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Macklin Celebrini Returns to Sharks Amid Olympic Spotlight, Eyes Playoff Push

Macklin Celebrini had just finished his first practice back with the San Jose Sharks on Wednesday – fresh off an unforgettable Olympic experience – when he entered a room buzzing with cameras and reporters.

“Most media we’ve had. Ever,” Celebrini said. “Starting to feel like a Canadian market.”

It was a reflection of his soaring popularity. Celebrini’s record-setting performance at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics – capped by a gold medal game watched by tens of millions – has elevated his profile both in the Bay Area and across the NHL.

Roughly a dozen news outlets attended the Sharks’ practice on Wednesday, more than usual, as Celebrini skated with his teammates for the first time since returning from Italy late Monday night. Some local media were at a Sharks practice for the first time this season, highlighting the team’s growing relevance and Celebrini’s status as one of the Bay Area’s most recognizable sports figures.

Thursday’s game against the Calgary Flames, kicking off a six-game homestand, was trending toward a sellout of 17,435. Tickets are also scarce and pricey for San Jose’s weekend matchups against Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday, and against goalie Connor Hellebuyck – who made 41 saves for Team USA in the gold medal game – and the Winnipeg Jets on Sunday.

The Sharks have already sold out 12 of 26 home games this season, after drawing capacity crowds in 15 of 41 games at SAP Center last season.

“This was the goal,” Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky said. “Not to talk to this many media people, but the goal was to get the energy back in the building and get people talking about the Sharks again, and I think the players did a great job of doing that.

“This homestand is going to be pretty much sold out,” Warsofsky added. “Crowds and people are going to be excited to see our team play again.”

Even as Celebrini embraced being back in San Jose, there was still a lingering bitterness from how the Olympic tournament ended.

Playing alongside some of the game’s greatest players, including McDavid, Celebrini tallied five goals in six games, and his 10 points made him the highest-scoring teenager in an Olympics featuring NHL talent.

Yet despite his success, there remained a sense of disappointment. Canada fell to the United States in the gold medal game at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, with the final coming down to 3-on-3 overtime. New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes scored the decisive goal, handing the Americans a 2-1 victory and their first men’s Olympic gold since 1980.

For anyone assuming Celebrini had moved past the heartbreak, think again.

“A lot of those guys I looked up to my whole childhood, and it was an honor play with them and be around them every single day,” Celebrini said at Sharks Ice. “But it sucks. It’s a little sour that you look back at it and just didn’t get the job done.”

When asked how long that feeling would last, Celebrini was blunt.

“Forever,” he said.

Now the Sharks are counting on other Olympians – Sweden’s Alex Wennberg, Switzerland’s Philipp Kurashev, and Slovakia’s Pavol Regenda – to channel the pressure and lessons from international play as their playoff push resumes.

Celebrini said skating alongside McDavid and Colorado’s Nathan MacKinnon – the NHL’s first- and second-leading scorers, respectively – showed him exactly “where the bar is at.”

“Those guys play with such pace, and they think the game so fast, and the level that they play at, the practice that they play at, probably the fastest practices I’ve ever been a part of. Just being around them, practicing with them, playing with them, it’s a different level.”

The Sharks’ homestand is vital to any postseason hopes, as they entered Wednesday five points out of a playoff spot with 27 games remaining.

Celebrini’s production so far this season – 81 points in 55 games – has been a major reason San Jose remains in the hunt for its first playoff berth since 2019.

“We want to take those next steps, and all this comes along with it,” Celebrini said. “The fans, the attention. We want those expectations. We want that pressure, because that means we’re doing a good thing and we’re trending the right way.

“So I think just at the end of the day, all this comes into it, and hopefully you guys come back more.”

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Bryce Eldridge has Gold Glove aspirations as he battles for Giants roster spot

Bryce Eldridge has Gold Glove aspirations as he battles for Giants roster spot originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

SCOTTSDALE — The infield drills at Scottsdale Stadium on Monday morning were a bit more animated than usual, as new Giants manager Tony Vitello teamed up with third base coach Hector Borg to hit the grounders while infield coach Ron Washington gave constant encouragement and advice. When the work was over, Washington made a beeline for young first baseman Bryce Eldridge, who had alternated reps with Rafael Devers. 

“I think that might have been my best day yet,” Eldridge said. 

Washington nodded and patted Eldridge on the shoulder.

“It was,” he said. “Don’t go down. We’ll keep going up.”

For Eldridge, that is always the plan anyway. 

The 21-year-old has always been confident, which makes sense given the fact that he has been the most dangerous hitter on the field in nearly every game he has ever played. Eldridge has the raw power to lead MLB in homers one day and the overall hitting talent to be an All-Star or MVP candidate, but his aspirations are just as grand on the defensive end. 

During an interview for the “Giants Talk” podcast, Eldridge smiled when asked about Washington’s desire to work him so hard that his legs are burning after taking grounders.

“He definitely kicks our butt a little bit out there and gets the legs fired up,” Eldridge said. “But down the road, when hopefully I’m winning Gold Gloves with this team, I’m going to look back on it and say it’s all worth it.”

For now, Eldridge might have to break into the big leagues as a designated hitter because of the presence of Devers. Giants officials think Devers, a long time third baseman, has the footwork and instincts to turn into a Gold Glove-caliber first baseman himself. 

With Eldridge, they’re trying to play catchup given how new the position is, but he’s aiming high. The goal is to one day be elite. 

“Oh for sure, for sure. That’s something that — obviously the hitting side of it, I’ve got goals there — but I set goals out once I got here and realized that I was far behind defensively and I knew I had some work to be done,” Eldridge said. “That’s definitely been a goal of mine one day to win a Gold Glove. I know I’m athletic enough, I know I’m going to work hard enough to try to do it. Having Wash around now is giving me more confidence to try and do that one day.”

On paper, at least, Eldridge has the tools to be well above average at first. At 6-foot-7, he’ll be the tallest target in the league, and while sprint speed will never be the thing that jumps off his Baseball Savant page, he moves around well for his size. As a former pitcher, he’ll bring a good arm to the position when it’s needed. 

Washington said Eldridge has been putting in all the necessary reps early in camp. He believes the prospect can reach his lofty goals if he continues to grow. Thus far, the focus has mostly been on using his legs more to be in a better position as he crouches and reaches for balls. 

“We’re out there making sure that he learns how to get into his legs,” Washington said. “Every day that he leaves from (the infield) he’s complaining about how his legs are burning, and I let him know, ‘They’re burning because you’re doing everything right.’ It’s going to come to the point where you’re not going to feel that, and when you stop feeling that, you’re going to be one of the best first basemen in the game, when you stop feeling that.

“He’s working. He’s a very hard worker and he’s got a good work ethic. He wants to be good, and that’s the key. The word ‘want,’ and he wants it.”

Eldridge said he feels “miles better” at first than he did last spring. He works on his feet every day, and the strength coaches are fond of pulling out the agility ladder to try and get him to be a little quicker. 

“I think I’m just really getting comfortable with my footwork,” Eldridge said of the difference year over year. “I think a lot of guys will tell you once your footwork gets cleaned up the glove hand gets cleaned up a lot. That feels true with me.”

There is still a long way for Eldridge to go, and there’s no guarantee he’ll even be on the big league roster on Opening Day. Some in the front office would prefer that he get more time in Triple-A, and that’s understandable. Eldridge has fewer than 1,000 at-bats in the minors, and there are adjustments to be made on both sides of the ball.

Vitello, who unsuccessfully tried to recruit the Vienna, Virginia, native to Tennessee a few years ago, has not tipped his hand one way or another. But it’s clear the Giants are going to get every data point they can this spring before making what likely will be their most scrutinized decision ahead of the March 25 opener against the New York Yankees. 

Eldridge has played in all five spring games and is second on the team in plate appearances to Jung Hoo Lee, who is trying to quickly get ready for the World Baseball Classic. In Wednesday’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Eldridge hit his first homer of the spring, raising his OPS to 1.205 over the first week of action. 

Even if Eldridge wins a spot, there will be another significant hurdle in his bid to become one of the league’s best first basemen. Devers also is getting better day by day, and the 29-year-old is signed through 2033. He’ll almost certainly be the starter at first on Opening Day, and if his preference continues to be playing the field — something he has said multiple times — it may be years before the Giants truly need Eldridge on the dirt every night.

With that in mind, Vitello asked Eldridge to take fly balls earlier this spring, and he continues to work on the corner outfield spots. He wants to be great at first, but he also knows that moving around — and DHing often — might be the easiest path to a lineup spot every night in 2026. 

If there’s any sort of rivalry forming at first, it hasn’t shown. Eldridge said his combination with Devers will “be dangerous” at the plate, and he noted that the veteran has helped him quite a bit this spring as they both have worked to improve. 

“He’s been great to me at first base,” Eldridge said. “He’s cracking jokes, making it fun out there when sometimes it gets difficult. He’s picking me up if I have a bad day on defense or in the cage. I’m excited to keep getting to know him and to keep playing with him and keep doing some damage in the order.”

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New York plays Milwaukee for conference matchup

New York Knicks (37-22, third in the Eastern Conference) vs. Milwaukee Bucks (26-31, 11th in the Eastern Conference)

Milwaukee; Friday, 8 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Karl-Anthony Towns and the New York Knicks take on Ryan Rollins and the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday.

The Bucks are 19-19 in conference games. Milwaukee is 14-18 in games decided by 10 points or more.

The Knicks have gone 25-15 against Eastern Conference opponents. New York scores 117.1 points and has outscored opponents by 5.4 points per game.

The Bucks' 14.7 made 3-pointers per game this season are just 0.9 more made shots on average than the 13.8 per game the Knicks give up. The Knicks average 117.1 points per game, 1.7 more than the 115.4 the Bucks give up.

The teams square off for the third time this season. The Knicks won the last matchup 118-109 on Nov. 29, with Jalen Brunson scoring 37 points in the victory.

TOP PERFORMERS: Rollins is averaging 17.2 points, 5.4 assists and 1.5 steals for the Bucks. AJ Green is averaging 3.4 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

Towns is averaging 20 points and 11.7 rebounds for the Knicks. Brunson is averaging 24.6 points and 6.4 assists over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Bucks: 8-2, averaging 118.1 points, 44.0 rebounds, 25.8 assists, 6.5 steals and 4.2 blocks per game while shooting 50.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 114.3 points per game.

Knicks: 6-4, averaging 114.7 points, 43.4 rebounds, 28.1 assists, 7.4 steals and 4.0 blocks per game while shooting 47.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 110.1 points.

INJURIES: Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo: day to day (calf), Taurean Prince: out (neck).

Knicks: Miles McBride: out (ankle).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

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Banchero and the Magic take on Sengun and the Rockets

Houston Rockets (36-21, third in the Western Conference) vs. Orlando Magic (31-26, seventh in the Eastern Conference)

Orlando, Florida; Thursday, 7:30 p.m. EST

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Rockets -2; over/under is 215.5

BOTTOM LINE: Paolo Banchero and the Orlando Magic host Alperen Sengun and the Houston Rockets in non-conference play.

The Magic are 18-10 on their home court. Orlando ranks sixth in the NBA with 51.8 points in the paint led by Franz Wagner averaging 10.9.

The Rockets are 16-14 on the road. Houston averages 14.5 turnovers per game and is 15-5 when winning the turnover battle.

The 115.1 points per game the Magic average are 6.0 more points than the Rockets allow (109.1). The Rockets average 114.7 points per game, 0.1 more than the 114.6 the Magic allow to opponents.

The teams play for the second time this season. The Rockets won the last matchup 117-113 in overtime on Nov. 17, with Kevin Durant scoring 35 points in the victory.

TOP PERFORMERS: Banchero is averaging 21.8 points, 8.5 rebounds and five assists for the Magic. Desmond Bane is averaging 24.2 points over the last 10 games.

Sengun is averaging 20.5 points, 9.2 rebounds and 6.4 assists for the Rockets. Durant is averaging 21.7 points and 3.9 assists over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Magic: 6-4, averaging 112.1 points, 41.0 rebounds, 26.4 assists, 10.4 steals and 6.0 blocks per game while shooting 45.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 109.5 points per game.

Rockets: 6-4, averaging 109.0 points, 44.4 rebounds, 23.6 assists, 9.2 steals and 6.5 blocks per game while shooting 48.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 105.4 points.

INJURIES: Magic: Franz Wagner: out (ankle), Jalen Suggs: day to day (back), Colin Castleton: out (thumb).

Rockets: Jae'Sean Tate: out (knee), Fred VanVleet: out for season (acl), Dorian Finney-Smith: out (injury management), Amen Thompson: day to day (quad), Steven Adams: out for season (ankle).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

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Wallace, Thunder host the Nuggets

Denver Nuggets (37-22, fourth in the Western Conference) vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (45-15, first in the Western Conference)

Oklahoma City; Friday, 9:30 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: The Denver Nuggets visit Cason Wallace and the Oklahoma City Thunder in Western Conference play Friday.

The Thunder are 8-3 against the rest of their division. Oklahoma City is the top team in the Western Conference in team defense, allowing 108.0 points while holding opponents to 43.7% shooting.

The Nuggets are 5-2 against the rest of the division. Denver ranks ninth in the league with 28.2 assists per game led by Nikola Jokic averaging 10.4.

The Thunder are shooting 48.4% from the field this season, 1.8 percentage points higher than the 46.6% the Nuggets allow to opponents. The Nuggets score 12.5 more points per game (120.5) than the Thunder allow their opponents to score (108.0).

The teams play for the second time this season. The Thunder won the last meeting 121-111 on Feb. 2, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scoring 34 points in the win.

TOP PERFORMERS: Wallace is averaging 8.9 points and 2.1 steals for the Thunder. Isaiah Joe is averaging 16 points and 1.7 steals over the past 10 games.

Jokic is averaging 28.8 points, 12.5 rebounds and 10.4 assists for the Nuggets. Jamal Murray is averaging 2.3 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Thunder: 6-4, averaging 114.6 points, 44.6 rebounds, 26.5 assists, 9.3 steals and 4.1 blocks per game while shooting 46.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 107.9 points per game.

Nuggets: 4-6, averaging 122.5 points, 46.9 rebounds, 29.2 assists, 7.9 steals and 3.8 blocks per game while shooting 48.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 116.4 points.

INJURIES: Thunder: Alex Caruso: day to day (ankle), Ajay Mitchell: out (abdomen), Chet Holmgren: day to day (back), Branden Carlson: day to day (back), Jalen Williams: out (hamstring), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: out (abdomen), Thomas Sorber: out for season (knee), Isaiah Joe: day to day (lower body), Isaiah Hartenstein: day to day (illness management).

Nuggets: Jamal Murray: day to day (illness), Jalen Pickett: day to day (knee), Tamar Bates: out (foot), Aaron Gordon: out (hamstring), Peyton Watson: out (hamstring).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

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San Antonio plays Brooklyn on 10-game win streak

San Antonio Spurs (42-16, second in the Western Conference) vs. Brooklyn Nets (15-42, 14th in the Eastern Conference)

New York; Thursday, 7:30 p.m. EST

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Spurs -13.5; over/under is 224.5

BOTTOM LINE: San Antonio seeks to keep its 10-game win streak intact when the Spurs take on Brooklyn.

The Nets have gone 8-20 in home games. Brooklyn is 10-28 in games decided by 10 or more points.

The Spurs are 21-10 in road games. San Antonio is third in the Western Conference with 16.4 fast break points per game led by Stephon Castle averaging 2.9.

The Nets average 106.9 points per game, 4.9 fewer points than the 111.8 the Spurs allow. The Spurs are shooting 47.8% from the field, 1.5% lower than the 49.3% the Nets' opponents have shot this season.

The two teams match up for the second time this season. The Spurs defeated the Nets 118-107 in their last meeting on Oct. 26. Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs with 31 points, and Michael Porter Jr. led the Nets with 15 points.

TOP PERFORMERS: Porter is averaging 24.6 points, seven rebounds and 3.2 assists for the Nets. Nolan Traore is averaging 12.5 points and 5.7 assists over the past 10 games.

De'Aaron Fox is averaging 19.1 points and 6.2 assists for the Spurs. Wembanyama is averaging 23.6 points and 11.6 rebounds while shooting 50.3% over the past 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Nets: 2-8, averaging 103.2 points, 40.4 rebounds, 25.8 assists, 8.2 steals and 3.5 blocks per game while shooting 44.3% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 117.1 points per game.

Spurs: 10-0, averaging 124.7 points, 49.0 rebounds, 31.2 assists, 8.1 steals and 7.3 blocks per game while shooting 50.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 110.4 points.

INJURIES: Nets: None listed.

Spurs: David Jones Garcia: out for season (ankle), Mason Plumlee: day to day (reconditioning).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

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Dallas plays Sacramento on 5-game home skid

Sacramento Kings (13-47, 15th in the Western Conference) vs. Dallas Mavericks (21-36, 12th in the Western Conference)

Dallas; Thursday, 8:30 p.m. EST

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Mavericks -6.5; over/under is 234.5

BOTTOM LINE: Dallas plays Sacramento looking to end its five-game home skid.

The Mavericks are 11-26 in Western Conference games. Dallas is 5-6 in one-possession games.

The Kings are 9-31 against Western Conference opponents. Sacramento is 10-32 against opponents with a winning record.

The Mavericks score 114.4 points per game, 6.7 fewer points than the 121.1 the Kings allow. The Kings average 10.2 made 3-pointers per game this season, 2.2 fewer made shots on average than the 12.4 per game the Mavericks give up.

The teams square off for the third time this season. The Mavericks won the last matchup 100-98 on Jan. 7, with Cooper Flagg scoring 20 points in the win.

TOP PERFORMERS: Flagg is averaging 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists for the Mavericks. Naji Marshall is averaging 15.8 points and 3.1 assists over the last 10 games.

Maxime Raynaud is scoring 10.1 points per game and averaging 7.0 rebounds for the Kings. DeMar DeRozan is averaging 16.5 points and 2.3 rebounds over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Mavericks: 2-8, averaging 115.9 points, 43.3 rebounds, 24.0 assists, 7.3 steals and 4.3 blocks per game while shooting 47.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 122.7 points per game.

Kings: 1-9, averaging 109.7 points, 43.0 rebounds, 25.2 assists, 9.1 steals and 4.6 blocks per game while shooting 44.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 124.4 points.

INJURIES: Mavericks: Daniel Gafford: day to day (ankle), Dereck Lively II: out for season (foot), Kyrie Irving: out for season (knee), Cooper Flagg: out (foot), P.J. Washington: out (ankle), Khris Middleton: day to day (shoulder).

Kings: Domantas Sabonis: out for season (back), Dylan Cardwell: out (ankle), De'Andre Hunter: out for season (eye), Zach LaVine: out for season (finger), Keegan Murray: day to day (ankle).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

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Cleveland faces Detroit for conference matchup

Cleveland Cavaliers (37-23, fourth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Detroit Pistons (43-14, first in the Eastern Conference)

Detroit; Friday, 7 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Cade Cunningham and the Detroit Pistons host Jarrett Allen and the Cleveland Cavaliers in Eastern Conference action.

The Pistons are 28-7 in Eastern Conference games. Detroit is 8-4 in games decided by less than 4 points.

The Cavaliers have gone 23-14 against Eastern Conference opponents. Cleveland ranks eighth in the Eastern Conference shooting 35.8% from 3-point range.

The Pistons are shooting 47.9% from the field this season, 1.8 percentage points higher than the 46.1% the Cavaliers allow to opponents. The Cavaliers average 14.5 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.7 more made shots on average than the 12.8 per game the Pistons give up.

The teams meet for the third time this season. The Pistons won 114-110 in the last matchup on Jan. 4.

TOP PERFORMERS: Cunningham is averaging 25.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, 9.8 assists and 1.5 steals for the Pistons. Duncan Robinson is averaging 3.4 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

Allen is averaging 15.1 points and 8.6 rebounds for the Cavaliers. Sam Merrill is averaging 12.3 points over the past 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Pistons: 8-2, averaging 119.1 points, 46.6 rebounds, 27.1 assists, 10.6 steals and 6.6 blocks per game while shooting 48.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 105.4 points per game.

Cavaliers: 8-2, averaging 121.1 points, 43.8 rebounds, 28.6 assists, 10.0 steals and 5.1 blocks per game while shooting 50.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 108.8 points.

INJURIES: Pistons: None listed.

Cavaliers: Donovan Mitchell: day to day (groin), Max Strus: out (foot), Evan Mobley: day to day (injury maintenance), James Harden: day to day (thumb).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

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Castellanos prefers managers with relatable track: 'emotions still intact'

Castellanos prefers managers with relatable track: 'emotions still intact' originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

There were a number of hiccups toward the end of Nick Castellanos’ tenure in Philadelphia.

When the club released the 34-year-old, Matt Gelb of The Athletic published an investigative piece on what actually transpired behind closed doors and inside the dugout.

One of the central issues: Castellanos’ “disdain” for manager Rob Thomson and hitting coach Kevin Long. An intriguing note, given how well-respected both men are across baseball.

The reported reason was that Castellanos didn’t fully respect the tandem because neither played professionally. So when he hit free agency, where did he land?

With the San Diego Padres, led by first-year manager Craig Stammen, a 41-year-old who spent 13 seasons as a big-league reliever, six with San Diego, before retiring after 2022.

“I have a lot of good relationships with the coaches just because they all have been playing recently,” Castellanos told the Ben & Woods show on 97.3 The Fan in San Diego on Wednesday.

“I really enjoy talking to coaches that have put it down within the last decade. Their emotions are still intact. They talk to you from a physical standpoint, but there’s also a lot of emotional relatability there because they’re still connected,” he said.

Castellanos, entering his 14th big-league season, has experience with player-managers.

In his second season in 2014, the Tigers, under Dave Dombrowski, hired Brad Ausmus, who played 18 seasons in the majors, won three Gold Gloves behind the dish and had retired just four years prior. Castellanos played four seasons under Ausmus.

There’s no shortage of successful managers and hitting coaches throughout baseball history who never played at the big-league level. Hall-of-Famer Jim Leyland, whom Castellanos coincidentally played 11 games for in his first season in 2013, Earl Weaver and Buck Showalter never appeared in the majors.

It’s a personal preference, and one that may help explain why Castellanos was at least comfortable signing with the Joe Girardi-led Phillies ahead of 2022.

The emotional relatability he described is something he takes genuine pride in. As he walked off the field for the final time in a Phillies uniform after Game 4 of the NLDS, he stopped to console Orion Kerkering as they neared the dugout.

“The play happened. It’s over. So immediately my attention went to him,” Castellanos said of Kerkering’s series-ending throwing error. “I don’t know what that exact situation feels like, but I know what it’s like to be on a field with 40,000 people and lose it — let alone in that moment in the playoffs. I’ve had moments where I felt that low. I had to make sure I was right next to him.”

Castellanos’ character as a teammate was questioned throughout Gelb’s piece, which drew from more than a dozen anonymous players and coaches. Whatever you make of those accounts, his response to Kerkering in that moment was hard to dismiss.

In San Diego, Castellanos projects as the oldest position player to break camp, and he’ll be leaned on as a veteran presence alongside his childhood friend, Manny Machado. His role isn’t yet defined. He’s taken most of his reps at first base but has made it clear he’ll go wherever allows him to get his bat in the lineup the most.

“The thing that has gotten me to the big leagues is that I’m a kid who believes in himself and knows he can hit,” Castellanos said. “Craig just said, ‘hey, you ready to go back to the outfield?’ I’ll do whatever you need. I’ll play first. I’ll play left. If [Fernando] Tatis needs a blow, I’ll play right. I’ll DH.”

The Padres leaned heavily on the bargain market late in the offseason. Within a week, the club added Castellanos, utility man Miguel Andújar and starters Germán Márquez, Griffin Canning and Walker Buehler, the latter on a minor league deal.

The Castellanos-Phillies storyline won’t quiet down anytime soon. Philadelphia heads to Petco Park from May 26-28, and Castellanos returns to Citizens Bank Park from June 2-4. That should be fun.

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Max Scherzer contract with Blue Jays: What we know

Max Scherzer is not ready to step off the mound just yet.

The three-time Cy Young Award winner is set to return to the Toronto Blue Jays for his 19th season in MLB, according to multiple reports.

Scherzer and the Blue Jays have agreed to a deal that carries a $3 million base salary for 2026 with up to $10 million in incentives, Sportsnet baseball columnist Shi Davidi reports.

Scherzer returns to a team that reached the World Series, going all the way to Game 7 against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Scherzer was given the ball to start that Game 7 at home on Nov. 1 and went 4.1 innings, striking out 3. He exited with a 3-1 lead, but Toronto eventually lost 5-4 in extra innings.

The 41-year-old pitcher had a 5-5 record and finished with a 5.19 ERA and 82 strikeouts in 17 games in 2025. In three playoff appearances he posted a 3.77 ERA.

He helped fill a need in Toronto after right-hander Bowden Francis underwent season-ending Tommy John surgery. Scherzer will enter the 2026 season with a career record of 221-117 and a 3.22 ERA. He has 3,489 strikeouts, which places him 11th all-time.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Max Scherzer contract with Toronto Blue Jays: What we know

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Jays Sign Max Scherzer

Nov 1, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer (31) pitches against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first inning during game seven of the 2025 MLB World Series at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images | John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

The headline says it all, but the Jays have signed Max Scherzer to a one-year contract. He’ll make $3 million with ‘up to’ $10 million in incentives.

He won’t be starting the season with the Jays. I’d imagine the plan will be to get him going in May with the idea he could join the major league team in June or July (unless there is an injury or two in the rotation).

I’m not all that excited. I didn’t think he was all that terrific last year. He had a 5.19 ERA n 17 starts. In 85 innings batters hit .262/.313/.497 against him.

He made one start in the ALCS, throwing 5.2 innings, allowing 3 hits, 2 earned, with a home run, 4 walks and 5 strikeouts. In the World Series he made two starts, 8.2 innings, allowing 9 hits, 4 earned, 2 homers, 2 walks and 6 strikeouts.

Max is 41 now, he’ll be 42 on July 27.

I think he’s a great teammate, but I don’t know that I’d want to give him starts.

There is also a note that Jays minor league pitcher, Chay Yeager is going to have UCL surgery and is out for the season. He split last year between Vancouver and New Hampshire, with a 3.23 ERA in 42 games, 1 starts and 55.2 innings. He allowed 36 hits, 20 walks and 64 strikeouts.

Randal Grichuk signed a minor league deal with the Yankess. He hit .228/.273/.401 in 113 games last year split between the Diamondbacks and the Royals.

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Nate Bittle scores 20, Oregon beats Wisconsin 85-71

EUGENE, Ore. (AP) — Nate Bittle scored 20 points, Takai Simpkins added 17, and Oregon beat Wisconsin 85-71 on Wednesday night.

Oregon (11-17, 4-13 Big Ten) has won back-to-back games and three of four following a 10-game skid.

Kwame Evans Jr. had 16 points and a season-high tying four blocks and Wei Lin added 13 points for the Ducks.

Sean Stewart threw down two dunks in an 11-2 run that gave Oregon an 11-point lead with 6:24 left. Nick Boyd made jumper in the lane and John Blackwell followed with a 3 before Simpkins and Braeden Carrington traded 3-pointers to make 65-59 with 4:48 to go but the Badgers got no closer.

Blackwell led Wisconsin (19-9, 11-6) with 22 points and Boyd finished with 11 points and seven assists.

Wisconsin set the program's single-game record with 45 3-point attempts. The previous mark of 40 was set twice: against Providence on Nov. 27, and against Temple in 2001.

Lin scored nine points in a 13-2 run that gave Oregon its first lead of the game at 25-23 with 5:39 left in the first half.

Winter and Boyd each hit a 3-pointer before Rapp converted a three-point play in a 9-3 spurt that gave Wisconsin a 19-10 lead almost seven minutes into the game.

The Ducks shot 71% (17 of 24) in the second half and made 28 of 54 (52%) overall.

The Badgers committed 12 turnovers, nine in the second half, which Oregon converted into 24 points.

Up next

Wisconsin: Plays Saturday at Washington.

Oregon: Visits Northwestern on Saturday.

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Kings Collapse In Third Period, Surrender Five Goals To Shorthanded Golden Knights

A loss over a Golden Knights team missing five key rotation pieces, including Mitch Marner, Jack Eichel, Mark Stone, etc, that in itself wasn't enough for the Los Angeles Kings to defeat the Golden Knights at home. 

It looked like the Kings (23-20-14) had this game in the bag, leading 2-1 heading into the third period with a great ending in the second period. Instead, Los Angeles choked in devastating fashion, surrendering five goals in the third period, and lost 6-4 to the Vegas Golden Knights (28-16-14).

It was an electric 40 minutes with Artemi Panarin doing his thing in his debut and Quinton Byfield shining, then it collapsed, another reason why people shouldn't buy the Kings, who can never hold on to their leads this season. 

2 Kings Who Must Show Up For LA's Final Stretch2 Kings Who Must Show Up For LA's Final StretchThe Los Angeles Kings will look for these two players to finish the season strong as LA fights to stay in the playoff race after the Olympic break.

First Period: Vegas Strikes First

Vegas opened the scoring at 9:01 when Pavel Dorofeyev buried the rebound off a 2-on-1 rush. A missed shot kicked off the end boards, and Dorofeyev stayed with the play, beating Anton Forbserg on the transition to make it 1-0. 

Even with Vegas missing five key rotation players, the Golden Knights are still dangerous in transition. 

But the Kings' response was quick; a few minutes later, at the 5:29 mark, Quinton Byfield tied the game 1-1, finishing off a sharp sequence set up by Artemi Panarin and Brandt Clarke. Panarin's touch and presence on ice immediately stood out, drawing coverage and creating space. The puck movement was crisp and beautiful to watch as Quinton Byfield snapped home his 12th goal of the season. 

Second Period: Kings Capitalize

The middle frame was tighter and more physically charged. 

Vegas pushed early in the second, winning the puck battles, but the Kings' talent took over the shorthanded Golden Knights. 

The turning point came at 5:16 of the second period, when Vegas turned over the puck at the offensive blue line. Panarin immediately transitioned up ice, feeding Anze Kopitar, who slid a perfect pass to Adrian Kempe, finishing the play cleanly to give the Kings the 2-1 lead.

It was a textbook transition play that saw some showtime on ice, led by Panarin and the trio of Kempe and Kopitar. Panarin picked up his second assist and point of the night, continuing to show the instant chemistry he brings to the Kings. 

As mentioned, the period got very physical, with Corey Perry dropping the gloves with Jeremy Lauzon after his hit on Byfield. Both teams were very into it tonight, fighting in a big divisional rivalry game. 

After 40 minutes, aside from the fight that resulted in a penalty to Perry, the Kings looked to be firmly in control of this game heading into the third period, leading 2-1. 

Third Period: A Five Goal Avalance

Everything slipped in the final frame. Within four minutes, the Golden Knights scored three goals to extend their lead to 4-2, with three different Golden Knights scoring despite missing five players. 

Vegas is the best team in the third period this season with the best goal differential, so it was always going to be a tough task to close out this team for the Kings, but even without its key players, Los Angeles couldn't do so, and the Golden Knights showed why they're the No. 1 seed in the Pacific Division. 

The momentum quickly shifted as the Kings were unable to create easy shots, while the Golden Knights were the much faster, more physical team, despite being severely shorthanded on the road. 

The Kings did score two more goals in the third period, with Byfield scoring his second goal of the game, his first time this season scoring two goals in a game, and Brandt Clarke keeping Los Angeles alive, cutting the deficit to 5-4, with just under a minute remaining. 

But, off a turnover, the Golden Knights hit the dagger on the empty netter, to win the game 6-4 in Crypto.com Arena. 

Despite the loss, Panarin was great in his debut, finishing with two points and two assists, showing why he will quickly become a game-changer for the Kings, but it still wasn't enough to win tonight. 

Vegas now leads the season series 3-1, winning the last three meetings. 

For the Kings, it's a tough one to swallow, especially against a banged-up team, but all they have to do now is move on and quickly forget about this loss. Los Angeles is back at it again tomorrow night against a tough Edmonton Oilers team, who will likely have most of their guys ready as tip-off starts at 10:30 pm EST. 

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Cole Perfetti scores in overtime in the Jets' 3-2 victory over the Canucks

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — Cole Perfetti scored off a rebound at 1:37 of overtime to give the Winnipeg Jets a 3-2 victory over the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday night.

Kyle Connor, returning to the Jets after helping the United States win the Olympics on Sunday, and Gabriel Vilardi also scored, Mark Scheifele had two assists.

Eric Comrie stopped 21 shots. Connor Hellebucyk, who backstopped the United States to the Olympic gold medal, is scheduled to join the team in Anaheim on Friday.

Drew O’Connor and Evander Kane scored for Vancouver, and Nikita Tolopilo made 25 saves.

Vancouver took a 2-1 lead just 38 seconds into the second period when Elias Pettersson won a draw in the Jets' end and Kane blasted a one-timer past Comrie.

Vilardi tied the it with less than two minutes left in second. Parked in the crease, he banged home a pass from Scheifele.

Up next

Jets: At Anaheim on Friday night.

Canucks: At Seattle on Saturday night.

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AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhla

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Warriors vs. Grizzlies player grades: Will Richard has a career game

Will Richard walking down the court with his arm around Gary Payton II.
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - FEBRUARY 25: Gary Payton II #0 of the Golden State Warriors and Will Richard #3 of the Golden State Warriors reacts during the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on February 25, 2026 in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Justin Ford/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Golden State Warriors put on quite a show on Wednesday night. Despite playing without Steph Curry, Draymond Green, Jimmy Butler III, De’Anthony Melton, and Kristaps Porziņģis, and despite being on the road on the back end of a back-to-back, they crushed the (admittedly tanking) Memphis Grizzlies 133-112. It was a dominant performance, and the most balanced attack of the entire season.

There were just nine players available, and all nine played huge roles. So let’s grade those nine. As always, grades are based on my expectations for each player, with a “B” grade representing the average performance for that player.

Note:True-shooting percentage (TS) is a scoring efficiency metric that accounts for threes and free throws. Entering Wednesday’s games, league-average TS was 57.9%.

Moses Moody

28 minutes, 14 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover, 2 fouls, 4-for-7 shooting, 3-for-5 threes, 3-for-3 free throws, 84.1% TS, +6

Moody didn’t particularly stand out in this game, but he played quite well. His defense was solid, and he kept the ball moving. I’d still love to see him be more aggressive attacking the glass and getting out in transition, but I’m not here to argue with strong defense and elite efficiency.

Grade: A-

Gui Santos

26 minutes, 17 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 1 turnover, 6-for-7 shooting, 1-for-2 threes, 4-for-4 free throws, 97.0% TS, +21

Like I just said above: I’m not here to argue with strong defense and elite efficiency! And Santos took that even a step further, scoring 17 points while only missing one shot — from the field or the charity stripe — all night long. His defense was so active, as he was disrupting passes on the perimeter, cutters in the lane, and shots in the paint. It really feels like we can see everything clicking into place for Gui … he’s turning into a high-quality role player.

Grade: A+

Al Horford

27 minutes, 10 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block, 1 foul, 4-for-10 shooting, 2-for-6 threes, 50.0% TS, +12

Horford is already the elder statesman of the team, but that’s especially true when Curry, Green, and Butler are out. It’s incredible how much he just calms the team down on offense and on defense, and how much more in control the Dubs are when he’s on the court. He didn’t have the most efficient scoring night, but his defense and rebounding were superb.

Grade: B+

Will Richard

30 minutes, 21 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals, 1 turnover, 2 fouls, 9-for-15 shooting, 2-for-6 threes, 1-for-1 free throws, 68.0% TS, +6

Want a shining example of a player capable of impacting a game in many ways? Richard didn’t attempt a single shot on Tuesday; and on Wednesday, he led the team in scoring.

It was a masterclass in playing the right way. It felt like every bucket Richard scored came from either a perfectly-time cut, or beating nine other players down the court for a transition bucket. In fact, let’s just go through all his made shots, in order:

  • A corner three off a pass from Brandin Podziemski, where he slid into the passing lane
  • A corner three off a pass from Santos, where he slid into the passing lane
  • A layup where he dove from the top of the arc down the paint, catching a pass from Podziemski
  • An and-one layup where he cut from the corner, catching a pass from Malevy Leons
  • A step-back jumper
  • An uncontested transition dunk after he knocked the ball away on defense and then sprinted down the court
  • A transition layup after he stole the ball and beat everyone down the court
  • An uncontested transition layup after he — starting in the corner of the court on defense — beat everyone down the court
  • An uncontested transition dunk after the Warriors forced a turnover and he beat everyone down the court

If you feel off-balance, don’t worry. That’s just the earth shifting under the gravitational pull of Steve Kerr smiling the largest smile in human history. Just an impeccable game by Richard.

Grade: A+
Post-game bonus: Led the team in points.

Brandin Podziemski

31 minutes, 19 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 turnovers, 2 fouls, 6-for-14 shooting, 3-for-8 threes, 4-for-4 free throws, 60.3% TS, +22

Podziemski was on triple-double watch for much of the night, and while he didn’t match his absurd 15-rebound total from the last two games, he now has 38 boards over his last three contests. That’s impressive for any player, but downright absurd for one as short as Podz is. He did an awesome job running the offense, both as a scorer and as a facilitator. He’s really stepping up to the plate lately, and taking his game to a new level after an up-and-down few months.

Plus, it was his birthday! Happy birthday to the youngest Warrior!

Grade: A
Post-game bonus: Tied for the team lead in rebounds.

Gary Payton II

28 minutes, 19 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, 3 turnovers, 3 fouls, 8-for-12 shooting, 3-for-7 threes, 79.2% TS, +3

I’ll be honest, I didn’t really see that game coming from GPII, but he was tremendous. He was a menace on the perimeter, making life miserable for an Grizzlies player who dared handle the ball. And he had a great game on offense as well … like Richard, he did an excellent job cutting and beating everyone down the court.

Obviously we could live without the turnovers, but otherwise a nearly flawless game.

Grade: A
Post-game bonus: Tied for the worst plus/minus on the team.

Pat Spencer

32 minutes, 12 points, 2 rebounds, 9 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 2 turnovers, 4 fouls, 5-for-13 shooting, 2-for-5 threes, 46.2% TS, +23

Spencer was absolutely masterful running the offense in this game. He was aggressive, but composed, and set up his teammates time and time again. The Warriors had 37 assists on 49 made buckets, and Spencer was the biggest reason why. But while he collected his fair share of dimes, the biggest thing was simply the way he kept the ball moving. Sometimes he put his teammates in position to score, but oftentimes he just put them in position to make the right pass, or to drive, or to get out in transition.

He struggled with fouls and didn’t score efficiently, but he just ran the offense so well.

Grade: A
Post-game bonus: Led the team in assists, best plus/minus on the team.

Quinten Post

21 minutes, 12 points, 8 rebounds, 1 steal, 2 blocks, 2 turnovers, 3 fouls, 4-for-9 shooting, 2-for-6 threes, 2-for-3 free throws, 58.1% TS, +9

Post has really started playing like a seven-footer recently. He’s stepped it up in a huge way on the glass, and defending the rim. He’s playing like someone who knows he needs to show the team that he can be a bonafide center if he wants to get minutes if and when Porziņģis gets back on the court. Just a very tough game from him … in the good sense of the word.

Grade: A-
Post-game bonus: Tied for the team lead in rebounds.

Malevy Leons

17 minutes, 9 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 1 block, 1 turnover, 4 fouls, 3-for-5 shooting, 1-for-1 threes, 2-for-4 free throws, 66.6% TS, +3

Leons was part of the saddest moment on the court. In the waning minutes, Bob Fitzgerald had understandably grown invested in the idea that all nine Warriors could reach double figures. Leons was stuck on nine points, but drew a foul. Unfortunately, he missed both free throws, and kept the Warriors from having a slightly historic game.

That didn’t keep it from being the best game in the young player’s career. This was only his 12th career game, spread over two seasons, but it was emphatically his best. He entered the game with eight career points, then scored nine in this game alone. He entered the game with two assists and one block in his career; he matched those totals. He entered the game with one steal; he had two in this game alone. It was fun seeing him get some serious minutes for the first time, and he certainly made the most of them.

Grade: A+
Post-game bonus: Tied for the team lead in rebounds, tied for the worst plus/minus on the team.

Wednesday’s inactives: Jimmy Butler III, LJ Cryer, Seth Curry, Steph Curry, Draymond Green, De’Anthony Melton, Kristaps Porziņģis, Nate Williams