ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 06: Atlanta Braves catcher Drake Baldwin (30) hits a single during an MLB baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels played on April 6, 2026 at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA. (Photo by John Cordes/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
It’s time for what you’ve all been waiting for… the rosters are set, with some surprises to discuss.
The Atlanta Braves are determined to break their three-game losing streak in game two against the Los Angeles Angels, and Walt Weiss decided to shift some things in the lineup.
Drake Baldwin is keeping his slot as second in the batting order, but this time as DH. Jonah Heim will be entering his fourth game with the team, taking over as catcher, and if you’re wondering if you’re seeing things at centerfield… you’re not.
After unlucky appearances at the plate recently, Michael Hariss II has been omitted from today’s starting lineup, with Eli White taking over.
In honesty, Ronald Acuña Jr. and Austin Riley haven’t been producing what is expected either, but that’s where these opportunities count. Another opportunity is another day Braves’ fans can hope they make a complete turnaround—this is exactly what the team would need today to propel them forward with a win to shift the momentum. We’ll see if these changes make a difference.
Reynaldo López will be taking the mound to face the Angels.
Speaking of whom, notice a new but memorable name on the list? Mike Trout is back and set to bat second, taking centerfield for his bobblehead night with an attempt to lead his team to an extensive four wins in a row. In his past matchups against López, Trout has an OPS of 1.525 in his nine matchups.
Now, of course, this wasn’t a recent feat that was accomplished, but with this being his night, don’t be surprised if his performance shows a new level of dominance to keep that on-base percentage and average against him spiked.
Nolan Schanuel will be present to take over first base, and Travis d’Arnaud, who’s only been accounted for in two games this season so far, is also set to make his return as catcher, batting eighth in the lineup.
The Braves are trying to break a pattern, while the Angels want to continue theirs; only one team will get its wish tonight. We’ll tune in at 9:38 p.m. EDT and come see us as we discuss the aftermath.
ST LOUIS, MISSOURI - MARCH 26: Matthew Liberatore #32 of the St. Louis Cardinals delivers a pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays in the first inning on Opening Day at Busch Stadium on March 26, 2026 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After a disappointing end to Monday’s game when the bullpen imploded, the St. Louis Cardinals will try again Tuesday night as Matthew Liberatore will start against the Washington Nationals who will send Cade Cavalli to the mound. Start time is 5:45pm central time as the game is scheduled to be viewable on Cardinals.tv. Here’s the starting lineup shared by the Cardinals.
Mar 24, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) reacts after missing a pitch in the second inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
The Dodgers finish off their six-game road trip with an afternoon start on getaway day against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre.
Shohei Ohtani gets the ball in the series finale, the rotation maneuvered such that his next two pitching starts will come the day before a scheduled team off day. Since his last pitching start, last Tuesday against the Cleveland, Ohtani hit three home runs, through Monday’s series opener in Toronto.
Dylan Cease, who signed a $210 million, seven-year contract with the Blue Jays in the offseason, starts the series finale. He has 18 strikeouts in his first two starts for Toronto, with a 2.79 ERA in 9 2/3 innings.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 31: Hunter Brown #58 of the Houston Astros pitches in the fifth inning during a game against the Boston Red Sox at Daikin Park on March 31, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Houston Astros/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Here’s what that means for when fans may see him on a mound again.
Today, the Houston Astros announced SP Hunter Brown has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 shoulder strain.
Often times, a Grade 2 shoulder strain involves partial tearing of a muscle/muscles in the “shoulder stabilizers” – usually the rotator cuff.
Grade 2 sprains typically involve the posterior rotator cuff – they are usually caused by the deceleration process after the release of the baseball. These muscles keep the ball joint of your shoulder in place while throwing.
It can also involve the muscles of the shoulder blade.
Grade 2 strains are usually treated with rest and anti-inflammatories early (First 2 weeks), followed by range of motion exercises and band work (next two weeks), then increasing to light weights and movements (next 2 weeks).
Next would be starting a light throwing progression around week 6. For a Starting Pitcher like Brown, this is a 6 week injury in a perfect world, 8-10 week injury in a more realistic world.
As long as he gets through all his stages with no pain, he should be able to fully recover without surgery.
It makes you wonder if James just gave us a clue about his future.
LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on March 27, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NBAE via Getty Images
Let’s rewind.
In a recent appearance on “Bob Does Sports,” James talked about Milwaukee and Memphis as NBA road cities that he doesn’t enjoy visiting.
His comments about Memphis, in particular, sparked significant backlash. At Lakers practice on Saturday in Dallas, he was asked if he wanted to clarify them.
“I said Milwaukee as well,” James said. “I’m 41 years old, there’s two cities I do not like playing in right now. And that’s Milwaukee and that’s Memphis. What is your problem with it? I don’t like going home either, s–t, and I’m from there. People are ridiculous. They also get mad at my son being on the team, too. So, what are we talking about?”
For James, the uproar was much ado about nothing. He’s been doing this for an unprecedented 23 seasons. Is he not allowed to have preferences?
But while he shut down the reporter’s question, he raised another: Would James not want to return to Cleveland?
James, who’s earning $52.6 million this season with the Lakers, will become an unrestricted free agent this summer.
LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots a three point basket during the game against the Dallas Mavericks on April 5, 2026 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NBAE via Getty Images
He remains uncertain about his future. He could retire or return for his 24th season — with the Lakers or elsewhere.
It’s hard to imagine him playing with any team at this stage in his career besides the Lakers (where he has spent the last eight seasons) and Cavaliers (where he played 11 seasons), though he has also been tied to the Warriors and Knicks.
But if he chooses to return — and doesn’t want to remain with the purple and gold — playing for the Cavaliers would wrap a bow around his storied career.
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James, who’s from Akron, Ohio, was drafted by the Cavaliers in 2003. He spent seven seasons with the team before leaving for Miami in 2010. After four years with the Heat, James returned to the Cavaliers in 2014, leading them to four straight Finals appearances, including their first championship in 2016.
Cleveland may not be one of James’ favorite road cities to pass through, but it clearly holds a very special place in his heart.
When the Lakers played there in January, James teared up during a video tribute.
After all, James would have a much easier path to the Finals with the Cavaliers than the Lakers in the very crowded West. If James teamed up with Donovan Mitchell, James Harden and Jarrett Allen, the Cavaliers would instantly become a title contender.
LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates after hitting the game winning shot to beat the Toronto Raptors 105-103 in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena on May 5, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. Getty Images
But the truth is, no one knows what James is going to do, including probably James himself.
At the top of the season, there was a lot of speculation about James returning to Cleveland, with multiple pundits claiming that was the most likely scenario for him next year if he chose not to retire. But that chatter died down after the Lakers found their stride in March, going on a 15-2 run.
James’ agent, Rich Paul, says all of that conjecture is nothing but hot air.
“There’s no truth to any of it,” Paul said on his podcast, “Game over with Max Kellerman and Rich Paul.” “First of all, I don’t know what’s happening. He don’t know either. We don’t even talk about it.”
LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Washington Wizards on March 30, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NBAE via Getty Images
James wants to see how he’s feeling after the season.
What happens in the playoffs will likely have a large influence on his future, which is unfortunate because the Lakers will be surrounded with “what ifs” after Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves both sustained injuries Thursday that will sideline them for the remainder of the regular season and likely the first round of the playoffs.
He might’ve been referring to the hotel he stays at in Cleveland. Or the cold weather. It’s hard to know how much to read into that and whether it’ll impact his decision.
But it was one of the biggest clues James’ fans received about what he may or may not do next season.
BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 14: Garrett Crochet #35 of the Boston Red Sox pitches against the New York Yankees during the game at Fenway Park on September 14, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
If the first ten games of the season didn’t resemble a flaming trainwreck, the conversation going into tonight’s affair would be centered around everybody going gaga over the sensational pitching match up, and for good reason. Not only do we have Garrett Crochet taking on Jacob Misiorowski, but we’ve got a cold night at Fenway with the wind blowing in from the northwest threatening to further suppress any offense. It could almost disguise itself as a World Series Game 1 type slate if you completely ignored everything else going on.
Missing from the lineup are Caleb Durbin and Masataka Yoshida, and as Over The Monster’s own Jacob Roy points out, that could be a mistake.
Here's how the Red Sox have fared against high-velo fastballs from RHP in 25-26. Durbin and Yoshida are on the bench against Misiorowski, who averages 98.6 mph with his FF pic.twitter.com/Q28kh7bSOs
SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 30: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs looks on during the game against the Chicago Bulls on March 30, 2026 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photos by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Victor Wembanyama has been listed as doubtful for Wednesday’s game against the Trail Blazers, but “there’s confidence” he will suit up for one of the Spurs’ last three games, achieving award eligibility, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Wembanyama suffered the injury when he collided with Paul George in the second quarter of the Spurs’ Monday night win over the 76ers. Initially, he went to the locker room only to return to the game before asking to be subbed out before the break. He was ruled out for the second half due to what was described by the team as a rib contusion.
The big man underwent X-rays, which came back negative, but he was expected to have additional tests, according to what Charania said in an earlier appearance on ESPN’s NBA Today. It seems the results were encouraging, since he hasn’t been listed as out for the next game. Still, being listed as doubtful means he’s very unlikely to play.
Rib contusions don’t tend to cause many missed games, with the average time sitting out being 4.4 days and 1.1 games, according to Jeff Stotts of In Street Clothes, an athletic trainer who has been documenting NBA injuries for years.
Victor Wembanyama Injury News: Spurs may have dodged a bullet here as rib contusions don't often result in significant missed time (Average ~1.1 games or 4 days). However, ribs can be tricky to x-ray & I'm betting Wemby undergoes a more detailed exam soon.
The Spurs have three games left and have claimed the second seed in the West. Normally, they would err on the side of caution even if everything looks good and shut down Wembanyama for the rest of the regular season. The problem is, not suiting up against the Trail Blazers, Mavericks, and Nuggets could cost Wembanyama some very important individual accolades.
Wembanyama needs to play 20 minutes or more for one more game to get to the misguided 65-game threshold the NBA imposes to be eligible for end-of-season awards. If he does, he’s the favorite to win Defensive Player of the Year, an MVP candidate, and a likely first-team All-NBA selection. Playoff success is the ultimate goal, but Wemby deserves recognition for a fantastic year, which could be denied if he can’t play at least once more in the regular season.
Stephon Castle has also been listed as doubtful for the matchup against the Trail Blazers due to right knee soreness, per the Spurs’ injury report.
Wembanyama is averaging 24.8 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists, a steal, and a league-leading 3.1 blocks in just 29.2 minutes per game this season.
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 06: CJ Abrams #5 and manager Blake Butera #10 of the Washington Nationals celebrate after a 9-6 victory against the St. Louis Cardinals at Nationals Park on April 06, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After snapping their losing streak with a comeback win last night, the Nats are looking to win their second series of the season tonight. The Nationals bats have been red hot to start the season, while the pitching staff has been hot garbage. Hopefully the Nats arms can put up more zeroes tonight.
With a lefty on the mound, the Nats have made a few lineup tweaks. March legend Joey Wiemer is back in the lineup and in right field. Curtis Mead will get the start at first base and hit second. Daylen Lile will move to DH, while Keibert Ruiz gets the start behind the plate. Despite his heroic play last night, James Wood will slide over to left field. Nats ace Cade Cavalli will look to give the Nats length in his third start of the season.
The Cardinals are rolling with a similar lineup, but with a couple tweaks. Pedro Pages will be behind the plate, which slides Ivan Herrera to DH. That means Nolan Gorman will be at third base, replacing Ramon Urias. Jordan Walker will be a man to watch. He looks like he may finally be figuring it out this year. Matthew Liberatore will be on the mound for the Red Birds.
Last night was a ton of fun, and this offense is really rolling. The pitching is very much a work in progress, but it is great to see the boys mashing. This is the opposite of what we saw in Spring Training, which shows how little those results really matter. I can’t wait to watch CJ Abrams, James Wood, Brady House and the boys mash. Follow along in the comment section below and let’s go Nats!
MIAMI, FLORIDA - APRIL 06: TJ Friedl #29 of the Cincinnati Reds at bat against the Miami Marlins in the first inning of the game at loanDepot park on April 06, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Reds fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
Entering play on Tuesday in Miami, the Cincinnati Reds have so far this season scored just 2 (two!) runs from their leadoff spot. That’s the lowest of any team in baseball this side of the Atlanta Braves.
It hasn’t been a product of bad luck, either. Reds leadoff men so far this season have posted just a .245 combined wOBA (4th worst), 48 wRC+ (tied for 4th worst), and a comical .000 ISO (in case you’re not into math, that’s the lowest it could possibly be). In other words, the setter of the Reds table so far this season has been just about as bad as you could imagine.
It’s not the only reason the Reds have scored the fewest runs (28) of any Major League Baseball team so far this season, but it’s certainly a big part of it. When you consider that the team is collectively hitting the ball harder this year than in a long time – among the hardest-hitting clubs in the league so far – it is a wonder why those smashes aren’t driving in the team’s leadoff man more often.
We all know TJ Friedl has been the team’s leadoff man almost every night this season. We also know he’s struggled mightily out of the gate in a way we’ve not really seen from him before – he’s only 10 games removed from a 2025 season in which he posted a damn near elite .364 OBP, after all.
But when you take a closer look at his current Statcast ranks, everything aside from coaxing a walk looks just about as bleak as it gets.
That begs the question…should Friedl, who’s just about to turn 31, still be counted on as the team’s everyday leadoff man? Or should manager Terry Francona turn the responsibilities over to someone else – Matt McLain has already had the opportunity up top once so far this season, though there are a couple other Reds who profile decently well there.
Who should be the Reds leadoff hitter going forward?
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Milwaukee Bucks guard Kevin Porter Jr. has undergone arthroscopic surgery on his right knee and will miss the rest of the season.
The Bucks announced that Porter had undergone the procedure Tuesday in Vail, Colorado. Dr. Tom Hackett at The Steadman Clinic performed the surgery.
“It started eight minutes into the first game (of the season),” Milwaukee coach Doc Rivers said before the Bucks’ game in Brooklyn against the Nets. “When you look at how he played overall, he had a hell of a year and was going to have even a better year but the injury thing caught him eight minutes into our first game and he never really recovered from that.”
The 25-year-old Porter last played on March 17. He has averaged 17.4 points, 7.4 assists and 5.2 rebounds in 38 games this season.
Rivers said Porter told him Sunday that “man, I didn’t come through for you.”
"And I said, ‘No, you’re fine. You just got injured. It’s part of the game and it happens,’” Rivers replied.
___
AP freelance writer Denis Gorman in New York contributed to this report.
Mar 26, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Jacob Misiorowski (32) reacts after retiring the side in the fourth inning against the Chicago White Sox at American Family Field. Misiorowski picked up the win. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images | Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
The Brewers and Red Sox kicked off their three-game series last night with a hectic back-and-forth game. The Brewers took the first game 8-6, but not without some extra drama. That will likely carry over into tonight as the two teams play their second game, with the Brewers going for the series win.
Both teams will send out their Opening Day starters for their third starts of the season. Jacob Misiorowski has picked up where he left off last season, allowing just three runs in his first 11 innings covering those two starts. In each start, it was a home run that caused the damage: a solo home run in his first game against the White Sox. and a two-run shot in his second against the Rays. He also has allowed six total hits and five walks in those starts, but has paired that with 18 strikeouts. The 100-pitch mark appears to be the upper limit for him, as he was pulled at 94 pitches in both of his starts.
For the Red Sox, Garrett Crochet gets the start. He opened up the season with six shutout innings against the Reds, then was roughed up for five runs (four earned) in his second start against the Astros. So far this season, he has 15 strikeouts compared to just two walks in 11 innings. In their last meeting, the Brewers scored two runs off of him in 6 2/3 innings.
Here are the lineups for tonight. Brice Turang is getting his first day off in the regular season, but it’s not just about the matchup. Before the game, manager Pat Murphy said that Turang is dealing with a foot/ankle injury. More information will be available later, but that likely means he will have the full day off. Christian Yelich is also not in the lineup, but will be available off the bench.
With Turang and Yelich both out of the lineup, the Brewers have shuffled it a bit to face the lefty. Brandon Lockridge will lead off with William Contreras in his usual second spot. Luis Rengifo and Gary Sánchez are batting third and fourth, with Joey Ortiz jumping up to fifth. Luis Matos will serve as the designated hitter, and Sal Frelick and Blake Perkins will fill out the outfield. David Hamilton finishes up the lineup at second base.
First pitch is set for 5:45 p.m. The game will be on Brewers.TV and the Brewers Radio Network.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JANUARY 9: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors handles the ball as Maxime Raynaud #42 of the Sacramento Kings plays defense during the game on January 9, 2026 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Golden State Warriors look to snap their four-game losing streak as they host the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday night. The game is scheduled for 7:00 PM PT in San Francisco and can be watched on NBC Sports Bay Area.
The Warriors lost another close one on Sunday night, falling 117–116 to the Houston Rockets. Despite the loss, the night was highlighted by the return of Steph Curry, who had missed the team’s previous 27 games. Curry logged 26 minutes in his return, finishing with a team-high 29 points on 11-of-21 shooting from the field.
Despite the loss, Steph was electric in his return!
On the other side, Golden State battled former Warrior Kevin Durant who led both teams in scoring with 31 points. He, along with Alperen Şengün (24 points), who knocked down the go-ahead basket late in regulation, powered Houston to their sixth win in a row. Meanwhile, the loss dropped the Warriors to 36–42, officially securing their first below-.500 finish since 2021.
With the emotions of Curry’s return now behind them, the Warriors look to build some rhythm heading into the postseason, beginning with Tuesday’s matchup against Sacramento. Curry is expected to suit up again, though he will likely remain on a minutes restriction, according to ESPN’s Anthony Slater. Golden State’s frontcourt depth, however, remains a concern as Kristaps Porzingis is listed as questionable, while Al Horford, Quinten Post, and Gui Santos have already been ruled out.
Steph Curry is listed as probable for tonight's Warriors game against the Kings @NBCSWarriors
Kristaps Porzingis (right knee soreness) is questionable, and Gui Santos (right pelvic contusion) is OUT
There were encouraging signs from Curry, who said after Sunday’s game that he “felt good” both physically and mentally. The next step will be reacclimating him within this current iteration of the Warriors—particularly alongside Porzingis—if the Warriors hope to generate any real momentum in their last four games before the play-in tournament.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MARCH 31: Aaron Civale #45 of the Athletics pitches against the Atlanta Braves during the first inning at Truist Park on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) | Getty Images
This past weekend, the Athletics won their first series of the season, taking two of three at home. The A’s and Houston Astros traded blowout wins in the first two games of the weekend series before the hosts clinched the series with a win on Easter Sunday. Designated hitter Brent Rooker’s three-run, walk-off home run in the bottom of the tenth inning won a game in which his team twice gave up leads. The A’s offense had to consistently rise to the occasion to overcome their pitchers allowing an MLB-high 24 walks in those three games.
The A’s schedule does not get any easier. Following those three home games, the team heads to New York City for a weeklong trip. Tonight marks the first of three games against the New York Yankees followed by three at the New York Mets. Both of these teams are off to strong starts this season and carry payrolls double the A’s. It will be difficult, but the team has the chance to make some early noise should they win at least one of these series.
Right-hander Aaron Civale is set to make his second start of the season this evening. The veteran right-hander picked up the win in his A’s debut, only allowing two runs in five innings pitched in the A’s first victory of the season March 31 against the Atlanta Braves. Having successfully navigated the tough Braves lineup, he looks to win his second straight start. However, the Yankees lineup led by reigning American League MVP Aaron Judge presents a major challenge for Civale to overcome.
Here’s the Athletics lineup for the opener in the Bronx:
Today’s A’s lineup features all of the regular starters in their main spots in the batting order. Nick Kurtz, who is once again hitting leadoff, started to heat up in Sacramento, collecting two hits and three walks in Sunday’s game. It would be surprising if Kurtz does not hit his first home run this series as Yankee Stadium’s short porch in right field is incredibly appealing to left-handed power hitters.
The Athletics offense seeks to keep rolling tonight, yet runs may be harder to come by against Yankees starting pitcher Cam Schlittler. Last season, Schlittler recorded a 2.96 ERA in his first 14 MLB starts. He then threw eight shutout innings in game three of the Yankees wild card series against the Boston Red Sox. This season, Schlittler has raised his game to another level. The 25-year-old has won his first two starts, striking out 15 in 11 2/3 scoreless innings. The A’s will need to take advantage of the opportunities he gives them today. That means jumping on mistake pitches, not chasing pitches outside the strike zone and maybe playing some small ball rather than every batter swinging for the fences.
The Yankees starting lineup behind Schlittler shakes out like this:
Civale must be careful pitching to this lineup. Judge and first baseman Ben Rice already have three home runs off him in their careers. Those two plus Cody Bellinger and Giancarlo Stanton will be poised to take advantage of any mistakes Civale makes in his outing.
Can the A’s make it two wins in a row and capture the first game of this series between two historic American League franchises? Let’s go A’s!
CLEVELAND, OH - APRIL 07: Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Gavin Williams (32) delivers a pitch to the plate during the fourth inning of the Major League Baseball game between the Kansas City Royals and Cleveland Guardians on April 7, 2026, at Progressive Field in Cleveland, OH. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The Cleveland Guardians faced off in game 2 of the 3 game series against the Kansas City Royals. In what was meant to be a later game, the rescheduled day time affair saw great pitching and a walk off victory.
Gavin Williams continues to cement himself as the front runner for the role of Ace. Gavin threw 102 pitches, giving up the only Royals run and hit as a solo shot. In 5.2 innings of work, Williams allowed only one hit, five walks, and struck out eight.
Despite this all, the Guardians pitching staff did struggle with giving the Royals free bases. In total the Royals drew eight walks; 5 from Williams, 1 from Herrin, and 2 from Armstrong. Erik Sabrowski though, he continued to dominate with a clean 15 pitch seventh inning. He threw 10 strikes and faced 3 batters.
José had a nice defensive gem to nab the speedy Bobby Witt Jr. at first base.
Cleveland offense out hit the Royals 8-1 with the entire bench exhausted over the duration of the game. Steven Kwan went 1-for-4 with a two-out RBI single that scored a hustling Austin Hedges from second base.
Austin Hedges continued his version of a hot start, going 1-for-3 with a run and a single.
The two biggest hits of the game came in the second and the ninth innings. Juan Brito made his long awaited major league debut as Gabriel Arias was placed on the 10-day IL. Brito slapped a double in his first major league at bat.
In the bottom of the ninth, with the game tied, the Royals sent Nick Mears to the mound to face the 6-7-8 batters. CJ Kayfus started things with a one-out single to right field. Bo Naylor drew a walk, advancing Kayfus to scoring position. Brayan Rocchio, with an even count, knocked a low 80’s changeup to Lane Thomas in right field to walk it off for Cleveland.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 06: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks dunks against Dyson Daniels #5 and Gabe Vincent #4 of the Atlanta Hawks during the first quarter at State Farm Arena on April 06, 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It’s been a whirlwind of a season for Karl-Anthony Towns.
In training camp, he turned heads by stating that he was trying to figure out his role in Mike Brown’s offense. Then, after an uneven start, he played genuinely bad basketball for several weeks. His touches decreased, he got frustrated with his offensive whistle, and just seemed to be pressing. There were games where his body language would’ve made any kinesiologist faint. I try not to write articles that just attack how a player is performing, but I got as close to being the irrational fan I hate after that loss to the Kings in January.
Towns was a relatively surprising all-star selection in early February, given how rough his play has been, but that seemed to wake him up. He’s played great basketball since, even if he isn’t the consistent 25-and-12 guy he was last season.
Mike Brown has never really had the services of a big man like KAT. He’s coached some great bigs: Shaq and Big Z when coaching the Cavs, Dwight Howard (very briefly) in LA, Domantas Sabonis with the Kings, etc. But overall, the center position has usually been reserved for non-all-stars who play a role. The closest thing he’s ever had to KAT is Tim Duncan when he was an assistant under Gregg Popovich, but Duncan played power forward and had a completely different playstyle.
Trying to turn Towns into Sabonis, the most skilled *center* that Brown had ever coached, has been a roller coaster. There are fewer plays run for him, less emphasis on his skills, and his coaching style is much more predicated on spraying to open shooters, rather than leaning on your two all-stars to create offense as Tom Thibodeau did. With Jalen Brunson being the team’s initiator and Towns as the center, you do the math.
And while he reiterated very recently that he’s still very unsure in his role, his play as of late seems to suggest he’s found a groove at the best possible time. Since February 3, he’s averaging a modest 20.5 points and 11.9 rebounds, which don’t seem like improvements, but his shooting splits are up to 56.6/39.6/85.6. His true shooting percentage was 59.2% through the beginning of February; it’s 66.3% since.
He’s embraced being a playmaking hub of his own when he has the ball at the top of the key. Of his seven games this season with at least six assists, five of them have come since March 1. He’s been playing clean, efficient, team basketball, even if he’s still committing some baffling offensive fouls.
There are several encouraging signs with Towns’ game as the playoffs approach, but the one that’s stood out the most to me is how he’s responded to mismatches. As we know, teams are electing to put their bigs on Josh Hart to frustrate Towns with lanky, defensively disciplined wings. Most games, KAT has mismatches that sometimes get exploited, but others lead to offensive stagnation.
A few times recently, though, Towns is attacking the mismatch. He’s especially aggressive when the team is in an offensive funk. Against the Thunder in OKC, the Knicks were fading fast against the defending champs when Towns began to bully Alex Caruso in the post to re-invigorate the offense. A few fouls later, OKC had to change strategies. The Knicks came up short, but the aggressiveness was notable.
Last night against Atlanta, Towns was being guarded by Onyeka Okongwu, who serves as Atlanta’s undersized center. When the Hawks went up 10 in the third quarter and threatened to break the game open, Towns went to work in the post and dragged the Knicks back into a game they eventually won. By the end of the game, the Hawks were having to account for the mismatch and elected to let Brunson go up against Nickeil Alexander-Walker and CJ McCollum one-on-one, which ended poorly for them.
Knicks continue to lean on Karl-Anthony Towns, getting the payoff of the Hawks keeping a 5 on him. Went with double P&R (almost stepups_, Hart and KAT as screeners
-Hawks go late switch vs. KAT's pop, drive + finish -Next time Okongwu at the level and recovers, drive + finish pic.twitter.com/OxIkZPRzAs
We saw it with the Rockets, which was one of Towns’ less efficient games of late. If nobody can step up and be enough of a threat outside of Brunson, teams will blitz him to get the ball out of his hands. If KAT is cooking, teams will have to adjust. If OG Anunoby looks as aggressive as he was last night as well, it changes the dynamic.
There are multiple potential playoff matchups where teams will rely on smaller players to guard Towns. The Raptors have Jakob Poeltl, but could elect to throw Scottie Barnes on him. It seems doubtful the Sixers will over-extend Embiid to KAT’s range, so the pesky Dominick Barlow could. Moussa Diabate is a very good defensive big man, but he’s two inches shorter and 35 pounds lighter. Wendell Carter Jr. is also a smaller big man. Even potential later-round matchups like Detroit, Boston, and Cleveland can. We’ve seen guys like Tobias Harris and Derrick White defend him in the past.
The Knicks need an efficient and confident Karl-Anthony Towns if they want to make the run that the city has been dreaming about. Anything less might not give the team enough to get over the hump.
