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Dodgers vs. Blue Jays prediction: Odds, recent stats, trends, and best bets for April 7

Following a dominant 14-2 victory in the series opener, the Dodgers look to extend their winning streak to five games while the Blue Jays seek to snap their five-game losing streak when these two teams take the field tonight in Toronto in Game 2 of their three-game series.

The Dodgers smacked five home runs last night including a pair by Dalton Rushing and Justin Wrobleski allowed but a single run over five innings to secure his first win of the season. Max Scherzer lasted two innings for the Jays giving up a couple of hits and a pair of runs in taking the loss.

Runs may be at more of a premium tonight as the pitching matchup features Yoshinobu Yamamoto for the Dodgers and Kevin Gausman for the Blue Jays. Gausman has looked elite despite Toronto's team struggles, striking out 21 batters over his first 12 innings this season. Yamamoto, the 2025 World Series MVP, takes the mound looking to earn his second win and lower his 3.00 ERA in the process.

The Dodgers’ offense has been historically good of late scoring 47 runs during this four-game winning streak. Shohei Ohtani has led the assault on opposing pitchers collecting a pair of hits in each of the past four games (8-21). The Blue Jays have yet to win in April primarily because they simply are not hitting. Toronto has scored 10 runs in their last five outings.

Lets dive into tonight’s matchup and the opener of this three-game series and find a sweat or two.

We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch first pitch, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.

Follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long.

Game Details and How to Watch: Dodgers vs. Blue Jays

  • Date: Tuesday, April 7, 2026
  • Time: 7:07PM EST
  • Site: Rogers Centre
  • City: Toronto, Ontario
  • Network/Streaming: MLB.TV, TBS, Sportsnet, Sportsnet LA

Never miss a second of the action and stay up-to-date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day MLB schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game with every out.

The Latest Odds: Dodgers vs. Blue Jays

The latest odds as of Tuesday courtesy of DraftKings:

  • Moneyline: Dodgers (-149), Blue Jays (+123)
  • Spread: Dodgers -1.5 (+113) / Blue Jays +1.5 (-136)
  • Total: 8.0 runs

Probable Starting Pitchers: Dodgers vs. Blue Jays

Pitching matchup for April 7:

  • Dodgers: Yoshinobu Yamamoto
    Season Totals: 12.0 IP, 1-1, 3.00 ERA, 0.83 WHIP, 8K, 1 BB
  • Blue Jays: Kevin Gausman
    Season Totals: 12.0 IP, 0-0, 0.75 ERA, 0.25 WHIP, 21K, 0 BB

Who’s Hot? Who’s Not! Dodgers vs. Blue Jays

  • Freddie Freeman has hit safely in 6 straight games (8-26)
  • Teoscar Hernandez has hit safely in 6 straight games (11-24)
  • Andy Pages has hit safely in 7 straight games (16-28)
  • George Springer is 2-18 in April
  • Andres Gimenez is 1-19 in April

Rotoworld still has you covered with all the latest MLB player news for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!

Top Betting Trends & Insights: Dodgers vs. Blue Jays

  • The Blue Jays are 2-8 on the Run Line this season
  • The Dodgers are 6-4 on the Run Line this season
  • The OVER has cashed 6 times in the Dodgers’ 10 games this season (6-4)
  • The OVER has cashed 5 times in the Jays’ first 10 games (5-5)

If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our MLB Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!

Expert picks & predictions: Dodgers vs. Blue Jays

Rotoworld Bet Best Bet

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Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the MLB calendar based on data points like past performance, player matchups, ballpark information and weather forecasts.

Once the model is finished running, we put its projection next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.

Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Tuesday’s game between the Dodgers and the Blue Jays:

  • Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Dodgers on the Moneyline.
  • Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play on the Dodgers on the Run Line.
  • Total: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play on the Game Total UNDER 8.0.

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  • Trysta Krick (@Trysta_Krick)
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Sportsbooks Struggling to Handicap NBA Rookie of the Year Race

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Sportsbooks are struggling to handicap one of the best Rookie of the Year races in NBA history, thanks to the excellence of Kon Knueppel and Cooper Flagg.

Flagg is currently the odds-on favorite at major sportsbooks, despite Knueppel, his roommate at Duke, claiming a massive lead as recently as Sunday.

Key Takeaways

  • Odds flipped to Flagg after two huge games, despite a recent poll among voters favoring Knueppel.

  • Last year’s Rookie of the Year winner (Stephon Castle) was picked fourth, just like Knueppel.

  • The Charlotte Hornets face three top-five defenses to close their season.

Knueppel was a strong favorite to take home the NBA’s award for the most impressive first-timer in the league. That was compounded Friday when ESPN shared a straw poll of 100 league media members conducted Monday through Wednesday last week.

The results showed that Knueppel received 80 first-place, 19 second-place, and one third-place vote, resulting in 458 total points. Flagg received 20 first-place votes, 79 seconds, and one third, for 338 points, only 74% of his college teammate’s total. Philadelphia 76ers guard VJ Edgecombe was third with 98 points.

The results of the poll empowered DraftKings to shorten Knueppel’s odds from -250 on April 1 to -300 two days later when the results were released. 

Knueppel became an even larger favorite (-330) on Sunday morning, despite Flagg becoming the youngest player in NBA history to score at least 50 points (51) on a Friday night loss to the Orlando Magic. Those odds gave him an implied 76.7% chance to win the award, while Flagg’s +230 odds translated to a 30.3% probability.

Everything changed on Monday, one day after Flagg followed his 51-point explosion with 45 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds in a nationally televised matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers. He flipped to a -200 (66.7% chance) favorite at DraftKings overnight, and Knueppel ballooned to +140 (41.7% chance). 

The total instability in the Rookie of the Year odds leaves everything to play for during the final week of the regular season. The Dallas Mavericks still have four games remaining, while the Charlotte Hornets will play three.

Flagg, Knueppel can’t shake each other

The back-and-forth between the former Duke Blue Devils isn’t anything new. The pair took turns jostling for position on the board, although Knueppel truly hit his stride during Flagg’s near-monthlong absence from Feb. 10 through March 5.

There are strong merits to both players’ cases. Flagg averaged 21.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.6 assists, putting him on pace to become the fourth rookie since the NBA-ABA merger to average 20/6/4, joining Luka Doncic, Michael Jordan, and Larry Bird. 

He’s also had several individual moments of history, such as only being 19 years and 103 days old when he dropped his first 50-piece.

Knueppel put up a stat line of 18.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists, while already establishing himself as a historically efficient shooter. Even more impressively, he produced his 48/43/86 shooting splits while leading the NBA in made threes (265) at the time of writing, having already set the rookie record for made threes in a season. 

He also started all but one game for the Hornets amid their remarkable franchise turnaround, helping to lead them to a 27-8 record since Jan. 22 that was the second-best mark in the league during that span.

Although the team record does not normally factor into the Rookie of the Year race, the Hornets only need to win one more game to have their best season as a franchise since 2015-16.

The final days ahead

Everything about the ongoing NBA Rookie of the Year race has made it clear that the race won’t be over until the winner is officially announced. Even the sportsbooks have had an uncharacteristically difficult time staying on top of the oscillating battle.

Flagg and the Mavericks finish their season by facing the Los Angeles Clippers, Phoenix Suns, San Antonio Spurs, and Chicago Bulls. Those teams rank 18th, 10th, third, and 23rd in defensive rating, respectively, giving Flagg a varying degree of difficulty to bolster his final numbers. 

Knueppel and the Hornets have a tough finish to the year, with matchups against the Boston Celtics, Detroit Pistons, and New York Knicks, who rank third, fourth, and fifth in defensive rating. 

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

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Disastrous 5th Inning Sinks Astros in 9-7 Loss to Rockies

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 05: Cam Smith #11 of the Houston Astros hits a game-tying, two-run single in the top of the eighth inning against the Athletics at Sutter Health Park on April 05, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Scott Marshall/Getty Images) | Getty Images

It was an inning Joe Espada, Ryan Weiss, and (most surprisingly) Jeremy Pena would like to forget.

All things considered, things were going about as well as could possibly be hoped for the Houston Astros through the first four innings of Monday’s game.

They built a 3-0 lead through the first four innings thanks to back to back doubles by Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa, and then an RBI single by Christian Walker to account for a pair of first inning runs.

Cam Smith hit an absolute moonshot for a solo HR in the fourth, measuring a whopping 462 feet. It was the 9th longest home run in Astros history.

Spot starter Cody Bolton had put up four straight zeros in an emergency fill-in role, taking the place of the injured Hunter Brown.

Unfortunately, there was a fifth inning. It was one that the Astros would like to forget, especially the manager, the shortstop, and the pitcher who came on in relief who wants to start.

Bolton, who had allowed only 2 hits and 1 walk through 4 innings while striking out 5, had given the Astros more than they could have expected. Joe Espada chose to roll the dice and send him back out for the 5th instead of going to Ryan Weiss for a clean start of an inning. It would be a mistake.

A tiring Bolton surrendered a leadoff single, and then a questionable walk (the first pitch was a strike but called a ball by home plate umpire Nestor Ceja. The Astros did not challenge.) After a sacrifice bunt moved runners to 2nd and 3rd, Espada then summoned Weiss to come into a situation he isn’t used to – men on base mid-inning.

Weiss has primarily worked a s a starter, and as a reliever come in to clean innings. This was Espada’s second miscalculation of the inning. It would only get worse from here.

Weiss would walk Kyle Karros to load the bases. A 2-run single by Edouard Julien would draw the Rockies with a run at 3-2.

Weiss would then seem to settle in, getting Mickey Moniak to pop up with Correa making a terrific catch against the netting for out number two. He would then get Hunter Goodman to ground to short for what should have been the third out.

Should have been.

Unfortunately for Weiss and the Astros, Pena seemed to misread the ball off the bat. His initial step was the wrong direction. What should have been a routine ground out became an RBI single and now the game was tied. The Rockies still has runners on the corners with 2 out.

The next batter was Troy Johnston. Weiss induced a soft grounder up the middle that Pena waited for behind the bag instead of charging. The ball hit the second base bag and caromed over Pena’s head. It would wind up scored a double and an RBI, and the Rockies would take a 4-3 lead.

T.J Rumfield would clear the bases with a 2-run triple to left center field that Jake Meyers (who was shaded to right center) couldn’t run down, and then over ran the ball. Joey Loperfido, backing up the play from left, had to field the ball and throw it in. It was now 6-3 Rockies.

Willi Castro would follow with an RBI single and the nightmare inning continued, it was now 7-3 Colorado.

Brenton Doyle would then ground to short to seemingly end the inning, but Pena dropped the ball for an error, and everyone was safe.

It was the third time Weiss should have been out of the inning.

Jake McCarthy would walk to load the bases before a single by Karros would drive in the Rockies 8th run of the inning. Julien would fly to left to finally end the nightmare, but not before the Rockies turned a 3-0 deficit into an 8-3 lead.

Here’s all the ugliness in one video.

The Astros would try to claw their way back into the game. In the top of the 6th, they had bases loaded and only one out. A sacrifice fly by Loperfido would make it an 8-4 game, but that’s all the Astros would get.

In the bottom of the inning, Johnston would take an inside sweeper off the plate from Weiss 407 feet to right for a solo homer, and a 9-4 Colorado lead.

In the top of the 7th, a one-out double by Pena and a two-out single by Altuve would generate a run, making it a 9-5 game.

In the 8th, Walker would lead off with a base hit, and Smith would follow with a double, giving the Astros two runners in scoring position with no out. An RBI groundout by Loperfido would make the score 9-6 and push Smith to 3rd. Yainer Diaz would follow with a single to drive in Cam to make it 9-7.

A Meyers double would give the Astros 2 runners in scoring position again, this time with one out, but they would fail to cash in. Pena would fly out to right. Yordan Alvarez was intentionally walked, and then Altuve would ground out to end the inning.

Juan Mejia would get the Astros 1-2-3 in the 9th to earn his first Save of the season and second save of his career.

Houston fell to 6-5 with the loss.

The Astros look to get back in the win column Tuesday with Mike Burrows on the mound, opposed by the Rockies’ Kyle Freeland.

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The Cincinnati Reds are finally hitting the ball hard

MIAMI, FLORIDA - APRIL 06: Tyler Stephenson #37 of the Cincinnati Reds rounds the bases after hitting a home run against the Miami Marlins in the eighth inning of the game at loanDepot park on April 06, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) | Getty Images

You know the story of the 2025 Cincinnati Reds. They found a way to keep their record just above the .500 mark, slipped into the playoffs as the final Wild Card in the National League, and were promptly bounced in two games by the future World Series champs.

They got their on the backs of their pitching – namely, their starting rotation, which was stellar all year long. Their offense, though, was simply lackluster at best. A guy who played on a bum thigh and slugged .373 with 4 homers over his final 83 games (360 PA) still managed to lead the team in homers.

Looking back at the statcast data for that club, you’ll find that the numbers backed up what we all watched. It never looked like the Reds hit the ball hard, and they certainly didn’t hit the ball over the fence much. Per statcast, only two teams hit the ball softer in terms of average exit velocity, the Reds mark of 88.6 mph worsted only by Cleveland and Houston. Their 99.2 EV50 was also second to last, their number of balls hit over 95 mph third worst.

We all hoped 2026 would be different. Cincinnati, too, certainly hoped so, and went out and added Eugenio Suarez to help bring some much needed thump. They also knew Elly De La Cruz would have a more healthy thigh to begin this year, while the likes of Tyler Stephenson and Matt McLain would be further removed from debilitating oblique problems. Plus, there’d be Sal Stewart in the lineup from the get-go, and we all know Sal smokes the ball as often as anyone.

So far, the evolution of Cincinnati’s offense into a more powerful one looks to be working.

In the extremely small sample size that is the season’s first 10 games, the Reds rank 4th in average exit velocity so far at 90.7 mph. That’s a jump of over 2 mph off last year’s dismal mark, and their 100.2 mph EV50 ranks 5th in the game. Individually, each of Stephenson (95.2 mph avg, 10th overall), De La Cruz (95.0 mph, 12th), and Stewart (93.8 mph, 28th) rank in the Top 30 in the game, and only the Kansas City Royals can make a claim of having three of their hitters all ranked that high.

The runs have yet to come, but the process seems to be impactful already.

The Cincinnati Reds are once again hitting the crud out of the ball.

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Social media reactions to UNC hiring Michael Malone

Mar 9, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone talks to guard Jamal Murray (27) during a break in the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images | Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

After a couple of weeks of excruciating patience, the North Carolina Tar Heels have their new head coach. Former Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone is bringing his talents to Chapel Hill, which was an unexpected hire by many. His name started getting brought up near the end of UNC’s coaching search, but nobody really knew how much there was behind that. Now he is the guy that will try his best to return the Heels to the elite ranks in college basketball, and the immediate reviews are pretty mixed.

First, let it be known that former UNC players who have spent time in the NBA really like this move. Theo Pinson and Ty Lawson were two Tar Heels that sounded off immediately via X.

Tyler Hansbrough was one of the first Tar Heels to mention Malone before the school ultimately hired him. He told Field of 68 that he felt like the former Nuggets coach could get some momentum in the coaching search.

After the hire happened, Hansbrough discussed how pumped he was about the hire, saying that he felt like it was the best remaining decision.

On the ACC Basketball Podcast, Joel Berry asked Danny Green about the hire, and Green feels like bringing in a NBA guy that knows how to develop players is huge. He also pointed out that Nuggets star Nikola Jokic was drafted 41st overall in the 2014 NBA Draft, and Malone had a sizable role in developing one of the best players in the NBA.

Finally, Seth Trimble sounded off on Instagram with his approval of the Michael Malone hire.

Outside of the Carolina alumni bubble, things are way more mixed in terms of whether or not this was a good move. In the Field of 68 video that was recorded after Malone was hired, Jeff Goodman pushed back on Hansbrough stating that former NBA guys have not had a good track record in the college ranks. But if that is the case, why did anybody want current Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan so badly? Bomani Jones is one of those people, and he expressed his confusion on The Right Time.

Jones’ reaction signaled what it feels like a lot of fans were going through, which is confusion. Throughout the entire search, we heard a handful of specific names that ultimately did not pan out. One could argue that having such a harsh reaction over the hire is projection for some — there were a lot of people that thought they knew who UNC was actually after that did not see the Michael Malone hire coming. CBS Sports’ Seth Davis expressed this sentiment in his post regarding the hire.

To be fair, Seth Davis wouldn’t like UNC if they hired Coach K in his prime, but the fact remains that a lot of people were caught off guard by the hire. But here’s the thing: Michael Malone didn’t come out of nowhere for those who paid enough attention (and admittedly, I did not pay enough attention). By now everyone has caught wind of the fact that his daughter plays volleyball for the program, and he also had spent time around the basketball program this past fall. He even made time to make an appearance on the Carolina Insider Podcast with Jones Angell and Adam Lucas. One thing he has that Billy Donovan, Tommy Lloyd, and Dusty May didn’t have is some type of tangible tie to the program. It remains to be seen if he’s willing to completely buy in, but this clip of him talking to Kenny Smith while wearing a Tar Heels hoodie should at least warm fans’ hearts a little bit.

For fans that want a reason to be optimistic, it is clear that many players are a big fan of this move. Nobody knows ball like the guys that used to play it, especially the ones that played both for UNC and played in the NBA. For those who seek pessimism, there are more than enough questions that need to be answered. Can Malone handle the NIL/Transfer Portal era? Can he even coach at the college ranks? Will the harsh reality that players at this level aren’t nearly as good as they are in the NBA be too much for him? We can only hope that he can check every box and return UNC to glory, but there’s a lot of work that needs to be done between now and November in order to accomplish that.

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UPDATE: Cade Horton will have season-ending elbow surgery

Here’s the latest on Cade Horton, and it isn’t good (Bluesky link):

Now, here’s the rest of the news about Horton from earlier today.

This, clearly, is not good news about Cubs right-hander Cade Horton:

While we don’t hav any definitive information yet, a “not clean and not good” MRI is certainly not positive news. We’ll just have to wait until we get more news after Horton visits Dr. Meister.

Horton has already had one Tommy John surgery. Having a second one isn’t great, but pitchers can and do recover from those and are still productive. If it happens, it would mean Horton would miss the rest of 2026.

Justin Steele went down the same road. He’d had a previous TJS, had another one last year and will be returning soon. The Cubs were able to win 92 games without Steele. Losing Horton would be a big blow, but the Cubs do have some starting pitcher depth. That depth is about to be tested.

Let’s hope for good news instead of bad. As always, we await developments.

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Mets Minor League Players of the Week: Week One/Two

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 09: Hayden Senger #30 of the New York Mets in action against the Miami Marlins at Citi Field on April 09, 2025 in New York City. The Marlins defeated the Mets 5-0. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Hayden Senger

Week: 5 G, 17 AB, .412/.474/1.000, 7 H, 1 2B, 0 3B, 3 HR, 2 BB, 6 K, 0/0 SB, .500 BABIP (Triple-A)

Season: 5 G, 17 AB, .412/.474/1.000, 7 H, 1 2B, 0 3B, 3 HR, 2 BB, 6 K, 0/0 SB, .500 BABIP (Triple-A)

If these trends continue, Hayden Senger is on his way to being the greatest hitting catcher of all time. Odds are, these trends are not going to continue, but that sure would be fun, wouldn’t it? Hayden Senger isn’t exactly a guy who is known for his bat; in 46 games in Syracuse last season, he hit .218/.268/.339 with 5 home runs and in 2024, he hit .252/.323/.401 in 46 games with 3 home runs. At this rate, if Senger plays 46 games this year, he is on pace for roughly 27 long balls, and if he plays an entire season, he is on pace for roughly 84.

The 29-year-old was drafted back in 2018 out of Miami University of Ohio and in the first few years of his professional tenure with the Mets, was getting roughly a full-time catcher’s load, averaging 85 games in 2019, 2022, and 2023 and playing 61 in the COVID-delayed 2021 season. When he made it to the upper levels of the minor league ladder, it became apparent that his bat was a bit too anemic for the levels and he lost out on a lot of playing time, primarily relegated to back-up catching duties. Last season, he got a quick cup-of-coffee when Francisco Alvarez began the season hurt, but Luis Torrens eventually emerged as the better of the pair due to his better bat.

Barring the unlikely chance that Senger is a .412/.474/1.000 hitter from now until September, it is likely that the backstop will remain in the role that he’s settled into over the last few years. Better performance in Syracuse may buy him some more playing time, and depending on how well he does, could even theoretically get him some Major League playing time if certain factors line up, but we know who the “minor league veteran” is at this point, and his strength lies in his defense, ability to handle a pitching staff, and his baseball intangibles, not his bat. A random outlier season is obviously possible, but odds are, Senger will regress to the type of organizational guy you want in your system for everything else he brings to the table except his bat.

Cam Tilly

Week: 1 G (1 GS), 5.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 6 K (Single-A)

2025 Season: 1 G (1 GS), 5.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER (0.00 ERA), 1 BB, 6 K, .000 BABIP (Double-A)

Not bad for your first professional game. Toeing the rubber for the St. Lucie Mets against the Palm Beach Cardinals in his first ever start as a member of the New York Mets organization, the 22-year-old right-hander threw five no-hit innings, walking one and striking out six. Tilly was drafted last season out of Auburn, where he threw two uninspiring seasons primarily in relief. The Mets selected him in the seventh round and he signed for $397,500, roughly $150,000 over the MLB-assigned slot value of $254,000 for the 223rd overall pick.

Based on reports and evaluations at the time, the 6’2”, 205-pound right-hander possessed a four-pitch repertoire featuring a four-seam fastball, slider, curveball, and splitter. His fastball sat in the mid-90s fastball, topping out at 97 MPH, and featured high spin rates and above-average vertical induced break. His slider sat in the low-80s and featured spin rates in excess of 3,000 RPM, giving it late gyroscopic slice. His curveball sat in the upper-70s and also featured high spin rates, but lacked the bite that his slider possesses. His splitter sat in the low-to-mid-80s and featured late tumble. In a vacuum, all of his pitches looked good, but the right-hander had trouble commanding them, partially due to the break on them and partially because of the crossfire in his three-quarter delivery.

Looking at statcast data from his start for better clarity about Tilly as a pitcher, he utilized a four-seam fastball (19 pitches, 39%), changeup (10 pitches, 20%), cutter (8 pitches, 16%), slider (7 pitches, 14%), and curveball (5 pitches, 10%). His fastball was thrown for a 78% Strike Rate, his changeup was thrown for a 70% Strike Rate, his cutter was thrown for a 63% Strike Rate, his slider was thrown for a 57% Strike Rate and his curveball was thrown for a 20% Strike Rate. His fastball drew the most swings and misses, with a 60% Whiff Rate, while his curveball did not cause any swings and misses.

His fastball averaged 92.2 MPH, sitting between 89.9 MPH and 93.7 MPH. It averaged 2,420 RPM, ranging between 2,300 RPM and 2,540 RPM, giving the pitch an elite 19 inches of induced vertical break and 10 inches of horizontal movement. His cutter averaged 85.6 MPH, sitting between 84.5 MPH and 86.3 MPH. It averaged 2,520 RPM, ranging between 2,450 RPM and 2,600 RPM, giving the pitch 4 inches of horizontal jerk.

His changeup averaged 84.8 MPH, sitting between 83.3 MPH and 86.1 MPH. It averaged 910 RPM, ranging between 750 RPM and 1,090 RPM, giving the pitch 34 inches of vertical drop and 12 inches of horizontal hop.

His slider averaged 82.7 MPH, sitting between 80.8 MPH and 85 MPH. It averaged 2,710 RPM, ranging between 2,540 RPM and 2,880 RPM, giving the pitch 36 inches of vertical drop and 10 inches of horizontal slice. His curveball averaged 80.4 MPH, sitting between 79.8 MPH and 80.9 MPH. It averaged 2,810 RPM, ranging between 2,740 RPM and 2,895 RPM, giving the pitch 43 inches of vertical drop and 14 inches of horizontal break.

As is the case with any pitcher, these numbers and trends may change throughout the year, as Tilly is still not only a developing player, but it is literally the beginning of his baseball journey.

Players of the Week 2025

Week One/Two (March 27-April 5): Hayden Senger/Cam Tilly

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Astros Minor League Hotlist: April 7th

WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA - MARCH 19, 2026: Kevin Alvarez #11 of the Houston Astros bats during the fifth 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

This will be your weekly look at the hottest prospects in the system, highlighting the top performers at the plate and on the mound. Here’s the first hotlist.

Who’s Hot At The Plate?

Kevin Alvarez – While it’s only been two games for one of the Astros top prospects, Alvarez has looked the part. He went 4-for-9 with a double, 2 runs batted in and 2 stolen bases. Great start for him.

Alejandro Nunez – Nunez is starting off the year back in Asheville after a solid 2025, and he’s off to a nice start this year. In two games, he is 3-for-8 with a double, home runs and 5 runs batted in.

Max Holy – Holy doesn’t provide a ton of power, but he gets on bases and steals bases, and he’s done that so far this year. In just two games, the 23-year-old has five walks and three stolen bases.

Shay Whitcomb – All Whitcomb does is hit in the minors, and this year is no different. He’s played in six Triple-A games and is hitting .308 with a doubles, 2 home runs, 7 runs batted in and 3 stolen bases.

Who’s Hot On The Mound?

Spencer Arrighetti – Arrighetti has made two starts for Sugar Land and to this point he hasn’t gone deep, but he’s been dominant. He’s tossed 8.1 scoreless innings allowing 1 hit while striking out 13.

Miguel Ullola – Ullola has also made two starts and been dominant so far. He’s totaled 9.2 innings allowing 2 runs while striking out 15 batters. A good start for him.

Cole Hertzler – Hertzler has battled injuries in his pro career but now he’s healthy and performing well. In his one start this week, Hertzler struck out 5 over 4.2 scoreless innings for Asheville.

Gabel Pentecost – Pentecost, a 6th round pick from last year, made his pro debut this week. The right-hander struck out 7 batters over 4 scoreless innings while allowing just 2 hits.

Javier Perez – Perez was a choice of mine to breakout and he performed well in week one. In his first outing, the right-hander went 4 scoreless innings allowing just 1 hit while striking out 8.

Brett Gillis – Gillis has also battled some injuries but appears to be healthy now and had a nice Double-A debut. The right-hander struck out 5 over 4 scoreless innings allowing 2 hits in his outing for the Hooks.

Jesus Carrera – Carrera has one thing the rest don’t have to this point, a no-hit streak. In his one outing this week, the 21-year-old tossed 4 no-hit innings while racking up 4 strikeouts.

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Louisville’s Mikel Brown Jr. declares for 2026 NBA draft: Latest mock projection

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, Louisville's Mikel Brown Jr.  is expected to go in the first round after declaring for the NBA draft on Tuesday. 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.

Mikel Brown Jr. 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 10 overall, Milwaukee Bucks

Kalbrosky's Analysis:

The Milwaukee Bucks need to simply draft the best player available with whatever pick they have and will likely keep Louisville floor general Mikel Brown Jr. highlighted on their big board. The All-ACC guard has deep shooting range and was among the freshmen leaders in 3-pointers made from beyond 25 feet (27) this year, per CBB Analytics. Brown was averaging 29.2 points per game over his last five appearances, including 45 points against NC State on Feb. 9, while hitting 10 shots from beyond the arc, before an injury on Feb. 28 forced him to miss March Madness.

See USA TODAY's full mock draft 9.0 here

Mikel Brown Jr. player profile

(all stats as of March 15)

  • Position: Guard
  • Current Team: Louisville
  • 18.2 points per game
  • 3.3 rebounds per game
  • 4.7 assists per game
  • 41.0 field goal percentage
  • 34.4 three-point field goal percentage

Milwaukee Bucks 2026 projected draft picks

  • No. 10

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mikel Brown Jr. NBA mock draft projection: Where Louisville star is expected to land after March Madness

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Golden Knights vs Canucks Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NHL Game

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The Vancouver Canucks welcome the Vegas Golden Knights to Rogers Arena tonight, with puck drop scheduled for 10 p.m. EDT. 

Jake DeBrusk is thriving offensively, and my Golden Knights vs Canucks predictions focus on his ability to create opportunities. 

Read more in my NHL picks for Tuesday, April 7.

Golden Knights vs Canucks prediction

Golden Knights vs Canucks best bet: Jake DeBrusk Over 2.5 shots on goal (+145)

Vancouver Canucks forward Jake DeBrusk has 19 goals and 19 assists while averaging 2.64 SOG per game in 2025-26. The 29-year-old is on a heater right now, cashing the Over in shots on goal in six of his last seven.

During that span, DeBrusk has also notched six points. The opportunities he’s creating are often turning into goals or assists. 

DeBrusk has only three SOG against the Vegas Golden Knights this season across two meetings, but the visitors just allowed 32 shots on target to the Oilers.

DeBrusk is also a top-line guy, and he’s playing heavier minutes this month, giving him more chances to take aim.

Golden Knights vs Canucks same-game parlay

DeBrusk has a goal in three straight games and has at least one point in six of seven.

Brock Boeser has 44 points this season, which is third on the team behind Filip Hronek and Elias Pettersson. He’s a high-usage player and has hit the Over in points in five of his last seven appearances. 

During that span, Boeser has collected eight points. He already has five in April, and he found the back of the net against Vegas at the end of March.

Golden Knights vs Canucks SGP

  • Jake DeBrusk Over 2.5 shots on goal
  • Jake DeBrusk Over 0.5 points
  • Brock Boeser Over 0.5 points

Golden Knights vs Canucks odds

  • Moneyline: Golden Knights -245 | Canucks +200
  • Puck Line: Golden Knights -1.5 (-105) | Canucks +1.5 (-115)
  • Over/Under: Over 6.5 (-110) | Under 6.5 (-110)

Golden Knights vs Canucks trend

The Vancouver Canucks have hit the Game Total Over in 13 of their last 20 games (+6.35 Units / 29% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Golden Knights vs. Canucks.

How to watch Golden Knights vs Canucks

LocationRogers Arena, Vancouver, BC
DateTuesday, April 7, 2026
Puck drop10:00 p.m. ET
TVSCRIPPS, SNP

Golden Knights vs Canucks latest injuries

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.

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Utah Jazz vs. New Orleans Pelicans

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 5: John Konchar #55 of the Utah Jazz looks to drive the ball during the first half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center on April 5, 2026 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 Joshua Gateley/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Utah Jazz are rolling into New Orleans for a vital end-of-season game. Like their counterparts at the top of the Western Conference standings, every game at this point is important for seeding. For the Jazz, of course, it’s ticking up the losses column that matters most; the Jazz hold the tiebreaker over the Sacramento for fourth (worst) place, monumental for eliminating any remote chance at conveying their pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Jazz are not in the clear yet, however. The Pelicans remain a poor basketball team that sits at 25-54, despite gaining no advantage from losing this season. And even if Utah comes out with a loss tonight, they face the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday, who share the same record as New Orleans and are looking into rise up the draft board.

The Jazz will likely feature a sparse roster tonight, with both Ace Bailey and Kyle Filipowski questionable:

For New Orleans, lead guard Dejounte Murray is questionable with a left hand contusion and wing Trey Murphy is out with a right angle sprain.

How to watch

Who: Utah Jazz vs. New Orleans Pelicans

When: 6:00 PM MT

Where: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, La.

How to watch: Jazz+, KJZZ

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Panthers vs Canadiens Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NHL Game

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Cole Caufield is just one goal away from joining Nathan MacKinnon as the only players to reach 50 goals this season.

My Panthers vs. Canadiens predictions see Caufield hitting that incredible milestone against a Florida team limping to the finish line.

Let’s get into my NHL picks for Tuesday, April 7.

Panthers vs Canadiens prediction

Panthers vs Canadiens best bet: Cole Caufield anytime goal (-105)

Cole Caufield is in a great spot to score his 50th goal. He’s rested, playing at home, and finds himself in a very favorable matchup.

The Florida Panthers have struggled defensively all season, and things have only gotten worse as they’ve shut key players down and pulled the plug on the year.

Only the Chicago Blackhawks have allowed more high-danger chances over the past 10 games, which is a recipe for disaster given the Panthers slot 30th in save percentage.

Caufield has found the back of the net in 55% of his games against Bottom-10 defenses.

Panthers vs Canadiens same-game parlay

Juraj Slafkovsky skates on Cole Caufield’s opposite wing at 5-on-5 and is also a mainstay on the top power play unit, making him a threat to produce each night.

Slafkovsky hasn’t gone more than two straight games without a point since November – and that’s the mark he’s sitting on now.

Lane Hutson has picked up an assist in 75% of his games against Bottom-10 defenses. He is one of the best playmaking defensemen in the sport, and he should be able to pick apart this vulnerable Panthers team with his precision passing.

Panthers vs Canadiens SGP

  • Cole Caufield anytime goal
  • Juraj Slafkovsky Over 0.5 points
  • Lane Hutson Over 0.5 assists

Panthers vs Canadiens odds

  • Moneyline: Florida +175 | Montreal -210
  • Puck line: Florida +1.5 (-130) | Montreal -1.5 (+110)
  • Over/Under: Over 6.5 (-110) | Under 6.5 (-110)

Panthers vs Canadiens trend

Cole Caufield has scored in four of his past seven games against Florida. Find more NHL betting trends for Panthers vs. Canadiens.

How to watch Panthers vs Canadiens

LocationBell Centre, Montreal, QC
DateTuesday, April 7, 2026
Puck drop7:00 p.m. ET
TVSCRIPPS, RDS

Panthers vs Canadiens latest injuries

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.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

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Knicks Bulletin: ‘I’m good. I’m chilling’

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MARCH 16: An Atlanta Hawks fan displays his Magic City hoodie prior to the game between the Orlando Magic and Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on March 16, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The New York Knicks somehow, some way, silenced the doubters and the haters by beating a .500-plus team for the first time in a month.

Y’all happy now?

Here’s the latest and spiciest quotes coming straight outta Magic City.

Mike Brown

On the Brunson-Towns two-man game against the Hawks:

“KAT and Jalen … they did what they were supposed to do. It’s no secret that we put them in the two-man game, and those guys delivered on the offensive end of the floor along with everyone else.”

On team composure late:

“Our guys stayed with it, and there wasn’t a panic. The bench was really, really good. Just the chatter. Guys were encouraging one another and uplifting one another. Jose hadn’t played the last couple of games, and he was more into the game than anyone else. His words were really good and helped during the times when we got down.”

On Brunson closing Monday’s game:

“It wasn’t necessarily going his way the whole night. But he stayed with it and did what great players are supposed to do and carried us home down the stretch.”

On the heave that could have sent the game to OT:

“It’s tricky. If he misses it, obviously it’s a long heave. But if you foul him on the rebound or you foul him when he’s turning to heave it now they get three free throws. It’s something we’ve talked about before — it’s still a toss-up situation. … The whole thing was at worst they’ll tie it and we’ll go to overtime. Lesson learned on a couple possessions down the stretch.”

On Brunson’s scoring ability:

“It’s huge to know a guy like Jalen can shoot and score the way he does. On top of that, he’s crafty.”

On sticking with the starting five:

“I don’t believe in never ever. But right now we’re going to start that five and that’s how I foresee it. If I feel I need to make a change at any time, I’ll make a change. But I don’t feel that way right now.”

On lineup debates and potential starting-five change:

“There’s debate literally all the time. Obviously there was a debate at the start of the season when we started two bigs. And there was debate almost every day because I was the only one with that plan – and I was getting hammered this angle, that angle, every angle. So we talked about it a lot. That’s just chatter that you have throughout the course of the year, trying to ways to improve your team. So I think there’s always going to be chatter about it. But there’s nothing I’ve felt close to acting on yet.”

Jalen Brunson

On his fourth-quarter surge:

“The ball found a way to go in the hoop for me.”

On the win over Atlanta:

“Happy with the way we finished the game. They came to fight and put us on our heels, but we found a way to come back every time with an answer and find a way to win.”

On maintaining his confidence even after struggling during the first half on Monday:

“Just found a way to keep my confidence. Obviously, things aren’t going to be perfect all the time but you trust your work and find a way.”

On Josh Hart’s late improvements:

“To be honest, it’s all about how you respond. Things aren’t going to be perfect. You’re going to have bad stretches. You’re going to have things that don’t go your way. You’re going to do things that seem easy but don’t go your way. It’s all about how you respond.”

On the need to finish games strong every time out:

“I think everything matters. So regardless if you’re up 30, down 30, if it’s a close game, the way you finish games translates to the next game. So being able to have that rhythm going into the next game is really important for us.”

Karl-Anthony Towns

On the clutch-time execution with Brunson:

“It was great. Obviously, give credit to all of our teammates who put us in the position to be there and have a chance to win. We have one of the best closers in the NBA in Brunson, so you feel good about your chances. We were just ready for the moment. It was funny. I thought, in the moment, I’d have to hit a big shot for us to win, and it ended up being three assists. I just accepted what the defense gave and Brunson hit the shots, which he’s been known to do when the game matters.”

On rising expectations:

“The perception and standards have obviously changed for us ever since we made that stride last year in the playoffs. Getting through the first round, we weren’t supposed to make it out of there. Then the second round, we definitely weren’t supposed to be making it out of there. We showed the world that we can beat these teams, especially in the playoffs. But in doing that, we put the antennas up for the rest of the league as well. They know what we can do and on top of that, coming in with the expectations we had this year, finding a way to win the NBA Cup. Even through all the ups and downs, finding ourselves the third seed. The world is not unaware of how good we are. But it’s up to us to execute in a seven-game series and be disciplined and find a way to win.”

On embracing pressure:

“Me, personally, I’ve been dealing with expectations since before I stepped into the league. Honestly, it’s really the same thing. It’s been the story of my career. Dealing with expectations that are lofty. On top of that, the expectations I have for myself are even higher than what people give me. So I have a lot of work to do. But I’ve been used to it. So it’s a blessing to have pressure.”

On treating the stretch like playoffs:

“The playoffs should’ve started 10 games ago for us. We should be building on our standards all year. That’s what the goal was. We have four good games where we can get some good tape, get our coverages right. See how we can execute different coverages, different things. And we could just find different ways to show what we can do, and have adjustments ready to go in the playoffs.”

On his elbow issue:

“It is what it is at this point.”

Jose Alvarado

On being ready all day every day:

“I’m good. I’m chilling. I’m ready for my moment. I’m ready for my name to get called whenever it is. … So just whenever it’s Jose’s time, whenever that time is, I’m ready.”

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NHL fan gives birth at Edmonton Oilers game

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows A woman gave birth on the seventh floor of Rogers Place as the Emonton Oilers hosted the Las Vegas Knights in Alberta, Canada on Saturday, April 4, 2026, Sportsnet reported. , Image 2 shows Trent Frederic #10 of the Edmonton Oilers battles for the puck against Jack Eichel #9 of the Vegas Golden Knights during the third period of the game at Rogers Place on April 4, 2026, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
A woman gave birth on the seventh floor of Rogers Place as the Edmonton Oilers hosted the Las Vegas Knights in Alberta, Canada on Saturday.

A woman gave birth on the seventh floor of Rogers Place as the Edmonton Oilers hosted the Las Vegas Knights in Alberta, Canada on Saturday.

Oilers play-by-play announcer Jack Michaels announced the baby’s birth on the Sportsnet broadcast before the start of the third period.

“Breaking news: We have word that someone has gone into labor here tonight,” Michaels said. “There’s a baby being born on the seventh floor at Rogers Place as we speak.

“So someone’s going to have a great story to tell.

“It would be nice to have the mother join us on ‘After Hours’ to describe what’s happened but that could be asking a bit much,” Michaels joked.

A woman gave birth on the seventh floor of Rogers Place as the Emonton Oilers hosted the Las Vegas Knights in Alberta, Canada on Saturday, April 4, 2026, Sportsnet reported. X/Sportsnet

No further details, including the mother’s identity, were shared publicly.

This isn’t the first instance of a baby being born in the middle of a professional sports game.

A woman gave birth to a baby boy during the third inning of a Padres-Giants game at Petco Park in 2015.

Trent Frederic #10 of the Edmonton Oilers battles for the puck against Jack Eichel #9 of the Vegas Golden Knights during the third period of the game at Rogers Place on April 4, 2026, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. NHLI via Getty Images

The Oilers lost to the Knights, 5-1, ending Edmonton’s five-game win streak.

The Oilers are fighting for the top spot in the Pacific Division, tied with the Anaheim Ducks with 87 points. The Knights are in third.

All three of the teams have five games remaining in the NHL’s regular season, which concludes on April 16.

The 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs start on April 18.