NL West Preview: Everyone is still chasing the Dodgers

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) – Dave Roberts spent much of spring training thinking about how to manage the health of his two-time defending World Series champion Dodgers so they can play for the long haul once again.

AL East Preview: Yankees and Blue Jays eye more after recent AL pennants

The AL East hasn’t produced a World Series champion since 2018, equaling the longest drought in the history of this powerful division.

MLB partners with Polymarket, makes integrity pact on prediction markets

Major League Baseball is entering an official partnership with Polymarket and has an agreement with the federal commission overseeing prediction markets to collaborate on integrity concerns.

Lakers' LeBron James is questionable against Heat

MIAMI (AP) – LeBron James was listed as questionable for the Los Angeles Lakers ‘ game in Miami on Thursday, meaning Robert Parish might keep outright possession of the NBA’s all-time games played record for a couple more days.

Mark Pope sidesteps Yaxel Lendeborg offer talk

ST. LOUIS (AP) – Kentucky coach Mark Pope spent the eve of the Wildcats’ first-round NCAA Tournament game against Santa Clara on Thursday dancing around whether Michigan All-American Yaxel Lendeborg had turned down a lucrative offer to play for him, and blasted the media for contributing to what he called a “circus” surrounding his program.

Cal Raleigh and Mariners look to defend their first division title since 2001

Cal Raleigh and the Seattle Mariners switched things up in the American League West last season, and got as close as they ever have to making a World Series.

Iowa State eyes long-awaited Final Four return as a No. 2 seed

ST. LOUIS (AP) – T.J. Otzelberger has taken Iowa State to five straight NCAA Tournaments, and the Cyclones have produced their share of stars over the years, whether it be Monte Morris and Tyrese Haliburton in the past or Tamin Lipsey and Joshua Jefferson this season.

Senegal and Morocco's dispute over Africa Cup title extends beyond sports

DAKAR, Senegal (AP) – Morocco being awarded the Africa Cup of Nations title after governing body judges overturned Senegal’s victory two months after the chaotic final stunned soccer fans worldwide.

Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews has surgery on left knee

TORONTO (AP) – Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews had surgery Thursday in New York to repair the torn medial collateral ligament in his left knee.