60 mins. ago
Juventus could return to the market for creative players during the final weeks of the transfer window, with Brahim Diaz back on their radar this summer.
The Moroccan has long been a target for the men at the Allianz Stadium, and the Real Madrid star could have the opportunity to change clubs before the window closes. Juventus consider him one of the best players they could sign and believe he could offer a solution to some of the problems within their current squad.
Real Madrid could be open to Diaz's departure because they have several players who can replace him within their squad. That could give Juventus encouragement as they look to strengthen their attacking options before the transfer window closes.
The men in black and white see Diaz as an ideal solution to some of their current issues and will do their best to add him to their squad in the coming weeks. His previous experience in Serie A also makes him an appealing option for the Bianconeri.
Calciomercato says Juventus have reignited their interest in the AFCON star, who has Serie A experience after spending part of his career playing for AC Milan.
#juventus #diaz #real #transfer
The Moroccan has long been a target for the men at the Allianz Stadium, and the Real Madrid star could have the opportunity to change clubs before the window closes. Juventus consider him one of the best players they could sign and believe he could offer a solution to some of the problems within their current squad.
Real Madrid could be open to Diaz's departure because they have several players who can replace him within their squad. That could give Juventus encouragement as they look to strengthen their attacking options before the transfer window closes.
The men in black and white see Diaz as an ideal solution to some of their current issues and will do their best to add him to their squad in the coming weeks. His previous experience in Serie A also makes him an appealing option for the Bianconeri.
Calciomercato says Juventus have reignited their interest in the AFCON star, who has Serie A experience after spending part of his career playing for AC Milan.
#juventus #diaz #real #transfer
6 hours ago
Brahim Diaz's complete absence from Real Madrid's opening-day win over Espanyol raised plenty of questions, especially after the midfielder had been among the more heavily used players during pre-season.
Jose Mourinho chose Jude Bellingham in his starting XI and kept Brahim on the bench.
Even when changes were made after the break, the Moroccan attacker did not get his chance, with Yan Diomande handed his debut instead.
For some, the decision raised doubts over Brahim's role in Mourinho's plans for the 2026/27 season, but the player has taken a very different view of the situation.
According to Defensa Central, Brahim is not angry with Mourinho and has accepted the coach's decision.
#raised #season #jude #bellingham
Jose Mourinho chose Jude Bellingham in his starting XI and kept Brahim on the bench.
Even when changes were made after the break, the Moroccan attacker did not get his chance, with Yan Diomande handed his debut instead.
For some, the decision raised doubts over Brahim's role in Mourinho's plans for the 2026/27 season, but the player has taken a very different view of the situation.
According to Defensa Central, Brahim is not angry with Mourinho and has accepted the coach's decision.
#raised #season #jude #bellingham
10 hours ago
The White Sox got steamrolled, 11-2, by a team that entered the game worse than .500. The pitching was terrible, the bats were ice-cold, and the Rangers took advantage of the long ball on several occasions.
José Urquidy did not have a great start, tossing 39 pitches in his first frame. He walked the leadoff batter and the third batter, then hit Brandon Nimmo with a pitch to load the bases with only one out. Ezequiel Duran grounded into a force out at second, but sent Joc Pederson home. Evan Carter doubled, putting the second run on the board. With two outs, Jake Burger picked up a walk, but a pop-up from Elias Díaz would finally stop the damage. Miguel Vargas singled with two outs, and Andrew Benintendi nearly tied the game and would have with just a bit more wind, but Nimmo jumped up to rob the good guys of any runs.
With two outs in the top of the second, Corey Seager singled and was safe at second after Colson Montgomery scooped up a single from Wyatt Langford. Drew Romo blew through the first challenge as Nimmo picked up a walk to load the bases, with Urquidy already passing the 50-pitch mark. Chase Meidroth slipped, unable to grab what should've been an easy out, and another run came in on an infield single from Duran. Pederson, after not getting his challenge call in on time on a strikeout, continued to throw a tantrum, leading to his ejection. Romo ended additional on-field drama by tagging home for the inning-ending force-out. Braden Montgomery singled for the Good Guys, and with two outs, Tristan Peters took a slider and made the Rangers pay, cutting the deficit to 3-2. That home run put him in double-digits and his 10th homer this season:
View Link
With one out in the top of the third, Elias Díaz was hit by a pitch, and Cody Freeman singled. Seager caused more damage with a two-run double, giving the Rangers a 5-2 lead with two outs. The frame ended with a pop fly, but also on 93 pitches for Urquidy. The the bottom half Munetaka Murakami singled and Miguel Vargas walked to put two on base early. Benintendi grounded into a fielder's choice, and Braden Montgomery picked up a walk to load the bases. Of course, the next two batters struck out to strand all three runners.
#rangers #second
José Urquidy did not have a great start, tossing 39 pitches in his first frame. He walked the leadoff batter and the third batter, then hit Brandon Nimmo with a pitch to load the bases with only one out. Ezequiel Duran grounded into a force out at second, but sent Joc Pederson home. Evan Carter doubled, putting the second run on the board. With two outs, Jake Burger picked up a walk, but a pop-up from Elias Díaz would finally stop the damage. Miguel Vargas singled with two outs, and Andrew Benintendi nearly tied the game and would have with just a bit more wind, but Nimmo jumped up to rob the good guys of any runs.
With two outs in the top of the second, Corey Seager singled and was safe at second after Colson Montgomery scooped up a single from Wyatt Langford. Drew Romo blew through the first challenge as Nimmo picked up a walk to load the bases, with Urquidy already passing the 50-pitch mark. Chase Meidroth slipped, unable to grab what should've been an easy out, and another run came in on an infield single from Duran. Pederson, after not getting his challenge call in on time on a strikeout, continued to throw a tantrum, leading to his ejection. Romo ended additional on-field drama by tagging home for the inning-ending force-out. Braden Montgomery singled for the Good Guys, and with two outs, Tristan Peters took a slider and made the Rangers pay, cutting the deficit to 3-2. That home run put him in double-digits and his 10th homer this season:
View Link
With one out in the top of the third, Elias Díaz was hit by a pitch, and Cody Freeman singled. Seager caused more damage with a two-run double, giving the Rangers a 5-2 lead with two outs. The frame ended with a pop fly, but also on 93 pitches for Urquidy. The the bottom half Munetaka Murakami singled and Miguel Vargas walked to put two on base early. Benintendi grounded into a fielder's choice, and Braden Montgomery picked up a walk to load the bases. Of course, the next two batters struck out to strand all three runners.
#rangers #second
3 days ago
Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Edwin Diaz was signed to be the team's closer, but when he comes back from the injured list, he will not be in that role.
Diaz had elbow surgery early in the season, leading to months on the injured list.
He was out from April until late July after Diaz had loose bodies removed from his right arm. When he finally returned, things were not good for Diaz.
During the month of August, he had a 15.88 ERA, with three blown saves and two poor outings in non-save situations.
Jul 29, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Edwin Diaz (3) looks on during the ninth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
#april #california
Diaz had elbow surgery early in the season, leading to months on the injured list.
He was out from April until late July after Diaz had loose bodies removed from his right arm. When he finally returned, things were not good for Diaz.
During the month of August, he had a 15.88 ERA, with three blown saves and two poor outings in non-save situations.
Jul 29, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Edwin Diaz (3) looks on during the ninth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
#april #california
3 days ago
If you're a fan of offense and the forward pass, it was hard to leave Kinnick last Saturday and not feel pretty good. The same can be said for those that weren't able to make it in person but have spent the last several days re-watching every throw from QB Jeremy Hecklinski.
The former Wake Forest transfer looked as good as perhaps any Iowa QB has looked at an open practice in the 25+ years we've had head coach Kirk Ferentz in Iowa City. Pair that with the genuine buzz going around with UT-Rio Grande Valley transfer WR Tony Diaz, the emergence of Furman transfer WR Evan James and the return of 2025's leading receiver TE DJ Vonnahme and this passing attack looks poised to be a legitimate threat for the first time in several years.
That's all good news.
Unless you're Kirk Ferentz. Not that KF doesn't want the offense to be good or for the Hawkeyes to be a genuine threat in the passing game. The issue for the head man is that Iowa has been operating in a full on QB battle since the departure of Mark Gronowski.
If you aren't at practice on a regular basis and have just last Saturday to go on, that battle seems over. OVER. Hecklinski was sensational and Hank Brown looked even worse than he did in his spot duty a season ago (as a quick refresher, he finished 2025 completing 52% of his passes with one TD and one INT, but in his one game with meaningful snaps he went 5 of 13 passing for only 48 yards with one INT, no TDs and one massive missed screen pass). It was clear to anyone with eyes that Hecklinski should be the guy.
#last #passing #saturday
The former Wake Forest transfer looked as good as perhaps any Iowa QB has looked at an open practice in the 25+ years we've had head coach Kirk Ferentz in Iowa City. Pair that with the genuine buzz going around with UT-Rio Grande Valley transfer WR Tony Diaz, the emergence of Furman transfer WR Evan James and the return of 2025's leading receiver TE DJ Vonnahme and this passing attack looks poised to be a legitimate threat for the first time in several years.
That's all good news.
Unless you're Kirk Ferentz. Not that KF doesn't want the offense to be good or for the Hawkeyes to be a genuine threat in the passing game. The issue for the head man is that Iowa has been operating in a full on QB battle since the departure of Mark Gronowski.
If you aren't at practice on a regular basis and have just last Saturday to go on, that battle seems over. OVER. Hecklinski was sensational and Hank Brown looked even worse than he did in his spot duty a season ago (as a quick refresher, he finished 2025 completing 52% of his passes with one TD and one INT, but in his one game with meaningful snaps he went 5 of 13 passing for only 48 yards with one INT, no TDs and one massive missed screen pass). It was clear to anyone with eyes that Hecklinski should be the guy.
#last #passing #saturday
3 days ago
The Athletics opened a three-game series against the Houston Astros, hoping to get back in the win column in the first game of Players' Weekend. In a matchup between two teams desperate for a win, the Astros emerged victorious, winning the series-opener 4-0 in a game where the A's never posed a threat.
After Astros starter Hayden Wesneski worked a scoreless first inning, the hosts immediately threatened to score as A's starter J.T. Ginn failed to retire either of the first two batters he faced. The A's right-hander escaped the jam, leaving Houston unable to capitalize on its golden opportunity to take the lead.
With one out in the third inning, shortstop Donovan Walton singled to record the Athletics first hit of the game. Walton stole second with two outs, putting himself in scoring position. Wesneski escaped the jam by getting Jeff McNeil to pop out, stranding two runners.
A's catcher Jonah Heim threw out Astros runners attempting to steal second to end two consecutive innings.
A leadoff walk followed by a double put the Astros in position to take the lead in the bottom of the fourth. First baseman Christian Walker's sacrifice fly scored Isaac Paredes, putting the Astros up 1-0. Ginn limited the damage by retiring the next two hitters. A's left fielder Carlos Cortes made a nice catch at the wall, robbing Astros catcher Yainer Diaz of a potential RBI extra-base hit.
#astros #game #walton #series
After Astros starter Hayden Wesneski worked a scoreless first inning, the hosts immediately threatened to score as A's starter J.T. Ginn failed to retire either of the first two batters he faced. The A's right-hander escaped the jam, leaving Houston unable to capitalize on its golden opportunity to take the lead.
With one out in the third inning, shortstop Donovan Walton singled to record the Athletics first hit of the game. Walton stole second with two outs, putting himself in scoring position. Wesneski escaped the jam by getting Jeff McNeil to pop out, stranding two runners.
A's catcher Jonah Heim threw out Astros runners attempting to steal second to end two consecutive innings.
A leadoff walk followed by a double put the Astros in position to take the lead in the bottom of the fourth. First baseman Christian Walker's sacrifice fly scored Isaac Paredes, putting the Astros up 1-0. Ginn limited the damage by retiring the next two hitters. A's left fielder Carlos Cortes made a nice catch at the wall, robbing Astros catcher Yainer Diaz of a potential RBI extra-base hit.
#astros #game #walton #series
4 days ago
Eighteen years ago, the Blue Jays traded Robinzon Diaz to the Pirates in exchange for Jose Bautista. At the time, the trade received little fanfare—even Bluebird Banter didn't cover it immediately. Only later did we discuss its significance. In hindsight, it became the best trade of J.P. Ricciardi's tenure.
The news did get into a post I did a couple of days later:
With Diaz sent to Pittsburgh to complete the Bautista trade, he comes off our top 11 prospect list. I wasn't sure how to feel about it. Diaz had struggled that year and J.P. Arencibia likely surpassed him, but I still thought Diaz was closer to being major league ready. Looking ahead, we'd need a catcher for next season—or risk a lot of passed ****** .
I missed that one.
The next day, I posted a poll about the trade: 48% of readers liked the move, while 52% did not. Amusingly, I had thought Bautista was a middle infielder back then.
#next #eighteen #robinzon
The news did get into a post I did a couple of days later:
With Diaz sent to Pittsburgh to complete the Bautista trade, he comes off our top 11 prospect list. I wasn't sure how to feel about it. Diaz had struggled that year and J.P. Arencibia likely surpassed him, but I still thought Diaz was closer to being major league ready. Looking ahead, we'd need a catcher for next season—or risk a lot of passed ****** .
I missed that one.
The next day, I posted a poll about the trade: 48% of readers liked the move, while 52% did not. Amusingly, I had thought Bautista was a middle infielder back then.
#next #eighteen #robinzon
4 days ago
Bayern Munich players Harry Kane, Michael Olise, Luis Díaz, Jamal Musiala, Serge Gnabry, Joshua Kimmich, Aleksandar Pavlović, Jonathan Tah, and Dayot Upamecano were all named to ESPN's Top 100 List.
On the center-forward list, Bayern Munich star Kane was rightfully ranked at No.1:
Harry Kane — Bayern Munich/England
Kylian Mbappé — Real Madrid/France
Erling Haaland — Manchester City/Norway
#kane #harry #list #michael
On the center-forward list, Bayern Munich star Kane was rightfully ranked at No.1:
Harry Kane — Bayern Munich/England
Kylian Mbappé — Real Madrid/France
Erling Haaland — Manchester City/Norway
#kane #harry #list #michael
5 days ago
The Los Angeles Dodgers are moving one of their top prospects one step closer to the big leagues.
Pitcher Cam Leiter was promoted from Class-A Ontario to advanced Class-A Great Lakers on Thursday, Aug. 20. Leiter is the nephew of former major league pitchers Al and Mark Leiter. Two of his cousins, Mark Leiter Jr. and Jack Leiter, have already reached the major leagues.
Leiter was the Dodgers' second-round draft pick (65th overall) last year out of Florida State. For someone with such a long family pedigree in professional baseball, the Dodgers had relatively little idea what to expect from Leiter in 2026.
MORE: Dodgers make decision on Edwin Diaz, will promote Triple-A starter
The right-hander didn't pitch at all in 2025, his junior year of college, after undergoing surgery to clean up his shoulder in October 2024.
#leiter
Pitcher Cam Leiter was promoted from Class-A Ontario to advanced Class-A Great Lakers on Thursday, Aug. 20. Leiter is the nephew of former major league pitchers Al and Mark Leiter. Two of his cousins, Mark Leiter Jr. and Jack Leiter, have already reached the major leagues.
Leiter was the Dodgers' second-round draft pick (65th overall) last year out of Florida State. For someone with such a long family pedigree in professional baseball, the Dodgers had relatively little idea what to expect from Leiter in 2026.
MORE: Dodgers make decision on Edwin Diaz, will promote Triple-A starter
The right-hander didn't pitch at all in 2025, his junior year of college, after undergoing surgery to clean up his shoulder in October 2024.
#leiter
5 days ago
Raul Asencio's future at Real Madrid remains unresolved, with Jorge Mendes still searching for a club willing to take the defender before the transfer window closes.
According to Jose Felix Diaz, the 23-year-old centre-back remains one of the players most likely to leave Real Madrid this summer.
However, despite the club being open to his departure and Jose Mourinho telling the player to find a new team, there has been no concrete offer on the table so far.
The situation has become even more complicated because of Asencio's current thigh injury.
His fitness issue has effectively slowed down any immediate transfer movement, leaving both Real Madrid and the player's representatives waiting for the right opportunity to emerge.
#madrid #raul #mendes #according
According to Jose Felix Diaz, the 23-year-old centre-back remains one of the players most likely to leave Real Madrid this summer.
However, despite the club being open to his departure and Jose Mourinho telling the player to find a new team, there has been no concrete offer on the table so far.
The situation has become even more complicated because of Asencio's current thigh injury.
His fitness issue has effectively slowed down any immediate transfer movement, leaving both Real Madrid and the player's representatives waiting for the right opportunity to emerge.
#madrid #raul #mendes #according
5 days ago
Darren Till's recent brawl outside of a pub in Liverpool was nothing but an attempt to sell wolf tickets for an eventual fight against Lee Browne.
The MMA (mixed martial arts) world has been seeing more and more wolf tickets sold, as Nick Diaz used to call them. Wolf tickets are the tickets people buy when they think a beef is real, but it's not. We saw it with Sean Strickland and Khamzat Chimaev. And now we're seeing it with Darren Till and Lee Browne, on a much smaller stage.
Till was caught on camera punching Browne outside a pub. But lest you think that was real animosity on display, here's Till talking about how he and Browne only did it to gas up a potential future fight under Till's Gorilla Promotions boxing organization.
"I said, 'Look, come to Gorilla. We'll cause a little bit of a fuss and stuff like that.'" Till tod Full Mount MMA. "So he caused a little bit of fuss inside. I said, 'Look, we'll have a little bit of back and forth inside and outside. We'll get it fired, and we'll build a name off that.' And he was all for it."
"I feel like what we've done inside of Gorilla, if you can see the videos from that, and outside of it, I give him a little slap or two, and I can't remember what he done fully in Gorilla, we were arguing inside, and he threw something. I think he threw a bottle of water, and it just nicked me. And outside, I gave him a little slap."
#till #we 'll #tickets
The MMA (mixed martial arts) world has been seeing more and more wolf tickets sold, as Nick Diaz used to call them. Wolf tickets are the tickets people buy when they think a beef is real, but it's not. We saw it with Sean Strickland and Khamzat Chimaev. And now we're seeing it with Darren Till and Lee Browne, on a much smaller stage.
Till was caught on camera punching Browne outside a pub. But lest you think that was real animosity on display, here's Till talking about how he and Browne only did it to gas up a potential future fight under Till's Gorilla Promotions boxing organization.
"I said, 'Look, come to Gorilla. We'll cause a little bit of a fuss and stuff like that.'" Till tod Full Mount MMA. "So he caused a little bit of fuss inside. I said, 'Look, we'll have a little bit of back and forth inside and outside. We'll get it fired, and we'll build a name off that.' And he was all for it."
"I feel like what we've done inside of Gorilla, if you can see the videos from that, and outside of it, I give him a little slap or two, and I can't remember what he done fully in Gorilla, we were arguing inside, and he threw something. I think he threw a bottle of water, and it just nicked me. And outside, I gave him a little slap."
#till #we 'll #tickets
5 days ago
Bayern Munich's Harry Kane received the European Golden Shoe in a special ceremony in Munich on Wednesday after his 37 goals in the 2025/26 Bundesliga season earned him 72 points, ahead of of Erling Haaland (Manchester City, 54 points) and Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid, 50 points).
Upon receiving his second Golden Shoe, Kane said: "I'm always trying to improve and hope that I can do just that next season."
Additionally, he held Luis Díaz and Michael Olise in high praise, name-dropping Bayern's 2025/26 attack as the best he's featured in. And next season, with the addition of Ismail Saibari and, hopefully, a fully-fit Jamal Musiala, the Rekordmeister's front line only gets better.
"I would first like to thank all the Bayern players, coaches and staff, without whom I would not be standing here," thanked Kane. Handed the award by former Bayern striker Luca Toni, the Italian believes Kane is Ballon d'Or worthy: "You deserve the Ballon d'Or." And let's be honest, it's hard to disagree.
GGFN | Daniel Pinder
#season #ballon #next #d 'or
Upon receiving his second Golden Shoe, Kane said: "I'm always trying to improve and hope that I can do just that next season."
Additionally, he held Luis Díaz and Michael Olise in high praise, name-dropping Bayern's 2025/26 attack as the best he's featured in. And next season, with the addition of Ismail Saibari and, hopefully, a fully-fit Jamal Musiala, the Rekordmeister's front line only gets better.
"I would first like to thank all the Bayern players, coaches and staff, without whom I would not be standing here," thanked Kane. Handed the award by former Bayern striker Luca Toni, the Italian believes Kane is Ballon d'Or worthy: "You deserve the Ballon d'Or." And let's be honest, it's hard to disagree.
GGFN | Daniel Pinder
#season #ballon #next #d 'or
7 days ago
Dave Roberts addresses Edwin Diaz concern after another rough outing originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Edwin Diaz's difficult first season with the Los Angeles Dodgers has taken another troubling turn.
The Dodgers placed their closer on the injured list Tuesday because of inflammation on the right side of his neck, adding another setback to a season in which Diaz has struggled to find the dominant form that once made him one of baseball's premier relievers.
Diaz returned to Los Angeles on Tuesday and is expected to undergo imaging to determine the severity of the injury.
"It's kind of something that he felt [Monday] night," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. "We don't know if it's something that has been there, call it a week or whatever, but it kind of showed its head last night. So we're going to kind of address it."
#kind #edwin #tuesday
Edwin Diaz's difficult first season with the Los Angeles Dodgers has taken another troubling turn.
The Dodgers placed their closer on the injured list Tuesday because of inflammation on the right side of his neck, adding another setback to a season in which Diaz has struggled to find the dominant form that once made him one of baseball's premier relievers.
Diaz returned to Los Angeles on Tuesday and is expected to undergo imaging to determine the severity of the injury.
"It's kind of something that he felt [Monday] night," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. "We don't know if it's something that has been there, call it a week or whatever, but it kind of showed its head last night. So we're going to kind of address it."
#kind #edwin #tuesday
7 days ago
DENVER (AP) — The Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday placed scuffling closer Edwin Diaz on the injured list with inflammation in the right side of his neck while four-time MVP Shohei Ohtani progresses toward a return to the mound.
Diaz, who is 2-2 with an 11.85 ERA and seven saves in 11 opportunities in 16 games in his first season with the Dodgers, returned to Los Angeles on Tuesday and will have imaging on his neck.
"It's kind of something that he felt (Monday) night," manager Dave Roberts said. "We don't know if it's something that has been there, call it a week or whatever, but it kind of showed its head last night. So we're going to kind of address it."
Diaz was on the IL from April 20-July 29 with an elbow injury that required a procedure to remove loose bodies.
He has struggled since his return, going 1-2 with a 15.88 ERA and three blown saves in seven games. Diaz entered Monday night's win at Colorado with an 11-2 lead in the ninth and allowed three runs on four hits.
#kind #angeles #neck
Diaz, who is 2-2 with an 11.85 ERA and seven saves in 11 opportunities in 16 games in his first season with the Dodgers, returned to Los Angeles on Tuesday and will have imaging on his neck.
"It's kind of something that he felt (Monday) night," manager Dave Roberts said. "We don't know if it's something that has been there, call it a week or whatever, but it kind of showed its head last night. So we're going to kind of address it."
Diaz was on the IL from April 20-July 29 with an elbow injury that required a procedure to remove loose bodies.
He has struggled since his return, going 1-2 with a 15.88 ERA and three blown saves in seven games. Diaz entered Monday night's win at Colorado with an 11-2 lead in the ninth and allowed three runs on four hits.
#kind #angeles #neck
7 days ago
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts addressed closer Edwin Diaz going on the injured list following a run of bad performances.
Through Edwin Diaz's struggles, Roberts has stood by his closer and kept giving him chances, including a fiery defense.
However, after allowing four hits and three runs on Monday against the Rockies, things reached a tipping point for the Dodgers, and they have placed Diaz on the injured list.
The official diagnosis is neck inflammation, though according to Roberts, Diaz will get a full scan when he gets to Los Angeles about how serious the problem is.
Aug 8, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Edwin Diaz (3) throws against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the ninth inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Anna Carrington-Imagn Images
#Dodgers #injured
Through Edwin Diaz's struggles, Roberts has stood by his closer and kept giving him chances, including a fiery defense.
However, after allowing four hits and three runs on Monday against the Rockies, things reached a tipping point for the Dodgers, and they have placed Diaz on the injured list.
The official diagnosis is neck inflammation, though according to Roberts, Diaz will get a full scan when he gets to Los Angeles about how serious the problem is.
Aug 8, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Edwin Diaz (3) throws against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the ninth inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Anna Carrington-Imagn Images
#Dodgers #injured
7 days ago
The Falcons looked a bit unprepared for the Broncos in their first preseason game. How concerned should we be about Atlanta's 2026 season? Kevin Knight and Tre'Shon Diaz review the film from Friday's game, breaking down the good and the bad on offense, defense, and special teams. Plus thoughts on the signing of edge rusher Za'Darius Smith! Fellow Falcoholics, welcome to another episode of the Dirty Birds and Brews podcast!
You can also listen to all of our video shows in an audio-only podcast format, available on all your favorite podcast platforms or by using the player below.
If you're interested in supporting the show, check out our Patreon page to unlock access to exclusive perks including Patron Q&A sessions, Discord perks, live shout-outs and more!
Be sure to check out the new community Discord server here! Come chat with your fellow Falcons fans about the show, the team, the NFL draft, and more.
You can watch the show here on The Falcoholic, but we recommend watching on YouTube for the best experience—including full 1080p HD video and access to the live Q&A in the chat. You can also access the show using your smart TV or device using the YouTube app for the real big-screen experience!
#falcons #check
You can also listen to all of our video shows in an audio-only podcast format, available on all your favorite podcast platforms or by using the player below.
If you're interested in supporting the show, check out our Patreon page to unlock access to exclusive perks including Patron Q&A sessions, Discord perks, live shout-outs and more!
Be sure to check out the new community Discord server here! Come chat with your fellow Falcons fans about the show, the team, the NFL draft, and more.
You can watch the show here on The Falcoholic, but we recommend watching on YouTube for the best experience—including full 1080p HD video and access to the live Q&A in the chat. You can also access the show using your smart TV or device using the YouTube app for the real big-screen experience!
#falcons #check
7 days ago
Okay…was that really necessary?
When Bayern Munich first announced an additional preseason friendly, the logic made sense. Bayern's heavy international complement had a busy summer and arrived late to season preparations after the Men's World Cup; head coach Vincent Kompany wanted more time for players who could not appear in the Asia tour.
However the way the scheduled ended up, Bayern handed itself some early match congestion before the season even began. Tuesday's match at FC Heidenheim comes just three days on the heel of the previous contest, an intense Telekom Cup bout against RB Leipzig. And it is now just four days to the next match, the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup against Borussia Dortmund.
The Leipzig match already had all the makings of a preview of in-season intensity — without any of the stakes. The Supercup, likewise, is an official in season competition — but not one with the weight of the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, or Champions League. These two matches together were a good way to ease into the season. So why add a third in between them?
Against Heidenheim, Bayern's big stars played…well, some of them, and not a lot. Harry Kane and Michael Olise had just 30 minutes; the likes of Luis Díaz, Ismael Saibari, and Jamal Musiala already played at the weekend. Kane's spoken already on his uncertainty of being ready for a full 90' at the Supercup, so his cameo Tuesday appears to have done little other than reduce his recovery time.
#supercup #already #bayern #leipzig
When Bayern Munich first announced an additional preseason friendly, the logic made sense. Bayern's heavy international complement had a busy summer and arrived late to season preparations after the Men's World Cup; head coach Vincent Kompany wanted more time for players who could not appear in the Asia tour.
However the way the scheduled ended up, Bayern handed itself some early match congestion before the season even began. Tuesday's match at FC Heidenheim comes just three days on the heel of the previous contest, an intense Telekom Cup bout against RB Leipzig. And it is now just four days to the next match, the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup against Borussia Dortmund.
The Leipzig match already had all the makings of a preview of in-season intensity — without any of the stakes. The Supercup, likewise, is an official in season competition — but not one with the weight of the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, or Champions League. These two matches together were a good way to ease into the season. So why add a third in between them?
Against Heidenheim, Bayern's big stars played…well, some of them, and not a lot. Harry Kane and Michael Olise had just 30 minutes; the likes of Luis Díaz, Ismael Saibari, and Jamal Musiala already played at the weekend. Kane's spoken already on his uncertainty of being ready for a full 90' at the Supercup, so his cameo Tuesday appears to have done little other than reduce his recovery time.
#supercup #already #bayern #leipzig
7 days ago
Real Madrid rarely do anything quietly, and even in a week without a blockbuster arrival, there is still plenty to read between the lines at the Bernabeu. According to The Athletic, the most important development concerns Endrick, the Brazilian forward whose immediate future has been the subject of considerable chatter. For now, that noise can be parked. The teenager is staying.
That alone says much about the current mood inside Madrid. A club of this scale is always planning for today and tomorrow, weighing instant need against long-term stardom. In Endrick, they have one of world football's most intriguing young attacking talents, and the decision to keep him points to a coaching staff that still sees practical use for him this season, not merely future promise.
The report states: "The most notable news was the decision that Brazilian striker Endrick will stay, despite rumours linking him with a loan move to Aston Villa and Roma." In the churn of summer speculation, clarity matters. This is clear. Real Madrid, Jose Mourinho and the player are aligned, at least for the opening phase of the campaign.
There is a tactical thread running through this decision. The Athletic reports that "The Portuguese coach does not see Bernardo Silva or Federico Valverde as regular performers on the right wing, so in addition to Yan Diomande and Brahim Diaz, he wants Endrick as an option for that position as well as at centre-forward." That is revealing in several ways.
First, Mourinho appears to be defining roles firmly. Valverde's vast gifts remain more persuasive in central and transitional zones, where his running power and authority can tilt matches. Bernardo Silva, if used in wider areas, would clearly be viewed more as a situational solution than a weekly answer. Endrick, then, becomes more than a young striker waiting politely in line. He becomes squad architecture.
#endrick #decision #Athletic #mourinho
That alone says much about the current mood inside Madrid. A club of this scale is always planning for today and tomorrow, weighing instant need against long-term stardom. In Endrick, they have one of world football's most intriguing young attacking talents, and the decision to keep him points to a coaching staff that still sees practical use for him this season, not merely future promise.
The report states: "The most notable news was the decision that Brazilian striker Endrick will stay, despite rumours linking him with a loan move to Aston Villa and Roma." In the churn of summer speculation, clarity matters. This is clear. Real Madrid, Jose Mourinho and the player are aligned, at least for the opening phase of the campaign.
There is a tactical thread running through this decision. The Athletic reports that "The Portuguese coach does not see Bernardo Silva or Federico Valverde as regular performers on the right wing, so in addition to Yan Diomande and Brahim Diaz, he wants Endrick as an option for that position as well as at centre-forward." That is revealing in several ways.
First, Mourinho appears to be defining roles firmly. Valverde's vast gifts remain more persuasive in central and transitional zones, where his running power and authority can tilt matches. Bernardo Silva, if used in wider areas, would clearly be viewed more as a situational solution than a weekly answer. Endrick, then, becomes more than a young striker waiting politely in line. He becomes squad architecture.
#endrick #decision #Athletic #mourinho
7 days ago
The Los Angeles Dodgers are placing relief pitcher Edwin Díaz on the injured list, according to Katie Woo of The Athletic.
Díaz returned to the Dodgers on July 29th after having surgery to remove loose bodies in his elbow. The Athletic reports that Díaz's latest setback is "believed to be related to his upper-body," and not an issue with his elbow.
Díaz has an 11.85 ERA and 2.56 WHIP in 13.2 innings pitched over 16 games this year. He has seven saves and a 2-2 record.
#Dodgers #Athletic #edwin #relief
Díaz returned to the Dodgers on July 29th after having surgery to remove loose bodies in his elbow. The Athletic reports that Díaz's latest setback is "believed to be related to his upper-body," and not an issue with his elbow.
Díaz has an 11.85 ERA and 2.56 WHIP in 13.2 innings pitched over 16 games this year. He has seven saves and a 2-2 record.
#Dodgers #Athletic #edwin #relief
7 days ago
The Los Angeles Dodgers will place struggling closer Edwin Diaz on the injured list and promote Triple-A right-hander Emmet Sheehan, according to separate reports Tuesday.
In 95.1 innings across 20 starts for the Dodgers this season, Sheehan had a 5.29 ERA. He allowed five runs on six hits over 2.2 innings against the Boston Red Sox on Aug. 2. He was optioned the next day.
Ostensibly he will give the Dodgers some length out of the bullpen for the middle game of their three-game series against the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday, Aug. 18.
MORE: Dodgers send message immediately after Tommy John's death
Diaz was one of the best closers in MLB before he signed a three-year, $69 million contract with the Dodgers in December 2025. He's posted an 11.85 ERA and blown four saves this season.
#sheehan
In 95.1 innings across 20 starts for the Dodgers this season, Sheehan had a 5.29 ERA. He allowed five runs on six hits over 2.2 innings against the Boston Red Sox on Aug. 2. He was optioned the next day.
Ostensibly he will give the Dodgers some length out of the bullpen for the middle game of their three-game series against the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday, Aug. 18.
MORE: Dodgers send message immediately after Tommy John's death
Diaz was one of the best closers in MLB before he signed a three-year, $69 million contract with the Dodgers in December 2025. He's posted an 11.85 ERA and blown four saves this season.
#sheehan
7 days ago
In 2023, the Astros, fresh off a World Series ******* le, brought in a new general manager in Dana Brown. Brown was lauded for his scouting acumen given his background as an amateur scout and his role in helping build a strong organization in Atlanta.
With the 2026 MLB Draft now complete, we have four draft classes to evaluate what Brown and company have been able to do. Let's take a look at those classes, along with the international signings and trades, and see how the Astros' farm system compares to where it was when Brown took over in 2023.
Going into the 2023 season, the Astros had a decent farm system with two Top 100 prospects in Hunter Brown and Yainer Diaz, according to Baseball America. Diaz, however, was not included on MLB Pipeline's Top 100 list.
In the first round of the 2023 MLB Draft, the Astros held the 28th pick and selected shortstop Brice Matthews out of Nebraska. Matthews eventually broke into Pipeline's Top 100 in July 2025, ranking No. 98. Their second-round pick, Alonzo Tredwell, had a breakout 2025 season but has only pitched one in 2026.
The Astros had a few other intriguing picks, including Jake Bloss, who was eventually traded in the deal for Yusei Kikuchi; Chase Jaworsky, who was traded for Jesus Sanchez; and Ethan Pecko, who is now one of the top pitching prospects in the system. Nehomar Ochoa and Anthony Huezo were two later-round fliers who have developed into legitimate prospects.
#astros #brown #diaz #classes
With the 2026 MLB Draft now complete, we have four draft classes to evaluate what Brown and company have been able to do. Let's take a look at those classes, along with the international signings and trades, and see how the Astros' farm system compares to where it was when Brown took over in 2023.
Going into the 2023 season, the Astros had a decent farm system with two Top 100 prospects in Hunter Brown and Yainer Diaz, according to Baseball America. Diaz, however, was not included on MLB Pipeline's Top 100 list.
In the first round of the 2023 MLB Draft, the Astros held the 28th pick and selected shortstop Brice Matthews out of Nebraska. Matthews eventually broke into Pipeline's Top 100 in July 2025, ranking No. 98. Their second-round pick, Alonzo Tredwell, had a breakout 2025 season but has only pitched one in 2026.
The Astros had a few other intriguing picks, including Jake Bloss, who was eventually traded in the deal for Yusei Kikuchi; Chase Jaworsky, who was traded for Jesus Sanchez; and Ethan Pecko, who is now one of the top pitching prospects in the system. Nehomar Ochoa and Anthony Huezo were two later-round fliers who have developed into legitimate prospects.
#astros #brown #diaz #classes
7 days ago
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Pinch-hitter Jonny DeLuca put the Rays in front with a two-run single in the seventh inning, and AL-best Tampa Bay rallied for a 7-6 win over the Baltimore Orioles on Monday night to avoid a four-game sweep.
Yandy Díaz, Ryan Vilade and Jorge Mateo homered for Tampa Bay. Mateo's two-run shot with two out in the fourth was his first for the Rays and gave them a 4-3 lead.
Coby Mayo hit a 468-foot homer, and Pete Alonso and Christian Encarnacion-Strand also went deep for Baltimore (61-64), which moved into the AL's third wild-card spot by taking the first three games against its division rival at Tropicana Field.
Jonathan Aranda's RBI single against Yennier Cano (2-3) got the Rays within 6-5 in the seventh. After Junior Caminero hit an infield single to load the bases, Josh Walker came in and gave up DeLuca's go-ahead single to center, the last of four lead changes in the game.
All-Star Bryan Baker got the final five outs for his majors-leading 35th save. Left-hander Cam Booser (1-0) struck out the side in the seventh and earned his first win in a Rays.
#single #four #game #lead
Yandy Díaz, Ryan Vilade and Jorge Mateo homered for Tampa Bay. Mateo's two-run shot with two out in the fourth was his first for the Rays and gave them a 4-3 lead.
Coby Mayo hit a 468-foot homer, and Pete Alonso and Christian Encarnacion-Strand also went deep for Baltimore (61-64), which moved into the AL's third wild-card spot by taking the first three games against its division rival at Tropicana Field.
Jonathan Aranda's RBI single against Yennier Cano (2-3) got the Rays within 6-5 in the seventh. After Junior Caminero hit an infield single to load the bases, Josh Walker came in and gave up DeLuca's go-ahead single to center, the last of four lead changes in the game.
All-Star Bryan Baker got the final five outs for his majors-leading 35th save. Left-hander Cam Booser (1-0) struck out the side in the seventh and earned his first win in a Rays.
#single #four #game #lead
7 days ago
A king can get knocked around. It can lose three straight games at home. It can even trail by two runs in the seventh inning with a four-game sweep creeping closer.
But, as D'Angelo Barksdale once explained on The Wire, "The king stay the king, aight."
Jonny DeLuca helped the Rays remain atop the American League East, grounding a pinch-hit, two-run single into left field to complete a 7-6 comeback victory over the Orioles.
Getting there required Tampa Bay to overcome three separate deficits and another night in which Baltimore's lineup kept finding the seats.
Shane McClanahan made his first start as he returned from the injured list with mid-back tightness and opened with a clean first inning. Yandy Díaz walked in the bottom half and advanced to second on Jonathan Aranda's fly ball, but Gunnar Henderson's glove made the next two outs to leave him there.
#d 'angelo #wire
But, as D'Angelo Barksdale once explained on The Wire, "The king stay the king, aight."
Jonny DeLuca helped the Rays remain atop the American League East, grounding a pinch-hit, two-run single into left field to complete a 7-6 comeback victory over the Orioles.
Getting there required Tampa Bay to overcome three separate deficits and another night in which Baltimore's lineup kept finding the seats.
Shane McClanahan made his first start as he returned from the injured list with mid-back tightness and opened with a clean first inning. Yandy Díaz walked in the bottom half and advanced to second on Jonathan Aranda's fly ball, but Gunnar Henderson's glove made the next two outs to leave him there.
#d 'angelo #wire
8 days ago
TV host Rocsi Diaz is going public with her affection for Anthony Anderson.
Diaz appeared to make things Instagram official with the actor this week, sharing a series of photos of the pair while showing Anderson some love during his birthday week.
"Big Birthday Week Leo Energy anthonyanderson my Papi Chulo is Hosting jimmykimmellive all week. Tune in," Diaz captioned the post.
The carousel included a playful shot of Diaz wrapping her arm around Anderson as the two posed together backstage at Jimmy Kimmel Live! Anderson, who turned 56 on Aug. 15, is serving as a guest host of the late-night show this week.
COMPLEX SHOP: Shop the brands you love, anytime and anywhere. Uncover what's next. Buy. Collect. Obsess.
#anderson
Diaz appeared to make things Instagram official with the actor this week, sharing a series of photos of the pair while showing Anderson some love during his birthday week.
"Big Birthday Week Leo Energy anthonyanderson my Papi Chulo is Hosting jimmykimmellive all week. Tune in," Diaz captioned the post.
The carousel included a playful shot of Diaz wrapping her arm around Anderson as the two posed together backstage at Jimmy Kimmel Live! Anderson, who turned 56 on Aug. 15, is serving as a guest host of the late-night show this week.
COMPLEX SHOP: Shop the brands you love, anytime and anywhere. Uncover what's next. Buy. Collect. Obsess.
#anderson
8 days ago
A rather poor weekend for the San Francisco Giants, but a tremendously exciting weekend for their Minor League Baseball affiliates. Let's dive into the 15 games that were played on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Link to the 2026 McCovey Chronicles Community Prospect List (CPL)
All listed positions in the roundup are the position played in that particular game.
AAA Sacramento outfielder Bo Davidson (No. 4 CPL) was named the Pacific Coast League Player of the Week. It was very well earned. You'll find out why in a moment.
Also very well earned was the promotion of outfielder Lisbel Diaz (No. 32 CPL), the organization's home run leader. He moves up from High-A Eugene to AA Richmond.
#played #outfielder #well
Link to the 2026 McCovey Chronicles Community Prospect List (CPL)
All listed positions in the roundup are the position played in that particular game.
AAA Sacramento outfielder Bo Davidson (No. 4 CPL) was named the Pacific Coast League Player of the Week. It was very well earned. You'll find out why in a moment.
Also very well earned was the promotion of outfielder Lisbel Diaz (No. 32 CPL), the organization's home run leader. He moves up from High-A Eugene to AA Richmond.
#played #outfielder #well
8 days ago
If you listen to the preseason predictions, Duke and head coach Manny Diaz might as well pack it up instead of trying to repeat as ACC champions. The Blue Devils were picked to finish 10th in the conference at ACC media days, while some are questioning whether they can get back to the heights of a nine-win season that they have achieved in the last two years.
In ESPN's preseason ranking of all 138 FBS teams, writer David Hale joined the pundits in predicting that Duke will fall back a bit this season, putting the Blue Devils all the way down in Tier 11 alongside rival programs such as Wake Forest and Georgia Tech, as well as Kansas and Arizona State, among others.
The main stat Hale brings up is last year's struggles on pass defense, noting that the Blue Devils allowed 5.86 yards per dropback when pressuring the opposing QB last season, which ranked 131st out of 136 teams.
And, of course, no article about Duke football would go without mentioning the fact that Diaz and his coaching staff must find a replacement for quarterback Darian Mensah, who entered the transfer portal at the last moment this offseason and is now the starter at ACC rival Miami.
The game is played on the field, though, so Diaz and his team will have their chance to prove these doubters wrong.
#blue #season #preseason
In ESPN's preseason ranking of all 138 FBS teams, writer David Hale joined the pundits in predicting that Duke will fall back a bit this season, putting the Blue Devils all the way down in Tier 11 alongside rival programs such as Wake Forest and Georgia Tech, as well as Kansas and Arizona State, among others.
The main stat Hale brings up is last year's struggles on pass defense, noting that the Blue Devils allowed 5.86 yards per dropback when pressuring the opposing QB last season, which ranked 131st out of 136 teams.
And, of course, no article about Duke football would go without mentioning the fact that Diaz and his coaching staff must find a replacement for quarterback Darian Mensah, who entered the transfer portal at the last moment this offseason and is now the starter at ACC rival Miami.
The game is played on the field, though, so Diaz and his team will have their chance to prove these doubters wrong.
#blue #season #preseason
8 days ago
Much like his colleague Jon Scheyer, Duke head football coach Manny Diaz has let it be known that all starting jobs and playing time are open, no matter how much of a veteran or how talented you might be.
That sits just fine with defensive lineman Kevin O'Connor, who is coming off a sophomore season in which he recorded 11 total tackles, one tackle for a loss and four quarterback hurries.
"He's made that clear to everybody on the defense throughout the spring and summer," O'Connor said. "I think it's breeding competition and breeding excellence. Everyone is scratching and clawing to get time, so it's a great place to be, in my opinion. Everyone is scratching and clawing to get better every day, and I think it's great for the overall well-being of the team."
Duke's defensive line has to replace Vincent Anthony Jr. and Wesley Williams from last season, and although O'Connor spent most of his time playing on the outside, he's now seeing time on the interior of the line. But for the Easton, Md., native, he knows he just has to be himself thanks to the advice of former defensive coordinator Harland Bower, who left for the Baltimore Ravens this offseason.
"One thing Coach Bower actually said to me before he went to Baltimore was, 'You don't want to be the next VJ or Wes. You want to be the next Kevin,'" O'Connor said. "For Tyshon, he wants to be the next Tyshon. It's not about filling in someone else's shoes. It's you stepping up to the plate and doing what you need to do."
#time #next #tyshon #much
That sits just fine with defensive lineman Kevin O'Connor, who is coming off a sophomore season in which he recorded 11 total tackles, one tackle for a loss and four quarterback hurries.
"He's made that clear to everybody on the defense throughout the spring and summer," O'Connor said. "I think it's breeding competition and breeding excellence. Everyone is scratching and clawing to get time, so it's a great place to be, in my opinion. Everyone is scratching and clawing to get better every day, and I think it's great for the overall well-being of the team."
Duke's defensive line has to replace Vincent Anthony Jr. and Wesley Williams from last season, and although O'Connor spent most of his time playing on the outside, he's now seeing time on the interior of the line. But for the Easton, Md., native, he knows he just has to be himself thanks to the advice of former defensive coordinator Harland Bower, who left for the Baltimore Ravens this offseason.
"One thing Coach Bower actually said to me before he went to Baltimore was, 'You don't want to be the next VJ or Wes. You want to be the next Kevin,'" O'Connor said. "For Tyshon, he wants to be the next Tyshon. It's not about filling in someone else's shoes. It's you stepping up to the plate and doing what you need to do."
#time #next #tyshon #much
9 days ago
The Mets came from behind to walk off the Nationals in a thrilling 5-4 victory. Sean Manaea provided desperately needed length, the bullpen held firm, and the Mets mounted a ninth inning rally that culminated in a Francisco Alvarez game-tying double and a Francisco Lindor walk-off knock to win it.
Choose your recap: Amazin' Avenue, MLB.com, Newsday, New York Daily News, New York Post
Given the disaster the Dodgers are dealing with right now, it is increasingly looking like the Mets made the right decision when it comes to Edwin Díaz.
The Mets are evaluating their infield options for 2027, writes Will Sammon of The Athletic.
In rock bottom, perhaps the 2026 Mets have found some fun, writes Laura Albanese of Newsday.
#right
Choose your recap: Amazin' Avenue, MLB.com, Newsday, New York Daily News, New York Post
Given the disaster the Dodgers are dealing with right now, it is increasingly looking like the Mets made the right decision when it comes to Edwin Díaz.
The Mets are evaluating their infield options for 2027, writes Will Sammon of The Athletic.
In rock bottom, perhaps the 2026 Mets have found some fun, writes Laura Albanese of Newsday.
#right
9 days ago
It's not often you see the losing team have more base hits, draw more walks, and strike out 10 fewer times than the victor, but that is exactly what happened tonight in a 4-3 Rays defeat. Simply put, the Rays had plenty of chances in this game, but left 12 men on base while going 3 for 13 with runners in scoring position while Baltimore had two solo homers by Pete Alonso and Christian Encarnacion-Strand to offset their own nine men left on base tonight.
This game took on a different feel after both teams had wasted their challenges by the 5th inning. The first challenge was lost by the Rays when Junior Caminero challenged a first pitch on the inner black that was confirmed by ABS. That was followed by two challenges lost – one by each team – in one plate appearance. Carlos Narvaez challenged a 2-2 pitch to Cedric Mullins which was uphelp and that was followed by Mullins challenging a 3-2 pitch on the inside black that was indeed a strike. Baltimore's advantage was short-lived when Tyler O'Neill inaccurately challenged the first pitch of the top of the 5th thus leaving both teams without the ability to challenge was was a rather suspect strike zone for the game where several close pitches were called ***** and a few poor ones called strikes as the game went on. All of this is to say that, sometimes, men let their emotions get the better of them and the early challenges, none of which were in big leverage situations.
One particular at bat in the ninth, while not consequential, highlights the risks of burning through the challenges the way it was done. Andrew Kittrege dotted a beautiful 0-1 sinker down and away to Richie Palacios to lead off the 9th, but the ball was called a ball. That would have led to an 0-2 count and the next pitch would have been strike three instead of strike two:
The Rays would eventually tie up the game in the 9th after consecutive two-out singles by Yandy Diaz and Jonathan Aranda led to this bad process, good result moment from Junior Caminero and newest Ray, Jorge Mateo:
View Link
#challenged #called
This game took on a different feel after both teams had wasted their challenges by the 5th inning. The first challenge was lost by the Rays when Junior Caminero challenged a first pitch on the inner black that was confirmed by ABS. That was followed by two challenges lost – one by each team – in one plate appearance. Carlos Narvaez challenged a 2-2 pitch to Cedric Mullins which was uphelp and that was followed by Mullins challenging a 3-2 pitch on the inside black that was indeed a strike. Baltimore's advantage was short-lived when Tyler O'Neill inaccurately challenged the first pitch of the top of the 5th thus leaving both teams without the ability to challenge was was a rather suspect strike zone for the game where several close pitches were called ***** and a few poor ones called strikes as the game went on. All of this is to say that, sometimes, men let their emotions get the better of them and the early challenges, none of which were in big leverage situations.
One particular at bat in the ninth, while not consequential, highlights the risks of burning through the challenges the way it was done. Andrew Kittrege dotted a beautiful 0-1 sinker down and away to Richie Palacios to lead off the 9th, but the ball was called a ball. That would have led to an 0-2 count and the next pitch would have been strike three instead of strike two:
The Rays would eventually tie up the game in the 9th after consecutive two-out singles by Yandy Diaz and Jonathan Aranda led to this bad process, good result moment from Junior Caminero and newest Ray, Jorge Mateo:
View Link
#challenged #called
10 days ago
LOS ANGLES — Edwin Díaz likely won't be available to pitch for the remainder of the weekend against the Milwaukee Brewers, after pitching on each of the last two nights, with extended outings both nights. He walked a tightrope on Friday night, loading the bases in the ninth inning, but somehow survived to earn the save. It wasn't a good outing by any means, but all parties believe Díaz is at least heading in the right direction.
Díaz since returning from the injured list has one clean outing in six tries, with seven runs allowed in 4 2/3 innings. One night after allowing three runs in a blown save to the Brewers, he walked two batters and hit another, loading the bases in the ninth inning. This time he escaped without damage, helped by a fantastic play by second baseman Tommy Edman for the second out of the frame. A grounder to shortstop Mookie Betts ended it.
"It was good for him to work his way out of it, and obviously he was a hitter away," manager Dave Roberts said. "Even with that last hitter, I wanted to see him try to fight through it and get through it. I was happy that he finished what he started.
Díaz said his posture on the mound was something he was working on, that his misses were more off the plate than in the middle of the strike zone to get punished.
"I'm leaning too much toward the right-handed hitter. Instead of straight down the plate, today was way better," Díaz said. "My fastball ride was way batter than yesterday. I'm going in a good direction, so keep getting better and keep getting better."
#loading #bases
Díaz since returning from the injured list has one clean outing in six tries, with seven runs allowed in 4 2/3 innings. One night after allowing three runs in a blown save to the Brewers, he walked two batters and hit another, loading the bases in the ninth inning. This time he escaped without damage, helped by a fantastic play by second baseman Tommy Edman for the second out of the frame. A grounder to shortstop Mookie Betts ended it.
"It was good for him to work his way out of it, and obviously he was a hitter away," manager Dave Roberts said. "Even with that last hitter, I wanted to see him try to fight through it and get through it. I was happy that he finished what he started.
Díaz said his posture on the mound was something he was working on, that his misses were more off the plate than in the middle of the strike zone to get punished.
"I'm leaning too much toward the right-handed hitter. Instead of straight down the plate, today was way better," Díaz said. "My fastball ride was way batter than yesterday. I'm going in a good direction, so keep getting better and keep getting better."
#loading #bases
