9 days ago
CLEVELAND (AP) — Yandy Díaz has sparked the Tampa Bay Rays to the verge of their first World Series trip since 2020.
Díaz had three hits, including a double, and scored the first run in Sunday's 3-1 win over the Cleveland Guardians that gave the Rays 3-2 lead in the AL Championship Series.
Díaz has hits in seven of eight postseason games and is batting .314 with four doubles, a home run and an .847 OPS as the Rays' leadoff hitter.
"I'm probably a little biased, but Yandy is one of my favorite players to watch," Rays closer Bryan Baker said. "When he gets going, we're a different team with the way he works at-bats."
Game 6 is Monday at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, where the Rays are 58-27 during the regular season and playoffs. A potential Game 7 would be Tuesday in the same stadium.
#rays #Guardians
Díaz had three hits, including a double, and scored the first run in Sunday's 3-1 win over the Cleveland Guardians that gave the Rays 3-2 lead in the AL Championship Series.
Díaz has hits in seven of eight postseason games and is batting .314 with four doubles, a home run and an .847 OPS as the Rays' leadoff hitter.
"I'm probably a little biased, but Yandy is one of my favorite players to watch," Rays closer Bryan Baker said. "When he gets going, we're a different team with the way he works at-bats."
Game 6 is Monday at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, where the Rays are 58-27 during the regular season and playoffs. A potential Game 7 would be Tuesday in the same stadium.
#rays #Guardians
20 days ago
It's common for new investors to want to hit home runs in their first at-bats. That situation is arguably amplified at a time when major equity indexes are regularly hitting record highs.
With glamorous, high-octane growth stocks leading the charge, some market participants may be losing sight of the value of the singles-and-doubles approach to dividend investing. Those investors shouldn't ignore history. Though the percentage trended lower over the past decade due to the prominence of low-yield and non-dividend tech darlings, dividends accounted for about a third of the S&P 500's total returns over the past century.
Missed AI's "Act 1"? Act 2 Could Be 14x Bigger. Most investors think they missed the AI boat because they didn't buy Nvidia in 2005. But according to our ******* ysts, we're only at the end of "Act 1"—the R&D phase. "Act 2" is the global rollout. Continue »
Most investors don't think in 100-year increments, and that's understandable, but when it comes to dividend investing, history and long-term perspectives matter. And the Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (NYSEMKT: SCHD) is a prime example of a dividend exchange-traded fund (ETF) with a compelling history for long-term investors.
Locked in a seemingly daily battle with the Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF for the ******* le of the largest dividend ETF, the $108 billion Schwab fund has a nearly unmatched track record. Two weeks shy of its 15th birthday, this ETF, which tracks the Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index, has returned 532% since its launch.
#investors
With glamorous, high-octane growth stocks leading the charge, some market participants may be losing sight of the value of the singles-and-doubles approach to dividend investing. Those investors shouldn't ignore history. Though the percentage trended lower over the past decade due to the prominence of low-yield and non-dividend tech darlings, dividends accounted for about a third of the S&P 500's total returns over the past century.
Missed AI's "Act 1"? Act 2 Could Be 14x Bigger. Most investors think they missed the AI boat because they didn't buy Nvidia in 2005. But according to our ******* ysts, we're only at the end of "Act 1"—the R&D phase. "Act 2" is the global rollout. Continue »
Most investors don't think in 100-year increments, and that's understandable, but when it comes to dividend investing, history and long-term perspectives matter. And the Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (NYSEMKT: SCHD) is a prime example of a dividend exchange-traded fund (ETF) with a compelling history for long-term investors.
Locked in a seemingly daily battle with the Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF for the ******* le of the largest dividend ETF, the $108 billion Schwab fund has a nearly unmatched track record. Two weeks shy of its 15th birthday, this ETF, which tracks the Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index, has returned 532% since its launch.
#investors
1 month ago
This one had everything. Troy Melton struggled and got knocked out early, but the bullpen managed to bend without breaking. Meanwhile, the young Tigers hitters were centre stage as they fought back repeatedly with good at-bats late in this one. Kenley Jansen picked up his 496th major league save to wrap up the victory.
Monday night's first of three at the Rogers Centre featured Melton against right-hander José Soriano. The Blue Jays have had almost as strange a season as the Tigers. Struggling through the first half, they moved long time top starter Kevin Gausman, but acquired Soriano at the deadline as well, and have kept themselves in the thick of the wild card race.
Things didn't start off too well as the Tigers quickly went 1-2-3 in the first, and Melton immediately dug himself a hole. Brett Bateman led off by slashing a single the opposite way past a diving Hao-Yu Lee for a leadoff single. Bateman appeared to be thrown out stealing second on a pitch that was called a ball and incorrectly challenged by Dillon Dingler to walk George Springer. So everyone was safe, and after Vladimir Guerrero Jr. grounded out to advance the runners, Alejandro Kirk singled home Bateman for a 1-0 lead.
Melton didn't help his cause against Nathan Lukes by yanking a wild pitch to score Springer, but he retired Lukes and Kazuma Okamoto flew out to Clark to end the first inning. 2-0 Blue Jays.
A Dingler strikeout started the second inning, and Max Clark and Brett Callahan grounded out.
#melton #soriano #brett
Monday night's first of three at the Rogers Centre featured Melton against right-hander José Soriano. The Blue Jays have had almost as strange a season as the Tigers. Struggling through the first half, they moved long time top starter Kevin Gausman, but acquired Soriano at the deadline as well, and have kept themselves in the thick of the wild card race.
Things didn't start off too well as the Tigers quickly went 1-2-3 in the first, and Melton immediately dug himself a hole. Brett Bateman led off by slashing a single the opposite way past a diving Hao-Yu Lee for a leadoff single. Bateman appeared to be thrown out stealing second on a pitch that was called a ball and incorrectly challenged by Dillon Dingler to walk George Springer. So everyone was safe, and after Vladimir Guerrero Jr. grounded out to advance the runners, Alejandro Kirk singled home Bateman for a 1-0 lead.
Melton didn't help his cause against Nathan Lukes by yanking a wild pitch to score Springer, but he retired Lukes and Kazuma Okamoto flew out to Clark to end the first inning. 2-0 Blue Jays.
A Dingler strikeout started the second inning, and Max Clark and Brett Callahan grounded out.
#melton #soriano #brett
1 month ago
The 2026 home campaign for the Salt Lake Bees (24-44/63-79) came to a close this week as they welcomed the Round Rock Express (Triple-A, Texas Rangers). Known as the "E-Train," the Lone Star side steamrolled their way to a dominant series victory, winning five of six. Outside of a 11-1 thrashing on Thursday, the Bees never held a lead in the other five contests. The Express (38-31/69-75) collected their first road series win in Salt Lake since 2021, when they swept the Bees in a six-game set.
Despite a quality start from Bees starter Ryan Costeiu, Round Rock earned a 5-1 series opening victory on Tuesday. The visitors scored in four different frames, while Niko Kavadas helped Salt Lake avoid a shutout with a fifth-inning solo blast. Wednesday was more of the same, as the Express tallied a 6-1 victory. MLB rehabber Josh Jung punctuated the win with a solo blast in the eighth, as the Bees were held to just a trio of hits for the second straight game.
As mentioned above, the Salt Lake bats came alive on Thursday with an 11-1 rout. The team tied their season-high with four homers, spotlighted by Kavadas' second multi-homer night of the campaign. The infielder's surge was part of a four-hit night, his first at any level since 2022. On the mound, Joel Hurtado turned in 6.2 innings of one-run ball, finally collecting his first Triple-A win in his eighth try. After falling behind 5-0 on Friday, the Bees nearly completed a comeback, coming up just short in a 5-4 defeat. Salt Lake got the winning run on base in the ninth, but ultimately fell short.
The final Saturday and Sunday at home in 2026 were near carbon copies of each other. Big first innings for Round Rock put them in the driver's seat, leading 6-0 and 4-0, respectively. Saturday's output was more than enough for the visitors as they added seven more runs over the course of the game to shutout the Bees 13-0. On Sunday's home finale, Salt Lake battled and answered every time the Express scored. They closed the gap to 6-4 before Round Rock gained some length with Aaron Zavala's two-run blast in the sixth, the only longball of the evening. The Bees did not go down without a fight, bringing the tying run to the plate in the ninth. A flyball was tracked down for the 27th and final out of the finale, completing the Express' 9-6 victory.
The 74th and final home game saw 7,853 fans come through the turnstiles of The Ballpark at America First Square — the largest crowd in ballpark history. Salt Lake finished 35-39 at home this season, winning or splitting nine of their 13 total home series. The Bees were victorious in at least one game against every opponent who came to South Jordan, avoiding a sweep for the second straight season as the hosts.
#lake #express
Despite a quality start from Bees starter Ryan Costeiu, Round Rock earned a 5-1 series opening victory on Tuesday. The visitors scored in four different frames, while Niko Kavadas helped Salt Lake avoid a shutout with a fifth-inning solo blast. Wednesday was more of the same, as the Express tallied a 6-1 victory. MLB rehabber Josh Jung punctuated the win with a solo blast in the eighth, as the Bees were held to just a trio of hits for the second straight game.
As mentioned above, the Salt Lake bats came alive on Thursday with an 11-1 rout. The team tied their season-high with four homers, spotlighted by Kavadas' second multi-homer night of the campaign. The infielder's surge was part of a four-hit night, his first at any level since 2022. On the mound, Joel Hurtado turned in 6.2 innings of one-run ball, finally collecting his first Triple-A win in his eighth try. After falling behind 5-0 on Friday, the Bees nearly completed a comeback, coming up just short in a 5-4 defeat. Salt Lake got the winning run on base in the ninth, but ultimately fell short.
The final Saturday and Sunday at home in 2026 were near carbon copies of each other. Big first innings for Round Rock put them in the driver's seat, leading 6-0 and 4-0, respectively. Saturday's output was more than enough for the visitors as they added seven more runs over the course of the game to shutout the Bees 13-0. On Sunday's home finale, Salt Lake battled and answered every time the Express scored. They closed the gap to 6-4 before Round Rock gained some length with Aaron Zavala's two-run blast in the sixth, the only longball of the evening. The Bees did not go down without a fight, bringing the tying run to the plate in the ninth. A flyball was tracked down for the 27th and final out of the finale, completing the Express' 9-6 victory.
The 74th and final home game saw 7,853 fans come through the turnstiles of The Ballpark at America First Square — the largest crowd in ballpark history. Salt Lake finished 35-39 at home this season, winning or splitting nine of their 13 total home series. The Bees were victorious in at least one game against every opponent who came to South Jordan, avoiding a sweep for the second straight season as the hosts.
#lake #express
1 month ago
The Diamondbacks claimed outfielder Jesus Sanchez off waivers on Monday, Sept. 14, adding another left-handed bat to a position-player group that has struggled against right-handed pitching.
Sanchez, who is expected to join the team on Tuesday, Sept. 15, will not be eligible for the postseason, but general manager Mike Hazen said the club is looking to jump-start the offense against righties.
"It's been an area of struggle for us this year, and most of the internal guys that we have to call up, they're all right-handed," Hazen said. "I think the additions of Pavin (Smith) and now Jesus are a way for us to try to spark the offense a little bit from the left-handed side.
"We face all righties all the way through, pretty much, projecting it out — unless something changes — and so we're looking for any sparks that we can get."
Sanchez, 28, hit .260/.318/.416 with eight homers in 269 at-bats for the Toronto Blue Jays before being designated for ***** ignment on Friday, Sept. 11. He hit .276/.333/.448 against right-handed pitching.
#hazen
Sanchez, who is expected to join the team on Tuesday, Sept. 15, will not be eligible for the postseason, but general manager Mike Hazen said the club is looking to jump-start the offense against righties.
"It's been an area of struggle for us this year, and most of the internal guys that we have to call up, they're all right-handed," Hazen said. "I think the additions of Pavin (Smith) and now Jesus are a way for us to try to spark the offense a little bit from the left-handed side.
"We face all righties all the way through, pretty much, projecting it out — unless something changes — and so we're looking for any sparks that we can get."
Sanchez, 28, hit .260/.318/.416 with eight homers in 269 at-bats for the Toronto Blue Jays before being designated for ***** ignment on Friday, Sept. 11. He hit .276/.333/.448 against right-handed pitching.
#hazen
1 month ago
It was a nail biter, but the San Diego Padres came away from it with a seven-game win streak and back-to-back sweeps for the third time this season. It was a great game to cap off the sweep. Ethan Salas finally notched his first big-league hit with a triple in Oracle Park, Fernando Tatis Jr. went 3-for-4 with two RBI and Manny Machado launched his 27th home run of the season.
The Friars will now turn to the Colorado Rockies to round out their penultimate road trip of the 2026 season. It's a four-game set in the hitter-friendly environs of Coors Field. With the way the Padres have been swinging their bats lately (37 runs in their last six games; 6.2 runs per game), they should have no problem keeping the good vibes rolling.
Sugano has been surprisingly good in the hitter-friendly confines of Coors Field. That said, he's still pitched to a 5.30 ERA. But that number goes down to 4.96 at home compared to 5.64 away. It's an interesting split to have when Colorado is known for being a hitter's dream.
The righty has been particularly awful recently. In his last seven starts, Sugano has pitched to a 7.71 ERA across 35 innings pitched. In his last three starts, he's surrendered a whopping 14 runs (16.0 IP). If San Diego's recently potent lineup can take advantage of that, they would be well on their way to their eighth straight win.
Since joining the Padres, it's no secret that Mize has struggled. He's posted a dismal 6.34 ERA in his first seven games. Much of that is believed to be due to a groin injury that Mize has been pitching through. It was reported earlier this week that that injury was the reason many scouts decided against Mize, lowering his trade stock.
#game #runs #last #Colorado
The Friars will now turn to the Colorado Rockies to round out their penultimate road trip of the 2026 season. It's a four-game set in the hitter-friendly environs of Coors Field. With the way the Padres have been swinging their bats lately (37 runs in their last six games; 6.2 runs per game), they should have no problem keeping the good vibes rolling.
Sugano has been surprisingly good in the hitter-friendly confines of Coors Field. That said, he's still pitched to a 5.30 ERA. But that number goes down to 4.96 at home compared to 5.64 away. It's an interesting split to have when Colorado is known for being a hitter's dream.
The righty has been particularly awful recently. In his last seven starts, Sugano has pitched to a 7.71 ERA across 35 innings pitched. In his last three starts, he's surrendered a whopping 14 runs (16.0 IP). If San Diego's recently potent lineup can take advantage of that, they would be well on their way to their eighth straight win.
Since joining the Padres, it's no secret that Mize has struggled. He's posted a dismal 6.34 ERA in his first seven games. Much of that is believed to be due to a groin injury that Mize has been pitching through. It was reported earlier this week that that injury was the reason many scouts decided against Mize, lowering his trade stock.
#game #runs #last #Colorado
1 month ago
The Big East Conference announced the men's regular season basketball league schedule Sept. 14, completing Xavier's 2026-27 regular season slate.
Xavier, which finished 16-18 overall and tied for last in the Big East (6-14) last year, opens league play on Saturday, Dec. 19 on the road against Marquette at Fiserv Forum.
Xavier's Big East home opener is on Tuesday, Dec. 22 when Creighton visits Cintas Center.
More: Xavier basketball gets commitment from 4-star, Class of 2027 forward
More: Elder, Xavier grad Pat Kelsey gets a Louisville Bats bobblehead
#east #regular #gets #sept
Xavier, which finished 16-18 overall and tied for last in the Big East (6-14) last year, opens league play on Saturday, Dec. 19 on the road against Marquette at Fiserv Forum.
Xavier's Big East home opener is on Tuesday, Dec. 22 when Creighton visits Cintas Center.
More: Xavier basketball gets commitment from 4-star, Class of 2027 forward
More: Elder, Xavier grad Pat Kelsey gets a Louisville Bats bobblehead
#east #regular #gets #sept
1 month ago
Rafael Devers' recent tear, especially when the San Francisco Giants slugger is driving ****** out to right at Oracle Park, makes it impossible not to think of Barry Bonds.
The at-bats share that don't-go-to-concessions-yet vibe. Opposing pitchers are handling Devers as carefully as they can - All-Star closer Mason Miller walked him in the ninth inning Friday - and there's a general buzz when Devers is up with men on base. Saturday, he lasered a low 1-1 sweeper from Michael King out in the first, a two-run shot in the Giants' 7-6 loss to the Padres.
San Francisco again demonstrated some mettle with a late push after Devers' grand slam the previous night cut the deficit to two and the Giants mounted a two-out rally against Miller that came up just short. Saturday, power was the key: rookie catcher Drew Cavanaugh went deep to right in the eighth, the first of his career, 50 games in. Two batters later, Drew Gilbert crushed a two-run shot to cut the deficit to one before lefty Adrian Morejon entered and struck out Devers and Bryce Eldridge.
Earlier in the day, Shay Whitcomb also went deep for San Francisco, which recorded all its runs via homers.
With 13 games remaining, Devers has 37 homers, one shy of his career high. He has a realistic shot at 40, something no Giants hitter has done since Bonds belted 45 in 2004. Devers has 98 RBIs, too, so 100 is well within reach. The last San Francisco player with 100 RBIs was Buster Posey, the man who traded for Devers last year; Posey recorded 103 RBIs in 2012.
#francisco #rbis #shot #drew
The at-bats share that don't-go-to-concessions-yet vibe. Opposing pitchers are handling Devers as carefully as they can - All-Star closer Mason Miller walked him in the ninth inning Friday - and there's a general buzz when Devers is up with men on base. Saturday, he lasered a low 1-1 sweeper from Michael King out in the first, a two-run shot in the Giants' 7-6 loss to the Padres.
San Francisco again demonstrated some mettle with a late push after Devers' grand slam the previous night cut the deficit to two and the Giants mounted a two-out rally against Miller that came up just short. Saturday, power was the key: rookie catcher Drew Cavanaugh went deep to right in the eighth, the first of his career, 50 games in. Two batters later, Drew Gilbert crushed a two-run shot to cut the deficit to one before lefty Adrian Morejon entered and struck out Devers and Bryce Eldridge.
Earlier in the day, Shay Whitcomb also went deep for San Francisco, which recorded all its runs via homers.
With 13 games remaining, Devers has 37 homers, one shy of his career high. He has a realistic shot at 40, something no Giants hitter has done since Bonds belted 45 in 2004. Devers has 98 RBIs, too, so 100 is well within reach. The last San Francisco player with 100 RBIs was Buster Posey, the man who traded for Devers last year; Posey recorded 103 RBIs in 2012.
#francisco #rbis #shot #drew
2 months ago
If Carlos Correa is able to return to the Houston Astros lineup by the end of the regular season, he could play second base, The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal reports.
Correa, who turns 32 on Sept. 22, has been on the injured list since May 6 with a torn tendon in his left ankle that required surgery to repair. His 2026 season was believed to be over, as a result.
However, the 12-year veteran has been progressing well in his recovery and ran the bases earlier this week. The plan is for Correa to take up to 10 at-bats in live batting practice at the Astros' spring-training complex in West Palm Beach, Florida. If he doesn't deal with any setbacks, Correa could go on a minor-league rehab **** ignment with Triple-A Sugar Land next week.
Carlos Correa has reported to West Palm Beach and hit in the cages and took grounders there today, Joe Espada said. The plan is for Correa to start hitting on the field Monday.
In 32 games this season, Correa recorded a .279/.369/.418 slash average with 3 home runs, 8 doubles and 16 RBI. He played 23 games at shortstop and 14 at third base.
#season
Correa, who turns 32 on Sept. 22, has been on the injured list since May 6 with a torn tendon in his left ankle that required surgery to repair. His 2026 season was believed to be over, as a result.
However, the 12-year veteran has been progressing well in his recovery and ran the bases earlier this week. The plan is for Correa to take up to 10 at-bats in live batting practice at the Astros' spring-training complex in West Palm Beach, Florida. If he doesn't deal with any setbacks, Correa could go on a minor-league rehab **** ignment with Triple-A Sugar Land next week.
Carlos Correa has reported to West Palm Beach and hit in the cages and took grounders there today, Joe Espada said. The plan is for Correa to start hitting on the field Monday.
In 32 games this season, Correa recorded a .279/.369/.418 slash average with 3 home runs, 8 doubles and 16 RBI. He played 23 games at shortstop and 14 at third base.
#season
2 months ago
The Braves are rotating their lineup a bit to mitigate the Phillies' ability to play the matchup game. Instead of Harris batting cleanup behind Olson, Albies bats cleanup between the two as a deterrent against lefty relievers. Additionally, Mauricio Dubon replaces Mike Yastrzemski in left field.
Home cookin’ pic.twitter.com/esdWHepFee
Meanwhile, the Phillies shuffle their outfielders, facing the righty Mahle instead of the lefty Sale.
Saturday night in Atlanta#RingTheBell pic.twitter.com/G0Bj5r02hy
Game Time: Saturday, September 12, 7:15 p.m. ET
#Braves
Home cookin’ pic.twitter.com/esdWHepFee
Meanwhile, the Phillies shuffle their outfielders, facing the righty Mahle instead of the lefty Sale.
Saturday night in Atlanta#RingTheBell pic.twitter.com/G0Bj5r02hy
Game Time: Saturday, September 12, 7:15 p.m. ET
#Braves
2 months ago
1900
The White Sox beat the Cleveland Blues, 12-4, in Chicago to clinch the franchise's first pennant. (The American League would not be recognized as an official major league until 1901, however.) Roy Patterson got the win in the game.
The season seemed to set the tone for the franchise, with exceptional pitching and defense — and just enough hitting to win games. Cleveland manager Jimmy McAleer said as much after the Sox clinched against his club: "It's the strangest thing that ever happened. A club with no good batsman to win a flag! Why, such a thing was never heard of before. [Dick] Padden has done most of it. He has been the whole works, and has shown himself a born general. The pitchers did the rest, with special credit to that lad Patterson."
Brett Ballantini devoted an episode of South Side Sox's Flashback to this win, back in 2019.
1908
Ultimately, the White Sox did not prevail for the pennant, but don't say they didn't put up a fight. Arriving at Detroit's Bennett Park for a five-game set against the first-place Tigers and behind by three games, the White Sox won the opener, then played four consecutive extra-inning games to finish out the series, splitting them. On this day, the White Sox got back to just two games out with a 2-1 victory in 10 innings. Frank Smith not only went the distance for his 12th win on the season, he singled in the game-winner in the top of the 10th.
The White Sox continued a three-way fight for the pennant (with Cleveland as well), and the season came down to the last day, hosting Detroit. Had the White Sox not been blown out in the finale, they would have finished tied with (but percentage points ahead of) Cleveland and a half-game in front of the Tigers for the pennant.
#white #season #patterson #league
The White Sox beat the Cleveland Blues, 12-4, in Chicago to clinch the franchise's first pennant. (The American League would not be recognized as an official major league until 1901, however.) Roy Patterson got the win in the game.
The season seemed to set the tone for the franchise, with exceptional pitching and defense — and just enough hitting to win games. Cleveland manager Jimmy McAleer said as much after the Sox clinched against his club: "It's the strangest thing that ever happened. A club with no good batsman to win a flag! Why, such a thing was never heard of before. [Dick] Padden has done most of it. He has been the whole works, and has shown himself a born general. The pitchers did the rest, with special credit to that lad Patterson."
Brett Ballantini devoted an episode of South Side Sox's Flashback to this win, back in 2019.
1908
Ultimately, the White Sox did not prevail for the pennant, but don't say they didn't put up a fight. Arriving at Detroit's Bennett Park for a five-game set against the first-place Tigers and behind by three games, the White Sox won the opener, then played four consecutive extra-inning games to finish out the series, splitting them. On this day, the White Sox got back to just two games out with a 2-1 victory in 10 innings. Frank Smith not only went the distance for his 12th win on the season, he singled in the game-winner in the top of the 10th.
The White Sox continued a three-way fight for the pennant (with Cleveland as well), and the season came down to the last day, hosting Detroit. Had the White Sox not been blown out in the finale, they would have finished tied with (but percentage points ahead of) Cleveland and a half-game in front of the Tigers for the pennant.
#white #season #patterson #league
2 months ago
By the end of the third inning, Friday's game against the Padres didn't seem to promise much of a contest. The tally: 7-1 in favor of the visiting San Diegans after a barrage of extra basehits and two-out knocks. A
nthony Molina, who looked somewhat sharp in the 1st with two strikeouts with his four-seam, ran out of ideas in the 2nd and 3rd. He pressed hard on that fastball and the Padres bats welcomed it. Jackson Merrill bounced an outside fastball over the wall for a ground-rule double to start the 2nd. Molina retired the next two hitters he faced but couldn't find a way out of the frame cleanly. Dustin Harris deflected another elevated fastball to score Merrill. Freddy Fermin punched another 340 feet, easily scoring Harris from first.
Molina tried to adapt, shifting off his primary weapon his second time through the San Diego order, but nothing worked. Jake Cronenworth set the tone in the 3rd with a feisty 8-pitch scuffle that ended with a 107 MPH single off a change-up. Luis Campusano plated him by punishing a hanging slider. That double would be the first of four RBI extra base knocks in the inning. Seven Padres reached, five scored in all. Molina became less as a road-block and more as a facilitator, the operator of a fast food drive-thru, the In-N-Out at Tejon Ranch, taking each hitter's order, efficiently moving the high-volume of customers from window to window before sending them on their way with exactly what they asked for.
View Link
As Molina's fortunes plummeted, San Diego starter, Robbie Ray, making his first start against the Giants since his trade, steadied himself after a prolonged 1st inning.
#molina #fastball #merrill #knocks
nthony Molina, who looked somewhat sharp in the 1st with two strikeouts with his four-seam, ran out of ideas in the 2nd and 3rd. He pressed hard on that fastball and the Padres bats welcomed it. Jackson Merrill bounced an outside fastball over the wall for a ground-rule double to start the 2nd. Molina retired the next two hitters he faced but couldn't find a way out of the frame cleanly. Dustin Harris deflected another elevated fastball to score Merrill. Freddy Fermin punched another 340 feet, easily scoring Harris from first.
Molina tried to adapt, shifting off his primary weapon his second time through the San Diego order, but nothing worked. Jake Cronenworth set the tone in the 3rd with a feisty 8-pitch scuffle that ended with a 107 MPH single off a change-up. Luis Campusano plated him by punishing a hanging slider. That double would be the first of four RBI extra base knocks in the inning. Seven Padres reached, five scored in all. Molina became less as a road-block and more as a facilitator, the operator of a fast food drive-thru, the In-N-Out at Tejon Ranch, taking each hitter's order, efficiently moving the high-volume of customers from window to window before sending them on their way with exactly what they asked for.
View Link
As Molina's fortunes plummeted, San Diego starter, Robbie Ray, making his first start against the Giants since his trade, steadied himself after a prolonged 1st inning.
#molina #fastball #merrill #knocks
2 months ago
India's next Test **** ignment will take them to New Zealand for a two-match series beginning November 19, and former Kiwi fast bowler Trent Boult believes KL Rahul will be one of the Indian batters worth watching closely.
The two Tests will form part of India's marathon New Zealand tour, which begins on October 22 and features 12 matches across the three formats. With India needing a strong result to remain in contention for the World Test Championship (WTC) final, the spotlight is expected to fall on several key players, including captain Shubman Gill and pace spearhead Jasprit **** rah.
Boult, however, has picked Rahul and his opening partner Yashasvi Jaiswal as the two Indian batters he is particularly looking forward to seeing in action.
"I'm always a big fan of KL Rahul and his style of batsmanship. So he's a big player at the top of the order for the Indian side. And yeah, I believe Jaiswal is there as well. Two classy batters to see bat. So yeah, be interesting to see," Boult said in an interview to PTI.
The timing of the series could make conditions particularly interesting. Unlike India's previous Test tours of New Zealand, which have often taken place in the February-March window, this series will be played in late October and November.
Boult feels the timing could bring colder weather into play, while he is hoping the New Zealand pitches retain some grass and offer **** istance to the home attack.
"It's always an exciting chance when the Indian team comes down to play Test cricket in New Zealand," Boult said.
"The only thing I can see happening is it's going to be late October. I believe, just coming out of winter. So it's going to be quite cold. Hopefully, there's a bit of greenness in the wickets for some of our bowlers. It's going to be a good series, I'm sure," the star former Kiwi pacer added.
Boult also backed the current New Zealand bowling unit to make an impact against India, pointing to the variety available to the team.
Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Nathan Smith and Will O'Rourke bring different qualities to the attack, and Boult believes that gives New Zealand enough options to develop its own identity.
"I think the bowling is very well balanced. It's got bases covered in terms of a good pace, obviously, with Will O'Rourke. Obviously, a bit of swing and a bit of bounce from Kyle Jamieson and Matt Henry with his accuracy.
"So yeah, I think the way me, Tim (Southee) and Wags (Neil Wagner) did it over the years was a unique way in itself. But there's other strengths and other game plans that our younger bowlers can follow," Boult further said.
134121390
#test
The two Tests will form part of India's marathon New Zealand tour, which begins on October 22 and features 12 matches across the three formats. With India needing a strong result to remain in contention for the World Test Championship (WTC) final, the spotlight is expected to fall on several key players, including captain Shubman Gill and pace spearhead Jasprit **** rah.
Boult, however, has picked Rahul and his opening partner Yashasvi Jaiswal as the two Indian batters he is particularly looking forward to seeing in action.
"I'm always a big fan of KL Rahul and his style of batsmanship. So he's a big player at the top of the order for the Indian side. And yeah, I believe Jaiswal is there as well. Two classy batters to see bat. So yeah, be interesting to see," Boult said in an interview to PTI.
The timing of the series could make conditions particularly interesting. Unlike India's previous Test tours of New Zealand, which have often taken place in the February-March window, this series will be played in late October and November.
Boult feels the timing could bring colder weather into play, while he is hoping the New Zealand pitches retain some grass and offer **** istance to the home attack.
"It's always an exciting chance when the Indian team comes down to play Test cricket in New Zealand," Boult said.
"The only thing I can see happening is it's going to be late October. I believe, just coming out of winter. So it's going to be quite cold. Hopefully, there's a bit of greenness in the wickets for some of our bowlers. It's going to be a good series, I'm sure," the star former Kiwi pacer added.
Boult also backed the current New Zealand bowling unit to make an impact against India, pointing to the variety available to the team.
Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Nathan Smith and Will O'Rourke bring different qualities to the attack, and Boult believes that gives New Zealand enough options to develop its own identity.
"I think the bowling is very well balanced. It's got bases covered in terms of a good pace, obviously, with Will O'Rourke. Obviously, a bit of swing and a bit of bounce from Kyle Jamieson and Matt Henry with his accuracy.
"So yeah, I think the way me, Tim (Southee) and Wags (Neil Wagner) did it over the years was a unique way in itself. But there's other strengths and other game plans that our younger bowlers can follow," Boult further said.
134121390
#test
2 months ago
This may come as somewhat of a shock, but the White Sox lost again Friday night. I know, who could've seen it coming that the team that has looked like a dumpster fire since late August would once again do everything possible to lose a game.
I don't even know how to feel, but I do know I feel numb. Just another game where the White Sox gave false hope, had plenty of opportunities to grab the win, and instead tripped over their own feet and got caught with their pants around their ankles.
It's usually a great sign to get a homer on the first pitch of the game, which Chase Meidroth did later than usual thanks to a 70-minute "rain delay" to start the game. That was followed by a Randal Grichuk double, six total bases on three pitches that got fans hopeful that the team wouldn't completely choke. Unfortunately, the starting burst was followed by a weak ground out and two awful at-bats that ended in strikeouts.
Say I'm a pessimist or "not a real fan," I don't care; anybody that's been following this team lately with a pulse knew what kind of game we were in store for. It was at that time I started checking the score of the Cleveland Guardians, game knowing what was bound to happen. Like a fool who believed in the White Sox, I also believed that maybe the Guardians wouldn't pull a win out of their hat late.
As we kept our eyes on the Cleveland score, the White Sox immediately gave back a run in the first. They never like holding a lead for long, and what are the White Sox if not predictable?
#white #don 't
I don't even know how to feel, but I do know I feel numb. Just another game where the White Sox gave false hope, had plenty of opportunities to grab the win, and instead tripped over their own feet and got caught with their pants around their ankles.
It's usually a great sign to get a homer on the first pitch of the game, which Chase Meidroth did later than usual thanks to a 70-minute "rain delay" to start the game. That was followed by a Randal Grichuk double, six total bases on three pitches that got fans hopeful that the team wouldn't completely choke. Unfortunately, the starting burst was followed by a weak ground out and two awful at-bats that ended in strikeouts.
Say I'm a pessimist or "not a real fan," I don't care; anybody that's been following this team lately with a pulse knew what kind of game we were in store for. It was at that time I started checking the score of the Cleveland Guardians, game knowing what was bound to happen. Like a fool who believed in the White Sox, I also believed that maybe the Guardians wouldn't pull a win out of their hat late.
As we kept our eyes on the Cleveland score, the White Sox immediately gave back a run in the first. They never like holding a lead for long, and what are the White Sox if not predictable?
#white #don 't
2 months ago
MIAMI — Josue De Paula's major league debut was never going to be judged by the box score alone.
The 21-year-old Dodgers prospect went 0-for-3 with a walk Friday night at LoanDepot Park, hardly the kind of debut that jumps off the page. But for a player who has spent years building toward this moment, the more meaningful signs came in the at-bats themselves.
Sep 11, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Josue De Paula (95) and left fielder Alex Call (12) hug before the game against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot Park.
Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Sep 11, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Josue De Paula (95) and left fielder Alex Call (12) hug before the game against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot Park.
#park #angeles #call
The 21-year-old Dodgers prospect went 0-for-3 with a walk Friday night at LoanDepot Park, hardly the kind of debut that jumps off the page. But for a player who has spent years building toward this moment, the more meaningful signs came in the at-bats themselves.
Sep 11, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Josue De Paula (95) and left fielder Alex Call (12) hug before the game against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot Park.
Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Sep 11, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Josue De Paula (95) and left fielder Alex Call (12) hug before the game against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot Park.
#park #angeles #call
2 months ago
The lineups are out for tonight's series-opening showdown between the Atlanta Braves and the Philadelphia Phillies. There's no major shakeup but there is a return to the lineup for one familiar face after he started Thursday's contest on the bench.
Ozzie Albies is back in the starting lineup for the Braves. Here's how the rest of Atlanta's lineup is looking:
Sale takes the mound tonight at TruistPark 💪 pic.twitter.com/sZRngGjbvQ
Ozzie has hit .249/.304/.411 so far this season with a wOBA of .311 and a wRC+ of 95. His big triple against the Rays on Thursday helped push Atlanta past Tampa Bay and gave them what could amount to being a very crucial win if all continues to go well for the Braves as far as this particular series is concerned.
Outside of that, there are no major changes from yesterday and in fact, this is the same group of nine batters that squared off against Aaron Nola last week. The bottom of the order is slightly different but the players remain the same. For what it's worth, Ronald Acuña Jr. has an OPS of 1.076 against Nola in 56 pat-bats. Austin Riley has done a similar level of damage as well with an OPS of 1.111 over 62 ABs. Mike Yastrzemski and Drake Baldwin have both been successful as well (1.046 and 1.056 OPS, respectively) against Nola but they both have much smaller sample sizes (16 and 8 ABs, respectively) to go with. Let's see if that turns into a factor during tonight's contest.
#lineup #major
Ozzie Albies is back in the starting lineup for the Braves. Here's how the rest of Atlanta's lineup is looking:
Sale takes the mound tonight at TruistPark 💪 pic.twitter.com/sZRngGjbvQ
Ozzie has hit .249/.304/.411 so far this season with a wOBA of .311 and a wRC+ of 95. His big triple against the Rays on Thursday helped push Atlanta past Tampa Bay and gave them what could amount to being a very crucial win if all continues to go well for the Braves as far as this particular series is concerned.
Outside of that, there are no major changes from yesterday and in fact, this is the same group of nine batters that squared off against Aaron Nola last week. The bottom of the order is slightly different but the players remain the same. For what it's worth, Ronald Acuña Jr. has an OPS of 1.076 against Nola in 56 pat-bats. Austin Riley has done a similar level of damage as well with an OPS of 1.111 over 62 ABs. Mike Yastrzemski and Drake Baldwin have both been successful as well (1.046 and 1.056 OPS, respectively) against Nola but they both have much smaller sample sizes (16 and 8 ABs, respectively) to go with. Let's see if that turns into a factor during tonight's contest.
#lineup #major
2 months ago
I figured I wasn't going to post anything more until the Game Thread, but everyone is reporting that the Jays are calling up 30-year-old outfielder Rudy Martin. They picked up Martin off waivers from the Royals, back in July.
He was drafted by the Royals in the 25th round of the 2014 draft and he's played basically everywhere since, except for the major leagues, but that ends now (hopefully, I hope he gets into some games). I admire guys who keep playing, keep the dream alive.
This year, playing for three different minor league teams, he's hit .274/.394/421 with 11 home runs, 55 walks, 83 strikeouts and 45 steals in 369 at bats. He's played all three outfield spots in his career.
He's a left-handed batter.
And he's not on the 40-man roster, so there are a couple of moves that will have to be made.
#Royals #year #playing #game
He was drafted by the Royals in the 25th round of the 2014 draft and he's played basically everywhere since, except for the major leagues, but that ends now (hopefully, I hope he gets into some games). I admire guys who keep playing, keep the dream alive.
This year, playing for three different minor league teams, he's hit .274/.394/421 with 11 home runs, 55 walks, 83 strikeouts and 45 steals in 369 at bats. He's played all three outfield spots in his career.
He's a left-handed batter.
And he's not on the 40-man roster, so there are a couple of moves that will have to be made.
#Royals #year #playing #game
2 months ago
The Milwaukee Brewers are not an organization known for producing many power bats, but rather a team that focuses on developing toolsy players to play their style of baseball.
However, Andrew Fischer seems to be an exception. In a Minor League system full of players like Brice Turang, the Brewers have a player who's more Kyle Schwarber than anyone else. Andrew Fischer blasted his 47th home run of the Minor League season on Thursday, the most by a player since the turn of the century. However, his strikeout rate makes him an atypical Brewer.
His 47th home run passed Ryan Howard's 46 Minor League home runs in 2004 with the Philadelphia Phillies organization. Fischer is the first player to reach the 47 home run mark in a Minor League season since Tony Solaita in 1968.
Fischer's historic season is not over yet, as the Brewers' Double-A affiliate, the Biloxi Shuckers, still have four regular-season games left.
Looking for the perfect gift for a baseball player in your life? Check out our brand-new baseball lifestyle brand!
#season #Baseball #andrew
However, Andrew Fischer seems to be an exception. In a Minor League system full of players like Brice Turang, the Brewers have a player who's more Kyle Schwarber than anyone else. Andrew Fischer blasted his 47th home run of the Minor League season on Thursday, the most by a player since the turn of the century. However, his strikeout rate makes him an atypical Brewer.
His 47th home run passed Ryan Howard's 46 Minor League home runs in 2004 with the Philadelphia Phillies organization. Fischer is the first player to reach the 47 home run mark in a Minor League season since Tony Solaita in 1968.
Fischer's historic season is not over yet, as the Brewers' Double-A affiliate, the Biloxi Shuckers, still have four regular-season games left.
Looking for the perfect gift for a baseball player in your life? Check out our brand-new baseball lifestyle brand!
#season #Baseball #andrew
2 months ago
The Mets' bats continued their impressive Labor Day weekend by pounding out 16 hits and scoring nine runs in a 9-4 victory over the Marlins. Jonah Tong, who was called upon for his first start of the 2026 season, earned a win by striking out seven over five innings.
Choose Your Recap: Amazin' Avenue, MLB.com, Daily News, NY Post, Newsday, ESPN, Faith and Fear in Flushing
The Mets optioned Justin Hagenman to Triple-A to make room for Jonah Tong on the roster.
Jon Heyman explained that the Mets' trifecta is giving the team hope that this can be a $365 million learning experience.
Abbey Mastracco wrote about 'Beat It' becoming Citi Field's answer to a lost season.
#tong #marlins #recap #amazin
Choose Your Recap: Amazin' Avenue, MLB.com, Daily News, NY Post, Newsday, ESPN, Faith and Fear in Flushing
The Mets optioned Justin Hagenman to Triple-A to make room for Jonah Tong on the roster.
Jon Heyman explained that the Mets' trifecta is giving the team hope that this can be a $365 million learning experience.
Abbey Mastracco wrote about 'Beat It' becoming Citi Field's answer to a lost season.
#tong #marlins #recap #amazin
2 months ago
If the St. Louis Cardinals are going to make a playoff push, it has to start in San Francisco. That's why Monday's game against the Giants was so vital. It didn't start well for Cardinals starter Michael McGreevy as the Giants grabbed an early lead. Cardinals bats would eventually claw their way all the way back by the 9th inning, but it wasn't quite enough to secure a crucial victory.
There are few batters in baseball more on a tear than Rafael Devers of the Giants. After Turner Hill walked to leadoff the bottom of the 1st inning, Devers turned on an 84 mph Michael McGreevy curve and drove it off the huge wall in right for a RBI double and a 1-0 San Francisco lead.
The Giants added to their lead in the bottom of the 3rd inning when Christian Koss reached on an infield single that glanced off of McGreevy's glove and then advanced to second after Michael flipped the ball over Burleson at first. Koss advanced to third on a groundout by Hill and then scored on a sacrifice fly by Bryce Eldredge to double the San Francisco lead to 2-0.
Rafael Devers would kickstart a two-out rally in the bottom of the 5th inning when he smoked another double. Bryce Eldredge followed that with a double that scored Devers giving the Giants a 3-0 lead.
The St. Louis Cardinals didn't get their first hit off of Giants starter Logan Webb until the top of the 3rd inning. They didn't get their first run of the game until the top of the 6th inning, but it was a dramatic one. Alec Burleson gave a 92 mph sinker a bath as he launched it 431 feet into the bay cutting into the San Francisco lead making it 3-1.
#inning #cardinals #devers #michael
There are few batters in baseball more on a tear than Rafael Devers of the Giants. After Turner Hill walked to leadoff the bottom of the 1st inning, Devers turned on an 84 mph Michael McGreevy curve and drove it off the huge wall in right for a RBI double and a 1-0 San Francisco lead.
The Giants added to their lead in the bottom of the 3rd inning when Christian Koss reached on an infield single that glanced off of McGreevy's glove and then advanced to second after Michael flipped the ball over Burleson at first. Koss advanced to third on a groundout by Hill and then scored on a sacrifice fly by Bryce Eldredge to double the San Francisco lead to 2-0.
Rafael Devers would kickstart a two-out rally in the bottom of the 5th inning when he smoked another double. Bryce Eldredge followed that with a double that scored Devers giving the Giants a 3-0 lead.
The St. Louis Cardinals didn't get their first hit off of Giants starter Logan Webb until the top of the 3rd inning. They didn't get their first run of the game until the top of the 6th inning, but it was a dramatic one. Alec Burleson gave a 92 mph sinker a bath as he launched it 431 feet into the bay cutting into the San Francisco lead making it 3-1.
#inning #cardinals #devers #michael
2 months ago
Triple. Strikeout. Walk. Hit batter. Hit batter. Error.
That's how the Tigers scored two runs in an ugly second inning by the Twins on Monday, and it proved devastating as Detroit would go on to defeat Minnesota by a score of 5-4.
Joe Ryan, in his return from the injured list, gave up a solo homer to Rookie of the Year favorite Kevin McGonigle in the first inning, and then struggled with control in the second inning.
The All-Star right-hander gave up a triple and struck out a batter to start the second inning, and then his control vanished. Ryan walked Max Clark and then hit John Peck and Colt Keith on back-to-back pitches, the second hit batsman coming with the bases loaded.
The next batter, McGonigle, hit a grounder to Royce Lewis at first base, and Lewis threw home to catcher Ryan Jeffers. What should've been a routine force out turned into a disaster as the throw forced Jeffers to stretch to make the catch, causing his foot to drift an inch away from home plate, allowing the runner to score.
#ryan #score #gave
That's how the Tigers scored two runs in an ugly second inning by the Twins on Monday, and it proved devastating as Detroit would go on to defeat Minnesota by a score of 5-4.
Joe Ryan, in his return from the injured list, gave up a solo homer to Rookie of the Year favorite Kevin McGonigle in the first inning, and then struggled with control in the second inning.
The All-Star right-hander gave up a triple and struck out a batter to start the second inning, and then his control vanished. Ryan walked Max Clark and then hit John Peck and Colt Keith on back-to-back pitches, the second hit batsman coming with the bases loaded.
The next batter, McGonigle, hit a grounder to Royce Lewis at first base, and Lewis threw home to catcher Ryan Jeffers. What should've been a routine force out turned into a disaster as the throw forced Jeffers to stretch to make the catch, causing his foot to drift an inch away from home plate, allowing the runner to score.
#ryan #score #gave
2 months ago
On a stormy Sunday night in September, the Dodgers completed a three-game sweep of the Washington Nationals, winning the finale 7-5.
Both Justin Wrobleski and Nationals southpaw Andrew Alvarez kept the ice frozen until the bottom of the third inning, as a Max Muncy double and Tommy Edman infield single allowed Mookie Betts to bring home Muncy on a groundout to give the Dodgers their third consecutive early lead.
After three scoreless innings without six strikeouts, the Nationals struck back in the top of the fourth with a lead-off home run from CJ Abrams— his third in seven at-bats against Wrobleski— evening the score at one. Brady House immediately followed with a single, and a double from Daylen Lile put two men on, still with no outs. Teoscar Hernández was unable to track down a fly ball to left from Harry Ford, plating both baserunners and giving Washington a two-run lead. Jacob Young carried the frenzy with a single to center to plate four, ending the night for Wrobleski.
The second half of the regular season has not been kind to Wrobleski, as he has a 7.55 ERA across 31 innings over seven appearances (six starts). His three complete innings on Sunday were the fewest in any start this season.
Brock Stewart managed to clean up the mess made by Wrobleski, and Blake Treinen made his first appearance since June 19, working a scoreless fifth inning to keep the deficit at three runs. The Dodgers responded with a rally against Alvarez in the bottom half, as a Tommy Edman double plated Max Muncy to cut the deficit in half. Brad Lord came in relief and got Mookie Betts to ground out for the first out, but the Dodgers sprayed three consecutive singles to knot the game even at 4.
#wrobleski
Both Justin Wrobleski and Nationals southpaw Andrew Alvarez kept the ice frozen until the bottom of the third inning, as a Max Muncy double and Tommy Edman infield single allowed Mookie Betts to bring home Muncy on a groundout to give the Dodgers their third consecutive early lead.
After three scoreless innings without six strikeouts, the Nationals struck back in the top of the fourth with a lead-off home run from CJ Abrams— his third in seven at-bats against Wrobleski— evening the score at one. Brady House immediately followed with a single, and a double from Daylen Lile put two men on, still with no outs. Teoscar Hernández was unable to track down a fly ball to left from Harry Ford, plating both baserunners and giving Washington a two-run lead. Jacob Young carried the frenzy with a single to center to plate four, ending the night for Wrobleski.
The second half of the regular season has not been kind to Wrobleski, as he has a 7.55 ERA across 31 innings over seven appearances (six starts). His three complete innings on Sunday were the fewest in any start this season.
Brock Stewart managed to clean up the mess made by Wrobleski, and Blake Treinen made his first appearance since June 19, working a scoreless fifth inning to keep the deficit at three runs. The Dodgers responded with a rally against Alvarez in the bottom half, as a Tommy Edman double plated Max Muncy to cut the deficit in half. Brad Lord came in relief and got Mookie Betts to ground out for the first out, but the Dodgers sprayed three consecutive singles to knot the game even at 4.
#wrobleski
2 months ago
Sep. 6—While many people across the state were paying attention to a certain college football game in Seattle, fans of the Spokane Indians had one last chance to see their "boys of summer" play at Avista Stadium on Sunday.
And though the chance at a postseason appearance evaporated a while ago, that didn't damper anyone's enthusiasm on "fan appreciation day" at the ballpark — not the 4,974 in the stands nor the players on the field.
Robert Calaz clubbed two long home runs to continue his torrid late-season hitting prowess and the Indians handled the Everett AquaSox 10-4 in the finale of the 2026 Northwest League regular season.
"(Starting pitcher Yuma) Herrera did a great job on the mound," manager Tom Sutaris said. "We came out swinging the bats. It was a really, really good start. We got good pitching, and it was a fun one."
Calaz, a 20-year-old prospect from Dominican Republic, hit just .208 over the first four months of the season. But in 24 games since Aug. 1, he's hit .333/.414/.663 with eight of his 12 homers this season.
#season #indians #chance #really
And though the chance at a postseason appearance evaporated a while ago, that didn't damper anyone's enthusiasm on "fan appreciation day" at the ballpark — not the 4,974 in the stands nor the players on the field.
Robert Calaz clubbed two long home runs to continue his torrid late-season hitting prowess and the Indians handled the Everett AquaSox 10-4 in the finale of the 2026 Northwest League regular season.
"(Starting pitcher Yuma) Herrera did a great job on the mound," manager Tom Sutaris said. "We came out swinging the bats. It was a really, really good start. We got good pitching, and it was a fun one."
Calaz, a 20-year-old prospect from Dominican Republic, hit just .208 over the first four months of the season. But in 24 games since Aug. 1, he's hit .333/.414/.663 with eight of his 12 homers this season.
#season #indians #chance #really
2 months ago
Something isn't right with Shohei Ohtani. It has been obvious to Dodgers fans for a couple of weeks, and is finally became apparent to the team. So, for the last four nights, Ohtani has found himself on the bench, resting his injured left knee and balky right biceps. The team is now considering whether or not to put him on the injured list.
Both of these injuries have kept Ohtani off the mound since July 3rd. But, for a while, the maladies did not truly affect his offense. In fact, in the first 35 games after his last pitching appearance, Ohtani slashed .309/.366/.626, with eleven home runs and nine doubles.
But since the day he hit two home runs in Denver against the Rockies — a run of 13 games — he is slashing a mere .137/.290/.255, with one double, triple, and homer. And on Wednesday night against the Cardinals, he struck out four times. That brought his batting average down to .279, his lowest mark since May 30th. But it was not just the four punch outs, it was how he looked in those at-bats. Ohtani, who typically unleashes ferocious swings, matching power with power, looked overmatched and out of sorts. He looked diminished, off-balance, and considerably less than 100%.
Last month Ohtani started a throwing program to get him back on the mound as soon as possible. After a handful of good bullpen sessions, the pain in the right knee raised its head again, and Los Angeles was forced to shut down their two-way star. While in Detroit last week, manager Dave Roberts stated that "if any pitcher was feeling like this, we wouldn't run him out there," so neither will his $700 million star.
But there was hope that once the thought of (and thus the training necessary to) pitching again was off the table, Shohei would get back in the groove in the batter's box. Unfortunately for the Dodgers, whose offense has been in a funk for more than a month, that has not been the case. He has two singles since that time, one at 66-mph and one at 78-mph — a far cry from the 100-mph+ that fans have become accustomed to from the slugger (according to Savant, his 93.2-mph average exit velocity is in the 97th percentile).
#shohei
Both of these injuries have kept Ohtani off the mound since July 3rd. But, for a while, the maladies did not truly affect his offense. In fact, in the first 35 games after his last pitching appearance, Ohtani slashed .309/.366/.626, with eleven home runs and nine doubles.
But since the day he hit two home runs in Denver against the Rockies — a run of 13 games — he is slashing a mere .137/.290/.255, with one double, triple, and homer. And on Wednesday night against the Cardinals, he struck out four times. That brought his batting average down to .279, his lowest mark since May 30th. But it was not just the four punch outs, it was how he looked in those at-bats. Ohtani, who typically unleashes ferocious swings, matching power with power, looked overmatched and out of sorts. He looked diminished, off-balance, and considerably less than 100%.
Last month Ohtani started a throwing program to get him back on the mound as soon as possible. After a handful of good bullpen sessions, the pain in the right knee raised its head again, and Los Angeles was forced to shut down their two-way star. While in Detroit last week, manager Dave Roberts stated that "if any pitcher was feeling like this, we wouldn't run him out there," so neither will his $700 million star.
But there was hope that once the thought of (and thus the training necessary to) pitching again was off the table, Shohei would get back in the groove in the batter's box. Unfortunately for the Dodgers, whose offense has been in a funk for more than a month, that has not been the case. He has two singles since that time, one at 66-mph and one at 78-mph — a far cry from the 100-mph+ that fans have become accustomed to from the slugger (according to Savant, his 93.2-mph average exit velocity is in the 97th percentile).
#shohei
2 months ago
Dave Roberts reveals when Shohei Ohtani could finally return to Dodgers lineup originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Los Angeles Dodgers could soon have Shohei Ohtani back in their lineup after the superstar missed his fourth consecutive game Sunday night.
Ohtani remained sidelined because of physical issues that have included discomfort in his right biceps and left knee. While any injury involving the four-time MVP creates concern, Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts has offered optimism about his progress.
The Dodgers have understandably taken a cautious approach with one of baseball's most valuable players, especially considering what Ohtani has accomplished this season.
Ohtani is batting .279 with 30 home runs, 80 RBIs and 11 stolen bases across 499 at-bats. He also owns a .906 OPS, once again giving Los Angeles elite production near the top of its lineup.
#Dodgers #shohei #sporting #preferred
The Los Angeles Dodgers could soon have Shohei Ohtani back in their lineup after the superstar missed his fourth consecutive game Sunday night.
Ohtani remained sidelined because of physical issues that have included discomfort in his right biceps and left knee. While any injury involving the four-time MVP creates concern, Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts has offered optimism about his progress.
The Dodgers have understandably taken a cautious approach with one of baseball's most valuable players, especially considering what Ohtani has accomplished this season.
Ohtani is batting .279 with 30 home runs, 80 RBIs and 11 stolen bases across 499 at-bats. He also owns a .906 OPS, once again giving Los Angeles elite production near the top of its lineup.
#Dodgers #shohei #sporting #preferred
2 months ago
A sputtering lineup stirred in the eighth inning. Jose Altuve struck a one-out double, putting him on the cusp of a career milestone. Christian Walker flared a single into shallow left field. LaMonte Wade Jr. did the same, driving in Altuve and paring a deficit to one run.
The current Houston Astros offense can make that seem sizable. The additional hit it required did not appear. Jonathan Loáisiga got Daulton Varsho to wave at a third-strike changeup. Taylor Trammell, the second pinch-hitter of the inning, popped out to end it.
With a 3-2 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Astros dropped the deciding game of their series at Daikin Park and concluded a 4-3 homestand with consecutive defeats. They went 8-5 over a 13-game stretch with no off-day, emerging from it with a 73-71 record.
Houston scored three or fewer runs in eight of 13 games during that stretch. Its offense entered Sunday averaging 3.9 runs over its past 30 games, scoring the fifth-fewest runs in the majors in that stretch. Its .220 average was the sport's lowest in that span and its .368 slugging percentage the sixth-lowest.
Sunday, the Astros took three at-bats with a man in scoring position in the first seven innings and went hitless in them. Arizona starter Eduardo Rodriguez allowed one run in six innings on a first-inning home run by Yordan Alvarez. Alvarez also popped out with two runners on base to end the seventh.
#astros #runs #altuve #offense
The current Houston Astros offense can make that seem sizable. The additional hit it required did not appear. Jonathan Loáisiga got Daulton Varsho to wave at a third-strike changeup. Taylor Trammell, the second pinch-hitter of the inning, popped out to end it.
With a 3-2 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Astros dropped the deciding game of their series at Daikin Park and concluded a 4-3 homestand with consecutive defeats. They went 8-5 over a 13-game stretch with no off-day, emerging from it with a 73-71 record.
Houston scored three or fewer runs in eight of 13 games during that stretch. Its offense entered Sunday averaging 3.9 runs over its past 30 games, scoring the fifth-fewest runs in the majors in that stretch. Its .220 average was the sport's lowest in that span and its .368 slugging percentage the sixth-lowest.
Sunday, the Astros took three at-bats with a man in scoring position in the first seven innings and went hitless in them. Arizona starter Eduardo Rodriguez allowed one run in six innings on a first-inning home run by Yordan Alvarez. Alvarez also popped out with two runners on base to end the seventh.
#astros #runs #altuve #offense
2 months ago
The Boston Red Sox made a late-season roster move Sunday, calling up utility player Nate Eaton rather than top prospect Kristian Campbell.
Interim manager Chad Tracy explained the decision, noting that Eaton is simply the better option in the outfield right now. Eaton has appeared in 14 games with Boston this season, posting a .125 batting average with one home run, five RBIs and two stolen bases across 32 at-bats.
MORE: Red Sox manager provides Ceddanne Rafaela update after loss to Mariners
His value is not in his bat but in his glove, as he has shown the ability to play third base, center field, right field, shortstop, left field, designated hitter and second base at the big-league level.
Campbell, 24, remains at Triple-A Worcester, where the Red Sox want him getting consistent at-bats rather than sitting on a bench in a limited role.
#season
Interim manager Chad Tracy explained the decision, noting that Eaton is simply the better option in the outfield right now. Eaton has appeared in 14 games with Boston this season, posting a .125 batting average with one home run, five RBIs and two stolen bases across 32 at-bats.
MORE: Red Sox manager provides Ceddanne Rafaela update after loss to Mariners
His value is not in his bat but in his glove, as he has shown the ability to play third base, center field, right field, shortstop, left field, designated hitter and second base at the big-league level.
Campbell, 24, remains at Triple-A Worcester, where the Red Sox want him getting consistent at-bats rather than sitting on a bench in a limited role.
#season
2 months ago
Gwinnett Stripers 5, Charlotte Knights 3
Not only did the Stripers (69-67) outhit the Knights (74-63), 8-6, but a bullpen implosion in the eighth allowed Gwinnett to take the lead and ultimately win the game, 5-3. The good news is that Charlotte is still hanging in second place, on the cusp of a playoff berth. The bad news is that righthander Shane Smith really struggled with his command, unable to complete the eighth inning, surrendering three runs on two hits with three walks — one intentional — and two wild pitches.
Charlotte's offense mashed half of their hits (three) for extra bases, and went 2-for-5 with runners in scoring position, and the top of the lineup mostly carried the team. The Good Guys scored all of their runs in the third inning, igniting a two-out rally in the top of the third once the batting order flipped back to the top. Caden Connor set the tone with a leadoff base hit — his first of two — and Rikuu Nishida kept the inning rolling with a base hit of his own to bring up the power bats. Riley Unroe blasted a two-run triple to take the lead, and Ryan Galanie brought him right in on a two-out double to give the Knights a three-run lead.
Smith got off to a rough start as the Stripers tied the game with the first three batters the righty faced, and continued to fall off the rails, handing Gwinnett a two-run lead from a pair of wild pitches. The entire sequence of events before the Knights were able to get an out was … out of control: leadoff walk, bunt base hit, game-tying RBI double (3-3), walk, first wild pitch to giveaway the lead (4-3), intentional walk to load the bases, second wild pitch (5-3), ground out. Despite this being just his first blown save, Smith now owns a 6.06 ERA while receiving his second loss of the year. In his three previous innings of relief, Shane hadn't allowed a single hit, but he just wasn't on his game. It's still possible that Smith will be able to lean into a relief role, but there's definitely still some red flags about his performance his season.
MVP
Riley Unroe (3B): 1-for-4, R, 2 RBI, 3 K, 3B
Runners-Up
Rikuu Nishida (2B): 1-for-4, R, 2 K
Ryan Galanie (DH): 1-for-4, RBI, 2B
Caden Connor (LF): 2-for-4, R, K
Shane Murphy (LHSP): 5 1/3 IP, 5 H, 2 R, BB, 3 K, PO, WP, HB
Huascar Brazobán (RHRP): 1 1/3 IP, H, 2 K, Hold
#knights #game
Not only did the Stripers (69-67) outhit the Knights (74-63), 8-6, but a bullpen implosion in the eighth allowed Gwinnett to take the lead and ultimately win the game, 5-3. The good news is that Charlotte is still hanging in second place, on the cusp of a playoff berth. The bad news is that righthander Shane Smith really struggled with his command, unable to complete the eighth inning, surrendering three runs on two hits with three walks — one intentional — and two wild pitches.
Charlotte's offense mashed half of their hits (three) for extra bases, and went 2-for-5 with runners in scoring position, and the top of the lineup mostly carried the team. The Good Guys scored all of their runs in the third inning, igniting a two-out rally in the top of the third once the batting order flipped back to the top. Caden Connor set the tone with a leadoff base hit — his first of two — and Rikuu Nishida kept the inning rolling with a base hit of his own to bring up the power bats. Riley Unroe blasted a two-run triple to take the lead, and Ryan Galanie brought him right in on a two-out double to give the Knights a three-run lead.
Smith got off to a rough start as the Stripers tied the game with the first three batters the righty faced, and continued to fall off the rails, handing Gwinnett a two-run lead from a pair of wild pitches. The entire sequence of events before the Knights were able to get an out was … out of control: leadoff walk, bunt base hit, game-tying RBI double (3-3), walk, first wild pitch to giveaway the lead (4-3), intentional walk to load the bases, second wild pitch (5-3), ground out. Despite this being just his first blown save, Smith now owns a 6.06 ERA while receiving his second loss of the year. In his three previous innings of relief, Shane hadn't allowed a single hit, but he just wasn't on his game. It's still possible that Smith will be able to lean into a relief role, but there's definitely still some red flags about his performance his season.
MVP
Riley Unroe (3B): 1-for-4, R, 2 RBI, 3 K, 3B
Runners-Up
Rikuu Nishida (2B): 1-for-4, R, 2 K
Ryan Galanie (DH): 1-for-4, RBI, 2B
Caden Connor (LF): 2-for-4, R, K
Shane Murphy (LHSP): 5 1/3 IP, 5 H, 2 R, BB, 3 K, PO, WP, HB
Huascar Brazobán (RHRP): 1 1/3 IP, H, 2 K, Hold
#knights #game
2 months ago
LOS ANGELES — Tommy Edman made a fantastic defensive play to rob extra bases, then rounded said bases after a three-run home run that helped the Dodgers to a 6-5 win over the Washington Nationals on Saturday night at Dodger Stadium.
Down two runs in the seventh inning, Alex Freeland walked with one out and Kiké Hernández singled with two out. That set the stage for Edman, who jumped on a high slider from former Dodgers draft pick Clayton Beeter for a three-run home run, turning the game around.
Edman in five games on the homestand has nine hits in 22 at-bats (.409), what a way to make a living.
With no Shohei Ohtani in the lineup for a third straight day, the Dodgers were also without two other planned starters with Dalton Rushing scratched with elbow soreness and Max Muncy sick. They still managed to score a pair off Washington's best starter, Cade Cavalli in the opening frame. Freddie Freeman was hit by a pitch and Mookie Betts singled with one out. Teoscar Hernández continued his solid week or so with an RBI single, and catcher Hunter Feduccia added another.
Tyler Glasnow struck out eight but pitched through traffic most of his night, and allowed four runs.
#Dodgers #night
Down two runs in the seventh inning, Alex Freeland walked with one out and Kiké Hernández singled with two out. That set the stage for Edman, who jumped on a high slider from former Dodgers draft pick Clayton Beeter for a three-run home run, turning the game around.
Edman in five games on the homestand has nine hits in 22 at-bats (.409), what a way to make a living.
With no Shohei Ohtani in the lineup for a third straight day, the Dodgers were also without two other planned starters with Dalton Rushing scratched with elbow soreness and Max Muncy sick. They still managed to score a pair off Washington's best starter, Cade Cavalli in the opening frame. Freddie Freeman was hit by a pitch and Mookie Betts singled with one out. Teoscar Hernández continued his solid week or so with an RBI single, and catcher Hunter Feduccia added another.
Tyler Glasnow struck out eight but pitched through traffic most of his night, and allowed four runs.
#Dodgers #night
2 months ago
Every baseball fan is familiar with the scam known as the shell game— after all, it's present, in more innocuous form, in the cap shuffle ubiquitous to scoreboards. Tonight Zack Wheeler offered the visiting Braves a shell game, tempting them with three baserunners through three at-bats… but when the Braves selected their shell, there weren't very many runs underneath.
The start was rather subpar for the home crowd, with Wheeler allowing a pair of singles to the first two Braves, then walking Matt Olson to load the bases with none away. But a pop fly and a strikeout (aided by a canny ABS challenge from J.T. Realmuto) put him just a single out away from pulling off the great escape. Ozzie Albies flew out to center, and the Braves trudged back to the dugout with the dreaded ****** LETIGER (No Outs, Bases Loaded, Ending in Team Incapable of Getting Easy Runs, it's a real term) nipping at their heels.
But the Phillies would give Atlanta starter Martin Pérez a rougher start. Kyle Schwarber and Trea Turner worked walks to start off the game, with the former dashing for third on a fly out from Bryce Harper, and slipping right past the tag. A single to right from Luis Arraez scored him, and the bases were then loaded on a walk of Alec Bohm. Realmuto walked to bring in a run (an ABS challenge on ball four proved fruitless for the visitors). The inning ended when Ronald Acuña Jr, looking truly superb, leapt into the air to turn a line drive from Bryson Stott into out number three.
Wheeler's second inning of work was a far smoother affair, with three up and three down. Pérez could not say the same. Derek Hill lined a ball to right, and Acuña suddenly looked far less superb, stumbling and allowing Hill to reach third. He then scored when Matt Olson bobbled a grounder at first.
The roller coaster ride that is Ronald then took another sudden swerve in the top of the third as he sent a Wheeler sweeper deep, deep into the left field seats. But the Phillies were certainly not inclined to let themselves be outslugged in their own ballpark: in the bottom of the fourth, Schwarber knocked a Pérez pitch over the fence in right. Two more hits, both with two outs, ensued, and Pérez's night ended.
#wheeler #start #matt
The start was rather subpar for the home crowd, with Wheeler allowing a pair of singles to the first two Braves, then walking Matt Olson to load the bases with none away. But a pop fly and a strikeout (aided by a canny ABS challenge from J.T. Realmuto) put him just a single out away from pulling off the great escape. Ozzie Albies flew out to center, and the Braves trudged back to the dugout with the dreaded ****** LETIGER (No Outs, Bases Loaded, Ending in Team Incapable of Getting Easy Runs, it's a real term) nipping at their heels.
But the Phillies would give Atlanta starter Martin Pérez a rougher start. Kyle Schwarber and Trea Turner worked walks to start off the game, with the former dashing for third on a fly out from Bryce Harper, and slipping right past the tag. A single to right from Luis Arraez scored him, and the bases were then loaded on a walk of Alec Bohm. Realmuto walked to bring in a run (an ABS challenge on ball four proved fruitless for the visitors). The inning ended when Ronald Acuña Jr, looking truly superb, leapt into the air to turn a line drive from Bryson Stott into out number three.
Wheeler's second inning of work was a far smoother affair, with three up and three down. Pérez could not say the same. Derek Hill lined a ball to right, and Acuña suddenly looked far less superb, stumbling and allowing Hill to reach third. He then scored when Matt Olson bobbled a grounder at first.
The roller coaster ride that is Ronald then took another sudden swerve in the top of the third as he sent a Wheeler sweeper deep, deep into the left field seats. But the Phillies were certainly not inclined to let themselves be outslugged in their own ballpark: in the bottom of the fourth, Schwarber knocked a Pérez pitch over the fence in right. Two more hits, both with two outs, ensued, and Pérez's night ended.
#wheeler #start #matt
