SEIYA SUZUKI UPDATE: He’s having an MRI today on the knee he injured in the WBC and more information should be available tomorrow.
WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC: For those interested, there will be a WBC semifinal game thread posting at 6:15 p.m. CT for the Venezuela vs. Italy game that begins at 7 p.m. CT.
Please visit our SB Nation Guardians site Covering The Corner. If you do go there to interact with Guardians fans, please be respectful, abide by their individual site rules and serve as a good representation of Cub fans in general and BCB in particular.
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 8 p.m. CT and 9:35 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.
MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 14: Ezequiel Tovar #14 of Team Venezuela scores during the eighth inning against Team Japan during the 2026 World Baseball Classic at loanDepot park on March 14, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Venue: loanDepot Park — Miami, Florida, USA
The stage is almost set for the grand finale of the 2026 World Baseball Classic. As Team USA defeated the team from the Dominican Republic last night in a close, hard-fought pitcher’s duel—that was not without controversy—tonight’s semifinals match-up will determine their opponent.
Regardless of the result, Team USA will face off against a team making the final round for the first time in the tournament’s history.
After knocking Japan out of the tournament in Saturday’s upset victory, Venezuela now has their eyes on the prize with the goal of defeating Italy tonight and the United States on Tuesday. The Venezuelan team presents a very well-balanced front. Their solid, top-ten offense has hit .276/.354/.482 with 11 doubles and eight home runs while demonstrating speed on the bases with eight steals. Their pitching staff has posted a 3.20 ERA with a 1.09 WHIP and 48 strikeouts so far, but they’ve also given up the fourth-most home runs.
Taking the mound tonight will be Detroit Tigers righty Keider Montero, who is making his first start of the tournament. Montero previously pitched three scoreless innings of relief against Nicaragua, giving up three hits and striking out two batters.
Should he be in the lineup tonight, Rockies shortstop Ezequiel Tovar could continue to be a spark plug for Venezuela. Tovar is shining in the international spotlight. Against Japan he went 3-for-4 with two doubles, a stolen base, and solid defensive play.
Venezuela will be facing the surprise top seed and only remaining undefeated team in this year’s tournament: Italia.
Italy has never made it to the final four in the history of the World Baseball Classic, let alone gone undefeated while facing baseball powerhouse opponents like Mexico and the United States. Italy defeated both in convincing fashion with both exuberance and flair. Their designer jacket, espresso machine home run celebration, and of course il bacio from their captain Vinnie Pasquantino draw your attention while their strong play on the field keeps it.
Italy’s potent lineup packed with talent like Kansas City Royals stars Pasquantino and Jac Caglianone have hit a combined .287/.401/.581 with 12 home runs—the second-most in the tournament to this point. They’re also a perfect 8-for-8 in stolen bases.
Their pitching staff—while not as flashy as other delegations—has quietly turned in repeated strong performances. Their 3.40 ERA and 1.20 WHIP have gotten the job done, and their 54 strikeouts are the fourth-most of any team. Italy’s pitching has also kept bats quiet when it comes to home runs, giving up just four.
Italy originally planned to send Rockies starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen to the mound tonight, but will instead have Philadelphia Phillies ace Austin Nola make the start instead. Nola worked five shutout innings against Mexico his last time out, striking out five batters while giving up four hits and a walk.
Depending on how tonight’s game goes for Nola, Lorenzen may appear out of the bullpen. If he does not—and Italy wins—Lorenzen is the likely starter for the championship game.
NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 22: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans dribbles the ball during the game against the Dallas Mavericks on December 22, 2025 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 2025 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Dallas Mavericks (23-45) head to Louisiana to face of against an old friend/foe in the New Orleans Pelicans (22-46). Dallas took the Cavaliers to the woodshed on Sunday afternoon and have had a full day to recover and get ready for tonight’s game. The Pelicans, meanwhile, just keep winning. They have no incentive to lose, seeing as they don’t own this year’s draft pick, but it’s been fascinating watching them from afar (yes I know they lose to the Rockets in maddening fashion on Friday).
Here are the main things you need to know:
WHO: Dallas Mavericks vs New Orleans Pelicans
WHAT: Heading to Louisiana for a Southwest Division game
WHERE: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
WHEN: 7:00 pm CST
HOW: KFAA Channel 29, MavsTV streaming, NBA League Pass
The Mavericks injury report is worth taking a gander at before tipoff. The two-way guys are all questionable, so the coaching staff is still deciding if they should play or not. Daniel Gafford is going to miss this game, as is Klay Thompson (each is doubtful as of this writing). Caleb Martin is questionable. Everyone else should be playing unless I cannot read (entirely possible).
The New Orleans side of the report is clean, with Dejounte Murray listed as questionable with an illness. deThe line is a whopping 8.5 favoring the Pelicans. That reads weird to me but Dallas is on their fourth game in five nights and New Orleans has been off for a few days. Still, that’s a massive line for one bad team to be favored over the other. We’ll see shortly I suppose!
Be sure to chime in with your predictions in the comments!
Consider joining Josh and me on Pod Maverick live after the game on YouTube, we should start LATE. Thanks so much for spending time with us here at Mavs Moneyball. Let’s go Mavs!
PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 14: Ben Saraf #77 of the Brooklyn Nets shoots a free throw during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on March 14, 2026 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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 Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Inhale. Exhale. Michael Porter Jr, Day’Ron Sharpe, Noah Clowney, Egor Demin, and Terance Mann are all out for Brooklyn. That’s great news for those getting ready for the big dance.
In the meantime, Brooklyn hoops. 15 games remain including tonight.
🏀 KEY INFO
Who: Portland Trail Blazers (32-36) at Brooklyn Nets (17-50) When: 7:30 PM ET Watch: YES Network
✍️ Game Preview
“Amazingly, this is the first meeting between the two teams this season. This is the second night of a back-to-back and game two of a six game road trip for the Blazers. Former Nets assistant coach Tiago Splitter is coaching the Blazers these days. And it feels like a lifetime ago, but Splitter got the job because the feds got Chauncey Billups in a sweep. If he can get them into the playoffs, there’s a chance he’ll be there permanently.” | Brian Fleurantin
💬 DISCUSSION
Share your thoughts and react, but please be respectful. NetsDaily prides itself on being a safe space for Nets and basketball fans alike to have healthy conversation. Reach out to Anthony Puccio or Net Income with any issues.
INJURY REPORT 3/16 @ BKN:
OUT Damian Lillard (L Achilles Tendon) Caleb Love (Two-Way) Shaedon Sharpe (L Fibula Stress Reaction) Yang Hansen (G League) Chris Youngblood (Two-Way)
DOUBTFUL Vit Krejci (L Calf Contusion)
QUESTIONABLE Robert Williams III (L Knee Inj Mgmt)
ABERDEEN, MARYLAND - JUNE 22, 2025: Austin Overn #31 of the Aberdeen IronBirds bats during a South Atlantic League game against the Brooklyn Cyclones at Ripken Stadium on June 22, 2025 in Aberdeen, Maryland. (Photo by Rodger Wood/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
Acquired in the Shane Baz trade, Overn was once a top draft prospect after committing to baseball over football at USC, but surprisingly struggled as a draft-eligible sophomore. That didn’t stop Baltimore from taking him in the third round (97th overall) in 2024. Now a professional, Overn overhauled his swing in the first half of 2025, and earned an early promotion to Double-A for his efforts, where he didn’t look overmatched. His biggest threat is his speed, which raises his floor and gives him an easy projection to a major league bench thanks to plus defensive instincts (BA gave 70’s to his run and field tools). His offensive profile is buoyed by his ability to work the count, but evaluators would like to see him punish fastballs more often for him to be considered a regular.
Rank
Player
Position
Votes
Total
Percentage
Last Season
1
Carson Williams
SS
14
25
56%
1
2
Brody Hopkins
RHP
19
25
76%
8
3
Jacob Melton
OF
14
28
50%
NA
4
Theo Gillen
OF
14
26
54%
13
5
Ty Johnson
RHP
12
25
48%
15
6
Daniel Pierce
SS
13
23
57%
NA
7
Jadher Areinamo
INF
15
28
54%
NA
8
TJ Nichols
RHP
13
28
46%
NR
9
Michael Forret
RHP
8
33
24%
NA
10
Santiago Suarez
RHP
11
30
37%
16
11
Anderson Brito
RHP
7
28
25%
NA
12
Xavier Isaac
1B
9
28
32%
3
13
Caden Bodine
C
10
25
40%
NA
14
Brendan Summerhill
OF
11
27
41%
NA
15
Slater de Brun
OF
10
25
40%
NA
16
Nathan Flewelling
C
8
26
31%
NR
17
Trevor Harrison
RHP
9
26
35%
10
18
Jose Urbina
RHP
13
26
50%
25
19
Tre’ Morgan
1B/LF
15
25
60%
4
20
Jackson Baumeister
RHP
12
27
44%
12
21
Aidan Smith
OF
17
29
59%
6
22
Homer Bush Jr.
OF
10
25
40%
21
23
Dom Keegan
C
10
28
36%
9
24
Gary Gill Hill
RHP
8
25
32%
11
25
Brailer Guerrero
OF
8
24
33%
14
26
Brayden Taylor
2B/3B
6
25
24%
2
27
Adrian Santana
SS
6
26
23%
NR
28
Austin Overn
OF
7
21
33%
NA
Voting is tapering, but that’s natural at this stage, and Overn was the clear winner regardless. We add Joe Rock!
Candidates
Fabricio Blanco, SS 17 | S/R | 5’11” | 161
A bat-first middle infielder, the Venezuelan is an elite prospect within the context of the international signing process, with some believing he’s the best Rays signee this off-season, despite gathering only a $1 million bonus. He can barrel up from both sides of the plate, but may settle into a right handed swing in the long term, with quick hands. He has the ability and instincts to stick at short, with a high-IQ approach and gritty demeanor.
Alex Cook, RHP 25 | 6’2” | 220 AA | 2.30 ERA, 2.29 FIP, 15.2 IP (13 G), 30.5% K, 5.1% BB
The Rays added Cook to the 40-man roster this off-season to protect him from the Rule 5 draft, despite only throwing 20 innings (if you include four appearances in the complex league) after a slow start to the season. Cook attempted to convert to starting in 2024 and succumbed to a should injury, but bounced back in the bullpen in 2025 throwing 99 mph — and he has shown up to camp continuing to pitch with confidence. He has plus control and command, with stuff that leans into his low release point, including a cut-ride fastball and two-plane slider, and an MLB average cutter to prevent platoon slit problems. He should slot into high leverage for Durham and ride the shuttle in 2026.
Tampa Bay’s top signee from the 2025 international class, Coret reported tall and young with a lot of projection. His future depends mostly on his hit tool, with prospect evaluators divided on a player that has a long way to go, but the exit velocity (111 mph) and foot speed are plus for his age. Promisingly, after he had a hot start to his professional career, Coret saw his strikeouts elevate in July, but he got them back under control in the final month. A move to the complex league in 2026 would be aggressive.
Cooper Flemming, SS 19 | L/R | 6’3” | 190
One of the best high school bats in the 2025 draft, Flemming surprisingly fell into the Rays laps in the second round. He has a too-quiet swing that lacks the load necessary to hit for power, but he’s historically compensated for that with a high contact rate that would have rated him as first round material if his defense projected to stick. The Rays were able to convince him to forgo an education at Vanderbilt by going above slot ($2.3m, Comp-A money).
Taitn Gray, 1B/OF/C 18 | S/R | 6’4” | 220
The Rays 86th overall pick in 2025, Gray fell to the third round due to some concern about whether he will stick at catcher, but that buries the lead. Still just 17 at the time of the draft, Gray showed up to the Rays organization and proved his rumored power was real, running exit velocities up to 115 mph from both sides of the plate, although the left handed swing is sweeter. He has plus athleticism, which elevated his bat speed, foot speed, and fluidity — despite his size. It will be interesting to see where the Rays deploy him on defense, but it’s a great bat to dream on.
Victor Mesa Jr., OF 24 | L/L | 5’11” | 195 AAA (MIA) | .301/.368/.510 (136 wRC+) 171 PA, 7 HR, 4 SB, 9.9% BB, 16.4% K MLB (MIA) | 6 H (1 HR), 5 BB, 5 K (81 wRC+) 38 PA
This Cuban power bat already made his major league debut with Miami last year after bouncing back from a spring hamstring injury, and was dealt to the Rays in February. He profiles as a fourth outfielder but has an option remaining, so the organization may send him down for regular playing time and one last chance for something more in development. If not, he’s a center field capable on defense, which goes a long way for a platoon bat. In the running for the nicest guy in baseball.
Dean Moss, OF 19 | L/R | 6’0” | 180
Signed well above slot out of the 2025 draft at No. 67 overall, Moss’s family moved from California to the Tampa Bay Area to enroll Moss at IMG, and it earned him a new-home-town selection. A jack of all trades, Moss’s hit tool shades his best thanks to plus bat speed. His swing is clean, with and the projection for his power over time is major league average. He will have competition internally to stick at center, but may get the first nod in the rookie league.
The Rays 58th overall pick in 2024, Pitre has risen on draft boards through a strong performance in the Cape Cod league in 2023, but the power was a real question mark on his profile. Now given a chance to develop as a professional, he wouldn’t be the first to add muscle. His run and hit tools are plus, with a well coiled swing and solid contact in and out of zone. He’s too old to return to High-A and it be viewed as positive. His power stroke will be the key to his success in 2026.
Joe Rock, LHP 25 | 6’6” | 220 AAA | 5.21 ERA, 5.13 FIP, 96.2 IP (32 G, 15 GS), 21.1% K, 9.3% BB MLB | 2 ER, 7 H (1 HR), 7.2 IP (3 G), 11 K, 2 BB
Rock got the call for the first time last season, riding the Durham shuttle in June and again in September after being acquired from the Rockies for former first rounder Greg Jones in an org roster shuffle ahead of the 2024 season. Rock’s calling card is a borderline double-plus slider that’s complimented by league average stuff from his sinker and change, although he’ll pop a high four-seam to keep ‘em honest. His arm action starts with a high back elbow and ends in a lower release point, and the look elevates his profile through deception. He’s most likely in a relief role.
Victor Valdez, SS 17 | R/R | 6’1” | 186
A pretty swing with a low whiff rate earned Valdez a big payday this winter — $3.5 million — with as good of a power projection as you can reasonably ask for from a a teenage bat, having been given a 25+ home run projection by Baseball America, who also praise his plus foot speed, bat speed, and control of the zone. Reports say he has ever improving lateral movements on defense, with smooth actions and a strong arm. If it all clicks, it’s a middle-of-the-order bat on the left side of the infield. At signing, the Rays gave him a comp to Francisco Lindor. It will be interesting to see if his first professional season can solidify the five tool profile.
PEORIA, ARIZONA - MARCH 4: Joe Musgrove #44 of the San Diego Padres walks out of the bullpen before a World Baseball Classic scrimmage against Great Britain at Peoria Stadium on March 4, 2026 in Peoria, Arizona. (Photo by Matt Thomas/San Diego Padres/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Padres fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
The San Diego Padres entered Spring Training with questions about their starting pitching rotation. There were rumors in the offseason about Mason Miller being converted back to a starter – he will not be. There was also talk about David Morgan and/or Brian Hoeing being stretched out to become starters because the Padres knew they would not have much of their 2025 rotation returning. Morgan remains in the bullpen and Hoeing will be lost for the season after needing elbow surgery.
Dylan Cease reached free agency and signed with the Toronto Blue Jays. Michael King also reached free agency, but after time on the market he re-signed and returned to San Diego. Nick Pivetta was still on the team, but rumors about a possible trade involving Pivetta percolated in many of the early offseason conversations – he remains on the roster. It was announced that Yu Darvish would miss the entire 2026 season after offseason surgery on his elbow and Joe Musgrove was returning from his own surgery and what he could provide over 162-game season was unknown.
San Diego president of baseball operations and general manager A.J. Preller turned to the free agent market, but after re-signing King, he seemed reluctant to add a free agent pitcher on much more than a minor league deal. He did add German Marquez and Griffin Canning on major league deals, but Marquez received a one-year deal with a mutual option for 2027 for $1.75 million and Canning got a one-year deal with a mutual option for 2027 for $2.5 million. Other than Marquez and Canning, Walker Buehler, Marco Gonzales and Triston McKenzie were all added on minor league deals. JP Sears and Matt Waldron were already on the San Diego roster and were starting rotation options heading into Spring Training.
Padres manager Craig Stammen announced Monday that Musgrove would likely not be on the Opening Day roster after having difficulty bouncing back from his last throwing session and a start against Great Britain, who was preparing for the World Baseball Classic. Pivetta recently missed time with arm fatigue and recently returned, but there was a moment of concern for Padres fans.
The current San Diego rotation is:
Michael King
Nick Pivetta
Randy Vasquez
TBA
TBA
The expectation is that Buehler and Marquez will occupy those positions because Canning will be out until sometime in May after recovering from his own injury that occurred last season. Gonzales was hammered his last time out against the Texas Rangers and McKenzie has had trouble with control throughout spring, but his velocity has been impressive. Sears has continued to allow home runs and Waldron is trying to work back to the mound after having surgery to address a hemorrhoid issue.
It would appear the San Diego rotation is in shambles with only King and Pivetta as front of the rotation pitchers. Vasquez will move up out of necessity, but that means the back of the rotation will be filled by some combination of Marquez, Buehler, Sears, Waldron, McKenzie and Gonzales at least until Canning is cleared to return. The typical disclaimer applies; this is assuming Preller does not make a trade to address the starting rotation like he did when he added Cease prior to the plane taking off for Korea to open the 2024 season.
Gaslamp Ball would like to know what your level of concern is regarding the Padres’ rotation with Opening Day just 10 days away. Results from the Padres Reacts Survey poll question will be announced later this week.
In the quiet aftermath of a national heartbreak, the words of Shohei Ohtani carried the weight of an entire baseball nation on Monday when the two-way sensation wrote a heartfelt message on his Instagram account.
Last Saturday night in Miami, Team Japan – the gold standard of the World Baseball Classic with three titles – watched its dream dissolve under the bright lights of LoanDepot Park.
Shohei Ohtani of Japan looks on during batting practice before the game against Venezuela. Getty Images
After dominating group play on their home soil at the Tokyo Dome in Japan, the Samurai traveled to Miami to face Venezuela in the quarterfinals.
Japan led 5-2 in the game, thanks in large part to Ohtani’s game-tying blast in the bottom of the first inning, and his Dodgers’ teammate, Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s stellar start.
However, Venezuela stormed back and stunned the defending champions 8-5, marking the first time in the tournament’s 20-year history that Japan failed to reach the semifinals.
It was the kind of loss that lingers.
And Ohtani knew it.
Two days later, as he traveled back to Glendale, Arizona for the quiet rhythm of spring training, the Dodgers superstar wrote a message of gratitude, disappointment, and reflection.
“Dear fans, thank you very much for your support. Your cheers gave us a push in the back every day,” Ohtani wrote in Japanese.
Then came the honesty.
“We didn’t get the results we wanted, and I’m pained by my shortcomings.”
Those words landed with the humility that has defined the most recognizable player in baseball. Ohtani thanked the players, coaches and staff who shared the dugout with him, acknowledging that even a short tournament can feel like a lifetime when worn across the chest of your own country.
“To the players, manager, coaches, and the staffers who supported the team, it was a short time, but I’m grateful from the bottom of my heart that I was able to experience baseball with you as a representative of Japan.”
“Additionally, I want to express my gratitude to the players from the countries we played starting in the first round.”
He even tipped his cap to the team that ended their run.
“Also, to the folks from victorious Venezuela, congratulations.”
Shohei Ohtani of Team Japan reacts after hitting home run during the first inning against Team Venezuela. Getty Images
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That’s who Ohtani is. Even in defeat, the perspective remains bigger than the scoreboard.
In 2023, Ohtani stood atop the baseball world, striking out his former teammate Mike Trout to seal Japan’s championship and create one of the sport’s most iconic moments.
Now, Ohtani returns to Camelback Ranch chasing something else entirely – a third straight World Series title and another chapter in a career that increasingly feels less like a baseball story and more like mythology wearing cleats.
Japan’s tournament ended in shock.
Ohtani’s pursuit of greatness, however, never stops.
For the first time in its 64-year history, Dodger Stadium is attaching itself to a corporate sponsorship.
Katie Woo of The Athletic first reported Sunday that the Los Angeles Dodgers have agreed to a deal with Japanese fashion brand Uniqlo to be the official field presenting partner of the historic ballpark. Uniqlo does not have the naming rights to Dodger Stadium itself, as the team reportedly made it a priority to keep the only name the ballpark has ever had intact.
Rather, the sponsorship is for the playing field alone and will likely be something along the lines of Uniqlo Field at Dodger Stadium.
It's a similar setup to another historic LA venue — the playing field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, the home of the USC Trojans football team, has been known as United Airlines Field since 2019 while keeping the stadium's name.
Uniqlo began as a fast-fashion brand based in Japan in 2017 and has since grown to over 1,000 stores worldwide. As part of the deal, it will have a prominent presence throughout the ballpark, including a new sign in the center field plaza. Per The Athletic, Uniqlo will also hold exclusive marketing and promotional opportunities as the organization’s top sponsor.
It adds yet another major Japanese-based sponsor since the arrival of two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani prior to the 2024 season. That year alone, the Dodgers added roughly 12 new Japanese sponsors and generated roughly $70 million in sponsorship revenue, according to Forbes.
The Dodgers previously explored selling the naming rights to the field as far back as 2017, but their search picked back up in 2022 when they hired marketing agency Sportfive to help find a partner for the field rights and a jersey sponsor. The team announced a self-sponsorship with ownership group Guggenheim Baseball Management for their jersey patch in 2024.
LONDON (AP) — Igor Thiago celebrated his first call-up to the Brazil squad by scoring Brentford’s second goal in a 2-2 thriller against Wolves in the Premier League on Monday.
Nearing halftime, the striker tapped into the empty net for his 19th league goal of the season.
A few minutes earlier, Michael Kayode's glancing header put Brentford 1-0 up. It was his first goal in his 41st league appearance for the Bees.
Adam Armstrong pulled a goal back for Wolves a minute before halftime to round off a thrilling half.
Wolves, the league's bottom side, equalized with 13 minutes left when Tolu Arokodare headed home at the back post.
The result extended Wolves' unbeaten league run to three games but it remained bottom of the table, 12 points from safety.
“We know where we are in the league, it hasn’t been good enough," Armstrong said, "but since I’ve come in it’s been very positive. The results have been changing. To get my first goal is nice but the main thing is to get the three points. We didn’t quite get that today but we’ll take the positives.”
Brentford stayed in seventh place, two points ahead of Everton but three behind Chelsea.
"We’re disappointed to have let the game slip," Bees captain Jordan Henderson said.
Just hours before kickoff, Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti named Thiago in the squad for friendlies against France in Boston on March 26 and Croatia in Orlando four days later.
The former Cruzeiro, Ludogorets and Brugge striker was one of nine forwards included in a 26-man list that featured Endrick of Lyon, Rayan of Bournemouth, and João Pedro of Chelsea but no Neymar, who has underperformed recently at Santos.
He has excelled for Brentford this season and could have scored one or two more against Wolves. His 19-goal tally is the highest ever by a Brentford player in one Premier League season.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 24: Derrick White #9 of the Boston Celtics handles the ball against Ryan Dunn #0 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center on February 24, 2026 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 Chris Coduto/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Artemi Panarin returns to Madison Square Garden with his emotions still raw, just a few weeks after he was traded from the New York Rangers to the Los Angeles Kings.
The Rangers are set to play against the Kings on Monday night, marking the first time Panarin will face off against the Blueshirts since being traded.
Panarin admitted to potentially being emotional, but knows the magnitude of the game, given the Kings’ playoff push in the Western Conference.
"We'll see,” Panarin said about how emotional it will be playing the Rangers. “I'll try not crying. I guess battling for playoffs, I don't have time for that emotion"
There was a lot of buildup to Panarin’s departure from New York, yet everything seemed to reach a boiling point and move quickly in January, less than a month before he ultimately was traded.
The 34-year-old forward entered the 2025-26 campaign without a long-term contract extension in place, as his seven-year, $81.5 million contract extension was going to expire during the 2026 offseason.
Both Rangers’ president and general manager Chris Drury and Panarin spoke vaguely about contract negotiations, not revealing what may transpire in the future, which brought even more uncertainty to the situation.
Ultimately, Drury issued a letter to fans on Jan. 16 outlining the Rangers’ plan to retool the roster, and it was reported shortly after that the Rangers did not plan to re-sign Panarin and would look to trade him ahead of the March 6th NHL Trade Deadline.
Upon being held out of the Rangers’ lineup starting on Jan. 28 due to roster management, Panarin and his agent, Paul Theofanous, were able to explore the market and determine which teams would be willing to give a contract extension that met their demands.
Panarin zeroed in on the Kings as his preferred destination and waived his no-move clause to go to Los Angeles. Almost immediately after being traded, Panarin signed a two-year, $22 million contract with the Kings.
“I feel weird actually. It’ll be in my head, and stay in my head and just walk around. I feel like this ended very quick — I was not expecting that, but I also had seven years here, so it was a great time for me,” Panarin said about how everything unfolded with the Rangers.
Now, everything is in the past, and Panarin will enter the world’s most famous arena as an opponent.
Jan 7, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) drives to the basket as Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (1) attempted to defend during the first quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
The Atlanta Hawks (36-31) welcome the Orlando Magic (38-28) to the city for a night battle of the hottest teams in the NBA.
Starting lineup:
G CJ McCollum
G Nickeil Alexander-Walker
F Dyson Daniels
F Jalen Johnson
C Onyeka Okongwu
Please join in the comments below as you follow along.
CREMONA, Italy (AP) — Fiorentina beat fellow Serie A struggler Cremonese 4-1 in its biggest away win of the season and moved four points clear of the relegation zone on Monday.
It was only the second time all season that Fiorentina scored more than three goals in one game and moved it into 16th place.
The loss extended Cremonese’s winless run to 14 matches and left it third from last, four points behind Fiorentina and three behind Lecce.
Pisa and Verona shared last place.
Fabiano Parisi put Fiorentina ahead with a fine solo effort after 25 minutes and Roberto Piccoli doubled the when he converted a perfect pass from Robin Gosens.
Dodo made it 3-0 with a lovely solo goal early in the second half and although David Okereke pulled a goal back for Cremonese nearly an hour in, Albert Gudmundsson added the fourth for Fiorentina.
MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 15: Huascar Brazobán #43 of Team Dominican Republic pitches in the sixth inning during the 2026 World Baseball Classic Semifinals Games between United States and Dominican Republic at loanDepot park on March 15, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Gene Wang - Capture At Media/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Coming off a successful stint with the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic, Carlos Mendoza has confirmed that Huascar Brazobán will be a part of the Mets’ bullpen if he remains healthy to finish off the spring. When speaking about his 36-year-old right-hander, Mendoza added, “If everything continues to trend in that direction…he’s going to be a part of our bullpen.”
Mendoza faced 13 batters in the WBC and struck out seven of them. He walked one and did not allow a hit over four shutout innings. Brazobán has also allowed one hit and walked one while striking out five over three shutout innings with the Mets this spring prior to his WBC performance.
Brazobán was second among all Mets relievers last season with 63 innings pitched, trailing only Edwin Díaz on that front. Meanwhile, he was fourth in appearances (52) behind Ryne Stanek (65), Díaz (62), and Reed Garrett (58). He finished the year with a 3.57 ERA and a 4.04 FIP, with 57 strikeouts and 27 walks. Brazobán still has a Minor League option, which made his spot in the bullpen anything but a guarantee, but his strong spring performance made it an easy choice for Mendoza.
The Mets have now essentially locked in six of their seven bullpen spots with closer Devin Williams, set-up man Luke Weaver, Brooks Raley, Luis García, Tobias Myers, and Brazobán. With the team expected to deploy a six-man rotation, Mendoza will run a seven-man bullpen, leaving one spot left to fill. Craig Kimbrel is the most high-profile name remaining, but his performance this spring has done little to earn him a spot. He is competing against guys like Bryan Hudson, Austin Warren and Joey Gerbe, to name a few. The Mets are expected to make their decision as close to Opening Day as possible, to allow for more time to analyze their options. The Mets open their season against the Pirates on Thursday, March 26 at 1:15 pm at Citi Field.
NEWARK, NJ - JANUARY 22: Boston Bruins center Pavel Zacha (18) and New Jersey Devils left wing Jesper Bratt (63) battle for the puck during a NHL game between the Boston Bruins and New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on January 22, 2025 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Andrew Mordzynski/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The Matchup: New Jersey Devils (33-31-2) versus the Boston Bruins (37-23-6)
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