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Quite a dinger for Giants newcomer Harrison Bader, leaving an dent on a food truck

PHOENIX — That was quite a dinger for Harrison Bader, who left a mark with his first home run for the San Francisco Giants this spring training.

Bader’s 408-foot homer to left field in the Giants’ 13-12 loss against Milwaukee on Wednesday put a visible dent near the top on the side of a food truck. After exiting the game, the center fielder visited that concession area, met the truck’s owner and instead of partaking in an acai bowl added his autograph just below where the ball hit on the fly.

After climbing up, Bader signed his name along with his number and added: “Sorry.”

“It’s just a random, funny thing,” Bader told reporters.

Bader, who is set to play for Israel in the World Baseball Classic, joined the Giants last month after agreeing to a two-year, $20.5 million contract.

The 31-year-old, a Gold Glove winner with St. Louis in 2021, batted .277 with 17 home runs, 54 RBIs and a .796 OPS in 146 games with Minnesota and Philadelphia last season — setting career highs in all those categories.

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Spring Training Game #5: A’s vs. Rangers Game Thread

With their being no A’s baseball yesterday, my afternoon was spent cranking out all four episodes of FX’s Love Story. Not sure if any of you are tuning in to the dramatized retelling of JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette’s relationship, but I must admit – – not terrible. Definitely not great by any means, but it’s got an aesthetic that I think a lot of people have been wanting to see more of in TV and film. I also wasn’t alive in the 1990s so I totally missed the moment it’s looking to capture. Which makes it more interesting to me. All I knew about JFK Jr. going in was that he dressed cool, had great hair, and died in a plane crash at the end of the decade. July 16th 1999 was the day that, according to my Nana and resident Shea Langeliers fan, the world stopped and cried at the news of JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette’s passing. Now I’m not saying she’s wrong or misinformed by any means, but July 16th 1999 was also a day worth celebrating. Why you ask? Well, a trip to baseball reference taught me that the A’s beat the Giants that day, 4-2, in Oakland, in front of a crowd of about 45,000 people. Jason Giambi went deep off of Russ Ortiz. So did Ben Grieve. Gil Heredia provided 7.1 innings of one run ball. The relief tandem of Buddy Groom and Billy Taylor held down the fort from there, securing the series win against the Giants.

Sounds like a pretty good day to me. For the Kennedy family? Not so much. Unless they were A’s heads like the rest of us.

I tried to locate the broadcast of that game, to see if there was any mention of the plane crash, but had no success. If any of you taped it, and still have that tape in your possession, do not hesitate to reach out. In the meantime, I’ll have A’s vs Rangers fired up, anxiously anticipating not only tonight’s episode of Love Story, but the A’s first win of the spring!

Going into today’s game, the A’s have been outscored 33-4! Yikes! Not want you want to see, especially when the biggest narrative around the A’s going into the Cactus League was how the offense was going to be potent, but the pitching staff lackluster. One of those things has been true. Not the one you want unfortunately. Thankfully today’s a new day, the team is well rested, and my boy Jack Perkins is on the bump. I’m curious to see how they handle Perkins this spring. Chances are he’ll spend the bulk of the regular season coming out of the bullpen, possibly even closing. Today, however, will be a chance for him to run through his starting pitching rituals. That being said, I can’t imagine he’ll go more than a couple of innings.

Let’s check out the lineup behind him!

As you can see, the Stickman Nick Kurtz lead-off experiment is in full effect today. Everyone that follows is expected to make the big league club, so let’s see how they fare against Cal Quantrill and the Texas Rangers.

It’s a split squad day for the Rangers. Some of their heavy hitters such as Wyatt Langford, Corey Seager, and Josh Smith will be off facing the Milwaukee Brewers. Look closely at their lineup against the A’s and you’ll catch a trio of familiar faces. Leading off is Tyler Wade, who was with the club in 2023. Jonah Bride, who the A’s drafted in the 23rd round back in 2018, is occupying the DH spot. Former A’s first rounder Richie Martin Jr. mans the hot corner. It’s been a rough decade for Martin Jr. A cup of coffee with the Baltimore Orioles has been his only real taste of the show. Even then, he hasn’t donned a big league uni since 2022. The Texas Rangers are club number six for the infielder. He’ll be looking to get a little revenge against the A’s today, on this beautiful Thursday afternoon in Mesa, Arizona.

Live from Hohokam Stadium – – it’s the (0-4) A’s against the (4-2) Rangers!

Make yourself a sandwich and enjoy the game. I’ll be putting a Philly cheesesteak to work, hanging onto every Jack Perkins sinker like it’s Game 162.

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Olympics 3-on-3 overtime 'not hockey anymore': Could it change?

The NHL season has resumed after the Olympic break and if a game is tied after 60 minutes, there will be a 3-on-3 overtime, followed by a shootout.

Just like the Olympics.

But when the NHL rolls around to the playoffs, it will switch to a 5-on-5 overtime.

The Olympics doesn't do that, though. It goes from a five-minute 3-on-3 overtime in the preliminary round, plus a shootout if necessary, to 10 minutes and a potential shootout in the knockout rounds up to the bronze medal. Even though the gold medal game's overtime lasts for however long it takes for the first goal to be scored it's still 3-on-3.

"It’s not a format we would have chosen, but we respect the rules of the tournaments we participate in," NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly told USA TODAY Sports.

When Jack Hughes scored in the Feb. 22 gold-medal game to give the USA its first gold since 1980, it was done at 3-on-3.

"You take four players off the ice, hockey's not hockey anymore," Canada coach Jon Cooper said after that game. "There's a reason overtime and shootouts are in play. It's all TV driven to end games. So there's not a long time. There's a reason it's not in the Stanley Cup Finals or playoffs because it gets ended in five."

He backtracked later in the news conference.

"All the teams know the rules going into these beforehand. So you can't come up here and say we're the losing team because we lost in a 3-on-3 and that's not fair," he said. "We knew the rules coming in. We won a game in this tournament 3-on-3 (against Czechia), so that's not the way it is."

Here's a look at the impact of 3-on-3 overtime at the Olympics:

Why was 3-on-3 overtime adopted?

The NHL has been using 3-on-3 (changed from 4-on-4) in the regular season since 2015-16 in an attempt to cut down on the number of games that go to a shootout.

It's incumbent early in the Olympics to have games not last forever because up to three games a day are played at the same arena.

The International Ice Hockey Federation kept a shootout for all games until recently, and a few gold medal games went to a shootout. The 1994 Swedish men's team won on the famed Peter Forsberg move. The 2018 USA women's team beat Canada in a shootout. Overtime was played at 4-on-4 in that year and the 2010 gold medal overtime won by Canada.

"The IIHF has tried various formats over the years – some years ago it was decided to align all overtime formats into (3-on-3) and as such it was also used for the Olympics," said IIHF spokesperson Noémi Villamarin.

When did 3-on-3 overtime start at the Olympics?

The 2022 Olympics were the first to use 3-on-3 overtimes and to drop the shootout for the gold medal game.

The NHL originally was scheduled to send players to the Beijing Games but backed out to make up league games postponed by COVID.

Despite the 3-on-3, three men's games went through a full overtime to a shootout, including the USA's loss to Slovakia in the quarterfinals and Russia's semifinal win against Sweden. Two preliminary round games were settled in overtime, one after two minutes and the other after four minutes.

Overtime at the 2026 Olympics

The 3-on-3 overtime in 2026 drew notice because NHL players – and therefore elite skill – were on the ice for the first time since 2014.

There were five overtime games in the men's tournament and no shootouts. One was in the preliminary round, three in the quarterfinals and the one in the final. The women's gold- and bronze-medal games also went to overtime.

The longest men's overtime lasted 3 minutes, 27 seconds when the USA's Quinn Hughes, Jack's brother, scored to defeat Sweden in the quarterfinals.

"That's as nervous as I've been ever in a hockey game," said Dylan Larkin, who had scored in regulation. "Just the way 3-on-3 goes, it's really just being opportunistic. Someone could fall, some puck could bounce, anything could happen, especially with the ice out there."

The USA took advantage the wider-open ice of 3-on-3 in the gold medal game. Jack Hughes pushed the puck past Canada's Cale Makar, Zach Werenski fought off a defensive play and fed Hughes for the winning goal at 1:41.

"It's still skilled players out there making skilled plays," Cooper said. "And the U.S. team has some skilled players – as do we. They made one more play than we did in overtime."

What's next for best-of-best hockey overtime?

The 2025 4 Nations Face-Off was the start of a commitment of the NHL to best-on-best international tournaments.

Canada beat the USA in overtime in the final, which was played at 5-on-5.

"The 4 Nations Face-Off was our tournament with our rules," Daly said.

A 2028 World Cup of Hockey is in the works. The NHL also has committed to send its players to the 2030 Winter Olympics in France.

Could there be a change in the overtime format before then?

"The IIHF is continuously evaluating all aspects of the game, also the OT format and will make decisions accordingly," Villamarin said.

Contributing: Helene St. James, Detroit Free Press; Michael Traikos, Hockey News

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Will Olympics 3-on-3 overtime change after rising criticism?

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Speculation That Sabres Are A Fit With Blackhawk Blueliner

The Buffalo Sabres were expected to be a team in the seller category after starting the season at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, but the Sabres surge since December has them in position to end their 14-year playoff drought, which has made GM Jarmo Kekalainen re-evaluate the club’s options. 

Based on the Sabres position in the top three of the Atlantic Division, it seems highly unlikely that they will deal pending unrestricted free agent winger Alex Tuch, but in the days leading up to the NHL trade deadline on March 6, there are a number of potential trade options on the table for Kekalainen that make sense.

Other Sabres Stories

Six Former Sabres Who Signed Elsewhere

Rasmus Dahlin - Norris contender?

One potential option floated in a piece in The Athletic earlier this week is a trade for Chicago defenseman Connor Murphy. The 32-year-old is a 13-year NHL veteran who started his career in Arizona and has spent the last nine seasons with the Hawks, but Murphy is a pending UFA making $4.4 million. With the inconsistent availability of Michael Kesselring and the injury to Conor Timmins, it would make sense for the Sabres to be seeking reinforcements on the right side of their blueline. 

The piece speculates that Murphy, who has 12 points (4 goals, 8 assists) in 57 games, would cost the Sabres a 2027 second-round pick, but the cost for right-shot blueliners tends to increase as the deadline approaches. The Sabres interest in someone like Murphy would only make sense if they are not confident that Kesselring can stay healthy, or that Timmins will not return before the end of the season.    

 

Follow Michael on X, Instagram @MikeInBuffalo

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Fischer: NBA still believes Brooklyn Nets have interest in Giannis

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - FEBRUARY 22: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks warms up before a game against the Toronto Raptors at Fiserv Forum on February 22, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Greek Freakout is having a respite right now. He still hasn’t officially asked for a trade and still expresses his love for Cream City. Most of Milwaukee’s attention as an organization is about filling their roster with players Giannis Antetokounmpo would want to play with going forward, the newly acquired Cam Thomas being their most prominent acquisition so far. Since the deadline, they’re 6-2.

Pundits have repeatedly suggested the New York Knicks, the Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers, even the San Antonio Spurs would have the inside track on the 31-year-old, two-time MVP and NBA champion if he signals a change of mind. But Jake Fischer who had the Bucks interest in Thomas early on thinks that maybe the Nets should be added to that list. In writing this week for The Steinline, Fischer had this to say about Brooklyn’s possible interest.

 As Marc Stein wrote here Feb. 4, significant summer salary cap space is expected to make the Lakers a viable suitor in the Giannis Sweepstakes. I also continue to hear rival teams musing aloud about Brooklyn’s potential emergence as a credible destination given the Nets’ considerable cache of draft capital to package with, say, Michael Porter Jr. … or with a trade construction that keeps MPJ in place to play alongside Antetokounmpo. It remains to be seen,

Fischer also writes that he thinks that Antetokounmpo will ultimately depart the Bucks for a contender and the Nets are hardly, at least at this point, anywhere close to contention. After all, there’s a distinct possibility they could wind up with the worst record in the league. At this point, they’re only two games back of that distinction.

Beyond the fact that Antetokounmpo’s recent interview with ESPN’s Malika Andrews featured multiple comments that would appear to keep the door ajar for an eventual exit from Brewtown, I’ve kept in regular contact with four sources close to the situation who have all maintained that a move to a true title contender is the most likely endgame for the 31-year-old.

And that’s why I think the trade is going to happen this summer.

Fischer notes that just before the trade deadline, half his sources on the issue suggested that the Bucks were not ready to move, the other half believe “it will finally happen during the looming offseason.”

For the moment, putting aside 1) who Sean Marks & co. might have to offer for Giannis or 2) how many teams Marks would have to recruit for a bigger deal or 3) how much Joe Tsai might have to pay out when it comes time for an extension — think a quarter billion dollars, what Fischer writes is interesting in how the league perceives the Nets will operate this summer.

Multiple NBA writers including Fischer and Stein reported prior to the February 5 deadline that the Nets were not so much interested in trading for more draft assets — they have 32, the most in the league, including 10 tradeable firsts — or taking on contracts that would impinge on the near $50 million in cap space they could put together this summer. Instead, to one degree or another, they believe that the Nets are going to make moves to get them back on the road to contention, going from rebuild to build. Some suggested they plan on using whoever they get in the lottery as a lure … along with Jordi Fernandez and the city of New York.

Beyond Giannis, there’s also been talk about the Nets taking a look at Peyton Watson, the 6’8” Denver Nuggets forward who is having a breakout year and will be a restricted free agent. The 23-year-old is close to Michael Porter Jr. and the Nuggets have some cap issues. Signing him seems a long shot. But a sign-and-trade … using some of those assets? Makes more sense.

Beyond Fischer’s and others’ reporting on what the Nets might do, MPJ’s recent comments also pointed to a not-so-distant future where the Nets change direction. As a member of an NBA champion and annual contender in Denver, he was asked this week about the losing he’s endured this season.

“This is a new situation that I’ve been in, but no basketball game is meaningless. It’s all part of the journey,” Porter told reporters. “This team, we’re not just looking at this year, we’re looking at the overall scheme and goals for the next one, two, three, four, five years.

“All these games matter for us in terms of growth, continuity and chemistry. Sometimes it’s hard to focus on that, but we’ve got to come in and work every day and realize it’s a bigger picture. At the end of the day, we’re playing basketball, a game we all love to play.”

‘WE?“ ”US?“ Porter sure sounds like he wants to be a part of it, believes he will be.

Of course, predicting the NBA future requires a very good crystal ball. A lot of what happens may not be visible now. For example, if the Cavs exit the playoffs early, will native New Yorker Donovan Mitchell want to stick around The Land? He was a rumored target of the Nets two years back. If the Knicks exit early, how will that effect their long term thinking? The Nets still own three unprotected first rounders in 2027, 2029 and 2031 as well as first round swap in 2028. Those picks would become quite valuable earlier than expected. We could be talking Herschel Walker trade territory if that happens.

Then there’s luck. Good and bad.

Bottom line is that despite how quiet the Nets have been, there’s ample evidence even among other NBA teams executives that Brooklyn will not be tanking this time next year, not be as interested in the draft.

If you’re looking for something close to finite, the Nets trade for Hunter Tyson might give you one, albeit small. The Nets traded Tyson, who they quickly cut, and someone else’s late second rounder in 2026 for a Nuggets second in 2032. With all that youth draft capital, they chose to pass on a pick that might wind up as a two-way next summer and instead added one at a time when they might need some roster replenishment. (They now have three picks — a lottery pick in the first and two high seconds — in 2026 and six picks — two firsts and four seconds — in 2032.)

So, at this time next year, they may not be contending for a title, or they might with Giannis, but their direction will likely be quite clear. As always, stay tuned.

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The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Betting on Baseball

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Baseball betting is massively popular with casual fans and die-hard seam heads for a few key reasons.

For starters, it is one of the only professional sports played during the summer sporting calendar, running from late spring to its postseason in October. During that span, the schedule is stacked each day with teams playing as many as six or seven games a week.

Baseball is also a numbers game, with every contest, inning, and at-bat measured by metrics. That leaves baseball bettors with stacks of data to take advantage of when betting the MLB odds.

How baseball betting works

Baseball betting is one of the most simple sports betting markets to understand.

Due to the low-scoring nature of baseball and the fact that a high percentage of games are decided by one run, the preferred method of baseball betting is simply picking the winner outright, also known as betting the moneyline.

Another popular and simplistic baseball bet you can make is wagering on the total runs scored by both sides in the game, also known as the Over/Under.

Here’s a look at the three most popular ways baseball betting works.

Betting on Who Will Win the Game

Baseball Moneyline Example

The moneyline represents a set of odds for a baseball game based on each team’s implied probability of winning.

These are most often displayed in American odds (hundreds) with a negative value (-) assigned to indicate the favorite, and a positive value (+) to indicate the underdog. The moneyline is bet by wagering on the team you think will win, however, since some teams are stronger than others, the amount of money you can win depends on the risk involved.

For example, the favorite to win the game has a moneyline of -150. That means for every $1 you want to win you must bet $1.50 since the risk involved is lower because the favorite has a greater probability of winning the game. A wager of $150 at -150 has a potential win of $100.

If the underdog for that game has a moneyline of +130, that means for every $1 you bet you can win $1.30, because the risk involved is higher since the underdog has a smaller probability of winning the game. A wager of $100 at +130 has a potential win of $130.

Find out how much money you could win using our easy odds converter & moneyline calculator.

Baseball Spread Betting

Baseball Moneyline Example

The run line is baseball’s version of the spread, in which the number of runs is designated as a handicap between the two teams. The most common run line is 1.5 runs with the favorite to win set at -1.5 and the underdog at +1.5.

That means that the favorite must win by two or more runs to cover the run line and the underdog can win outright or lose by less than two runs to cover the run line. Attached to each team’s run line is a set of odds known as the juice or vig. This is the cost of placing those run line bets.

For example, if a run line favorite is -1.5 and the juice on that is +150 it is shown as -1.5 (+150). That means for every $1 bet on that -1.5 run line you could win $1.50. The run line underdog is +1.5 and that bet has juice of -170, displayed as +1.5 (-170). That means for every $1 you want to win on +1.5 you would need to bet $1.70.

Betting on Baseball Totals

Baseball Totals Example

Over/Under betting in baseball is extremely popular with oddsmakers, who set a projected total of combined runs scored in a game by both teams and bettors pick whether the final score will go Over or Under that total.

The Over and the Under both have odds attached, known as juice or vig. The juice is based on the implied probability of the final score going Over or Under the total.

For example, if a game total is 8.5 runs with the Over 8.5 (-120) and the Under 8.5 (+100). Due to a higher probability of the final score being 9 runs or more, the juice on the Over is set at -120, which means for every $1 you want to win you must risk $1.20. With the probability of a final score of 8 or fewer runs being smaller, the Under is set at +100 which means you win $1 for every $1 risked.

New school MLB rules

Major League Baseball continues to tinker with its rules following sweeping changes a year ago aimed at speeding up games, making base paths safer for runners, and ending infield shifts. Here's what you need to know about how the game is played in 2026:

  • The pitch clock was implemented in 2023. The pitch clock initially had a 15-second limit between pitches with no runners on base and a 20-second limit with runners on base. But in 2024 the MLB reduced the pitch clock from 20 to 18 seconds with runners on base.
  • If a pitcher is not ready by the end of the pitch clock they will be assessed a ball. And if a batter is not ready in the batter's box with five seconds left on the pitch clock they will be assessed a strike.
  • A pitcher entering a game must face at least three batters or pitch to the end of a half-inning. If a pitcher faces one batter to end an inning, he may be removed, but if he is brought back for a second inning, he must still face two more batters for a total of three.
  • A pitcher sent to warm up for an inning must face at least one batter.
  • Managers and coaches have four mound visits per game.
  • The runner's lane has been widened to include the dirt between the foul line and infield grass.
  • Defensive shift rules require that the defensive team have no more than two infielders on the dirt on either side of the second base prior to a pitch being thrown. If there is a violation, the batting team can accept the result of the play or the batter will be granted a free base if the violating player was the first to touch the ball in play.

Four more ways to bet on baseball

1

Parlays

MLB parlays consist of two or more baseball bets tied together on one wager. The parlay can include moneyline, run line, and Over/Under bets. The more bets added to a parlay the greater the potential win, but the higher the risk.

For MLB parlays to pay out, all of the bets involved must win. Even if only one of the bets involved in the MLB parlay loses, the entire parlay is graded as a loss.

2

First five innings odds

Betting first five innings odds in baseball is similar to betting moneylines, run lines or Over/Unders for a full game, however, the bets are graded on the results through the first five innings of the contest.

Betting the first five innings odds is a great way to get more value from the starting pitchers and avoid late-game collapses by the bullpens.

3

Prop bets

MLB prop bets are made by wagering on teams and players instead of betting on the final score. Prop bets can be based on individual team performance, such as a team’s total number of runs or hits in the game, as well as individual player performance for pitchers and batters.

Prop bets can be a fun alternative to more traditional betting options and many sportsbooks offer a wide variety of proposition betting markets.

4

Futures

MLB futures are odds based on long-running markets, like odds to win the World Series, league pennants, or division winners. MLB futures can also be set around season win totals and player honors, such as MLB MVP odds and Cy Young odds.

Most MLB futures odds open for betting in the offseason and take action all year, adjusting to results, injuries, and betting action until the market is closed by the sportsbook or the result is decided.

You can see the latest World Series odds here:

Baseball betting tips and strategies

These are some basic baseball betting tips and strategies to utilize when handicapping the MLB odds.

Baseball Icon Pitching matchups and odds

MLB starting pitchers are the biggest factor oddsmakers consider when setting the baseball moneylines, run lines, and totals.

Baseball oddsmakers will look at the current form of both starters as well as home/away results, past performances against that opponent, and how they match up to the current batting lineup (vs. left- and right-handed batters).

See today's MLB matchups

Money Icon Public betting and consensus

Consensus shows the overall betting patterns for a game, displaying the percentage of bets placed on one side or the other. For example, if there are 500 total bets placed on an Over/Under for a game and 350 are on the Over, that would mean that there is a 70% consensus on the Over for that game.

Public betting is used to describe the patterns of recreational bettors, most often when the percentage is high on a particular side.

See today's MLB consensus

On Fire Icon Betting trends

Baseball betting trends are repeating results from game-to-game or in certain situations that can help offer insight into placing your wagers. These trends can be league-wide or team-focused. The best betting trends are based on larger sample sizes and have a narrative or explanation behind their repeated results.

For example, teams may have betting trends around their Over/Under results for home and away or indoor vs. outdoor venues, as well as trends based on the throwing hand of the opposing starting pitcher.

See today's MLB betting trends

Cloudy Icon Watch the weather

Wind speed and direction is something bettors watch for when placing Over/Under wagers. Strong winds blowing toward the outfield can carry fly balls over the fence, while strong winds blowing toward home plate can keep balls inside the park.

Rain can make the ball slick to handle for pitchers and fielders. However, games are often delayed if it is raining too hard.

Humidity can also play a role in the final score. Fly balls hang in the air and carry further in humid climates, particularly in late summer.

See today's MLB weather

Umpire Icon Know the umpires

Every home plate umpire has their tendencies when it comes to calling balls and strikes.

Umpires with smaller strike zones generate more called balls, which produces more walks, forcing pitchers to be more accurate. Look for Over results when the strike zone is tight.

Umpires with bigger strike zones benefit the pitcher and call fewer balls. Look for Under results when the strike zone is more liberal.

See today's MLB umpires

Bandage Icon Watch out for the injury bug

Keeping track of injuries is very important when betting baseball. Injuries are also one of the biggest factors that could shift the odds on a game throughout the day.

While the starting pitchers are the biggest factor baked into the MLB odds, missing key lineup players as well as important relievers or a regular position starter can impact the outcome of a game. Bettors will want to investigate the value of those injured players and if it is reflected in the odds.

See today's MLB injuries

Today's MLB odds

Here are the latest baseball odds on the hottest MLB matchups of the day:

See all live MLB odds

Ready to place a bet?

Depending on your level of readiness for betting on baseball, you can either try your luck at one of Covers’ free-to-play contests for the chance to win cash and prizes or you can start placing real money MLB bets at the best sportsbooks.

Best baseball sportsbooks for beginners

At Covers, our team of sports betting experts have extensively poured through the many online sportsbooks available and have identified these as the best baseball betting sites out there to get you started in betting on baseball.

These sites are licensed and trusted sportsbooks that offer great sign-up bonuses, plenty of convenient and quick banking options, and favorable odds for new bettors.

Advanced baseball strategies

Ready to take your MLB handicapping to the next level? Check out these articles for advanced strategies.

Covers MLB betting forum

Another great way to learn more about baseball betting is by talking with other bettors. The Covers Forum is one of the largest sports betting communities in the world and is a great place to get picks, ask questions, and learn from experienced sports bettors.

Join the conversation

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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Game Preview: Suns offense looks to improve in pivotal matchup against the Lakers

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 14: Collin Gillespie #12 of the Phoenix Suns looks for room to the basket as Lebron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers defends during the second half of a game at Mortgage Matchup Center on December 14, 2025 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 Mike Christy/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Who: Los Angeles Lakers (34-23) @ Phoenix Suns (33-26)

When: 7:00pm Arizona Time

Where: Mortgage Matchup Center — Phoenix, Arizona

Watch: Arizona’s Family 3TV, Arizona’s Family Sports, Yes Network

Listen: KMVP 98.7

It’s been rough for the Phoenix Suns ever since play resumed after the All-Star break. 1-3 in their last four, Phoenix has struggled to hit the broad side of a barn lately as the team continues to deal with injuries. Since the break, the team hasn’t shot better than 38% from the field and their lone win was the first time any NBA team had won a game shooting under 35% from the field since 2023.

Devin Booker remains out for at least one more contest, Dillon Brooks and Jordan Goodwin are out for a minimum of 4-6 and 1-2 weeks.

The good news for the Suns? After tonight’s contest, they don’t play again until Tuesday, where they’ll face the Sacramento Kings, who recently snapped a franchise-worst 16-game losing streak, losing 16 of their last 17 games.

But tonight’s contest will be a tough and important one. Separated by just two games in the standings, the Lakers are ahead of the Suns for the last spot in the top-six of the Western Conference standings.

Because of where they finished in the In-Season Tournament, the Suns and Lakers will play five times in the regular season, meaning someone will win the season series. Phoenix is up 2-1 so far and tonight is their last chance to win the series at home. The winner of the season series could play a pivotal roll at the end of the year standings.

Can Phoenix pull off the win tonight amid all their injuries?

Starting Lineups

Injury Report

Suns

  • Cole Anthony — OUT (Not with Team)
  • Devin Booker — OUT (Right Hip Strain)
  • Dillon Brooks — OUT (Left Hand Fracture)
  • Jordan Goodwin — OUT (Left Calf Strain)
  • Haywood Highsmith — OUT (Right Knee Injury Management)

Lakers

  • Rui Hachimura — QUESTIONABLE (Illness)
  • Jaxon Hayes — PROBABLE (Right Ankle Sprain)
  • Bronny James — OUT (G League Assignment)
  • Adou Thiero — OUT (G League Assignment)

What to Watch For

Can the Suns’ offense finally turn it around? The Lakers aren’t necessarily world beaters on defense, sitting in the middle of the pack when it comes to defensive rating, but neither are the Portland Trail Blazers, and Phoenix put up a measly 77 points.

Can offseason addition Jalen Green start to get in an offensive rhythm after an inconsistent start to his Suns career? Averaging 13 points per game on 37% from the field and 29% from three, Green has struggled to be a consistent offensive threat, with the usually dynamic scorer having only two 20-point games in his first 11 with his new team, and just one game where he shot at least 50% from the field.

Against a Lakers team that allowed guards Benedict Mathurin, Payton Pritchard, and Desmond Bane to have 20+ scoring outings recently, can Green put together a strong offensive performance?

Key to a Suns Win

The offense needs to improve. Whether Devin Booker misses more than one more game and Dillon Brooks is out closer to six weeks than four, the Suns’ offense needs to be better and just flat out knock down more shots. Putting up 77 and 81 points in consecutive games doesn’t cut it, no matter how good your defense plays. This isn’t the 1990s NBA. Phoenix needs to shoot better from the field.

The Suns were able to beat the Lakers back in December when Devin Booker left early in the contest, but they had Dillon Brooks for that game. On top of playing better on offense, they’re going to need to play strong collective defense against one of the most explosive big threes in the NBA in Luka Dončić, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves. The Suns can win down players, they’re 6-9 without Booker, the question is, playing without him and Brooks too much to ask for the rest of the team?

Prediction

Look for the Suns to come out with a lot of energy and hustle in this important matchup. I just don’t think they have enough offensive firepower to put up with a Lakers team that ,while flawed, has strong moments offensively and is hungry to get back in the win column after two devastating losses.

Lakers 104, Suns 98

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Spring Training Game Thread: Brewers at Rangers/Rangers at Athletics

Jun 22, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Texas Rangers pitcher Kumar Rocker (80) throws in the outfield before the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

It’s so nice out there in Arizona this spring that the Texas Rangers have decided to play two Cactus League games today. At their home away from home in Surprise, the Rangers will welcome the Milwaukee Brewers with RHP Kumar Rocker set to make the start for Texas opposite LHP Aaron Ashby for Milwaukee.

The half of the team that drew the short straw will bus over to Mesa, AZ to take on the hated Athletics from formerly Oakland. RHP Cal Quantrill will make the start for the Rangers against RHP Jack Perkins for the Northern California squad.

Here are the lineups for the home game against the Brewers:

Today’s Lineups

BREWERSRANGERS
Brandon Lockridge – CFSam Haggerty – RF
Tyler Black – 1BWyatt Langford – CF
Gary Sanchez – DHCorey Seager – SS
David Hamilton – 3BJake Burger – 1B
Eddys Leonard – LFDanny Jansen – DH
Luis Lara – RFJosh Smith – 2B
Jeferson Quero – CEzequiel Duran – 3B
Cooper Pratt – SSMark Canha – LF
Dylan O’Rae – 2BCooper Johnson – C
Aaron Ashby – LHPKumar Rocker – RHP

Here are the lineups for the road games against the A’s:

Today’s Lineups

RANGERSATHLETICS
Tyler Wade – RFNick Kurtz – 1B
Joc Pederson – 1BShea Langeliers – C
Alejandro Osuna – CFTyler Soderstrom – LF
Cameron Cauley – SSBrent Rooker – DH
Jonah Bride – DHJeff McNeil – 2B
Richie Martin – 3BAndy Ibanez – 3B
Jose Herrera – CCarlos Cortes – RF
Aaron Zavala – LFDarell Hernaiz – SS
Andrew Velazquez – 2BDenzel Clarke – CF
Cal Quantrill – RHPJack Perkins – RHP

If you want to listen to the game from Surprise, you’ll have to find the Milwaukee feed or you can follow along on Gameday. Likewise, the A’s have a radio broadcast for the game from Mesa but you can also follow along on Gameday. First pitch for both games today are scheduled for 2:05 pm CT.

Go Rangers!

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Arizona Diamondbacks Spring Training Gameday Thread, #7 vs. Kansas City Royals

SURPRISE, AZ - FEBRUARY 28: General view from the center field cactus garden during the game between the Chicago Cubs and the Texas Rangers at Surprise Stadium on Friday, February 28, 2025 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

Surprise! No, really: Surprise. That’s where the D-backs are playing once again today, returning to the scene of the recent victory over the Texas Rangers, to play the other inhabitants of the complex, the Kansas City Royals. Never mind, it’s at Salt River Fields. The D-backs pitching has still left a bit to be desired, even though our ERA dropped down below seven yesterday – mostly because five of the ten runs allowed were unearned. Hooray for pitching! Boo for defense! That shoddy performance may be why Torey Lovullo was working with the infield defense this morning. Especially since just last week, this was being touted as a focus for 2026.

Other pitchers: RHP Yilber Diaz, RHP Tom Hatch, RHP Ryan Thompson, RHP Kade Strowd, RHP Junior
Fernandez, RHP Landon Sims and RHP Shawn Dubin. Our first look at E-Rod, whose importance to the team is certainly increased, if the Merrill Kelly injury lingers for long [so much for “minimal” concern, eh?] But we should at a look as several serious candidates for bullpen spots. Thompson and Strowd are potentially on the A-list, but I may be most interested in Diaz. He had a terrible case of the yips last year, and couldn’t throw a strike. But his winter ball numbers were considerably better: if he IS fixed, he could be a potential breakout candidate.

No broadcast of this game on the schedule, so might be quiet in here. 🙂

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US hockey player Brady Tkachuk slams White House TikTok as 'clearly fake' after anti-Canada slur

OTTAWA, Ontario (AP) — American hockey player Brady Tkachuk said Thursday that he did not appreciate a doctored TikTok video shared by the White House that made it look like he was disparaging Canadians after winning Olympic gold, calling it fake and something he would never say.

The video includes fabricated audio of Tkachuk referring to Canadians as “maple syrup eating (expletive),” with the expletive bleeped out. The video carries a note saying it “contains AI-generated media.”

“It’s clearly fake because it’s not my voice and not my lips moving,” Tkachuk said. “I’m not in control of any of those accounts. … I know that those words would never come out of my mouth.”

Asked if he liked the video, Tkachuk said he did not: “I would never say that. That’s not who I am.”

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Tkachuk also denied being the voice heard shouting “close the northern border” during Team USA’s celebratory phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump after Sunday's 2-1 overtime win over Canada to win the gold medal at the Winter Olympics.

“I’ve been seeing stuff that people think it’s me, but if you watch the video, that’s not my voice and something that I never say,” Tkachuk said. “I don’t really know how that kind of took a storm on its own when I play here and give everything I have here.”

Tkachuk, a 26-year-old Arizona native, is the captain of the NHL's Ottawa Senators and has played his entire career in the Canadian capital. He and other members of the U.S. team returned from Italy this week and are resuming the NHL season. Some attended Trump's State of the Union speech in Washington on Tuesday night and were cheered by those in attendance.

The U.S. women also beat Canada 2-1 in overtime, the first time the Americans swept both Olympic hockey tournaments. The celebration of the twin victories has been shadowed by U.S. politics almost since the final horn of the men's game.

Talking on a speakerphone in the postgame locker room, Trump extended an invitation to the White House to the men’s team, then added, “We’re going to have to bring the women’s team, you do know that.” The president also joked that if he didn’t extend the invitation, he would probably be impeached. Some of the men's players chuckled, something at least one said they regretted later. Tkachuk said he understood how the moment on the phone call could have been viewed by the women's players.

“I mean, I get it,” he said. “We supported them, they supported us. You can’t control what other people say.”

A number of the men's players traveled to Washington on Tuesday and visited Trump in the White House before being guests at the State of the Union. Many of the women’s players, meanwhile, were on the way back to their professional or college clubs. They didn't learn they had also had been invited until late Sunday, making it difficult to change travel plans already disrupted by bad weather on the East Coast.

In his address, Trump said plans were in the works to have the women’s team visit the White House, though it was unclear when that could happen. The earliest the team could travel to Washington would be in late spring after the conclusion of the PWHL season.

In the meantime, rapper Flavor Flav scheduled a July celebration for the women's team in Las Vegas for those who can make it.

Hilary Knight earlier this week said she doesn’t want to let what she called a “distasteful” joke by Trump get in the way of a historic performance by American women at the Winter Games. Players for both U.S. teams have been uniform in saying how much they bonded in the athletes' village in Milan and supported each other on their runs to gold.

“Our two teams were so close. We watched other events together. We went and supported them. We loved the women’s team. The women’s team loved us and we’re so proud that we had a clean sweep of gold medals and just so much respect for them and the other athletes," said Florida Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk, Brady's brother.

Brady Tkachuk was asked about being a proud American while being the Senators captain at a moment of heightened tension between the countries.

“First and foremost, I’ve given absolutely everything I have as an Ottawa Senator — blood, sweat and tears,” Tkachuk said. “When you represent the U.S., being an American, it’s an honor. There are only three teams that have won the gold medal for the U.S., so to be part of that is special.”

___

AP writers Melissa Goldin, Tim Reynolds and John Wawrow as well as the Canadian Press contributed.

___

AP Winter Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics

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Michael King, ABS have big day

The Los Angeles Angels certainly helped out by bringing many of their front line players to Peoria for their game against the Padres on Wednesday. In Michael King’s first start of spring camp, he got a mostly major league line-up to test his progress back from an injury-plagued 2025.

After the usual two innings to start the game, King had only thrown 25 pitches so he was sent out for the third inning and finished with 37 pitches overall. His first two innings were efficient, highlighted by two strikeouts (first baseman Nolan Schanuel and catcher Logan O’Hoppe) and three ground ball outs. The third inning was a little rougher with a lead off homer (second baseman Christian Moore) and a single (left fielder Raudi Rodriguez) to go with two more strikeouts (shortstop Zach Neto and third baseman Denzer Guzman). King was removed after two outs.

Funky right-hander Alek Jacob followed with his unusual arm angle and lower velocity. Throwing most of his fastballs (four-seam and sinker) between 86-88 mph, Jacob mixed in his sweeper and changeup for three strikeouts of his four hitters faced.

New Padre Ty Adcock followed with a clean inning and lefty Kyle Hart worked around a double for another clean inning. Ethan Salas came in to relieve catcher Luis Campusano to catch for Hart and won an ABS challenge with the first hitter.

The seventh inning was a stormy one for left-hander Omar Cruz. He allowed two home runs around a ground ball out but then struck out the next two hitters. The game was finished by lefty Jagger Haynes in the eighth and Logan Gillaspie (back from his paternity leave), each with clean innings. Haynes worked around two hits and finished with a double play.

Padres pitchers finished allowing three runs on eight hits with 14 strikeouts.

Offense surges late again

On the hitters side, Manny Machado continues his history of slow springs and still doesn’t have a hit. Ty France’s at-bat in the sixth inning stands out for the timely and dramatic use of ABS by a hitter. Fernando Tatis Jr. got a single in the 6th inning, Jackson Merrill got a double in the third inning and Ramon Laureano hit a single in the second inning. Their scoring all occurred in the sixth and eighth innings, another later inning rally by the Friars.

ABS drama

Working with two outs and two strikes, France got a called third strike but challenged the pitch and the ABS showed a ball by one tenth of an inch, giving him new life. On the next pitch he lined a single that drove in two runs, giving the Padres a 4-1 lead.

Overall, there were eight ABS challenges and Padres hitters France and Nick Castellanos both had their strike calls overturned. Five of the eight calls were overturned during the game. It’s Spring Training for the umpires, too.

Romeo Sanabria and Mason McCoy

First baseman Romeo Sanabria hit a double as a pinch-hitter for France in the eighth. driving in a run and shortstop Mason McCoy, subbing at shortstop, hit another double later in the inning, driving in two runs. McCoy also had an impressive jump-throw behind second base in the seventh inning, throwing out Angels first baseman Schanuel.

Sanabria is trying to be the minor league star of Spring 2026 with his performance to start the first six games. He is 5-for-8 with seven RBI, including a home run and two doubles. As a left-handed first baseman, Sanabria has been a bat-first player for his career. He is opening some eyes early this spring after finishing 2025 with Double-A San Antonio. In 119 games last season, he hit .257/309/.432 (.802 OPS) with 12 HR, 18 2B and 56 RBI in 119 games.

McCoy has hit well and played good defense in his early spring opportunities. The competition for bench spots looks to be a fierce battle between McCoy, Will Wagner, Ty France, Jose Miranda and Miguel Andujar. McCoy and Wagner still have minor league options but France and Miranda are major league veterans with opt out options as part of their contracts. Andujar is on a major league deal and is competing with Nick Castellanos as an infield bat to pair with Gavin Sheets for 1B/DH.

My time in Arizona is done. Lots of observations made on the practice fields and in bullpens that will be noted in the spring notes from the first week of games.

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Submit your questions for The Pindown: A Detroit Pistons Podcast

Send in your questions now for this week’s episode of The Pindown: A Detroit Pistons Podcast to discuss everything Pistons. Submit your question to the comments section here or on X/Twitter to @TheRealWesD3 and/or @blakesilverman.

Join us live on Saturday morning for the show where we’ll recap the Pistons’ recent stretch of games. Does Cade Cunningham have a real shot of winning the MVP with the recent absence of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander? What are you taking away from the loss to the Spurs? Which Eastern Conference team scares you the most in the playoffs?

Plus, The Pindown has a phone line where you can leave a message and hear your voice on the show. Call (313) 355-2717 and leave us a voicemail with your question. Please try to keep the message around 45 seconds or less so we can fit everyone into the show.

The podcast will be uploaded to all audio platforms the following morning.

The Pindown: A Detroit Pistons Podcast Vitals:

When: Saturday February 28 at 10:30 a.m. ET

Where: Detroit Bad Boys YouTube Channel

How to submit questions:

  • Detroit Bad Boys Website: Comment section of the weekly Pindown episode articles.
  • Call (313) 355-2717 and leave us a voicemail with your question. Please try to keep the message to 45 seconds or less.
  • Twitter: @detroitbadboys, @blakesilverman or @therealwesd3
  • YouTube: Chat section of The Pindown live recording — Subscribe here

As always, leave any questions or topics you want to be discussed in the comment section below.

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Dodgers vs White Sox game chat

Still undefeated in Spring Training, the Dodgers look to go 6-0 against their camp mates Chicago White Sox. The Dodgers will be the away team at the two clubs’ shared facilities.

Max Muncy will make his Spring Training debut, and Tyler Glasnow will be on the mound.

Thursday game info
  • Teams: Dodgers vs. White Sox
  • Ballpark: Camelback Ranch
  • Time: 12:05 p.m. PT
  • TV: SportsNet LA
  • Radio: none
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Golfer Andrea Pavan ‘thankful to be alive’ after reportedly falling down lift shaft

  • Italian reportedly fell three floors in South Africa

  • Golfer ‘in good spirits’ according to his former coach

Italian golfer Andrea Pavan is “thankful to be alive” after reportedly falling three floors down a lift shaft.

The 36-year-old, a two-time European Tour winner, was scheduled to be playing in this week’s South African Open Championship at Stellenbosch Golf Club but was forced to withdraw after the incident on Wednesday.

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