Mariners To Add Mitch Garver To Opening Day Roster The Seattle Mariners have included Mitch Garver on their Opening Day roster as the team’s backup catcher, according to a report by Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times. This decision appears to leave Andrew Knizner without a guaranteed spot on the 2026 roster, as Knizner is under a $1MM contract for the upcoming season and cannot be optioned to the minors. Without a roster spot, Knizner will need to be traded or designated for assignment (DFA) before Opening Day. Garver, 35, is a nine-year MLB veteran with a history of injuries but has shown flashes of elite power when healthy. Over his career, he has played in 325 games from 2019 to 2023, averaging 65 games per season. During that span, he posted a .250/.346/.508 slash line, including 75 home runs, a 26.6% strikeout rate, and an 11.8% walk rate. His standout 2023 season with the Texas Rangers saw him appear in 87 games, hit 19 home runs, and maintain a 23.8% strikeout rate alongside a 12.8% walk rate. Despite his past success, Garver’s recent performance has declined. In 202 games with the Mariners since joining the team, he has struggled offensively, hitting .187/.290/.341 with a 29.6% strikeout rate and a wRC+ of 88, which indicates he has been 12 points below league average. His defensive contributions behind the plate have also been lackluster, leading the Mariners to expect he would be moved this offseason. Garver re-signed with the Mariners on a minor league deal at the start of Spring Training, but his performance has not improved. In 26 at-bats during camp, he has gone .182/.308/.227 with 11 strikeouts. These numbers have raised questions about why the Mariners would choose him over Knizner, especially given Knizner’s potential to be traded or DFA’d. Knizner, 31, is a career .211/.281/.#seattle_mariners #raleigh #mitch_garver #andrew_knizner #seattle_times
Dad Visiting Daughter in North Carolina Wins $400K Lottery Jackpot A father’s routine visit to see his daughter in North Carolina took an unexpected turn when he won a $400,000 lottery jackpot. The win, which occurred on January 5, 2026, was claimed by Stanley Konat, a man who purchased a ticket at a Pick & Go store on his way to Rural Hall. The ticket was selected using the Quick Pick option, which randomly generated the numbers 1, 19, 24, 26, and 39. Konat matched all five numbers to secure the prize, which he opted to receive as a lump sum. After accounting for local and state taxes, Konat’s final payout amounted to $295,553. The jackpot was officially claimed on March 9 at the North Carolina Education Lottery headquarters in Raleigh. Despite the long odds of 1 in 962,598, Konat’s decision to claim the prize after several months highlights the patience required to navigate the process. His story underscores the unpredictable nature of lottery wins, where a simple act of purchasing a ticket can lead to life-changing financial outcomes. The incident also serves as a reminder of the importance of promptly claiming large prizes, as delays can complicate the process. While Konat’s win is a personal triumph, it aligns with broader trends in lottery history, where similar stories of sudden wealth often capture public attention. The details of his victory, from the ticket purchase to the final payout, illustrate the blend of chance and timing that defines such events.#raleigh #stanley_konat #north_carolina_education_lottery #pick_and_go #rural_hall
Raleigh lottery player hits Cash Five jackpot worth more than $450,000 A lottery player in Raleigh, North Carolina, has won a jackpot exceeding $450,000 in the Cash Five game. The North Carolina Education Lottery announced the victory on Sunday, March 8, 2026, revealing that the prize amount was $476,189. The winning ticket was purchased at a Spring Mart store located on Spring Forest Road in Raleigh. As of now, the lottery has not disclosed the identity of the winner, maintaining the confidentiality of the individual who claimed the prize. The Cash Five drawing, a popular lottery game in the state, typically offers substantial jackpots that attract widespread attention. This particular win marks another significant milestone for the lottery, which has been a major source of revenue for educational institutions in North Carolina. The winning ticket’s purchase location highlights the community impact of such events, as local businesses often become focal points for lottery-related news. The lottery’s decision to withhold the winner’s identity is standard practice, ensuring privacy for the individual while allowing the public to celebrate the achievement. This approach aligns with policies in many states, where winners are protected from public scrutiny unless they choose to share their story. The prize amount underscores the potential life-changing outcomes of lottery participation, a phenomenon that continues to draw both admiration and debate. The Raleigh area has seen its share of notable lottery wins in recent years, contributing to the region’s reputation as a hub for such events. The $476,189 jackpot adds to this legacy, reinforcing the allure of the game for players across the state.#north_carolina #raleigh #cash_five #spring_mart #north_carolina_education_lottery
Pennsylvania man wins $410,432 Cash 5 jackpot Stanley Konat of Brownsville, Pennsylvania, claimed a $410,432 jackpot after purchasing a $1 Cash 5 ticket for the January 5 drawing. The winning ticket was bought at Pik & Go on Broad Street in Rural Hall, where Konat was visiting his daughter. The odds of matching all five numbers in the draw are 1 in 962,598. Konat collected his prize at the North Carolina Lottery headquarters in Raleigh on Monday, after federal and state tax withholdings reduced his take-home amount to $295,553. The Cash 5 game, which is part of North Carolina’s lottery offerings, allows players to purchase tickets either at retail locations or through the state’s online platform or mobile app. The latest jackpot for the Cash 5 game was reported at $175,000 as of Tuesday. Konat’s win highlights the unpredictable nature of lottery games, where a single ticket can result in life-changing sums. The lottery’s website also listed other games with varying prize structures, including a progressive jackpot estimated at $371,588. These games offer different payout options, such as lump sums or annuities, with some providing lifetime payments. While the Cash 5 jackpot remains a significant prize, the lottery’s broader portfolio includes games with smaller but more frequent payouts, catering to a range of player preferences. The incident underscores the role of chance in lottery outcomes, where even a quick-pick ticket can lead to a massive windfall. Konat’s story serves as a reminder of the potential rewards of participating in such games, though it also emphasizes the importance of understanding the odds and the financial implications of winning.#stanley_konat #brownsville_pennsylvania #pik_go #north_carolina_lottery #raleigh
