Category: Sports Daily

The Eagles might have gotten the best news of their offseason. Lane Johnson, a no-doubt Hall of Famer someday, told The Inquirer on Thursday that he would be back for the 2026 season, ending speculation about whether he might retire.

Eagles fans are well aware of how important the right tackle is to the offense. In Johnson’s 13 seasons, the team is 110-57-1 when he plays and 18-27 when he does not. Ask Saquon Barkley if he missed Johnson when the Pro Bowl tackle sat out seven games this season and missed parts of others.

Of course, Johnson will be 36 in the next season and he’s coming off a Lisfranc foot fracture in Week 11. He avoided surgery, though, and he has shown the ability to overcome major injuries in the past. Now the Eagles wait for the other shoe to drop: Oft-injured guard Landon Dickerson has hinted at retirement as well, and we’re waiting to see if he’ll return. Jeff McLane has the full story.

— Jim Swan, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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Game on: What to watch

Spring training games don’t count. But don’t tell that to Dylan Moore, the 33-year-old utility man fighting for a bench role with the Phillies.

The Phillies will play 30 spring training games, including a March 4 exhibition against Canada’s entry in the World Baseball Classic. That’s a lot of faux innings for a team that has few jobs up for grabs.

Here, then, is an attempt to answer a few roster questions entering Saturday’s opener against the Blue Jays in Dunedin, Fla., based on reporting from the first eight days of camp.

These Phillies starting pitchers are preparing for the “different feeling” that goes with competing in the World Baseball Classic.

J.T. Realmuto is back for an eighth season with the Phillies. But for a week in January, he wasn’t sure he’d return.

Back after the break

Tyrese Maxey returned from his All-Star Game appearance with a 28-point effort, but the Atlanta Hawks earned a 117-107 victory over the Sixers at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Jalen Johnson, fresh off an All-Star appearance himself, led the way for the Hawks with 32 points.

Outside looking in

Flyers fans have been clamoring for Emil Andrae to play after the Swedish defenseman was benched for five straight games heading into the Olympic break. They may soon get their wish.

“He’s been really sharp in these three practices that he’s been back for,” says defense coach Todd Reirden. “I know he came back a little bit earlier and did some other skating. He’s doing everything he can to get himself in a situation where he’s fighting to be in that lineup every night.”

Andrae’s future with the team is an uncertain one with the NHL trade deadline approaching on March 6. We’ll see if he’s back in the lineup when the Flyers return to game action against the Washington Capitals on Wednesday.

‘I did my best’

Figure skater Isabeau Levito, the 18-year-old pride of South Jersey, placed 12th at the Winter Olympics in Milan, the hometown of her mother. Levito’s teammate, friend, and fellow Blade Angel, Alysa Liu, emerged with the gold medal.

Levito had an uncharacteristic fall on her opening triple flip but otherwise skated a beautiful long program on Thursday. “I did my best,” she said afterward.

After the U.S. women’s hockey team won the gold medal with an overtime victory against Canada, the spotlight turns to the men’s team in the semifinals. Here’s the Olympic TV schedule for today.

Sports snapshot

• Catholic League playoffs: Defending champion Father Judge and Neumann Goretti advanced to the final.
• Public League playoffs: Audenried’s girls topped Lincoln to reach the championship game, where they will face Imhotep after the Panthers held off Central, 52-45.
• ’Nova’s NCAA hopes: The chances for Kevin Willard’s team could take a big jump with a win against No. 5 UConn.
• Great opener: Bradley Carnell never doubted his untested lineup in the Union’s first game of the season.
• “Simpsons” tribute: The iconic animated show found a way to honor the writer Dan McQuade, who died of cancer at 43.

Our best sports 📸 of the week

Each Friday, Inquirer photo editors will pick our best shots from the last seven days and share them with you, our readers. This week, it’s hoop, hoop hooray: Photos include high school boys’ and girls’ basketball playoffs, college hoops as well, and plenty from the Phillies at spring training.

What you’re saying about burning questions

We asked: What’s your burning Philly sports question? Among your responses:

The fans of all Philly sports teams are passionate, but it is the Eagles who draw the most passion. Their most burning off season question is “are the Eagles trying hard to trade A.J. Brown before next season?” … Does the Eagles brass see him as a locker room cancer with more negative value to the team than the value of his performance on the field? And how confident are they that the new offensive coaching staff can turn around his mental attitude toward performing consistently at his best? There are some who believe that the same question could be applied to Jalen Hurts. — John W.

Will the Phillies have enough to repeat as Eastern Division champs? Can the Eagles adapt to a new offensive scheme and remain a legit Super Bowl contender? Is Joel Embiid done? — Bob C.

What, if anything, can be done to have at least one Big Five (I’m not talking to you, Drexel) doubleheader each year at the Palestra.? Streamers, banners, the whole works. Or even a doubleheader with one nationally popular team. Everyone would get totally into it. Sorry to live in the past, but those were the greatest times I ever had. Cold outside, hot, sweaty and noisy inside. And everyone celebrating Philadelphia basketball, no matter which school they were from or rooting for. — Tom L.

Two questions. Ready to spend in the 100 millions for Bo Bichette, but unwilling to spend even a small percentage of that to keep Harrison Bader, who so impressed all Phillies fans during his short time here? And is Sirianni truly the coach who can bring the Eagles back to the Super Bowl? This past season I think he failed to lead when the going was the toughest and leadership was most needed. — Everett S.

What’s wrong with the Flyers? As usual they have become irrelevant. — Bill M.

Is this still Bryce’s team, or has Schwarber overtaken him as the star of the organization? — Anthony P.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Jeff McLane, Scott Lauber, Lochlahn March, Ellen Dunkel, Gabriela Carroll, Jonathan Tannenwald, Rob Tornoe, Jeff Neiburg, Sean McKeown, Colin Schofield, Conor Smith, and Dylan Johnson.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

Have a great weekend. Thanks for reading, as always, and I’ll see you in Monday’s newsletter. — Jim

As we’re past the “what-if” stage of the 2025-26 NFL season, we move into the questions phase, specifically with the NFL scouting combine starting on Monday.

These questions circle less around the top prospects (though they’re in there), but more so around decisions that were made or are yet to be made this offseason by the Eagles.

• Like, what really happened with longtime coach Jeff Stoutland?
• What was it about Sean Mannion that made him the top choice to lead the Eagles’ offense?
• Will A.J. Brown be back in midnight green (or the occasional Kelly green)?

These are a few questions that kick off your Thursday edition of Sports Daily, as Inquirer writer Jeff Neiburg delves into that and more in his latest story.

Speaking of Thursday, expect a carbon copy of yesterday across the region, with cloudy skies and temperatures in the mid-40s.

— Kerith Gabriel, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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❓What’s your burning Philly sports question? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

Turner not slowing down

Trea Turner hasn’t lost a step 10 years into his major league career. If anything, he may be a tick faster. As a 23-year-old rookie with the Nationals in 2016, he averaged 30 feet per second, according to Statcast. Last season, at age 32, he averaged 30.3.

Through the years, Turner has changed his nutritional habits. He cut out soda several years ago. He eats more carefully now, taking cues from Bryce Harper, Aaron Nola, and other teammates.

“Genetics, I’d say, is a big part of it,” said Brett Austin, Turner’s college teammate and close friend. “But I think his offseason program really allows him to optimize and maintain his speed.”

Indeed, the biggest reason Turner has remained in the fast lane is a training routine that he has followed since he was a teenager.

Softball masks, paddles, and tennis balls are all part of early spring workouts for Bobby Dickerson, whose drills are designed to get infielders to work on one of the game’s most basic skills.

Recently, J.T. Realmuto sat down with Inquirer Phillies writer Scott Lauber to discuss the offseason, all of the rumblings, and now that he’s secured a deal to remain in Philly, his aspirations for the season. Watch here.

What we’re …

🏟️ Sharing: The Ivory Coast has chosen the WSFS Sportsplex in Chester as its home base ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

🤔 Pondering: How long will it take to stop calling the Eagles’ training facility the NovaCare Complex after it was renamed the Jefferson Health Complex earlier this week?

🏀 Wondering: The lessons learned from a prep basketball skirmish that saw Carver Engineering & Sciences High School lose its opportunity to compete in the upcoming Public League playoffs.

⚽ Introducing: Union newcomer Agústin Anello and how choosing Philly coincided with a chance to be back on American soil.

The new guys

The Olympic break has always been a great reset for NHL teams. The Flyers are no different. Consider it a second training camp, if you will.

This week, the Flyers called up defensemen Oliver Bonk and Hunter McDonald, and goaltender Carson Bjarnason from Lehigh Valley to fill in for the players in Milan for the Winter Olympics. The coaches say having new, hungry players in practice has given the group a “new energy.”

“The guys, their spirits have been really high,” said Flyers assistant coach Todd Reirden. “Today’s practice was pretty spirited, with some competitions that we had. That, in conjunction with bringing in new players that are excited about getting an opportunity, I think, is a really great experience for everybody involved.”

So what does that mean for when the team is back at full strength? Well, that remains to be seen, but it’s definitely promising for a team looking for a spark in a push for the playoffs.

‘I guess the NBA’s still watching’

Cameron Payne was in the middle of a game with KK Partizan when his agent, Jason Glushon, alerted him that a return to the 76ers was in play. Payne had spent the summer waiting for the phone to ring and decided to take a deal overseas when an opportunity with the Phoenix Suns didn’t stick. But this was the moment he had waited for at that time. “You might want to pack,” Glushon told him.

Payne practiced with the Sixers on Wednesday and received praise from head coach Nick Nurse and star guard Tyrese Maxey. And while he wasn’t looking for an NBA opportunity, Payne was grateful. “I don’t know how I keep finding a way to get back,” Payne said. “But I guess the NBA’s still watching. And if you still take your game seriously and do the right things, play the right way, they’re still looking.”

Blowout win

The Union opened their 2026 season with a win on Wednesday night, defeating Defence Force FC, 5-0, in the first of a two-game Concacaf Champions Cup first round series at Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain, Trinidad.

Milan Iloski, Ezekiel Alladoh, Olwethu Makhanya, and Bruno Damiani (twice) all scored in the win. Next up for the Union is the MLS season-opener at D.C. United on Saturday.

On this date

Feb. 19, 1992: The Flyers bid farewell to current head coach Rick Tocchet as a player in a monster trade with Pittsburgh that sent Mark Recchi, Kjell Samuelsson, and Ken Wregget to Philly.

David Murphy’s take …

The best way to understand Bryce Harper is to think about all the things he can’t say. He can’t say that Alec Bohm is a seven-hole hitter at best. He can’t say that Adolis García is much closer to Nick Castellanos than he is a legitimate four- or five-hole hitter. He can’t say that J.T. Realmuto isn’t the guy he was three years ago. He can’t say that he’d swing at fewer pitches out of the zone if he had more confidence that the guys behind him would get the job done. Murphy’s latest tries to dive inside the mind of Harper in the aftermath of comments made about him by team president David Dombrowski.

What you’re saying about collectibles

We asked: Do you have a sports card or any memorabilia that is meaningful to you, and why?

In 1965, I was 6 years old and living in Hedgerow Woods, a community in Morrisville, Pa. The tough card to find that summer was the 1965 Phillies team card. It actually showed the 1964 team, the season the Phillies blew the pennant. My buddy Mark Becker and I were always looking for that card, spending our quarters at Irv’s Pharmacy in the Makefield Shopping Center on packs of cards and enjoying the sweet bubblegum that came with them. We could not find that Phillies team card though. While wandering our neighborhood, Mark and I happened to look down, and there in the gutter was the card! Actually, half the card. Someone had torn the team card in half and tossed this portion the gutter. — Rich G.

I used to live in Havertown, but that was 48 years ago. I once corresponded with him to ask him questions about something I had, but that is a distant memory. I have some autographs, and used to collect tickets, and believe I still have one from Pittsburgh, the day Mike Schmidt hit is 500th homer. “It’s outta here.” I have not looked at anything I have for a long time. Will have to do that. — Everett S.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Jeff Neiburg, Scott Lauber, Jonathan Tannenwald, David Murphy, Gabriela Carroll, Lochlahn March, Mike Sielski, and Gina Mizell.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

That’s my time. As always, thanks for reading. We’ll be in your inbox for the final time this week on Friday, to get you ready for the weekend. Take care. — Kerith

The Phillies have changed things up in their outfield now that Nick Castellanos and Harrison Bader are gone. Rookie Justin Crawford and free-agent signee Adolis García (who batted .227 last season) are in, leading some critics to believe this outfield will be among the worst in the majors.

Which brings us to Brandon Marsh, who is suddenly the Phillies’ longest-tenured outfielder. He still can’t hit left-handed pitching, which means he’s likely to be a platoon player, but he is putting a positive face on things. After all, Marsh went 0-for-29 last April and still salvaged his season, finishing with a .280 batting average.

“I’m glad that bad stretch happened because it showed just to myself what I could crawl out of,” said Marsh, 28, who has two seasons before he reaches free agency. “I have that self-confidence now of feeling like you’re a dude, like you’re supposed to be here. That’s kind of where I’m at.”

Scott Lauber looks at Marsh’s rebound, along with how García and Crawford can fit into the new-look outfield.

— Jim Swan, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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❓How will the Phillies’ outfield stack up to last year’s version? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

He’s a national star now

Tyrese Maxey admitted that he was nervous as a first-time All-Star in 2024. He said he didn’t know “when to talk, when not to talk.” But two years later he was a veteran among peers at the three-point contest and All-Star Game, and the leading American vote-getter ahead of legends like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant. He was recognized all over Los Angeles, appeared on a billboard alongside San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama, and was assigned to a formal news conference room reserved for the most in-demand players.

Maxey is long beloved in Philly, but the weekend served as a reminder that he has arrived as a national star.

He will be getting a reinforcement in the backcourt, as guard Cam Payne is returning to the Sixers.

Also, the Sixers are upgrading two-way player Jabari Walker to a two-year standard contract.

No Classic for Turner

The last time they played the World Baseball Classic, in 2023, Trea Turner smacked five home runs. This time around, the Phillies shortstop did not get an invitation to play for Team USA. Turner says he’s OK with that. It gives him more time to prepare this spring for a season when he hopes to stay healthy. He missed time each of the last two years with hamstring strains.

This spring also will give the Phillies time to fine-tune how they’ll handle the automated ball-strike challenge system, which goes into effect this season.

Next up: The combine

The NFL scouting combine returns to Indianapolis next week, giving the Eagles a chance to kick the tires on several top prospects for the draft. They’re likely to take a hard look at offensive linemen, tight ends, and defensive backs, three areas of need. Olivia Reiner examines how the Eagles are likely to handle their wish list at the combine.

United they stand

The Union will begin their season Wednesday in the Concacaf Champions Cup at Defence Force FC of Trinidad & Tobago (6 p.m., FS2, TUDN). Here’s a look at every player who will stock their roster.

Sports snapshot

• Winter Olympics: South Jersey’s Isabeau Levito and the “Blade Angels” will skate today. Here’s the Olympic TV schedule.
• Forfeit will stand: The season is over for Carver Engineering & Sciences’ boys’ basketball team.
• Play ball: Eagles receiver DeVonta Smith’s celebrity softball game will return to Allentown in May.

🧠 Trivia time

Who was the last Sixer to win the MVP award in the NBA All-Star Game? First with the correct answer here will be featured in the newsletter.

A) Allen Iverson

B) Joel Embiid

C) Charles Barkley

D) Julius Erving

What you’re saying about Bryce Harper

We asked: What kind of season do you expect out of Bryce Harper this year? Among your responses:

Harper should have a very good year. He is capable of anything. I believe the team is unhappy with its performance in the last two playoff seasons and will come out battling to prove they can do it. Should be fun. — Gerard B.

Staying healthy and having protection in the order should yield a typical .285, 30 HRs and 90 RBI season line. The past couple of years he has been chasing pitches outside the strike zone and simply forcing the issue. Hopefully Harper will focus, relax and stay healthy. — Bob C.

Hopefully better than last year — Bill M.

Above-avg OPS, but not elite. Dombrowski was right. — Tom M.

If healthy I think Bryce will have an outstanding season. … I think Dombrowski was right to say it was not an elite season because it was not. Bryce went from 145 games played to 132 and his batting average, RBIs, and home runs were all down from 2024. And in 4 playoff games he hit .200 with no home runs and no RBIs. I think the “not elite” comment should drive him to have one of his best years ever and hopefully lead the Phillies back to the top. — Everett S.

Harper is planning for the rest of his career, he wants to be a club general manager. I do not believe that he is fully motivated for the upcoming season. — John M.

Bryce will be fine & bounce back to the player we love to see come to bat in the big moments. Even Hall of Famers have an off year. Dombrowski’s comments aside, he is still driven to bring more championships to the Phillies. Sometimes maybe too much. Last year he often looked like he had to hit a HR each AB. Maybe he needs to add some relaxation & mind control techniques to his game.

My one concern. … What he can’t control is every year he seems to get hit, causing lost time. Maybe the Phils could do more to protect him? Any of our pitchers know how to pitch inside? — Janice M.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Scott Lauber, Lochlahn March, Gina Mizell, DeAntae Prince, Olivia Reiner, Rob Tornoe, Jonathan Tannenwald, Matt Breen, and Colin Schofield.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

Thank you for reading our newsletter. Bella will be at the controls tomorrow. — Jim

Yes, Bryce Harper says, he was irked in October when Dave Dombrowski said this about him: “He didn’t have an elite season like he has had in the past. And I guess we only find out if he becomes elite [again], or if he continues to be good.”

You might recall that the Phillies first baseman wore a wore a T-shirt that said “Not elite,” an image that went viral on social media over the holidays. That indicated that Harper was indeed affected by the Phillies president’s comments.

On Sunday in Clearwater, Fla., Harper got a chance to address the issue ahead of the Phillies’ first full-squad workout of spring training today. “For Dave to come out and say those things, it’s kind of wild to me still,” Harper said.

“The big thing for me was, when we first met with this organization [in 2019] it was, ‘Hey, we’re always going to keep things in-house, and we expect you to do the same thing,’” he added. “So, when that didn’t happen, it kind of took me for a run a little bit. I don’t know.”

You don’t air your dirty laundry in public, right? So might Harper use Dombrowski’s critique as motivation? He says he’s plenty motivated on his own, but don’t be surprised if Harper channels all of this into an MVP-worthy season. Here’s more from Scott Lauber.

Harper also weighed in on the criticism these days of the Dodgers and their record-setting payroll. He points out that Los Angeles is doing plenty more right than just buying players — “they draft, they develop, they do it the right way.” In addition, he talked about the “juggernaut” that is the NL East, expectations for a few Phillies rookies, and more.

— Jim Swan, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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❓What kind of season do you expect out of Bryce Harper this year? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

Nick the Padre

Did Nick Castellanos take a swipe at Rob Thomson? You decide.

Released last week, Castellanos signed a one-year deal with the San Diego Padres, but the Phillies will be paying the bulk of his $20 million salary.

Reporters talked to the outfielder Sunday at Padres camp in Peoria, Ariz., and Castellanos was effusive in his praise of new San Diego manager Craig Stammen, a 13-year veteran of the major leagues. “He’s a player. He’s done it,” Castellanos said. “He’s put on spikes. He’s grinded. He’s felt the feeling of success, and he’s also felt the feeling of when the game doesn’t go your way. There’s a lot of respect in that.”

Thomson never played in the majors. Here’s what else Castellanos had to say.

Maxey’s weekend in L.A.

Now that Tyrese Maxwey knows what it takes to win the three-point shooting contest during NBA All-Star Weekend, the Sixers point guard says he’d like to try again. Maxey was eliminated after the first round Saturday night as Portland’s Damian Lillard captured the title.

“I just wanted to see what it was going to be like my first time,” Maxey said. “I’ll definitely come back and try to win it, for sure.”

Maxey had better luck in the All-Star Game, which actually was a three-team tournament. Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards was named MVP of the Stars team, which included Maxey and cruised to the championship.

Golden opportunity

Isabeau Levito’s Olympic chance is here at last and the 18-year-old skater from South Jersey says she wants to enjoy every minute at the Milan and Cortina Winter Games. “And obviously skating my best,” she says, “but I can already feel like I will. So that’s really what I’m really striving for.” Ellen Dunkel profiles Levito as she prepares for the short program on Tuesday.

Here’s today’s TV schedule for the Olympics.

Countdown to kickoff

The Union are set to begin their 2026 season on Wednesday with a Concacaf Champions Cup match at Defence Force F.C. in Port of Spain, Trinidad (6 p.m., FS2).

Here’s everything you need to know about their season, from offseason newcomers to this year’s competitions to how to watch all of it.

Goalkeeper Andre Blake is beginning his 13th season with the Union. He has to be wondering whether he’ll ever win a title here or make the World Cup with Jamaica.

The Union showed off their “world-class facility” in Chester last week in a tournament featuring some top soccer academies from Europe.

Marcus Hayes’ take

NFL sources say the Eagles are considering trading receiver A.J. Brown, even though such a trade would carry severe salary-cap ramifications; about $16 million, minimum.

Trading him would be crazy.

The Eagles should not even entertain offers for Brown. He is 28. He is driven. He is dedicated. He is irreplaceable. He’s spent the last four years making quarterback Jalen Hurts look good. That’s got to count for something. More from Marcus Hayes.

Sports snapshot

• Temple tumbles: The Owls turn the ball over a season-high 16 times in a loss to North Texas.
• Penn surges: Fran McCaffery’s Quakers have won four straight and stand third in the Ivy League.
• Disqualified: After a scuffle, Carver Engineering & Science had to forfeit a Public League playoff game to Constitution. Those close to the team say it is unfair.

On this date

Feb. 16, 1970: Smokin’ Joe Frazier won the world heavyweight title with a fifth-round knockout of Jimmy Ellis at Madison Square Garden in New York.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Scott Lauber, Lochlahn March, Gina Mizell, Ellen Dunkel, Marcus Hayes, Jonathan Tannenwald, Owen Hewitt, Ryan Mack, and Matt Breen.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

Thanks for reading Sports Daily. I’ll see you in Tuesday’s newsletter. — Jim

By now, NBA fans know all about Tyrese Maxey, who’ll make his first start in the All-Star Game on Sunday. The Sixers’ point guard received more votes from fans than any other American player for a number of reasons. He averages 28.9 points and a league-best 38.6 minutes per game, and his boundless enthusiasm on the court is obvious.

Everybody loves Maxey. He’s the breath of fresh air Philly sports needed, Marcus Hayes writes.

Not long ago, though, it was far from a sure thing that Maxey would even land in Philadelphia. The Sixers snatched him up after the guard from Kentucky fell to the 21st pick of the 2020 NBA draft. Gina Mizell tells us how it all happened, thanks to bizarre basketball and societal circumstances.

The landing of Maxey was a long, complicated Process (sorry, couldn’t resist) dating back to Sam Hinkie’s time with the Sixers and includes a pair of fateful three-pointers by Mike Muscala. Here’s a timeline that tracks how Maxey wound up here.

Also on All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles, Maxey will take part in the three-point shooting contest on Saturday and rookie teammate VJ Edgecombe will play in the Rising Stars competition tonight. Joel Embiid will be grateful for a week off as he rests his sore right knee.

— Jim Swan, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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Farewell, Castellanos

After getting replaced for defense late in a close game, the worst defensive outfielder in baseball since 2022 (check the metrics) brought a beer into the dugout and lectured his manager.

Brought a beer into the dugout.

Let those words wash over you. They belong, incidentally, to the player himself. The Phillies released Nick Castellanos on Thursday after trying to trade him for three months. And when the deed was finally done, the $100 million right fielder laid bare the June 16 incident in Miami that precipitated his unceremonious departure.

That was 241 days ago. And it was the beginning of the end.

From coincidental home runs to the “Miami Incident,” let’s look back at Castellanos’ most memorable Phillies moments.

A sore left knee will likely delay outfielder Gabriel Rincones Jr. from getting into spring games until the “middle of the schedule.” Meanwhile, Otto Kemp got to work in the outfield, where he is expected to split time with Brandon Marsh.

Marcus Hayes’ take

This is a make-or-break season for the Phillies, so they aren’t taking any chances with any clubhouse cancers. A fading talent who will be 34 in less than a month, malcontent right fielder Castellanos was released by the club on Thursday afternoon.

The Phillies didn’t want Castellanos showing up. Not after what he pulled last season, when he put his desires above the team. And not after the crap he pulled Thursday. In fact, nobody might want Castellanos after his latest stunt. More from Marcus Hayes.

La Salle baseball is back

La Salle eliminated its baseball program after the 2021 season, leaving many of its former players forlorn. After Ashwin Puri took over as La Salle’s athletic director in July 2023, he worked to bring the Explorers back to the diamond.

The work by Puri, alumni, and countless others is complete. David Miller has returned as head coach and reborn La Salle is scheduled to play its season opener today.

Big 5 notebook

Believe it or not, Villanova coach Kevin Willard is not always unhappy when the Wildcats get called for shot clock violations. He explains why in Jeff Neiburg’s Big 5 notes, which include a look at who could bring home individual awards in the City Series, the NCAA chances for each team, and more.

The Quad God

Ilia Malinin, a 21-year-old figure skater from Fairfax, Va., is no doubt among the biggest superstars of these Winter Olympic Games. Nicknamed the “Quad God” for his unmatched ability to land quadruple jumps, Malinin takes aim at a gold medal today at the Milan Cortina Olympics. Here’s the TV schedule for today’s events.

Sports snapshot

• Women’s basketball: The growth of the college game can be attributed in part to the national poll that began in The Inquirer newsroom 50 years ago.
• Moving on: Here’s why athletic director Jill Bodensteiner is leaving St. Joseph’s.

Our best sports 📸 of the week

Each Friday, Inquirer photo editors will pick our best shots from the last seven days and share them with you, our readers. This week, photos include the start of spring training, the Sixers’ big loss to the Knicks, plenty of college hoops action, and more.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Marcus Hayes, Gina Mizell, Gabriela Carroll, Scott Lauber, Lochlahn March, Owen Hewitt, Jonathan Tannenwald, Rob Tornoe, Colin Schofield, Jeff Neiburg, Claire Smith, and Inquirer Staff Photographers.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

Thanks, as always, for reading Sports Daily. Have a great weekend and I’ll see you in Monday’s newsletter. — Jim

Today, we’re offering you a chance to test your basketball acumen through the eyes of Sixers All-Star Tyrese Maxey. As Maxey steps into more of a leadership role on the team, every decision he makes on the court dictates the Sixers’ chances of contention for the postseason.

Those aren’t my words but those of Inquirer interactive designer Jasen Lo, who created a game in which you can predict Maxey’s next move, and see if you’re right.

The game not only predicts what he might do but showcases career stats, which offer insight into the propensity of his movements and why over the last few seasons, they’ve been so effective.

Played it yesterday. Anticipated all of Maxey’s moves correctly.

I know ball. To see if you do, play our game.

Speaking of the Sixers, the New York Knicks were able to figure out Maxey and Co., who suffered their second straight loss following a 138-89 final at Xfinity Mobile Arena last night. Here’s what we saw.

Not going to get much snow melt today, as highs are expected to barely sneak past freezing. Let’s all continue to think warm thoughts.

— Kerith Gabriel, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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The kids’ new home

Kyle Schwarber did a double take almost as soon as he walked through the door Wednesday in Clearwater, Fla., even before J.T. Realmuto pointed it out. Left fielder Brandon Marsh stopped infield prospect Aidan Miller in the hallway and said, “Man, you got a good little locker spot there.”

“They’ve all kind of made little comments here and there about it,” said Miller, who now occupies the space once reserved for Nick Castellanos, the disgruntled $20 million right fielder who no longer has a locker because he will be traded or released by the weekend.

“I was surprised seeing it myself.”

He shouldn’t be. Nobody should.

Miller is in the Phillies’ plans — and sooner than later. So, it isn’t a coincidence, according to manager Rob Thomson, that he and fellow top prospect Justin Crawford (No. 80 in your spring-training program) are taking up residence on Millionaires’ Row.

Zack Wheeler has a rib as a memento from his surgery for a blood clot. He vows that he won’t skip a step in his return to the mound.

Reliever Orion Kerkering’s spring training will start slowly due to an injury suffered right before camp opened.

What we’re …

🏒 Wondering: What’s going through the mind of Penn State star hockey player and Flyers prospect Gavin McKenna, who now has to wait until mid-March for his preliminary hearing on an assault charge.

🦉 Introducing: The Temple women’s hooper who went from reliable bench player to leading the American Conference in points.

🦅 Sharing: Jason Kelce’s thoughts on a world without Jeff Stoutland leading the Eagles’ offensive line.

🏈 Noticing: Former Eagles offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo may have just landed in Miami as the Dolphins’ passing game coordinator.

🙏🏽 Remembering: The life of James van der Beek, the actor who many know for his role on Dawson’s Creek, but who we’ll remember as Jon Moxon, in the film Varsity Blues, who defied an egotistical coach, conquered temptation, and led the Coyotes to a winning season. Mr. Van Der Beek died on Wednesday at age 48.

Greatest show on ice

For hockey fans, the last 24 hours have been pretty awesome. The puck dropped on a men’s hockey doubleheader at the Winter Games in Italy yesterday, but today is the real treat with eight nations facing off, including the United States and Latvia (3:10 p.m., USA Network). Here’s our roundup of reasons to get excited about the men’s edition of the tournament.

Running afoul

In back-to-back games, Villanova has made a pair of wins look really hard to come by. The latest came Tuesday in a three-point victory over Marquette at home. What ails the most? A complete lack of consistent free-throw shooting.

It is worth mentioning that the struggles are abnormal for a program that has consistently resided at the top of the Big East in that statistic for much of the last decade. It should also be noted that the team is 19-5 this season and on pace to make its first NCAA Tournament appearance in four years.

Still, what gives?

It’s what Inquirer writer Jeff Neiburg dives into, along with what’s next as March Madness looms.

Coming together

The Union wrapped up their preseason competition with a loss on Tuesday against Eastern Conference foe CF Montréal, which saw a pair of red cards dished out, including one to Montréal’s manager.

But that’s not the story. The story is that for the first time, the Union’s latest arrivals got game action and displayed a promising performance. With the signings of multiple million-dollar transfer fee players, the next step is getting them all to jell before the Union’s first official game in Concacaf Champions Cup action against Defence Force in Port of Spain, Trinidad, next Wednesday.

Inquirer writer Jonathan Tannenwald is in Clearwater, the site of Union training camp, for more on the game, but perhaps, more importantly at this juncture — how the new kids played in it.

On this date

Feb. 12, 2023: Eagles fans were forced to watch red and yellow confetti fall after the Kansas City Chiefs won Super Bowl LVII, 38-35, in Glendale, Ariz. Since halftime shows seem to be the topic of the moment, do you remember who the performer was in that game? Take a guess and then scroll down for the answer.

Mike Sielski’s take …

“The whole idea of a player recognizing and appreciating a particular program’s history and culture seems quaint in this era of college basketball. It certainly doesn’t have the pull and power that it once did.“ — Sielski offers insight into the state of college basketball and how Villanova guard Tyler Perkins seems to be an exception to the norm.

What you’re saying about the Eagles

We asked: Who is your favorite Eagles player of all time?

Wes Hopkins. Wes left everything on the field. Sadly, his career was cut short by injuries, but he and Andre Waters lowered the boom on any and all that came across the middle or the sidelines. — Craig K.

My favorite Eagle was Brian Westbrook. When he came into the league, the thought was that he was too small to be an everyday running back, but that he would be a good return man. He turned out to be so much more than that, a very successful multipurpose back who could run or catch a pass equally well. He was able to have a successful career because of quickness and speed, but, just as important, guts and determination. The fact that he played college ball locally at Villanova was an added bonus. — Tom E.

When I was young, I wanted to be just like Jesse Richardson #72. He was a defensive tackle who clogged up the middle of the field so that the linebackers could do their thing. Not very glamorous work, but I was always amazed watching him work. No face masks in those days, so the expressions were fairly easy to read. Every pickup game, I wanted to be our team’s Jesse. — Bill B.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Jasen Lo, Scott Lauber, Lochlahn March, Gustav Elvin, Olivia Reiner, Matt Mullin, Colin Schofield, Keith Pompey, Mike Sielski, Jonathan Tannenwald, and Jeff Neiburg.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

That’s all for today. Thanks for allowing me to get your day started. Jim is back tomorrow to get you ready for the weekend. Oh, and if you guessed Rihanna in our On This Date question, you know your halftime shows. — Kerith

Stop your teeth from chattering for a minute to absorb two pieces of good news: Forecasters say we’ll finally thaw out from prolonged Arctic conditions for some tolerable weather today. And spring training is just about here, which should warm our hearts for sure.

After John Middleton cracked open the bank vault to retain Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto, the Phillies will look much the same as last season’s version when pitchers and catchers report Wednesday in Clearwater, Fla. (Don’t expect Nick Castellanos anywhere in sight this spring, though.)

There are plenty of questions for the NL East champs as they begin yet another bid for a World Series title. Will they be better than last year? Is Bryce Harper still elite? Can a healing Zack Wheeler be dominant again? There is much more, and our Scott Lauber covers all the bases as spring training gets ready to heat up.

Regarding Wheeler, though, it’s unlikely that the right-hander will be ready for opening day after undergoing surgery in September when a blood clot was discovered in his pitching shoulder. So that will leave an early opening for 22-year-old Andrew Painter.

— Jim Swan, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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❓What is the key for the Phillies if they hope to contend for a World Series title? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

Your guide to the World Cup

Before we know it, arguably the biggest global spectacle in sports, the FIFA World Cup, will be right here in Philadelphia, with six scheduled matches at Lincoln Financial Field from June 14 to July 4.

Well ahead of time, we bring you the definitive guide to the World Cup in Philly, from in-depth looks at the nine teams that will play here to schedules and much, much more. You’ll be blown away by how much World Cup information can be found right here.

New leader of the line

Talk about big shoes to fill. An NFL source confirmed that the Eagles are hiring Minnesota Vikings offensive line coach Chris Kuper for the same role here — as the replacement for Jeff Stoutland, widely regarded as the best line coach in the league. Kuper, 43, played guard for the Denver Broncos for eight seasons.

The Eagles are facing a key offseason as they aim to make sure their Super Bowl window remains open in 2026 and beyond. Here’s a guide to what lies ahead, especially with roster decisions and free agency.

The Seahawks stomped the Patriots in Super Bowl LX, and their defensive approach looked a lot like the Eagles’ suffocation of the Chiefs last February. Jeff McLane has his takeaways from Seattle’s big win.

The Seahawks’ Drew Lock shared the quarterbacks room with Sean Mannion in Seattle and says he knew then that Mannion would be a good coach.

Meeting in Milan

NHL players are back in these Winter Olympics, and it’s always a little strange when teammates square off while playing for their national teams. That will be the case on Thursday when Dan Vladař and Czechia will face Travis Sanheim and Canada.

“That’s going to be a fun one,” Vladař said about facing his Flyers teammate. “You know, I think I know more of his weaknesses than, hopefully, they know about my weaknesses, so I’m going use that power against them.”

With the Flyers on an extended break, Matvei Michkov’s development remains a hot topic. Here’s what Hall of Famer and former Flyer Chris Pronger had to say about it.

Off the ice, a story about a Flyers fan: All-Star-level, a native of Chile, celebrated getting her U.S. citizenship by watching the team win.

Marcus Hayes’ take

Joel Embiid finally appears to be living up to his potential. If that sentence reads oddly to you, as Marcus Hayes writes, you didn’t appreciate Embiid at his peak and you don’t appreciate how much he has diminished since those prime years. Maturity is at the center of his progress. And that maturity has helped Embiid regain his health and standing as an All-Star level talent. Hayes examines more layers in Embiid’s surprising 2025-26 season, including his surgery and sustainability.

Embiid did not play Monday in Portland and the Sixers missed him, as they lost 135-118 to the Trail Blazers. Here are Keith Pompey’s takeaways.

Sports snapshot

• Women’s hockey showdown: The U.S. and Canada will clash today at the Olympics. Here’s the full TV schedule.

🧠 Trivia time

Who is the only Flyers player to win the Conn Smythe Trophy twice as MVP of the playoffs? First with the correct answer here will be featured in the newsletter.

A) Bobby Clarke

B) Ron Hextall

C) Reggie Leach

D) Bernie Parent

What you’re saying about the Eagles

We asked: Do you think the Eagles will return to the Super Bowl next year? Among your responses:

Yes! The Eagles have a winning culture and a roster of top talent. I am optimistic that the new offensive philosophy will be effective and the defense will continue their dominance. — Bob C.

Yes. If the new OC focuses on giving Barkley support from the O line and running him outside rather than into the line all the time. — Jack B.

I think the Eagles can return to the SB next season … First priority, re-sign Goedert and then draft a backup TE. … Drafting offensive linemen to replenish our aging and hurting line is priority one! There were many times during the season when Hurts handed the ball to Barkley and there were three unblocked defensive players waiting for him. — Everett S.

It all depends on Mannion getting the offense to buy in with his system. By offense I mean Hurts has to buy in. If Lane Johnson and Landon Dickerson retire, the offense will be even challenged more. It’s going to be a very interesting offseason to say the least. — Tom G.

Super Bowl? Let us first be concerned about just making the playoffs. First order of business is to find a kicker who has ice in his veins and can score 17 points in a Super Bowl. — Ronald R.

I don’t think they will. The OL needs to be rebuilt, and it will have to be done without the OL whisperer, Jeff Stoutland. The NFC West is loaded and the Bears and Packers are strong, so even if the Commanders and Cowboys continue to underachieve, getting out of the NFC will require every bit of strength and talent that the Birds brought to SB LIX. OK, Howie, it’s on you. — Joel G.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Scott Lauber, Lochlahn March, Kerith Gabriel, Jonathan Tannenwald, Owen Hewitt, Jackie Spiegel, Gabriela Carroll, Jeff Neiburg, Jeff McLane, Marcus Hayes, Keith Pompey, and Rob Tornoe.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

Thank you for reading. Bella returns to bring you the newsletter on Wednesday. — Jim

OK, Eagles fans, Super Bowl LX is over. Let’s move on, shall we?

It’s never too soon to start thinking about the NFL draft (April 23-25), and rest assured that the Eagles are way past knee-deep in their preparations.

The Birds will need plenty as they restock their roster, and in Devin Jackson’s first mock NFL draft, he sees them going for a tight end in the first round.

Our Jeff McLane was at the Super Bowl and these were among his takeaways from the week in Santa Clara, Calif.:

• Drew Lock, the Seahawks’ backup quarterback, recalls a game when Sean Mannion helped Lock and Seattle beat the Eagles. Mannion, of course, is now the Eagles’ offensive coordinator.
• Patriots defensive lineman Milton Williams says he was crushed after the Super Bowl last season when he realized the Eagles weren’t bringing him back.
• Wide receiver Mack Hollins spent two seasons with the Birds before eventually landing with New England. He’s fine if you call him a journeyman.
• More from McLane on the Super Bowl can be found here.

— Jim Swan, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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❓Do you think the Eagles will return to the Super Bowl next year? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

Maxey for three

Tyrese Maxey will start for the first time in the NBA All-Star Game this Sunday and he’ll be busy on Saturday night as well. Maxey will compete in the three-point contest during All-Star Weekend, the league announced. In the midst of a breakout season as the Sixers’ top scorer, the point guard is connecting on 38.2% of his three-pointers this season.

Maxey could use some help handling the ball these days with the departures of Jared McCain and Eric Gordon and the suspension of Paul George. It turns out that forward Trendon Watford is starting to fill that role.

Daryl Morey might not be done fine-tuning the team’s roster this season. The president of basketball operations’ next step is the buyout market, where a former “glue guy” for Nick Nurse could fit the bill.

Back in business

Rasmus Ristolainen is grateful to be playing again for the Flyers after injury setbacks cost him large parts of the last two seasons and some of this one. The defenseman is especially grateful now to be playing for Finland at the Winter Olympics.

“Means a lot. I haven’t had the chance to play the last couple of Olympics, so [it] means even more,” he says. “And then, obviously, think about all the players who wore the jersey and when you watched them play when you were a kid. So that means a lot.”

Out to rule the world

Several Phillies will have more on their plate than just spring training when Clearwater, Fla., welcomes them back this week. The World Baseball Classic is returning, with pool play scheduled to begin on March 5-10, the quarterfinals on March 13, and the semifinals and finals on March 15-17. Here are the Phillies who’ll be playing in the WBC, including some of their prospects.

Keeping with the Super Bowl LX theme, Scott Lauber brings us 60 notes on the Phillies.

Frightening crash

American skier Lindsey Vonn was in stable condition following surgery on a broken leg Sunday after she crashed during the Alpine skiing downhill at the Winter Olympics. Vonn, skiing with a torn ACL she ruptured last month, lost control near the start of the race and crashed after clipping a flag on the course.

The Olympic schedule includes speedskating, featuring American Brittany Bowe, a 37-year-old who was a college basketball player. Here’s today’s Olympic TV schedule.

Sports snapshot

• Take a bow: Villanova honored longtime women’s basketball coach, Harry Perretta, during its victory over Georgetown.
• Slump is over: TJ Power scored 18 points as Penn beat Princeton for the first time since Feb. 6, 2018.
• Hawks come up short: St. Joseph’s can’t rally on the road against George Mason.

On this date

Feb. 9, 2018: Dario Šarić and Joel Embiid scored 24 points apiece as the Sixers beat the New Orleans Pelicans, 100-82.

Our columnists say …

The Matvei Michkov issue has been fascinating and revealing. Everyone acknowledges that, after his often-impressive rookie season, he came into training camp out of shape. That reality has precipitated a months-long discussion about how he has played, when he has played, how much he has played, and whether coach Rick Tocchet might be mishandling him and sabotaging Michkov’s career before the kid has a chance to become the star the Flyers and their fans hope he will be.

It’s safe to say that within at least a portion of the Flyers’ fan base, a measure of paranoia has arisen when it comes to Michkov and the organization’s handling of him. More from Mike Sielski

From Marcus Hayes:

Last week, with the trade deadline looming, Joel Embiid made a public plea to the 76ers’ front office. He begged them to ignore the luxury tax for once, and to get him the help he needs for what has turned into an unlikely impending playoff run.

Embiid’s wishes made sense. Embiid’s wishes were not granted. Daryl Morey’s message to Embiid: Trust the process. More from Marcus Hayes.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Jeff McLane, Devin Jackson, Lochlahn March, Scott Lauber, Mike Sielski, Marcus Hayes, Gina Mizell, Keith Pompey, Jackie Spiegel, Rob Tornoe, Katie Lewis, Sean McKeown, and Ryan Mack.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

The warmest thought we can have during one of the most chilling winters of our lives: Phillies pitchers and catchers report on Wednesday. I’ll see you in Tuesday’s newsletter. — Jim