Detroit Tigers vs. Toronto Blue Jays
Time/Place: 1:07 p.m., TD Ballpark – Dunedin, FL
SB Nation Site: Bluebird Banter
Media: MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network
GameThread: Tigers vs. Blue Jays, 1:07 p.m.
Orioles live game chat: March 8 vs. Blue Jays, 1:05
Two weeks remain until the Orioles head north from Sarasota. At least for the next few days, nicer weather up in Birdland makes it feel like spring here rather than a lingering winter. That’s nice. Also nice is that today’s game will be aired on MASN and on the Orioles flagship radio stations in Baltimore. Whether you are home or out and about, you have the opportunity to tune in. Enjoy it!
Untelevised games are less frequent here in the back half of the spring training schedule, fortunately, although some do remain.
Orioles lineup
- Colton Cowser – CF
- Taylor Ward – LF
- Pete Alonso – 1B
- Samuel Basallo – C
- Ryan Mountcastle – DH
- Dylan Beavers – RF
- Bryan Ramos – 3B
- Weston Wilson – 2B
- José Barrero – SS
Tyler Wells is making the start, although since he’s not being stretched out as a starter any more, he’ll probably go two innings tops and then be followed by a series of relievers. Neither of yesterday’s split squad games nor this game today have an actual starting pitcher. I don’t understand the process.
As I have commented across a number of spring training games, on the home lineups I always like to think of it as how close is this to the Opening Day lineup, or at least players who will be on the Opening Day roster? Here, I think it’s 6/9 for the roster but maybe only 4/9 for the starting lineup. I give it a strong chance that Basallo is the DH with Adley Rutschman catching on Opening Day, and I feel it’s unlikely that a healthy Tyler O’Neill would be on the bench. For now, O’Neill is with Team Canada.
Mountcastle presents the constant question of whether the Orioles will or should actually find space for him on this roster. Should there be a right-handed bench bat who can only play first base and for several years running has hit for much less power than it feels like he should? I feel that answer is no, but they haven’t moved on from him yet.
There was one lone cut from the camp roster before this game, as the Orioles optioned Reed Trimble over to the minor league camp. They have 66 players remaining in the major league camp. Masses of cuts are coming at some point to get closer to the 26-man roster. That will probably happen in the coming week. The O’s aren’t in a rush about it.
Open Thread: Minnesota Wild @ Colorado Avalanche (12:00 P.M.)
The Colorado Avalanche, boasting the most formidable lineup in the NHL this season, just got a little nastier coming out of the NHL trade deadline.
Or, perhaps more fittingly, Naz-tier.
Nazem Kadri begins his second stint as a member of the Avs today, who face the newly reconfigured Minnesota Wild in a high stakes matchup at Ball Arena.
Colorado Avalanche (42-10-9)
The Opponent: Minnesota Wild (37-16-10)
Time: 12:00 P.M. MST/2:00 P.M. EST
Watch: HBO MAX/TNT/truTV (U.S. National Broadcast), TVAS/TVAS+ (Canadian National Broadcast), SN+, NHL Centre Ice (Outside Avalanche and Wild Broadcast Region – Canada)
Listen: Altitude Sports Radio KKSE-FM 92.5 FM
Colorado Avalanche
The Avalanche return home on the heels of their most challenging stretch of hockey in the wake of the Olympic break. They defeated the Dallas Stars by a 5-4 shootout decision after coming back from separate 3-1 and 4-2 deficits on Friday evening at American Airlines Center. After Stars captain Jamie Benn botched an empty net play that would have secured a key regulation victory for Dallas, Valeri Nichushkin tied the game with 13.2 seconds remaining in the third period. Scott Wedgewood, who replaced Mackenzie Blackwood after he surrendered four goals on eleven shots, was sensational in relief, stopping everything that came his way in regulation, and made brilliant saves on Dallas’ Miro Heiskanen in overtime and both Jason Robertson and Matt Duchene in the shootout. Martin Nečas scored what proved to be the shootout winner on Jake Oettinger, and Nichushkin added another shootout goal to ice the comeback, salvaging two critical points in the standings from falling into Dallas’ hands. The victory completed a sweep of the Avs’ three game road trip, and was their fifth win in six games, while snapping Dallas’ franchise record ten game winning streak.
Coach Jared Bednar said this of Nichushkin’s performance on Friday: “I feel like he’s been playing a lot better right before the break, coming out of the break, he’s starting to using his legs like we’re used to seeing. He had been fighting the puck for a little bit, had a little bit of an injury that was bothering him; he was playing through that, and he’s been snakebit […] hopefully this sparks him here, and he starts feeling it a little bit, because he deserves to put a few more back in the net.”
In their win over Dallas, the Avalanche further solidified their position as the undisputed leader across the Central Division, Western Conference, and League standings. Coming into today’s game against Minnesota, they have a six point lead over Dallas with a game in hand, and a nine point lead over Minnesota with two games in hand. While the Avs trail the season series as a result of their 5-2 defeat on home ice by Minnesota on February 26, this version of the Avalanche roster will look markedly different from the one that Minnesota faced previously with the return of Nazem Kadri—a reunion that many Avs fans felt was nearly impossible—after being re-acquired from the Calgary Flames on Friday afternoon.
Despite having just a twelve goals to this point in this year, his lowest since the COVID-shortened 2020-2021 season, Kadri’s physicality, face-off prowess, and penchant for drawing penalties will be huge as the Avs close in on that coveted top seed for the playoffs. He should have no problem getting re-acquainted with Bednar’s system, and his chemistry within the locker room speaks for itself. Kadri will undoubtedly receive a hero’s welcome from Avs fans for his first game in a Colorado sweater in over three years.
Today marks the final game of the four game series with Minnesota, but a win by the Avalanche this afternoon could all but put the top spot in the Central Division out of Minnesota’s reach.
(Let’s try not to launch any pucks from the defensive zone on the penalty kill today.)
Nathan MacKinnon still leads the NHL with a League-best 42 goals and has closed the points gap with Edmonton’s Connor McDavid (MacKinnon has 103 points; McDavid leads the League with 106). Nečas, who tied his career high in goals (28) this past Friday in Dallas, is two goals away from a tie for second place in goal scoring with Brock Nelson (30). Cale Makar is one goal away from his fourth season of reaching the 20 goal marker.
Projected Lineup
Forwards:
Gabe Landeskog – Nathan MacKinnon – Martin Nečas
Ross Colton – Brock Nelson – Valeri Nichushkin
Parker Kelly – Nazem Kadri – Nicolas Roy
Joel Kiviranta – Jack Drury – Gavin Brindley
Defense:
Devon Toews – Cale Makar
Josh Manson – Brent Burns
Brett Kulak – Sam Malinski
Between the Pipes:
Mackenzie Blackwood
Scott Wedgewood
Minnesota Wild
Minnesota came out of the Olympic break with a huge opportunity to gain ground in the hotly contested Central Division with their victory over Colorado. However, two consecutive losses to division opponents (ironically, a 5-2 loss at the hands of the Utah Mammoth on February 27—the night after they defeated Colorado by the exact same score—and a 3-1 loss to the St Louis Blues on March 01) allowed Dallas to reclaim second place, dropping Minnesota to third in the division. Coming into today’s game, Minnesota pulled within two points of Dallas, having defeated the Vegas Golden Knights by a score of 4-2 at T-Mobile Arena this past Friday, so a win in Denver today would be pretty massive. However, since Dallas holds a game in hand on Minnesota, they would still retain second place in the division. With less than twenty games left in the regular season, Minnesota may need to start getting help from other teams in order to position themselves more favorably as teams hit the final stretch of the season.
While Minnesota landed its biggest trade piece earlier this season in the Quinn Hughes deal last November, GM Bill Guerin was very active leading up to the NHL trade deadline. He claimed center Robby Fabbri off waivers from the St. Louis Blues, and acquired defenseman Jeff Petry from the Florida Panthers in exchange for Minnesota’s seventh round pick in this year’s draft. He also acquired center Michael McCarron in exchange for Minnesota’s second round pick in 2028.
Guerin wasn’t done there: at the deadline, he acquired right wing Bobby Brink from the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for defenseman David Jiříček. Brink made his debut for Minnesota this past Friday, but is no stranger to playing in Colorado, having won several awards at the collegiate level, including the NCAA championship in 2022, with the University of Denver Pioneers. Guerin also acquired Nick Foligno, the brother of Minnesota assistant captain Marcus Foligno, from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for future considerations. Marcus Foligno is currently out with injury, but could return to the lineup against Colorado. Vinnie Hinostroza was also dealt to the Florida Panthers in exchange for future considerations.
Minnesota’s retooled lineup will give them a much different appearance in this final regular season matchup against Colorado. The addition of Brink will give them another option on offense; while his thirteen goals would tie him for seventh place among Minnesota skaters, this figure is a career high for him in his short NHL career and could see a bump in his new surroundings, especially if he continues to see top six ice time like he did this past Friday against Vegas. Foligno and McCarron add a veteran presence that playoff-bound clubs find irrisitible for playoff runs, and while Fabbri has struggled in recent seasons, having roster depth—especially at center—is a must have at this time of year as teams gear up for postseason play.
Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy currently share the team lead in goals (35). Kaprizov leads all skaters in points (75), while Boldy is three points behind in second place (72). Filip Gustavsson got the start Minnesota’s previous victory in Colorado, but was unable to finish the game due to illness. With Gustavsson getting a majority of the starter’s workload since coming back from the Olympics, it’s possible Jesper Wallstedt starts today to give Gustavsson a breather prior to Minnesota’s upcoming four game homestand starting on Tuesday.
Projected Lineup
Forwards:
Kirill Kaprizov – Ryan Hartman – Mats Zuccarello
Matt Boldy – Joel Eriksson Ek – Bobby Brink
Vladimir Tarasenko – Danila Yurov – Yakov Trenin
Robby Fabbri – Michael McCarron – Nico Sturm
Defense:
Quinn Hughes – Brock Faber
Jonas Brodin – Jared Spurgeon
Jake Middleton – Zach Bogosian
Between the Pipes:
Jesper Wallstedt
Filip Gustavsson
Follow along in the comments below!
The Padres’ cold corner race heats up
At the outset of the offseason the San Diego Padres offense was (for better or worse) set. It already included perennial superstars Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado and Jackson Merrill alongside solid contributors like Freddy Fermin and Ramón Laureano.
But, with the departure of everyday first baseman Luis Arráez in free agency to the division-rival San Francisco Giants, San Diego had an opening at the cold corner. So general manager A.J. Preller did what he does best: he found low-risk, high-reward opportunities.
As Cactus League propels toward Opening Day, here’s a look at five candidates (in order of least to most likely) who could fill first base for the Friars on March 26.
Jose Miranda
The former corner infielder for the Minnesota Twins, Miranda owns a career .263 batting average across four years of MLB service time. But this spring he’s been raking.
In 11 Cactus League games, Miranda owns a .375/.464/.667 slash line with four extra-base hits and one home run. He’s totaled seven RBI in those games.
His glove is solid as well, with a 1.000 fielding percentage in 16 innings logged at first base. But manager Craig Stammen continues to give him more innings at third, making it seem like Miranda is viewed as more of a utility player than as an everyday one.
Gavin Sheets
I know, I know, I know. He’s ranked lower than you thought he’d be. I just really cannot see Gavin Sheets playing first base every day for this team.
It’s not his bat, he’s been a fantastic addition to the Padres lineup. It’s the glove. He’s done well this spring, so it seems unwarranted to question his defense. But at the major league level (across a full season), it’s uncertain he can maintain that elite level of defensive play.
In the past, Sheets has been used at first base sparingly, only starting more than 20 games in a season once at the position (41 starts in 2024). He’s been great in Spring Training, and his bat is fantastic, but he seems like more of a DH who plays first base occasionally than the starter.
Miguel Andujar
Andujar was the “big” offensive free agent splash for San Diego this offseason. Signed to a one-year, $4 million deal, he fits best as the Padres designated hitter while being a viable candidate to take some outfield reps.
That being said, Stammen has started him at first in two spring games. Across 11 innings, he has a perfect fielding percentage. But the same problem presents itself as with Sheets. The bat is (obviously) there, but can the glove stay consistent after a full season?
Nick Castellanos
It’s surprising to see Castellanos – someone who hasn’t ever played a single inning of MLB at the cold corner – so high on this list. But his bat has performed extremely well in Spring Training, posting a 1.011 OPS in nine games.
The only problem is his defense, which everyone knew would be somewhat of an issue. It’s passable and (for a guy who’s never played the position) really solid. But it’s not fantastic and the Friars need consistent defense at the cold corner.
Castellanos figures to stay in the mix for a utility-type role, splitting time between first base, DH, and outfield like most of the other guys on this list.
Ty France
The signing of France to a minor-league deal marks a homecoming to the club he began his seven-year career with. Historically he has been considered a bat-first player, but in 2025 France turned that around.
After a disappointing 2024 campaign that saw him post a -12 OAA (Outs Above Average) at the cold corner, France led all MLB first basemen in ‘25 with +10 OAA. Because of that, he won the Gold Glove Award for the first time in his career.
If France can replicate that elite defense and continue to rake like he has so far in Cactus League games (posting a .375/.444/.500 slash line across 10 games) he could easily earn the starting spot.
One more great thing about France’s offense. He’s been torching left-handed pitching, hitting .500/.600/.500 compared to .350/.409/.500 against righties.
For a team who, on Opening Day, will face arguably the most dominant lefty on the planet in Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, San Diego will take all the help it can get.
Sunday Game Thread vs. North Dakota State
1pm CT SECN+.
Wyatt “Ice Town” Nadeau made his first Diamond Dore start (for the injured Austin Nye), and though Corbs decided to give the win to Adria Casoliba, Nadeau’s 4 scoreless innings were the story here. Though he frequently put some ducks on the pond (3 H and 4 BB), he kept them stranded, and K’d 7. Casoliba, Guth, and Seiber combined for the remaining scoreless 4 innings, only yielding one hit and three walks.
The offense walked it off, yet again, powered by dongers by Holcomb, Lil’ Maldo, and Johnstone the Elder.
Again, North Dakota State has only one win on the season.
On the Mound
Sunday @ 1:00pm SECN+
Vanderbilt #80 So. RHP Nate “Nasty Nate” Taylor (0-2; 5.02 ERA)
vs. NDSU #24 Sr. lHP Jonah “The Whale” Walker (0-0; 3.46 ERA)
The Lineup
See you in the comments.
Spring Training GameThread for Two Games
The Jays play two games today. Both starting at 1:00 Eastern which….well I don’t know what time that is in various places in Canada since the clocks have changed in at least some of Canada. So where ever you are in Canada, there are two game today (or two games a week from Thursday depending on your timezone) (leave your own Saskatchewan jokes in the thread).
One is on the road against the Orioles. Here are the lineups for that game, which has Cody Ponce starting:
The other has the Tigers coming to Dunedin, with Kevin Gausman starting:
Diesel Day! Astros vs. Nationals 3/8/2026 Spring Training Game Thread
The Houston Astros (4-7-3) take on the Washington Nationals (7-4-3) in Grapefruit League play.
RHP Hunter Brown is set to make his third start of the Spring, with LHP Andrew Alvarez starting for the Nationals.
BROTHER BROWN: RHP Hunter Brown, who is making his third start this Spring, established himself as one of the top starters in the Majors in 2025. For the season, he was 12-9 in 31 starts with a 2.43 ERA with 206 strikeouts in 185.1 innings of work.
Among AL starters, Brown ranked second in ERA and Quality Starts (21), third in strikeouts (206), fourth in WHIP (1.03) and fourth in pitching WAR (4.8). For his efforts, he was named to his first All-Star team and finished third in the voting for the AL Cy Young Award.
Brown also earned AL Pitcher of the Month honors for June (1.19 ERA, .130 opp. avg.). He also had a 28.0-inning scoreless inning streak in 2025. Brown has posted a 1.93 ERA (1ER/2.2IP) through his two starts this Spring, striking out five batters over that span.
TODAY’S POTENTIAL RELIEVERS: LHP Tom Cosgrove, RHP J.P. France, LHP Steven Okert, RHP Christian Roa and RHP Logan VanWey.
TODAY’S ROSTER MOVES: This morning, the Astros optioned RHP Jason Alexander and reassigned RHP Sam Carlson and RHP Alimber Santa to minor league camp.
ASTROS IN WBC: IF Zach Dezenzo started at third base in Team Italy’s 8-0 win over Team Brazil yesterday at Daikin Park, going 1×3 with an RBI and a walk.
IF Shay Whitcomb got off to a fantastic start for Team Korea in their opener on Thursday vs Team Czechia, going 2×4 with two home runs and three RBI in an 11-4 win.
Game Info
Game Date/Time: Sunday, March 8, 12:05 p.m. CST
Location: CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches, West Palm Beach, FL.
TV: none
Streaming: HOU video livestream (astros.com)
Radio: KBME 790 AM/94.5 FM HD-2
Winnipeg Keeps Playoff Hopes Alive With Red Hot February
The Winnipeg Jets are doing everything they can to remain in the playoff race, and since returning from the Olympic break the results have been encouraging. If the Jets had been given a clear blueprint for staying in contention, they have followed it closely.
Winnipeg currently sits on a three game winning streak, earning victories over the Chicago Blackhawks and Vancouver Canucks, two teams that rank among the NHL’s bottom three this season. The most impressive result of the stretch came in a decisive 4–1 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning, who currently hold the second-best record in the Eastern Conference.
The strong play extends beyond the current streak. Since the start of February, Winnipeg has compiled a 4-1-3 record, giving the club renewed life in the standings. The Jets now sit five points behind the Seattle Kraken for the final wild card position in the Western Conference.
Winnipeg also made notable adjustments at the trade deadline in hopes of sparking its lineup. The Jets moved out defensemen Logan Stanley and Luke Schenn in a deal with the Buffalo Sabres. In return, the team acquired defenseman Jacob Bryson and promising young forward Isak Rosen.
Bryson is expected to step into a depth role on the blue line, potentially filling the seventh defenseman spot previously held by Schenn. Rosen, meanwhile, represents a more intriguing long term addition.
The 22-year-old winger was selected 14th overall in the 2021 NHL Draft and has developed into a point-per-game producer with the Rochester Americans in the American Hockey League this season, recording 43 points in 37 games.
Both Bryson and Rosen debuted with Winnipeg in bottom of the lineup roles, and it remains to be seen how much of an impact they will have down the stretch. Up front, the Jets’ top line has continued to carry the offensive load. The trio of Mark Scheifele, Kyle Connor, and Gabriel Vilardi has combined for 11 goals during the team’s recent eight-game surge.
GABRIEL VILARDI IS SO UNFAIR 😱 pic.twitter.com/CXaoBxy4eg
— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) March 8, 2026
Scheifele has been particularly effective as a playmaker, leading the group with 10 assists during that span. Secondary scoring has also helped fuel the run. Cole Perfetti has produced six points over the stretch, while Alex Iafallo has added four.
Despite the improved play, the odds still present a challenge. Analytics site MoneyPuck currently gives Winnipeg a 15.1 per cent chance of reaching the playoffs and a 5.5 per cent chance of not only qualifying but advancing past the first round.
Winnipeg faces a demanding schedule that includes three games against the current Presidents’ Trophy favorites, the Colorado Avalanche. The Jets will also take on strong competition in single game matchups against the Dallas Stars, Pittsburgh Penguins, Anaheim Ducks, and Boston Bruins.
With 20 games remaining, every point will matter. If the Jets can maintain their current form through the final stretch, a late season playoff push may not be out of reach. For a team fighting to extend its season, the coming weeks will define Winnipeg’s year.
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Rockets vs Spurs Computer Picks: Our Best Player Prop Projections for March 8
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The "Battle of Texas" opens a new chapter on Sunday, March 8, when the Houston Rockets head to Frost Bank Center to take on the San Antonio Spurs.
With so many star players in this matchup, our NBA player prop projections help find the best of the best.
For more NBA picks, read our complete Rockets vs. Spurs predictions!
Rockets vs Spurs computer picks for March 8
 Rockets |  Spurs |
|---|---|
| Eason o10.5 points +100 | Vassell o13.5 points +100 |
| Eason o6.5 rebounds +110 | Fox o16.5 points -115 |
| Durant u25.5 points -110 | Wembanyama o1.5 points -145 |
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Rockets computer picks
Tari Eason Over 10.5 points (+100)
Projection: 12.5 points
Tari Eason has failed to cover this number in six straight, but before that, he scored 11+ in three of four outings. A 41% shooter on the season, Eason is due for positive regression after going 3-for-21 from deep over his last five.
Our prop projections call for the forward to go two whole points over his number tonight, and with this prop at plus money, it offers great value.
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Tari Eason Over 6.5 rebounds (+110)
Projection: 7.1 points
Eason has fallen just short of this line in his last three outings, but he gobbled up 19 rebounds in the two games prior. Both these teams also play stout defense, which will offer up plenty of rebounding opportunities for the 24-year-old.
The +110 price tag makes this play even better.
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Kevin Durant Under 25.5 points (-110)
Projection: 24.1 points
Kevin Durant has failed to reach 26 points in back-to-back outings and five of his last seven. KD can still score with the best of them, but he's no longer dominating night in and night out.
The Spurs have the size and length to keep Durant in check, and even a good game from the future Hall of Famer can still cash this Under.
In four matchups against San Antonio this season, KD has finished Under this number each time.
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Spurs computer picks
Devin Vassell Over 13.5 points (+100)
Projection: 14.8 points
Devin Vassell has turned into a reliable scorer for the Spurs, averaging nearly 15 points per game. Vassell had a rough shooting night in his last outing, but his 3-point volume makes this number enticing.
The young guard has put up five or more threes in seven straight, and he's a near 39% 3-point shooter. Depending on how hot he gets, Vassell could cash this prop on threes alone.
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De'Aaron Fox Over 16.5 points (-115)
Projection: 17.9 points
De'Aaron Fox has been stupendous in San Antonio, and he's cleared this point total in back-to-back outings. He sits second on the team in scoring with 18.8 PPG, and the last time these teams met, he scored 18. That's right around where tonight's projections sit.
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Victor Wembanyama Over 1.5 made threes (-105)
Projection: 2.0 made threes
Victor Wembanyama has splashed four threes in consecutive outings, taking 19 attempts in that span.
Wemby is starting to turn up the volume from outside, and if he shoots that many again tonight, hitting two shouldn't be an issue.
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How to watch Rockets vs Spurs tonight
| Location | Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, TX |
| Date | Sunday, March 8, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | Peacock |
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.
New York Yankees @ New York Mets: Ryan Weathers vs. Freddy Peralta
Perhaps the projected starter with the most to prove in a Yankee uniform—looking to establish himself this spring training in a new organization after an injury-riddled campaign with the Marlins—Ryan Weathers gets the opportunity to face a rather strong Mets lineup despite its many absences with multiple superstars competing in the World Baseball Classic.
Even without Juan Soto (suiting up for the Dominican WBC team), Pete Alonso (now in Baltimore), and Francisco Lindor (injured), the Mets’ offense could still be seen as an upgrade on the Nationals. Weathers carved through the Nats in his first spring outing, a little under two weeks ago. Traditionally a pitcher who relies on his changeup as his primary offspeed offering, Weathers really leaned into his sweeper against Washington, a potential trend to follow, assuming the Yankees saw an opportunity to tweak and improve his pitching arsenal. The first signs were great, with the southpaw allowing one hit and striking out five in 3.2 innings of work.
Returning to the topic of depleted lineups, the Yankees give their youngsters another opportunity to perform, this one against the newly acquired Mets ace, Freddy Peralta. The likes of Jasson Domínguez, George Lombard Jr., and Spencer Jones will be leading the charge, Jones in particular looking to maintain what has been an outstanding performance this spring, having homered three times already.
How to Watch:
Location: Clover Park — Port St. Lucie, FL
First Pitch: 1:10 p.m. EDT
TV broadcast: WPIX
Radio broadcast: N/A
Online stream: MLB Network (out-of-market-only)
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Mets’ Clay Holmes dominates over three ‘electric’ innings in Team USA debut
Clay Holmes showed up to spring training with a workload well past most of the Mets’ pitchers in anticipation of his World Baseball Classic appearance.
He was already built up to three ups, while most of the others were still progressing.
Holmes said following his final Grapefruit League start last week that he felt ready to take the mound for Team USA.
Making his first appearance of the tournament Saturday, that certainly showed.
The big right-hander came on in relief of reigning AL Cy Young award winner Tarik Skubal in the fourth, and he provided the Americans just what they were looking for.
Holmes retired the first eight Great Britain hitters he faced, including a stretch of five consecutive strikeouts, before allowing a out one single in the top of the sixth.
He quickly danced around that as well, thanks to a caught stealing and another strikeout, this one of his former Yankee teammate Jazz Chisholm Jr.
The 32-year-old finished the night allowing just one baserunner and striking out six.
Holmes ended up taking home the victory after USA’s high-powered lineup finally broke through for all nine of their runs over the fifth, sixth, and seventh.
“It was a lot of fun,” he told SNY’s Michelle Margaux. “Getting to wear the USA and getting to feel that for the first time it was pretty amazing -- it was nice to have those guys behind me, just try to focus and help us win the game.”
Holmes utilized his full arsenal and saw tremendous movement on his breaking pitches, particularly the sweeper and sinker, which helped him pick up a handful of his punchouts.
Carlos Mendoza was certainly impressed watching from home.
“He was electric,” the Mets’ skipper said. “Pretty dominant, it was good to see.”
Holmes taking another step forward in his second season as a starter would be a tremendous boost for the Mets' rotation.
Spring Training March 8 Game Thread: Braves at Rays
It’s time for another Bryce Elder spring training start, as the Atlanta Braves continue to make their way through the Grapefruit League. For those keeping track at home, the Braves are actually sitting on top of the Grapefruit League standings, which is surely the greatest achievement that this team has accomplished in quite some time, right?
Anyways, this is also a road game for the Braves against the Rays, which means that we’re going to continue seeing a lineup full of guys doing their hardest to make the roster. For what it’s worth, their performances have definitely been pretty solid so far and I’d imagine that it’s going to be pretty tough for the decision-makers to pare this roster down as we get closer and closer to Opening Day. Either way, it’s been encouraging to see how the organizational depth has looked so far and hopefully we’ll see some more solid performances today.
Here’s the lineup for Atlanta:
Here’s how the Rays are looking:
Today’s game appears to be Radio Only, so if you’re in the Atlanta area then it’s time to tune in to 680 The Fan/93.7 FM. The 680 The Fan app is also available as well, so there’s that. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. ET.
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Cavs vs. Celtics open gamethread
We’ll see how the Cleveland Cavaliers stack up against one of the best teams in the league this season, the Boston Celtics.
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!
Cavs’ role player is ‘one more’ doctor visit from potential return
The Cleveland Cavaliers have been waiting for the entire season for Max Strus to make his debut. If all goes as planned, they won’t have to wait much longer.
“He’s ramping up,” said Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson. “I believe he’s got one more visit with the doctor to kind of confirm that we’re doing alright.”
Strus has been on the sidelines since last May when the Cavs were eliminated in the 2025 NBA Playoffs. He suffered a Jones fracture just weeks before the current season began and has only recently begun on-court work with the rest of the team. Strus participated in 90% of practice earlier this week.
“As far as the on-court stuff, he’s just doing more and more every day,” said Atkinson. “So we’re getting closer.”
The Cavs have managed to fare well without Strus. They’ve received huge contributions from players like Sam Merrill and Jaylon Tyson, who have managed to step up and fill his role in the starting lineup at various points throughout the season. Cleveland’s depth, which only got stronger at the deadline, has been a plus for them this year.
Still, Strus brings a skillset that you can’t get enough of. A motion shooter who can handle the rock and defend at high intensity is valuable any day of the week. Strus, if healthy, gives the Cavaliers even more firepower.
We can’t predict what Strus will look like upon returning. How quickly can he dust off his shoulders and get initiated with this roster that has changed so much since he last played? Does Strus develop immediate chemistry with James Harden? And how long will it take for his conditioning to ramp up to mid-season form with fewer than 20 games to play before the postseason?
There’s nothing easy about returning from an injury like this. But, something tells me Strus is the type of grit-and-grind player who is doing everything in his power to get back on the floor and prepare in the playoffs.
Mets vs. Yankees: Spring training lineup, broadcast info, and open thread, 3/8/26
Mets Lineup
- Marcus Semien – 2B
- Jorge Polanco – 1B
- Bo Bichette – 3B
- Francisco Alvarez – C
- Brett Baty – DH
- Tyrone Taylor – RF
- Carson Benge – CF
- Vidal Brujan – SS
- A.J. Ewing – LF
Freddy Peralta – RHP
Yankees Lineup
- Jasson Dominguez – LF
- J.C. Escarra – DH
- George Lombard – 3B
- Spencer Jones – CF
- Seth Brown – 1B
- Zack Short – 2B
- Duke Ellis – RF
- Braden Shewmake – SS
- Ali Sanchez – C
Ryan Weathers – LHP
Broadcast info
First pitch: 1:10 PM EDT
TV: WPIX, MLBN (out-of-market only)