Virgil van Dijk’s added-time winner gave Liverpool a crucial victory in the first derby at Everton’s new home
Otherwise, Florian Wirtz is again given a chance to assert and establish – the numbers and profiles behind him, more defensively minded, offer him yet some ballast, but does he have the necessary speed of thought and play, along with the required combativeness, to make a difference?
The problem he has is that he replaced two full-backs who were better in attack than defence, with … two full-backs who are better in attack than defence. Essentially, he doesn’t have a combination that works, so has prioritised solidity and experience here, the new lads excluded. That means Dominic Szoboszlai again plays at the back, which means Liverpool must do without their best midfielder in the centre of the pitch; I guess the plan might be for him to invert, but otherwise Slot will hope that the ball-carrying and tenacity of Curtis Jones compensate.
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - APRIL 02: Catcher Salvador Perez #13 of the Kansas City Royals in action during the game against the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium on April 02, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) | Getty Images
On Saturday, manager Matt Quatraro gave Salvador Perez a day off for the first time since August of last year, when the team captain missed two games due to illness. Other than that, his most recent day off without an injury or illness concern was June 21, 2025. Perez has struggled to start the year, hitting just .160/.210/.307 in 20 games. Quatraro said the day off was to give him a “little mental breather.”
Quatraro on giving Salvador Perez a day off today: “Just looking at the way things have gone, he's played in every game. Day game after night game, Carter was going to catch today, and Salvy’s been struggling a little bit. Just try to give him a little mental breather.” #Royals
Salvy is famous not just in Kansas City, but around the league as a guy who doesn’t want to sit. Up until now, everyone has taken it in stride as a fun thing to make jokes about.
That perhaps is in a new context now. Salvy contradicted Quatraro, posting on social media, “I don’t need a mental breather.”
Most of the Royals’ blogosphere spent the entire offseason pontificating that the team needed to play him less or at least shift him from behind the plate into a designated hitter role more often. Over at Inside the Crown, David Lesky noted that Salvy hit much better in 2025 on the days after he hadn’t caught the day before. It seemed to be fine for him to DH, play first, or sit entirely, but it was clear he needed less time behind the plate. When the Royals signed Perez to another extension, guaranteeing he’d be under contract through 2027, almost everyone hoped it came with an explanation to the captain that he wasn’t going to be able to catch every game.
And yet, as the Royals have played 21 games this season, Salvy has now played in 20 of them and caught 14 of them. That would be considered the maximum catching load for anyone but Sal. And Sal hasn’t exactly been lighting the world on fire this season.
Batting averages have been down across baseball for a while now, but batting under .200 is still very bad. Having an OBP nearing that line would be enough to get most players benched. It’s not just those numbers that look bad, either.
His bat speed and hard-hit rates are down. He’s always been known for chasing, but his chase rate is as high as its been since 2022 and 2023, when his numbers cratered for a while. Last year, it was often noted that while he was not an amazing hitter, his expected stats all suggested he was fairly unlucky. But this year, they paint a picture of a guy who would be a liability at the plate even if he was reaching them.
So, yeah, he probably deserved/needed a day off. But what the heck is going on?
In Salvy’s defense
Salvador Perez is a guy who allegedly offered to accept a trade in 2023 while the team struggled if the Royals could get significantly better by dealing him. He won the Roberto Clemente Award for exhibiting extraordinary character. He’s been the face of the franchise for more than a decade with his big smile and positive attitude. What do you have to do to upset a guy like that this much?
He’s obviously earned a lot of respect, not just in the Royals clubhouse, but around the entire league. And I just wrote last week about the importance of showing loyalty to veteran players. If he were given a day off without any discussion, that certainly would seem to be a poor choice.
In Q’s defense
When Quatraro told Anne Rogers that Sal was struggling, that was simply and obviously factually correct. When he said that he was giving Sal a mental break, that was extremely standard and boilerplate language to describe giving a struggling guy a day off. If Sal took exception to it, it seems like the best way to handle that would have been in a private discussion, not a public argument. The only way in which Sal’s reaction to getting a single day off seems reasonable to me is if Quatraro has had a much worse handle on the clubhouse culture than we’ve been given any reason to believe. This is the first time there’s ever been any kind of public rumbling of discontent, and Quatraro just received a lengthy extension as a show of faith from the front office and ownership.
It does lead me to wonder if the reason Sal continues to bat fourth even as it’s obvious to just about anyone that the team would be best served by him batting lower in the order is less about Quatraro being unwilling to make the move, as perhaps he has been afraid to upset the captain with such a demotion. But that would be an indictment of everyone involved.
Adding an extra wrinkle to all of this is the addition of Elias Díaz to the active roster, a transaction that was announced today.
The Royals were very clear entering the season that they didn’t think they needed a third catcher on the roster. Now, a day after giving Salvador Perez a day off, they add that third catcher? It could be a belief that Carter Jensen needs to play less often – he’s out of the lineup in favor of Díaz – but the timing is unfortunate, if so.
There is absolutely no way to know who is at fault in this situation, or if anyone is at fault, or if it is some combination of faults. But it’s an unfortunate distraction at a time when the team can seemingly least afford them as they try to find their way out of an early-season swoon that is rapidly exiting the realm of something that can be easily shaken off. Hopefully, everything is resolved quickly and amicably and the team can get back to winning, or we could all be in for a very, very long 2026 season.
The finish was chaotic but, when the dust settles, this perhaps was the afternoon when Aston Villa made a decisive spurt for the finish line to claim Champions League qualication. As Tammy Abraham touched in the winner three minutes into injury-time, Unai Emery ran onto the pitch in celebration. Yet just a minute earlier Habib Diarra had been set clean through with a chance of his own to win it. Emi Martínez, though, stretched up to save his dink, and the road was cleared for the Villa winner.
It was a game played amid a strange spirit of relaxation, with both sides having effectively achieved their ambitions for the season before kick-off: for Sunderland, avoiding the drop, and for Villa qualifying for the Champions League; Unai Emery’s fifth Europa League success, itself a potential route into the premier competition, may still come as a bonus. This was just Villa’s fifth win in 15 league games since their run of eight league wins in a row came to an end in late December, and as a result they now have a 10-point lead over Chelsea in sixth with five games remaining.
Making NBA history isn’t anything new for the James family.
They did it when LeBron James and Bronny James became the first father-son duo to play in an NBA game together during a Lakers preseason game on Oct. 6, 2024, before it was officially in the record books when they were on the floor together a couple of weeks later for the Lakers’ regular-season-opening win over the Timberwolves on Oct. 22, 2024.
They connected on the first father-son assist in league history a few weeks ago, when the elder James passed to the younger James for a 3-pointer during the second quarter of the March 27 win over the Nets.
Los Angeles Lakers’ Bronny James, dribbles as his dad, forward LeBron James, puts up a screen during the playoffs game against the Houston Rockets, April 18. AP
Another historic moment happened Saturday night, with LeBron and Bronny becoming the first father and son to play in a playoff game together during the Lakers’ Game 1 victory over the Rockets at Crypto.com Arena to kick off the best-of-seven first-round series.
The Lakers James duo connected on the first father-son assist in league history a few weeks ago. AP
“There’s a lot of crazy things that have been going on this year for me,” LeBron James said. “I mean, s–t, I was on the floor with my son in a playoff game. That’s probably the craziest thing that’s ever happened to me in my career. It’s just so cool to be out there with him — and his brother and his sister and his mom in the building. And his grandmom. Like, that’s just insane. My mom gets to watch her son and her grandson during the playoffs. Now, that’s crazy.”
Bronny made his playoff debut last year, playing four minutes across two games (in garbage time) during the Lakers’ five-game first-round series loss to the Timberwolves.
With the Lakers without their star guards in Luka Dončić, Bronny was in the Lakers’ first-half rotation on Saturday night. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
But with the Lakers without their star guards in Luka Dončić (left hamstring strain) and Austin Reaves (left oblique strain), Bronny was in the Lakers’ first-half rotation Saturday night, starting the second quarter alongside his dad, Jake LaRavia, Jarred Vanderbilt and Jaxson Hayes.
He had two fouls and recorded a turnover in four second-quarter minutes, with the Lakers playing an eight-man rotation in the second half.
While Saturday was Bronny’s third career NBA playoff game, and his first playing meaningful minutes, it was LeBron’s record-extending 293rd career playoff game.
LeBron James had 19 points, 13 assists, 8 rebounds, 2 steals and a blocked shot in 38 minutes against the Rockets. AP
LeBron had 19 points, 13 assists, eight rebounds, two steals and a blocked shot in 38 minutes against the Rockets.
“No, I mean, we all prepared this week, including Bronny,” LeBron replied when asked if he gave Bronny advice. “But s–t, it’s just like, everybody in their first playoff game, you’re going to be nervous. You can try to prepare for it, you can try to sleep as much as you can the night before. You can do all the things that you do. You can do the same routine and everything, when you step on that floor.
“I remember my first — what was it, 2006, going against Washington, our first home game. Being back in the playoffs in a minute, in a long time, with the Cavs and just nervous as hell. As soon as I got on the floor, I was just super nervous. But once you get the jitters out, you get the first game under your belt, and now you know what to expect. So he’ll be better going into the next time he gets his number called.”
Game 2 for Lakers-Rockets is scheduled for Tuesday night in Los Angeles.
LeBron James on how it felt to be the lone superstar who played in Lakers-Rockets Game 1, which featured Luka Doncic and Kevin Durant sidelined: "There’s a lot of crazy things that have been going on this year for me. I mean, shit, I was on the floor with my son in a playoff… pic.twitter.com/dQvbuINYTz
The Arizona Diamondbacks struggle against the splitter, which should play into the hands of Toronto Blue Jays ace Kevin Gausman this afternoon.
Read on to see why in my Blue Jays vs. Diamondbacks predictions and MLB picks for today's game.
Blue Jays vs Diamondbacks predictions
Blue Jays vs Diamondbacks best bet: Kevin Gausman Over 5.5 strikeouts (+105)
When Kevin Gausman’s splitter is dancing, he’s one of the most lethal pitchers in the majors, which makes his 5.5-strikeout total at plus-money an attractive price.
The Toronto Blue Jays ace has been racking up the Ks, averaging 7.75 strikeouts this season, which ranks in the 94th percentile in K%, while using the splitter as the put-away pitch, garnering a 44.2% whiff rate and a strikeout rate of 42.9%
The split-fastball has given this Arizona Diamondbacks lineup fits this season, with the third-highest strikeout rate in the majors, with a 42.4% whiff rate against the pitch.
Additionally, Gausman owns a .164 opponent batting average against this lineup.
COVERS INTEL: The Diamondbacks rank 29th in the majors with a .294 OBP.
Blue Jays vs Diamondbacks same-game parlay (SGP)
I’ll continue to bet on Gausman and take the Under on his hits prop set at 5.5, a total he’s stayed Under on in three of his four starts this season. Additionally, the Arizona lineup is just 12-for-73 against Gausman through his career, with a .447 OPS
Lastly, I’ll take Lourdes Gurriel Jr. to go Over 0.5 strikeouts tonight. He’s 0-for-2 with a pair of strikeouts against Gausman throughout his career.
Blue Jays vs Diamondbacks SGP
Kevin Gausman Over 5.5 strikeouts
Kevin Gausman Under 5.5 hits
Lourdes Gurriel Jr. Over 0.5 strikeouts
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Blue Jays vs Diamondbacks home run pick: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (+500)
I’ll make this a half-unit wager. Ryne Nelson has been hit hard this season, ranking in the 10th percentile in hard-hit rate. This has resulted in four home runs allowed this year, all against his four-seamer.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. crushes the baseball and has a .417 average against the four-seamer, with a .500 slug rate against the pitch. He's 2-for-8 against Nelson, with one of those hits being a home run.
2026 Transparency record
Best bets: 5-14, -6.35 units
SGPs: 2-17, -9.5 units
HR picks: 3-16, -1.6 units
Blue Jays vs Diamondbacks odds
Moneyline: Toronto -110 | Arizona -110
Run line: Toronto -1.5 (+155) | Arizona +1.5 (-185)
Over/Under: Over 8 | Under 8
Blue Jays vs Diamondbacks trend
The Blue Jays have cashed the first five innings team total Under in six of their last seven games for +5.75 units and a 74% ROI. Find more MLB betting trends for Blue Jays vs. Diamondbacks.
How to watch Blue Jays vs Diamondbacks and game info
Location
Chase Field, Phoenix, AZ
Date
Sunday, April 19, 2026
First pitch
4:10 p.m. ET
TV
Sportsnet, Dbacks.TV
Blue Jays starting pitcher
Kevin Gausman (0-1, 2.42 ERA)
Diamondbacks starting pitcher
Ryne Nelson (1-1, 3.54 ERA)
Blue Jays vs Diamondbacks latest injuries
Blue Jays vs Diamondbacks weather
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
The Atlanta Braves go for the road sweep against the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday Night Baseball, closing out a key NL matchup.
Here are my favorite Braves vs. Phillies predictions and MLB picks, with a focus on Ronald Acuña Jr., Grant Holmes, and Bryce Harper.
Braves vs Phillies props for April 19
Pick
Odds
Acuna Jr. o1.5 total bases
-110
Holmes o5.5 strikeouts
+130
Harper o1.5 total bases
+110
Braves vs Phillies player prop picks
Ronald Acuna Jr. Over 1.5 total bases (-110)
Ronald Acuna’s surface-level statistics (.247.347/.370) may not show it, but he’s performing at an elite level. Placing above the 90th percentile in xwOBA, xSLG, and bat speed, the production should come along shortly.
With hits in nine of his last 10 games, Acuna is starting to find his form. A matchup against Andrew Painter and his reverse splits isn’t a turn-off.
Painter has faced 22 right-handed batters this season, and eight of them have collected hits (.421 AVG). Sure, that’s a small sample size, but the rookie hasn’t proven capable of getting out Big League-caliber righties, let alone one of the very best.
Painter pitches to contact (4.9% walk rate), and Acuna has mostly limited his strikeouts (18.9% K rate). Making contact here should result in an opportunity to accumulate total bases.
Grant Holmes Over 5.5 strikeouts (+130)
The plus-money is appealing here, especially for a pitcher who has a massive 14.1% swinging strike rate in his career. I’ll bite.
Grant Holmes’ K rate has cratered from 25% to 19.3% despite his swinging strike rate actually jumping a half tick (from 13% to 13.5%). With a whiff rate in the 81st percentile, the Ks should come eventually.
The veteran’s go-to pitch, his slider, has generated a .196 xBA and 53.3% whiff rate. That’ll play against a Phillies lineup that has struggled against the pitch, posting -4.7 runs against average.
Philadelphia’s projected lineup has faced Holmes 16 times, and eight of those have resulted in strikeouts. A 50% K rate against the opposing lineup will certainly play, especially when plus money is offered on the Over.
Bryce Harper over 1.5 total bases (+110)
After facing southpaws in each of the first two games of this series, the Phillies will be glad to face the right-handed Holmes on Sunday. They’ve struggled mightily against LHP (58 wRC+), but could break out a bit after plating a single run in the first 18 innings of the series.
Bryce Harper has hit the cover off the ball in April, slashing .333/.419/.685 with as many extra-base-hits (10) as strikeouts. He’s still going strong at age 33, posting a 94th percentile xwOBA and 96th percentile xSLG.
What makes this an appetizing matchup is that he’s demolished four-seamers (.811 xSLG) and sliders (1.170). Holmes throws those 78% of the time against lefties, so Harper will have a great opportunity to stay hot.
How to watch Braves vs Phillies and game info
Location
Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA
Date
Sunday, April 19, 2026
First pitch
7:20 p.m. ET
TV
Peacock
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
Leadership, on and off the field, was lacking at the MCG and any investigation must ascertain whether Carlton fulfilled its duty of care
The weekend of football threw up great dollops of drama and pathos. One of the tallest and most talented players in the sport buckled like a stricken baby giraffe. Arguably the best footballer in Australia was blanketed by an Irishman. The heart and soul of his club copped a knee to the head that may spell the end of his career. In Adelaide, 46,000 people stood to acknowledge a family that had lost a brother and a son.
We see variations of that every weekend. We see knee injuries and head knocks. We see teams squander winning leads. We see coaches fighting for their jobs. We see the brilliance of players like Nick Daicos, Nick Watson and Jeremy Cameron. It’s all neatly packaged, all easily explained, and all what keeps drawing us back. What we almost never see, and what’s harder to manage, to diagnose and to articulate, is what took place at the MCG on Thursday night. It didn’t come through the filtered lens of the host broadcasters or the curated feeds of the club itself, but through grainy footage from high in the stands.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - NOVEMBER 28: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder brings the ball up court around Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Paycom Center on November 28, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 William Purnell/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Who: Phoenix Suns @ Oklahoma City Thunder
When: 12:30 pm Arizona Time
Where: Paycom Center — Oklahoma City, OK
Watch: ABC
Listen: KMVP 98.7
The Phoenix Suns are officially in the 2026 NBA Playoffs. They clawed their way through the Play-In Tournament to secure the 8th seed, and their reward is a date with the juggernaut Oklahoma City Thunder. OKC finished the season with the best record in the Western Conference and a terrifying +11.1 net rating.
The Thunder have been patiently waiting for their opponent, with their last game coming exactly a week ago against this same Suns team.
For Phoenix, this is about proving that their veteran experience, chaos, and high-end scoring can disrupt the rhythm of the league’s most efficient young core. We’re playing with house money here.
OKC won the season series 3-2. There were a few thrillers and a couple of blowouts. But ultimately, it’s all meaningless, as the new season begins. The postseason.
Nov 28 (NBA Cup): OKC 123, PHX 119
Dec 10 (NBA Cup): OKC 138, PHX 89
Jan 4: PHX 108, OKC 105
Feb 11: OKC 136, PHX 109
April 12: PHX 135, OKC 103
This iconic shot on January 4th was an unforgettable moment.
DEVIN BOOKER HITS THE TRIPLE AND WINS IT FOR THE SUNS 🚨
Grayson Allen — QUESTIONABLE (Left Hamstring Soreness)
Mark Williams — QUESTIONABLE (Left Foot Soreness)
Thunder
Thomas Sorber — OUT (ACL)
What to Watch For
It starts with the stars. This series features two of the premier guards in the world, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Devin Booker. They each have a sidekick named Jalen who can take over at any time as well.
Devin Booker (PHX): 26.1 PPG, 6.0 APG, 3.9 RPG. Booker has been the engine for Phoenix all season, carrying the load through various rotations. During the Play-In games, it was a different story as Jalen Green led the way.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC): 31.1 PPG, 6.6 APG, 4.3 RPG. SGA missed the final two games of the regular season with an oblique injury but has been cleared for Game 1. Likely just maintenance for the playoffs, same with Booker.
Devin Booker will need to elevate his game to superstar status in order for them to have any realistic shot at taking this Thunder team down. Can he match Shai shot-for-shot? If he plays anything as he has in the last two, the odds aren’t great. We need a vintage Book desperately.
Key to a Suns Win
Control your emotions, first and foremost. Don’t let the refs get in your head. When that happens, the Suns get out of whack, and it disrupts the game flow.
Control the Paint and the Glass
OKC lacks traditional bulk, but they have Chet Holmgren (1.9 BPG, 8.9 RPG). Phoenix needs Mark Williams and Oso Ighodaro to capitalize on their size. The Suns cannot allow second-chance points to a team that already shoots nearly 50% from the floor. Mark Williams’ absence will be felt if he is unable to go. Hartenstein and Chet will likely feast inside if the Suns are going with a constant small(er) lineup out there.
Size and athleticism will be massive factors this entire series. OKC has the depth to wear the Suns (and any team for that matter) down over the course of a 7-game series. That is why they are the favorites, after all.
Limit the Turnovers
The Thunder lead the league in points off turnovers. Both teams rank in the top 5 in the league in steals per game, with OKC averaging 9.7 (3rd) and Phoenix averaging 9.5 (4th). Oklahoma City takes care of the ball better than most, ranking second in the league in turnovers per game at just 12.6 compared to Phoenix’s 14.5 (t-15th).
With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Cason Wallace (1.9 SPG) prowling the passing lanes, the Suns’ backcourt of Booker and Jalen Green must be meticulous. They will face waves of pressure and physicality from the Thunder defense all game long.
Phoenix averaged 13.5 turnovers per game this season; that number needs to stay under 10 for them to steal Game 1.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 11: Dillon Brooks #3 of the Phoenix Suns goes to the basket against Luguentz Dort #5 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center on February 11, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Chris Coduto/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Bench “X-Factor”
In the Suns’ recent Play-In loss to the Blazers, the bench size was underutilized. Against a long OKC team, expect Jordan Ott to look toward Ryan Dunn, and possibly Rasheer Fleming and Khaman Maluach to provide athletic resistance against OKC’s drives.
Jordan Goodwin has been a blessing for this Suns team. They’re going to need plenty more havoc from him as he will likely be tasked with tracking SGA all series long. Royce O’Neale needs to knock down shots. Ryan Dunn must defend and make plays. Collin Gillespie needs to shoot with confidence. It will take everyone.
Will we get another Jalen Green game? He is coming off consecutive strong showings with his back against the wall. If the Suns have any shot at upsetting OKC, Jalen Green will play a huge part in it.
JALEN GREEN CARRIES THE SUNS TO THE PLAYOFFS‼️
• Back-to-back 35+ point games 🔥 • 36 PTS and 8 threes to eliminate the Warriors 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/yy5cY9lDxu
It’s going to be a dogfight. The oddsmakers aren’t giving the Suns much of a chance, but 14 points is a massive spread for a playoff opener. Phoenix has enough firepower to keep this close if they can slow the pace and knock down shots. However, OKC’s home-court advantage and depth will be too much to overcome. I hope I’m wrong, but I just don’t see it today.
WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA - MARCH 19, 2026: Walker Janek #6 of the Houston Astros hits a single during the fourth inning of a spring training Spring Breakout game against the Miami Marlins at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches on March 19, 2026 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
Another day of minor league baseball is in the books. See the results below.
Hendrickson got the start for Sugar Land in game one and pitched well tossing 5 scoreless innings. The offense got on the board in the 4th inning on a Biggers 2 run double. Munoz allowed a run but Santa tossed a scoreless 7th inning as he closed out the 2-1 win.
Nelson gave Sugar Land a quick lead with a leadoff home run in the first inning. Alexander started for Sugar Land in game two of the double header but struggled allowing 4 runs over 4.2 innings. Sugar Land picked up 2 runs in the 6th on a Nelson RBI single and a run scoring on a wild pitch. The Bees put the game out of reach scoring 4 runs in the 6th as Sugar Land dropped game two, 8-3.
AA: Corpus Christi Hooks (8-6) won 9-5 (BOX SCORE)
The Hooks jumped out to an early lead thanks to a Guillemette grand slam in the first inning. Gillis got the start and went 4.2 innings allowing 4 runs, all on a grand slam in the 2nd inning, while striking out 4. The Hooks retook the lead in the 4th on a Sacco RBI double. In the 7th, Janek connected on a grand slam, his first home run of the season. The pen was solid allowing 1 run as they closed out the 9-5 win.
Ramsey David, RHP: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
A+: Asheville Tourists (4-10) lost 7-6 (BOX SCORE)
Howard started for Asheville but struggled allowing 5 runs over 4 innings. The offense got on the board in the 2nd inning on a Holy RBI single. They got 3 more in the 3rd inning on a Nunez solo HR and Schiavone 2 run HR. Langford went 2 innings in relief allowing 1 run but Asheville got one back in the 7th on a Frey RBI groundout. In the 9th, the Tourists tied it on a Nunez single. Unfortunately the Dash walked it off in the bottom of the 9th as Asheville fell 7-6.
Alain Pena, RHP: 2.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
A: Fayetteville Woodpeckers (3-11) lost 14-2 (BOX SCORE)
Forcucci started for the Woodpeckers but failed to make it out of the first inning allowing 2 runs. He was relieved by Carreras who allowed 2 runs over 5.1 innings while striking out 4. The offense got on the board in the 7th scoring 2 runs on an Ochoa single and error. The rest of the bullpen struggled allowing 10 runs as the Woodpeckers fell 14-2.
The New York Mets will look for some way to finally pick up a win as they wrap up their series against the Chicago Cubs this afternoon.
New York is now riding a 10-game losing streak, and I like Chicago to win again in my Mets vs. Cubs predictions. Keep reading to see why and get all my free MLB picks for Sunday, April 19.
Who will win Mets vs Cubs today: Cubs (-121)
The New York Mets are shaking things up this afternoon by starting Tobias Myers (0-1, 3.46 ERA). Myers has been capable as a starter in the past, but hasn’t thrown more than three innings in a game this season, so New York will need to dip deep into its bullpen this afternoon.
That’s a tough recipe for success against the Chicago Cubs right now. They've averaged 8.5 runs per game over their last six contests, and I don’t see Myers or the rest of the Mets staff shutting them down completely.
With the New York offense floundering right now, I like Chicago to find a way to win this game at home.
COVERS INTEL: The Mets bullpen has a solid 3.96 ERA this season, with Huascar Brazoban and Craig Kimbrel each yet to allow an earned run on the year.
Mets vs Cubs Over/Under pick: Under 8.5 (-130)
To say the Mets are struggling to score runs is a massive understatement. New York has put up a total of 18 runs in its 10-game losing streak, getting shut out three times in that span.
That means it’ll be up to the Cubs to try to carry this total. And as we saw yesterday, these Mets pitchers are doing their part to keep the team in games, even if it hasn’t been enough to get wins.
New York has hit the Under in four of its last six games, and I’m expecting another low-scoring affair that plays out like yesterday’s game.
Ed Scimia's 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 4-5, -1.15 units
Over/Under bets: 2-5, -3.08 units
Mets vs Cubs odds
Moneyline: Mets +115 | Cubs -135
Run line: Mets +1.5 (-235) | Cubs -1.5 (+175)
Over/Under: Over 8 | Under 8
Mets vs Cubs trend
The Cubs have won five of their last six games. Find more MLB betting trends for Mets vs. Cubs.
How to watch Mets vs Cubs and game info
Location
Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL
Date
Sunday, April 19, 2026
First pitch
2:20 p.m. ET
TV
SNY, Marquee
Mets starting pitcher
David Peterson (0-3, 6.41 ERA)
Cubs starting pitcher
Javier Assad (1-1, 8.10 ERA)
Mets vs Cubs latest injuries
Mets vs Cubs weather
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Apr 18, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks right fielder Corbin Carroll (7) celebrates with center fielder Alek Thomas (5) after hitting a grand slam against the Toronto Blue Jays in the eighth inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images | Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Team News
Corbin in the clutch! Carroll belts 4th career slam to lift D-backs to series win
Since April 4, the bullpen has allowed 12 earned runs in 46 innings, that’s a 2.35 ERA.
“They’ve been really good,” Carroll said. “It seems like whoever comes out of that gate is ready to go from pitch one and is attacking hitters, and it’s been really fun to play behind them. Those guys got a tough job, and so it’s a huge credit to them that they’ve been taking care of business the way they have so far.”
Corbin Carroll’s grand slam lifts Diamondbacks to series win over Blue Jays
“We talk about building innings here,” manager Torey Lovullo said. “I think we’ve been very efficient with runners in scoring position so far this season, and the right guys in the right spot came up. I thought the Marte at-bat — I loved how Vargas got on. I loved AT’s base hit — but I thought the Marte at-bat was critical to load the bases for the next two guys. Corbin deserves the credit, but the rest of the guys built the inning for him and that’s what we stand on.”
D-backs Teammates React to Lourdes Gurriel Jr.’s Incredible ACL Return
Dave McKay (first base and outfield coach): “It was unbelievable seeing him at Spring Training, doing the things that he was doing. As a matter of fact I had to force him stop doing our drills. He’d come out when we do our drills, and there were certain things that we couldn’t have him do. He was insisting, finally I had to get the trainers and say get this guy out of here.”
Today Felix Reyes 8/9/2023 Wes Wilson 9/8/1998 Marlon Anderson 7/17/1988 Ricky Jordan 9/14/1949 Ed Sanicki 4/19/1938 Heinie Mueller 4/21/1898 Bill Duggleby https://t.co/qyZKICSGov
Munetaka Murakami’s seven home runs are the most of any Japanese-born player in his first 21 MLB games
He has two more than any other Japanese-born player in first 21 MLB games, ahead of Shohei Ohtani, who had five in his first 21 games as a hitter https://t.co/Drl72e8e29
1997 – A major league game is played in Hawaii for the first time. The San Diego Padres, who gave up three home games to further baseball relations and to allow renovations at Jack Murphy Stadium, play host for a doubleheader against the St. Louis Cardinals at spacious Aloha Stadium. The Cardinals win both games, 1 – 0 and 2 – 1.
The oldest English word is ‘town’.
This is one of the oldest words in the English language that is still in use. The first dictionary took note of this in 1755.
Tomato ketchup was used as medicine for 16 years.
Whether you love it or hate it, this condiment once had a place in the world beyond hotdogs. However, you’d be surprised to know that ketchup only had tomatoes in it starting 1834. Before, ketchup was made with a mix of fish and mushrooms. When Dr. John Cooke Bennet added tomatoes to the mix, he claimed that the antioxidants gave it a medicinal property. He had a pill salesman turn his tomato ketchup into pills and claimed it could treat diarrhea, indigestion, jaundice, and rheumatism.
oan of Arc convinced Charles VII she could lead his armies with no experience. She routed the English, survived a 60-foot escape leap from a tower uninjured, was falsely accused of heresy, and burned at the stake, all between the ages of 17 and 19. She was guided by voices only she could hear.
The sound made by the Krakatoa volcanic eruption in 1883 was so loud it ruptured the eardrums of people 40 miles away, traveled around the world four times, and was clearly heard 3,000 miles away. That’s like standing in New York and hearing a sound from San Francisco.
A first quarter flurry from Jalen Brunson and a fourth quarter burst from Karl-Anthony Towns bookended the Knicks’ 113-102 Saturday win over the Atlanta Hawks. The victory gave the Knicks an early 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven first round series.
The two teams will see each other again at Madison Square Garden on Monday night for Game Two. As the Knicks look to build a 2-0 series lead, let’s dive into keys for the game.
Adjustment to the adjustment
It took about three-and-a-half quarters for the Hawks to target New York’s weakness, which is the club’s offense when a wing defends Towns and a center checks Josh Hart.
With a win slipping from their grasp, Hawks head coach Quin Syder went to the tried and true strategy. He put Dyson Daniels on Towns, and had center Onyeka Okongwu guard Hart. After the Knicks took a 106-89 lead with four minutes and 36 seconds remaining, Atlanta went on a 9-0 run. Though the Hawks never got closer than eight points the rest of the way, Atlanta will likely go back to the strategy in the next game.
One look the Hawks leaned on towards the end of the game was Daniels on Towns and Nickeil Alexander-Walker assigned to Brunson. The Hawks can switch the pick-and-roll with Daniels and Alexander-Walker. It can potentially take New York’s offense out of flow and disrupt the potent Brunson and Towns pick-and-roll. New York’s two All-Stars combined for 53 points on Saturday.
The Knicks will need to be ready for the adjustment on Monday night for Game Two. Maybe they post Towns up more, or use Hart as a screener to a greater degree.
Towns still has a physical advantage regardless of any defender Atlanta throws at him. And he dominated the fourth quarter, scoring 11 of his 25 points in the final frame. How the Knicks respond to the defensive wrinkle will be a central storyline for Game Two.
Fastbreak delayed
The Hawks are known for their high octane attack, but it was the Knicks who picked up the pace in Game One. The Knicks won the fastbreak battle, outscoring Atlanta 22-13 in the category.
Part of slowing down Atlanta’s frenetic pace was lowering turnovers. The Hawks thrive on chaos and scoring off opponent miscues: 17.4 percent of the Hawks’ points came off turnovers according to NBA Stats, the fourth-highest figure in the NBA.
New York turned the ball over seven times during the first half. The Knicks had just four turnovers in the second half, but all of them were all of dead ball nature. Atlanta (12 turnovers) ended up with more errors than the Knicks (11).
If New York can win the possession battle both by limiting turnovers and hitting the offensive glass, they will have a massive advantage in this series.
Bench advantage
New York’s bench was good but not great in Game 1. Defense was where the quartet of Mitchell Robinson, Miles McBride, Landry Shamet and Jordan Clarkson had a positive effect on the game.
Offense was much harder to come by for New York’s reserves. Clarkson led the way with eight points. Shamet shot just 1-5 from three. Outside of a quick three-point burst in the fourth quarter, McBride was quiet with just six points in 21 minutes. Still, New York’s bench outscored Atlanta’s backups 20-13.
The Knicks should maintain the depth advantage the rest of the series. The only real Hawk reserve capable of a big night is Jonathan Kuminga. The Hawks forward had eight points and four rebounds in 27 minutes on Saturday. Mouhamed Gueye and Gabe Vincent combined for just five points. Former number one overall pick Zaccharie Risacher saw just two minutes in the first half.
As the series wears on, both teams are going to need a reserve to swing a game with a big performance. Based on the series opener, it’s more likely someone from the Knicks has a momentous night.
Allen rallies from 5-3 down to win 10-6 in first round
Hawkins, Williams and Xiao Guodong also advance
Mark Allen revealed how “bad food” and a few drinks fuelled his surge into the second round of the World Snooker Championship after he swallowed up a two-frame overnight deficit to crush Zhang Anda 10-6 at the Crucible.
The 40-year-old was so disillusioned with his display on Saturday, when he failed to rustle up a break over 50, that he set about drowning his sorrows in Sheffield. Allen then returned on Sunday to rifle three centuries in a six-frame streak and advance to the second round.
ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 04: Los Angeles Angels outfielder Jo Adell (7) falls into the stands after he robbed his third home run of the game in the 9th inning of the MLB game between the Seattle Mariners and the Los Angeles Angels on April 4, 2026 at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The Mariners are in a hole.
The Mariners have played 22 games this year, or about 13.5% of the 2026 season. They are 9-13 and in fourth place in the AL West. They’ve had losing streaks of four games and five games and haven’t looked particularly competent against anybody but the free-falling Astros. It’s been a less than ideal start for a team that was considered the favorites in the American League on Opening Day.
Where do things stand?
The Mariners are still the favorites to win the AL West, but they’ve lost about 14% from their division odds, according to FanGraphs. The Rangers, in turn, have added about 14% to their odds to win the division, after starting 11-10. Most of that movement comes from the Rangers three-game sweep of the Mariners in Arlington last week. The ongoing series this weekend is tied 1-1 ahead of Sunday’s rubber match. It’s suddenly a massive game for the Mariners, who need to start making up ground on the Rangers specifically in case they wind up tied 5 1/2 months from now.
The projections are still quite bullish on the Mariners overall. They hold the second best World Series odds in the American League and the fourth best odds in the majors. They haven’t really bottomed-out or experienced any major injuries to deter the projections. They also aren’t alone in their slow start: the Red Sox, Blue Jays, Phillies and Mets have each started several games below .500 despite strong projections. This is just kind of how it goes — even great teams tend to play poorly at some point each season.
But as Dan Szymborski recently pointed out for FanGraphs, teams can play themselves out of the postseason with a bad April. With fairly even competition in the American League this year, a few extra losses early puts pressure on an outsized win streak later in the year. To some extent, the Mariners have used up one of their allowable skids right out of the gate. I wouldn’t say they’re far behind, but they are indeed behind.
The good news? The Mariners aren’t necessarily playing too bad. They don’t need to right the ship so much as wait for it to level off. Their offense has been middle of the pack with a 96 wRC+, and their pitching has been elite, leading the league in FIP and WAR. This certainly isn’t their top gear, but Base Runs estimates the Mariners record at 12-10 — they’ve been “unlucky,” in other words.
What the heck are Base Runs? You’re likely familiar with run differential, which gives us a clue about a team’s quality by looking at how many more (or less) runs they score than their opponents. Base Runs takes this a step further and estimates a team’s quality based on their performance in individual at bats. Basically, it’s more nuanced way of looking at total bases — are you getting on base and advancing bases more than your opponent? One way to think about it is five doubles in an inning and five doubles scattered across a game provide the same amount of information on a team’s true talent, according to Base Runs.
It turns out this works quite well for predicting future success. Base Runs has become one of the essential metrics for, “Is my team playing as good (or bad) as I think they are?” Right now, the Mariners are playing OK. They’ve bested their opponents by Base Runs in most games this year, including a few they ultimately lost. They’re getting on base a decent amount, but they’ve been especially good at keeping their opponents from getting on base. Plus, Base Runs is agnostic on Jo Adell’s Big Night — there’s a very real world where the Mainers are 13-9 right now.
Of course, by “very real world,” I mean no such thing. The Mariners really did lose those games, and they really do have to make up that ground. And there are legitimate reasons for concern. The lineup has struggled, though it’s more complicated than that. The Mariners leadoff and 5-9 hitters have posted a 122 wRC+ — third best in the majors. But their 2-4 hitters have posted a a league-worst 53 wRC+. That’s pretty much been the difference between the Mariners and their potential so far. Those spots in the lineup have been occupied by Cal Raleigh, Julio Rodríguez, and Josh Naylor, a trio that was projected among the best in the majors. You could look at this one of two ways: 1) these guys are pretty much locks to wind up well above average, and surely their best days are ahead of them, or 2) they’re wasting a narrow window where everything else has gone right.
The other notable hangup isn’t unexpected. The Mariners defense is just plain bad. I mean, it’s “too early to say anything definitive about 2026,” but they were quite bad last year, so I expect as much again. I am encouraged by Cole Young’s new range, to be fair, but that seems to be offset by Brendan Donovan playing out of position (and maybe hurt).
That’s all to say:
The Mariners were supposed to be good and they’re still supposed to be good
They have played OK and probably better than their record indicates
The pitching has been great, full stop
The hitting has been great, except for the players who were supposed to be great, who have been terrible
The Mariners haven’t bottomed out, but the pressure is on
I’ll check in on these figures again at the 40-game mark in three weeks.
The Kansas City Royals (7-14) will try to avoid a three-game sweep at the hands of the New York Yankees (12-9). The Royals have lost six consecutive games, including a 13-4 decision to the Yankees on Saturday. Starting pitchers are Cole Ragans for Kansas Cityvand Ryan Weathers for New York.
How to watch Kansas City Royals vs. New York Yankees
COVERS INTEL: The Diamondbacks rank 29th in the majors with a .294 OBP.
Acuna Jr. o1.5 total bases
Harper o1.5 total bases
