MLB
Chicago Cubs president Jed Hoyer is very confident the club will reach a contract extension with first baseman Anthony Rizzo. Hoyer said he wants Rizzo to be playing first base for the Cubs for a long time. Questions were raised about Rizzo’s future in Chicago after he stated earlier this week that he is at peace with his contract situation. The three-time All Star also reiterated his deadline for a deal was Opening Day.
The Washington Nationals are facing a COVID-19 challenge and will be without five players for tonight’s season opener against the New York Mets. A player tested positive and will be forced to quarantine for 10 days by MLB protocol. Four other players and a staff member are quarantining for close contact. Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo did not identify any of the six.
As the New York Mets get ready to open the season, they are locking up new star shortstop Francisco Lindor long-term. ESPN reports the four-time All-Star has agreed to a 10-year, 341-million-dollar contract to remain in New York. Lindor was acquired in a trade with the Indians in January.
NBA
Ja Morant had 36 points, but the Memphis Grizzlies lost for the third straight time to the Utah Jazz last night 111-107. Memphis welcomes the Minnesota Timberwolves tomorrow night.
NHL
The Nashville Predators will try to extend their winning streak to seven tonight when they host the Dallas Stars. The Preds have won eight of their last nine and sit fourth in the Central Division. First puck drops at 7 in Bridgestone Arena.
NFL
Daniel Snyder’s family is now the sole owner of the Washington Football Team. ESPN reports league owners have approved Snyder’s buyout of three minority owners totaling 40.5-percent of the franchise. His mother and sister also own portions, but the family now has 100-percent control for the first time since Snyder bought the team in 1999.
Golf
Princeton’s Emma Talley is in the field for the ANA Inspiration, this week’s LPGA Tour stop in Rancho Mirage, CA.
The PGA Tour’s final stop before next week’s Masters is at the Valero Texas Open. Nashville’s Brandt Snedeker and Kentuckian JB Holmes are in the field.