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Deadspin | Jakob Markstrom blanks Canadiens, keeps Devils’ playoff hopes alive   Apr 5, 2026; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; New Jersey Devils center Cody Glass (12) celebrates with his teammates his goal against the Montreal Canadiens during the second period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images   New Jersey goaltender Jacob Markstrom posted his first shutout of the season as the visiting Devils beat the Montreal Canadiens 3-0 on Sunday to snap the hosts’ eight-game winning streak.  Timo Meier, Cody Glass and Connor Brown scored for the Devils (40-34-3, 83 points) to keep their razor-thin playoff hopes alive.  Markstrom made 18 saves to record the 25th shutout of his career, including a pair or highlight-reel stops that prevented dynamic Montreal forward Cole Caufield from reaching the 50-goal mark.  The Devils are seven points outside a playoff spot with five games remaining, and exacted a hint of revenge after losing a 4-3 shootout game to Montreal on Saturday.  New Jersey has won 11 straight games in Montreal, a streak that started April 1, 2018.  Canadiens No. 3 goalie Jacob Fowler stopped 17 shots in the loss.  Montreal (45-22-10, 100 points) punched a ticket to the playoffs before the puck dropped, but fell to the third spot in the Atlantic Division.   The Canadiens are tied with Buffalo — two points back of the Tampa Bay Lightning — but the Sabres own the tiebreaker with more regulation-time wins. Tampa Bay has six games remaining, while Montreal and Buffalo have five in the chase for the division title.  On a quest to avenge losing the night before, the Devils came out strong and were rewarded when Meier opened the scoring 47 seconds past the midway point of the opening frame. Jack Hughes weaved around the zone before firing a shot on net, and Meier was on the spot to slide home the loose puck.  Glass doubled the lead late in the second period when he hit the jets while on a two-on-two rush, gained a step past defender Michael Matheson and slipped a wrist shot home at 18:12 of the middle frame.  Brown added an empty-net goal with 3:25 remaining in regulation time.  The Canadiens had plenty of scoring chances, especially during four fruitless power plays  With a pair of assists, Devils forward Jack Hughes has collected 35 points (13 goals, 22 assists) in 20 games following the Olympic break.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Jakob #Markstrom #blanks #Canadiens #Devils #playoff #hopes #alive

Deadspin | Jakob Markstrom blanks Canadiens, keeps Devils’ playoff hopes alive
Deadspin | Jakob Markstrom blanks Canadiens, keeps Devils’ playoff hopes alive   Apr 5, 2026; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; New Jersey Devils center Cody Glass (12) celebrates with his teammates his goal against the Montreal Canadiens during the second period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images   New Jersey goaltender Jacob Markstrom posted his first shutout of the season as the visiting Devils beat the Montreal Canadiens 3-0 on Sunday to snap the hosts’ eight-game winning streak.  Timo Meier, Cody Glass and Connor Brown scored for the Devils (40-34-3, 83 points) to keep their razor-thin playoff hopes alive.  Markstrom made 18 saves to record the 25th shutout of his career, including a pair or highlight-reel stops that prevented dynamic Montreal forward Cole Caufield from reaching the 50-goal mark.  The Devils are seven points outside a playoff spot with five games remaining, and exacted a hint of revenge after losing a 4-3 shootout game to Montreal on Saturday.  New Jersey has won 11 straight games in Montreal, a streak that started April 1, 2018.  Canadiens No. 3 goalie Jacob Fowler stopped 17 shots in the loss.  Montreal (45-22-10, 100 points) punched a ticket to the playoffs before the puck dropped, but fell to the third spot in the Atlantic Division.   The Canadiens are tied with Buffalo — two points back of the Tampa Bay Lightning — but the Sabres own the tiebreaker with more regulation-time wins. Tampa Bay has six games remaining, while Montreal and Buffalo have five in the chase for the division title.  On a quest to avenge losing the night before, the Devils came out strong and were rewarded when Meier opened the scoring 47 seconds past the midway point of the opening frame. Jack Hughes weaved around the zone before firing a shot on net, and Meier was on the spot to slide home the loose puck.  Glass doubled the lead late in the second period when he hit the jets while on a two-on-two rush, gained a step past defender Michael Matheson and slipped a wrist shot home at 18:12 of the middle frame.  Brown added an empty-net goal with 3:25 remaining in regulation time.  The Canadiens had plenty of scoring chances, especially during four fruitless power plays  With a pair of assists, Devils forward Jack Hughes has collected 35 points (13 goals, 22 assists) in 20 games following the Olympic break.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Jakob #Markstrom #blanks #Canadiens #Devils #playoff #hopes #aliveApr 5, 2026; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; New Jersey Devils center Cody Glass (12) celebrates with his teammates his goal against the Montreal Canadiens during the second period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

New Jersey goaltender Jacob Markstrom posted his first shutout of the season as the visiting Devils beat the Montreal Canadiens 3-0 on Sunday to snap the hosts’ eight-game winning streak.

Timo Meier, Cody Glass and Connor Brown scored for the Devils (40-34-3, 83 points) to keep their razor-thin playoff hopes alive.

Markstrom made 18 saves to record the 25th shutout of his career, including a pair or highlight-reel stops that prevented dynamic Montreal forward Cole Caufield from reaching the 50-goal mark.

The Devils are seven points outside a playoff spot with five games remaining, and exacted a hint of revenge after losing a 4-3 shootout game to Montreal on Saturday.

New Jersey has won 11 straight games in Montreal, a streak that started April 1, 2018.

Canadiens No. 3 goalie Jacob Fowler stopped 17 shots in the loss.


Montreal (45-22-10, 100 points) punched a ticket to the playoffs before the puck dropped, but fell to the third spot in the Atlantic Division.

The Canadiens are tied with Buffalo — two points back of the Tampa Bay Lightning — but the Sabres own the tiebreaker with more regulation-time wins. Tampa Bay has six games remaining, while Montreal and Buffalo have five in the chase for the division title.

On a quest to avenge losing the night before, the Devils came out strong and were rewarded when Meier opened the scoring 47 seconds past the midway point of the opening frame. Jack Hughes weaved around the zone before firing a shot on net, and Meier was on the spot to slide home the loose puck.

Glass doubled the lead late in the second period when he hit the jets while on a two-on-two rush, gained a step past defender Michael Matheson and slipped a wrist shot home at 18:12 of the middle frame.

Brown added an empty-net goal with 3:25 remaining in regulation time.

The Canadiens had plenty of scoring chances, especially during four fruitless power plays

With a pair of assists, Devils forward Jack Hughes has collected 35 points (13 goals, 22 assists) in 20 games following the Olympic break.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Jakob #Markstrom #blanks #Canadiens #Devils #playoff #hopes #alive

Apr 5, 2026; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; New Jersey Devils center Cody Glass (12) celebrates with his teammates his goal against the Montreal Canadiens during the second period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

New Jersey goaltender Jacob Markstrom posted his first shutout of the season as the visiting Devils beat the Montreal Canadiens 3-0 on Sunday to snap the hosts’ eight-game winning streak.

Timo Meier, Cody Glass and Connor Brown scored for the Devils (40-34-3, 83 points) to keep their razor-thin playoff hopes alive.

Markstrom made 18 saves to record the 25th shutout of his career, including a pair or highlight-reel stops that prevented dynamic Montreal forward Cole Caufield from reaching the 50-goal mark.

The Devils are seven points outside a playoff spot with five games remaining, and exacted a hint of revenge after losing a 4-3 shootout game to Montreal on Saturday.

New Jersey has won 11 straight games in Montreal, a streak that started April 1, 2018.

Canadiens No. 3 goalie Jacob Fowler stopped 17 shots in the loss.

Montreal (45-22-10, 100 points) punched a ticket to the playoffs before the puck dropped, but fell to the third spot in the Atlantic Division.

The Canadiens are tied with Buffalo — two points back of the Tampa Bay Lightning — but the Sabres own the tiebreaker with more regulation-time wins. Tampa Bay has six games remaining, while Montreal and Buffalo have five in the chase for the division title.

On a quest to avenge losing the night before, the Devils came out strong and were rewarded when Meier opened the scoring 47 seconds past the midway point of the opening frame. Jack Hughes weaved around the zone before firing a shot on net, and Meier was on the spot to slide home the loose puck.

Glass doubled the lead late in the second period when he hit the jets while on a two-on-two rush, gained a step past defender Michael Matheson and slipped a wrist shot home at 18:12 of the middle frame.

Brown added an empty-net goal with 3:25 remaining in regulation time.

The Canadiens had plenty of scoring chances, especially during four fruitless power plays

With a pair of assists, Devils forward Jack Hughes has collected 35 points (13 goals, 22 assists) in 20 games following the Olympic break.

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Jakob #Markstrom #blanks #Canadiens #Devils #playoff #hopes #alive

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SRH vs LSG IPL 2026: Shami’s economical spell, Pant 50 helps Lucknow Super Giants pip Sunrisers Hyderabad <div id="content-body-70826836" itemprop="articleBody"><p>A side already backed into a corner by injury and form was pinned to the wall a bit more by a man with a point to prove. </p><p>Age had bent Mohammed Shami’s back, not his spirit. He arrived at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Sunday with the jersey changed, but the fire burning just as bright. And he struck, not with the fury of youth, but the precision of a legend to set up an eventual five-wicket win for the Lucknow Super Giants. </p><p>Sunrisers Hyderabad had engraved its orange-hued initials into the PowerPlay with outlandish scoring patterns, but Shami decided to bring the ‘Travishek’ party to a screeching halt. The veteran cleverly mixed his variations to dismiss Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head, both undone by the lack of pace. </p><p>If Rishabh Pant’s call to bowl first drew roaring approval from the partisan home crowd, even as pundits were sceptical, it took twenty minutes for that decision to look inspired as that early excitement gave way to stunned silence around the stadium.</p><p>Ishan Kishan had barely found his footing when Prince Yadav shattered his off stump, sending the home side’s top three back to the pavilion for their lowest combined total in IPL history. The collapse deepened just beyond the PowerPlay as Liam Livingstone fell, with Pant’s exquisite anticipation cutting short the Englishman’s bid to rebuild the innings.</p><p><b>ALSO READ:</b><b><a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/ipl/kkr-vs-pbks-ipl-2026-match-preview-kolkata-knight-riders-punjab-kings-news/article70826756.ece" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">KKR vs PBKS, IPL 2026: Kolkata Knight Riders hopes to get its act together against Punjab Kings</a></b></p><p>At 35 for four, its lowest score at the halfway mark, SRH looked completely adrift, with the Orange Army desperate for a moment of relief. Even a ball trickling past the 30-yard circle was enough to spark applause.</p><p>That relief finally arrived in emphatic fashion. Nitish Kumar Reddy and Heinrich Klaasen stitched together a breathtaking counterattack, producing SRH’s best partnership for the fifth wicket or lower.</p><p>The duo added 79 runs in just 30 balls, as they both raced to half centuries. For the first time in the game, the Super Giants appeared rattled. Shami watched from the dugout. </p><p>While the host ambitiously targeted a score in the 180s to give itself a chance in this contest, Manimaran Siddharth put the brakes on the 116-run stand when Nitish’s swing failed to clear Prince at deep extra cover. Klaasen followed three balls later, his attempted scoop ending in a diving Pant’s gloves. With their departures, the momentum drained away, and LSG quickly regained control to restrict SRH to 156.</p><p>The Super Giants turned to the tried-and-tested pair of Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh to marshal the chase, and Markram quickly provided evidence of his reputation at the top of the order, plundering 17 runs off Nitish’s opening over with crisp, authoritative strokeplay.</p><p>Eshan Malinga’s dismissal of Marsh was the lone bright spot for Sunrisers during the PowerPlay, which ended with Markram emphatically sending a short ball over fine leg. By the time he was undone by Shivang’s wrong’un in the tenth over, LSG was halfway to victory.</p><p>A struggling SRH bowling lineup persevered, triggering a brief wobble as it claimed Ayush Badoni and Nicholas Pooran’s wickets in quick succession. But Pant remained unfazed, as the game dragged right down to the wire. His measured, unbeaten half-century braved all the late twists, taking LSG home with a boundary aimed at his dugout with just a ball to spare. </p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 05, 2026</p></div> #SRH #LSG #IPL #Shamis #economical #spell #Pant #helps #Lucknow #Super #Giants #pip #Sunrisers #Hyderabad

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IPL 2026: We will see Green bowling soon, KKR’s Southee ahead of PBKS clash <div id="content-body-70827074" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) has been in constant touch with Cricket Australia to determine when Cameron Green will be cleared to resume bowling duties in the Indian Premier League. The all-rounder, returning from injury, has been gradually building his workload under supervision, with the franchise keen to ensure his comeback is managed carefully.</p><p>“Cameron has been bowling well, tracking his rehab and working towards being ready to bowl in games. We are in regular contact with Cricket Australia, and I’m sure we’ll see him bowling soon,” said KKR bowling coach Tim Southee.</p><p>Green has spent considerable time bowling at the nets over the past few days, but the team management is wary of rushing him back prematurely. “You can’t suddenly expect him to bowl in a game. That’s why he has been putting in the work at the nets to build match fitness,” Southee added.</p><p><b>READ</b> | <b><a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/ipl/kkr-vs-pbks-ipl-2026-match-preview-kolkata-knight-riders-punjab-kings-news/article70826756.ece" target="_blank">Kolkata Knight Riders hopes to get its act together against Punjab Kings</a></b></p><p>With KKR looking to bolster its pace resources, clarity on Green’s availability as a full-fledged all-round option could be crucial in shaping the team’s balance in the coming matches.</p><p><b>Shah Rukh in attendance for KKR</b></p><p>Having lost its first two games, KKR will hope for a turnaround against Punjab Kings at Eden Gardens on Monday. In a boost for the side, franchise owner and Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan is expected to be in attendance. His absence during the previous home game against Sunrisers Hyderabad had sparked speculation, and his presence on Monday is likely to lift morale as the team looks to regain early-season momentum.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 05, 2026</p></div> #IPL #Green #bowling #KKRs #Southee #ahead #PBKS #clash

The Indian women’s boxing contingent continued its impressive showing at the Asian Boxing Championships 2026, with Minakshi Hooda and Jaismine Lamboria storming to unanimous victories in their respective last-eight bouts. In the men’s competition, triumphs for Lokesh, Akash, and Harsh Choudhary confirmed berths in the semifinals.

In the women’s 48kg category, Minakshi produced a composed and commanding display to defeat Japan’s Yuka Sadamatsu by a unanimous 5-0 decision, controlling the bout with sharp combinations and ring awareness. Jaismine matched that intensity in the 57kg division, outclassing China’s Ziyi Chen with an equally dominant 5-0 verdict to book her place in the semifinals.

Minakshi will meet Thailand’s Thipsatcha Yodwaree, while Jaismine will face Uzbek Olympian Nigina Uktamova.

In the men’s section, Lokesh (85kg) booked his place in the next round with a 5-0 win over Korea’s Gichae Kim, showcasing control and precision throughout the bout. Akash followed with a dominant 5-0 victory against Turkmenistan’s Yhlas Bagtyyarov, while Harsh Choudhary delivered a strong performance to overcome Kyrgyz Republic’s Tynystan Alybaev and move into the semifinals.

Akash, Lokesh and Harsh will take on Javokhir Abdurakhimov, Jasurbek Yuldoshev and Parviz Karimov respectively.

India now has six boxers in the men’s semifinals, underlining a solid all-round showing across categories. Ankush (80kg), however, bowed out after a loss to Jordan’s Hussein Iashaish.

Results (quarterfinals)

Men: 75kg: Akash bt Yhlas Bagtyyarov (Tkm) 5-0; 80kg: Hussein Iashaish (Jor) bt Ankush 5-0; 85kg: Lokesh bt Kim Gichae (Kor) 5-0; 90kg: Harsh Choudhary bt Tynystan Alybaev (Kgz) 5-0.

Women: 48kg: Minakshi Hooda bt Yuka Sadamatsu (Jpn) 5-0; 57kg: Jaismine Lamboria bt Ziyi Chen (Chn) 5-0.

Published on Apr 05, 2026

#Asian #Boxing #Championships #Meenakshi #Jaismine #reach #semifinals">Asian Boxing Championships 2026: Meenakshi, Jaismine reach semifinals  The Indian women’s boxing contingent continued its impressive showing at the Asian Boxing Championships 2026, with Minakshi Hooda and Jaismine Lamboria storming to unanimous victories in their respective last-eight bouts. In the men’s competition, triumphs for Lokesh, Akash, and Harsh Choudhary confirmed berths in the semifinals.In the women’s 48kg category, Minakshi produced a composed and commanding display to defeat Japan’s Yuka Sadamatsu by a unanimous 5-0 decision, controlling the bout with sharp combinations and ring awareness. Jaismine matched that intensity in the 57kg division, outclassing China’s Ziyi Chen with an equally dominant 5-0 verdict to book her place in the semifinals.Minakshi will meet Thailand’s Thipsatcha Yodwaree, while Jaismine will face Uzbek Olympian Nigina Uktamova.In the men’s section, Lokesh (85kg) booked his place in the next round with a 5-0 win over Korea’s Gichae Kim, showcasing control and precision throughout the bout. Akash followed with a dominant 5-0 victory against Turkmenistan’s Yhlas Bagtyyarov, while Harsh Choudhary delivered a strong performance to overcome Kyrgyz Republic’s Tynystan Alybaev and move into the semifinals.Akash, Lokesh and Harsh will take on Javokhir Abdurakhimov, Jasurbek Yuldoshev and Parviz Karimov respectively.India now has six boxers in the men’s semifinals, underlining a solid all-round showing across categories. Ankush (80kg), however, bowed out after a loss to Jordan’s Hussein Iashaish.
Results (quarterfinals)

Men: 75kg: Akash bt Yhlas Bagtyyarov (Tkm) 5-0; 80kg: Hussein Iashaish (Jor) bt Ankush 5-0; 85kg: Lokesh bt Kim Gichae (Kor) 5-0; 90kg: Harsh Choudhary bt Tynystan Alybaev (Kgz) 5-0.

Women: 48kg: Minakshi Hooda bt Yuka Sadamatsu (Jpn) 5-0; 57kg: Jaismine Lamboria bt Ziyi Chen (Chn) 5-0.
Published on Apr 05, 2026  #Asian #Boxing #Championships #Meenakshi #Jaismine #reach #semifinals

Deadspin | Rays ready for return to Tropicana Field in home opener vs. Cubs   Mar 31, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Shane McClanahan (18) delivers a pitch against the Milwaukee Brewers in the first inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images   For the Tampa Bay Rays, Monday afternoon’s home opener against the Chicago Cubs will be “Dome sweet home.”  The Rays open a six-game homestand this week, and the buzz around the bay is all about returning to the ballpark the club has called home for its entire existence except for last season.  All of that was because of Hurricane Milton, which ravaged Tropicana Field on Oct. 9, 2024 — 18 1/2 months ago.  However, the renovations are completed, including a new roof last August, and the contest already is a sellout as regular-season baseball comes back to St. Petersburg.  “I briefly walked through there, couldn’t be more impressed with the way it looks, and excited to see our fans,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said about coming home. “I think our guys are going to appreciate just having our fans in the building, cheering us on for our opening day.”  Reliever Griffin Jax joined the team last July and said playing across the bay in Tampa at the spring training home of the Yankees was not the best experience.  “It was difficult,” Jax said about playing at Steinbrenner Field. “I don’t think anybody expects to play in a situation like that. … The situation isn’t great. The environment wasn’t awesome, but it’s still baseball. You just have to roll with it.  “It’ll be cool to see all the new renovations and upgrades they made along the way. … It’ll be good to be back in our home.”  The Rays, who return home having won two of three at the Minnesota Twins, will start Shane McClanahan (0-1, 3.86 ERA), who lost against the Milwaukee Brewers in a 4 2/3-inning start. The lefty is 0-1 with a 2.31 ERA in two career starts against the Cubs.  Perhaps a little weary, Chicago arrives as the first opponent in the refurbished stadium after a long weekend in Cleveland that concluded with Sunday’s doubleheader against the Guardians following Saturday’s rainout.   In the opener, Edward Cabrera and three relievers blanked Cleveland on one hit in a 1-0 win.  In the nightcap, Dansby Swanson, Matt Shaw and Ian Happ all homered, but the Guardians rallied from a 3-0 deficit in a 6-5 split of the twin-bill.  Cubs manager Craig Counsell had an update on Seiya Suzuki, who injured his right knee in the World Baseball Classic.  “He’ll stay on rehab and play in Knoxville on Tuesday and Wednesday then rejoin us on Friday in Chicago,” said Counsell of Suzuki, who went 1-for-2 with a run and a walk playing right field Sunday for the Knoxville Smokies.  There has been a little concern on the North Side staff’s behalf regarding the health of Monday’s starter Jameson Taillon (0-0, 0.00), who tossed four innings and received no decision after his scoreless start Tuesday in a 2-0 home loss against the Los Angeles Angels.  The right-hander, who was born in Lakeland, Fla., an hour from the Rays’ domed park, had a terrible spring and has been noticeably lacking velocity.  “Hopefully as the weather warms up and we keep working, (velocity will) come,” said Taillon, 34. “But I just needed to get back to executing and finding a way to get big-league hitters out.”  Against Tampa Bay, Taillon is 3-2 with a 2.21 ERA in seven starts.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Rays #ready #return #Tropicana #Field #home #opener #CubsMar 31, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Shane McClanahan (18) delivers a pitch against the Milwaukee Brewers in the first inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

For the Tampa Bay Rays, Monday afternoon’s home opener against the Chicago Cubs will be “Dome sweet home.”

The Rays open a six-game homestand this week, and the buzz around the bay is all about returning to the ballpark the club has called home for its entire existence except for last season.

All of that was because of Hurricane Milton, which ravaged Tropicana Field on Oct. 9, 2024 — 18 1/2 months ago.

However, the renovations are completed, including a new roof last August, and the contest already is a sellout as regular-season baseball comes back to St. Petersburg.

“I briefly walked through there, couldn’t be more impressed with the way it looks, and excited to see our fans,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said about coming home. “I think our guys are going to appreciate just having our fans in the building, cheering us on for our opening day.”

Reliever Griffin Jax joined the team last July and said playing across the bay in Tampa at the spring training home of the Yankees was not the best experience.

“It was difficult,” Jax said about playing at Steinbrenner Field. “I don’t think anybody expects to play in a situation like that. … The situation isn’t great. The environment wasn’t awesome, but it’s still baseball. You just have to roll with it.

“It’ll be cool to see all the new renovations and upgrades they made along the way. … It’ll be good to be back in our home.”

The Rays, who return home having won two of three at the Minnesota Twins, will start Shane McClanahan (0-1, 3.86 ERA), who lost against the Milwaukee Brewers in a 4 2/3-inning start. The lefty is 0-1 with a 2.31 ERA in two career starts against the Cubs.


Perhaps a little weary, Chicago arrives as the first opponent in the refurbished stadium after a long weekend in Cleveland that concluded with Sunday’s doubleheader against the Guardians following Saturday’s rainout.

In the opener, Edward Cabrera and three relievers blanked Cleveland on one hit in a 1-0 win.

In the nightcap, Dansby Swanson, Matt Shaw and Ian Happ all homered, but the Guardians rallied from a 3-0 deficit in a 6-5 split of the twin-bill.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell had an update on Seiya Suzuki, who injured his right knee in the World Baseball Classic.

“He’ll stay on rehab and play in Knoxville on Tuesday and Wednesday then rejoin us on Friday in Chicago,” said Counsell of Suzuki, who went 1-for-2 with a run and a walk playing right field Sunday for the Knoxville Smokies.

There has been a little concern on the North Side staff’s behalf regarding the health of Monday’s starter Jameson Taillon (0-0, 0.00), who tossed four innings and received no decision after his scoreless start Tuesday in a 2-0 home loss against the Los Angeles Angels.

The right-hander, who was born in Lakeland, Fla., an hour from the Rays’ domed park, had a terrible spring and has been noticeably lacking velocity.

“Hopefully as the weather warms up and we keep working, (velocity will) come,” said Taillon, 34. “But I just needed to get back to executing and finding a way to get big-league hitters out.”

Against Tampa Bay, Taillon is 3-2 with a 2.21 ERA in seven starts.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Rays #ready #return #Tropicana #Field #home #opener #Cubs">Deadspin | Rays ready for return to Tropicana Field in home opener vs. Cubs   Mar 31, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Shane McClanahan (18) delivers a pitch against the Milwaukee Brewers in the first inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images   For the Tampa Bay Rays, Monday afternoon’s home opener against the Chicago Cubs will be “Dome sweet home.”  The Rays open a six-game homestand this week, and the buzz around the bay is all about returning to the ballpark the club has called home for its entire existence except for last season.  All of that was because of Hurricane Milton, which ravaged Tropicana Field on Oct. 9, 2024 — 18 1/2 months ago.  However, the renovations are completed, including a new roof last August, and the contest already is a sellout as regular-season baseball comes back to St. Petersburg.  “I briefly walked through there, couldn’t be more impressed with the way it looks, and excited to see our fans,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said about coming home. “I think our guys are going to appreciate just having our fans in the building, cheering us on for our opening day.”  Reliever Griffin Jax joined the team last July and said playing across the bay in Tampa at the spring training home of the Yankees was not the best experience.  “It was difficult,” Jax said about playing at Steinbrenner Field. “I don’t think anybody expects to play in a situation like that. … The situation isn’t great. The environment wasn’t awesome, but it’s still baseball. You just have to roll with it.  “It’ll be cool to see all the new renovations and upgrades they made along the way. … It’ll be good to be back in our home.”  The Rays, who return home having won two of three at the Minnesota Twins, will start Shane McClanahan (0-1, 3.86 ERA), who lost against the Milwaukee Brewers in a 4 2/3-inning start. The lefty is 0-1 with a 2.31 ERA in two career starts against the Cubs.  Perhaps a little weary, Chicago arrives as the first opponent in the refurbished stadium after a long weekend in Cleveland that concluded with Sunday’s doubleheader against the Guardians following Saturday’s rainout.   In the opener, Edward Cabrera and three relievers blanked Cleveland on one hit in a 1-0 win.  In the nightcap, Dansby Swanson, Matt Shaw and Ian Happ all homered, but the Guardians rallied from a 3-0 deficit in a 6-5 split of the twin-bill.  Cubs manager Craig Counsell had an update on Seiya Suzuki, who injured his right knee in the World Baseball Classic.  “He’ll stay on rehab and play in Knoxville on Tuesday and Wednesday then rejoin us on Friday in Chicago,” said Counsell of Suzuki, who went 1-for-2 with a run and a walk playing right field Sunday for the Knoxville Smokies.  There has been a little concern on the North Side staff’s behalf regarding the health of Monday’s starter Jameson Taillon (0-0, 0.00), who tossed four innings and received no decision after his scoreless start Tuesday in a 2-0 home loss against the Los Angeles Angels.  The right-hander, who was born in Lakeland, Fla., an hour from the Rays’ domed park, had a terrible spring and has been noticeably lacking velocity.  “Hopefully as the weather warms up and we keep working, (velocity will) come,” said Taillon, 34. “But I just needed to get back to executing and finding a way to get big-league hitters out.”  Against Tampa Bay, Taillon is 3-2 with a 2.21 ERA in seven starts.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Rays #ready #return #Tropicana #Field #home #opener #Cubs

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