Apr 1, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners pitcher George Kirby (68) pitches to the New York Yankees during the first inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images | Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
Fresh off the heels of their third consecutive one-run loss, the Mariners will dust themselves off and square up with the Texas Rangers for the penultimate game of the first road trip of the young 2026 season. Seattle will try to avoid the ignominious distinction of starting 4-8 through their first twelve games for the fourth straight season; protagonists, indeed.
Lineups:
J.P. Crawford returns to Seattle’s lineup after a scheduled day off, which pushes Cole Young to the nine-hole second leadoff spot. For the Rangers, it’s Kyle Higashioka’s turn behind the plate thanks to his even job share with Danny Jansen, and Ezequiel Durán gets the start at third base in place of Josh Jung. Durán came in yesterday’s game to pinch-run for Jung, and given his adept base-stealing abilities, it would behoove the Mariners to keep him off the basepaths in what is likely to be another close one.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 07: Francisco Alvarez #4 of the New York Mets throws his broken bat to the dugout after his fourth inning infield base hit against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Citi Field on April 07, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Mets returned from their Monday off day coming back to Citi Field for the first time since their season opening series against the Pirates. They were facing the Diamondbacks, and the weather was looking so inhospitable that they had to move up the start times of the first two games to the early afternoon. Freddy Peralta was back on the mound to face off against Zac Gallen, who had returned to the Diamondbacks in the offseason on a one-year contract.
Freddy Peralta ran into a little bit of trouble in the first inning, getting two baserunners on a single and a walk but he worked his way out of it without allowing a run. In the bottom of the inning, the Mets loaded the bases on three consecutive singles against Gallen. Brett Baty hit a one-out sacrifice fly to drive in the Mets first run of the game, but they were unable to capitalize further.
In the second, Peralta worked around a walk and an error that resulted in Ildemaro Vargas reaching base, and delivered another scoreless inning. In the bottom of the inning, Francisco Alvarez drew a two out walk, and Francisco Lindor drove him in on a double for the Mets second run of the game.
The Mets’ two-run lead stood until the fifth inning. After two outs to start the top of the fifth, a single, walk, and hit by pitch drove Freddy Peralta from the game. Huascar Brazobán came in to try and get the Mets out of it, and nearly did. But after an overturned strike call, he gave up a two-run single to Adrian Del Castillo to tie the game. Nolan Arenado followed that with a bloop double (you read that right) that drove in a third run for the Diamondbacks, bringing the Diamondbacks ahead by a run.
The score stayed the same for several innings, through several pitching changes. Brazobán turned the ball over to Luis García, García was followed by Brooks Raley. After Brooks Raley got through his inning giving up just one hit, the Mets came up in the bottom of the eighth inning with Jorge Polanco leading off. Polanco singled, and was replaced by Tyrone Taylor as a pinch runner. Brett Baty hit a one-out single to move Taylor to third, and Jared Young came in to pinch hit for Mark Vientos and delivered, driving in Taylor with a sacrifice fly to tie the game. Marcus Semien flew out to end the inning but the Mets went into the ninth inning with the score tied 3-3.
Neither side scored in the ninth inning, and the game headed into extra innings. Luke Weaver kept the Diamondbacks scoreless, giving the Mets a chance in the bottom of the inning to walk it off. With Lindor starting at second as the free runner, Bichette grounded out and moved Lindor to third. Ronny Mauricio was brought in to bat for Tyrone Taylor, and in his first at-bat since being called up to replace Juan Soto on the roster, he hit a single to right field to drive in Lindor and win the game.
The Mets play another weather-impacted afternoon game tomorrow, with David Peterson looking to bounce back from his awful start in San Francisco. The Diamondbacks will be starting Ryne Nelson, who has been similarly shaky to start the season. The Mets now have a four game win streak, which is coincidentally the same amount of days since they lost Juan Soto to his calf strain.
Big Mets winner: Ronny Mauricio, +18% WPA Big Mets loser: Huascar Brazobán, -32% WPA Mets pitchers: 26% WPA Mets hitters: 24% WPA Teh aw3s0mest play: Bo Bichette advancing Francisco Lindor to third on a ground out in the tenth inning, +19.3% WPA Teh sux0rest play: Adrian Del Castillo’s two-run single in the fifth inning, -22.7% WPA
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MARCH 23: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks up against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on March 23, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Nic Antaya/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Lakers fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
After playing their best basketball in years during March, there is little hope that the Lakers can do much of anything in the playoffs a week into April.
Being the competitor that he is, Luka is doing everything he can to expedite his return. In fact, he’s gone to Spain to get “specialized medical treatment” in hopes that he can speed up his recovery.
For our SB Nation Reacts survey this week, we are asking, what are your feelings on Luka trying to return for the playoffs?
While his desire to play is commendable, it can make Lakers fans nervous to hear he’s trying to shave days off his recovery time to come back sooner than most would after this injury.
Luka dealt with a hamstring strain earlier this season which caused him to miss a handful of games before the All-Star Break. Now, he’s hurt it again and it’s even more severe. If he rushes back too early, it could end disastrously.
Dončić most certainly thinks the Lakers have a chance at doing something special if he returns. But considering they’ll likely be the fourth or fifth seed in the West and the Thunder have destroyed the Lakers each time they’ve played, rushing back and risking more injury to lose anyway doesn’t seem worth it.
If he’s healthy, he should play. But if there is any feeling that he’s pushing beyond what is normal, then the Lakers’ medical staff has to protect their superstar.
So, what do you think? Does Luka heading to Europe in an attempt to return faster make you worried? Share your opinion by voting and letting us know down below!
The Montreal Canadiens made some significant changes to their forward lines for their matchup against the Florida Panthers.
First, Canadiens rookie Oliver Kapanen has been dropped from the second line to Montreal's fourth-line right wing spot. This is notable, as the 22-year-old forward has been a key part of the Canadiens' top six this season. His 22 goals and 37 points in 77 games this season show that.
However, Kapanen has also been experiencing a cold streak down the stretch. Heading into Montreal's matchup against the Panthers, the 2021 second-round pick had zero points and a minus-3 rating over his last five games.
With Kapanen moving down to Montreal's fourth line, Alexandre Texier has added to the Canadiens' second-line left wing spot, forming a trio with Alex Newhook and Ivan Demidov.
Texier had been sidelined with a lower-body injury since March 24 against the Carolina Hurricanes. Yet, now the 26-year-old forward is getting a big chance with the Habs in his return.
In 38 games with the Canadiens since signing with them earlier this campaign, Texier has eight goals and 19 points. This is after he had one assist in eight games with the St. Louis Blues before mutually terminating his contract with the Central Division club.
Apr 4, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Tigers third baseman Zach McKinstry (39) receives congratulations from catcher Dillon Dingler (13) after he hits a two run home run in the fourth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Detroit Tigers (4-6) vs. Minnesota Twins (4-6)
Time/Place: 7:40 p.m., Target Field SB Nation Site: Twinkie Town Media: Detroit SportsNet, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network Pitching Matchup: LHP Tarik Skubal (1-1, 0.69 ERA) vs. RHP Taj Bradley (1-0, 0.87 ERA)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 27: Kyle Freeland #21 of the Colorado Rockies pitches against the Miami Marlins in the first inning of the game at loanDepot park on March 27, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) | Getty Images
MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 27: Kyle Freeland #21 of the Colorado Rockies pitches against the Miami Marlins in the first inning of the game at loanDepot park on March 27, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Malone, the former Denver Nuggets coach that won the NBA Finals in 2022-23, agreed to a six-year deal with the Tar Heels to replace Hubert Davis, a former assistant coach and player. Malone is the first North Carolina coach since 1952 to not have prior experience as an assistant coach or player.
Malone has 510 career NBA wins as a head coach across stints with the Nuggets and Sacramento Kings. He was fired prior to Denver's playoff run last season, and has since been an NBA analyst for ESPN.
He'll be tasked with revitalizing a program that has failed to meet North Carolina's sky-high standards in recent years, as the Tar Heels are coming off back-to-back first-round NCAA Tournament exits. UNC blew an 18-point lead against No. 11 seed VCU in this year's March Madness.
Here's a look at Malone's contract with North Carolina, which makes him among the highest-paid coaches in college basketball:
Michael Malone contract, salary
Malone agreed to a six-year contract worth $50 million, which makes him believed to be the second highest-paid coach at a public university behind Kansas' Bill Self, according to the Fayetteville Observer. The deal runs through 2032.
He'll make $7.5 million in 2026-27, with his salary raising to $8 million in 2027-28 and $8.5 million for the three following years. Malone will also have an assistant coaches salary pool of $4 million.
Malone's contract also includes $1.475 million in single-season, incentive-based bonuses. Here's a look:
ACC Coach of the Year: $50,000
National Coach of the Year: $100,000
Academic Progress Rate >975: $75,000
ACC Regular-Season Championship: $100,000
ACC Tournament Championship: $100,000
NCAA Sweet 16 Participation: $150,000
NCAA Elite Eight Participation: $200,000
NCAA Final Four Participation: $200,000
NCAA Tournament Championship: $500,000
Michael Malone buyout
Malone's buyout is set at $8 million, should he leave North Carolina or have his contract terminated before April 1, 2027. That number drops to $6.5 million in 2028, $5 million in 2029, $3.5 million in 2030, $2 million in 2031 and $500,000 in 2032, the final year of his current contract.
He will also receiver 80% of the total remaining amount of his contract if terminated without cause before April 1, 2032.
The Chicago Blackhawks traded away multiple of their former pending unrestricted free agents (UFAs) this season. Nick Foligno (Minnesota Wild), Connor Murphy (Edmonton Oilers), and Jason Dickinson (Oilers) were all dealt by Chicago ahead of the deadline. With the Blackhawks being out of a playoff spot and still rebuilding, it made sense that they moved on from these veterans.
However, the Blackhawks did not trade pending UFA forward Ilya Mikheyev at the deadline. When noting that the 31-year-old forward has been having another solid season for the Blackhawks, he certainly could have been a nice player for a contender to add to their roster. Yet, the Blackhawks kept him, and now they have a clear move to make with him.
With Mikheyev finishing the season with the Blackhawks, they absolutely should not let him leave for nothing through free agency this summer. He has been such a key piece of the Blackhawks' penalty kill and forward group this campaign. Thus, if they can keep him around on a short-term extension, that would be great news for the Blackhawks.
In 73 games this season with the Blackhawks, Mikheyev has recorded 16 goals, 17 assists, and 33 points. This is after he had 20 goals and a career-high 34 points in 80 games for Chicago this past season. With this, he has been a valuable piece of the Blackhawks' roster, and it would sting to lose him this off-season.
DENVER, CO - APRIL 4: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs looks to pass while being defended by Aaron Gordon #32 of the Denver Nuggets as Nikola Jokic #15 looks on during the fourth quarter at Ball Arena on April 4, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. 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. The Nuggets won the game 136-134 in overtime. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The San Antonio Spurs will play their first playoff game in seven seasons in two weeks. The team has blown out all of their expectations on their way to home-court advantage through two rounds of the playoffs. As the season comes to an end, it seems unlikely the Spurs will catch the Oklahoma City Thunder for first place, but they will still be standing watching to see who they may face in the playoffs.
San Antonio will likely play the winner of the first Play-In game. The Phoenix Suns are likely to host the game, while the Los Angeles Clippers and Portland Trail Blazers are battling it out for eighth place. Of all those teams, the Spurs have had the most success against the Clippers, going 3-0 in their matchup this season. San Antonio is 2-2 against the Suns and 1-1 against the Blazers, with their final matchup coming on Wednesday night.
The Spurs are likely to face some stout competition in the second round, if they advance. With the Lakers in free fall following injuries to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, the Denver Nuggets have grabbed the three seed, and they seem to be a lock to hold onto it. Denver just defeated the Spurs in overtime and holds a 2-1 record against San Antonio this year. The Spurs will play the Nuggets in game 82, looking to even the series. If Denver loses in the first round, the Spurs will face the Minnesota Timberwolves, whom San Antonio went 1-2 against this season.
The Spurs have some potentially tough matchups coming up this postseason. Which team would you most like to see them face in each round? What is your best, realistic path for the Spurs to win a championship? Vote in the poll, and we will be back with the results later this week.
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Spurs fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
TORONTO –– Miguel Rojas was a late scratch from the Dodgers’ lineup Tuesday night to “tend to a family matter,” the team announced.
Manager Dave Roberts said postgame he was unsure how long Rojas would be out for the club.
Rojas had been scheduled to play shortstop and bat eighth in the second game of the club’s three-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre.
Miguel Rojas high-fives teammates in the dugout after scoring a run. Getty ImagesLos Angeles Dodgers players Miguel Rojas and Dalton Rushing celebrate on the field. Getty ImagesLos Angeles Dodgers infielder Miguel Rojas (72) throws a pitch against the Toronto Blue Jays. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Instead, Hyeseong Kim replaced him in the lineup.
Roberts said Rojas was still in Toronto as of Tuesday night, but was unsure about his next steps.
“It’s a family situation that obviously was enough to not have him play in the game,” Roberts said. “Certainly it’s his story to tell. I’m not sure if he’s going to stick around or get on a plane. We’ll see if he shows up tomorrow and I’ll get word.”
Miguel Rojas was scratched from the lineup to tend to a family matter.
Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Miguel Rojas reacting after a win. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectLos Angeles Dodgers second baseman Miguel Rojas fields a baseball with his glove. Carlin Stiehl for CA Post
Rojas was seen on the field pregame Tuesday, going through defensive drills and taking batting practice.
However, his scratch was announced less than 30 minutes before first pitch, leaving the Dodgers playing a man short in their eventual 4-1 win.
Roberts said they will play short again in Wednesday’s series finale, rather than rushing someone else up from the minor leagues for the final game of their road trip. The team is off on Thursday, and will wait and see where Rojas is at before making a decision ahead of Friday’s series-opener against the Texas Rangers back in Los Angeles.
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TORONTO –– Miguel Rojas was a late scratch from the Dodgers’ lineup Tuesday night to “tend to a family matter,” the team announced.
Manager Dave Roberts said postgame he was unsure how long Rojas would be out for the club.
Rojas had been scheduled to play shortstop and bat eighth in the second game of the club’s three-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre.
Miguel Rojas high-fives teammates in the dugout after scoring a run. Getty ImagesLos Angeles Dodgers players Miguel Rojas and Dalton Rushing celebrate on the field. Getty ImagesLos Angeles Dodgers infielder Miguel Rojas (72) throws a pitch against the Toronto Blue Jays. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Instead, Hyeseong Kim replaced him in the lineup.
Roberts said Rojas was still in Toronto as of Tuesday night, but was unsure about his next steps.
“It’s a family situation that obviously was enough to not have him play in the game,” Roberts said. “Certainly it’s his story to tell. I’m not sure if he’s going to stick around or get on a plane. We’ll see if he shows up tomorrow and I’ll get word.”
Miguel Rojas was scratched from the lineup to tend to a family matter.
Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Miguel Rojas reacting after a win. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectLos Angeles Dodgers second baseman Miguel Rojas fields a baseball with his glove. Carlin Stiehl for CA Post
Rojas was seen on the field pregame Tuesday, going through defensive drills and taking batting practice.
However, his scratch was announced less than 30 minutes before first pitch, leaving the Dodgers playing a man short in their eventual 4-1 win.
Roberts said they will play short again in Wednesday’s series finale, rather than rushing someone else up from the minor leagues for the final game of their road trip. The team is off on Thursday, and will wait and see where Rojas is at before making a decision ahead of Friday’s series-opener against the Texas Rangers back in Los Angeles.
Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters
TORONTO –– Miguel Rojas was a late scratch from the Dodgers’ lineup Tuesday night to “tend to a family matter,” the team announced.
Manager Dave Roberts said postgame he was unsure how long Rojas would be out for the club.
Rojas had been scheduled to play shortstop and bat eighth in the second game of the club’s three-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre.
Miguel Rojas high-fives teammates in the dugout after scoring a run. Getty ImagesLos Angeles Dodgers players Miguel Rojas and Dalton Rushing celebrate on the field. Getty ImagesLos Angeles Dodgers infielder Miguel Rojas (72) throws a pitch against the Toronto Blue Jays. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Instead, Hyeseong Kim replaced him in the lineup.
Roberts said Rojas was still in Toronto as of Tuesday night, but was unsure about his next steps.
“It’s a family situation that obviously was enough to not have him play in the game,” Roberts said. “Certainly it’s his story to tell. I’m not sure if he’s going to stick around or get on a plane. We’ll see if he shows up tomorrow and I’ll get word.”
Miguel Rojas was scratched from the lineup to tend to a family matter.
Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Miguel Rojas reacting after a win. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectLos Angeles Dodgers second baseman Miguel Rojas fields a baseball with his glove. Carlin Stiehl for CA Post
Rojas was seen on the field pregame Tuesday, going through defensive drills and taking batting practice.
However, his scratch was announced less than 30 minutes before first pitch, leaving the Dodgers playing a man short in their eventual 4-1 win.
Roberts said they will play short again in Wednesday’s series finale, rather than rushing someone else up from the minor leagues for the final game of their road trip. The team is off on Thursday, and will wait and see where Rojas is at before making a decision ahead of Friday’s series-opener against the Texas Rangers back in Los Angeles.
Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters
The dessert item was a smash hit on social media after the Yanks previewed their new food offerings for home games this season, and received universal praise from the media and influencers who were invited to Yankee Stadium ahead of the home opener.
“Given how well-received the item was on media day, interest from fans was tremendous, and we sold out of the item by the first inning of Saturday’s game,” Yankees senior director of communications Michael Margolis told The Athletic in an email.
The Yankees are selling the treat, which also comes with a mini bucket, for $10.99.
When the Yankees began their six-game homestand in The Bronx, they thought they had enough of the mini dessert chicken bucket, but by Saturday, they had run out.
The Bronx Bombers said the club would let everyone know when they were back in stock.
Yankees broadcaster Michael Kay reviewed the treat on his Instagram account, where he rates chicken tenders at the ballparks he visits while calling games.
“Look at it, it looks like chicken. It’s amazing!” Kay said in his review before taking a bite. “Really good”
“It can’t be better,” Kay added after giving it a 10 rating. “That’s why it’s sold out.”
Fans are seen outside Yankee Stadium before the game between the New York Yankees and the Miami Marlins. Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
The Yankees hosted the Marlins during the first set of games at Yankee Stadium in 2026 and opened a three-game set with the A’s on Tuesday night.
They play a three-game road trip in Tampa before returning to Yankee Stadium next week.
The dessert item was a smash hit on social media after the Yanks previewed their new food offerings for home games this season, and received universal praise from the media and influencers who were invited to Yankee Stadium ahead of the home opener.
“Given how well-received the item was on media day, interest from fans was tremendous, and we sold out of the item by the first inning of Saturday’s game,” Yankees senior director of communications Michael Margolis told The Athletic in an email.
The Yankees are selling the treat, which also comes with a mini bucket, for $10.99.
When the Yankees began their six-game homestand in The Bronx, they thought they had enough of the mini dessert chicken bucket, but by Saturday, they had run out.
The Bronx Bombers said the club would let everyone know when they were back in stock.
Yankees broadcaster Michael Kay reviewed the treat on his Instagram account, where he rates chicken tenders at the ballparks he visits while calling games.
“Look at it, it looks like chicken. It’s amazing!” Kay said in his review before taking a bite. “Really good”
“It can’t be better,” Kay added after giving it a 10 rating. “That’s why it’s sold out.”
Fans are seen outside Yankee Stadium before the game between the New York Yankees and the Miami Marlins. Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
The Yankees hosted the Marlins during the first set of games at Yankee Stadium in 2026 and opened a three-game set with the A’s on Tuesday night.
They play a three-game road trip in Tampa before returning to Yankee Stadium next week.
