PHOENIX –– The most boring camp in baseball is over.

On Saturday, the Dodgers packed up their Camelback Ranch clubhouse into cardboard boxes, portable storage crates and moving vans bound for Los Angeles, departing Arizona after six largely unremarkable weeks of spring training.

“It’s been a quiet camp,” manager Dave Roberts quipped Friday. “Some people would say that it’s been a boring camp –– which I think has been good for us.”

Indeed, the Dodgers return home in about as strong a shape as they could have possibly hoped ahead of their World Series three-peat bid.

They encountered only one unexpected injury this spring, when Gavin Stone suffered a setback in his surgically repaired shoulder. They got all five of their World Baseball Classic participants back from the tournament unscathed. They have only one roster spot left up for grabs, with Hyeseong Kim and Alex Freeland waiting to learn who earned the final bench spot to begin the season.

Most importantly, the team largely played well, too, posting a Cactus League-best 19-8-1 record after a 5-5 tie against the Athletics on Saturday.

However, some lingering questions remain ahead of Opening Day on Thursday. Even six long weeks of spring haven’t brought total clarity to the state of the team yet.

Here are the three most pressing, as the regular season nears:

Rotation depth

The top of the Dodgers’ rotation looks dominant. Yoshinobu Yamamoto will start on Opening Day after an impressive WBC showing. Tyler Glasnow became a spring standout with his improved mentality and delivery. Even Shohei Ohtani has seemed to handle his rushed pitching build-up following the WBC well. Add in the progress Blake Snell made this spring in his return from offseason shoulder problems –– putting him on track to return within the first couple months of the season –– and the Dodgers might have four potential aces before long.

The team’s rotation depth, however, is a potential red flag. Roki Sasaki’s spring training struggles were well-documented. Emmet Sheehan quietly struggled for much of camp, as well, finishing the spring with a 5.91 ERA after a 4 ⅔-inning, four-run, five-strikeout start Saturday.

For now, they will likely be the Nos. 4 and 5 arms in the rotation, with swingman Justin Wrobleski capable of piggybacking with them or being a spot sixth starter when needed (the Dodgers can get away with a five-man rotation for the first couple weeks of the season thanks to an abundance of off-days). 

After them, there are question marks, with Stone out injured, River Ryan being eased into the season in his return from Tommy John, and Cole Irvin and Landon Knack being the next best organizational alternatives.

Last year, the Dodgers’ inability to get length from their starters incurred season-long costs on the bullpen. And until Sasaki, Sheehan or someone else beyond them can show consistent efficiency, the risk of overburdening the bullpen with repeatedly short starts will be a concern.

No matter how good the team’s top arms look.

Right-handed relief

The Dodgers now boast one of the best right-handed relievers in baseball in new closer Edwin Díaz. How they get to him in the ninth inning, though, is something of a question.

While Alex Vesia, Jack Dreyer and a seemingly improved Tanner Scott provide plenty of left-handed weapons, the Dodgers’ righty middle relievers did not inspire much confidence this spring.

Blake Treinen was the biggest concern, allowing seven hits, seven walks and six runs over his final five Cactus League outings. Youngster Ben Casparius and Edgardo Henriquez also battled command issues.

Outside of Kyle Hurt, who had a strong camp but like Ryan was optioned as he returns from Tommy John, the most consistent right-handed reliever this spring might’ve been Will Klein, who followed up his heroics in last year’s World Series by allowing just one earned run and one walk in nine spring appearances while striking out nine batters.

Still though, Klein has just 22 career MLB appearances and was a journeyman before last year. 

Thus, while the ninth inning might no longer be of concern for the team, building a bridge there –– especially against right-handed-heavy portions of opposing lineups –– could be a challenge barring some rapid individual improvements.

Staying healthy

The Dodgers might have gotten through this spring healthy. But staying that way will nonetheless be a task.

Their rotation still has to manage the heavy mileage they took on in last year’s playoffs. The lineup is full of 30-somethings who are coming off two consecutive grueling Octobers.

That’s why, in this year’s camp, the Dodgers were cautious with playing time, slowing the progressions of virtually everyone except Teoscar Hernández and Andy Pages. Once the regular season begins, they will no longer have that luxury. And whether they can keep everyone healthy over another 162-game marathon could be the defining question of their entire season.

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Seb Gatto’s blocker save on Cole Davis of the Windsor Spitfires sealed a 3-2 shootout victory for the London Knights on Friday at Canada Life Place.

Gatto made 40 saves through 65 minutes of regulation and overtime and three more in the shootout. And all of them allowed London to hang on to fourth place in the Western Conference standings, one point ahead of Sault Ste. Marie, who defeated the Saginaw Spirit 5-1.

Both the Knights and Greyhounds have one game remaining in the regular season.

London needs one point in Flint on Saturday to clinch home ice advantage against Sault Ste. Marie in their first round series.

The first goal of Friday’s game did not happen until the second period but it was worth the wait.

Jaxon Cover and Kaeden Hawkins combined on a three-way passing play to find Maks Sokolovskii  in the slot, and Sokolovskii scored his second career OHL goal and his second goal in three games.

Both of Solokolvskii’s goals have come on Windsor goalie Joey Costanzo.

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The Knights went ahead 2-0 at the 12;59 mark in the second on a wild rush by Will Nicholl as the Edmonton Oilers prospect sped through centre ice, cut wide to the right and then went hard to the net. Nicholl’s first try was denied by Costanzo but it produced a scrum in front of the Spitfires crease. Nicholl found the puck and whacked it home for his 14th goal of the season.

Windsor cut into that lead on a power play goal by Jack Nesbitt that came with 1:34 remaining in the middle period and the teams went into the final 20 minutes with London ahead 2-1.

As the time ticked down under two minutes, the Spitfires pulled Costanzo and got a bounce as a Liam Greentree pass hit a stick and came right back to him. The New York Rangers prospect tied the game with 1:29 to go.

Windsor recorded all three shots in overtime play, but Gatto turned them all aside. The ensuing shootout went five rounds, with Jaxon Cover scoring to put the Knights in front. Gatto made the final save.

The Spitfires outshot London 42-28.

The Knights were 0-for-1 on the power play.

Windsor went 1-for-2 on the man advantage.

Playoff series nearly set

Heading into the final two days of the OHL’s regular season, every series is set in the Eastern Conference. The series between the London Knights and the Soo Greyhounds is the only matchup has been cemented in the Western Conference.

In the East, Brantford will go up against Sudbury, Niagara will take on Barrie, the Ottawa 67’s will face Kingston, and North Bay and Peterborough will go head to head in the 4-5 matchup.

Up next

London will finish their regular season schedule in Flint, Mich., on Saturday, March 21.

The Knights are 1-2 against the Firebirds this year.

Game coverage Saturday will start at 6:30 p.m., on 980 CFPL, and on the iHeart Radio and Radioplayer Canada apps.

&copy 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

PHILADELPHIA – Jack Seidler watched the Tom Cruise movie “Jerry Maguire” growing up but had special incentive to rewatch it recently.

It might as well be him.

The UCLA walk-on guard has already earned that nickname from coach Mick Cronin because of his ambitions to become the latest Bruin basketball player-turned-sports agent.

If Seidler follows through on his plans, he’ll join a distinguished list that includes Bob Myers, Toby Bailey and Todd Ramasar. Myers went on to become general manager of the Golden State Warriors and has served on UCLA coaching search committees that landed Cronin and new football coach Bob Chesney.

“Just the network that has come through UCLA in that department is really unreal,” Seidler told the California Post on Friday night after UCLA’s 75-71 victory over Central Florida in the NCAA Tournament, “so I definitely plan to use that to the best of my ability.”

The agent route is one that makes sense for a senior who wants to stay in the game once his playing days end. A fan favorite over his four seasons, Seidler only appears at the end of blowout victories, usually after chants of “We want Jack!” from students inside Pauley Pavilion.

For his career, Seidler has appeared in 13 games, scoring one basket in each of the last two seasons. He might go down in crosstown rivalry lore for getting tangled up with USC’s Ezra Ausar near the end of the Bruins’ blowout victory over the Trojans earlier this month, the players earning offsetting Flagrant 1 fouls.

That sort of behavior is uncommon for someone who is the helpful type.

When UCLA teammate Skyy Clark dove on the court for a loose ball and took an inadvertent elbow to the mouth late in the game against UCF, chipping a tooth, Seidler left the bench to find the broken piece.

“20/20 vision,” Seidler joked afterward of being able to locate the tooth. “I ate my carrots.”

Seidler isn’t exactly sure of what comes next besides his devotion to a team that he hopes has a few weeks left in its season. Getting certified and joining a sports agency can wait a little longer.

“Just trying to finish out the season with a banner,” Seidler said, “and then we’ll go from there.”

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CALGARY – Kerri Einarson’s curling team was playoff sharp in a 6-5 win over Japan to reach the women’s world curling championship semifinals.

Canada capped pool play Friday with a 10-2 record behind Switzerland at 11-1 atop the standings.

The two countries earned direct entry into Saturday evening’s semifinals.

Japan will face Turkey, and Sweden takes on South Korea in playoff games earlier Saturday.

The winners join the Canadians and the Swiss in the final four. The medal games are Sunday.

Einarson, third Val Sweeting, second Shannon Birchard and lead Karlee Burgess out of Manitoba’s Gimli Curling Club prevailed Friday evening over a tough Satsuki Fujisawa side that was the Olympic silver medallist in 2022.

Sweeting’s shooting percentage was 99 per cent, Birchard 93 and Burgess 97.

Einarson executed big-weight hits for multi-point ends. The skip was assisted by smart line calling by her vice Sweeting and brushing by her front end.

Einarson’s last throw through a tight port for a double takeout in the eighth end scored two points for a 6-3 lead.

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Einarson’s triple takeout in the sixth also scored a deuce. Her wide double hit in the third held Japan to one.

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“We definitely upped it this game,” Einarson said. “We knew we had to. Japan’s a wonderful team.

“Right from lead to skip, we played really well and put a lot of pressure on them. Very good rock placement. We had a couple that slid a little deep but we definitely didn’t get any full misses. We got something out of every shot and I think that’s key.”

The Canadians recovered from an extra-end loss to Norway the previous evening to thump Australia 11-2 in the afternoon.

Despite a tight duel with Japan, Einarson was able to appreciate the lively support her team heard from a full house at Calgary’s WinSport Event Centre.

“It’s so loud,” she said. “I love it.”

Einarson’s last world championship in the building in 2021, which was also her first, was played without fans and under COVID-19 restrictions.

Canada meets the winner of Saturday’s playoff game between Japan (9-3) and Turkey (7-5), so Fujisawa will be aiming for a rematch with Canada.

The Swiss await the victor between Sweden and South Korea (8-4).

Einarson and company seek their first women’s world curling crown after Canada’s Rachel Homan won back-to-back titles in 2024 and 2025.

After three games below 80 per cent in the midsection of the tournament, Sweeting’s 99 was a tournament high at third. Her Japanese counterpart Tori Koana shot 75 per cent.

“I felt kind of close all week and just wasn’t always getting them, but I thought that we did a good job of figuring them out and managing them well and just tried to keep throwing them close,” Sweeting said.

“It was nice to get those results and make those shots when the team needed them.”

After eight games in four days — including three straight days of playing “splits” in morning and night draws — Einarson welcomed a shorter road to the semifinals.

“It’s a relief. It feels quite nice actually,” she said. “It’s still like sudden death and we still have a job to do. We’re definitely excited and ready for it.”

Einarson, Sweeting and Birchard were bronze medallists in the 2022 and 2023 world championships with lead Briane Harris.

Ranked third in pool play both years, Einarson took the longer route to the semifinals.

They won their first Canadian championship in 2020, but the world championship was cancelled that year because of the pandemic.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 20, 2026.

&copy 2026 The Canadian Press

MONTREAL – Rodger Brulotte, a beloved voice of baseball in Quebec, has died. He was 79.

Known for his signature home-run call “Bonsoir, elle est partie!” — which translates to “Good evening, it’s gone!” — Brulotte was a renowned broadcaster and columnist who could still be heard calling MLB games in French last summer on TVA Sports.

The Montreal-born Brulotte underwent surgery last September to remove a cancerous tumour from his back, but the disease returned in recent months.

He began working for the Montreal Expos as a scout in 1969 and later helped create the mascot “Youppi!” as a member of the club’s public relations and marketing staff.

The charismatic Brulotte went on to enjoy a long media career in radio and television, calling Expos and MLB games on CKAC — alongside legendary play-by-play announcer Jacques Doucet — as well as RDS and TVA Sports. He also wrote columns for the Journal de Montréal over the years.

“Rodger’s authenticity and kindness made him a beloved figure in the hearts of Quebecers,” said Québecor president and CEO Pierre Karl Péladeau in a statement. “He brought passion to his work and a rare ability to connect with people. Rodger helped shape the Journal de Montréal’s identity. He was — and always will be — one of its most iconic voices.

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“It was a privilege to be able to count on him during all these years — as a respected columnist for the Journal, a gifted broadcaster on TVA Sports, and above all a friend. On behalf of everyone at Quebecor, I extend our deepest sympathies to his wife Pascale Vallée and to all his loved ones and colleagues. He will be profoundly missed.”

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Brulotte joined TVA Sports’ Toronto Blue Jays broadcasts in 2011. He famously shouted “Vladimir! Vladimir! Bonsoir!” when then-rising star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. — whose father starred for the Expos — hit a walk-off home run in an exhibition game at Montreal’s Olympic Stadium in 2018.

“We join the MLB community and our colleagues at @TVASports in extending our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Rodger Brulotte,” the Blue Jays wrote on social media. “Rodger’s impact on the sport and the Montreal Expos will be remembered forever. He will be missed dearly.”

Tributes poured in from across Quebec and the baseball community.

“My condolences to the family of Rodger Brulotte,” wrote Hall of Fame Expos left-fielder Tim Raines on X.

“What a wonderful man! And what a joy it was to listen to baseball games with him,” wrote Quebec Premier François Legault. “I already miss those “Bonsoir, elle est partie!” — a line that will remain etched in our collective memory.”

The Montreal Canadiens, who adopted “Youppi!” as their mascot after the Expos moved to Washington in 2004, called Brulotte a “larger-than-life character.”

“Rodger left a lasting impression on sports fans across Quebec, being at the heart of many memorable moments. His infamous ‘Bonsoir, elle est partie’ will remain etched in the collective memory for many years to come,” the NHL team said. “With a career in the sports world spanning more than 55 years, Rodger was able to touch the hearts of many generations with his authenticity behind the microphone.”

In addition to his work in the media, Brulotte was also at the heart of efforts to bring the Expos back to Montreal, working alongside former Montreal mayor Denis Coderre.

“My friend has left us. One of Quebec’s greatest voices. Rodger Brulotte embodied ‘nos Z’amours.’ Montreal, all of Quebec, is in mourning. He was an inspiration to me, an unwavering ally in both good times and bad,” Coderre wrote on his Facebook page. “The least we can do is lower all flags to half-mast. My dear Rodger, I tip my hat to you for everything you accomplished. My thoughts and prayers are with you.”

Brulotte also served as president of the Ligue de baseball junior élite du Québec for more than 10 years and was inducted into the Quebec Baseball Hall of Fame as a journalist in 2014.

In 2024, he received the Jacques-Beauchamp Tribute Award from Sports Québec as a builder.

“Rodger had a huge heart, and he used it to serve others without hesitation,” said Baseball Québec executive director Maxime Lamarche. “His generosity touched generations of players, coaches and volunteers. We will remember him as a unifying and deeply human individual.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 20, 2026.

&copy 2026 The Canadian Press

The first rule of the 50-40-90 club is you don’t talk about the 50-40-90 club.

It’s not so much a matter of jinxing membership in such an exclusive group as it is focusing on something more important.

Making the right play to help the UCLA women’s basketball team win.

Nationwide, there’s only a handful of players on the verge of joining this elite club, which requires shooting 50% from the field, 40% from 3-point range and 90% on free throws.

The Bruins could have three members.

Gianna Kneepkens is practically a lock. The player known as “G Money” is making 51.8% of her shots, 44.2% of her 3-pointers and 95.2% of her free throws heading into the top-seeded Bruins’ NCAA Tournament opener against Cal Baptist on Saturday evening at Pauley Pavilion.

Gabriela Jaquez could get there as well. She’s making 54.3% of her shots, 41.1% of her 3-pointers and 86.7% of her free throws.

Kiki Rice has an outside chance. She’s making 50.3% of her shots, 38.1% of her 3-pointers and 89.1% of her free throws.

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Don’t expect any of them to discuss their shooting prowess unless asked.

“We don’t really talk about it, if I’m being honest,” Kneepkens told The California Post. “I think it’s just cool because I think the biggest thing for all three of us is that we just want to make the right plays.”

It’s not hyperbole to call this a historic achievement. Madeline Poteet is the only 50-40-90 player in school history, and she did it on limited shooting volume during the 2014-15 season while averaging only 2.1 points per game.

By comparison, Kneepkens, Jaquez and Rice are each double-digit scorers who help carry their team. Their success has been sparked in part by having so many prolific shooters on the same team, along with dominant post players in Lauren Betts and Angela Dugalic.

“They have to be double-teamed,” Jaquez said, “and that’s also why I think we can be so efficient because all of the 3s that we’re shooting, for the most part, are wide open. Lauren throws a kick-out or Ang, we’re in a very good position to shoot.”

Other critical factors in their uncanny accuracy are repetition, occasional mechanical tweaks and confidence. Spending so much time in the gym working on their form gives each of them the belief that every shot that leaves their hands is going in.

“Those three,” UCLA coach Cori Close said, “there’s no shortcuts.”

Close compared Kneepkens to Lakers star Luka Doncic because of their craftiness in beating defenders.

“If you had a race,” Close said, “neither Gianna or Luka would win, but they use change of pace and shiftiness and creativity and basketball IQ to be such creative scorers.”

Close called Rice the most explosive and athletic of the trio but said that Jaquez might get her shot off the fastest.

“In terms of shot pocket — we should time them, actually,” Close said, “but I would bet Gabs gets it from inner hand to outer hands, I bet she’s the quickest.”

What impresses Close the most about Rice and Jaquez is their improvement. As freshmen, Rice made only 21.7% of her 3-pointers and Jaquez just 63.2% of her free throws.

How did they get from those numbers to where they are now?

“A lot of moments in the gym right here,” Rice said while standing in the team’s practice facility. “Late nights, early mornings — Coach T (Tasha Brown) has worked a ton with me the past few years on figuring out ways to get better each season.”

Before she arrived in Westwood prior to this season, Kneepkens used to have her mom grab rebounds during epic shooting sessions the night before games. Now she has managers and men’s practice players to do that for her.

“Her mom said she’s getting out of shape,” Close joked, “because we’re giving her too many resources.”

Hitting the 90% threshold on free throws might be the hardest part of qualifying for the 50-40-90 club.

“You don’t shoot as many free throws as you do 3s and field goals in general,” Rice said. “You miss one, it hurts you a lot.”

Rice needs to make six straight free throws to reach 90% with the benefit of rounding. Her coach ensures she’s getting enough repetition by having the Bruins shoot free throws sporadically throughout practice. Additionally, each player must make 10 in a row before leaving the gym.

That doesn’t usually take Kneepkens long.

“I mean, it usually takes one or two tries,” said a player who has made 40 of 42 free throws this season.

Part of not talking about their shooting stats is not knowing them — all three players say they don’t look at them during the season.

“I just try to play my best,” Kneepkens said, “and take great shots and make great passes.”

A selfless style that emphasizes getting teammates the ball in their favorite spots on the court — Jaquez likes corner 3s in transition, Kneepkens prefers the wing or the slot — has helped put this team on the verge of history.

Yes, the Bruins could have three 50-40-90 players, but the only history they care about is winning the team’s first NCAA championship. Shooting stats?

“Nobody cares,” Close said. “Not talked about at all, and I think that’s what’s really cool about our team.”

TORONTO – Joseph Woll didn’t expect to be in this position.

The Maple Leafs goaltender — like the rest of his teammates — thought the Original Six club would be in the thick of a playoff race down the stretch.

Toronto’s season all but lost after a disastrous stretch coming out of the Olympic break, Woll is doing what he can to build his game over the final weeks of a season that went completely off the rails.

Woll made 32 saves in Friday’s 4-3 overtime loss to the Carolina Hurricanes, including some huge stops against the relentless Eastern Conference leaders, but was beaten on a penalty shot and short-handed breakaway before Alexander Nikishin ripped a puck home in the extra period.

The 27-year-old from Dardenne Prairie, Mo., who was away from the Maple Leafs for an extended period due to a “personal family matter” back in the fall, is 1-3-1 over his last five starts with a .914 save percentage for the disappointing Maple Leafs (29-28-13).

“Whether something’s positive or negative, it’s always a learning experience,” he said. “I’m just trying to stick to my process, but learn how to adjust it as necessary.”

Maple Leafs centre John Tavares said Woll has remained steadfast in his approach and preparation.

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“You want your game to be your game,” said the 35-year-old, who scored his 24th goal of a lost campaign Friday. “You want to keep building and contributing to the team and help us get better results, and feel good about what we’re trying to work through and try to build some momentum.

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“(Woll) doesn’t try to change a whole lot and continuously works at things … it’s maybe not always just overnight, but you start to build things, and your game starts to come together. Giving us great opportunities to win games.”

Maple Leafs centre Benoit-Olivier Groux, making the most of his call-up from the American Hockey League with five points in six NHL games, said the netminder has given the group a chance.

“He’s been unreal,” Groulx said. “I’ve watched pretty much all the games this season. He’s been really good throughout the season. He’s really dialed in off the ice, he does every little thing right.”

Toronto head coach Craig Berube said Woll, who dropped to 14-13-5 in 2025-26 and has got call in five of the team’s last six games over crease mate Anthony Stolarz, can get to another level.

“(Against the Hurricanes) we need a save,” Berube said. “Whether it’s (in) OT or it’s one of the breakaways, just need a big save there.”

Woll, meanwhile, will look at Friday’s tape with goaltending coach Curtis Sanford, especially Eric Robinson’s penalty shot and K’Andre Miller’s short-handed effort, but is fine with his recent performances.

“Just hoping to play as much as I can and do whatever I can to help the team win,” he said. “And with that, learn as much as possible.”

PLAYING OUT THE STRING

Tavares is one goal shy of becoming the fourth active player with at least 25 or more in 14 seasons behind only Alex Ovechkin (20), Sidney Crosby (16) and Steven Stamkos (15).

The veteran forward was asked about his approach with Toronto languishing near the bottom of the standings.

“You’re getting an opportunity to play in the National Hockey League … you never take it for granted,” Tavares said. “You want to go out there and play well. It’s obviously been tough sledding.”

TAKING HIS CHANCE

Selected with the 54th pick at the 2018 draft by the Anaheim Ducks, Groulx now has three goals and two assists with the Maple Leafs.

The 26-year-old had just one goal and five points in 65 games across parts of three seasons with Anaheim before signing with Toronto last summer.

“I’m approaching it pretty well, with a lot of confidence,” Groulx, who put up 50 points in 54 AHL games in 2025-26, said of his time with the Maple Leafs. “I know what I can do at this level, and I think I’m showing it.”

Tavares said Groulx’s hockey IQ serves him well.

“A real good sense of where to be and getting the puck in good spots,” he said. “Not trying to overcomplicate things, just take the plays that are there. He’s got some good legs and a really good release.

“He’s capitalizing on the opportunity here.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 21, 2026.

&copy 2026 The Canadian Press

TAMPA — As far as spring training games go, Friday was an important one for Luis Gil, given some of the questions lingering around him this camp.

The Yankees right-hander came out and answered them emphatically.

Gil looked more dominant than he has all spring, mowing down the Orioles across five shutout innings in which he struck out seven and showed improved life on his fastball, turning back the clock to his AL Rookie of the Year form.

“That was 2024 Luis Gil right there,” a smiling Aaron Boone said after a 3-1 win at Steinbrenner Field. “There’s been incremental improvements, slowly but surely, through spring. But we hadn’t seen that yet. Hopefully that’s a sign of things to come for him, because that’s what he’s capable of.”

Gil came out firing from the start and averaged 96.8 mph on his fastball — up over 1 mph from the rest of his starts this spring and up 1.5 mph from 2025 — while topping out at 98.8 mph on a strikeout in the third inning.

The uptick in velocity and stuff was thanks in part to Gil spending his bullpen session Wednesday working on his release point — getting it higher than he had been this spring — to have better deception, which paid immediate dividends.

He had struggled to get swing-and-miss on his fastball in recent starts — and for much of last season after coming back from a lat injury — but rediscovered some of it Friday, generating five whiffs on 23 swings against the pitch.

“Right now, I feel as close as I’ve been [to the 2024 version] and I feel like I’m ready for a long season right now,” Gil said through an interpreter

The Yankees will have to decide what the next step is for Gil, who also flashed a new sinker that he has been working on.

The club is still determining whether it will start the season in a four- or five-man rotation, having the flexibility to do the former because of multiple off-days in the first two weeks.

If the Yankees go with four starters, Gil or Ryan Weathers would appear to be the odd man out, either in a piggyback role or potentially optioned to Triple-A for the first two weeks of the season.

But Gil made a strong last impression.

“I’ve been wanting to see that,” Boone said. “He had their respect with the fastball, which allows the other stuff to play better.”

SAN DIEGO — This is how you play the game when you want to carry New York on your shoulders as far and as long as you can. 

The St. John’s Red Storm delivered an emphatic March message to one and all with their 78-53 demolition of Northern Iowa. 

They resembled a Dream Team totally entitled to harbor the most grandiose of dreams. 

“We played like a champion tonight,” assistant coach Steve Masiello told The Post.