Phillies outfielder Johan Rojas facing 80-game suspension for postive PED test

Johan Rojas
Johan Rojas is facing an 80-game suspension.

Another MLB player is facing a suspension for using performance-enhancing drugs.

Phillies outfielder Johan Rojas failed a test for PEDs, The Post’s Jon Heyman reported Tuesday.

He is appealing the test.

Johan Rojas is facing an 80-game suspension. Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Players who violate the league’s drug policy for the first time face an 80-game suspension.

The news comes as Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar faces a 162-game suspension for testing positive for PEDs for the second time in as many years.

Profar was suspended for 80 games last year for violating the league’s drug policy.

Rojas, unless he wins his appeal, will be the second Phillies player to be suspended for PEDs over the past year.

Reliever Jose Alvarado tested positive in May of last season and served an 80-game suspension.

He was also ineligible to pitch in the postseason.

Johan Rojas was fighting for a roster spot with the Phillies. Getty Images

Max Kepler, who played with the Phillies last year but became a free agent and is no longer with the team, tested positive in January and was handed an 80-game suspension.

Rojas, 25, was battling for a roster spot with the Phillies.

A strong fielder who has struggled to establish himself at the plate, he played in 71 games last year for the Phillies and hit .224 with a .569 OPS.

He was set to play for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic, but did not report with the rest of his teammates over the weekend amid the failed test.

Rojas will still be allowed to play spring training games as his appeal process plays out, though it’s unclear if that’s the Phillies’ plan.

Kiefer Sherwood's heroics in Sharks' win fueled by ‘infectious' energy from fans

Kiefer Sherwood's heroics in Sharks' win fueled by ‘infectious' energy from fans originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Another day, another thrilling end to a Sharks win that kept every fan watching on the edge of their seat. And would we want it any other way?

Kiefer Sherwood’s late-game heroics put the finishing touches on San Jose’s 7-5 win over the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday night at SAP Center, extending the Sharks’ winning streak to three games, with each of those contests coming down to the final seconds.

Sherwood’s decisive go-ahead goal at 16:34 in the third period was his first as a Shark, and the veteran forward wasted no time celebrating the occasion with a raucous home crowd that has SAP Center feeling like the days of old once more.

Sherwood praised the impact made by the fervent support from the home crowd, detailing the “infectious” energy he and his teammates felt from Sharks fans in the building during the roller coaster win.

“You guys keep buzzing, and we’ll keep feeding you,” Sherwood told the SAP Center crowd during a postgame interview with NBC Sports California’s Tara Slone.

Sherwood is an eight-year NHL veteran and has been around long enough to remember when a road trip to San Jose was one of the most vaunted dates on a hockey team’s schedule. When asked what it’s like to be a part of a team fueling a resurgence that once again is making SAP Center among the best home ices in the league, Sherwood expressed his gratitude for the energy supplied by the Sharks fans in attendance.

“This time of year, everyone is digging in and pulling the rope together, and we really appreciate your guys’ support, and it’s great to see the Tank buzzing again … It’s infectious and we really feed off of it, and we’ll continue to try and make you guys proud,” Sherwood said.

The path to victory was not without its own anxiety-inducing moments, as the Sharks erased two early deficits to keep the game level.

Collin Graf got the Sharks on the board with a first-period goal that saw a handful of contributors work together for a textbook finish to tie the game at 1-1.

Rookie star Michael Misa then continued his recent hot streak to even things at 2-2, the 2025 No. 2 overall pick’s third consecutive game with a goal.

Then Macklin Celebrini did Macklin Celebrini things, ripping a shot through the five-hole of Canadiens goalie Jakub Dobeš to give San Jose a 3-2 lead. It was the teenage superstar’s 30th goal of the 2025-26 season, making Celebrini the first teenager to eclipse that mark in the NHL since Winnipeg Jets star Patrik Laine in the 2017-18 campaign.

While Sherwood’s game-winner rightfully is dominating the headlines, the veteran’s savvy poke-check on the boards in the offensive zone and subsequent assist to Alex Wennberg was his most impressive play of the evening.

Celebrini then found Will Smith at the back post to give the Sharks a commanding three-goal lead with just over 15 minutes remaining in regulation.

But as anyone who has watched these upstart Sharks knows, this game was far from over. The Canadiens promptly responded with three unanswered goals, sending this game down to the wire before Sherwood’s late-game magic prevented a horrific collapse from coming to fruition.

Sherwood praised San Jose’s ability to grit out a win and not let a pair of crucial points slip away as the Sharks attempt to snap a six-year playoff drought.

“We bend, we don’t break. We’re continuing to grind and stick together there,” Sherwood told reporters after the game. “Obviously, we had some penalties there, but guys are sticking up for each other and playing the right way. Showed a lot of character and resolve there.”

Celebrini echoed a similar sentiment, lauding his teammates’ ability to win in adverse conditions.

“Thought it was great — we don’t want to give up those goals in the third,” Celebrini said. “Try to prevent those, but we have a good power play and they capitalized. I mean, I thought we got it done in the end, and that’s all that matters.”

After dropping five consecutive games, San Jose’s magical season was on the ropes. Maybe these young, gritty Sharks were still a year or two away. After all, who could’ve seen any of us talking playoffs in March?

But this wasn’t to be the end of this story. These Sharks made sure of it. With their backs against the wall, they have rattled off three consecutive wins, dispatching quality opponents in epic fashion and placing themselves firmly in the playoff race as the season approaches the final stretch.

With 64 points, the Sharks currently are three points back of the Western Conference’s final wild card spot, but they have a game in hand on the Seattle Kraken. San Jose also has three games in hand on the Edmonton Oilers, who sit just four points ahead in the Pacific Division’s final playoff spot.

San Jose has games against the St. Louis Blues and New York Islanders to close out this pivotal five-game homestand that could ultimately decide how their 82-game season is viewed when all is said and done.

Who knows if they’ll get a clean sweep by dispatching the Blues and Islanders, but one thing is for certain.

The Shark Tank is going to be rocking, and that won’t be changing again any time soon.

Download and follow the San Jose Hockey Now podcast

Dodgers' Roki Sasaki struggles early in second Cactus League start, then settles down

GOODYEAR, ARIZONA - MARCH 3: Roki Sasaki #11 of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches during the first inning of the spring training game against the Cleveland Guardians at Goodyear Ballpark on March 3, 2026 in Goodyear, Arizona. (Photo by Mike Christy/Getty Images)
Dodgers right-hander Roki Sasaki throws during the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians on Tuesday. He was lifted after not retiring any of the first five batters he faced, but was re-inserted in the second inning and retired the last six batters he faced. (Mike Christy / Getty Images)

Roki Sasaki’s struggles from his first Cactus League start carried over into Tuesday's game against the Cleveland Guardians at Goodyear Ballpark.

The Dodgers right-hander gave up three walks and two hits, including a grand slam to Guardians slugger Kyle Manzardo, before he was lifted after 23 pitches. He displayed no command, missing arm side repeatedly and throwing only eight strikes. None of the five batters he faced in the first inning saw a first-pitch strike.

But then, he flashed the tantalizing potential that the Dodgers saw when they signed him before last season.

Re-inserted into the game to start the second inning, which is allowed in spring training, the 24-year-old settled down and retired all six batters he faced in his last two innings of work while throwing 22 pitches — 13 for strikes — in the Dodgers' 5-4 win.

Working in a healthy mix of fastballs, cutters and splitters, Sasaki struck out two and was able to limit hard contact, which had been an issue for him in the first inning and in his first start last week against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The home run by Manzardo recorded an exit velocity of 104.6 mph.

"I wasn't overly concerned," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. "But it was good to see him bounce back."

Sasaki said through an interpreter after he was lifted from the game that something felt off about his upper-body mechanics. He made a simple adjustment and found success in it.

“It was actually my upper body,” Sasaki said. “My lower half actually felt pretty good. My upper body felt a little off, so I was trying to make an adjustment.”

Said Roberts when asked about Sasaki missing arm side: "Maybe he's trying to be a little too fine and/or just a little bit out of sync with the delivery. That's why you have spring training, you work though it, you've got to be able to make in-game adjustments. As he gets more experienced, you would expect that to happen in the inning rather than sit for 20 minutes, come in and reset."

Gavin Stone has shoulder inflammation

Roberts said before Tuesday's game that right-hander Gavin Stone received a scan, which revealed shoulder inflammation. The 27-year-old pitcher, who struck out two in a perfect inning of work in his first Cactus League start last week, will stop all throwing activities for two weeks and be re-evaluated.

“I think we dodged a bullet," Roberts said. "We feel good about it.”

Stone is working his way back from a right shoulder surgery that he underwent in October 2024, which caused him to miss all of last season.

But with him and left-hander Blake Snell sidelined, that opens some spots in the starting rotation — which presents an opportunity for the likes of Emmet Sheehan, who has yet to appear in a Cactus League game, and River Ryan, who looked sharp in two scoreless innings of work Tuesday. Ryan recorded three strikeouts against the Guardians.

Tommy Edman taking batting practice, Kiké Hernández progressing

Roberts revealed Tuesday that utilityman Tommy Edman has started taking batting practice, as he recovers from ankle surgery. He will likely open the season on IL.

“I think he has [taken batting practice] in a cage,” Roberts said. “I don’t think he’s been on the field yet, but he’s swinging from both sides, he’s running, playing catch, and all of that stuff. So, he’s progressing nicely. Still, obviously a ways away from playing in a game, but it’s been really good to see his kind of progression.”

Roberts says that utilityman Kiké Hernández, who is recovering from offseason surgery on his left elbow, is also trending in the right direction.

“He is [making progress],” Roberts said. “I think he’s going to be with us for a few more days, and then he’s going to join Team Puerto Rico down there, but from what I hear every day he’s progressed really well. I’ve seen him running around and doing some movements, but yeah, I don’t know what his progression is with the hitting, but from what I’ve heard, it’s getting better each day.”

Hernández will not participate in the World Baseball Classic.

Kyle Tucker goes home to be with family

Noticeably absent from the Dodgers’ lineup and clubhouse this week is Kyle Tucker. Roberts explained that Tucker has returned to his offseason home as his wife is close to giving birth to the couple’s first son.

“He went home,” Roberts said. “He and his wife are expecting, and so hopefully we have some news here soon, and then once he does, he’ll be back.”

Sign up for more Dodgers news with Dodgers Dugout. Delivered at the start of each series.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

Phillies' Johan Rojas faces 80-game suspension following failed PED test

Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Johan Rojas, 25, is facing an 80-game suspension following a failed PED test, according to multiple reports.

Rojas is appealing the test results.

He was originally slated to be a part of the Dominican Republic World Baseball Classic team, but dropped off the roster last week. He was not with the team when it made its trip to Miami over the weekend.

This marks the second consecutive year the Phillies have had a player suspended due to PEDs. In 2025, reliever Jose Alvarado received an 80-game suspension of his own, which has kept him off Venezuela's roster for the World Baseball Classic.

Johan Rojas stats

Rojas, lauded mostly for his defensive prowess, was expected to platoon in center field alongside rookie Justin Crawford. The three-year vet struggled offensively in 2025, posting a 57 OPS+ and slashing .224/.280/.289 in 71 games.

When will Johan Rojas return?

If Rojas' appeal fails, he will be eligible to return in late June. That said, Rojas' suspension would make him ineligible to participate in the MLB postseason this year. The Phillies have reached the playoffs in four consecutive seasons.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Phillies' Johan Rojas fails PED test, faces 80-game suspension

Cavs vs. Pistons open gamethread

CLEVELAND, OHIO - JANUARY 04: Sam Merrill #5 of the Cleveland Cavaliers rebounds a shot during the second half against the Detroit Pistons at Rocket Arena on January 04, 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 Cleveland Cavaliers will look to avenge their loss on Friday to the Detroit Pistons. Fortunately for them, they’ll have the services of James Harden this time around.

I’ll be in the comments throughout the game sharing my thoughts. Feel free to join in on the conversation and let your voice be heard in the comments below.

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Go Cavs!

Beckett Sennecke Leads Rookie Scorers, Will Soon Face Fellow Calder Favorites

Through the first 59 games of his first NHL season, Anaheim Ducks rookie winger Beckett Sennecke has notched 49 points (19-30=49). That places him on a 68-point pace, which would be the most points from a Ducks’ rookie in franchise history and the best scoring rate (.83 points per game) from a Ducks rookie since Bobby Ryan scored 57 points (31-26=57) in 64 games in 2008-09.

Most weren’t expecting the Ducks to draft Sennecke with the third-overall pick in the 2024 Draft, as most outlets had him ranked in the 8-20 range. Many weren’t expecting him to play the entire season with the Ducks, in the NHL, and in a premium top-six role. But he’s earned every opportunity afforded and is making the most of it.

Ducks’ Poehling is Jack of All Trades

Anaheim Ducks 2026 Trade Deadline Preview

He’s made monumental leaps in his development in just five months, greatly improving his situational awareness and limiting mistakes, while amplifying his impact shift-to-shift, increasingly driving play, and quickly discovering how to best utilize his skillset to become a true difference maker for the Ducks during this transitional season for the franchise.

Sennecke is a puck magnet. He uses his scanning and anticipation skills to read how pucks will bounce loose from battles. His puck skills are dynamic, and when combined with his motor and how slippery he is, it becomes difficult for even the most veteran of NHL defensemen to strip him of the puck cleanly.

If results hold, Sennecke will likely be one of the three Calder Trophy finalists at the end of the year, and in some years, his production rate over a full season would be enough to take home the hardware.

The 2025-26 NHL season has provided a generational rookie defenseman, however. Matthew Schaefer was selected by the New York Islanders with the first overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, having just played 17 games in his draft year and just 11 days away from being eligible for the 2026 Draft.

When Schaefer stepped foot on the ice for the Islanders’ season opener, he became the first player in NHL history born after the Ducks won their sole Stanley Cup championship in June of 2007.

Schaefer’s career began with a six-game point streak, and the trajectory of the Islanders’ franchise shifted completely. Through his first 61 games in the NHL, Schaefer has tallied 44 points (20-24=44) while averaging 24:07 TOI per game, including 3:10 TOI/g on the power play and 1:11 TOI/g on the penalty kill.

He controls the game with and without the puck on his stick, as he can make every dynamic play the current top NHL defensemen can make, driving offense for his club from the blueline. Defensively, he blends his elite speed and four-way mobility to eliminate time and space against opposing attackers, as well as an active and smart stick to disrupt developing plays in all three zones. He’s already one of the NHL’s best defensemen.

“Yeah, it’s skating. His lateral mobility,” Sennecke said when asked about what stands out about Schaefer’s game. “It’s just his ability to look so smooth when he’s skating, so controlled. He’s unbelievable. It’s crazy he’s only 18, doing it.”

Schaefer will likely win the Calder Trophy, and it shouldn’t be close.

Schaefer and his Isles will come to Anaheim on Wednesday to face Sennecke’s Ducks. The first time the two had met was a 5-2 victory for the Isles in New York, and both rookies went scoreless.

At the 2024 Draft, unanimously, Ivan Demidov was ranked second behind Macklin Celebrini by most publications. Questions surrounding his level of competition (MHL) in his draft year and how his game would translate to the NHL led to him “falling” to the Montreal Canadiens at fifth-overall. The moment the Ducks selected Sennecke above Demidov, as they play the same position, likely tied the two together for the entirety of their careers.

In his rookie season, Demidov has scored 47 points (12-35=47) in 59 games, and his numbers are remarkably similar to Sennecke’s. At 5v5, Sennecke has produced 2.3 points per 60 minutes, and Demidov has produced 2.65. On the power play, Sennecke has scored 4.71 points per 60, and Demidov has scored 4.76.

Sennecke has the underlying advantage over Demidov, as when Sennecke’s on the ice at 5v5, the Ducks account for 51.25% of the shots on goal, 51.98% of the shot attempts, and 51.30% of the expected goals. When Demidov is on the ice, the Habs account for 45.69% of the shots on goal, 45.95% of the shot attempts, and 46.39% of the expected goals.

After the Ducks host Schaefer’s Islanders on Wednesday, Sennecke and the Ducks will go head-to-head against Demidov and the Canadiens on Friday at Honda Center. Sennecke and Demidov, though likely always linked moving forward, have never shared the ice.

All three players are having special seasons and project as key pieces if/when their franchises are contending in the future. However, Schaefer’s impact is undeniable, and the excellence of his first season in the NHL, at his age, can’t be understated.

“It’s awesome. Those guys are incredible,” Sennecke said when asked about his upcoming games against Schaefer and Demidov. “Schaefer’s like breaking all the records right now, which is pretty crazy. It’s nice to see, and it’s cool.”

Takeaways from the Ducks 3-2 Shootout Win over the Flames

Takeaways from the Ducks 5-4 OT Win over the Jets

Arizona Diamondbacks 3, Mexico 6

Luis Rey holds a Mexican flag outside of Chase Field before they play Colombia during the World Baseball Classic in Phoenix on March 11, 2023. Baseball World Baseball Classic Opening Day

The tune-up for the World Baseball Classic also gave the D-backs a chance to run out some young players, with the absence of a number of regulars, now off to play for their country. Those actually include Alek Thomas, who was in the opposition dugout here, and went 2-for-3, driving a run against his regular employers. Six of the eight Arizona pitchers used put up a zero today. That included starter Zac Gallen, who worked two innings in his second start of spring. It only took him 22 pitches for Zac to get through his work today, allowing one hit, without a walk or a strikeout.

After that, there were zeroes put up by Taylor Clarke, Joe Ross, Andrew Hoffmann, and in his debut, Grant Homan, of the players expected to be competing seriously for a roster spot. Hoffman looked particularly good, striking out two of the three batters he faced in the sixth. Most of the damage came off Juan Morillo, who was ambushed for four hits in his first handful of pitches, on his way to a four-run fourth for Mexico. Dylan Ray allowed a home-run in the eighth to land mammal Rowdy Tellez, and another in the ninth to Alejandro Osuna. ABS was not in play this afternoon, so nothing to report there.

On offense, both sides notched eleven hits. Tim Tawa and Jordan Lawlar each had a pair of hits among the starters, while LuJames Groover went 2-for-2 off the bench. James McCann had an RBI single and a walk, but the D-backs spurned a number of chances to come back after falling 4-0 down. They were 3-for-15 with runners in scoring position – significantly more chances than the Mexican squad, who were 3-for-9 with RISP. Still, a better performance by the D-backs than the Giants, who were murdered to the tune of 15-1 by ‘Merica. Hey, and the British team beat the Brewers 7-3, Kristin Robinson notching a pair of hits for Blighty.

Normal Cactus League service will be resumed again at Hohokam, with a game against the Athletics. Brandon Pfaadt is your scheduled starter there, in a 1:05 pm first pitch.

Dodgers overcome first inning Grand Slam to beat Guardians

Roki Sasaki had his second outing of Spring Training on Tuesday, and it didn’t start very well.

After allowing a single and two walks to the first three batters, Sasaki gave up a grand slam to Kyle Manzardo. He then walked the next batter and then was removed from the inning. Roki re-entered the game in the bottom of the second, looking much better. He struck out two and induced a fly out. He also set down the side in the bottom of the third.

After his outing, Sasaki told reporters that his upper body mechanics felt “off”. He was able to get things more in sync in the second and third innings, saying “Actually, I was able to find something I could really trust. But I still need to work on [it] to produce in the game.” In an interview with Kirsten Watson on SportsNet LA, Sasaki remarked that once he stood up straighter, then everything started going better.

In the first inning, Sasaki was missing everything arm side. In the second, he started the first batter with two balls but then found his groove, recording strikes on seven of his next eight pitches. He struck out two with his splitter.

Those four runs were all the Guardians would be able to score against the Dodgers, however. The rest of the pitchers on the day combined to strike out 11, while allowing two hits and walking four.

World Series hero Will Klein looked especially good, striking out two and retiring the side on just nine pitches.

River Ryan is keeping his name in the starting rotation talk with another good outing. Across two innings and 28 pitches, Ryan didn’t allow a hit or a run, striking out three, including Jose Ramirez, and walking one.

Miguel Rojas continues his hot spring, going 2-for-3 including a two-run homer in the third inning. Rojas is batting .375 with a .952 OPS so far this spring.

Zach Ehrhard tripled in two runs in the fourth, and then scored to give the Dodgers the lead that they would carry to the end of the game.

The Dodgers will face Team Mexico on Wednesday at Camelback Ranch. Tyler Glasnow will pitch for the Dodgers, against a TBD starter for Mexico.

GameThread: Tigers vs. Dominican Republic, 6:05 p.m.

PORT CHARLOTTE, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 28: Kevin McGonigle #85 of the Detroit Tigers hits a triple during the first inning of a spring training game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Charlotte Sports Park on February 28, 2026 in Port Charlotte, Florida. (Photo by Mark Taylor/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Detroit Tigers vs. Dominican Republic

Time/Place: 6:05 p.m., Estadio Quisqueya Juan Marichal – Santo Domingo, DR
Media: MLB Network, Tigers Radio Network

Tuesday Game Thread vs. Central Arkansas

Vanderbilt baseball head coach Tim Corbin congratulates Vanderbilt's Braden Holcomb (26) on a home run during their game against Marist at Vanderbilt’s Hawkins Field Friday, Feb. 20, 2026. | Alan Poizner/For The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

4:30pm CT SECN+

On the Mound

Tuesday @ 4:30pm SECN+

Vanderbilt #77 Jr. RHP Alex “The Kranz” Kranzler (1-1; 13.50 ERA)
vs. Central Arkansas #39 Jr. RHP Patrick “It’s Pat” Fernandez (1-1; 6.75 ERA)

The Lineup

See you in the comments

Canucks Recall Defenceman Victor Mancini From AHL

The Vancouver Canucks’ D-core keeps getting younger and younger. With Tyler Myers being held out of the lineup due to roster management reasons and Pierre-Olivier Joseph out due to an upper-body injury, Vancouver has recalled defenceman Victor Mancini from the AHL in preparation for their home game against the Carolina Hurricanes on Wednesday. 

Mancini, who had a strong training camp for Vancouver, has skated in 10 games for the Canucks this season. He was sidelined due to injury on October 26 and did not return to play until about a month after. In January, he spent five more games with Vancouver before being re-assigned to Abbotsford. Mancini currently has four goals and eight assists in 33 games played in the AHL this season. 

With Mancini now expected to skate against the Hurricanes, the average age of Vancouver’s D-core is now around 24. Mancini, Tom Willander, Zeev Buium, and Elias Pettersson are all under 24 and collectively have skated in a total of 221 NHL games. All four have yet to play in their first full NHL season. 

Wednesday will mark the last game before the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline. Ahead of it, nearly every member of the Canucks organization has had their name mentioned in trade rumours. With the passing of the trade deadline will come a conclusion to the Myers saga, which is expected to give Vancouver more clarity on how their blueline could look in the coming seasons. 

Jan 27, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Victor Mancini (90) skates in warm up prior to a game against the San Jose Sharks at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
Jan 27, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Victor Mancini (90) skates in warm up prior to a game against the San Jose Sharks at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images

The Canucks take on the Hurricanes on Wednesday at 7:00 pm PT. 

Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, don't forget to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News.

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Report: Johan Rojas tested positive for PED usage

Jul 23, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Johan Rojas (23) hits an RBI single against the Boston Red Sox in the eleventh inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images | Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Yesterday, there was a report that Johan Rojas had been removed from the Dominican Republic WBC roster for “personal decisions” as termed by Nelson Cruz, decisions that have now been given a little more clarification.

As said above, Rojas is reportedly appealing said failed test.

This is sad news for a few reasons, number one of which that Rojas would consider taking PEDs. We knew that his place in the organization had slipped quite a bit from being the center fielder of the future to “maybe he’ll make the roster?” Perhaps that fall had led to his apparent decision to partake in PED usage, but now he is facing an 80 game suspension from MLB as well as not being able to participate in this or the next World Baseball Classic.

We’ll update once more information is available.

Inter Milan held 0-0 at Como in 1st leg of Italian Cup semifinals

COMO, Italy (AP) — Inter Milan was held to a 0-0 draw at neighboring Como in the first leg of the Italian Cup semifinals Tuesday.

Como had the better chances but couldn’t quite find the target. The second leg is scheduled for April 22.

Lazio plays Atalanta on Wednesday in the other semifinal.

Inter, which faces AC Milan in a derby on Sunday, rested several usual starters.

Inter has won the Italian Cup nine times, while Como is chasing its first top-level trophy.

___

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Quick Recap: Jays Beat Team Canada

Mar 3, 2026; Dunedin, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays right fielder Nathan Lukes (38) singles during the fourth inning against Team Canada at TD Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Canada 7 Blue Jays 10

It looked like a runaway, early, the Jays were up 7-0 after 2 innings. But Team Canada tied things in the top of the eighth. Then the Jays scored three more in the bottom of the inning.

Kevin Gausman cruised through his two innings, allowing a hit and a walk with two strikeouts. He looked good.

Other Jays pitchers:

  • Angel Bastardo: 1 inning, 1 hit.
  • Braydon Fisher: 1 inning, 3 strikeouts.
  • Mason Fluharty: 1 inning, 1 hit, 2 strikeouts.
  • Lazaro Estrada: Got 2 outs, gave up 3 hits, 2 earned.
  • Tanner Andrews: Threw 1.1 innings, 1 earned, 3 walks, 1 k.
  • Gage Stanifer: Gave up 3 hits, 4 earned, 1 walk, 1 home run, and hit a batter, without getting an out.
  • Jack Cushing: 2 innings, 1 hit, 2 strikeouts.

Hitting, Jays starters:

  • George Springer: 0 for 2, walk, RBI, strikeout.
  • Nathan Lukes: 2 for 2, 2 RBI, 1 walk.
  • Daulton Varsho: 1 for 3, 2 runs.
  • Addison Barger: 0 for 2, walk, k.
  • Davis Schneider: 0 for 2, walk, k.
  • Jesús Sánchez: 2 for 3, 3 RBI and a caught stealing and picked off.
  • Brandon Valenzuela: 0 for 2, walk, k.
  • Arjun Nimmala: 0 for 2, walk, k.
  • Sean Keys: 0 for 2, walk, 2 k.

Others:

  • Josh Kasevish: 1 for 2, double.
  • Yohendrick Pinango: 0 for 3, k.
  • Jonatan Clase: 0 for 1.
  • Rafael Lantigua: Walk.
  • Carlos Mendoza: 0 for 1.
  • Eloy Jiménez: 1 for 1.
  • Geovanny Planchart: 0 for 1.
  • Josh Rivera: Walk.
  • Riley Tirotta: 1 for 1, home run, 3 RBI.

On the Canada side:

  • Adam Macko pitched a scoreless inning with a hit against.
  • Jacob Robson hit a home run.
  • Josh Naylor: 1 for 2 with a walk and stole a base.
  • Otto Lopez: 1 for 3, walk.
  • Tyler Black: 1 for 3, walk.
  • Denzel Clarke: 1 for 4, double.

The Jays have tomorrow off from spring training games, then a game against the Braves on Thursday, a 1:00 Eastern start time. The Jays will be on MLB TV as their Free Game of the Day

Habib Diarra’s decisive penalty for streetwise Sunderland sees off Leeds

Last year Sunderland departed West Yorkshire on a snowy February night with their hopes of automatic promotion from the Championship in tatters. Leeds had come from behind to clinch a 95th‑minute win that would take them top of the second tier and only the most optimistic visiting fans expected a rematch this season.

Fast forward to a balmy March evening, though, and Régis Le Bris’s well‑executed gameplan lifted an injury hit yet streetwise Sunderland and their debutant goalkeeper Melker Ellborg to 11th in the Premier League.

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