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Series Preview: Boston Red Sox at Minnesota Twins

Sep 20, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Twins designated hitter Byron Buxton (25) celebrates a single against the Cleveland Guardians during the first inning of game two of a double header at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images | Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

After taking two-of-three from the St. Louis Cardinals, the Red Sox are 6-9, just two games out of first place in the AL East. Ditto a Wild Card spot. Their run differential is zero. The offense has scored 62 runs, third in the division after Tampa Bay (70) and New York (65). The pitching is also third in the division in runs allowed behind the Yankees (44) and Orioles (59).

After facing the National League so far this season it’s time to play in the AL. First up, the Minnesota Twins.

The Twins are off to a very solid start at 9-7, just half a game behind the Cleveland Guardians. After the selloff at 2025 trade deadline, getting off to a +.500 record is music to their fans’ ears. FanGraphs still projects the team at a tick under .500 for the year, but with the Tigers coming out of the gate a little weaker who knows what the AL Central could look like.

As Boston looks to turn a two-game winning streak into three, Garrett Crochet takes the ball. Coming off a win against the Brewers where he was brilliant for about six innings and then a little gassed as his pitch count topped 100, the lefty looks to pitch not as the stopper but the continuer. He’s opposed by Bailey Ober, a tall righty who missed much of 2025. He’s back this season and things have been…ok. Over three starts he’s totaled 13.2 innings with 8 hits, 7 strikeouts, and 4 walks. In the early going this season his strikeout percentage has dropped from a career average of 23.7% of batters to 11.9% and his 6.8% walk rate is the highest of his career with a 5.3% average rate across his time in the majors. With a fastball sitting in the high 80s vs the mid-90s is he crafty enough to get by? Will the velocity return?

Tuesday we get anther start from Sonny Gray, who is coming off back-to-back strong outings against the Padres and Brewers. After a lackluster start to open the season in Cincinnati, Gray excelled in Fenway Park. Now he’s taking the show back on the road, hopefully with those bugs worked out. Mick Abel is a 24-year-old righty who came to Minnesota from the Philles in exchange for Jhoan Duran. It’s his second season in the majors and he’s sitting on a career 6.19 ERA / 3.87 FIP). So far this year he’s walking (14.9%) almost the same percentage of batters he’s striking out (19.4%) which isn’t going to end well. Luckily for him last year he only walked 9.2%. and he’s only 52.1 innings into his major league career.

The series finale is an afternoon start. Connelly Early has had trouble getting deep into games. He’s thrown 96, 88, and 86 pitches and lasted 5.1, 4.0, and 4.1 innings before needing to be removed for a reliever. He’s looked good at times but also a little lost. The team clearly believes in him. He’s opposed by Simeon Woods Richardson. Another righty, he’s coming off a bad start after two good outings to begin the season. On the year he’s tossed 15.2 innings allowing 16 runs (8 earned), 8 hits, struck out 8, and walked 4. He give up about 34% ground balls so there’s a chance to force the defense to make plays.

Royce Lewis is on the IL, as his career remains frustrating in that regard.

Byron Buxton is off to a slow start: .182/.258/.273

Josh Bell has been a tremendous asset so far: .286/.390/.551 with 3 homers. This is well ahead of his career averages but he’s sure on a hot streak at the moment.

Probable Pitching Matchups

Monday, April 13: Garrett Crochet (3.12 ERA / 2.54 FIP) vs. Bailey Ober (5.27 ERA / 3.92 FIP)

Tuesday, April 14: Sonny Gray (2.76 ERA / 6.19 FIP) vs. Mick Abel (6.08 ERA / 3.87 FIP)

Wednesday, April 15: Connelly Early (2.63 ERA / 2.90 FIP) vs. Simeon Woods Richardson (5.35 ERA / 4.29 FIP)

When/Where to Watch

Monday, April 13 at 7:40 PM ET on NESN

Tuesday, April 14: 7:40 PM ET on NESN+

Wednesday, April 15: 1:40 PM ET on NESN

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'It's Crossed My Mind': Morgan Rielly Unsure About His Maple Leafs Future Before Final Home Game Of Season

Morgan Rielly does think about whether Monday's game against the Dallas Stars could be his final game inside Scotiabank Arena as a Toronto Maple Leaf, given the uncertainty around his future with the hockey club.

"I mean, it's crossed my mind before," he said on Monday morning, ahead of a game against the Dallas Stars. "All athletes have that. At some point, they think about that. And so, again, tonight's no different than that."

It hasn't been the easiest of seasons for Rielly, who turned 32 last month and will play his 950th game on Monday night.

The defenseman has 11 goals and 25 assists in 76 games this season, which is the second-most points among Toronto's defenders, behind only Oliver Ekman-Larsson. While some might believe that's a positive, it's Rielly's lowest point total since the 2020-21 season, when he had 35 points in 55 games.

His 0.47 points-per-game is also the lowest it's been since the 2016-17 season. In that year, Rielly scored just six goals and 27 points in 76 games for a 0.36 points-per-game.

After this season, Rielly will have four years left on his contract, which pays him $7.5 million annually. It's a large number for a defender who's struggled defensively as much as he has this season.

Rielly sits atop the team in goals against at five-on-five with 76, according to NaturalStatTrick.com. When he's on the ice, the Maple Leafs have also given up more scoring chances, high-danger chances, and high-danger goals at five-on-five.

Of course, part of Rielly's struggles could be because of how poorly the entire team has played this season. But maybe it's time for a fresh start for both sides?

Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube would likely disagree with that notion.

On Monday morning, when asked what he believes it means to be a Maple Leaf for Rielly, the head coach stated, "Everything."

"I mean, he's been here a long time, and he loves it here," Berube continued.

"I mean, I don't think he can think about being anywhere else, personally. After being drafted here and playing here this long and this many games. He's been a staple here for a long time. So it would be hard for him to be thinking about not being a Leaf."

'A Lot Of Hardships': Ryan Tverberg Describes Emotions Ahead Of NHL Debut With Maple Leafs'A Lot Of Hardships': Ryan Tverberg Describes Emotions Ahead Of NHL Debut With Maple LeafsTverberg will make his NHL debut on the Maple Leafs' fourth line, alongside Jacob Quillan and Calle Jarnkrok.

Even with it being a difficult season, personally and as a team, Berube is likely right: Rielly probably can't see himself anywhere else.

"It's an outstanding place to play and a great place to live," Rielly added on Monday morning. "This organization means a lot to a lot of people, and so, to be a part of it is an honour."

Whether it is in fact his last home game as a Maple Leaf or not, there are plenty of memories to look back on with Rielly in blue and white. You think back to his NHL debut on Oct. 5, 2013, against the Ottawa Senators.

Or being right on the doorstep as John Tavares fired home the series-winning goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2023, Toronto's first playoff series win since 2004.

Since making his NHL debut, Rielly has scored 549 points and is just over 200 shy of Borje Salming's record for most points as a Maple Leafs defenseman.

Rielly (949 games played) is almost just as close to the all-time games played record with the Maple Leafs, currently held by George Armstrong, who suited up for 1,188 games with Toronto.

Leafs’ Path to Keeping 2026 First-Rounder Gets Easier After Massive Out-of-Town ScoreLeafs’ Path to Keeping 2026 First-Rounder Gets Easier After Massive Out-of-Town ScoreThe Maple Leafs' chances of retaining their 2026 first-round pick have improved following favorable results for the Flames and Rangers in the league standings.

It would be nice to see him break those records. But at the same time, whoever is hired as the next head of hockey operations needs to decide whether it's a good idea to hold onto Rielly, or, if it's best for both sides to part ways.

For now, Rielly is soaking up every game he plays as a Maple Leaf — and as an NHL player.

"I think you try to [soak it up] every night," he said. "I don't think you should ever take one day or game in this league for granted."

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Steph Curry reacts to 10th seed finish ahead of Play-In game vs. Clippers

INGLEWOOD, CA - APRIL 12: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors looks on during the game against the LA Clippers on April 12, 2026 at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California. 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 Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

In today’s Dub Hub:

The Golden State Warriors closed out their regular season with a 115-110 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday night. The result ultimately didn’t carry much weight in the standings for the Warriors, but the end of the regular season did bring clarity as Golden State now shifts their full attention to a rematch against the Clippers in the Play-In Tournament.

Steph Curry, who finished with 24 points in 29 minutes on Sunday, acknowledged the reality of the situation. For the fourth time in the Play-In era, the Warriors find themselves in a win-or-go-home situation to keep their season alive — this time as the 10th seed once again.

It’s not where the Warriors expected to be heading into the year, but it’s where they are after injuries derailed their season. And Curry made it clear the belief inside the locker room hasn’t wavered. With just a few days to regroup and build chemistry, he’s confident the Warriors can raise their level when it matters most.

For more on this and other news around the NBA, here is our latest news round-up for Monday, April 13th:

Warriors News:

What we learned as Steph Curry’s 24 can’t save Warriors’ finale loss to Clippers | NBC Sports Bay Area

When the teams meet on Wednesday, two matchups will heavily dictate the outcome. One of those matchups might have been on display in this game, the other not at all.

There was a glimpse of LA’s defense against Curry. Clippers coach Tyronn Lue opted to use a tag-team approach with his best perimeter defenders: Kris Dunn and Derrick Jones Jr.

Dunn, whose height mirrors Curry’s 6-foot-3, is a solid defender who relies on physicality and muscle. Jones Jr., a terrific athlete standing 6-foot-6, uses his 7-foot wingspan to try to smother Curry. Both get plenty of support from their teammates.

The Warriors’ 73-win season, a decade later: ‘We beat the s— outta everybody’ | The Athletic

Draymond Green doesn’t hesitate when he hears the question. Looking back on the Golden State Warriors’ 2015-16 season a decade later, a simple thought pops into the now 36-year-old forward’s mind.

“It’s pretty easy,” Green told The Athletic. “We beat the s— outta everybody.”

Monday marks the 10th anniversary of the night Green and the Warriors dominated the Memphis Grizzlies in the regular-season finale to secure their 73rd win. That mark still stands, and many within the organization believe it always will.

Jimmy Butler watches Steph Curry warm-up before Warriors vs. Clippers Sunday night

NBA News:

Inside Bucks’ season from hell: Giannis trade talk, odd compliments and so much losing | The Athletic

Following a March 21 morning shootaround in Phoenix, multiple league sources told The Athletic that Rivers called a group of veteran players together for a meeting in Mortgage Matchup Center. Per multiple sources with knowledge of the situation, Rivers informed the veterans that he believed they had failed him this season and questioned the group’s commitment, conditioning, focus and leadership.

Rivers’ message incensed the group, and the players stood up for themselves, firing back at the head coach over his claims.

“That’s when I checked out on this season,” one of the veterans told The Athletic.

NBA Playoff bracket is now set

In case you missed it at Golden State of Mind:

Warriors lose to Clippers, await rematch

The Clippers controlled the game until the final buzzer, though the Warriors subs made it a close score of 115-110, even though the game didn’t feel at all up for grabs. Then again, the Warriors weren’t really trying to grab it, so who cares.

Curry led the Warriors with 24 points, while shooting 7-for-14 from the field and 4-for-9 on threes, with six rebounds and three assists. Bassey had 16 points off the bench on nearly-perfect 5-for-6 shooting, while going 6-for-8 on free throws. Porziņģis (12) and Podziemski (10) were the only other Warriors in double digits, as no one played much.

Follow @unstoppablebaby on X for all the latest news on the Golden State Warriors.

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Hall of Fame coach Doc Rivers out in Milwaukee. Is superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo next?

Head coach Doc Rivers, center left, and Giannis Antetokounmpo, before an NBA basketball game in Milwaukee.
Former Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers, left, and star Giannis Antetokounmpo embrace before a game against the Brooklyn Nets on April 10 in Milwaukee. (Jeffrey Phelps/Associated Press)

The NBA regular season ended Sunday and the first order of business for teams that fell short of making the playoffs was to evaluate their head coach. Hall of Famer Doc Rivers wasn't spared the scrutiny.

He agreed to depart from the Milwaukee Bucks after winning 16 fewer games this season than last. Rivers has one year remaining on the $40-million contract he signed in January 2024 and will be paid for the final season.

The Bucks were 32-50 this season largely because superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo played in only 36 games because of injuries. Antetokounmpo, who expressed frustration talking to reporters Sunday, might be next out the door.

If so, the Lakers undoubtedly would be interested. They are projected to have about $60 million in salary-cap space and three first-round draft picks they can use — 2026, 2031 and 2033 — to try to make a deal this offseason.

Read more:Lakers beat Jazz in finale, will host play-in game against Timberwolves

Despite his insistence that he was healthy fairly soon after he suffered a left knee hyperextension and bone bruise March 15, Antetokounmpo didn't play in the last 15 games of the season.

"To my understanding, I had to play three-on-three to be able to be available to play," he said. "I did that multiple times. I've never in my life denied participation of practice. Whoever came up with that is disrespectful toward what I’ve done for this team and the way I carry myself."

The decision was likely made to ensure the trade value of the two-time most valuable player wasn't diminished by another injury. Antetokounmpo, 31, is under contract for 2026-2027 and has a player option of $62.7 million for 2027-28.

The Lakers — and other trade partners — would be more than willing to give him an extension. The contracts of LeBron James ($52.6 million), Rui Hachimura ($18 million) and Maxi Kleber ($11 million) expire after this season, giving the Lakers the cash to toss in Antetokounmpo's direction.

The Bucks floundered without him and the coach paid the price. Rivers, 64, hadn't had a losing full season since 2006-2007, a span that included an NBA title with Boston in 2007-2008, seven seasons with the Clippers and three with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Read more:Elliott: Doc Rivers should be remembered for what he accomplished, and what he didn't do

“I have truly loved my time in Milwaukee,” said Rivers, who played college basketball at Marquette. “Coming back to where I got my start, to a city that has always embraced me, has been a privilege. I am disappointed that things did not turn out the way any of us hoped, but I am deeply grateful for this experience, the relationships built, and unwavering support from our fans and the community.”

Rivers began coaching after a 13-year NBA playing career and has a 1,194-866 record (.580) with five teams across 27 seasons. His regular-season wins are the sixth most in NBA history and he will be enshrined into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame this year.

The Bucks discussed with him an advisory role in the organization, but Rivers is taking his time deciding what to do next. Asked how long he envisions coaching, Rivers mentioned his grandchildren.

“I won’t answer that, but I have grandkids that I want to see,” Rivers told reporters. “I’ll let you figure it out from there. I have seven grandkids now, and they’re all 8 years and under, and it kills me every time I miss grandparents day with each one of them in school. It’s probably time to go see them more, so I’ll let you figure out the rest.”

His seven consecutive winning seasons with the Clippers are part of the franchise's current streak of 15 consecutive seasons with a winning record, the longest active run in the NBA and fourth-longest in league history.

Other NBA coaches on the hot seat include Jamahl Mosley of the Orlando Magic and Brian Keefe of the Washington Wizards. Portland Trail Blazers interim coach Tiago Splitter also might be replaced.

Splitter took over for Chauncey Billups, who has pleaded not guilty to charges he profited from rigged poker games involving several Mafia figures and at least one other ex-NBA player.

Get the best, most interesting and strangest stories of the day from the L.A. sports scene and beyond from our newsletter The Sports Report.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

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Rangers vs A's Prediction, Picks & Odds for Today's MLB Game

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The Texas Rangers travel to Sacramento to face the A’s in a battle between the two teams tied for first in the AL West.

Texas started its West Coast trip losing two of three to the Dodgers, while the A’s return home after winning five of six in New York.

The A’s are mowing people down on the mound, which is why my Rangers vs. A’s predictions and MLB picks have the Athletics to win outright.

Who will win Rangers vs A's today: A’s moneyline (+110)

The A’s pitching had been average at best in the early going, but they found a new level in New York.

Facing the Yankees and Mets, two teams that started their series with the Athletics over .500, A’s pitchers threw three shutouts in the last four games.

Opposing batters have hit .164 with a .453 OPS over that span. Luis Severino will try to keep the streak going.

The Texas Rangers gave up 16 runs in three days to the Dodgers. Their offense may be down a man, as Wyatt Langford hurt his quad on Friday and hasn’t played since.

Covers COVERS INTEL: Both teams rank in the Top 10 in batter strikeouts this season, and each starter is averaging over 11.0 K/9 innings.

Rangers vs A's Over/Under pick: Under 8.5 (-118)

The A’s have needed that strong pitching, because they scored just six total runs in the three shutout wins. They had 11 in the fourth game and have been an all-or-nothing offense this season.

In 15 games, the A’s have scored 10 or more four times, two or less seven times.

Severino struck out seven in five innings in a 3-2 A’s win over the Yankees last time out. Rangers starter Nathan Eovaldi struggled in his first two starts but looked much better in beating the Mariners, striking out seven in six innings.  

Shawn Krest's 2026 Transparency Record
  • ML/RL bets: 4-6 -2.48 units
  • Over/Under bets: 6-8 -2.06 units

Rangers vs A's odds

  • Moneyline: Rangers -117 | A's +110
  • Run line: Rangers -1.5 | A's +1.5
  • Over/Under: Over 8.5 | Under 8.5

Rangers vs A's trend

The Athletics have hit the Under in 15 of their last 24 games (+6.30 Units / 24% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Rangers vs. A's.

How to watch Rangers vs A's and game info

LocationSutter Health Park, West Sacramento, CA
DateMonday, April 13, 2026
First pitch9:40 p.m. ET
TVRSN, NBC Sports California
Rangers starting pitcherNathan Eovaldi
(1-2, 7.98 ERA)
A's starting pitcherLuis Severino
(0-1, 5.40 ERA)

Rangers vs A's latest injuries

Rangers vs A's 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.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

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Series Preview #6: Diamondbacks @ Orioles

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 07: Adley Rutschman #35 of the Baltimore Orioles is tagged out at home plate by catcher Gabriel Moreno #14 of the Arizona Diamondbacks during the third inning of the MLB game at Chase Field on April 07, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Orioles are league leaders.

Tonight the Diamondbacks will be starting the first game of a series that will wrap up their East Coast trip. After meeting the Mets in Flushing (I used to live on a 10 minute drive from Vlissingen, which is the Dutch village it was named after – just to provide you with some interesting useless information -) and the Phighting Phils in Philadelphia (that the Dutch king is visiting today – just to provide you with even more interesting useless information -), the Snakes will enter Baltimore (that has Dutch Rotterdam as its sister city – I had to look up this useless information -).

After achieving some good wins against our NL East foes, the Diamondbacks will be looking forward to do the same against a team from the AL East, and go at least 3 games over .500.

But who will they be playing?

The Orioles started their seaston with an opening series win over Minnesota, but then entered a tiny slump, losing a series against Texas before getting swept by the Pittsburgh Pirates. Last week they were able to work on their 3-6 record and are now at 8-7 after sweeping the Chicago White Sox and beating the San Francisco Giants, the latter result for which we are always grateful.

In the always competitive AL East, that has suddenly made them joined leader, where Yankees and Rays are also at 8-7, with the Blue Jays and Red Sox 2 wins behind. They will probably be happy with that, though they probably had expected a bit more from a couple of players.

Cold Polar Bear.

Entering the 2025 season after a 91–71 record the year before, the Orioles were one of the favourites in a competitive AL East. However, things didn’t click. Manager Brandon Hyde was ousted in May with a 15-28 record but it didn’t prevent an underperforming team with too many injuries from ending dead last with a 75–87 record. So, Baltimore said goodbye to those they no longer needed and who were on an expiring contract and tried to make some serious splashes on the free agency market.

They resigned starting pitcher Zach Eflin (1 year, $10MM), signed Chris Bassitt from the Blue Jays (1 year, $18.5MM), made a big jump adding Ryan Helsley to the bullpen (2 years, $28MM) but surprised everyone with the signing of Mets icon and slugger Polar Bear Pete Alonso (5 years, $155MM).

Early results on those signings are not terrific: Eflin pitched in just 1 game and completed 3.2 innings before requiring TJ surgery. He is done for the season. Bassitt has not completed the 4th inning in any of his 3 starts and has pitched to a 9.00 ERA. Ryan Helsley has achieved 4 saves, but has been a rollercoaster Fernando Rodney ride in each of his closing performances. Alonso had a .819 OPS in his first 6 games of the season, but achieved just 2 hits in the next 8 games, only to double that again in his latest appearance. A .190 batting average, .518 OPS and just 1 homerun is probably not what Oriole Park was expecting to see.

The bad news hasn’t stopped there. Recently star catcher Adley Rutschman (150 OPS+) went on the IL with an ankle injury, just like outfielder Tyler O’Neil (105 OPS+). Both will be unavailable for the series against the Diamondbacks. Talented outfielders Jordan Westburg and Heston Kjerstad don’t have a timetable yet for their return.

Good news is that star player Jackson Holliday (hamate surgery) and reliever Andrew Kittredge (shoulder) should be both close to return. It’d be the season debut for both.

The Orioles are, like their win-loss record suggests, a team that has difficulties to win but is also hard to beat. Their starting pitching, according to xFIP, is amongst the worst in the league, though just a tad lower than the Diamondbacks’, just like the relief pitching. Their offense is one of the better ones in the league, though it has the 3rd highest BABIP in the entire league. With the injury of Rutschman it took a hit and now relies on Gunnar Henderson, Leody Taveras and Taylor Ward, until the Polar Bear warms up.

In 2025 the Diamondbacks were victorious over the Orioles (2-1), in 2024 it was the other way around (1-2). All-time record is 18-12 advantage for Arizona.

Matchups.

Game #1 Mon 04/13 3:35 PM MST, Ryne Nelson (ARI) vs TBD.
  • Ryne Nelson. 3 GS, 15.0 IP, 1 W-1 L, 4.20 ERA, 6.21 FIP, 1.07 WHIP, 12/6 K/BB.
  • TBD.

After a bad outing against the Dodgers and an abysmal one against the Braves, Ryne stepped up against the Mets and limited them to just 1 run (5 hits) in 5.2 innings. That is good to see, because with Pfaadt still deciding whether he is major league starting material, his good outing against the Mets became just in time, before the activation of Kelly and the removal of one of the current starting pitchers.

Nelson faced the Orioles one time, in 2024. He had to swallow 10 hits and 3 runs in 4.2 innings, but was backed up by 4 Diamondback runs. Arizona would eventually lose that game in extra innings, after a blown save from Ginkel and Jarvis taking the loss in the 11th inning.

Game #2 Tue 04/14 3:35 PM MST, Merrill Kelly (ARI) vs Trevor Rogers (BAL).
  • Merrill Kelly. Season debut.
  • Trevor Rogers. 3 GS, 19.0 IP, 2 W-0 L, 1.89 ERA, 2.62 FIP, 1.05 WHIP, 14/5 K/BB.

Merrill Kelly makes his season debut after pitching a couple of bullpen sessions and a rehab start in Reno. Last season he got a win against Baltimore, 6 innings, giving up 3 runs.

Trevor Rogers faced the Diamondbacks three times as a starter, from 2021 to 2023, as a member of the Miami Marlins. After some so so seasons, he took a big step forward in 2025, pitching to a 1.81 ERA in 18 starts, enough for getting votes in the Cy Young race. He is pitching to similar results in 2026 so far and will thus be a tough nut to crack. Rogers added a sweeper to his arsenal and that 5th additional pitch, beside improving his command, has brought him success.

Game #3 Wed 04/15 9:35 AM MST, Eduardo Rodriguez (ARI) vs Kyle Bradish (BAL).
  • Eduardo Rodriguez. 3 GS, 18.0 IP, 1 W-0 L, 0.50 ERA, 3.48 FIP, 1.00 WHIP, 11/5 K/BB.
  • Kyle Bradish. 3 GS, 13.2 IP, 1 W-2 L, 1.50 ERA, 3.58 FIP, 1.69 WHIP, 17/9 K/BB.

If E-Rod keeps to pitch like this, he will be one of the Cy Young candidates and we will be hoping for a yearly World Baseball Classic. As a former Red Sox and AL pitcher, E-Rod is familiar with the opponent, though probably less with the players. With a 2.73 lifetime ERA against the Orioles and a .737 winning percentage, this will obviously another cross in the win box for our Venezuelan buddy.

Bradish was originally drafted by the Angels and went to Baltimore in a Dylan Bundy trade. He made his major league debut in 2022 and became one of the top starters of the team in 2023, with a 2.83 ERA over 30 starts, ending 4th in the Cy Young voting. However, injuries, a TJ amongst them, have limited Bradish since then. Whenever healthy he has lived up to those 2023 numbers, though sporadically, with just 14 starts in the last two seasons. In 3 starts this season he has struggled with his command and is still looking for his groove. Hopefully he doesn’t find it against Arizona.

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Marcus Smart’s playmaking will be integral to Lakers postseason hopes

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 12: Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart (36) dribbles the ball during the Utah Jazz vs Los Angeles Lakers game on April 12, 2026, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

In their final regular season game, the Lakers routed a tanking Utah Jazz team for their 53rd win, the most for the franchise since 2010-11. All the machinations of surviving a grueling 82 games are over and the brain trust now shifts its focus towards the playoffs.

The unfortunate injuries to Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves not only remove a star backcourt but leave behind a gaping playmaking void. With almost 14 assists combined per game, production is impossible to replace with one player.

But by racking up ten assists of his own on Sunday, Marcus Smart showed why he will be integral in helping the team fill in as best as they can.

Smart returned from injury against the Suns on Friday after missing nine straight games with a right ankle contusion. While playing under a minute restriction, he collected 17 assists in his two games back, finding teammates in a variety of ways. He serves not only as a desperately needed ball handler but also as someone who understands the next read against a compromised defense while continuing the “blender” as head coach J.J. Redick calls it.

It started early in the first quarter on Sunday as he found Deandre Ayton in the clip below for the finish. Watch as he comes to set a screen for LeBron James.

They’ve found good chemistry all year with this “empty side” or “88” in their playbook screen roll throughout the season. It commonly flows into a LeBron post-up against a switch, allowing Smart to screen and pop to the top of the key.

LeBron in the post compromises the defense and Smart found the advantage with a touch pass to Ayton at the basket.

On the play below, he and LeBron reverse roles, with Smart now running the screen action at the top of the key. Smart notices the defender cheating and rejects the screen. A drive and kick to sharp shooter Rui Hachimura, while Maxi Kleber sets a pin screen, pushes the lead to 15 before the half.

“That’s a big reason we wanted to bring Smart here, not just for his defense,” Redick said postgame. “Even post-Boston, the last couple seasons, he’s graded out well as a secondary playmaker. He’s been in that position before. He knows how to get other guys involved. Tonight, he had a great feel for getting [Ayton] involved.”

Smart finished the regular season fourth on the Lakers in assists, behind the three main ball handlers in LeBron, Luka, and Reaves. In addition, he leads the team in plus-minus for the year, epitomizing his all-around impact.

LA enters a playoff series as clear underdogs without their two leading scorers for the season. A Denver Nuggets win over the San Antonio Spurs locked in the Houston Rockets as the 4-5 playoff matchup, with the purple and gold having home court.

Houston has aggressive point-of-attack defenders such as Amen Thompson and Tari Eason to hound the Lakers’ ball handlers. A lot of attention will be thrown at LeBron, opening the door for players like Smart to step in. His experience, which includes 108 playoff games, as a veteran leader and playmaker will be needed if the team hopes to advance at all.

“It’s important with the loss of AR and Luka, it’s not just all on Luke (Kennard) and LeBron to be playmakers,” Redick said. “Smart can fill in with that too.”

You can follow Raj on X at @RajChipalu

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Doc Rivers is out. What comes next after ugly, disappointing Milwaukee Bucks season?

Milwaukee was never good this season. There were points early on when the Bucks were not bad — the team was 15-15 through the first 30 games Giannis Antetokounmpo played — but as the injuries piled up, the lack of depth on the roster got exposed. It didn't help that Doc Rivers wasn't connecting with anyone or lifting this team up, and by the end of the season the front office was publicly feuding with its only true star.

It was an unmitigated disaster. The Bucks stumbled at the end of the season, finishing with a 32-50 record. Milwaukee was 11 games back of the final play-in spot in the East.

Rivers is now out, having stepped away as coach.

What comes next in Milwaukee? Or, put more bluntly, can the team's 13-season relationship with Antetokounmpo be salvaged, or are they parting ways (probably a year too late for both of them)? Whatever happens, it is going to be a wild summer in Wisconsin.

It got ugly

For fans looking for some over-the-top reality TV-level drama, Milwaukee is the best show in the league.

How bad did it get? Check out this from The Athletic’s Eric Nehm about a post-shootaround meeting between Rivers and team veterans in March.

Per multiple sources with knowledge of the situation, Rivers informed the veterans that he believed they had failed him this season and questioned the group's commitment, conditioning, focus and leadership. Rivers' message incensed the group, and the players stood up for themselves, firing back at the head coach over his claims.

"That's when I checked out on this season," one of the veterans told The Athletic.

Then there was the late-season public feud between the front office and Antetokounmpo. The two-time MVP hyperextended his knee with 15 games left in the season, suffering a bone bruise. While the Bucks were not mathematically out of the playoff race at that point, they were not likely to make it. The Bucks front office wanted to shut Antetokounmpo down and try to improve the team's lottery odds, but the wear-it-on-my-sleeve competitiveness of Antetokounmpo had him pushing to get back on the court. He also wanted to play a game with his brothers, Thanasis and Alex. Giannis was never cleared to play.

That led to a lot of friction between Antetokounmpo and the organization.

Antetokounmpo trade coming?

Around the NBA, in front offices from New York to Los Angeles, the expectation is that Milwaukee will trade Antetokounmpo this summer.

Has Antetokounmpo played his final game in a Bucks uniform? He was asked that Sunday, speaking to reporters (quotes via Tim Bontemps at ESPN).

"That's a very good question. I don't know. It's not up to me. We'll see."

It is up to him. Of course Milwaukee wants to keep him around, and the Bucks can put a four-year, $275 million contract extension in front of Antetokounmpo this offseason. However, Antetokounmpo has said he wants to compete for another title, and the Bucks — whatever bold moves GM Jon Horst may try to make this offseason — are not going to be that next season. So will he sign that extension with the Bucks (if he doesn't, it will be a clear sign to the Bucks he expects to be traded).

"We'll see when we get there. We have months [he cannot sign the extension until Oct. 1] ... it's a long time. But somebody has to offer you that, for you to sign. I haven't been offered an extension. So, if that is on the table, then I will try to make the best decision for me and my family.

"But if it's not on the table, then I have to focus on how can I improve my worth and get on the floor and do what I do."

None of what Antetokounmpo said or can say will change the sense among other front offices that the Bucks will be serious about trading him this summer in a way they were not at the trade deadline (when other front offices told NBC Sports they thought the Bucks were just gauging the market). The real question becomes which teams dive into the mix — could Houston or New York increase their offers if either has an earlier-than-expected playoff exit? Could a team like Golden State up its offer?

Whatever happens in Milwaukee this summer, as messy as it might get, it's not going to be worse than the season the franchise just endured.

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Topias Vilen Makes His NHL Debut in Devils’ Win Over Senators

The New Jersey Devils recalled Topias Vilen from the Utica Comets on Friday, and on Sunday, he made his NHL debut.

Vilen dressed for warmups in the Devils' 5-3 win over the Detroit Red Wings; however, he did not play.

He joined the morning skate on Friday before the team's win over the Detroit Red Wings. Head coach Sheldon Keefe shared the plan for his future with NJD.tv.

“We got him a practice here today. He’ll take a warmup in Detroit tomorrow, so that’ll help us avoid him playing back-to-back after his injury and his first time in the NHL. But he’ll play Sunday and Tuesday. It’ll be a good opportunity for him to get some experience. The organization believes he’s earned it over his three years here, and we’ll get a look at him.”

Vilen has spent the last three seasons with Utica, appearing in 49 games and tallying 24 points.

Keefe discussed the promotion with NJD.tv.

“The organization has wanted to get him a look for a while,” Keefe said. “The timing got thrown off because he’s coming off an injury in Utica, but he’s cleared to return and play. We’re mindful of that.”

Vilen was selected 129th in the 2021 NHL Draft by the Devils. Ahead of warmups on Saturday, he shared his excitement about his NHL debut.  

“It’s a dream come true for sure,” he said. “I’m ready for this chance and this opportunity.”

Vilen made his NHL debut on Sunday against the Ottawa Senators. The team won 4-3, and Vilen skated for just over 12 minutes.

The Devils now look ahead to their season finale on Tuesday against the Boston Bruins. 

Make sure you bookmark THN's New Jersey Devils site for THN's latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.

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Hornets duo LaMelo Ball, Kon Knueppel join Warriors' Splash Bros in NBA history

Hornets duo LaMelo Ball, Kon Knueppel join Warriors' Splash Bros in NBA history originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The Charlotte Hornets were one of the NBA’s biggest turnaround stories this season, going from a 26-26 record before the All-Star break to finishing the campaign on an 18-9 run.

Much of the team’s success can be attributed to its young duo of LaMelo Ball and Kon Knueppel, who have unequivocally emerged as one of the league’s best shooting backcourts. While that might seem like an extremely lofty endorsement, they shot the three-ball at a historic pace this season.

As shared to X by ESPN Insights, Ball and Knueppel became just the second duo in NBA history to hit at least 270 threes in a season, joining the former iconic Warriors duo of Steph Curry and Klay Thompson.

Tabbed as the “Splash Brothers,” Curry and Thompson will forever be remembered for being one of the best duos in NBA history. The duo won four NBA championships together and have combined to make 13 All-NBA teams and 17 All-Star selections.

Thompson ultimately joined the Dallas Mavericks after the 2023-24 season, but still is considered a legend in the Bay.

If Ball and Knueppel can even be half as good, the trajectory of the Hornets’ franchise could finally change for the better. Similar to the Warriors, who play the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday in the NBA play-in tournament, the Hornets also will need to make it out of the play-in to make the playoffs.

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Jets Top Prospect Expected To Make NHL Debut Monday vs Golden Knights

The Winnipeg Jets are expected to introduce one of their top prospects to the NHL stage on Monday after the club announced that former first-round pick Brayden Yager will make his league debut against the Vegas Golden Knights.

The 21-year-old Saskatoon native has put together a steady first professional season with the Manitoba Moose, recording 10 goals and 20 assists for 30 points in 68 games. Yager was originally selected 14th overall in the 2023 NHL Draft by the Pittsburgh Penguins before being acquired by Winnipeg in a one-for-one trade that sent fellow top prospect Rutger McGroarty the other way.

With the Jets sitting five points out of a wild card spot and just three games remaining, the club appears set to focus on evaluating young players rather than pursuing an unlikely postseason push. That approach has already included extended NHL minutes for forward Brad Lambert, who has appeared in 22 games this season and recorded six points in his longest look at the NHL level to date.

Yager is expected to slot into a depth role on the fourth line and could remain in the lineup for all three of Winnipeg’s remaining games. On Monday, Yager appears to be centering a line with another youngster in Nikita Chibrikov on his right wing with veteran winter Nino Niederreiter on the left side.

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Daws and Vilen Get Their Shot as Devils Close Out Season

The New Jersey Devils announced on Friday that the team had recalled goaltender Nico Daws and defenseman Topias Vilen from the American Hockey League’s Utica Comets.

The Devils are heading into the final game of their season. The team currently sits in seventh in the Metropolitan Division with a record of 42-36-3.

Ahead of the team's 5-3 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday, they announced that goaltender Jacob Markstrom would be done for the season.

Head coach Sheldon Keefe shared that Markstrom will rest and rehab nagging injuries for the remainder of the season.

In his absence, Daws will have an opportunity to play for the team. Daws has appeared in 53 NHL games, all with the Devils. He has an all-time record of 23-23-1 with a .899 save percentage. He was selected as the 84th pick in the 2020 NHL Draft.

Ahead of his call-up, Daws had appeared in one game, saving 31 shots on net and allowing one goal.

Daws made his second appearance on Sunday, stopping 30 of the 33 shots he faced, in the team's 4-3 win over the Ottawa Senators.

On the other hand, Vilen has played the past three seasons with the Utica Comets. The 23-year-old has appeared in 49 games with the Comets this season and has recorded 24 points.

Vilen was selected 129th in the 2021 NHL draft by the Devils.

He made his NHL debut on Sunday, skating for just over 12 minutes.

The Devils will close out their season on Tuesday against the Boston Bruins. 

Make sure you bookmark THN's New Jersey Devils site for THN's latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.

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Arne Slot backs Liverpool to produce ‘great performance’ to beat PSG

  • Slot: ‘There is a belief we can do special things’

  • Luis Enrique tells his players to beware ‘pitfalls’

Arne Slot has said Liverpool do not face an impossible task against Paris Saint-Germain but must produce the perfect performance to overcome the European champions in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

Liverpool require another stirring Anfield comeback in Tuesday’s second leg to salvage their hopes of silverware having lost 2-0 at Parc des Princes last week. PSG were vastly superior in the first leg and should have won more comfortably, although their head coach, Luis Enrique, described such talk as “a trap” and claimed there will be “pitfalls” for his team at Anfield.

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The Yankees don’t do themselves any favors

Apr 11, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; New York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. (13) throws to first against the Tampa Bay Rays in the second inning at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

This is not solely a piece to bash Jazz Chisholm Jr. I think he’s a very good player, and I am currently watching him relay signs while standing on second base, both to help his own hitters and mess with Rays’ starter Drew Rassmussen. I think he brings an energy to the club that they’ve needed for a little while.

And then, there’s stuff like this:

This is not solely a piece to bash Jazz, but I think he’s illustrative of a problem the Yankees have had for a number of years now. For all the very real talent they boast, they’re constantly getting into their own way. Chisholm Jr. is a genuine perennial All Star type of talent. but if you’re going to brag about a 50/50 season, you can’t have a 42 wRC+ in the season’s first two weeks, and you definitely can’t be admitting you don’t know the rules.

In the same vein, the team that went so viral for being “savages in the box”, and pushes to the public how much their hitters own the strike zone, you can’t be the fourth-worst in the game in hitter ABS challenges — giving away strikes and the limited number of reviews you can ask for. Funny enough Jazz is one of nine players tied for just a 25 percent challenge success rate, the worst mark in the game. Ben Rice, one of the few Yankees that have really shown up this year, has just now joined Jazz at 1-4. Of course there was reporting just this weekend that José Caballero had to be pulled aside by Aaron Boone and have the importance of getting challenges right re-asserted in a one on one meeting.

Pair that weakness with the fact that a team built around working counts and wearing down opposing pitching has possibly taken all that too far, to the point where they’re downright passive. Swinging at strikes just 62.7 percent of the time, the Yankees are only more…judicious (to put it charitably) than the Red Sox and Diamondbacks, and last year while they were the best offense in baseball they were offering at pitches in the zone five points higher, still selective while not allowing themselves to give up even more free strikes.

Part of this is just being reactive to the first rough patch of the season. The team managed a series win against the Marlins by the skin of their teeth, before dropping a trap series to the Athletics and not playing well at the Trop, none of those things in isolation would mean all that much. All of baseball is sequencing, putting together 14 hits in a game doesn’t mean much if they’re spread evenly across all nine innings — you need an inning or two with four or five hits to do real damage. If the Yankees went to Tropicana Field in July while in first place in the division and didn’t play well, that’d be annoying, and if Jazz was hitting to his level while making a moronic play defensively we’d all have a “Jazz being Jazz” kind of attitude — the kind of attitude that has built more than one Hall of Very Good career.

Instead it comes when it comes, at this confluence of events where it looks like the Yankees have tied their own shoelaces together. We don’t know yet if this is some bump on the road we’ll forget about when the club’s in the division hunt in September or an early harbinger of the risk of “running it back because we’re good enough”. In the meantime though, let’s learn how double plays work.

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Ranking the 2026 NBA Play-In Tournament teams and who should qualify

Ranking the 2026 NBA Play-In Tournament teams and who should qualify originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

Steph Curry, Kawhi Leonard, Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, Devin Booker, LaMelo Ball, Bam Adebayo, Paolo Banchero and several more.

The 2026 NBA Play-In Tournament is not short of talented names and reputable teams, but not everyone will earn a ticket to the upcoming playoffs.

In the Eastern Conference, the Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic, Charlotte Hornets and Miami Heat are duking it out for the Nos. 7 and 8 seeds. Out West, the four teams are the Phoenix Suns, Portland Trail Blazers, Los Angeles Clippers and Golden State Warriors.

So, which teams should qualify to create the most quality-filled bracket as possible? Let’s rank the participants in each conference:

Eastern Conference

For both conferences, the rankings will primarily factor the talent at each team’s disposal and the likelihood of an enticing first-round matchup (at the minimum).

The No. 7 seed here will face off against the No. 2 Boston Celtics in the first round, while the 8-seed gets the No. 1 Detroit Pistons. Beating Boston four times is a tough ask for these sides, but the Pistons can be there for the taking with Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren not having the most elite cast around them.

1. PHILADELPHIA 76ERS

A good chunk of this placement for Philly boils down to Joel Embiid’s health. After undergoing appendicitis surgery, it’s not clear how fit he’d be for the tournament and, possibly, more grueling playoff series where he’ll be absorbing bumps and bruises down low. Otherwise, Tyrese Maxey is the best player among the four teams and he’ll have a supporting cast of Paul George, rookie VJ Edgecombe, Kelly Oubre Jr. and Quentin Grimes. Philly has to be careful, though, because a disappointing exit should mean a deep retooling of the team (hint: Embiid).

2. CHARLOTTE HORNETS

The Hornets have been here a couple of times before with LaMelo Ball. Those times didn’t end well. But Charlotte is back with fresh head coach Charles Lee, with Ball being surrounded by Brandon Miller, star rookie Kon Knueppel, Miles Bridges and Coby White. Charlotte is lacking a standout big man, but this is a crucial point in the franchise’s trajectory. As one of the more entertaining teams in 2026, a playoff berth could lead into becoming a sleeper destination for top players in the summer. But losing, preferably avoiding another blowout, keeps the team stuck in this tier.

3. ORLANDO MAGIC

Orlando was hoping to take another step forward this season following the big addition of guard Desmond Bane. But, despite having a relatively deep roster, it has gone backwards even though the gap between current 8-seed Orlando and 5-seed Toronto is just one win. That shouldn’t have been the case with Bane, Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Anthony Black, Wendell Carter Jr. and Jalen Suggs all posting solid numbers. The Magic can’t afford to be this low (they arguably should be above Philly in this ranking), but some convincing performances are needed. If they stay as an 8-seed, they might have the team to upset Detroit early.

4. MIAMI HEAT

The Heat have become accustomed to hovering around Play-In territory ever since its magical run to the NBA Finals as an 8-seed. But they don’t have Jimmy Butler anymore. Miami is led by Norman Powell, Tyler Herro, Bam Adebayo — a former 83-point scorer — Andrew Wiggins and Jaime Jaquez Jr, while Pelle Larsson and Kel’el Ware have added some freshness to the team. But Miami doesn’t have as much power as the others and an overhaul has been needed for some time. A market like southern Florida should be more attractive to the biggest names.

Western Conference

The two winners of the tournament here don’t exactly receive coveted prizes. The 7-seed will have to face Victor Wembanyama and the No. 2 San Antonio Spurs, while the 8-seed will get the reigning champs in the No. 1 Oklahoma City Thunder.

1. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS

It’s a whole different ball game when Curry is healthy. It’s a longshot for the 37-45 Warriors to go on a meaningful run, but seeing Curry, Butler Draymond Green, Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford, among others, take a shot at the Thunder would make for elite viewing. The likely scenario is Golden State losing during the tournament to potentially secure a better draft pick (more youth quality is needed). But the Warriors’ impact when in the playoff conversation is undeniable.

2. PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS

As aforementioned, the two winners here likely get bounced in the first round. But as far as unproven youthful teams go, Portland can offer something new. Deni Avdija and Shaedon Sharpe are the team’s top scorers, though veterans Jerami Grant and Jrue Holiday are still doing their parts to a solid and trusted level. Scoot Henderson, Toumani Camara, Donovan Clingan and Caleb Love are also part of the young core. Teams like this can always benefit from the postseason exposure and experience and come back stronger the following season. Portland getting in could do wonders for its trajectory, with Damian Lillard’s return also coming.

3. LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS

A poor start to the regular season seriously hurt Los Angeles’ chances of a playoff berth, but Ty Lue’s side has rallied to be back in this position, even after trading James Harden. Leonard is the heartbeat of the team and remains playing at an elite level, with Darius Garland, Bennedict Mathurin, John Collins and Brook Lopez some of the key teammates. But, other than Leonard being back in the playoff frame, this current Clippers team doesn’t exactly move the needle.

4. PHOENIX SUNS

Booker is still doing his thing in the desert and Phoenix has the best record of the four teams here, but player quality and statistics and its translation to the playoffs are a different level. The Suns are in good hands with Booker, but this isn’t the same Phoenix side as year’s past. Dillon Brooks is the team’s second-highest scorer, followed by Jalen Green, Grayson Allen, Collin Gillespie and Mark Williams. The balance isn’t great with multiple small guards, plus there’s a sincere lack in frontcourt quality and depth, so the Suns get cooled down here at the bottom.