Over the years, hardware store RONA has been a major advertising partner of the Montreal Canadiens, and it's stepped up its advertising in Quebec in recent years. The ad campaign “Mike Chez Rona” has been so successful that no one in the province can hear the Knacks’ song My Sharona without hearing the jingle in their head, and on March 26, a Mike Chez RONA bobblehead was even given as a promotional item at the Bell Center in
With the Canadiens making the playoffs for a second year in a row, RONA has decided to bring back its advertising campaign, “RONA on touche du bois” (RONA we touch wood). Last year, they brought a big stack of wood (which they sell, of course) and had fans touch it to bring luck to the Canadiens; this time around, though, they stepped up their game.
This year, they’ve obtained Patrice Brisebois’ stick from the 1993 playoffs, and starting Friday, for the first home game of the series against the Tampa Bay Lightning, they’ll be in the vicinity of the Bell Centre to allow as many fans as possible to touch the bois glorieux, the glorious wood.
Appearing on TVA’s morning news show Salut Bonjour, a RONA representative explained that they’d be going around to surprise fan gatherings and allow them to touch Brisebois’ stick to bring luck to the team.
Given just how superstitious hockey fans are, that’s a campaign that’s sure to get people talking about RONA. That’s just one example of the craziness that takes over Montreal when the Canadiens are in the playoffs. Last week, former NHLer turned radio host Georges Laraque organized an event in which he had fans climb the stairs of the St-Joseph Oratory on their knees to bring good luck to the Habs. Back in 1993, when the Habs won their last Stanley Cup, coach Jacques Demers had made a pilgrimage to the Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupre Basilica during the series against the Quebec Nordiques, and the Habs had won their next two games against the Nordiques; the rest is history.
BUFFALO, NEW YORK - MARCH 25: Fraser Minten #93 of the Boston Bruins battles for position against Alex Tuch #89 of the Buffalo Sabres during an NHL game on March 25, 2026 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Bill Wippert/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images
Tage Thompson: 40G-41A-81PTS; Rasmus Dahlin: 19G-55A-74PTS; Alex Tuch: 33G-33A-66PTS
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen: 22-9-3, 2.52 GAA, .910 save percentage
*Stats listed above are from the regular season
Game notes
After what feels like a few weeks of waiting, the Bruins and Sabres will begin their first round series tonight in Buffalo. Compared to how long Sabres fans have been waiting for this day, however, three or four days will seem like the blink of an eye.
This will be the first playoff game in Buffalo since April 24, 2011, a 5-4 OT loss to the Flyers in Game 6 of their first round series.
With Alex Lyon still recovering from a late-season injury, the Bruins will see Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen in net for Buffalo tonight and likely for the majority of the series, unless he struggles. Lyon has returned to practice, so he could be a late-series option for Buffalo, if needed.
The Bruins don’t appear to have any fresh injury concerns ahead of Game 1. Pavel Zacha and Casey Mittelstadt will be available after each of their partners had babies earlier this week.
All signs point to James Hagens being in the lineup for Game 1, as others competing for his spot made up the fifth line at practice earlier this week. He looked fine in his NHL tune-up, but it’ll be interesting to see how he fares in playoff hockey (though you could say something similar about several of the Bruins young players).
Jeremy Swayman will be the Bruins starter in net. While the playoffs are a different animal, Swayman is 8-1-1 in ten career games against Buffalo.
Aside from Hagens’s status, which seems relatively set, one place where Marco Sturm will have decisions to make is on the blue line. Mason Lohrei has been up and down all season, while Jordan Harris and Henri Jokiharju had some good minutes in the last few games of the regular season.
As this is an ESPN game and there might be some pomp and circumstance (understandably) from the home team, I wouldn’t be surprised if this game starts a bit after 7:30, so…plan accordingly.
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - DECEMBER 27: The Coyote of the San Antonio Spurs performs during the game against the Utah Jazz at Frost Bank Center on December 27, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Ever since the Spurs punched their ticket into the postseason, the city has been hosting a bevy of events. From pop -up shops last week through today’s HemisFair pep rally, there are ongoing activations to feed your Spurs fanaticism.
Per a Spurs press release:
Game 1 Pep Rally at Hemisfair Tower Park, 801 Cesar Chavez Boulevard The Spurs will host a pep rally to tip off the first round at the Red McCombs Community Court at Hemisfair, presented by H-E-B and Ledger. Starting at 10 a.m. Sunday before Game 1, the pep rally will include free Taco Palenque coffee and tacos for the first 200 fans, free car flags presented by H-E-B, music and more.
Official Watch Parties The Rock at La Cantera, 1 Spurs Way The Spurs will host official watch parties, presented by Michelob ULTRA, at The Rock at La Cantera for all away games, free and open to the public. The parties will feature appearances from Coyote and Hype Squad, photobooths, and Spurs Playoff giveaways including T-shirts designed by artists from all Spurs markets – San Antonio, Austin, Mexico and France, and car flags presented by H-E-B. All home Playoff games will also be streamed at The Rock.
Pop-Up Fan Shop 333 W. Commerce Street The Spurs will open a pop-up shop downtown for the duration of the Playoffs selling team gear and Playoff merchandise. The grand opening will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 14 at 5 p.m. with a DJ, music, trivia, photo ops and free Taco Palenque for the first 200 customers. The shop will be open at CENTRO San Antonio’s “La Zona” property daily from 12 to 8 p.m. and will have interactive photo ops and fan experiences exclusive to the store.
Exclusive In-Arena T-Shirts Frost Bank Center Fans at all first-round home games will receive a free T-shirt on their seat, featuring a unique design for each game. They will highlight San Antonio and Spurs culture, with several designed by local artists. Game 1’s T-shirt is presented by Ledger and designed by local artist Shek Vega and Game 2’s T-shirt is presented by H-E-B. Fans are encouraged to wear the T-shirt to be part of the collective arena experience.
Partner Giveaways San Antonio Partners will be showing their support for the team with a range of fan giveaways throughout the Playoffs. Every day during Playoffs, Take 5 will offer a 25% discount on an oil change for any customer wearing Spurs merch. Ledger will give away free fanbangos at all home games.
City Takeover San Antonio, Austin and Paris The Spurs will brand the city Spurs Fiesta colors by painting the team logo and playoff tags across town. Logos will appear from The Rock to the Impact Center to partner business locations to the streets of Paris. Fans are encouraged to enter to win a free team playoff flag and pick up free car flags at the first pep rally and watch parties at The Rock, while supplies last, to join in repping Spurs spirit at their homes and businesses. Spurs murals will also be on display at the San Antonio pop-up retail store location and Wanderlust Wine Co. in Austin.
Spurs Spot It Challenge San Antonio & Austin Beginning Friday, April 17, fans who visit five locations in San Antonio or Austin with the official Spurs Playoff logo painted onsite will earn 10 points as part of the recently launched “Spurs Rewards” program. Fans must download the Official Spurs App presented by Frost and sign up for Spurs Rewards to participate. See Spurs.com/Playoffs for a list of locations.
There are additional activations being added, so be sure to check here and follow the Spurs on social media. There will be free coffee and Taco Palenque is kicking in free breakfast tacos after Spurs playoff win.
So many ways to celebrate as the Silver & Black’s Race for Seis.
Go Spurs Go.
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DETROIT, MI - MARCH 13: Head Coach J.B. Bickerstaff of the Detroit Pistons talks in the huddle before the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on March 13, 2026 at Little Caesars Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The NBA Playoffs are upon us, which means it’s time to diagnose the Detroit Pistons as they look to make a run to the NBA Finals. The crew at DBB looked at the first-round matchup, the difference makers and the likelihood of that championship run.
1. The Pistons will kick off the playoffs against the Orlando Magic on Sunday. What is your read on the series + who wins and in how many games?
Sean Corp: The Orlando Magic seem like a team at its breaking point, and the Detroit Pistons defense loves to break teams. They are also one of the worst 3-point shooting teams in the NBA, and hot 3-point shooting is how a lot of teams stick around. Feels like a physical, short series. Pistons in 5.
Laz Jackson: Pistons in six. It should be Pistons in five, but there will be at least one game thats a smidge TOO rock fight-y and the Magic win at home, plus the “normal” playoff loss.
Brady Fredericksen: Orlando is the biggest disappointment in the NBA, yet they’re still fighting. Franz looks lost, and Paolo (sans the Charlotte game) has been more bad than god. The Magic are a poor man’s Pistons, and I can’t see them beating Detroit at its own game. Pistons win this in 5 games.
Justin Lambregtse: The Magic are a mess, but they at least have playoff experience and have played the Pistons well the last couple years. I think the Pistons beat them in 6 games.
Wes Davenport: The Magic are solid and will present some challenges for Detroit. However, in playoff basketball, defense and star power win the day. It’s nearly impossible to argue the Pistons are lacking for either compared to Orlando. Pistons in 5.
Robbie Bettelon: Pistons in 5. I’m ready for Round 2 already.
Brennan Sims: Orlando, one of the teams the Pistons have smoke with. Detroit would have handled Charlotte, and the’ll handle the Magic.
Max Sturm: I see the Pistons handling Orlando. The Magic are essentially a poor man’s version of Detroit. They’re finally healthy after being banged up all year, and at their best they are long, skilled, and can shut the water off on defense. Pistons in 6.
Austen Flores: Orlando is finally healthy, but Detroit is well-equipped to neutralize what they do best. The regular season games were close, but Orlando’s offensive inconsistency — too much drive-and-kick and stagnant possessions — shows up. Expect tight games, but Detroit pulls them out. Pistons in five.
2. Who are the 1-2 most important players for the Pistons to make a legitimate run?
Sean Corp: The boring answer is Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren. They power the offense, and help define the defense. The swing answer might be Ausar Thompson. The ability to maximize his defense (be keeping him on the floor) and limit foul trouble is key.
Laz Jackson: Ausar. Can he neutralize Desmond Bane / Donovan Mitchell entirely and make offenses less efficient? What poor soul will he backcut to death in the half court? Even in a slowed down playoff environment, can he generate deflections, blocks, steals that turn into the easy offense the Pistons feast on? I think so. Caris LeVert. Quietly, VERY quietly, he has been less disruptive to good offense. He WILL get minutes, but can they be productive ones? Will we have a Caris LeVert Game, one that steals the Pistons a series? It’s on the table.
Brady Fredericksen: Daniss Jenkins and Jalen Duren stand out. Jenkins found a second wind, and if he can create, score and play under control in his minutes, the Pistons will be in good shape. Duren has leveled up. Now, it’s time to prove that the shot creation and defense is real against locked-in defenses. I think he’s ready.
Justin Lambregtse: Duren and Jenkins. I have faith in Cade’s ability to play in the playoffs and Ausar’s defense is going to be important, but getting offensive contributions from both Duren and Jenkins to help out Cade/hold down the fort when he is out is going to be very important for a long playoff run.
Wes Davenport: Cade is the soft ball. But I’ll go the rest of that core four group as well — Duren (for his scoring ability), Ausar and Stew (for their defensive ability). Famous last words, I know, but I’m not all that worried about the floor spacing.
Robbie Bettelon: Duren and Ausar. If they can still coexist in playoff basketball, the East is in trouble.
Brennan Sims: Cade Cunningham’s jump shot could swing a series either way. Duncan Robinson has to remain an elite shooter — channel that 2023 Finals run energy.
Max Sturm: Jenkins comes to mind here. It’s easy to forget that Dennis Shroder was essentially the team’s second best player against the Knicks during last year’s playoffs. Jenkins has the ability to play a similar role this spring. Ausar Thompson is the other. Can he stay on the floor offensively during crunch time? Can he stay out of foul trouble? Can he make his free throws consistently? If those answers are yes, then the Pistons will have a tremendous advantage on the defensive end at all times.
Austen Flores: Jenkins and Robinson, with Tobias Harris just missing the cut. Jenkins has been a revelation and now steps into a major playoff role after not playing in last year’s Knicks series — he’ll need to match the impact Dennis Schröder had. Robinson’s playoff experience is valuable despite his ups and downs, and Detroit’s success often hinges on his shooting. JB Bickerstaff should prioritize getting him clean looks early.
3. How far do you see the Pistons’ run going? What is their ceiling and what is going to make or break them in their chase for the Finals?
Sean Corp: The Pistons keep surprising against the best competition. I only NEED a first round series win. I am confident they can get to the Conference Finals. And from there, they dictate their own fate, and the date of their off-season priorities as they look to be NBA Finals winners (soon).
Laz Jackson: The Detroit Pistons ceiling is an NBA Finals appearance, full stop. What makes or breaks them will be health (in both directions) and turnovers.
Brady Fredericksen: I’ve got the Pistons falling in the ECF. I think they can beat the Knicks there, but I have concerns about how they match up against the Celtics with Jayson Tatum back. The offense has been a lot better, but a cold spell late in a big game in Boston could be the end of the line.
Justin Lambregtse: I’d love to say they make the Finals, but I don’t think that’s in the cards this year. I look at the OKC Thunder who were a 2nd round team a couple years ago before breaking through and going all the way and winning. The Pistons are still young and not playoff tested a ton, so I could see them going down in the 2nd round after a hard-fought series. It does depend on their 2nd round matchup, though.
Wes Davenport: I see this team as a lock for the conference semis. Anything beyond that is gravy to me. That said, I would predict they make the ECF. They’ll go as far as Cade and Duren will take them offensively.
Robbie Bettelon: I don’t fear any team outside of Boston. So, if they meet the Celtics in the ECF, I’d take Boston.
Brennan Sims: They could make the Finals. Hard to see them beating OKC, San Antonio, or Denver. Who steps up after the All-Stars offensively + how does the offense fare in general?
Max Sturm: Their ceiling is the Finals, though I don’t see them beating either of the West favorites. A fully healthy Boston will likely be the favorite to come out of the East, and the Cavs pose a sneaky tough potential matchup in round two. Can someone be a consistent secondary scorer? Jenkins, Caris Levert, Kevin Huerter all have shown flashes of being that guy. Beyond that, health is a major factor, as maintaining their defense.
Austen Flores: The ECF. The second round could take a toll, especially against a tough Cavs team that matches up well with Detroit and added another dimension with Harden. That goes at least six. A potential Boston matchup is intriguing — they’d have a chip on their shoulder — but with Tatum back, it may be a step too far.
Most likely top seed to lose early in the East?
Sean Corp: Cleveland Cavaliers
Laz Jackson: New York Knicks
Brady Fredericksen: New York Knicks
Robbie Bettelon: New York Knicks
Brennan Sims: New York Knicks
Max Sturm: New York Knicks
Austen Flores: New York Knicks
Most likely underdog to win a series in the East?
Sean Corp: Atlanta Hawks
Laz Jackson: Atlanta Hawks
Brady Fredericksen: Atlanta Hawks
Robbie Bettelon: Toronto Raptors
Brennan Sims: Toronto Raptors
Max Sturm: Philadelphia 76ers
Austen Flores: Atlanta Hawks
Who wins the East
Sean Corp: Boston Celtics
Laz Jackson: Detroit Pistons
Brady Fredericksen: Boston Celtics
Robbie Bettelon: Boston Celtics
Brennan Sims: Boston Celtics
Max Sturm: Detroit Pistons
Austen Flores: Boston Celtics
Most likely top seed to lose early in the West?
Sean Corp: Los Angeles Lakers
Laz Jackson: San Antonio Spurs
Brady Fredericksen: Denver Nuggets
Robbie Bettelon: Denver Nuggets
Brennan Sims: Denver Nuggets
Max Sturm: Los Angeles Lakers
Austen Flores: Los Angeles Lakers
Most likely underdog to win a series in the West?
Sean Corp: Minnesota Timberwolves
Laz Jackson: Houston Rockets
Brady Fredericksen: Minnesota Timberwolves
Robbie Bettelon: Minnesota Timberwolves
Brennan Sims: Minnesota Timberwolves
Max Sturm: Minnesota Timberwolves
Austen Flores: Houston Rockets
Who wins the West?
Sean Corp: San Antonio Spurs
Laz Jackson: Oklahoma City Thunder
Brady Fredericksen: Oklahoma City Thunder
Robbie Bettelon: San Antonio Spurs
Brennan Sims: Oklahoma City Thunder
Max Sturm: Oklahoma City Thunder
Austen Flores: Oklahoma City Thunder
Who wins the NBA title?
Sean Corp: Boston Celtics
Laz Jackson: Oklahoma City Thunder
Brady Fredericksen: Oklahoma City Thunder
Robbie Bettelon: San Antonio Spurs
Brennan Sims: Oklahoma City Thunder
Max Sturm: Oklahoma City Thunder
Austen Flores: Oklahoma City Thunder
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As always, let us know what you think in the comments!
Boston, MA - March 1: Philadelphia 76ers guard VJ Edgecombe steals the ball from Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown in the third quarter. The Celtics played the 76ers at TD Garden on March 1, 2026. (Photo by Danielle Parhizkaran/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) | Boston Globe via Getty Images
After a roller coaster regular season, the Philadelphia 76ers handled business in the Play-In Tournament against Orlando, earning the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference and a first-round matchup against the rival Boston Celtics. In Game 1 this afternoon in Boston, the Celtics are 13-point favorites to take a 1-0 lead in the series, and are huge minus-900 favorites to advance to the second round. If those lopsided odds have you down as a Sixers fan, can I remind you of another big upset that started in Boston? It was a little thing called the American Revolution.
Unfortunately, the Sixers are without their George Washington in this clash between original colonial powers. Philadelphia only has one player listed on the injury report, but it’s a big one, with Joel Embiid out due to his post appendectomy surgery recovery. (Yes, Johni Broome is available to save the day.) There’s no realistic belief that Joel will be back soon to impact the series, but maybe Boston also has some injuries the Sixers could take advantage of today?
I guess not. Jayson Tatum has been back over a month now following Achilles surgery and appears to be fully ramped up. The All-NBA talent looking like himself is a big reason why the Celtics are now significant favorites to advance out of the East to the NBA Finals. Of course, that’s still a couple months away and the Sixers will hope to be more than a minor speed bump along the Celtics’ path.
The Sixers’ chances of making this a competitive series will start with their backcourt. We know Tyrese Maxey can shine on the biggest stage after seeing him average nearly 30 points per game in the series against New York two years ago. The year prior in the seven-game series loss to Boston was more of a mixed bag. Maxey scored 30 points in the Game 5 win to go up 3-2, but also had three games scoring 14 points or less. Of course, Tyrese has improved a ton over the past three seasons and his dropping 40 points in the regular season opener against Boston is more indicative of what we’re likely to see from him.
Philadelphia’s biggest X factor is rookie VJ Edgecombe, who didn’t look the least bit phased by the moment during the Play-In, recording 19 points and 11 rebounds and puffing his chest out at Jalen Suggs. Edgecombe found success against Boston this season, notably scoring 14 points in his first ever NBA quarter while facing the Celtics, a league record. His ability to create splash plays defensively and get out in transition will be vital for a Sixers’ offense that projects to struggle in the half court against Boston.
Aside from the whole having a deeper roster thing, the big advantage for Boston will be on the glass. The Sixers were a terrible defensive rebounding team this season and the Celtics were one of the better squads at creating second-chance opportunities. Andre Drummond played well against Orlando and had one or two solid performances this year against Boston. If he could channel 2020 Andre (only now with three-point shooting!), that would go a long way towards helping the Sixers stay within arms-length of Boston to pull off an upset.
If we’re going to do some straw grasping, it has been nine days since Boston’s regulars saw the court at all. Maybe there’s a bit of an adjustment period back to the intensity of live game action. The early afternoon start time could also play a factor. NBA players are largely very routine-oriented and have shifted their schedules to peak at nighttime. Today they’re playing at 1:00 pm Eastern when some of them might normally be taking naps. Obviously, it wouldn’t favor the Sixers more than the Celtics, but maybe things get wonky and that can only benefit the underdog.
The club who the Sixers share a building with was able to pull off a Game 1 win on the road yesterday. Time for the Sixers to get gritty and see if they can’t make Boston sweat here to start this first-round series.
Game Details
When: Sunday, April 19, 1:00 PM ET Where: TD Garden, Boston, MA Watch: ABC Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic Follow:@LibertyBallers
Lakers guard Luke Kennard protects the basketball under pressure from Rockets guard Amen Thompson Saturday. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)
Luke-ah?
With star guard Luka Doncic back on the Lakers sideline but still out indefinitely, Luke Kennard did his best impression of the NBA’s leading scorer Saturday, catapulting the Lakers to a 107-98 win over the Houston Rockets to give the Lakers a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven first-round playoff series.
Kennard drained all five of his three-point attempts, including three in the fourth quarter. Threes while curling off screens or taking hand-offs from teammates are routine for the NBA’s leading three-point shooter. But Kennard may have surprised even himself when he drove against Houston’s Jabari Smith, U-turned, scampered back outside the three-point line and drained a three from the wing.
The Crypto.com Arena crowd that was buzzing from the opening tip to the final horn erupted. Kennard screamed.
"My word is speechless, to be honest," center Deandre Ayton said of Kennard's performance. "Seeing him five-for-five in a playoff game as a Laker. Yeah, it hits different."
Lakers center Deandre Ayton, left, celebrates with guard Luke Kennard after hit a three-pointer against the Rockets during Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday at Crypto.com Arena. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)
“To do it especially at a place like this, playing for the Lakers on the biggest stage in basketball, it means a lot to me," Kennard said, "and what I've done and just credit to the work I've put in and how I prepared leading up to this."
Since Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique) were injured on April 2, Kennard has had to adjust his role to include more ball handling. He typified the Lakers’ adaptability with 32 assists in the last five games of the regular season after averaging 1.7 assists per game since joining the team. But he lamented that he wasn’t shooting to his standard.
Compared to his league-best 47.8%, his 30.8% shooting from three during the past five games felt like a slump.
Each shot, whether a make or miss, still helped Kennard develop a rhythm entering the playoffs, he said. Now if he sees even a sliver of daylight, he’ll be ready to shoot. It’s exactly what the Lakers want to see.
“I just liked that he was aggressive shooting threes,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said. “I mean, he played a fantastic basketball game.”
Kennard, who also had three assists and four rebounds, was nine for 13 from the field as the Lakers, who shot 60.6% as a team, shot 60% or better in a playoff game for the first time since the first round of the 2009 playoffs. Led by Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol, the Lakers won their first of back-to-back titles that year.
All five of the Lakers starters scored in double figures. LeBron James had 19 points and 13 assists, and Ayton had 19 points and 11 rebounds while helping keep two-time All-Star Alperen Sengun to 19 points on inefficient six-for-19 shooting. The Rockets, who were without Kevin Durant because of a minor knee injury, shot 37.6% from the floor.
“Everybody played a big role tonight and I feel that just speaks to what we've been the last few weeks with guys out,” Kennard said. “It's going to take everybody. We know that. We got to continue to elevate each other and push each other and continue to be a team.”
Doncic reunited with the team Saturday after he spent the past two weeks in Europe getting specialized treatment on his Grade 2 left hamstring strain. Dressed in a crisp white button up shirt and khaki pants, Doncic sat next to Reaves on the bench. They rose to their feet every time Kennard set up for a three. They handed out high fives at every time out.
The injuries to Doncic and Reaves turned the Lakers into the perceived sitting duck of the competitive Western Conference playoffs. Critics felt the team couldn’t survive one playoff round with the 41-year-old James as its sole offensive catalyst.
A welcoming cheer from Lakers fans during starting lineups serves as a reminder that James still has backup.
CLEVELAND, OH - APRIL 18: Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson (2) celebrates after hitting a home run during the eighth inning of the Major League Baseball game between the Baltimore Orioles and Cleveland Guardians on April 18, 2026, at Progressive Field in Cleveland, OH. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Hello, friends.
In yesterday’s edition of the Bird Droppings, Tyler Young began by saying, “The Orioles offense is having a weird weekend in Cleveland.” They’re still doing it. They lost on Saturday to add another weird game to the pile, one in which they had only four hits all game (actually out-hitting the Guardians) but also struck out 16 times, with Pete Alonso and Colton Cowser each collecting the ol’ golden sombrero. It wasn’t great. Check out Andrea’s recap of the game for more of the not-so-lovely totals.
This was a game that was winnable, if not for the total lack of offense beyond each of Leody Taveras and Gunnar Henderson hitting a solo homer. Dean Kremer turned in the minimum quality start, six innings with three earned runs allowed, with all of the damage coming on one swing. Annoying to get beaten by the #9 hitter getting a three-run homer. Still, if the offense was performing according to expectations, that’s good enough to win. They just… aren’t.
If you’re inclined to make allowances for the Orioles this weekend, it is worth noting that yesterday’s Guardians starter, Gavin Williams, was pretty darn good a year ago and so far this year has been on an even greater form for recording strikeouts. He brought a 2.38 ERA into yesterday’s game. It’s not like getting rocked by some random joker who came in with a 9 ERA. Still, it doesn’t feel good.
Although the Orioles are, at least, successfully mounting some comebacks to fight off this feeling somewhat, there are still a lot of games where it feels like not enough has changed since last year’s set of problems. It’s too early to say they haven’t fixed them. We are 13% of the way through the season. It’s just, it would feel better if it seemed like they had fixed some of them – especially if guys like Colton Cowser and Coby Mayo were looking capable at the plate instead of… whatever they are doing.
Today is a new day and a chance to start writing a different story. Not that it will be easy to do this. Another Guardians starter who’s been good so far this year awaits. This one is Joey Cantillo, a lefty with a 2.61 ERA through his first four starts. Are we going to get the whopper lineup with Johnathan Rodríguez as the cleanup hitter again all because it’s a lefty? The Orioles also have a lefty going on the mound in the form of Trevor Rogers. Last year’s ace wasn’t too good last time around. Hopefully it goes better. The finale is set to start at 1:40 Eastern. It’s going to be cold over there in Cleveland.
Rico Garcia’s hitless streak to open the season (Orioles.com) People are noticing that Rico Garcia has been very, very good, which means his excellent streak is definitely going to end today.
In their 21st game last year, the Orioles were figuratively slaughtered on Easter against the Reds, getting pasted by a 24-2 margin. Every Oriole who pitched in the game, starting with Charlie Morton and ending with backup catcher Gary Sánchez, gave up at least three runs. They fell to 9-12 after this blowout loss.
There are a pair of former Orioles who were born on this day. They are: 2008-09 reliever George Sherrill, and 1997-99 pitcher Scott Kamieniecki. Today is Kamieniecki’s 62nd birthday, so an extra happy birthday to him.
Is today your birthday? Happy birthday to you! Your birthday buddies for today include: Declaration of Independence signer Roger Sherman (1721), Al Capone investigator Eliot Ness (1903), actress Ashley Judd (1968), and baseball Hall of Famer Joe Mauer (1983).
On this day in history…
In 1713, the reigning Holy Roman Emperor, Charles VI, who at that point had no living male children, issued the Pragmatic Sanction of 1713 to state that his titles, including the throne of Austria, could be inherited by a daughter. In spite of this, a seven-year conflict called the War of the Austrian Succession broke out after his death.
In 1775, colonial militias clashed with the British military in battles around Lexington and Concord in present day Massachusetts, the first substantial battles in what ultimately became a successful war for American independence.
In 1861, a mob of secessionists attacked army troops who were marching through Baltimore. 17 people were killed during this rioting, among them five soldiers. These were the first Union soldiers killed in some kind of hostile action of the Civil War.
In 1995, the federal office building in Oklahoma City was bombed. There were 168 people killed by this act of domestic terrorism, including 19 children who were six or younger.
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And that’s the way it is in Birdland on April 19. Have a safe Sunday. Go O’s!
Sunday’s 15-game slate offers some intriguing value spots that the markets may not have fully priced in.
We’ve got several starting pitchers due for regression against lineups that underlying metrics suggest are primed to break out, while some seemingly weaker starters are actually performing better than the surface numbers indicate.
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Expert MLB moneyline picks for April 19
Tigers vs Red Sox: Tigers (+117)
Tigers win probability: 46%
Framber Valdez is one of the best arms in this game. Boston sits at 8-11, and being favored at -122 is a market mistake.
Tigers plus money offers strong value.
Royals vs Yankees: Yankees (-150)
Yankees win probability: 60%
This matchup features shaky starting pitching, and I expect a slugfest.
That being the case, the Yankees have better hitters, while Kansas City has been brutal on the road.
Giants vs Nationals: Giants (-122)
Giants win probability: 55%
Miles Mikolas has been highly inefficient.
Robbie Ray has been good thus far, and we’ll eat the juice and roll with Ray and the Giants to hammer Mikolas today.
Rays vs Pirates: Rays (+117)
Rays win probability: 46%
Shane McClanahan is coming off his best start of the season, while Mitch Keller is coming off his worst.
The Rays' sticks have been solid and are worth backing at plus-money.
Orioles vs Guardians: Guardians (-122)
Guardians win probability: 55%
Joey Cantillo is the real deal, while Trevor Rogers boasts a .404 xFIP.
Cantillo is a fireballer, and the Orioles’ top-10 strikeout rate should get overwhelmed by the young lefty and the Guardians’ bats.
Brewers vs Marlins: Brewers (-104)
Brewers win probability: 51%
We have two fireballers on the hill this afternoon, along with a low total.
Jacob Misiorowski has been prone to the long ball, but I’m backing the Brewers' bats against Eury Perez and his command issues.
Reds vs Twins: Reds (+104)
Reds win probability: 48%
Believe it or not, Cincinnati has been more effective away from Great American Ballpark.
Bailey Ober has struggled to find any consistency, and Minny's bats won’t save him today.
Cardinals vs Astros: Cardinals (+122)
Cardinals win probability: 45%
Mike Burrows has struggled mightily to begin the season.
The Cardinals can score runs, and Matthew Liberatore will pitch decently enough to give the Cardinals' bats a chance to pull off the road upset.
Mets vs Cubs: Cubs (-113)
Cubs win probability: 53%
David Peterson and the Mets have both been brutal this season.
I’ll back the home team and its surging offense as short home favorites.
Dodgers vs Rockies: Rockies (+261)
Rockies win probability: 28%
We have two starters prone to the long ball, and two lineups full of sticks to capitalize on it.
The Rockies have a plus .500 mark at home, and there is no way I am backing Roki Sasaki at Coors.
Hold your nose and take Colorado.
White Sox vs Athletics: Athletics (-156)
Athletics win probability: 61%
Jeffrey Springs has been dynamite for the Athletics, while Noah Schultz is a rookie coming off a tough start.
The A’s are a more consistent offense with a better bullpen. Back Springs and the Athletics bats today.
Padres vs Angels: Angels (-104)
Angels win probability: 51%
Mike Trout seems to have found his stroke, and the Angels are scoring runs in bunches.
Michael King’s underlying metrics suggest he could get lit up today, while Reid Detmers numbers are solid.
Rangers vs Mariners: Rangers (+117)
Rangers win probability: 46%
Mackenzie Gore’s numbers are better than they already suggest, and the Mariners' offense will give Bryan Woo little support.
Texas has been heating up on offense, and I’ll take the Rangers at good value.
Blue Jays vs Diamondbacks: Blue Jays (+113)
Blue Jays win probability: 46%
Although Toronto’s offense is riding the struggle bus, Ryne Nelson surrenders nearly two bombs per nine.
Let’s bet on the Jays' offense turning things around this afternoon.
Braves vs Phillies: Phillies (-107)
Blue Jays win probability: 52%
Andrew Painter and his 2.20 xERA look solid, whereas Clay Holmes’ xERA is two points higher than his ERA.
The Phillies' bullpen is also elite, so I’ll back Painter and the bullpen to get the job done tonight.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. 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.
The New York Yankees look for a series sweep when they host the Kansas City Royals this afternoon. New York starter Ryan Weathers has thrown better than his numbers suggest, and my Royals vs. Yankees predictions anticipate a comfortable win for the Bronx Bombers. Find out more in my MLB picks for Sunday, April 19.
Who will win Royals vs Yankees today: Yankees -1.5 (+165)
Ryan Weathers doesn’t need to be perfect today — he just needs to be better than Cole Ragans, and that bar isn’t especially high.
Ragans walks nearly 15% of the batters he faces, and the Kansas City Royals bullpen has been leaking runs, posting a 6.08 ERA with 1.55 home runs allowed per nine innings.
The moneyline price is solid, but the run line is where the real value lies.
COVERS INTEL: The Royals’ bullpen ranks bottom five in MLB with a 4.67 xFIP and a ninth-worst 4.25 SIERA.
Royals vs Yankees Over/Under pick: Over 8.5 (+100)
Ragans has command issues and is prone to the long ball. When he exits early, the Kansas City bullpen has been a disaster, and this Yankee lineup is beefy, having already scored 17 runs in this series.
The Yankees will feast, but Bobby Witt Jr. and Maikel Garcia are no pushovers either, both posting xwOBAs above .350 against a mediocre Yankees bullpen.
Runs are coming from both sides, poor weather be damned. Back the Over.
Phil Naessens' 2026 Transparency Record
ML/RL bets: 2-3, -0.85 units
Over/Under bets: 3-1, +1.94 units
Royals vs Yankees odds
Moneyline: Royals +122 | Yankees -127
Run line: Royals +1.5 (-200) | Yankees -1.5 (+165)
Over/Under: Over 8.5 (+100) | Under 8.5 (-120)
Royals vs Yankees trend
New York has covered the run line in four of its last five meetings with the Royals. Find more MLB betting trends for Royals vs. Yankees.
How to watch Royals vs Yankees and game info
Location
Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY
Date
Sunday, April 19, 2026
First pitch
1:35 p.m. ET
TV
Royals.TV, YES
Royals starting pitcher
Cole Ragans (0-3, 3.78 ERA)
Yankees starting pitcher
Ryan Weathers (0-2, 4.29 ERA)
Royals vs Yankees latest injuries
Royals vs Yankees weather
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. 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.
The Detroit Tigers evened up their four-game series against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on Saturday with a 4-1 win behind an ace performance by Tarik Skubal and his 10 strikeouts.
The victory brought AJ Hinch’s squad back above the .500 mark and within a half game of the American Central Division lead, behind the 12-10 Cleveland Guardians; they are also tied with the Minnesota Twins at 11-10. Not that the standings mean too much early in the season, but it always feels good to be trending toward the top.
On Sunday, the two teams will play Game 3 in a faceoff between a pair of big-name southpaws. Detroit has Framber Valdez on the mound, having given the Tigers many quality innings so far this season, up against Garrett Crochet, who has not been quite as good as his talent level would suggest.
Take a look at how they match up below.
Detroit Tigers (11-10) vs. Boston Red Sox (8-12)
Time (ET): 4:35 p.m. Place: Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts SB Nation Site:Over the Monster Media: Detroit SportsNet, MLB.TV, Tigers Radio Network
Game 22: LHP Framber Valdez (1-1, 3.75 ERA) vs. LHP Garrett Crochet (2-2, 7.58 ERA)
Apr 18, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Felix Reyes (29) celebrates in the dugout after hitting a home run in his first major league at bat during the second inning against the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Calling up Felix Reyes was an idea that someone in the front office had in order to give the offense a spark. “Moribund” is an adjective that isn’t used enough, but it’s accurate in describing what the Phillies’ offense has been of late. Reyes hitting a home run on the first strike he saw was impressive, but it being against Chris Sale and to the opposite field was super impressive.
New York Islanders goaltender Semyon Varlamov still has work to do before getting back to the NHL. But he took steps in the right direction this past week, playing in two rehab games down in Bridgeport.
He went 2-0-0, making 18 saves on 20 shots in a 5-2 win back on Wednesday before turning aside 28 of 29 in a 2-1 win over the Hershey Bears on Saturday.
These were his first two games since Nov. 29, 2024, before he underwent knee procedures on both knees.
Islanders general manager Mathieu Darche said that Varlamov, who has one season left on his contract at $2.75 million, is a realistic backup option for Ilya Sorokin in 2026-27.
If he keeps looking the way he's looked, Varlamov's dream to get back to the NHL after so much time away will become a reality.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander could receive league MVP honors for the second year in a row.Photograph: Nate Billings/AP
The NBA has not seen a reigning champion take its title defense as far as the conference finals, let alone hoist a second consecutive Larry O’Brien trophy, since the Golden State Warriors were cut off at the ankle and calf by the Toronto Raptors in the 2019 Finals. That’s seven straight seasons in which parity has ruled supreme, for better or for worse, and dynastic runs seem fated to be a thing of the past.
Not if one team in America’s heartland has anything to say about it. The Oklahoma City Thunder embark on these 2026 playoffs in search of historic greatness, trends be damned. And less than two weeks before the first game of the postseason tips off, you’d be hard pressed to find substantive evidence to believe their goal won’t be achieved.
Oklahoma City will be the No 1 seed in the bloodbath that is the NBA’s Western Conference for the third consecutive year this season. The last time a team has accomplished this particular feat, three straight years atop their conference? That aforementioned Warriors outfit (in 2017). And it’s rarefied air in NBA history in general: the only other teams to hold down the top spot that long, respectively, are the creme de la creme: the Celtics and Lakers’ top rosters in their storied histories, and the Jordan Bulls. Every team with this accomplishment finished with the ultimate accomplishment: an NBA championship.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, MVP frontrunner for the second consecutive year, also exists in rarefied air at the moment. He has the potential to receive both league MVP and NBA Finals MVP honors in consecutive years. If he does, he’d be the first to do it since LeBron James in 2012 and 2013. A big part of Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP case – and why he’s heavily favored to win the award again this season – comes down to his hyperreliable efficiency, something of which even James himself has taken note. Of the Thunder star on the most recent episode of his Mind the Game podcast, James said: “That’s one of the things I love about Shai – for him to play on the perimeter as much as he does, in the midrange as much as he does, and still be as super efficient as he is? It’s Jordan-esque, for sure.”
But there’s a reason, of course, that no team has successfully mounted a title defense since the 2017-18 Warriors. It’s really difficult to do, and increasingly so as the league has become more and more talented, and as the ability to weather the war of attrition nature of the playoffs has become paramount. The mental and physical toll of an 82-game regular-season grind certainly doesn’t get any easier to muddle through after a championship, and the only Thunder with experience in that particular arena, veteran guard Alex Caruso, knows that all too well. I ask him what advice he had, if any, for his younger compatriots this summer, heading into a title defense.
“Really just trying to stay present. Each year is a different team in the league,” he says. “I tried to tell them just stay present, enjoy the moment with the team we have now, because it’s not guaranteed that you get to try and play for a championship or play on a great team every single year.”
What about the natural lag in urgency that seems almost inevitable once you’ve submitted the mountaintop?
“You fight human nature a little bit through the regular season,” he tells me. “But once the postseason starts, it’s kind of do-or-die, and that mentality, that feeling, is pretty easy to chase again.”
It’s worth noting that another notch in the “Oklahoma City will repeat” column is that, by all accounts, the young bucks on the team didn’t even really need much cajoling when it came to maintaining their focus throughout a long, arduous season. I ask head coach Mark Daigneault about the unique challenge that a championship defense presents, and how he’s steered his troop through it.
“This team, to be honest with you – it is a long season and it is a grind, but this is a team that truly enjoys being around one another,” he says. “The minute they get together on the bus, it seems that their energy goes up. When they’re together in practice or shoot-around, their energy goes up. Even in games, they gain energy by being around each other, and they’ve kind of always been like that. So, that’s been a quality that’s existed independently of context.”
Daigneault also emphasizes that he encourages players not to even consider the season a “defense”, per se. “We’ve tried to look at it as a new season, that started from scratch,” he tells me in Los Angeles. “Last year was great, no one’s taken that away from us, but it’s also over. And we’ve tried to look at this season as a new blank canvas that we’ve had to paint on, or whatever you will. So, they’ve done a great job of that, and we’ve been able to play pretty consistent basketball throughout the season as a result.”
The Thunder aren’t repeat champions yet – that’s why you play the games, as they say. But between their level heads, stellar leadership, youth, athleticism and skill, they are as primed as any team in recent NBA history to get the job done.
PITTSBURGH, PA - APRIL 18: Anthony Mantha #39 of the Pittsburgh Penguins looks on against the Philadelphia Flyers in Game One of the First Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG PAINTS Arena on April 18, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images
There was a fun nugget in Elliotte Friedman’s recent 32 Thoughts
The Penguins are one of the league’s great stories and they are fun to watch. One scout said Anthony Mantha may be the most-watched player by other teams in Round 1
Mantha had a career-best season, exploding for 33 goals and 64 points, while appearing in 81 games. That’s the legwork to get a big contract this summer but now teams will be watching to see what happens when the spotlight gets the brightest. That’s been a problem for Mantha traditionally, he hasn’t scored a goal in 14 NHL playoff games while adding six assists. Mantha also got relegated to being a healthy scratch the previous time he was in the playoffs with Vegas in 2024.
So even for a guy who has proved a lot this year, there’s always more work to do and people to impress.
That started in Game 1, Mantha was credited with five hits and amped up the physicality in a major way. However, he also took two offensive zone stick penalties and came up empty in a last second chance near the net that ended up as his only shot on goal for the game.
It’s a long series and teams out there will have a close eye on what impact Mantha is able to have for the Penguins during this playoff stretch. It might just determine how aggressive his market will be on July 1.
Lakers forward LeBron James wraps a pass around Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. as coach JJ Redick watches from the sideline during the second half of their first-round playoff series opener on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)
The Lakers limped painfully into the playoffs Saturday night only to delightfully discover a miracle salve.
An opponent as mangled as they were.
Yes, the Lakers are beginning this tournament seriously hampered by the indefinite absences of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
But — surprise, surprise — the Houston Rockets showed up with a bad leg of their own, a recently suffered knee contusion that sidelined leading scorer Kevin Durant for at least the first game of this first-round series.
The result? Check out the wide-mouthed scream unleashed by the Lakers' Luke Kennard midway through the fourth quarter.
No Durant meant no Laker problem, a potentially tough battle never appearing in doubt, the Lakers earning a 107-98 victory at Crypto.com Arena that represented the triumph of connection over confusion.
The Lakers were connected, apparently having had time to adjust to the loss of their two leading scorers, LeBron James acting as a brilliant playmaker for scorching hot shooters like Kennard, who hit all five of his treys in scoring a career playoff-high 27 points.
The Rockets were confused, Durant being a late scratch and their attack being lost without him, Reed Sheppard and Amen Thompson combining for 38 shots and a bunch of misses.
At one end, the Lakers were perfectly executing, the 41-year-old James becoming the oldest player to have 13 assists in a playoff game, Deandre Ayton missing only two of 10 shots inside, so much nifty passing, so many open looks.
On the other end, the Rockets were a complete mess, dissolving in two whining technical fouls in the third quarter that sealed their fate.
Lakers center Jaxson Hayes, sprawled on the court, reaches for a loose ball in the paint during the first quarter. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
The Lakers might be missing Doncic and Reaves but, man, the Rockets really, really, really missed Durant.
The Lakers were good enough to win despite being outrebounded 21-3 on the offensive glass. They were good enough to survive despite committing 20 turnovers.
They were so efficient despite their obvious deficiencies, one has to wonder … could this one game blend into several games? Say, as many as three more wins in this best-of-seven series?
Could the Lakers actually steal this first round?
At first glance, this result could mean nothing, just one fortunate win by an injured team against another injured team, the Lakers underdogs again in Game 2 if Durant returns as expected.
However, this result could also mean everything, the Lakers gaining the confidence they need to defeat the Rockets even with Durant, this being a game that could create the kind of rich belief that could result in a deeper spring run.
Lakers center Deandre Ayton dunks between two Rocket defenders in Game 1. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Think about it. This game could be a springboard to a series win that would lead to a Western Conference semifinal series in two weeks. By that time, even though the odds are against it, let’s say Doncic and Reaves attempt to play and, even though the likely opponent would be the NBA-best Oklahoma City Thunder, who knows what happens?
It won’t happen. It can’t happen. It was recently written in this space that it should never happen, that the Lakers shouldn’t risk further injury by rushing back Doncic or Reaves, that they should forget about this season and focus on next October.
Then again … who knew Kevin Durant would bang his knee? And who knew the NBA would stretch out this first-round series long enough to give Doncic and Reaves more healing time?
Enough, enough. Let’s put a pause on all this speculation and just enjoy what Saturday’s playoff opener wrought.
For the first time since the two injuries, the Lakers were fun again. For the first time since they went 15-2 in one stretch this spring, they seemed actually really good again.
After they blew a distraction-filled, first-round series against Minnesota last season, coach JJ Redick has long preached to them about ignoring the noise and creating a singular playoff mentality. That mentality was in full effect Saturday as they played as if they were at full strength, and the Rockets were at full strength, and they were just the better team.
“You can’t worry about who is in or out of the lineup,” said Redick. “Its our game plan, our standards, it’s how we play, we’ve built toward that.”
And thus bulldozed the hapless Houstoners.
“Our guys … met the moment,” he said.
Coach JJ Redick and the Lakers executed a game plan to steal Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
So did Redick, who deserves credit for reacting to the late news of Durant’s absence, as he and his esteemed coaching staff drew up effective adjustments on the fly.
“There’s a lot that you have to do with Kevin,” Redick acknowledged. “You scrap that and move on to all the other stuff.”
Meanwhile, the Lakers showed some seriously good stuff early, coming out firing in the first quarter, scoring on their first three shots, eight of their first nine, and eventually 16 of their first 20.
James was everywhere, moving the ball, setting up his teammates, recording an amazing eight assists in the first quarter, his best single assist quarter among his 294 playoff games. All that, and during the quarter he flew into the baseline seats striving for a loose ball.
“He displayed great vision throughout,” Redick said of James, who scored 19 points in 38 minutes and was a team-high plus 11. “We talked all week about being connected offensively. He led us there.”
The tone had been set … and continued to be set after James made a flying pin-against-the-backboard block of Thompson in the second quarter … and then he really got loud after Houston took advantage of all those Lakers turnovers to take a brief lead early in the third.
James barked at Rui Hachimura, who screamed back, ‘What?'”
Lakers forwardLeBron James celebrates a basket over Rockets forward Tari Eason during Game 1 on Saturday. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Play better, that’s what. And that’s exactly what they did, Hachimura hitting a three, Kennard hitting a three, James scoring twice on back-in layups and then making a great steal at midcourt. The ferocity of the Lakers answer rattled Houston such that the Rockets were hit with two technical fouls on unbridled anger from Jae’Sean Tate and coach Ime Udoka. Then they absorbed further insult on a soaring blocked shot by Jake LaRavia.
By the fourth quarter, this game was over, leaving it to Kennard to send the crowd howling into the night by supplying three fourth-quarter treys on three attempts and making a Game 1 MVP out of Rob Pelinka.
The Lakers embattled basketball boss smartly acquired renowned shooter Kennard from the Atlanta Hawks in early February for Gabe Vincent and a second-round draft pick and … are you kidding me? Kennard was making half of his three-point attempts at the time of the trade. How did Pelinka acquire him so relatively cheap?
“I liked that he was aggressive,” said Redick of Kennard’s Saturday showcase. “There’s a snowball effect to that.”
Before this series, the Lakers had a snowball in hell’s chance of winning it.
DET
BOS
KC
NYY
SF
WSH
TB
PIT
BAL
CLE
MIL
MIA
CIN
MIN
STL
HOU
NYM
CHC
LAD
COL
CWS
ATH
SD
LAA
TEX
SEA
TOR
AZ
ATL
PHI
COVERS INTEL: The Royals’ bullpen ranks bottom five in MLB with a 4.67 xFIP and a ninth-worst 4.25 SIERA.
