Aday Mara NBA mock draft projection: Where Michigan star is expected to land after March Madness

NBA general managers and scouts are heading home from the 2026 men's NCAA Tournament with plenty to think about after three weeks of incredible action on the court. Now they have to figure out which March Madness performances are indicators of future greatness and which are more of a mirage.

The 2026 NBA draft is expected to take place in late June. In USA TODAY's latest mock draft , Michigan's Aday Mara  is expected to go in the first round. Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the Center's draft night will play out.

Our draft order is based on ESPN's projected records and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.

Aday Mara 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 20 overall, San Antonio Spurs

Kalbrosky's Analysis:

After leading his team to the collegiate national championship game, Michigan center Aday Mara became one of the prospects who helped himself the most during March Madness. The 7-foot-3 big man, who transferred from UCLA, is a fantastic rim protector. Opponents only attempted 20.9 percent of their field goals at the rim when the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year was on the court, per CBB Analytics, which ranks near lowest among all NCAA players. He can also pass well, finding some awesome outlet looks in transition and at the rim. Especially in short spurts, Mara would make an excellent backup to Victor Wembanyama.

See USA TODAY's full mock draft 9.0 here

Aday Mara player profile

(all stats as of March 15)

  • Position: Center
  • Current Team: Michigan
  • 11.6 points per game
  • 6.9 rebounds per game
  • 2.3 assists per game
  • 67.4 field goal percentage
  • 25.0 three-point field goal percentage

San Antonio Spurs 2026 projected draft picks

  • No. 14 (via ATL), No. 35 (via UTA), No. 41 (via POR) and No. 48 (via MIA)

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Aday Mara NBA mock draft projection: Where Michigan star is expected to land after March Madness

Cameron Boozer NBA mock draft projection: Where Duke star is expected to land after March Madness

NBA general managers and scouts are heading home from the 2026 men's NCAA Tournament with plenty to think about after three weeks of incredible action on the court. Now they have to figure out which March Madness performances are indicators of future greatness and which are more of a mirage.

The 2026 NBA draft is expected to take place in late June. In USA TODAY's latest mock draft , Duke's Cameron Boozer  is expected to go in the first round. Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the Forward's draft night will play out.

Our draft order is based on ESPN's projected records and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.

Cameron Boozer 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 2 overall, Indiana Pacers

Kalbrosky's Analysis:

Duke freshman Cameron Boozer was dominant during his first NCAA season, earning national collegiate player of the year. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, rival teams believe Boozer would be the "preferred selection" for the Pacers because of his "potential fit" alongside Pascal Siakam and Ivica Zubac. The ACC Player of the Year isnt a human highlight reel but he offers consistency and a diverse, impactful skill set. More importantly, he can bring a culture of winning after multiple championships in high school and an elite Duke team that made it to the Sweet 16 before a heartbreaking last-second loss.

See USA TODAY's full mock draft 9.0 here

Cameron Boozer player profile

(all stats as of March 15)

  • Position: Forward
  • Current Team: Duke
  • 22.5 points per game
  • 10.2 rebounds per game
  • 4.2 assists per game
  • 56.5 field goal percentage
  • 40.9 three-point field goal percentage

Indiana Pacers 2026 projected draft picks

  • No. 1

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Cameron Boozer NBA mock draft projection: Where Duke star is expected to land after March Madness

Braylon Mullins NBA mock draft projection: Where UConn star is expected to land after March Madness

NBA general managers and scouts are heading home from the 2026 men's NCAA Tournament with plenty to think about after three weeks of incredible action on the court. Now they have to figure out which March Madness performances are indicators of future greatness and which are more of a mirage.

The 2026 NBA draft is expected to take place in late June. In USA TODAY's latest mock draft, UConn's Braylon Mullins  is expected to go in the first round. Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the Guard's draft night will play out.

Our draft order is based on ESPN's projected records and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.

Braylon Mullins 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 15 overall, Charlotte Hornets

Kalbrosky's Analysis:

Braylon Mullins, a five-star recruit and former McDonald's All-American, was a breakout star in the NCAA mens basketball tournament after hitting one of the most improbable 3-pointers in March Madness history. Mullins continued to show a winning mentality, helping earn a spot in the collegiate national championship game. The Big East All-Freshman wing shot 40.7 percent on 3-pointers during his first 18 games in the starting lineup. He is a useful off-ball threat, which gives him an immediately practical role at the next level.

See USA TODAY's full mock draft 9.0 here

Braylon Mullins player profile

(all stats as of March 15)

  • Position: Guard
  • Current Team: UConn
  • 12 points per game
  • 3.5 rebounds per game
  • 1.4 assists per game
  • 43.5 field goal percentage
  • 34.5 three-point field goal percentage

Charlotte Hornets 2026 projected draft picks

  • No. 13, No. 20 (via PHX) and No. 42 (via GS)

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Braylon Mullins NBA mock draft projection: Where UConn star is expected to land after March Madness

Max Scherzer leaves start for injury-ravaged Blue Jays after two innings

Max Scherzer was pulled after two innings of his start against the Los Angeles Dodgers Monday, April 6, a development the injury-ravaged Toronto Blue Jays pitching staff cannot afford.

Scherzer, the 41-year-old future Hall of Famer, was facing the Dodgers in a rematch of his Game 7 World Series start in November, and gave up a two-run homer to Teoscar Hernández in the top of the first inning.

Something seemed to bother him in both innings, as cameras caught him telling the Blue Jays dugout, "I'm OK" on multiple occasions. Yet he seemed to expend a lot facing his last batter, Andy Pages, who worked him for 10 pitches before popping out to second.

Scherzer threw 36 pitches before getting replaced by lefty Josh Fleming in the top of the third. He re-signed on a one-year, $3 million deal to add depth to a rotation that faced question marks.

Just two weeks into the season, Jose BerrÍos, Trey Yesavage, Shane Bieber, Cody Ponce and Bowden Francis are all on the injured list, most of them coming back from off-season maladies or out for extended periods. Now, they must dig out from a short Scherzer start.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Max Scherzer leaves Blue Jays games vs Dodgers after 2 innings

AJ Dybantsa NBA mock draft projection: Where BYU star is expected to land after March Madness

NBA general managers and scouts are heading home from the 2026 men's NCAA Tournament with plenty to think about after three weeks of incredible action on the court. Now they have to figure out which March Madness performances are indicators of future greatness and which are more of a mirage.

The 2026 NBA draft is expected to take place in late June. In USA TODAY's latest mock draft , BYU's AJ Dybantsa  is expected to go in the first round. Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the Forward's draft night will play out.

Our draft order is based on ESPN's projected records and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.

AJ Dybantsa 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 1 overall, Washington Wizards

Kalbrosky's Analysis:

The Wizards have the second-worst offense in the NBA and could instantly inject life into their offense by selecting AJ Dybantsa, the NCAA scoring champion and Julius Erving Award winner. He emphasized that point during his one game for BYU in March Madness, putting up 35 points and 10 rebounds. The Big 12 Rookie of the Year led the nation in unassisted points scored (680) by a wide margin this season, per CBB Analytics. The emerging star also had 40 points against Kansas State in the Big 12 Tournament on March 10 and averaged 28.8 points per game over his final 17 appearances.

See USA TODAY's full mock draft 9.0 here

AJ Dybantsa player profile

(all stats as of March 15)

  • Position: Forward
  • Current Team: BYU
  • 25.3 points per game
  • 6.7 rebounds per game
  • 3.8 assists per game
  • 51.3 field goal percentage
  • 34.0 three-point field goal percentage

Washington Wizards 2026 projected draft picks

  • No. 3, No. 53 (via MIN) and No. 60 (via OKC)

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: AJ Dybantsa NBA mock draft projection: Where BYU star is expected to land after March Madness

Gamethread 4/6: Phillies at Giants

Game One in San Fran
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MARCH 31: Andrew Painter #24 of the Philadelphia Phillies is relieved from the mound by manager Rob Thomson in the sixth inning during his MLB debut against the Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park on March 31, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Phils open up a three-game series in San Francisco with Andrew Painter on the mound for his second career start. Here are the lineups, let’s discuss.

For the Phillies:

For the Giants:

Chicago Bulls fire GM, VP of basketball operations in front office shakeup

The Chicago Bulls are cleaning house in the front office.

Executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley have been fired, team president and CEO Michael Reinsdorf announced Monday, April 6.

"These decisions are never easy, especially when they involve people we respect both personally and professionally," Reinsdorf said in a statement posted on the Bulls' social media accounts. "We are grateful for their dedication and the work they've put in over the past six years. At the same time, we have not had the success our fans deserve, and it's my responsibility to go in a new direction."

Karnisovas and Eversley were brought on at the beginning of the 2020-21 NBA season and posted a 224-254 record over six seasons. They took big swings early on, such as making a blockbuster trade for center Nikola Vucevic during that first year and signing DeMar DeRozan, Alex Caruso and Lonzo Ball in the summer of 2021.

The Bulls looked like the team to beat in the East at times early that season and held a 38-21 record at the All-Star break until knee injuries to Ball derailed the team – and the core never really recovered together. Their lone playoff appearance under Karnisovas was a first-round exit against the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2021-22 campaign.

When the Bulls began to move off of their current core, they failed to recoup any significant draft capital for DeRozan, Caruso or Zach LaVine. Karnisovas sold at this year's trade deadline, shipping off several talented players, including Vucevic, Coby White and Ayo Dosumnu, in what he called an attempt "to get out of the middle."

The Bulls currently sit in 12th place in the East with a 29-49 record, their fourth consecutive year without a playoff appearance. They have won just five of 29 games since Feb. 1.

"This move is about positioning our team for sustained success moving ahead," Reinsdorf said Monday. "I want our fans to know that I hear you and understand your frustration. I feel it as well. I know this will take time, and I am fully committed to getting this right. At the Chicago Bulls, our focus remains on building a team that can compete at the highest level and ultimately contend for championships.

"We are committed to taking the necessary steps to move the Bulls forward in a way that makes our fans proud."

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Chicago Bulls fire GM Marc Eversley, vice president Arturas Karnisovas

Former Phillies, Twins catcher and WS champion Tom Nieto dead at 65

1987 World Series champion Tom Nieto passed away March 27 after suffering a heart attack, per Nieto's sister. He was 65 years old.

Nieto, a former catcher with the St. Louis Cardinals, Montreal Expos, Minnesota Twins and Philadelphia Phillies, played on teams that reached the World Series twice (1985, 1987) in his seven-year career.

Nieto's MLB career

Nieto was a highly touted prospect before his MLB career; he was drafted in the third round of the 1981 draft. He endured a solid career in the minors, ranking high in the Cardinals' system before finally joining the club in 1984.

Nieto helped the Cardinals reach the 1985 World Series, though the team ultimately lost to the Kansas City Royals in seven games. Nieto would return to the Fall Classic in 1987 though as a member of the Twins. This time, Nieto's team would emerge victorious, taking down Nieto's former team, the Cardinals, in six games.

Nieto's final regular season came in 1990 as a member of the Phillies. While he did sign a minor league contract with the Cardinals for 1991, Nieto would spend most of the decade as a coach.

He began his coaching career with the Chattanooga Lookouts, a Cincinnati Reds affiliate, in 1992. He continued managing various teams including the Charleston Wheelers, Greensboro Bats, Tampa Yankees, and Palm Beach Cardinals through 2004.

Nieto returned to the big leagues in 2005, this time as the New York Mets' first base coach and catchers instructor. He stayed at that position until 2008. Afterwards, he would return to managing, becoming the manager of the the Twins' Double-A affiliate New Britain Rock Cats in 2009 and their Triple-A affiliate Rochester Red Wings in both 2010 and 2011. His professional MLB career ended in 2013 after managing the New York Yankees' rookie-level affiliate GCL Yankees for two seasons.

Minnesota Twins react to Nieto's death

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: World Series champion Tom Nieto suddenly dead at 65

Astros vs. Rockies Game Thread: Game 11 4/6/2026

HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 31: Jeremy Pena #3 of the Houston Astros bats in the seventh inning against the Boston Red Sox at Daikin Park on March 31, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Houston Astros (6-4) visit the Colorado Rockies (3-6) for the first of a three game series in Denver.

RHP Cody Bolton will make his first career start this evening for the Astros opposite RHP Ryan Feltner and the Rockies.

ABOUT BOLTON: RHP Cody Bolton is set to make the first start of his career. He made his only appearance with the Astros on March 31 vs. BOS, in that outing he allowed one run on three hits and one walk with five strikeouts in three innings. He earned his first career save in that appearance.

Last season, he split the season between the Mariners, Guardians and Astros organizations. He appeared in one MLB game with the Guardians (3ER/2IP) and 11 minor league games between the three organizations.

The right-handed pitcher has pitched in each of the last four Major League seasons with the Pirates (2023), Mariners (2024), Guardians (2025) and Astros (2026). He has combined to go 1-0-1 with a 5.60 ERA (28ER/45IP) in his 35 career appearances, all coming in relief, and recorded 45 strikeouts in his 45.0 innings of work.

ROAD WARRIORS: Tonight is the fourth game of a 10-game road trip for the Astros.

After this three-game set at COL, they will travel to Seattle for a four-game series at T-Mobile Park (Fri-Mon.). The Astros are 1-2 so far on this trip.

Houston went 41-40 on the road last season.

TODAY’S ROSTER MOVES: The Houston Astros have reinstated RHP Enyel De Los Santos from the 15-day IL and IF Isaac Paredes from the Bereavement List. To make room for them on the active roster, the Astros have designated RHP Roddery Muñoz for assignment and optioned IF Shay Whitcomb to Triple A Sugar Land.

AL PLAYER OF THE WEEK: LF Yordan Alvarez was named the American League Player of the Week for the week of March 30-April 5. Alvarez batted .471 (8×17) with two doubles, three home runs, eight RBI, seven walks and a 1.733 OPS for the week. It’s the fourth time that Alvarez has been named the AL Player of the Week.

LEAGUE LEADERS: The Astros lead the Majors in runs (70), doubles (28) total bases (168), hits (98), walks (61), OBP (.396) and OPS (.880).

Individually, LF Yordan Alvarez leads the Majors in OBP (.578) SLG (.900) and OPS (1.478), while ranking tied for first in runs (10) with teammate IF Jose Altuve. 1B Christian Walker leads the Majors in doubles (6).

HOT START: The Astros have scored 70 runs this season, which is the most in the Majors. The 70 runs are also the most in the first 10 games to begin a season in franchise history, directly ahead of the 2004 season, where there Astros scored 68 runs in the first 10 games of the season.

AGAINST THE ROCKIES: The Astros and Rockies each other tonight for the first of six scheduled matchups in 2026. The Astros went 4-2 against the Rockies in the in 2025, including a 2-1 record at Coors Field.

The Astros own a 110-87 all-time record against the Rockies. The Rockies will travel to Daikin Park for a three-game series from April 14-16.

YORDAN’S UPCOMING MILESTONES: LF Yordan Alvarez recorded his 174th career home run yesterday at ATH. The home run tied him with franchise icon OF George Springer for seventh on the Astros all-time list. Next up on the Astros all-time list is 3B Alex Bregman (191 HR).

WALK THIS WAY: LF Yordan Alvarez walked a career-high tying four times on Saturday at ATH. It marked the second time in his career he’s recorded a four-walk game, also Aug. 20, 2019 vs. DET.

Alvarez also tied the franchise record for walks in a nine inning game. The last Astros player to record four walks in a nine inning game was 3B Alex Bregman on June 3, 2023 vs. LAA.

1B Jeff Bagwell holds the franchise record for walks in a single game with six on Aug. 20, 1999 at MIA, but the game went 16 innings.

FREE PASSES: The Astros hitters recorded a combined 24 walks in their last two games, which is the second-most in a two-game span in franchise history. The franchise record is 25 walks from April 28-29, 2000 at the Milwaukee Brewers.

TODAY IN ASTROS HISTORY: 1975 – For $35,000, the Astros purchase RHP Joe Niekro from the Braves. Niekro would go on to win a club-record 144 games for Houston and become the club’s first two-time, 20-game winner.

Game Info

Game Date/Time: Monday, April 6, 7:40 p.m. CST

Location: Coors Field, Denver, CO.

TV: Space City Home Network

Streaming: SCHN+

Radio: KBME 790 AM & 94.5 FM HD2; TUDN 102.9 FM HD2 (Spanish)

Griffin Canning, Yuki Matsui begin their rehab assignments

Peoria, AZ - February 19: Griffin Canning #17 of the San Diego Padres throws a bullpen session during a spring training practice on February 19, 2026 in Peoria, AZ. (Photo by K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty Images)

The San Diego Padres will have multiple rehabbing players eligible to return to the team soon. With Matt Waldron, Griffin Canning, Yuki Matsui and Jason Adam all being placed on the IL at the end of Spring Training (retro to March 22), their 15-day IL expires, Tuesday. Pitchers can have their IL window expanded to 30 days before any move has to be made. This gives Canning and Waldron more time to stretch out as starters and avoids any decision about the rotation until later this month.

Matt Waldron

Waldron has made two starts for El Paso with seven innings pitched. He has allowed five hits and no runs or walks and nine strikeouts. With increased fastball velocity, Waldron has relied heavily on his sinker and knuckleball (about 60%) while also utilizing his four-seam and sweeper for most of his offerings. He has mixed in the cutter sparingly so far. His last start reached 61 pitches in four innings pitched.

Griffin Canning

Canning made his first start on April 4 for the El Paso Chihuahuas against the Tacoma Rainiers, throwing 2.1 innings and 51 pitches. He allowed three hits and a run with two walks and four strikeouts. His fastball sat 94-96 mph, and he supplemented it with his 86-88 mph slider for about 60% of his offerings. He mixed in his change up and threw his knuckle curve a few times. The velocity on his fastball dropped to 92 mph in the third inning at which point he was removed. He will presumably have a lengthy rehab to build up, and it could look similar to a spring build up for a starter.

Yuki Matsui

Matsui pitched his first rehab inning on April 4 with El Paso, throwing 13 pitches with one hit and no runs, striking out two hitters. He could be ready after a couple more appearances.

Jason Adam

Adam threw his back-to-back games on April 4 and 5 with El Paso, he and Canning were both slated to travel to Tulsa, Okla. to pitch for San Antonio but inclement weather caused them to be re-routed to Tacoma, Wash. and the Chihuahuas. Over the two games, Adam threw 1.2 innings allowing one hit and no runs with two walks. He is expected to join the Padres for the home series versus the Rockies on Thursday. He could pitch on Wednesday, but the team is in Pittsburgh with unfavorable weather expected.

Sung-Mun Song

Song has played in eight games with El Paso with 36 plate appearances. He has nine hits and four walks with a double and seven RBI but has struck out 11 times. He has played 2B, 3B, SS and DH over those eight games but his almost 30% K-rate indicates he could use more time. Song still has a 20-day rehab window to work with, and he can also be optioned to the minor leagues to extend his window.


At the end of the pitchers’ 30-day window (April 21), the Padres will need to make some tough roster decisions but Waldron could be ready before then in case he is needed. With Buehler and Márquez having early issues with their starts, Waldron could be an option before April 21. Canning will need more time to be stretched out but still could be ready in May.

Expect Adam to be used carefully in his return and a member of the current bullpen will need to be sent to the minors to make room for him. Estrada has improved from his early command issues, so Bradgley Rodriquez is the most likely candidate. Adams’ return will allow the Padres to take Wandy Peralta out of any high leverage situations, where he has been dismal so far.

Cavs at Grizzlies open gamethread

CLEVELAND, OHIO - NOVEMBER 15: Guard Sam Merrill #5 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots during the third quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at Rocket Arena on November 15, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Grizzlies 108-100. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images

For the second straight day, a skeleton-crew version of the Cleveland Cavaliers is taking on a more skeleton crew version of the Memphis Grizzlies. Cleveland will be without Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, and Max Strus. They will, however, have Sam Merrill, Jarrett Allen, and Evan Mobley.

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Go Cavs!

Chicago fires lead executives Arturas Karnisovas, Marc Eversley

After six seasons in charge — and seemingly that many re-inventions of the roster — the Chicago Bulls have fired executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas as well as general manager Marc Eversley.

"Arturas and Marc have led with a deep commitment to the Chicago Bulls. These decisions are never easy, especially when they involve people we respect both personally and professionally," Bulls CEO and president Michael Reinsdorf said in a statement. "We are grateful for their dedication and the work they've put in over the past six years. At the same time, we have not had the success our fans deserve, and it's my responsibility to go in a new direction. This move is about positioning our team for sustained success moving ahead. I want our fans to know that I hear you and understand the frustration. I feel it as well. I know this will take time, and I am fully committed to getting this right. At the Chicago Bulls, our focus remains on building a team that can compete at the highest level and ultimately contend for championships. We are committed to taking the necessary steps to move the Bulls forward in a way that makes our fans proud."

Former Bulls sharpshooter Kyle Korver, currently an assistant general manager with the Hawks, is one of the names league sources told NBC Sports is connected to the job. Other names that sources said were connected to the job early on include former Atlanta Hawks GM Landry Fields, current Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy (this may be more of a wish list play by the Bulls, it is highly unlikely Dunleavy leaves Golden State), current Minnesota GM Matt Lloyd (a Chicago native who worked for the Bulls for 13 years), and CAA agent Austin Brown (this would be following in the footsteps of the Lakers and Knicks, who hired former agents as GMs and had some success with them).

Whoever gets the title of next basketball head of operations can be aggressive this summer: The Bulls will have up to $65 million in cap space as well as a lottery pick. However, what they need more than anything is a direction, a clear plan — that is what has been lacking for the Bulls for years.

Regardless of who gets the job, the Bulls reportedly want to retain coach Billy Donovan, reports Marc Stein of the Stein Line.

The Bulls have been stuck on the treadmill of mediocrity under Karnisovas, making the playoffs just once in the past six years but finishing with at least 39 wins each of the four seasons previous to this one, meaning their draft picks were late in the lottery. Karnisovas built a team with potential early on, one that started 38-21 in the 2021-22 season, led by Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, Nikola Vucevic and Lonzo Ball. However, a serious injury to Ball, who was the glue of that team, left them floundering. It's also a roster that aged quickly and was never the same again.

This season, the Bulls pivoted and started to semi-embrace tanking — as it stands today, the Bulls at 29-49 have the ninth-worst record and a better than 50% chance of drafting in that slot — but they have floor-raising young players on the roster in Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis. Part of Karnisovas' challenge, and the challenge for whoever is the next GM, is that ownership is rumored not to want to fully tank but also not pay the luxury tax for anything less than a contender.

The Bulls will want to move fairly quickly to get a new head of basketball operations in place, as we are just more than a month away from the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago.

Colorado Rockies game no. 10 thread: Cody Bolton vs. Ryan Feltner

TORONTO, CANADA - MARCH 31: Ryan Feltner #18 of the Colorado Rockies pitches to the Toronto Blue Jays during the first inning in their MLB game at the Rogers Centre on March 31, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Coming off a 4-1 win over the Phillies on Sunday to prevent a home opener sweep, the Rockies also have more good news in the form of Ryan Feltner being able to take the mound today.

Feltner looked sharp against the Toronto Blue Jays on March 31. He’d thrown three scoreless innings with four strikeouts, one walk and one hit. Then he got hit with a 106.3 mph line drive comebacker to the right hip.

It was a brutal flashback of sorts from 2023 when a line drive fractured Feltner’s skull. Luckily, this one wasn’t as serious. 

While it certainly hurt and Feltner’s hip tightened up — meaning the 29-year-old couldn’t return for the fourth inning — he won’t miss any time as he’ll be on the mound today as the Rockies (3-6) begin a three-game series with the Astros (6-4).

The Astors are coming off a high-scoring, 2-1 series loss to the A’s where Houston outscored the A’s 25-23.

RHP Feltner (0-0, 0.00 ERA) will be going head-to-head against Houston RHP Cody Bolton (0-0, 3.00 ERA). Houston ace Hunter Brown (1-0, 0.84 ERA) was supposed to get the start, but Brown was placed on the 15-day IL with a shoulder strain on Sunday. Bolton has one appearance this season when he gave up a solo home run with three hits, one walk and five strikeouts on March 31 against Boston. In the 9-2 win over the Red Sox, Bolton got the save after closing out Brown’s quality start, when he gave up one run on one hit with two walks and eight strikeouts) before he got hurt.

The Astros have had the Rockies number over the last three seasons, going 11-3 against Colorado and outscoring the Rockies 75-43 since 2023. That includes a two-game Houston sweep in Mexico City in 2024 when the Astros outscored Colorado 20-4. Houston took the 2025 series 4-2.

First Pitch: 6:40 p.m. MDT

TV: Rockies.TV

Radio: 850 AM/94.1 FM KOA Rockies Radio Network; KNRV 1150 AM (Spanish)

SBN Site:The Crawfish Boxes

Lineups:


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Mets’ rotation off to ‘encouraging’ start through two full turns

An image collage containing 1 images, Image 1 shows Nolan McLean (r.) walks with pitcher Clay Holmes before a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citi Field, Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Queens, NY.

Two full turns through the Mets rotation have produced positive vibes about the starting pitching.

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It’s a unit that through 10 games has pitched to a 3.13 ERA, which ranked third in the National League entering Monday.

Only once during that stretch has a starter failed to complete five innings — David Peterson lasted just 4 ¹/₃ innings against the Giants on Thursday. Most notably, the team has received solid work from Kodai Senga in his two starts.

“The guys are healthy and in a good spot, which I think is exciting,” Clay Holmes said. “To be this early, on somewhat limited pitch counts, and to see the length that people have been able to provide is encouraging.”

Holmes pitched seven shutout innings against the Giants on Saturday, and through two starts owns a 1.42 ERA.

Nolan McLean (r.) walks with pitcher Clay Holmes before a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citi Field, Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Queens, NY. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST

The Mets have games scheduled for nine straight days beginning Tuesday, opening the possibility they will deploy a six-man rotation for the first time this season. Sean Manaea, the sixth starter, was squeezed from the rotation as spring training concluded and has been working from the bullpen.

Manaea pitched 3 ²/₃ innings in relief Thursday, allowing one earned run after Peterson was removed. Manager Carlos Mendoza credited the lefty’s performance for helping the Mets win the series.




Due to anticipated weather conditions, the Mets have changed the start times for their games Tuesday and Wednesday against the Diamondbacks. Both games are now scheduled for 4:10 p.m.

The Mets announced that fans who have already purchased tickets will receive vouchers for future games.

In addition, a limited number of complimentary tickets will be issued for both games on a first-come, first-served basis. Fans can log onto Mets.com/Tickets and enter code THANKYOU to claim up to four tickets per account, per game.


The Mets have set Sept. 19 as the date for Carlos Beltrán’s number retirement ceremony and induction into the club’s Hall of Fame. The Post first reported last month that the Mets had decided to retire Beltrán’s No. 15 this season.

Mets shift start time of Tuesday, Wednesday games to 4:10 p.m. ET

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 29: A general view outside the stadium prior to the game between the New York Mets and the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citi Field on March 29, 2026 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Mets announced Monday afternoon that the start times for their first two games against the Diamondbacks on Tuesday and Wednesday will be moved up from 7:10 p.m. ET to 4:10 p.m. ET, due to projected cold and windy conditions.

Fans with existing tickets for those games will have them honored at the new start time, and will receive an additional voucher for a future Mets game at Citi Field. The Mets also made a limited number of complimentary tickets available for both games — a supply which sold out just under two and a half hours later.

The Mets will look to extend their three-game winning streak against Arizona, with Freddy Peralta matching up against Zac Gallen on Tuesday and David Peterson slated to take the mound on Wednesday against a yet-to-be-announced Arizona pitcher. The series finale is still scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET on Thursday night, with Nolan McLean and lefty Eduardo Rodriguez listed as the probable starting pitchers.