on a silver platter at the left point for the Jets to have a two-on-one. Adam Lowry gave the puck to Cole Koepke, who made a nice move to beat Silovs and tie the game at 2-2.
Things were starting to fall apart for the Penguins. But, lucky for them, the Erik Karlsson show resumed its regularly scheduled programming.
With a little less than five minutes to go in the period, Karlsson gave the Penguins back the lead to cap off a beautiful passing play by the Penguins' second line in the offensive zone with a rocket from the right wall for his 10th of the season. So the Penguins were able to carry the lead into the third period, where things got a bit wild again.
Jets' defenseman put a seeing-eye shot from the right point past Silovs four minutes into the third to tie the game at 3-3, and the Jets appeared to pull ahead a few minutes later when Mark Scheifele put a top-shelf snipe past Silovs blocker-side. However, the goal was called back for a high stick on the puck by Alex Iafallo after a challenge by Pittsburgh, and the score remained 3-3 - at least, momentarily.
The Pens just successfully challenged the Jets' go-ahead goal for a missed high stick, on the SLIGHTEST touch of the puck you may ever see 😵💫🔍 pic.twitter.com/SPosTw4y5J
But Jets' forward Brad Lambert scored a few minutes after that on a shot from the slot that grazed Penguins' defenseman Sam Girard on its way in, and they actually did manage to take the 4-3 lead. That is, until Karlsson worked his magic again.
On an attempt by the Jets to break into the offensive zone, Girard forced a turnover and got the puck to Crosby, who sent it cross-ice to Bryan Rust breaking into the offensive zone down the right side. Rust left a drop pass for a trailing Karlsson, who gathered the biscuit, picked his spot, and sniped another one past Hellebuyck for his 11th of the season and his NHL-leading 19th point in the last 12 games to knot the game back up at 4-4.
The Penguins had another overtime power play that they failed to convert on, and when things got to the shootut, Silovs shut the door, and Crosby and Rakell took care of business.
Pittsburgh is now three points ahead of the New York Islanders and the Columbus Blue Jackets, both of whom play Saturday evening. Every point is a huge one at this time of year, so there was no better time for the Penguins to exorcise their shootout demons and earn the two points.
And this scrappy, never-quit mentality that was once again evident in this game has served the Penguins all season long, even becoming part of their identity.
"That pretty much probably sums it up," Rust said. "We are scrappy. Finding a lot of ways to get points, get wins, do whatever we can to continue to keep our spot in the standings. And that's been a trademark of this team, is that it may not be the prettiest sometimes, but we're never out of the fight. We never give up."
Here are some observations and takeaways from this wild one:
- So, let's start with that goaltender interference call.
My initial thought was that the correct call was made on the goaltender interference challenge this time around. And, here's why.
Yes, Rule 69.1 clearly states - as detailed in the direct rule interpretation handout given out to those of us in the media suite - that "If a defending player has been pushed, shoved, or fouled by an attacking player so as to cause the defending player to come into contact with his own goalkeeper, such contact shall be deemed contact initiated by the attacking player for purposes of this rule, and if necessary a penalty assessed to the attacking player and if a goal is scored it would be disallowed."
Looking at this rule, that's exactly what happened. However, the one caveat to me - and the caveat that likely caused the "gray area" for interpretation - is that Bannon is trying to make a play on the puck. If Bannon was not attempting to make a play on the puck, and if Karlsson - who does have the "right of way" in this situation, technically - doesn't try to make a play or a block there, the contact never happens.
This feels like the equivalent of a coroner issuing a cause of death as "death." https://t.co/C4jGaRoRpA
So, one could argue that the contact is largely incidental, and it's probably why the interference wasn't called. That said - given some of the other things that have been called this season and the fact that what occurred is straight out of the rule book - I think that's got to get called back.
And, suffice to say, Penguins' head coach Dan Muse agrees - and is, noticeably, a bit fed up at this point, as the Penguins are 0-for-8 on goalie interference challenges this season.
"The GMs had their meetings recently," Muse said. "And, [Kyle Dubas] was down there, and Kyle came back, and, obviously, there's things that come up during those meetings that he wants to inform me on, and we discuss. And one of them was goalie interference, which was, obviously, a topic there. And the instructions to me from Kyle were, 'We want to go by the book.'
"And so, it comes up again now - shortly after - and I felt, we felt, that one was by-the-book in the sense that their player pushes 'Karl' into 'Arty.' So, the feel is, for me, after just recently talking to Kyle about this identical [play] by-the-book, that that was by-the-book. That's the rule. And that is the rule. Their player pushes our player into our goalie, that's goalie interference. So, that's why I challenged."
Can't really blame him on this one. We even got sheets printed in the media suite with the rule highlighted to show why Muse challenged it. Not a great look for the league.
- Honestly, getting this win in the shootout is a really big deal for the Penguins. Contrary to popular belief, this team actually dedicates a fair amount of time to shootouts at the end of practices, and it's nice to see their hard work rewarded.
Silovs was excellent in practice Friday, and he got the job done Saturday. And Crosby and Rakell - who had a combined two goals between them in the shootout this season - were able to get that monkey off their backs, too.
There was a weight lifted in the room. And you could tell.
“I know if I score, it’s over," a noticeably relieved Rakell said. "So, I can just go out there. If I don’t score, we get another chance. That’s what we needed at that point. For me, it was a win-win situation.”
- That play by Girard on Karlsson's second goal was outstanding. Just a simple little poke check on Scheifele made that entire play happen, as the Penguins took it back quickly the other way.
I thought he and Kris Letang were mostly fine Saturday. I know it's been a bit of a rough ride for Letang especially, and Girard was playing in his first game since Mar. 8 after a stint on injured reserve. We'll see if they can continue to build and actually develop some chemistry, as that would be a massive development for the Penguins.
- Aside from banking another two points, something under-the-radar that I love about Chinakhov's game is that he never overextends shifts. He always changes at the right time, he never has an empty tank, and he's smart about his shift management in a general sense.
The shot is the main attraction for Chinkahov. But, man, is he a cerebral hockey player, too.
- Finally, we've got to talk about Karlsson again.
I'm pretty much writing poetry about Karlsson after every single game at this point. But, he's impossible to ignore. What he's doing right now is nothing short of incredible, and he's quite literally willing this team to wins.
He scored the game-tying goal against the Carolina Hurricanes Wednesday in a two-goal effort. He follows that up with another two-goal effort in this one and, yet, another tying goal. As well as a go-ahead goal earlier in the game. And that's not even accounting for all the things he's doing outside of scoring, as he's making big defensive plays on a near-nightly basis and could have far more points than he has currently given the degree to which he's driving offense.
Karlsson has a staggering 19 points in his last 12 games, which is the best mark in the NHL since Feb. 28. That includes Connor McDavid. That includes Nikita Kucherov, who is on some kind of run. Same with Marty Necas, who has been a key part of the attack for the Colorado Avalanche.
Mar 21, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson (65) celebrates his second goal of the game against the Winnipeg Jets during the third period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
I'm just going to say it: I've been watching a lot of hockey games this month. I've been keeping an eye on a lot of individual performances. And I think Erik Karlsson has been the best player in the National Hockey League during the month of March. He's elevating this team and willing them to wins, and he's a defenseman, not a forward, putting up this level of production.
Karlsson's been the Penguins' best player this season, and that's no knock on Crosby. He's simply been that outstanding, and his teammates have certainly noticed.
"There's not too many guys in the league who can do what he does, especially when he's at the top of his game," Rust said. "He's been a catalyst for us."
Rakell gave a glowing endorsement, too.
“He’s doing so much for us," Rakell said. "And it’s not just scoring goals. It’s the way he breaks out pucks and keeping a close cap on their entries and just dictating the game. Then, obviously, everybody knows his game. When he’s confident, he’s one of the best defensemen in our league still. He shows that he can do it all.”
Mar 9, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Kyle Carr (66) throws a pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the ninth inning during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Youth is both the future and the present tonight. After seeing Cam Schlittler—a key 25-year-old pitcher for their current rotation—toss a strong outing against the Tigers this afternoon, the Yankees are back on the field for this Spring Breakout Game, facing the Braves. The Baby Bombers lineup will be led by shortstop George Lombard Jr., who faced his fair share of struggles this spring training, hitting a disappointing .179, but remains one of the more exciting names in the Yankees system and the organization’s top prospect by most public outlets.
A young pitcher who earned a late-season call-up to Double-A, Kyle Carr will start the game against Owen Murphy, both coming off promising but very limited appearances in spring. The third-round pick from New York’s 2023 draft class out of a California junior college, the 23-year-old Carr is the Yankees’ No. 11 prospect per MLB Pipeline an dhas thrown four innings in camp, allowing one run, striking out, and walking a pair. Both of these teams have done a good job in recent years in bringing up and relying on young starters to help playoff contenders, thus thrusting this evening’s spotlight on Carr and 22-year-old Atlanta righty Owen Murphy, their first-round pick from 2022 (20th overall).
Joining Lombard in the Yankees’ starting nine are third baseman Core Jackson (No. 12 overall in the Yankees’ system), left fielder Jace Avina (No. 20), first baseman Coby Morales, center fielder Garrett Martin, second baseman Kaeden Kent (No. 13), DH Eric Genther, right fielder Brando Mayea (the 20-year-old top name from the 2023 IFA class), and catcher Ediel Rivera.
Available off the bench are catcher Engelth Urena, infielders Roderick Arias (a former top prospect), Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek, Dexters Peralta, and Enmanuel Tejeda, and outfielders Wilson Rodriguez (No. 18), Willy Montero, and Kyle West. Active out in the bullpen are lefty Pico Kohn (No. 10) and right-handers Harrison Cohen (No. 27, who recently appeared in the World Baseball Classic for Team Israel), Jack Cebert (No. 25), Eric Reyzelman (No. 28), Tony Rossi (No. 30), Ben Grable, and Chris Kean.
A quirky detail that only a baseball fiend would notice is that three of the five Spring Breakout games on the schedule today feature classic World Series matchups of the past. On top of this Yankees-Braves duel, the Phillies beat the Jays 5-4 later, and the Dodgers and White Sox will meet up to wrap up the evening.
How to watch
Location: George M. Steinbrenner Field — Tampa, FL
A new tradition to Spring Training is once again gracing us prospect enthusiasts as the Spring Breakout game is here. What is Spring Breakout? It’s a new showcase added to Spring Training where every team around the league highlight their top rated prospects in a competition against one another. Next year, it will be expanded to a single-elimination tournament where champions will be crowned.
The past two years have not been too kind to the Braves – with the Braves losing 7-2 to the Red Sox in 2024, and losing 6-3 to the Tigers in 2025. However, it has done a good job of showing flashes of the future for the Braves as the 2024 roster featured future Braves stars Drake Baldwin (0-for-2, K), and Spencer Schwellenbach (3IP 4H 2R 1ER 2BB 3K). However, there is buzz as the Braves positional talent pool is the highest it’s been in recent memory.
Owen Murphy gets the start for the Braves. The shortstops are out in full force this game with Alex Lodise getting the start at short, Tate Southisene at second, and John Gil at third. All of that has shifted Dixon Williams to first. While in the outfield Eric Hartman-Diego Tornes-Conor Essenburg create a group of players with some of the highest offensive upside.
The Colac-South West Cricket Premier Division grand final was marred by a controversial obstructing the field dismissal that has prompted plenty of debate.
Forward Patrick Ngongba checked into the game in the first half against TCU for the first time since March 2 against NC State, as he plays through a foot injury. Ngongba arrived to the arena on a scooter, something Jon Scheyer said was a precaution rather than a necessity, per Tracy Wolfson.
Ngongba brings a physicality to the floor for Duke, something it was sorely missing in its first-round matchup against Siena. He averaged 10.7 points per game and six rebounds, serving as a complement to Duke's extremely capable scorers.
Here's the latest on Ngongba as he plays against the Horned Frogs.
Patrick Ngongba injury update
Ngongba has been nursing foot soreness that has kept him out since he played on March 2 against NC State. He was questionable until later March 21, with Jon Scheyer saying he had to get cleared to play.
"He needs to practice," Scheyer said on March 20, per ESP. "He needs to just be on the floor and move the way that he needs to be successful. He's been ramping up and doing a really good job. We just want to make sure he's feeling right to play at a high level. Not just to be out there, but to be him."
Even so, Ngongba arrived to the arena on a scooter and is expected to be on a minutes restriction against TCU. What his ceiling is is unclear, but Duke is undoubtedly glad to have his presence back in the paint for whatever he can give it.
Carlos Correa (1) of the Houston Astros turns a double play over the slide by Christian Arroyo (28) of the New York Mets during a spring training game on March 14, 2026 at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Florida. Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The veteran infield star was in Lake Minnetonka without a life jacket and with his 3-year-old, Kylo, on his neck when the pair were caught between their boat and the shore. Correa’s hamstrings and quads were cramping, he said, and his stamina fading.
With Correa’s hopes slipping, he looked above.
“‘Lord, save me,'” he said. “‘I promise you that if you save me from this one, I will serve you and I will serve you forever.'”
According to Correa, he found a buoy and a moment to breathe. But Correa’s grip slipped from the buoy, and he hurt his hand grasping for the buoy’s chain. Correa told MLB.com that he had to continually switch hands on the buoy to ensure he and Kylo would stay above water.
As a last gasp, he yelled with his all his might toward his boat. He was heard.
His father-in-law swam over and flung a life jacket, which Correa just barely grabbed with his pinkie. He was going to be OK.
“I was like, ‘From that moment on, I’m going to serve you,’” Correa told MLB.com. “I am going to keep my promise. And from that moment, I’ve been fully devoted.”
Carlos Correa poses during the 2024 All-Star Red Carpet Show presented by Frutitas Agua Fresca at Globe Life Field North Plaza on Tuesday, July 16, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. MLB Photos via Getty Images
Correa — who always has been religious — took the next steps in his faith and organized a Bible study at his house in Houston over the offseason. He also told his story at a retirement home in hopes of inspiring others.
Correa may be more appreciative in Year 12 as a major leaguer. The three-time All-Star dealt with injuries and had begun to slope downhill with the Twins before the deadline trade back home that might have helped, as Correa posted a .785 OPS in 51 games back with the Astros last season.
DARLINGTON, S.C. (AP) — The NASCAR team co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan continued its strong 2026 start in the Cup Series, locking up the top two starting spots Saturday at Darlington Raceway.
The 23XI Racing driver captured his 13th pole position despite smacking the wall with his No. 45 Toyota as he struggled with a new package that makes driving harder with higher horsepower and lower downforce.
“I tried to take it easy and just overdid the throttle,” Reddick said. “I kind of knew I was in trouble about a third of the way through, so I just had to hit the wall at that point.
“Just really proud of everyone at 23XI. It was a huge focal point with the adjustments to the engine and downforce to stay as strong as we have been the last couple of years. I knew it would be a huge challenge in qualifying today, and it was. I damn near wrecked.”
Teammate Bubba Wallace qualified second at 168.434 mph in his No. 23 Toyota for 23XI, marking the second front row sweep for the team founded by Jordan and NASCAR star Denny Hamlin. Reddick and Wallace are also ranked 1-2 in the points standings through five races.
“That’s Reddick for you,” Wallace said. “He pushes it to the limit. That was a hell of a lap. Just proud of the efforts of the team. Continue to ride the momentum from Race 1 to now and Darlington’s super tough. This package is a handful.”
Chase Elliott qualified third after his No. 9 Chevrolet failed inspection twice before the session, resulting in the loss of pit selection and the ejection of car chief Matt Barndt.
Kyle Larson and Brad Keselowski rounded out the top five in qualifying.
Chris Buescher qualified sixth, but his No. 17 Ford also failed inspection twice. The team lost its pit selection and car chief Josh Sisco for the race.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza spoke after the team's 5-3 loss to the Astros on Saturday afternoon and touched on a number of topics...
Position players still in the mix for Opening Day
The Mets made a few decisions regarding the Opening Day roster in recent days. They laid out their five-man starting rotation to start the season, which doesn't include Sean Manaea. Instead, the southpaw will begin the regular season in the bullpen as a piggyback to the starters.
New York also optioned right-hander Austin Warren to Triple-A -- along with Kevin Herget and Robert Stock. Warren was in the mix for a bullpen spot.
But how about the position players?
The big story heading into camp was who would start in right field. Prospect Carson Benge seemingly had the inside track and has backed it up with a big spring, but veterans like MJ Melendez and Mike Tauchman were competing for a spot. Melendez was optioned earlier this week, and Tauchman exited Saturday's game with knee soreness. He'll undergo an MRI.
Although Mendoza didn't have an update on Tauchman, the Mets skipper was asked whether Benge's spot is all-but-assured with this latest development.
"Can’t say," Mendoza said. "We don’t know. Just gotta wait."
On a follow-up, Mendoza was asked which of the position players are still in contention for a roster spot, and the third-year manager was honest about the situation.
"From the guys who are at camp, here. You got Jared Young, you got [Vidal] Brujan. There’s a lot of versatility here," Mendoza answered. "Carson’s pretty much in the mix as well. We’re looking at three, four guys for two spots."
Young hasn't produced at the plate this spring, hitting 3-for-30 (.150), but he offers that versatility Mendoza mentioned. He's played first base as well as left and right field in his six-year career.
Brujan has been better offensively this spring. He's batting .273 with seven walks, four stolen bases in 14 games. But Brujan offers more versatility than Young, having major league experience at six different positions, including all three outfield spots.
Jorge Polanco's throwing error
Polanco is one of two new Mets who are learning a new position and the veteran infielder's inexperience at first base showed on one play during Saturday's game.
In the eighth inning, Polanco ranged far to his right to get to the ball, but made a poor underhand throw to the bag, resulting in a throwing error.
Mendoza was asked about the play and what Polanco can learn from the moment.
"A very good learning opportunity," he said. "Not an easy play when he has to go that far. He’s diving for that ball, and not an easy angle for that 3-1 feed. Glad that it kinda happened, so he can learn from it. If he’s going to go underhand, continue to move your field or treat it like an infielder, which he’s done his whole career. You have that short throw, but it’s a moving target from that angle. It’s a tricky play. Because of who he is, he went long ways for that ball. You’re looking at a position where not too many first basemans are able to get to that ball. Learn from it and glad that happened today."
Mike Tauchman is set to undergo an MRI for a knee issue.
PORT ST. LUCIE — Mike Tauchman’s bid to secure a spot on the Mets’ Opening Day roster may have hit a snag.
The veteran outfielder departed Saturday’s 7-5 exhibition loss to the Astros with left knee discomfort and was to receive an MRI exam, according to manager Carlos Mendoza.
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Mendoza added that it was unclear if Tauchman’s injury was related to his collision with the right field fence early in the game.
Tauchman appeared uncomfortable after the play, and in the following inning, stopped in pain as he left the dugout.
“He felt something and just came back in and went inside with the trainer, so I am not sure how it happened,” Mendoza said.
Tauchman’s status is among the final decisions the team is facing in finalizing the 26-man roster for Opening Day.
Tauchman, Carson Benge, Vidal Brujan and Jared Young are essentially the four position players that appear in the mix for two roster spots. The Mets also have one bullpen spot open.
“We don’t know what we’re dealing with, but anytime you send somebody for an MRI there is a bit of a concern,” Mendoza said. “But we have just got to see what happens.”
Mike Tauchman is set to undergo an MRI for a knee issue. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
The Mets have Tyrone Taylor as a backup outfield option, and Tauchman has battled for a job — potentially as the starter if Benge isn’t added to the roster.
BUFFALO, NY — Michigan State is headed back to the Sweet 16.
Coen Carr had 21 points and 10 rebounds as the No. 3 Spartans beat No. 6 Louisville 77-69 in the second round of the East region to book a trip into the second weekend for the 17th time under coach Tom Izzo.
Michigan State will next face the winner of Sunday’s matchup between No. 2 Connecticut and No. 7 UCLA.
Point guard Jeremy Fears Jr. had 12 points and 16 assists for Michigan State. Forward Jaxon Kohler had 10 points and 6 rebounds. Guard Trey Fort (12 points) also scored in double figures.
Louisville was led by Ryan Conwell’s 21 points on 7 of 15 shooting. Adrian Wooley added 17 points and 4 rebounds.
After an early feeling-out period, the Spartans took a 19-12 lead with 11:55 to go in the first half after Kohler nailed a 3-pointer and a short jumper. At this point, 10 of Louisville’s 14 attempts from the field were from deep, with two makes.
While not able to get their own transition game working, some good ball movement in the halfcourt set helped the Spartans hang on for a 36-31 halftime lead. MSU had 12 assists on 13 made field goals and was shooting 46.4% from the field, though the offense was hampered by nine turnovers.
Louisville made just 12 of its 36 attempts in the first half, including 4 of 18 from deep, but was able to capitalize with nine points off MSU turnovers.
Louisville close within 50-47 eight minutes into the second half thanks to a corner 3 by 7-foot center Aly Khalifa. The Spartans responded with a 3 of their own by Fort, who went 3 of 5 from behind the arc, to lead 53-47 with 10 minutes left. The Spartans went into this final stretch having led for nearly 28 of the game’s 30 minutes.
The Cardinals and Spartans would continue to trade defensive stands for about the next two minutes, with a 3 by Wooley leaving MSU in front 55-50 with 8:20 left.
But in a crucial sequence, MSU would take its first double-digit lead since going ahead 22-12 in the first half after Louisville big man Vangelis Zougris was called for flagrant foul while trying to block a Kohler layup attempt.
Kohler would make both free throws and then hit a 3 from the wing on the ensuing possession, putting the Spartans up 63-50 with 6:41 to play. This came amid a cold spell for the Cardinals, who scored only 3 points in a five-minute span.
MSU then slowed down its offensive pace while Louisville trimmed the lead to single digits at 68-59 on another Khalifa make from beyond the arc. But the Cardinals were unable to get over the hump thanks in part to the Spartans’ success at the free-throw line.
MSU made four in a row from the line to keep Louisville at bay and delivered a punctuation mark on an alley-oop from Fears to Cooper with 1:54 left to lead 72-59.
In addition to 17 Sweet 16 appearances, the Izzo-led Spartans have made eight Final Four trips and reached two national championship games, winning it all in 2000.
