Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Brandon Sproat (23) stretches during spring training workouts Monday, February 16, 2026, at American Family Fields of Phoenix in Phoenix, Arizona. | Dave Kallmann / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The Milwaukee Brewers, having won their last three games after starting the spring slate with a four-game losing streak, will look to move back to .500 on Friday afternoon, as they take on the Chicago White Sox for the second time in a week (and second of two times this spring).
The Brewers dropped the previous matchup, 5-2, on Sunday afternoon in a split-squad day for the Crew. Akil Baddoo crushed a solo homer in that one, while Andrew Vaughn picked up a pair of singles. Baddoo is not in today’s lineup, but Vaughn will bat sixth as the DH.
Jackson Chourio leads off in left field, followed by Brice Turang, William Contreras, and Sal Frelick in the cleanup spot. Jake Bauers bats fifth and starts at first, followed by Vaughn, Luis Rengifo, Garrett Mitchell, and Joey Ortiz. Freddy-Peralta-trade-acquisition Brandon Sproat gets the start in his spring debut.
Sproat is expected to be followed by righties Easton McGee and Abner Uribe, as well as lefties Drew Rom and Shane Drohan (who was acquired in the Caleb Durbin trade a few weeks ago). This will mark Drohan’s spring debut, while McGee, Uribe, and Rom have all made one prior appearance. Per Todd Rosiak, Sproat and Drohan are both expected to throw two innings today.
Brandon Sproat and Shane Drohan will each throw two innings today against the White Sox at AFFOP.
Easton McGee, Abner Uribe and Drew Rom also on the list from MLB camp.
Prospects in uniform include Josh Adamczewski and Marco Dinges.
Chicago’s expected starter is right-hander Sean Burke in a split-squad day for the Sox. Given that this is a road game for them, most of their lineup consists of role players — including former Brewer Oliver Dunn and Wisconsin native Jarred Kelenic — with a few prospects scattered in.
In other news, Jacob Misiorowski is set to make his spring debut on Tuesday, March 3 against Team Great Britain in a World Baseball Classic tune-up game. That game will be broadcast via an audio feed on the Brewers website.
Jacob Misiorowski makes his spring debut in front of fans on Tuesday, March 3 when the Brewers host Team Great Britain in a WBC tune-up game.
DENVER , CO - FEBRUARY 25: Nikola Vucevic (4) of the Boston Celtics passes as Cameron Johnson (23), Julian Strawther (3) and Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets defend during the first quarter at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) | Denver Post via Getty Images
The party rolls on. The Brooklyn Nets hosted the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday night at Barclays Center. The Nets put up a fight, but the Spurs were too much to handle and gave the Nets their sixth consecutive loss.
The opponent tonight has a solid hold on the second seed in the Eastern Conference. Against all odds, the Boston Celtics have exceeded all sorts of expectations this season and will have homecourt advantage in the first round, at the very least. They didn’t help the cause after losing on the road to the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night.
Where to follow the game
YES Network on TV. WFAN on radio. Gotham Sports on streaming. Tip after 7:30 p.m. ET.
Injuries
Night two of a back-to-back you’d expect some players would sit but nope. For the fourth time in nine games, everyone is healthy. Drake Powell is on assignment with Long Island as are the three two-ways. Expect Ben Saraf (called up from Long Island) and Grant Nelson (on a two-way) to be available, but both are coming off a G League back-to-back.
Amazingly, Jayson Tatum is expected back soon. You should remember, dear reader, that Tatum tore his Achilles about nine months in the playoffs against the Knicks. He’s not playing tonight, but don’t be surprised if he’s back within the next month or so. Holy heck.
The game
Boston won games one and three while Brooklyn took game two. This is the last meeting between the two teams this year.
Can I admit something? I’m all in on the Jaylen Brown MVP candidacy! Yes yes I see the efficiency numbers aren’t the greatest especially considering how high his usage rate. And yeah, Nikola Jokic still walks this Earth. But ya know what? I don’t care! Brown’s got the Celtics contending and is the focal point of their attack. From Gio Rivera at Celtics Blog:
“Brown is proving himself as both an elite scorer and an elite playmaker. He’s opened the floor for teammates, veterans and newcomers alike, to excel in their roles while everyone embraces the next-man-up approach Mazzulla and the coaching staff have crafted. Without Tatum and offseason departures Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, Al Horford, and Luke Kornet, the Celtics have competed at a remarkable level, keeping them in the hunt for the No. 1 seed.“
Sounds like someone who should get a vote or two!
Boston is back home after a four game road trip that ended in Denver and the Nets are on the second leg of a back-to-back. Don’t be surprised if this one starts off slowly.
Three point variance is the name of this game. Both teams are top ten in attempts per game, but the Nets are 28th in percentage while the Celtics are 13th. A quick 12-2 run by Boston would get the crowd on tilt and have Brooklyn reeling in a hurry. Ball possession will be essential tonight as the Nets can’t afford to let possessions go to waste against a team this good.
Player to watch: Nikola Vucevic
An old face in a new place. Vucevic came over from the Chicago Bulls in exchange for Anfernee Simons at the trade deadline. So far, his presence has been a welcome addition to the club.
“It’s been huge,” Neemias Queta recently said. “I’m trying to pick his brain every day, trying to figure out how I can get better with my game as well. Credit to him — I think he’s been a great addition in terms of spacing the floor, being able to be a threat down low. He’s going to rebound for sure, too. He’s going to be key for us late in the season, and we’re still trying to figure out a couple of things with him — how to get him in his best spots, and he’s trying to get loose too.”
Vucci Mane is back to doing his usual stuff on offense. He’s been in a bit of a rut in the past two games as he’s shot 5-18 from the field and 0-7 from three point range, but his ability to hit elbow jumpers, find open cutters, etc. will prove handy this spring. Having a post player like Vucevic should make life easy for everyone on the team.
For the first time in a while, the Nets won the rebound battle last night. They’re going to need a total team effort again as the C’s are fourth in the NBA in rebound rate. Assuming Nic Claxton plays, he’ll be responsible for battling with old foe Vucevic on the inside while also controlling the boards. He, Day’ron Sharpe, and Noah Clowney will look to help the Nets on the interior and prevent Boston from getting second and third opportunities on offense.
From the Vault
The Elimination Chamber is tomorrow night, and we are officially on the Road to WrestleMania!
The New York Mets starting pitcher Freddy Peralta throws during spring training on the back fields of Clover Park on Feb. 11, 2026, in Port St. Lucie. | CRYSTAL VANDER WEIT/TCPALM / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Carlos Mendoza officially announced Freddy Peralta as the Mets’ Opening Day starter earlier today. The skipper said it was “pretty clear” Peralta would be pitching at the front of the team’s rotation when he was acquired this offseason, adding “he earned it”.
Peralta was arguably the centerpiece move for a Mets offseason that saw the team part with long-time fan favorites like Pete Alonso, Brandon Nimmo, and Edwin Díaz and add Bo Bichette, Luis Robert Jr., and Jorge Polanco, among others. The team traded top prospects Brandon Sproat and Jett Williams to acquire Peralta, as well as Tobias Myers, in January. Peralta, who served as the Brewers’ ace last season, led all NL starters with 17 wins and posted a 2.70 ERA, a 3.64 FIP, and a 1.08 WHIP, with 204 strikeouts in 176 2/3 innings. Peralta was an All-Star and finished fifth in Cy Young voting in 2025.
Peralta will become the fifth Mets pitcher to start on Opening Day over the last five season, following Clay Holmes, Jose Quintana, Max Scherzer, and Tylor Megill. Prior to that, Jacob deGrom started Opening Day from 2019-2021 for New York.
Peralta will presumably face Paul Skenes, the reigning NL Cy Young winner, when the Mets face the Pirates on March 26 at Citi Field to kick off the 2026 MLB season.
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 27: James Wood #29 of the Washington Nationals catches a fly ball during a baseball game against the Chicago White Sox at the Nationals Park on September 27, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) | Getty Images
One thing I have noticed this spring is that James Wood has been playing a lot of right field. Two of his three games this spring have been in right field. This is notable because Wood exclusively played left field last season. It is telling that the Nats new regime at least wants to get a look at Wood in right field.
Mark Zuckerman was on this right away, and pointed it out when he was playing there in his first game of the spring. He also talked about this in depth on the Nats Chat podcast with Al Galdi. They talked about why this may be happening, as well as what Wood’s eventual defensive home could be.
The #Nats are playing actual games in Florida and James Wood has seen action in RF.
I think this is notable because it could shake up the outfield dynamic. Right now the Nats have four outfielders for three spots with Wood, Daylen Lile, Dylan Crews and Jacob Young. Lile played both corner spots last year, while Crews played center field and right field. Young is only a center fielder, though I am sure he could play the other spots if you wanted. However, putting Young in a corner is a waste.
If Wood is in right field, that would likely shift Lile to left field, which I would like. Lile is a better fit for left field in my opinion. A few years ago, Lile underwent Tommy John Surgery and since coming back his arm strength has been fringy. He posted a -2 arm value last year.
While Lile’s all around defense was an issue, the arm is something that is tougher to fix. Lile made defense a focus this offseason, and came into camp with a point to prove on that side of the ball. He has elite athleticism, but his weak arm and poor reads made him a problem in the outfield. The reads should get better over time, but it is tough to project arm strength. That makes left field the most natural home for him.
If Wood is in right and Lile is in left, Dylan Crews and Jacob Young will be battling for the center field role. There will be times where both play because either Wood or Lile will be DH’ing. However, the Nats are going to want Wood and Lile to get as many reps as possible in the outfield. That would mean either Young or Crews could be on the outside looking in.
Crews has gotten off to a shaky start this spring and Young has not played yet due to a minor injury. In an ideal world, you would want Crews to live up to his pedigree and grab that job from Young. Crews has a much higher ceiling, but Young’s elite defense gives him a solid floor. My plan would be for the two to share time in center field, while Crews occasionally plays right field when either Lile or Wood is at DH.
Even with these four, the outfield is crowded, but there are other candidates to make the roster too. Joey Wiemer, Christian Franklin and Robert Hassell III are all on the 40-man roster right now, but appear to be on the outside looking in. The Nats could carry five outfielders, but even if they do, the fifth guy will not get much playing time.
There are a lot of mouths to feed in the outfield and moving Wood to right field creates another wrinkle. Heading into the season, I figured the plan would be to have Wood in left, Crews in center and Lile in right. My other option would be to have Lile and Wood rotate between left and DH while Jacob Young plays center and Dylan Crews plays right.
This creates a new dynamic, and I do not think that is a bad thing. Wood did not seem like a natural fit in left field. He also has a far better arm than Daylen Lile, which is good for the right field spot. Wood may not have an 80 grade cannon like some right fielders, but it is an above average arm. There were a few times last year where he made really nice throws for outfield assists.
Players swapping corner outfield spots is honestly pretty common. It seems like Juan Soto goes from right field to left field every other year. Jayson Werth was another player who played both right and left field pretty frequently. Usually right field is the more demanding position, but it really depends on the ballpark.
If Wood is more comfortable in right field, they should play him there. He did not look natural in left field. However, it is important to remember that Wood mostly played center field in the minors. He did not get exposed to the corners much until Triple-A, and when he did, he mostly played right field.
The outfield alignment is going to be something Blake Butera will have to juggle throughout the season. Having a DH spot makes things a bit easier, but you also do not want to make Lile or Wood a full time DH at such a young age. Hopefully three outfielders emerge and force their way onto the lineup card.
Feb 26, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Julian Champagnie (30) drives to the basket against Brooklyn Nets forwards Michael Porter Jr. (17) and Noah Clowney (21) and guard Egor Demin (8) and center Nic Claxton (33) during the third quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Coming off a comeback win against the Toronto Raptors, the Spurs traveled to the Barclays Center to take on the Brooklyn Nets. From the start of the game, the Spurs started hot and did not slow down. They outscored the Nets 36-22 in the first quarter, and led by as much as 22 in the first half. The Nets would cut the deficit to single digits, but the Spurs’ defense, ball movement, and hot shooting overwhelmed this young Brooklyn team. After taking a 15-point lead into halftime, the Spurs kept their foot on the gas pedal in the third and took a 20-point lead into the fourth. The Spurs led by as much as 26, and ultimately defeated the Brooklyn Nets 126-110.
Julian Champagnie returned to his hometown of Brooklyn and scorched the Nets with 26 points (10-14 FG, 6-9 3PT), three steals, two blocks, two assists, and two rebounds. 19 of his 26 came in the first half, as he drained threes from the corners, wings, and even slashed his way to the cup. This performance is reminiscent of his career-high 36 points and 11 threes against the New York Knicks on New Year’s Eve; it just seemed like Julian could hardly miss. Guess who he plays next?
Rise up! Julian cuts to the basket and rises for a two-handed jam!
Stephon Castle dropped 18 points (10-12 FT), five assists, two rebounds, and two steals. Steph drew fouls and got himself to the line no matter who was in front of him. In the past, Steph usually has not gotten the benefit of the doubt when it comes to drawing contact, but the Nets could not guard him without fouling. Also, when they did not foul him, he drove right past and posterized multiple defenders!
On the board! Steph and Victor Wembanyama run the give-and-go as Steph cuts to the basket for the easy slam and the first points of the game!
De’Aaron Fox dropped 14 points (6-8 FG, 2-3 3PT), six assists, two steals, and a rebound. D-Fox played unselfishly and efficiently. He dished out six dimes and only missed two of his eight shots. For someone who is playing on a max contract, Fox has taken over the offense, usually if it is in the flow of the game. Playing with young star guards, efficient shooters, and lob threats (especially Wemby), it makes his job a bit easier.
CRAFTY! D-Fox spins off of Traore in transition and finishes off the backboard with a scoop layup!
Devin Vassell dropped 14 points (4-7 3PT), seven rebounds, five assists, and a steal. In his last three games, Dev is averaging 21 points per game, shooting 62% from the field and about 67% from three. In other words, Dev is on a hot streak. A consistent Dev for a team with many mouths to feed only raises this team’s ceiling.
DEV POSTER! Dev beats Demin on the backdoor cut and posterizes Drake Powell with one hand!
Keldon Johnson dropped 13 points (6-7 FG), four rebounds, and a steal. After having a couple of rough games and a shoulder injury, KJ bounced back in just 18 minutes. The instant spark plug took a bit to charge up, but he was fully charged on offense, missing only one of his seven shots. Look for him to continue to rehab his shoulder and get back to his 6MOTY form.
GET BIG! KJ posts up and spins off of Powell for a tough and-one finish over Day’Ron Sharpe!
Victor Wembanyama dropped 12 points (6-6 FT), eight rebounds, five assists, two steals, and two blocks. Offensively, Vic has looked sluggish these last two games, struggling from the field and forcing up tough shots. However, on the defensive side, he had himself a pair of blocks and got into the passing lanes for steals. Hopefully, this two-day rest will come in handy for the rematch against the Knicks.
Just throw it up there! Wemby cuts to the paint for an easy runway to catch the pass from Dev for the alley-oop jam!
Dylan Harper dropped 12 points, seven assists, three rebounds, and a steal. Dyl had himself a Fox-like game. He took shots when he needed to and dished out dimes. Despite a few turnovers, Dyl was able to make the most of his extended playing time (29 minutes). He even got to show off his athleticism by recovering the loose ball and slamming it home with one hand!
All in all, this was a fantastic bow to seal the month of February undefeated. From where this team was a year ago, this season has been beyond most fans’ wildest dreams. Also important to point out: this is the first team in NBA history to go undefeated in a month while scoring at least 110 points a game (min. 10 games). Some tough tests approach this young team in March, starting with the NBA Cup Champs at MSG.
Finally, here are the full game highlights.
The Spurs take on the New York Knicks this Sunday at 12:00 P.M. (CST) on ABC.
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 29: Clint Capela #30 of the Houston Rockets and Vit Krejci #27 of the Atlanta Hawks hug before the game on January 29, 2026 at State Farm Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
For a while, it worked. In November, Ayton was the best version of himself, averaging 16.6 points and nine rebounds per game. Recently, though, his scoring has dropped, his defensive aggression has evaporated and he’s been benched during clutch games.
What’s wild about Ayton’s quote, besides the fact that he’s dissing one of his peers, is that Capela is exactly the kind of big man the Lakers desire. He’s an important part of the Rockets’ rotation and does all the little things that impact winning.
Ayton’s words caused quite a buzz on social media, so much so that Capela went on Instagram and encouraged Ayton to lock in with his floor generals.
It feels like Ayton has been told by everyone who has ever cheered for him to lock in, but it hasn’t ever consistently come to fruition. If things keep trending negatively in LA, you can add this stop as another in his career where the sizzle was far more enjoyable than the steak.
To make this entire situation even worse for Ayton, Capela outplayed him on Thursday night. Capela was hustling hard, helping the Rockets beat the Magic 113-108.
Ayton, on the other hand, was rather pedestrian during his performance in LA’s loss to Phoenix.
The box score comparison between the two bigs matched the eye test. Capela ended the night with four points, six rebounds and two blocks in his 17 minutes off the bench. Ayton had two points and four rebounds in his 23 minutes as a starter.
Capela took the petty route with his response to Ayton, and considering who he was reacting to, most won’t have a problem with it.
Also, Capela’s right. Ayton does have to lock in, and playing more like Capela would be better for everyone involved.
As has been true for a lot of his career, Ayton just doesn’t seem to get it.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 22: Marvin Bagley III #35 of the Dallas Mavericks dribbles during the game against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on February 22, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Michael Hickey/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Depending on your investment in the NBA Draft Lottery — which, you’re here on this page, so — we’ve entered a very tense time in the Dallas Mavericks’ season. Every season there is hand-wringing about the state of tanking in the league. So much so that we’re getting mixed rumors of NBA officials attending player MRIs just to verify that the player is, in fact, injured.
If you’re catching up, Friday’s were reserved for scanning the media landscape in our NBA Power Rankings Watch. Now, the Mavericks are more focused on moving down than up, so last week we shifted our sights to the lottery. Ten or more teams are currently in a fight for their life, jockeying for position to have greater odds in the lottery pull for one of the deepest draft classes in recent years. Draft order will be determined May 10. And until the end of the Mavericks’ season on April 12, we’ll be keeping a close eye on this board for the final 24 games. Cooper Flagg’s future running mate is on the way.
Lottery standings
Last week we identified that Mavericks fans should watch closely on results from the Utah Jazz and Memphis Grizzlies, the two teams clustered with Dallas in the tank standings. We’re now keeping casual watch on the New Orleans Pelicans (three game win streak) and the Chicago Bulls (11 [ELEVEN] game losing streak) as well. Don’t be surprised if the last six weeks of the season groups these teams closer together.
For now, no real shuffling to the standings themselves. The Mavericks went 2-2 last week, with the team facing several other lottery bound opponents there will be plenty of roster mischief in the days ahead. The Jazz went 0-3, creating some space between themselves and Dallas. The Grizzlies went 1-3, at one point tying the Mavericks by record. For all these teams, it might be worth taking into account remaining schedule strength: Mavericks (3rd toughest remaining schedule), Grizzlies (7th), Jazz (12th), Bulls (14th), Pelicans (19th).
Weekly schedule
Until New Orleans falls further back or Chicago “jumps” forward, we’re focus in on the three teams from last week. You’ll notice some very key head-to-head matchups, mixed with some games against teams in the top four of the lottery standings. A pretty key week:
Dallas Mavericks: vs. Memphis Grizzlies, vs. Oklahoma City Thunder, @ Charlotte Hornets, @ Orlando Magic
Utah Jazz: vs. New Orleans Pelicans, vs. Denver Nuggets, @ Philadelphia 76ers, @ Washington Wizards
Each week we’ll take one spin around the block at tankathon.com and see where the chips fall. As last week brought one large swing of chaos, this week’s chaos was of a different sort. Three teams, including the Mavericks, jumped into the top four of the draft.
You can’t ask for much more from the lottery in this moment.
JUPITER, FL - MARCH 14: Quinn Matthews #68 of the St. Louis Cardinals pitches during the game against the Miami Marlins at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium on Friday, March 14, 2025 in Jupiter, Florida. (Photo by Jared Blais/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The St. Louis Cardinals prepare to do Spring Training battle with the New York Mets on Friday, February 27, 2026. According to MLB.com, Quinn Matthews will start the game for St. Louis while the New York Mets will have Freddy Peralta on the mound. Here are the lineups according to the Cardinals website:
KANSAS CITY, MO - CIRCA 1986: George Brett #5 and Bo Jackson #16 of the Kansas City Royals circa 1986 Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Sporting News via Getty Images via Getty Images) | Sporting News via Getty Images
I didn’t care for baseball as a young child. I knew the Royals were in the World Series, but I was more enamored with the guy in the red uniform doing backflips when he ran on the field than I was with any Royals players. At school, we were asked to draw a picture of our favorite Royals player. I asked my teacher who played left field for the Royals, since that was the position I played in t-ball (reflecting my playing ability at the time). She told me Lonnie Smith. I didn’t know what he looked like, so I drew a white guy with curly blonde hair. Lonnie Smith is not a white guy with curly blonde hair
But in 1987, my next-door neighbor set up a small TV in his garage and we watched the American League Championship Series between the Twins and Tigers on that thing. The Tigers are my ancestral team – my dad grew up in Detroit (attending Al Kaline camp!), and I was born there before we moved to KC when I was a tot. So I was rooting for them and slowly getting hooked on baseball. That offseason, I read everything about baseball I could get my hands on, and when the next season rolled around, I was a rabid fan.
I am pretty certain I could name every player on the 1988 Royals from memory, from Bo Jackson and George Brett down to Rey Palacios and José de Jesús. It was a fun team to follow with Bo becoming a superstar, George still in his prime, recognizable vets like Willie Wilson and Frank White, exciting young players like Danny Tartabull and Kevin Seitzer, and a terrific pitching staff with Bret Saberhagen, Mark Gubicza, and quirky submarining closer Dan Quisenberry.
But they floundered around .500 much of the year and were overwhelmed by an emerging mini-dynasty in Oakland, the “Bash Brothers.” They won 84 games, finishing a distant third place, 19.5 games back.
Still, I had watched as many games as I could (it was like 30-40 games on TV back in those days, kids!) and listened to the rest on my radio, sometimes cradling it in bed for the late-night West Coast games, drifting off to sleep as Denny Matthews described Charlie Leibrandt’s battle against Claudell Washington. I read the Star sports section on a regular basis – Dick Kaegel, Gib Twyman, and Jonathan Rand in those days. I asked for Royals Starting Lineup figures for Christmas. I got a Bo Jackson poster in my room. I got my first Royals cap.
That was my first season following the Royals. What was yours? What was the team that got you hooked?
LAKELAND, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 25: Wenceel Pérez #46 of the Detroit Tigers bats during the second inning of a spring training game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium on February 25, 2026 in Lakeland, Florida. (Photo by Mark Taylor/Getty Images) | Getty Images
CLEARWATER, FL - FEBRUARY 22: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies runs out a hit against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning of a spring training baseball game at BayCare Ballpark on February 22, 2026 in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
When I get older, losing my bat speed/many seasons from now/will you still call me among the best/putting up a .900 OPS?
Those lyrics to the Beatles’ When I’m Sixty Four—very slightly modified from the original— must be ringing in Bryce Harper’s ears right now. Entering his age-33 season, he is no longer young. He’s not overwhelmingly old, either. But he is well into the years in which aging becomes a factor. The oft-asked question about his potential to return to elite status is really a question about aging; his talent, drive, and tenacity are certainly not in question. The sole consolation to the aging is that it is not personal, as none are spared from it. Perhaps a gentler way to put it would be that we do not walk that path alone. Harper can turn to the examples of other Phillies legends to see how they took the sharp turns and gradual declines of the aging curve. Someday in the future, another Phillies great will come along, and and further still in the future he will hit his thirties, and will look to the example of Harper to provide signs and portents of how his own travels through that decade of life will go. Whether that example will be encouraging or not is yet to be seen.
Richie Ashburn
The comparison here is going to be extremely inexact, given that modern conditioning regimens and medical treatments far outstrip what Whitey had available in his era. Still, Putt-Putt (forgive the injudicious use of nicknames, Ashburn’s are just too good to leave out) offers a somewhat encouraging example for Harper. In 1958, his age-31 season, Ashburn took home the Senior Circuit’s batting title with a .350 average (that also beat out anything the Junior Circuit’s bushers could produce). In 1959, at the age of 32, Ashburn’s production fell off a cliff. His batting average dropped to .266. He went from leading both leagues in triples with thirteen to producing only a pair. Perhaps the starkest way to present it is by rWAR: in 1958, he had a rWAR of 7. In 1959, he dropped beneath replacement value, with an -0.9. He went from elite to being far from it. He also, unfortunately, went from being a Phillie to not being one, arriving in his new ivy-strewn home of Wrigley Field via trade following that dismal ‘59 campaign.
But though he did leave Philadelphia, he did not leave the ranks of the productive pros. His first season in Cubbie blue, his age-33 campaign, saw him revitalize himself, boosting his OPS from .667 to .753. He lead the National League in walks, and both leagues in OBP. He concluded the campaign with 4.4 rWAR and, one must imagine, a jolt of confidence. Sadly, it would be something of a last hurrah: he had a -0.4 rWAR season with the Cubs in 1961, then concluded his career with a 2.1 rWAR effort for the newly-born Mets.
Mike Schmidt: Mike Schmidt’s decline came suddenly, shockingly, saddeningly. But it didn’t come in his age-33 season. It wouldn’t come for years afterward. Schmidt’s 1983 performance was indeed a downturn from his age-32 season, but not even the harshest Phillies fan could call a decline from 7.4 rWARto 6.9 all that worrying. The age-33 version of Michael Jack Schmidt lead both leagues in round trippers with 40, and in free passes with 128. If there was anything to complain about, it was his National League-leading 148 strikeouts. Those punchouts were probably cold comfort for the pitchers who he otherwise pummeled with four-baggers and tormented via the extraction of walks (128, more than anyone else in baseball that season). Schmidt would remain a top player, never dropping beneath 5 WAR until 1988, when a 1.9 rWAR season presaged the abbreviated campaign that would prompt his sudden retirement the following year.
Ryan Howard
The Big Piece’s age-33 campaign was a resurgence for the slugger, though not a terribly encouraging one in context. Howard’s age-32 season, 2012, was a major disappointment: hampered by injuries, he played in fewer than half of his team’s games, and posted career-lows in batting average, slugging percentage, and on-base percentage. In a bit of fearful symmetry, his rWAR was precisely the opposite of what it had been the year prior: 1.2 in 2011, and -1.2 in 2012. In 2013 Howard still struggled with injuries, managing just a few more games than he had the year prior. But he did recover his performance somewhat, with his batting average, slugging percentage, and on-base percentage all jumping back up. He provided production above replacement value, if just barely. Unfortunately, it proved to be the last time he would do so. He struggled at the plate in the next three seasons and was a below-average hitter by OPS+, a major retreat from the ground upon which he had once stood.
Jimmy Rollins
Thirty is a big turning point in life, and, it would turn out, in Jimmy Rollins’ career. In 2009, his age-30 season, Rollins dropped from 5.5 rWAR the season prior to 1.8. His performance at the plate declined in all three slash line categories, and he stole 16 fewer bases. The next few seasons were much the same, and by the time he was 33 he was batting precisely .250, no longer flirting with .300 as he had in his younger days. He remained resilient, playing in no fewer than 138 games per season between 2011 and 2015, and he remained fast, putting up 30 stolen bases at 32 and 33. But his best days were firmly behind him.
Chase Utley
As the 2010 season reached its midpoint, Chase Utley, age 31, took the field for the All-Star Game introductions. It was his fifth appearance in the Midsummer Classic, and it wouldn’t be his last. But it would be his last for a while. Utley’s age-32 season saw his performance drop, with his batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging all dropping. He still ended up an above-average hitter and player, though not to the same extent that he had been before. His age-33 season was marred by injury to the point where he only played half of it; it was to be hoped that his good, not great performance could be blamed on that. It was not to be. Utley was a solid player for the next few seasons before the decline worsened. He ended up retiring just before he turned 40. A good career, and a long one. But Harper, who has stated a desire to take the field at 40, is hoping his thirties will look more like Schmidt’s than Utley’s.
FORMER CUBS IN GUARDIANS CAMP: Shawn Armstrong, Codi Heuer
ABOUT CUBS CAMP: The Cubs opened their training camp with 58 players in camp: 31 pitchers, six catchers, 13 infielders and eight outfielders. Included in that group were 18 non-roster players: eight pitchers, three catchers, four infielders and three outfielders. Currently, the Cubs have 63 players in camp. Both Christian Bethancourt and Moises Ballesteros have now reported to camp.
Edward Cabrera will start for the Cubs. Other Cubs pitchers scheduled today: Daniel Palencia, Jacob Webb, Porter Hodge, Ethan Roberts, Ryan Rolison, Collin Snider and Gavin Hollowell.
Logan Allen will start for the Guardians. Other Guardians pitchers scheduled today: Hunter Gaddis, Parker Messick, Jake Miller and Jack Leftwich.
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As we have done in the past, we’ll have a first pitch thread at five minutes to game time and one overflow thread, 90 minutes after game time. For today, that will be 2 p.m. CT and 3:30 p.m. CT.
These threads will not post individually onto the front page; instead, you can find links to them in the box marked ”Chicago Cubs Game Threads” at the bottom of the front page. There will also be a StoryStream on the front page with all the game thread links, as well as the recap after the game is over. The pitcher photos and regular-season stats will return on Opening Day.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - FEBRUARY 11: Keon Ellis #14 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dribbles down the court during the second half against the Washington Wizards at Rocket Arena on February 11, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Nick Cammett/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The team announced on Friday morning that X-rays have revealed that Ellis has a non-displaced solar plate avulsion in his left index PIP joint. The injury happened during Wednesday’s loss to the Milwaukee Bucks.
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Despite the injury, Ellis could play in Friday’s game against the Detroit Pistons. Both he and Harden are listed as questionable.
Even though this isn’t an injury that is expected to keep Ellis out of the lineup for a long period of time — if at all — it isn’t exactly coming at the most opportune time.
Head coach Kenny Atkinson has the difficult job of trying to figure out lineup combinations that work before the playoffs. He’s running out of time to do so, considering there are just 22 games left, and they could be without several key players for a portion of those games, including Donovan Mitchell who will miss Friday’s contest with a groin strain.
Ellis has fit in nicely with the Cavs in the nine games he played. He scored 14 points on 4-8 shooting from deep in the loss to the Bucks. The defensive specialist has averaged 6.4 points, 1.9 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1 block per game since coming to Cleveland.
On this day two years ago, the White Sox re-acquired a 2020 draft pick, Bailey Horn. | Tiffany Wintz/South Side Sox
1973 Coming off of his 1972 MVP season, Dick Allen signs a three-year, $750,000 contract with the White Sox, making him the highest-paid player in baseball. While contract details for early baseball are sketchy, this is believed to be the first time a White Sox player has been the highest-paid in the game.
Oakland owner Charlie Finley, himself embroiled in salary wars with players on his world champion A’s team and once aspiring to own the White Sox, blustered in the aftermath of Allen’s deal: “There’s an old saying that pigs get fat and hogs go to market. Well, some of the payers these days aren’t even pigs or hogs — they’re gluttons. We have to keep salaries within reason. If we just rolled over and gave them what they wanted, we’d price ourselves out of business.”
Allen earned his deal by leading the AL in homers (37), RBIs (113), on-base percentage (.420), slugging percentage (.603) and OPS (1.023).
It would be 24 years before the White Sox would boast the highest-paid player in the game again, when Albert Belle signed a deal that paid him $11 million for the 1997 season.
1986 Former White Sox ace LaMarr Hoyt checks into drug rehab after having been arrested twice already in 1986 for drug possession.
Hoyt had excelled for the Padres in his first season in San Diego in 1985, going 16-8 with a 3.47 ERA and 2.5 WAR in his only All-Star season. While trade centerpiece Ozzie Guillén won the 1985 AL Rookie of the Year for the White Sox and would go on to amass the most defensive WAR in franchise history, Hoyt would see 1986 as his last season in the majors, as his ERA swelled to 5.15/71 ERA+ with a -1.0 WAR.
1990 After meeting for five hours and casting three votes in Tampa despite four of its 18 members (Birdie Tebbetts, Stan Musial, Red Barber and Roy Campanella) absent, the Hall of Fame Veterans Committee failed to elect a single person for the 1990 class to join BBWAA honorees Jim Palmer and Joe Morgan. It was the second time the group had refused to elect a player in three years.
The group started with 25 candidates and debated that list down to 11, including White Sox second baseman Nellie Fox. Fox, who would be elected by the Veterans Committee seven years later, was last considered for the Hall on his 15th ballot, in 1985 — when he infamously fell just two votes shy of enshrinement.
“All of them got heavy support,” committee member Ted Williams said. “It just shows how conscientious the members are about their voting, and the concern they have for putting someone in the Hall of Fame.”
2008 In their first game of Spring Training, the White Sox wear Northern Illinois University baseball caps, honoring the victims of the shooting rampage on the school’s campus earlier in February. The game-worn, autographed hats were later auctioned off to build a scholarship fund set up in memory of the five students who were killed.
2024 The White Sox reversed a trade of three years earlier by re-acquiring lefty Bailey Horn from the Cubs for righthander Matt Thompson.
Horn had been the final White Sox pick of the 2020 draft, which in that lost season was just the fifth round. After pitching in just 14 games in 2021 and reaching High-A, he was swapped across town for reliever Ryan Tepera. To get him back, the White Sox swapped a once-promising high school arm in Thompson, their second-rounder in 2019. Thompson had labored through a 6-15 season at Double-A Birmingham in 2023 and performed about the same at Double-A for the Cubs in 2024; he was released by the north siders before the 2025 season and is out of baseball.
Just two months later, the White Sox sold Horn to the Red Sox. He has since made the majors, with both the Red Sox and Tigers.
FORT MYERS, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 16: Marcelo Mayer #11 of the Boston Red Sox throws during a spring training workout at JetBlue Park at Fenway South on February 16, 2026 in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Is it on TV?
It’s on NESN at 1:05 PM
What’s the lineup?
What should we watch for?
It’s been an… interesting spring training for Marcelo Mayer so far. The wrist surgery he underwent last August was said to necessitate only a three-month recovery and Mayer arrived at Fort Myers claiming he was fully healed and ready to go. But then the Red Sox deliberately slow-walked his hitting program, while Alex Cora made a point to say that he hadn’t earned his position on the big league team yet. I don’t think either of these things warrant getting too worked up about, but they are two things most people didn’t expect just a few weeks ago. So I’ll be watching Marcelo today.
Might keep an eye on that Braves starting pitcher, too…
