標籤: Blue

Despite the massive injury problems facing the Toronto Blue Jays’ pitching rotation, they still decided to designate Eric Lauer for the job last week. Now, the left-hander has found a new life with none other than the Los Angeles Dodgers.

In return, Toronto gets the old standby, “cash consideration.”

With a 9-2 record, Lauer did everything the Blue Jays could from him during the 2025 season. He was a starter for half the year, and in 15 starts, he had a good 3.77 ERA with 9.0 strikeouts per nine innings. He was then moved to the bullpen, which was not his first choice, but he adapted to it. big time. He posted a 1.76 ERA in 13 relief appearances. He also made five strong appearances in the postseason in that role with a 3.12 ERA.

In fact, Dodgers fans from Chavez Ravine will remember Lauer for his stellar performance in the Game Three 18-inning marathon. He came on in the 12th inning and pitched 4.2 scoreless innings on 68 pitches, allowing only two hits.

It seems the Dodgers have made a mental note of the 5.2 scoreless innings that Lauer threw in the two World Series games against them.

Lauer joins the Dodgers with a 6.69 ERA this season

But 2026 has been a whole new game for Lauer. No matter what role he played, the southpaw couldn’t bring it together. He has a 6.69 ERA overall. In six starts, he posted a 6.15 ERA and 1.56 WHIP, with a strikeout to walk ratio of only 18:13. In two stints in the bullpen, it was even uglier, with an 8.10 ERA in 10 innings. He surrendered a league-leading 11 homers in his eight contests.

But the 30-year-old has seen ups and downs in his eight-year career and has often come back stronger. It would surprise no one if the Dodgers were able to get the lefty back to his winning ways.

The Dodgers are in desperate need of help in the rotation. Blake Snell went back to the IL after only one appearance, and Tyler Glasnow is also currently out due to back spasms. Reports are that Lauer will initially serve as a length option in the bullpen when he joins the team this week, but as he progresses, a spot in the rotation will certainly be on the table.

For his career, Lauer has a 4.26 ERA with 8.5 K/9 in 737.2 innings.

This is another blow to the battered and bruised pitching staff of the Toronto Blue Jays. As they await final word on the next steps for injured pitcher Jose Berrios, manager John Schneider says “surgery is on the table.”

“At this point it is an option,” Schneider said Friday. “We’re just trying to figure out if this is the path we’re going down.”

Although Berrios met with renowned elbow surgeon Dr. Keith Meister earlier this week, the manager says as far as he knows, there is no ligament damage involved. Of course, Schneider is not a doctor, nor does he play doctors on TV (or in Clubhouse).

However, he did mention “loose bodies”, as noted by renowned author Keegan Matheson. It seems like we’re still talking about the stress fracture that Berrios suffered during spring training with no ill effects. But he has had some elbow pain with low velocity in his last two rehab starts.

“He’s trying to make the best decision now and for the long term,” Schneider said, indicating that the 31-year-old pitcher will have the final say on which path to take. “I think he’s been in a little back-and-forth on this, and just wants to get it right.”

Berrios’ surgery decision looming, and contract decision after season

This is an even more important decision for his future because Berrios has opted out after the season. The seven-year, $131 million contract he signed with Toronto in 2021 will pay him $24 million apiece for two more years. Unless he decides to opt out and become a free agent. But as his injuries continue to worsen, it is becoming a controversial issue.

What makes it even more difficult for Berrios is that he has been the picture of health throughout his major league career until this season. He didn’t miss a start for six consecutive years (32 starts per season) until 2025… when he missed just twice. In this era of pitcher injuries and Tommy John surgeries, this is truly a remarkable accomplishment.

But in the ultimate proof that no pitcher can escape injury forever these days, Berrios faces a career-defining moment any day now.

It’s starting to look like a lost season for Addison Barger. The Toronto Blue Jays’ breakout slugger from 2025 has had a disastrous 2026 so far. And the latest report from the Rogers Center looks like it could get much worse.

Barger had a rough start, with a .045 batting average (1 for 19) and a .305 OPS in 28 plate appearances. He missed 25 games due to injuries to both ankles, including a severe left ankle sprain. Then, after his long-awaited return on Saturday, he woke up with “right elbow soreness” on Sunday. He has now left for MRI.

Barger was inserted into Sunday’s lineup as the leadoff hitter. But just hours before the game he was pulled due to an elbow problem. Imaging is expected to provide some answers on Monday.

Barger forced a runner out at the plate on Saturday with a 101.2 mph throw.

One has to suspect that the laser beam throw he made — at more than 101 mph — to catch Jorge Soler at the plate in Saturday’s game had something to do with Sunday’s ominous development.

Sometimes, a pitcher going on the injured list is a big blow to a team. But let’s admit that sometimes, that’s not such a bad thing. The latter is the case for Toronto Blue Jays starter Max Scherzer. He is hitting the IL with “arm and ankle injuries.”

Truth be told, forearm tendinitis has been hindering Scherzer since his second start, and it shows.

The 41-year-old has struggled to a 9.64 ERA in his five starts so far this season. In his last four starts, in fact, over 12.2 innings, he has surrendered 19 earned runs, allowing six homers, seven walks and only six strikeouts.

“All I can say is that I was not right. [Pitching coach] peat [Walker] “He was right there, and we both saw it,” Scherzer said, according to MLB.com. We didn’t feel like I was in a good place to move forward. Based on the calendar, here in April, it’s the beginning of the season and that’s the time where I can be right.

Scherzer impresses IL with two historic achievements

The IL stint will leave him hanging around for some time in search of two historic numbers. Scherzer was one strikeout away from 3,500 in his career, and was only 11 away from passing Walter Johnson for 10th on the all-time strikeout list.

And so, while the battered and bruised Blue Jays rotation is bringing back one of its walking wounded in Trey Yesways, another is headed to the hospital. Scherzer Cody Ponce (out for the year), Jose Berrios (close to a return), and Shane Bieber (still going slowly, recovering from elbow and arm problems) have been ruled out of the lineup.

The Jays have recalled right-hander Chase Lee from Triple-A Buffalo to take Mad Max’s spot on the roster. Lee has an impressive 1.32 ERA in 13 innings out of the bullpen with the Bison, but has a bit of a control problem. The 27-year-old issued 9 walks against 12 strikeouts. This leaves him with 1.42 WHIP.

Lee is in his first year in the Jays organization, after making his major league debut with the Detroit Tigers last season. He posted a 4.10 ERA in 37 innings in Detroit last season.

The Yesves, last year’s rookie of the year, will make their long-awaited season debut on Tuesday night after completing their rehab assignment. He had been out since spring training with a right shoulder injury.

2024 年，佩里晉升為 Low-A，儘管他所面對的擊球手的保送率為 18.8%，但他還是先發了 14 場比賽，打了 46 局，自責分率為 2.93。然而，他的賽季被縮短了，因為他在 8 月在 UCL 受傷，需要湯米約翰進行手術，在開始之前就結束了他的整個 2025 賽季。

快進到 2026 年，經過幾個月的艱苦康復，佩里自 24 年 8 月以來首次重返投手丘。他的前三場比賽取得了出色的成績，值得樂觀。然而，佩里賽季初的真正動力來自於他的全面改進。速度提高了，形狀更好了，結果也反映了這一點。

讓我們深入了解藍鳥隊系統中可能最大的臥舖臂。

東西的區別

我們可以看到佩里在 2024 年 UCL 手術前的最後一次展示，以及他今年 4 月回歸後的前三場比賽中的展示。

立即跳出來的第一件事是佩里的平均快球速度比之前提高了 2 英里/小時，而沒有犧牲任何形狀。平均時速 94 英里/小時，速度為 18.7」 IVB 和 9.4」 HB 的 -4.2 垂直接近角落帶來了他的快球精英切球動作。擊球手有 40% 的時間在擊球，這對快球來說確實是異常情況，而當他們確實接觸時，它屬於軟球。

考慮到額外的 -5.5，曲線球的下落比之前更加陡峭」 它正在生成 IVB。反過來，它可以更有效地從他的高騎快球中挖出，因為它們來自同一個槽，從手中看起來是一樣的，但快球保持在區域內，而曲線球從桌子上掉下來。 66.7% 的惡魔般的嗅覺率反映了它的音調有多好。

從速度的角度來看，沉降片是四接縫沉降片的複製品。平均時速從 92 英里每小時提高到 94 英里每小時。形狀基本上保持不變，但增加的速度彌補了世界上的所有差異，特別是當你有六個不同的音高需要準備時。

另一個形狀變化最大的投球是佩里的變速投球。平均速度上升 1.5 MPH，同時下降 5.4 MPH」 IVB 的數量較 2024 年的情況有所不同。 極為 佩里的變速球的一小部分樣本（確切地說是七個球）的錯誤率為 66.7%，但沒有一個被投入使用。隨著賽季的進行，我希望看到佩里更多地利用這種球場，特別是在對陣左手擊球手時。

The Washington Capitals (43-30-9) finished the 2025-26 season on a high note. They got their fourth straight win by defeating the Columbus Blue Jackets (40-30-12) 2-1 on Tuesday.

More importantly, this could be the final NHL game for Alex Ovechkin. The Capitals captain received a final ovation from the crowd at Nationwide Arena.

It’s a full circle moment for Ovechkin, who made his debut against Columbus in October 2005. The 40-year-old recorded an assist in the Capitals’ win in the season series (4-0-0) against the Blue Jackets.

“We try to win,” Ovechkin said. “We’re trying to finish the season on a good note and I hope this isn’t my last game. I don’t know what’s going to happen. We’ll see.”

The first goal came early in the middle frame when Boone Jenner scored for Columbus. However, Anthony Beauvillier responded with the tying goal in the same period.

Then, in the third, Jacob Chykrun came up with the game-winner on the power play. Clay Stevenson was also strong in net, making 27 saves.

The season has already ended, with the Capitals sitting in fourth place in the Metropolitan Division with 95 points.

capitals analysis

All eyes were once again on Ovechkin as he suited up for the Capitals for possibly the last time. Although he is still undecided, the 40-year-old received plenty of cheers from the crowd in Columbus.

Many Capitals fans traveled as far as Ohio to see The Great 8 once again. As on Sunday, many in the stands chanted “one more year” and “Ovi”.

Ovechkin looked impressive on the ice as he recorded a secondary assist on Chirkrun’s goal. He led the team with four shots, 12 attempts and two hits during 18:24 ice time.

Winning Tuesday’s game was no longer necessary, so many players got a chance to shine. Stevenson started in net and looked strong, stopping 27 of 28 shots.

The Capitals finally responded, after Jenner scored 27 seconds into the middle frame. Trevor van Riemsdyk found Beauvillier on a breakaway as he beat Jett Greaves to make the score 1–1.

In the third, the Capitals played a key power play, as Ovechkin once again made his presence felt. He allowed Chirkrun to get a shot past Greaves for the go-ahead goal. The 28-year-old finished the season with 26 goals, the most among NHL defencemen.

With secondary assistance, Ovechkin finished his 21st season with 64 points (32 goals, 32 assists) in 82 games. This marked the first time since 2017–18 that The Great 8 appeared in all 82 games.

capitals report card

Team: B+

The Capitals went on to finish the season with four consecutive wins. If the team was not troubled by injuries and inconsistencies, they could have reached the playoffs.

Alex Ovechkin: A

Ovechkin made quite an impact in his swan song. He finished the 2025–26 season with 64 points (32 goals, 32 assists).

Clay Stevenson: A

Stevenson had a solid effort stopping 27 of 28 shots against Columbus. The 27-year-old got the start over Logan Thompson and the injured Charlie Lindgren.

Anthony Beauvillier: A

Beauvillier fueled the Capitals’ offense with the game-tying goal in the second period. He finished the season with a season-high 15 points.

Jacob Chykrun:A

Chicrun recorded the game-winner to help the team finish strong. He finished with 26 goals, the most among NHL blueliners this season.

Harry Lichtman is an award-winning journalist who covers the Washington Capitals for SportsNut. He also contributes to the sites… More about Harry Lichtman

Nothing comes easy, and this season, the Eastern Conference has proven that. With 102 points in the standings, the Carolina Hurricanes became the first team in the East to clinch a playoff berth this season with a thrilling 5–1 win over their Metropolitan Division rival, the Columbus Blue Jackets.

They wasted no time in securing their spot in the postseason, as Logan Stankoven found himself on the hat trick clock before 10 minutes had passed. His first goal, just 2:27 minutes in, was a tip-in on K’Andre Miller’s shot, while with his second goal, he completed a loose transition left by Taylor Hall.

Moments later on the penalty kill, Alexander Nikishin – with help from the usual suspects, Seth Jarvis and Sebastian Aho – got his first career NHL shorthanded goal. The scoreless score tied the Hurricanes with the Calgary Flames for most shorthanded goals this season with 11.

Down three-nil in the second frame, the Blue Jackets got on the board as Denton Matechuk put the puck through Frederik Andersen’s five-hole, but the Hurricanes reclaimed their breathing space just 13 seconds later thanks to a shot from the point by Jordan Martinook.

In the third period, the Blue Jackets power play was cut short. As the four-on-four hockey ended and the Hurricanes’ power play began, Shayne Gostisbier immediately contributed another goal by coming out of the penalty box, one-touching a pass from Aho and sending it to Andrei Svechnikov, who fired past Elvis Merzlikins from the right face-off circle – the final goal of the game.

‘The work will not stop now’

Throughout the match, the Hurricanes maintained the pace they boasted, and they allowed their offense to crush the Blue Jackets – dominating zone time and forcing Columbus to expend energy in their own zone. Carolina allowed only 10 shots on goal from the Blue Jackets, the fewest in franchise history for the Hurricanes.

“I think we had a huge start,” Stankoven said after the game. “We know a lot of these teams that are out here playing consistently are hungry for points and trying to get into the playoffs, so I think, mentally, we came prepared, and that’s been good for us.”

“I think our group is there, we don’t take the playoffs lightly – it’s very hard to fight and get to the playoffs. So, we’re really grateful, but the work doesn’t stop now.”

storm notes

Thursday’s game was the 1,400th game that Hurricanes captain Jordan Staal has played in his 20-season career. Of those, 968 have been played with Carolina, while 431 have been played with the Pittsburgh Penguins, with whom he won a Stanley Cup. During the first period, he received a standing ovation from fans in the stands.

Nikishin’s shorthanded goal was his 30th point of the season, tying him with Jamie McBain for most points by a rookie defenseman in Hurricanes history, and placing him second in the franchise tally, just five points behind Brad Shaw.

In each of the eight seasons that Rod Brind’Amour has served as head coach, the Hurricanes have made one playoff appearance. Only the Colorado Avalanche, Tampa Bay Lightning and Toronto Maple Leafs have longer active streaks (although the Leafs are out of the hunt at the moment).

Rachel Barkley is a beat writer covering the Carolina Hurricanes for Carolina Hockey Now on SportsNote. Painting Stories…More About Rachel Barclay

A broken hockey stick caused by pure frustration in the visitors’ tunnel was an obvious indicator of the Carolina Hurricanes’ game on Tuesday night, but strong goaltending and a heavy helping of luck saved what was almost a game that hurt more than just flesh.

In the first half of the game, the Hurricanes were dominant against their Metropolitan Division rivals – the Columbus Blue Jackets. In the first period, the Hurricanes got two power play opportunities, and Shayne Gostisbehere and Logan Stankoven both used them, putting Carolina ahead two-to-zilch at the first intermission.

The game was good, the offense was flowing and the defense made life more difficult for the Blue Jackets. However, as the second frame progressed, what was working had holes in it. Puck management fell apart, their transition game suffered and they ultimately gave up an inch to the Blue Jackets.

Kirill Marchenko turned that inch into a mile.

Taking advantage of the Hurricanes’ sudden lack of focus, Marchenko pulled his team back into the fight with his first goal in eight games. The puck slipped under Brandon Bussey’s padding, and officials had to review it to make sure it even crossed the goal line before being put on the boards.

When the Hurricanes started to get the game going, it was Busey who stopped the bleeding by making repeated saves throughout the frame. At one point, he was alone against Sean Monahan as all the other players on the ice converged on the corner boards of the defensive zone – leaving Columbus alone in the slot with the puck. Thankfully for Carolina, their netminder was on top and finished off the chance.

‘Make or Break’ Third Period

The Hurricanes gave themselves another wound in the third period. Stankoven entered the zone with pressure from the Blue Jackets and dangerously dropped the puck to Jackson Blake, who ultimately missed. Adam Fantilli caught it, and after some tic-tac-toeing back into the Hurricanes zone, he hit a shot that tied the game.

Columbus had the momentum, and Carolina had the offense.

Still, Nikolaj Ehlers did the best job he could and got the Hurricanes the clutch goal they needed.

After a failed challenge for goal interference by the Blue Jackets, the Hurricanes initiated another power play, with Andrei Svechnikov taking the lead – after eating a puck earlier in the game, bruised mug and all.

…Honestly, this was not a night for faces. Miles Wood, Shayne Gostisbehere, and Andrei Svechnikov all took tackles in their individual careers, while three high-sticking penalties were assessed throughout the game.

Interestingly, Ehlers had an assist on Svechnikov’s goal, which was his 3rd point of the night and 40th assist of the season (a new career high), and his 64th point (tied his career high).

Eventually, the clock ran out and Columbus’ net was empty as the Blue Jackets took the power play in the final minute. But it was all for naught, as Jordan Martinook scored an empty-netter. It was the tenth short-handed goal for the Hurricanes this season, moving them into second place in the league-wide tally.

The final score came out to be 5-2 in favor of the Hurricanes, but if not for Bussey’s focus and incredible success on special teams, things could have ended very differently.

“Honestly it’s all mental… just telling myself ‘be ready for the next shot, you never know when you’ll have a moment’.”
Brandon Bussey joins @buckygross And @AJMleczko Discussing the game and post-game meal following the Hurricanes’ 5-2 win over the Blue Jackets… pic.twitter.com/1U1n3ZndNC

– Queen of the Puck (@rbarkleyhockey) April 1, 2026

Rachel Barkley is a beat writer covering the Carolina Hurricanes for Carolina Hockey Now on SportsNote. Painting Stories…More About Rachel Barclay

Over the next three games, the Carolina Hurricanes have six crucial Metropolitan Division points on the line that could make or break the current contenders’ season as the path to the postseason narrows. Tuesday is the first step into the madness, as the Hurricanes face the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena.

The game, which will be locked to ESPN+ and Hulu, is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. EDT.

In the Hurricanes’ last game, they suffered a blowout loss to the Montreal Canadiens, who refused to leave Carolina without a single point, effectively clinching the season series against the Hurricanes. The game included a wild 100 shot attempt from Carolina – their highest of the season – but they were unable to find the twine more than once. The Canadiens ate up everything, blocked everything and ultimately finished the game with a 3-1 score. Montreal’s 32 blocked shots were the most by any team this season. You can read all about it here!

Meanwhile, the Blue Jackets have faced a number of ups and downs recently. Last Tuesday, they were in second place in the Metro Division – something they had not reached this late in the season since 2017. Now, they are fighting in the wild-card position. The last week has not been good for them, as they have not been able to win a single one of their last three matches.

In their game on Sunday against the Boston Bruins, who forced overtime and came back to win, Mathieu Ollivier left with an upper body injury. On Monday, they recalled Luca Del Bell Belluz, pointing to the possibility that the Blue Jackets’ bruiser will be unavailable against the Hurricanes.

in the crease

If they continue to move through the rotation, the Hurricanes will likely find Brandon Bussey in the net. His save percentage is .894, with a goals-against average of 2.45 en route to a 27-6-1 record.

Meanwhile, the Blue Jackets have been struggling to adjust to the rotation and have relied heavily on their young netminder, Jett Greaves, who has played in 48 games compared to Elvis Merzlikins’ 29. They’ll likely turn to Greaves again on Tuesday. His save percentage this season is .910, with a goals-against average of 2.56 with a 24-14-9 record.

Expected Carolina Hurricane Lines

Andrei Svechnikov – Sebastian Aho – Seth Jarvis

Taylor Hall – Logan Stankoven – Jackson Blake

Nikolaj Ehlers – Jordan Staal – Jordan Martinook

William Carrier – Mark Jankowski – Eric Robinson

protect

Jacob Slavin – Jalen Chatfield

K’Andre Miller – Shawn Walker

Shayne Gostisbehere – Alexander Nikishin

goaltender

Brandon Bussey/Frederick Anderson

expected columbus blue jackets series

Mason Marchment – Adam Fantilly – Kirill Marchenko

Boon Jenner – Sean Monahan – Conor Garland

Cole Sillinger – Charlie Coyle – Miles Wood

Denton Heinen – Isak Lundestrom – Luca Del Bel Belluz

protect

Zach Werenski – Dante Fabbro

Igor Zamula – Ivan Provorov

Denton Mateichuk – Eric Gudbranson

goaltender

Jet Greaves/Elvis Merzlikins

special teams

Carolina Hurricanes Power Play: 23.7% (9th, down one spot from last game)
Carolina Hurricanes Penalty Kill: 80.2% (13th)

Columbus Blue Jackets Power Play: 20.2% (17th)
Columbus Blue Jackets Penalty Kill: 77.3% (25th)

storm game notes

The Hurricanes face the Blue Jackets on Tuesday at Nationwide Arena and then face off again on Thursday at Lenovo Center.

Carolina is two points away from achieving a 100-point season. Last season, they finished with only 99, ending a three-year three-point streak.

how to see

Streaming: ESPN+, Hulu
Radio: 99.9 The Fan

Rachel Barkley is a beat writer covering the Carolina Hurricanes for Carolina Hockey Now on SportsNote. Painting Stories…More About Rachel Barclay

The memories of Game 7 won’t fade away soon. Last time the Toronto Blue Jays came inches away from a World Series championship – several times – but fell short.

However, now it’s time to turn the page (and) [Andy] Pages), as he threw the first pitch of the 2026 season in an attempt to defend his American League championship. Are the Jays a better team this season? General manager Ross Atkins thinks they are. But it doesn’t mean much until they get between the white lines and we see how this team comes together.

Bo Bichette and Chris Bassitt have been the most notable absentees this season. Isiah Kiner-Falefa isn’t back either, but Toronto fans will want to forget the last time they saw him in a Jays uniform.

Atkins hopes to replace Bichette’s production with Japanese slugger Kazuma Okamoto. The additions of Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce to the pitching staff have compensated for the loss of Bassitt on the mound (although his clubhouse presence will be missed).

So what questions does this team have in 2026? Well, very much. Let’s take a look at the four biggest ones:

4 questions facing the Blue Jays in 2026

1. Can Okamoto really replace what Bichette provided at the plate?

Okamoto had a .277 average and .882 OPS in his 10 seasons in Japan’s NPB. With an on-base percentage and slugging PCT of .355. Hitting .521, he has shown that he not only has power, but also strong contact skills. He has always maintained a low strikeout rate and ability to draw walks. Most experts believe those skills should transfer well to the major leagues. His .316 average and 1.066 OPS among 23 Grapefruit League at-bats are promising signs.

2. Can Addison Barger take the next step into full-on breakout slugger?

Barger gave Jays fans some tempting appetizers in 2025, including 21 long balls in 502 plate appearances in the regular season and a memorable, historic grand slam in the World Series.

Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium may not be like Goodison Park yet, but it’s getting there. The 3-0 win over Chelsea last weekend proved that.

After months of uncertainty about their new stadium, Everton fans have finally made it their home. A loud, bouncy and almost hostile win over Chelsea was proof of this.

A cursory glance at social media will confirm this. Ax was overwhelmed by the number of Everton fans admitting after the game that it finally felt like Hill Dickinson was at home. And this has not gone unnoticed elsewhere.

Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo Today is the latest international publication to highlight Everton’s rebirth, with Hill Dickinson’s now famous “Blue Wall” hailed as the heartbeat of a potential new era for the Toffees.

Sunshine, smoke and a statement of victory

With a capacity of 53,000, Hill Dickinson has transformed match days at the Mersey. But it’s the 13,000-strong single tier South Stand, steep, deafening and fearlessly blue, that stands out.

Mundo is certainly impressed, and says it’s Everton’s answer to the Kop at Anfield or Borussia Dortmund’s yellow wall.

According to the newspaper it reflects the spirit of Goodison’s Gwladys Street while creating something distinctively modern. For visiting teams, it’s an intimidating sight, as Chelsea found out. For Everton fans, it is a symbol of resilience.

Mundo says an example of this is the Everton Way, a walkway of 36,000 engraved stones telling the Evertonian story.

An inscription reads: “We don’t know how strong we are until being strong is the only option we have.”

According to Mundo, it perfectly reflects the mood of the reborn club.

to establish, to move forward

The last few years have been tough for Everton fans, including having to leave their famous and beloved old home Goodison Park.

But March 20th^th Starting with the scenes before the game against Chelsea, it felt symbolic. The rare Liverpool sunshine that morning was taken as a sign.

Hours before kick-off fans lined the streets to welcome the Everton coach, Everton Way was buzzing with life and blue smoke filled the air as supporters escorted Everton to their new home.

The payoff was clear as Chelsea succumbed and Everton secured their first back-to-back wins at their new home. mundo called it a ‘Acoustic Weapon’ And ‘Electrification’. It seems that a tired fan has woken up.

focus on Europe

The focus now turns to a late push for Europe, with Everton just three points behind Liverpool in fifth. The Champions League may be long, but the Europa League or Conference League are there for the taking.

According to Mundo, ‘Finally the sun also came out’ For them. Backed by the Friedkin Group, at least for the Spanish newspaper the belief is that they are now in a position ‘A period of renewal in every sense’.

In fact, he argues that Everton should never have done this ‘Abandoned reputation’ In first place. Now they’ve got it back in a spectacular new stadium on Liverpool’s waterfront.

With the fans now also settled, it has become a situation ‘Incredible atmosphere’ supported by ‘Violent’ south stand he ‘kill immediately’ They are on their journey. He is at least impressed by Everton, their fans and the stadium that finally feels like home.

The news wasn’t surprising on Thursday when it was announced that the Toronto Blue Jays would place top young starter Trey Yesavage on the injured list to start the season. They had been playing gently with him all spring. He reported feeling something was not right at the camp.

But with the announcement that he’s going on the IL to start the year with a “shoulder impingement,” it’s perfectly clear what the issue is.

Let’s all remember that Yesways is still only 22 years old. He came in as a rookie at the end of last season, and got in only 14 regular season innings before arriving on the biggest stage in baseball in the postseason. He was incredible in his 27.2 playoff innings, and not the least bit fazed by the bright lights of the World Series. But at 125 total innings, that was nearly 30% more than the year before in his last NCAA season.

So what happens with the Blue Jays’ rotation now? This news follows the news that Jose Berrios will also start on the IL as he works through a stress fracture in his elbow. And we all know about Justin Bieber, who was kicked out of Opening Days plans long ago.

What does the Blue Jays’ five-man rotation look like now after Yesway’s injury?

Thankfully, the Jays prepared themselves for these types of pitching injuries (as every MLB team should!). The late re-signing of Max Scherzer and the continued presence of swingman Eric Lauer means Toronto could still start a rotation that looks like this:

• Kevin Gausman
• dialing off
• max shazer
• Cody Ponce
• Eric Lauer

So, let’s take a look: The two-time All-Star and recent AL strikeout champion on Opening Day. The $210 million freshman with five consecutive 200-K seasons is next. Then there’s a left-hander (Lauer) who completely reworked himself into the rotation last season (3.77 ERA).

Next comes Cody Ponce. He is returning to North America after completely dominating Korea last season. He has continued this into spring training as well. He allowed only one hit in 5.2 scoreless innings against the NY Yankees on Thursday, dropping his Grapefruit League ERA to 0.66 in 13.2 innings.

And ultimately, the Jays completed their cycle with the only three-time Cy Young winner.

Blue Jays’ impressive pitching depth could survive 3 starters on IL

And as the Jays beat writer Keegan Matheson on TSN’s Overdrive, many teams around baseball couldn’t escape defeat Three The Blue Jays can do just as well with the starters in their rotation.

“This depth is really impressive. I remember we were talking a few weeks ago, ‘Where is Max Scherzer going to pitch?’ Well, he’s going to pitch right here. These things work on their own all the time, Matheson said. “If they had signed 20 starters, 15 of them would have got hurt. That’s just the way it works.”

As for Yesvez, he said that after working on his shoulder throughout the spring, he is “feeling good now” and the pain is gone. He’s still pitching, and, according to Sportsnet’s Shea Davidy, “Yesvez is scheduled to be back on a mound next Wednesday, with his upcoming steps being ‘building, building innings, getting pitch counts to a comfortable spot so I can be a starter,'” the young pitcher concluded.

So, there is no reason to panic at all at this point in the Toronto camp. The rotation should be in very good hands until all of the injured walking backs return. Then we’ll have another problem to worry about. But this whole “too many beginners” dilemma can only be a good thing.

Never trust a game with matching numbers from the Brainrot meme…

In the Carolina Hurricanes’ 67th game of the season, they suffered a blowout loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets, defeating them 5–1 in the first half of the Hurricanes’ back-to-back Metropolitan Division sets. Nicolas Deslauriers dropped the gloves with Mathieu Ollivier, Seth Jarvis was a blood-thirsty threat who couldn’t stay out of the box, Jakob Slavin ate a puck, and I’m still confused over the decision to allow a goal that was clear goaltender interference… just wait until you hear what the refs told Rod Brind’Amour about it.

The Hurricanes came out of the gate strong on Tuesday evening, but when Jarvis took a double minor to high-sticking Zach Werenski before five minutes were played, the momentum quickly shifted in the Blue Jackets’ direction. The wildest part, this wasn’t even the only double minor for a stick violation by Jarvis, as he did the same to Connor Garland later in the third period, albeit…a little worse. Garland went down the tunnel, leaving behind the red color of the snow.

He has already accumulated 13 penalty minutes since ending his ‘good guy streak’ in the last game.

By the time the second period started, the Blue Jackets were already ahead by two goals, and the Hurricanes were having nothing for them. And so, in classic Enforcer fashion, DesLauriers got down to business at the start of his storm as he dropped the gloves with the Blue Jacket’s famous bruiser. As usual, after the fight, he would definitely give Olivier a helmet tap – his signature show of respect.

He did his job well, giving Carolina enough spark to score Andrei Svechnikov and cut Columbus’ lead in half. However, the Hurricanes could only do so much in the scoring department.

Just refs talking refs stuff

With just over two and a half minutes remaining in the second frame, one of the most confusing events in recent sports occurred. Brandon Bussey was behind the net intent on clearing the puck when Danton Heinen came speeding up, and without thinking pushed his right skate into the back of the goaltender’s left skate, causing him to slip. Alexander Nikishin managed to block Charlie Coyle’s shot on the empty net, but Heinen came up and dumped the loose puck in, while Bussey attempted to jump in front and intercept it from next to the crease.

This was one of the clearest examples of goaltender interference – a penalty in the worst case, and a goal disallowed in the best case.

Rod Brind’Amour was unhappy when the call was not made and told the referee everything. Later, he spoke to FanDuel Sports Network’s rinkside reporter Hannah Yates about the incident, explaining that the referee had told him Bussey had dived.

Given Henen’s speed and movement and Bussey’s reaction, I’m honestly not sure how they came to this conclusion. Additionally, it is very easy for goalies to fall after making contact with the skate due to the boot being much shorter than a standard skater’s boot (which comes well above the ankle), thus providing significantly less support.

Alas, the goal stood and play continued.

In the third frame, Slavin was caught defending a two-on-one situation, going down to the ice to block a shot. Sadly, that obstacle was due to her face. Bleeding, he walked to the bench to get help and was able to stay in the game.

The Hurricanes travel to Lenovo Center on Wednesday night to face the Pittsburgh Penguins, who will have Evgeni Malkin back in the lineup.

Rachel Barkley is a beat writer covering the Carolina Hurricanes for Carolina Hockey Now on SportsNote. Painting Stories…More About Rachel Barclay

After numerous rumors throughout 2025, the Nike Retro Air Jordan release calendar for 2026 is filled with several classics making their long-awaited returns. Early Air Jordan numbered models continue to see a resurgence as another Jordan 3 makes its way into the rotation. This time, the “True Blue” colorway returns for the first time since 2016.

Check out our sneakers news for more upcoming releases and breaking content!

The Air Jordan 3 was released in 1988 as Michael Jordan’s first sneaker to feature his Jumpman logo. It was the first sneaker from renowned Nike designer Tinker Hatfield, who later took over the Air Jordan numbered series. In an extensive catalog, the Air Jordan 3 always stands out as the original that launched the creative vision.

Between classics like the “Black Cement” and “White Cement” pairs, the “True Blue” colorway has been a foundational pair for the Jordan 3 legacy. For the first time since 2016, fans will have the chance to get their hands on an updated version of the popular colorway.

Air Jordan 3 “True Blue” (2026)

Air Jordan 3 OG “True Blue” Returns Fall 2026 ❤️💙 https://t.co/2YshheSCb8 pic.twitter.com/qaV9BDKiLx

– JustFreshKicks (@JustFreshKicks) 24 February 2026

The “True Blue” Air Jordan 3 OG Returns on July 18th! 🌊

MJ Face Box. Perfect-family size. #nikeair pic.twitter.com/v2e09x5feW

– zSneakerHeadz (@zSneakerHeadz) 27 February 2026

Air Jordan 3 “True Blue” Returns July 18th, 2026 🔵🔴⚪

Details: https://t.co/w2TAdI6pZ9 pic.twitter.com/Xrq0YZ3MtZ

– House of Heat° (@houseofheat) 26 February 2026

The Air Jordan 3 “True Blue” will follow in line with the OG version from 1988, featuring a similar silhouette shape and classic Nike Air branding on the rear heel. The colorway comes in a distinctive White/Cement Grey-True Blue scheme, complete with the iconic elephant print along the mudguard, back heel panel and eyelets. Hits of red are seen throughout for perfect contrast and balance against the white leather base.

Nike will be taking it a step further in bringing back the classic Air Jordan “Face” boxes that were in circulation from 2001-2005 and will provide an additional nostalgic detail for this release.

The Air Jordan 3 OG “True Blue” is expected to release on July 18th, 2026 at a standard retail tag of $220. Heading over to the Nike SNKRS app, we can expect full family sizes with adjusted pricing as stock should be sufficient for the sneaker’s first retro release in 10 years.

在经历了 2025 年的无数传闻之后，2026 年 Nike Retro Air Jordan 发布日历上充满了众多期待已久的经典回归。随着另一款 Jordan 3 的出现，早期的 Air Jordan 编号型号继续复苏。此次，“True Blue”配色自 2016 年以来首次回归。

查看我们的运动鞋新闻，了解更多即将发布的产品和重大内容！

Air Jordan 3 于 1988 年发布，是迈克尔·乔丹第一款带有 Jumpman 标志的运动鞋。这是耐克传奇设计师廷克·哈特菲尔德 (Tinker Hatfield) 的首款运动鞋，后来他接手了 Air Jordan 编号系列。在众多的产品目录中，Air Jordan 3 始终作为推出创意愿景的原创鞋款脱颖而出。

在“黑水泥”和“白水泥”等经典配色中，“真蓝”配色一直是 Jordan 3 传承的基础配色。自 2016 年以来，粉丝们将首次有机会获得流行配色的更新版本。

Air Jordan 3 “真蓝” (2026)

Air Jordan 3 OG “True Blue” 将于 2026 年秋季回归❤️💙 https://t.co/2YshheSCb8 pic.twitter.com/qaV9BDKiLx

— JustFreshKicks (@JustFreshKicks) 2026 年 2 月 24 日

“True Blue” Air Jordan 3 OG 将于 7 月 18 日回归！ 🌊

MJ 脸盒。全家庭尺码。 #NIKEAIR pic.twitter.com/v2e09x5feW

— zSneakerHeadz (@zSneakerHeadz) 2026 年 2 月 27 日

Air Jordan 3 “True Blue” 将于 2026 年 7 月 18 日回归🔵🔴⚪

详细信息：https://t.co/w2TAdI6pZ9 pic.twitter.com/Xrq0YZ3MtZ

—House of Heat° (@houseofheat) 2026 年 2 月 26 日

Air Jordan 3“True Blue”将回归 1988 年的元年版本，具有相似的轮廓形状和后跟上的经典 Nike Air 品牌标志。配色采用典型的白色/水泥灰-真蓝色配色，挡泥板、后跟板和孔眼上均饰有标志性的大象印花。红色随处可见，与白色皮革底座形成完美的对比和平衡。

Nike 将更进一步，重新推出 2001 年至 2005 年期间流通的经典 Air Jordan “face” 盒子，并为本次发布增添了更多怀旧细节。

Air Jordan 3 OG“True Blue”预计将于 2026 年 7 月 18 日发售，标准零售价为 220 美元。在 Nike SNKRS 应用程序上，我们可以期待全系列尺码和调整后的价格，因为这款运动鞋 10 年来的首次复古发布的库存应该充足。

In an overnight deal, three-time Cy Young winner Max Scherzer agreed to run it back with the American League champion Toronto Blue Jays. Both parties agreed to an attractive one-year deal full of incentives.

The agreement includes a $3 million salary and $10 million in incentives. Insider Ken Rosenthal confirms that the bonus starts at the 65-inning mark. It also comes with no-trade protection.

Last season, Scherzer struggled to stay healthy and consistent during the regular season. He was only able to make 17 starts, and posted a 5.19 ERA in 85 innings. However, when the postseason fell, the two-time World Series winner hit the big time with a 3.77 ERA in three starts. Not the least of which was his courageous start in Game 7 in the World Series against the LA Dodgers, when he allowed only one run in 4.2 innings, and left with a 3–1 lead.

Scherzer returns with Blue Jays for 19th MLB season

It was already clear after the heartbreaking outcome of that Game 7 loss that the 41-year-old was determined to return in 2026. “I can’t understand how this is the last pitch I ever throw,” he said in early November.

He suffered from a thumb problem throughout the ’25 season, which also caused pain in his arm and shoulder. It seems like he believes he has it figured out and will be ready to endure the rigors of his 19th major league season.

Given his age and late signing date, Scherzer will take his time getting ready for the season. But by adding depth to the rotation and a valuable clubhouse presence, he will be a key piece for manager John Schneider to once again rely on in times of need. Even if he is sometimes afraid that Mad Max will kill him.

The Toronto Blue Jays have already made two shakeups to their starting staff for the 2026 season. Bowden Francis is gone for a year because he has to undergo Tommy John surgery. And Shane Bieber will begin the season on the injured list due to arm soreness.

Enter: Mad Max?

According to a Friday report from Blue Jays beat writer Ben Nicholson-Smith, negotiations between the Jays and free agent starter Max Scherzer have become “more serious” in the past week. Toronto is now the frontrunner to secure his services so they can run it back with the defending AL champs.

Hints of such a scenario surfaced earlier this week, when we shared a report from insider Ken Rosenthal, who suggested that Scherzer’s return north of the border was something he could see happening.

Scherzer and Jez getting ‘serious’ in talks

Even Mad Max had given some hints earlier in the offseason, consistently referring to the Jays as “us” in an interview, even though he was a free agent.

Scherzer, now 41, struggled to a 5.19 ERA in 17 starts in his first season with Toronto last year. But he performed as expected in the playoffs from a three-time Cy Young winner, posting a 3.77 ERA in three starts.

It looks like the good vibes from Scherzer and Jays could carry over again in 2026.

It’s not often that a three-time Cy Young winner and two-time World Series champion is roaming free agency as major league camps get underway.

But 41-year-old Max Scherzer is still without contract until 2026. He was almost done with his third World Series ring as a member of the Toronto Blue Jays last season.

Insider Ken Rosenthal gives us the latest on Mad Max’s free agency on the Foul Territory Podcast.

I talked to Max Scherzer… and he said he’s looking to sign with the right team right now. He’s ready to go, he’s healthy, he’s good. But he’s not going to sign just like that any team Whoever offers him wants the right team. He has a few teams in mind. And if he doesn’t get a good enough offer from one of those teams, he’s willing to wait until the season starts.

But then Rosenthal suggested that a scenario that has already begun to unfold could see Mad Max land back in Toronto. Once injuries start to hit pitching staffs around the majors this spring, teams will start to get a little more desperate for some depth to their rotation.

And it just so happens that the Blue Jays have already suffered some setbacks. It was recently announced that Bowden Francis would undergo UCL reconstruction surgery on his right elbow. He suffered what is being described as a “serious injury” while throwing a pitch during the ramp-up to spring training.

Additionally, it was also revealed that Shane Bieber would begin the season on the injured list. His spring ramp-up will be delayed due to right forearm inflammation. Manager John Schneider said it had been bothering him since the end of the World Series.

Is a Max Scherzer reunion with the Blue Jays still possible?

Rosenthal says all this could mean that Jays may still be paying Scherzer for the calls.

You look at his former team, the Toronto Blue Jays, a team he loved pitching for. They already have some problems with pitchers getting injured. Bowden Francis is out for the season. Shane Bieber, we knew something was wrong when he chose… exercised his player option.

So they have some physical concerns, and I’m sure at some point, if it becomes more intense for them, they will be more interested in Max Scherzer.

Of course, the Jays won’t be the only team to deal with pitching injuries this spring or as the season begins. There is no guarantee of a Scherzer reunion. But the departure of another John Schneider & Co. employee could mean that the return of Mad Max isn’t far off.

Scherzer had a difficult regular season in Toronto amid injuries and poor performance. His ERA in 17 starts was 5.19. But he came up big in the playoffs, posting a 3.77 ERA in three starts.