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Max Scherzer reveals one small World Baseball Classic tweak that ‘would get everybody to participate’

If World Baseball Classic organizers want more MLB stars in the tournament’s mix, Max Scherzer said this week he has a solution that “would get everybody to participate.”

During a sitdown interview with Foul Territory’s A.J. Pierzynski and Erik Kratz, Scherzer claimed a small schedule tweak would have players lining up for WBC uniforms.

“I wish this tournament was pushed back two weeks,” the future Hall of Famer said, before explaining 14 additional days would significantly lessen athletes’ concerns about injuries.

Max Scherzer explained on Foul Territory this week that if the World Baseball Classic tweaked its schedule, it’d get more MLB stars to participate. YouTube

“Two more weeks here and in my opinion, you’d really drop the risk factor for pitchers,” he said, “and you would get everybody to participate.”

The WBC traditionally kicks off in early March, and while that’s not necessarily a problem for Big League hitters, Scherzer told Pierzynski and Kratz it’s a significant issue for pitchers.

The Blue Jays starter called throwing in high-intensity games so early in the season “a huge risk factor.”

But if the showcase started in late March, Scherzer said it’d change everything.

“Everybody wants to be out there competing for their country,” said the 42-year-old, who’s never participated in a WBC. “Full stop. There’s no argument about that. Everybody wants to. It’s just you have a risk factor to this. This is hard on your arm.”

Without some of the nation’s best pitchers, Team USA lost in the WBC final to Venezuela. AP

Scherzer acknowledged that might mean the MLB season would have to drop from 162 games to 155 and there would be a financial loss, but he said the benefit for the sport would be worth it.

“The WBC is great. Everybody is watching,” Scherzer said. “Can you imagine if all the players were in it and it’s even better? You’re having even better baseball. The WBC can be even better with that regard.”

Plus, Scherzer noted April matchups are “not high-revenue games” for MLB teams.

The WBC began on March 5 and concluded on March 17. Team USA advanced to the finals, but lost, 3-2, to Venezuela.

Red, white and blue fans have pointed out that adding star pitchers like Garrett Crochett and Bryan Woo — or even getting more innings out of Tarik Skubal and Mason Miller — could have resulted in a championship, and Scherzer said his idea would have paved the way for that reality.

“Where’s the perfect slice here?” he said. “It’s right now (in late March). Start it right now and that would solve a lot of this.”

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Pistons vs. Wizards Discussion: Game Time, TV, Odds, and More

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 17: Jalen Duren #0 of the Detroit Pistons controls the ball against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Capital One Arena on March 17, 2026 in Washington, DC. 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 Patrick Smith/Getty Images) | Getty Images

It is round two for the Detroit Pistons and Washington Wizards, and things are looking much different than they were 48 hours ago. The Pistons beat the Wizards 130-117 on Tuesday night, but they lost Cade Cunningham after five minutes, and today are coming to grips with the idea he could be out much longer. Cunnigham has a collapsed lung that will keep him sidelined indefinitely. That indefinite timeline could be as little as two weeks or it could stretch deep into a Pistons’ first-round playoff series. There is also the notion of Detroit’s grip on the No. 1 overall seed in the East. They’ve held that spot since Nov. 7. With Cade missing time, that position feels tenuous. There is also the fact that Cunningham needs to play five more games to qualify for the first-team All-NBA spot he so rightly deserves. There is the question of how rusty he will be when he finally does come back. The mind reels. But tonight, the Wizards!

Game Vitals

When: 7 p.m. ET
Where: Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.
Watch: FanDuel Sports Network Detroit
Odds: Pistons -14

Projected Lineups

Detroit Pistons (49-19)

Daniss Jenkins, Duncan Robinson, Ausar Thompson, Tobias Harris, Jalen Duren

Washington Wizards (16-52)

Bub Carrington, Sharife Cooper, Tre Johnson, Will Reilly, Alex Sarr

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Alfredo Duno, Edwin Arroyo lead Reds in Spring Breakout vs. Giants

TALKING STICK, AZ - OCTOBER 18: Alfredo Duno #28 of the Peoria Javelinas bats during the game between the Peoria Javelinas and the Salt River Rafters at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on Saturday, October 18, 2025 in Talking Stick, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

Thursday night the Cincinnati Reds will send the best and brightest pieces of their farm system to Scottsdale to take on the best and brightest prospects from the system of the San Francisco Giants, the 2026 edition of the Spring Breakout Game.

Cincinnati won’t be sending the likes of Rhett Lowder or Sal Stewart, I should note, despite both still maintaining rookie status (and, in most cases, ‘prospect’ status). That’s because those two are going to be part of the big league Reds roster come Opening Day. Instead, the Reds will turn over the reins to the likes of Alfredo Duno, Edwin Arroyo, Tyson Lewis, Cam Collier & Co.

Right-hander Chase Petty will toe the rubber to start for Cincinnati’s young stars, and the team will lineup this way:

Of note is a middle infield of Arroyo at short and Leo Balcazar at 2B given that the likes of Steele Hall and Tyson Lewis are both on the roster (and expected to play). My best guess is that the Reds will work those two in together at some point mid-game.

Also on the roster is 2025 2nd round pick Aaron Watson, whom the Reds selected out of Trinity Christian Academy down in Jacksonville last summer. The 19 year old didn’t throw a single professional pitch last year after being drafted, and it would be cool to see him get into some pretty serious non-serious action this evening for the first time.

I say ‘see’ because this one should be able to be viewed most places thanks to televised coverage by NBC Sports Bay Area (and, therefore, MLB.tv). I’ve even seen some reports that it may be viewable via MLB.com, though I cannot guarantee that’s the case at the moment.

First pitch is set for 9:05 PM ET, so put on a pot of coffee while you watch the first round of the NCAA Tournament first.

Sports!

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Islanders moving AHL team to Hamilton, Ontario after 25-year run in Bridgeport

A preseason game between the Hartford Wolfpack and the Bridgeport Islanders in Bridgeport on October 1, 2025.
A preseason game between the Hartford Wolfpack and the Bridgeport Islanders in Bridgeport on October 1, 2025.

OTTAWA, Ontario — The Islanders made official on Thursday what’s been expected since the fall, announcing plans to relocate their AHL affiliate from Bridgeport, Conn. to Hamilton, Ontario for the 2026-27 season.

The announcement was made alongside Oak View Group, which operates TD Coliseum, the arena in Hamilton where the team intends to play next year.

The move is subject to approval by the AHL Board of Governors.

A preseason game between the Hartford Wolfpack and the Bridgeport Islanders in Bridgeport in October 2025. Connecticut Public Broadcasting

“We are excited to make Hamilton our primary affiliate in the American Hockey League,” general manager Mathieu Darche said in a release. “The support the city has shown our organization throughout this transition has been incredible. We look forward to having our top young talent play in front of such a strong fanbase inside the newly renovated, world-class TD Coliseum and we are committed to establishing ourselves in the community to engage a new generation of hockey fans.”

The Islanders have struggled to draw crowds to Total Mortgage Arena in Bridgeport, but the city has been their AHL home for 25 years.

The future of the venue is not entirely clear, but the team’s statement said the club remains “committed to working with the City of Bridgeport on a successful transition for Total Mortgage Arena.”

“On behalf of the entire New York Islanders organization, I want to extend our deepest thanks to the City of Bridgeport and the incredibly loyal fans who have supported this team for the past 25 years,” president of business operation Kelly Cheeseman said in the release. “From the early days of the Sound Tigers to our time as the Bridgeport Islanders, this community has been the heart of our AHL operations. We are grateful for the memories, the partnerships, and the passion the fans in Connecticut have shown our players and staff.” 

Situated 45 minutes from Toronto with a capacity of nearly 18,000, TD Coliseum recently underwent a $300 million upgrade.

While the Islanders forfeit some convenience with Bridgeport being driving distance to Long Island, the number of direct flights every day from Toronto to New York make it unlikely there will be issues with getting call-ups to the area on time.

New York Islanders GM Mathieu Darche speaks at a press conference before the game when the New York Islanders played the Saturday, November 22, 2025 at UBS Arena in Elmont, NY. Robert Sabo for NY Post

The team name and logo, along with ticketing information in Hamilton, will be announced at a later date, per the Islanders.

“Hamilton is thrilled to welcome an AHL team to our city,” Hamilton mayor Andrea Horwath said in the release. “This is an exciting moment for Hamiltonians and a major step forward in building on the momentum we’re seeing in our downtown. Bringing professional hockey back to TD Coliseum means more opportunities for families to come together and increased support for local businesses. It strengthens our city’s proud hockey tradition while creating new opportunities for young players and fans alike to connect with the game.”

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High Point upset was going to take everything — including a first layup of the season

PORTLAND, OR – Go figure the biggest moment in High Point basketball history hinged on Chase Johnston doing something he hadn’t done all season.

In the final seconds of the NCAA Tournament first round game against Wisconsin, the Panthers were down by a point when Rob Martin got a loose ball, and up ahead was an open Johnston running toward the bucket. Martin passed it perfectly to Johnston. All that was left was for Johnston to make a 2-point spot.

A shot he hadn’t made all season.

'Nobody would play us': High Point coach gives fiery interview after Wisconsin upset

March Madness heroes, legends: High Point's Chase Johnston can take his place on this list

It sounds unusual, but it’s in fact one of the wildest stats in college basketball. Prior to that moment, Johnston attempted 142 shots on the season; 138 were 3-pointers.

The four 2-point shots? All misses.

No pressure for the sharpshooter.

Luckily, it was a layup. Johnston rolled it into the bucket, and sealed High Point’s first NCAA Tournament win in school history. 

It was unusual territory for Johnston, but it didn’t frighten him at all. Because he knew “we can go shock the world.”

“When Rob threw that off, I was just like, ‘I gotta put this in to win this game,’” he said. “I wasn't really thinking whether it's a 2 or 3. I was just trying to put it in and win this game.”

A moment that held the breath of every fan donning purple inside Moda Center, knowing it was asking someone for something out of their game. But those on the court knew their fortunate fate was sealed the moment it touched his hands.

In fact, the only thing they wondered was if it was going to be a slam.

“Chase got a little bit of bounce. Chase probably dunk a little bit,” Martin said, drawing laughs from his teammates. “But I knew Chase was gonna make a layup. Of course, I believe in him.”

While it was a one-of-a-kind moment for a one-of-a-kind achievement, it wouldn’t have been possible if Johnston hadn’t done what he does best: drill it from deep.

It was an intense battle between the Panthers and Badgers, but it looked like Wisconsin was about to pull away with an eight-point lead with five minutes left. Then Johnston, who had just three points at the moment, finally drained another 3-point shot.

Then another. And another, including one from the midcourt logo.

A nine-point flurry in four minutes made it a one-point game in the final minute, all to set up the game-winning layup.

But Johnston’s heroics weren’t done. After making the shot of his life, he told his coaches to take him out. He is a reliable defender, but he knew what was needed to preserve the win. Put in a bigger guy to defend the last-second attempt.

Wisconsin wasn’t able to retake the lead, and when it got another chance, wasn’t able to get the shot off as the High Point defenders hounded the long pass.

“He should get way more credit,” coach Flynn Clayman said. “That is not just a defender, but an all-around player.”

High Point Panthers guard Chase Johnston (99) reacts after defeating the Wisconsin Badgers in a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center.

And just like that, March gets its new darling. The tournament is all about guys that go largely unnoticed all season, just for them to become the breakout star on the biggest stage in college basketball. Johnston wasn’t even the team’s leading scorer, it was Martin with 23 points.

But when you are the glass slipper for Cinderella, that’s all it takes to become the hero. This may just be the rare case of the guy that got thrust in the spotlight for doing something he isn’t known for.

That’s all OK, because Johnston has High Point still dancing.

“To be on this stage with these guys, and be able to hit a couple shots and finish with the layup,” Johnston said. “It's something that I'll never forget.”

High Point vs Wisconsin highlights

Who does High Point play next in March Madness?

The Panthers play the winner of Arkansas/Hawaii.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: High Point's Chase Johnston newest March Madness hero after Wisconsin upset

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Duke's Jon Scheyer says Siena posed 'toughest moment' of March Madness career

Duke basketball avoided a scare against No. 16 seed Siena in the first round of the Men's NCAA Tournament on Thursday, March 19 as the No. 1 overall seed, overcoming a 13-point deficit in the second half to win 71-65.

Siena became the first No. 16 seed to lead a No. 1 seed at halftime in Men's NCAA Tournament history, leading 43-32 at the break. The Blue Devils outscored the Saints 39-22 in the second half to secure the victory, although fourth-year coach Jon Scheyer said it was the toughest NCAA Tournament moment he has experienced since taking over for Mike Krzyzewski in 2022.

REQUIRED READING: Duke vs Siena score: Blue Devils avoid March Madness upset to 16 seed

"Toughest one," the longtime Duke assistant-turned head coach told reporters after the win. "Not close. Toughest moment, toughest game, toughest position I've ever been in in the tournament, no question about it. You have to credit Siena for that. Look, I remember a lot of our teams, we've had some games like this. 2018-19, North Dakota State, it's a one-possession game there.

"These games are fragile. Unfortunately, you have to lose some, I've been on the other end of some of these in the past where you have great appreciation for it, but it doesn't mean you can avoid it. ... You gotta show what you're made of, and these guys really did that."

Twins Cameron and Cayden Boozer led the way for Duke, scoring 22 and 19 points, respectively, to lead all scorers. The Blue Devils played a seven-man rotation without starting center Patrick Ngongba II and starting guard Caleb Foster, who are both hoping to return sometime during the NCAA Tournament, depending on how far Duke advances.

Duke had no issues with No. 16 seed Mount St. Mary's last season, winning 93-49 in the first round. Scheyer also cited Duke's 85-62 win over No. 16 seed North Dakota State in 2019, when he was an assistant and the Blue Devils only led by four points at halftime.

Only two No. 16 seeds have ever won an NCAA Tournament game: Fairleigh Dickinson defeated Purdue in 2023 and UMBC took down Virginia in 2018. 16 No. 1 seeds have only beaten No. 16s by single digits in NCAA Tournament history, none of which have gone on to win a national championship.

Scheyer said he isn't concerned with Duke's performance but acknowledged the Blue Devils must rebound before taking on No. 9 TCU in the second round on March 21.

"It's not concerning from the standpoint that, unfortunately this is the nature of the tournament," he said. "Look, I wish it could be just smooth sailing. These guys, even though we have returners from last year's team, were all in different spots. You can face a team like Siena; they were incredibly ready to play.

"We made some mistakes early that they made us pay for, and all of a sudden you want to win very badly. So, you want to start making plays to try and get back in the game that are probably uncharacteristic to who we've been."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jon Scheyer says Siena posed 'toughest moment' of NCAA Tournament career

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Michael Porter Jr. out 2-3 weeks with left hamstring strain

Evan Bernstein/Getty Images

The Brooklyn Nets announced on Thursday that forward Michael Porter Jr. has been diagnosed with a left hamstring strain following an MRI. He will be sidelined and reevaluated in two to three weeks, per team PR.

Porter Jr. had already missed four straight games with a right ankle sprain, but during his return-to-play process, he experienced discomfort in his left hammy in a workout. The Nets play their final regular season game on April 12, three weeks and three days from this announcement. It seems all but certain that Porter Jr. has played his final game of the 2025-26 campaign.

And quite a campaign it was. In his first season in Brooklyn, MPJ played in 52 games, averaging a career-high 24.2 points along with 7.1 rebounds, 3.0 assists (also a career-high) while shooting 46/36/86, (59.5% true shooting). While a bit arbitrary, his 176 3-pointers marks a new franchise-record through a player’s first 52 games.

In fact, it came as a minor surprise that Porter Jr. did not make his first All-Star team this season — his numbers were even better before the break…

This season marked MPJ’s first as a first-option for an NBA offense, and the Nets needed every bit of his production. Their offensive rating is over ten points higher when he plays vs. when he sits, though that, of course may factor into the calculus to effectively end his season, with the tank in full swing.

On one hand, Porter Jr.’s breakout season paints him as a foundational piece for a franchise desperately seeking talent. On the other, he is extension-eligible this summer, currently making $40 million a year. The Nets are nowhere near contention, and just one year ago, the team took on MPJ as a salary dump in order to obtain Denver’s unprotected 2032 first-round pick.

It is quite possible that Porter Jr. has played his final game as a Brooklyn Net.

Still, that remains a worry for the offseason. For now, Porter Jr. will rehab a hamstring injury (a process the Nets know all too well), be re-evaluated in 2-3, and hopefully avoid podcasting too much as his team gets ready for the NBA Draft Lottery on May 10.

Meanwhile, the Brooklyn Nets play their next game on Friday evening, hosting the New York Knicks. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. ET.

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Braves star Jurickson Profar gets full-season ban after appeal denied

Jurickson Profar #7 of the Atlanta Braves at bat against the Washington Nationals during the first inning in game two of a split doubleheader at Nationals Park on September 16, 2025 in Washington, DC.
Jurickson Profar #7 of the Atlanta Braves at bat against the Washington Nationals during the first inning in game two of a split doubleheader at Nationals Park on September 16, 2025 in Washington, DC.

Jurickson Profar is officially out for the 2026 season. 

The Braves outfielder’s appeal for his performance-enhancing drug (PED), 162-game suspension was resolved.

He will also be ineligible to play during the postseason.

It’s the second time Profar tested positive and was suspended for PEDs after receiving an 80-game ban last year, getting popped for Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG) after appearing in Atlanta’s first four games of the season.

Jurickson Profar of the Atlanta Braves at bat against the Washington Nationals during the first inning in game two of a split doubleheader at Nationals Park on September 16, 2025 in Washington, DC. Getty Images

This time around, Profar tested positive for exogenous testosterone and its metabolites, per ESPN.

At the time of the first suspension, Profar proclaimed innocence, claiming he’d “never willingly take a banned substance.”

“This is especially painful for me because anyone who knows me and has seen me play knows I am deeply passionate about the game,” Profar said in a statement last March. “There is nothing I love more than competing with my teammates and being a fan favorite. I want to apologize to the entire Braves organization, my teammates, and the fans. It is because of my deep love and respect for this game that I would never knowingly do anything to cheat it.”

He is the sixth MLB player to receive the 162-game ban for a second PED violation since the penalty was bumped to a full season in 2014. 

Profar was set to enter the second year of a three-year, $42 million deal he signed with the Braves before the 2025 season. 

Jurickson Profar of the Atlanta Braves during batting practice before a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Truist Park on September 26, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. Getty Images

He will forfeit his entire $15 million salary for this season. 

When not suspended last season, Profar hit .245/.353/.434 with 14 home runs and 43 RBIs in 80 games for Atlanta. 

The former No. 1 overall prospect had a career season in 2024 before the PED suspensions, hitting .280/.380/.459 with 24 long balls while making his first career All-Star team and winning a Silver Slugger award.

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Mets option Ronny Mauricio to Triple-A with ‘everyday reps’ in mind

Ronny Mauricio of the New York Mets preparing to bat during spring training.
Ronny Mauricio strikes out during the Mets' Feb. 28 Grapefruit League game.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Ronny Mauricio languished on the bench for the final six weeks of last season, and the Mets weren’t prepared to let that happen again.

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The shortstop was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse on Thursday, eliminating him from a potential backup role on the Opening Day roster.

Mauricio played mainly shortstop this spring while Francisco Lindor rehabbed from hamate bone surgery in his left hand.

But Lindor returned in the last week to begin playing in the Grapefruit League, signaling his buildup toward next Thursday’s season opener at Citi Field.

It’s possible the Mets will go without a backup shortstop, instead using Bo Bichette at the position as needed during the season.

“We’re getting to those days where we have to make tough decisions and this was one of them,” manager Carlos Mendoza said. “But we said it from the beginning: We need Ronny Mauricio to play and for him right now with everyone — knock on wood — healthy, he needs to go down to get everyday reps.”

Mauricio, 24, produced a .313/.389/.531 slash line with one homer and five RBIs in 13 exhibition games this spring. Last season, he saw extensive action at third base, but was squeezed to the bench in mid-August. He received only 20 at-bats over the final six weeks of the season.

Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns later said Mauricio was kept on the major league roster to preserve his option for this season. The Mets would have otherwise lost that minor league option on Mauricio.

Mauricio missed the 2024 season while rehabbing from multiple knee surgeries.

Ronny Mauricio strikes out during the Mets’ Feb. 28 Grapefruit League game. Corey Sipkin for the NY Post
Ronny Mauricio is pictured during the Mets’ Feb. 25 Grapefruit League game. Corey Sipkin for the NY Post

“We’re very pleased with how he went about his business, what he showed here in camp,” Mendoza said. “Not only he’s healthy, but his ability to play shortstop. He got a lot of reps there and played pretty well, so that is exciting — the fact that he’s playing not only third base, but keeping shortstop as an option.”

Mendoza, a Venezuelan, said he was in tears watching Team Venezuela win the WBC final by beating Team USA, on Tuesday.

“This is something people don’t realize how big a deal it is, especially for a country that suffered so much for the last 20 years,” Mendoza said. “All around the world, there’s families that are feeling and celebrating this victory.”

Kodai Senga, who had a solid start Thursday against the Astros, is scheduled to remain in Port St. Lucie to pitch in a minor league game after the Mets break camp next week.

Mendoza has not announced his rotation beyond Freddy Peralta on Opening Day, but it would appear Senga won’t pitch in the first series against the Pirates.

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Mets vs Rays: Spring Breakout lineups, broadcast info, and open thread, 3/19/26

Feb 21, 2026; Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA; New York Mets center fielder A.J. Ewing makes a catch to retire Miami Marlins catcher Agustin Ramirez (not pictured) during the sixth inning at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Mets Lineup

  1. A.J. Ewing, CF
  2. Elian Pena, SS
  3. Jacob Reimer, 3B
  4. Ryan Clifford, 1B
  5. Eli Serrano III, RF
  6. Chris Suero, C
  7. Mitch Voit, 2B
  8. Nick Morabito, LF
  9. Randy Guzman, DH

SP: Jack Wenninger

Rays Lineup

  1. Austin Overn, LF
  2. Theo Gillen, RF
  3. Jacob Melton, CF
  4. Xavier Isaac, DH
  5. Tre’ Morgan, 1B
  6. Braydon Taylor, 3B
  7. Nathan Flewelling, C
  8. Adrian Santana, 2B
  9. Daniel Pierce, SS

SP: Jose Urbina

Broadcast info

First pitch: 7:10pm EDT
TV: SNY

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Nets' leading scorer Michael Porter Jr. likely out for rest of season with left hamstring strain

A Brooklyn Nets team with the third-worst record in the NBA will now be without its leading scorer, likely for the remainder of the season.

Michael Porter Jr. has been diagnosed with a left hamstring strain and will be re-evaluated in three weeks, the team announced.

Three weeks from the day this was announced would fall just before the final weekend of the season. There is no chance the tanking Nets are pushing Porter Jr. to return for what will be a meaningless game or two at the end of the season.

Porter Jr. was thrust into a larger scoring role in Brooklyn and responded with the best season of his career. He has averaged a career high 24.2 points per game, plus 7.1 rebounds a night while shooting 36.3% from beyond the arc. He led Brooklyn in scoring and was tied for the team lead in rebounds.

Porter Jr. had missed the last four Nets games with a sprained ankle. The Nets have gone 3-14 in games he has missed this season.

Brooklyn is in a "race" for the league's worst record (with Sacramento, Washington, and Indiana), and the winner of that race gets the best lottery odds in what is considered an incredibly deep draft. Brooklyn heads into that draft looking for a foundational star player they can build around.

Whether Porter Jr., 27, is part of that future remains to be seen. He has a guaranteed $40.8 million owed him next season, and the Nets may try to trade him and his expiring contract for young players or draft picks. However, he has fit in with the Nets, and, as he is extension-eligible this offseason, Brooklyn may explore that with him.

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Moses Moody’s return is not imminent after wrist injury

Moses Moody’s sore wrist hasn’t hurt his ability to deliver strong pregame fits
NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 15: Moses Moody #4 of the Golden State Warriors arrives to the arena before the game against the New York Knicks on March 15, 2026 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 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 David L. Nemec/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Moses Moody is working out diligently, shooting left-handed, and wearing a brace on his injured right wrist. Even so, he’s unlikely to return for the final three games of the Golden State Warriors’ road trip.

Much like the 2008 presidential campaign of Barack Obama, the Warriors’ medical staff this season has focused heavily on the message of “Hope.” Hope that Jimmy Butler avoided an ACL tear, hope that 38-year-old Steph Curry could shake off his own knee injury, hope that the NBA’s oldest starting lineup could get through the brutal NBA regular season unscathed, and hope that science can find a solution to Kristaps Porzingis POTS and the public comments of PODZ.

All that’s missing is a stylish Shepard Fairey mural of director of sports medicine and NHL dad Rick Celebrini in the Warriors training room.

While the team maintained hope that Moody’s on-court workouts and new left-handed shooting stroke could get him back on the court for their six-game road trip, it turns out that playing NBA basketball with one hand is quite difficult, especially when it’s not Moody’s dominant hand.

It does mean he’ll miss his team’s first matchup against his fellow 2021 draftee, Jonathan Kuminga, against the Atlanta Hawks Saturday. The Hawks have won 11 straight games which is basically the opposite of what the Warriors have done recently. Whatever elaborate handshake the two former teammates have developed over the years, let’s hope Moody is practicing how to do it left-handed.

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2026 MLB Preview: Dodgers

TEMPE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 21: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers during the spring training game against the Los Angeles Angels at Tempe Diablo Stadium on February 21, 2026 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images) | Getty Images

What more can you say about a team that has won back-to-back World Series and are the overwhelming favorites to make it a three-peat? The Dodgers have positioned themselves to become the first team since the turn-of-the-millennium Yankees to win three titles in a row, which would make them just the third team in over half a century to accomplish the feat. They have become the true evil empire of baseball, scoffing at the playoff crapshoot mentality, the envy of 29 other fan bases who wish the teams they supported were as fully invested in winning every single season.

2025 record: 93-69 (1st, NL West)
2026 FanGraphs projection: 99-63 (1st, NL West)

Employing possibly the greatest all-around player in MLB history is always a decent place to start. Shohei Ohtani is going for his fourth-straight MVP and fifth in the last six seasons, and in fairness it’s difficult to pick out a legitimate challenger for his crown in the NL. No player in the sport is projected to be more valuable in 2026 — when combining his hitting and pitching projections, Ohtani’s projected fWAR of 8.4 clocks in at over a full win more than Aaron Judge.

As all-powerful as he is, the Dodgers have created an enviable supporting cast around their unicorn talent. Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts no longer at their peak? No worries, they’ll just sign the undisputed No. 1 free agent hitter for $60 million per year! And that’s not to say Freeman and Betts won’t be productive in 2026. Over the last two seasons, Freeman has settled in as roughly a four-win first baseman and can be expected to do the same this year, while Betts’ situation is slightly more murky. He is coming off a career-worst performance in a full season, ending the year marginally better than league average with the bat. All the same, 3.4 fWAR is still a borderline All-Star, it just fell short of the incredibly high standard he set in his first five seasons in LA — averaging a 146 wRC+ and roughly 6.0 fWAR/650 PA.

FanGraph Depth Charts projects a healthy rebound from Betts, he and Freeman expected to post a wRC+ somewhere in the 130s while combining to be worth between eight and nine wins. That’s still a roughly five-to-six win shortage relative to their peaks, but would you look at that, the Dodgers brought in Kyle Tucker to neatly make up that deficit. So what exactly does $60 million a year buy you these days? In King Tuck’s case, 33 home runs, a 142 wRC+, and 4.9 fWAR if Depth Charts is to be believed — all top-12 marks among hitters’ projections. Between Ohtani, Betts, and Tucker, the Dodgers should have three of the 12 most valuable players in MLB in 2026.

That doesn’t even take into account the rest of the supporting cast. Catcher Will Smith and center fielder Andy Pages are projected to be among the top-eight at their positions, ticketed to be worth more than three wins apiece. In fact, Hyeseong Kim is their only starter projected to produce less than 19 home runs, a 112 wRC+, and 2.1 fWAR.

If there’s anything that’s going to trip them up, it’s on the pitching side. Yoshinobu Yamamoto established himself as a top-ten starting pitcher in the league last year and that should remain the case in 2026. However, behind their ace lies a ton of injury and downside risk. Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow are walking human Band-Aids, though the Dodgers’ plan for the pair appears to be to not care about the regular season as long as they are ready for the playoffs. Who knows how many innings the Dodgers will let Ohtani pitch? And while Emmet Sheehan had something of a breakout 2025 and Roki Sasaki found some stability after moving to the bullpen, I have heavy doubts over the pair’s ability to hold up in the rotation for an entire season.

The bullpen also features pretty wide error bars after the Dodgers had to rely on several relative unknowns in 2025 to make up for the unexpected regression of their high leverage arms. I suppose this underlies the reasoning behind LA signing Edwin Díaz away from the Mets on a three-year deal, finally cementing their closer role after several failed tries. I’m certainly not as optimistic as the projections that Tanner Scott can rebound from being replacement level in 2025, but I also wouldn’t be surprised to see them unearth some new hidden gems as they did last campaign.

A quick look at a pair of projection systems reveals just how much the Dodgers have separated themselves from the rest of the league. FanGraphs projects the Dodgers to win the division with a 99-63 record — they don’t project any other team in baseball to reach even 90 wins. They’ve been assigned a 99-percent playoff odds — the Mets are the next highest at 80.7-percent — and a whopping 26.8-percent chance to win the World Series, their closest chasers being the Mariners at 8.6-percent. Over at PECOTA things are even more stark. With a win-loss projection of 105-57, the Dodgers are projected to win 14 more games than the next-best team in the Mariners. Their 100-percent playoff odds are more than six points higher than the Mariners, while their 20.2-percent odds to win the World Series is almost five points higher than second-best Seattle.

It’s not that the Dodgers have improved that much on paper so much as two of their divisional challengers getting worse. The Diamondbacks were one of the surprise top sellers at last year’s trade deadline, dealing away three of the team’s top contributors in Eugenio Suárez, Josh Naylor, and Shelby Miller, downgrading to Nolan Arenado, Carlos Santana, and Paul Sewald to fill those roles. Meanwhile over in San Diego, focus is fixed on the looming team sale rather than the on-field product, which is how you get a starting rotation that could fail to feature a starter who throws 100 innings in 2026. We haven’t even played a game and yet the World Series is already the Dodgers’ to lose, and at this point I’m not sure I can spot a team that can steal their crown away from them.

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Astros News & Notes: Brown, Sousa, Spring Breakout, More 3/19/2026

HOUSTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 19: Houston Astros starting pitcher Hunter Brown (58) in the top of the first inning during the MLB game between the Seattle Mariners and Houston Astros on September 19, 2025 at Daikin Park in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Leslie Plaza Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Astros RP Bennett Sousa, who had a career season last year before being shut down with a pronator strain, injured his oblique during PFPs yesterday and will begin the season on IL:

Sousa has just ascended to being the top setup reliever last season when he was injured, he went down about 1 week after the Astros lost closer Josh Hader for the season.

This year, the Astros have a lot more pitching depth, and are better equipped to handle the loss of a leverage reliever than they were a year ago.

Houston will begin this season the same way they ended last season in regards to those two relievers, with both Hader and now Sousa beginning the season on IL.

The Astros are lining up their rotation for the regular season, as starters Hunter Brown and Tatsuya Imai have their final tune-ups coming:

UT Zach Dezenzo is dealing with an elbow injury after returning from the WBC:

SP J.P. France wants to show the team he can still be the effective pitcher he was during his rookie season, before a difficult shoulder capsule injury stole nearly 2 years of his career from him:

Houston’s organizational philosophy change towards being more selective at the plate was on display in the Spring Breakout game:

Astros bench coach Omar Lopez returned to the Astros a WBC Champion:

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Report: Flyers Talked Patrik Laine Trade With Canadiens

In a recent article for Sportsnet, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported that the Philadelphia Flyers were one of the teams that had interest in Montreal Canadiens forward Patrik Laine ahead of the trade deadline.

"There were discussions about Patrik Laine ending up either in Philadelphia or Toronto, but it obviously didn’t work out," Friedman wrote.

The Flyers having talks with the Canadiens about Laine ahead of the deadline is certainly interesting. The Flyers are currently on the wrong side of the playoff line, so it could have been surprising to some if they successfully brought in a pending unrestricted free agent (UFA) like Laine.

However, the Flyers also notably traded Bobby Brink to the Minnesota Wild on deadline day. With this, perhaps the Flyers viewed Laine as a potential short-term replacement for Brink in their top nine once he got fully healthy.

The Canadiens were one of the teams that had been connected to Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen ahead of the trade deadline as well. 

Nevertheless, Laine, of course, did not end up being dealt to either the Flyers or the Maple Leafs and will finish the season with the Canadiens because of it. In five games this season with Montreal, Laine has one assist. This is after he had 20 goals and 33 points in 52 games for Montreal last season.