14 hours ago
Florida baseball coach Kevin O'Sullivan is getting a clearer picture of what his roster could look like as the games begin to count.
The Gators continued their unbeaten fall exhibition schedule Wednesday with a 7-4 win over the Ontario Blue Jays, with Nic Partridge delivering a three-hit night and Florida's bullpen stringing together seven consecutive scoreless innings. The performance gave O'Sullivan another opportunity to move players around defensively and evaluate a pitching staff that he believes has made significant progress.
O'Sullivan spoke with the press immediately following the exhibition about Partridge's breakout fall, Florida's defensive versatility, its emerging bullpen options and the development of several young pitchers.
Here's everything O'Sullivan had to say, with quotes transcribed from Gators Online's YouTube coverage.
I think they all did. Honestly, I think Brady (Snow)'s back was bothering him just a little bit, and I think he kind of tweaked something and didn't say anything. So I thought he threw good. I thought they all threw good.
#thought
The Gators continued their unbeaten fall exhibition schedule Wednesday with a 7-4 win over the Ontario Blue Jays, with Nic Partridge delivering a three-hit night and Florida's bullpen stringing together seven consecutive scoreless innings. The performance gave O'Sullivan another opportunity to move players around defensively and evaluate a pitching staff that he believes has made significant progress.
O'Sullivan spoke with the press immediately following the exhibition about Partridge's breakout fall, Florida's defensive versatility, its emerging bullpen options and the development of several young pitchers.
Here's everything O'Sullivan had to say, with quotes transcribed from Gators Online's YouTube coverage.
I think they all did. Honestly, I think Brady (Snow)'s back was bothering him just a little bit, and I think he kind of tweaked something and didn't say anything. So I thought he threw good. I thought they all threw good.
#thought
15 hours ago
Frequent board commenter Solanus tracks an enormous amount of pitcher and catcher data, tabulating each game result by hand. Last year, he gave me enough insight into his spreadsheets where I was able to re-create much of the data he hand tabulates (I'm way too lazy for that!) and I wanted to peak at some of those data points and see what we could learn about the defensive side of their catching corps.
The data itself comes from a mix of sources. Statcast data for actual line-ups and game events (who pitched, who caught, which innings, etc.). Baseball reference.com for overall pitching lines for each game, and with Fangraphs because of course there has to be differences in how the data is constructed that doesn't make it easy. Team ids between sites are different. Player Ids are different. Even game Ids are different, and all three have to be brewed together to knit the data into one consistent result.
I wrote the code. The methods are all Solanus. I simply copied his logic into R code and ran it. So he gets all the credit.
I chose to query both the 2025 and 2026 seasons (you will likely understand why when I go through it). Here is the raw data, and following that some of the interesting morsels I discovered and thought about some.
2026
#data #game #solanus
The data itself comes from a mix of sources. Statcast data for actual line-ups and game events (who pitched, who caught, which innings, etc.). Baseball reference.com for overall pitching lines for each game, and with Fangraphs because of course there has to be differences in how the data is constructed that doesn't make it easy. Team ids between sites are different. Player Ids are different. Even game Ids are different, and all three have to be brewed together to knit the data into one consistent result.
I wrote the code. The methods are all Solanus. I simply copied his logic into R code and ran it. So he gets all the credit.
I chose to query both the 2025 and 2026 seasons (you will likely understand why when I go through it). Here is the raw data, and following that some of the interesting morsels I discovered and thought about some.
2026
#data #game #solanus
23 hours ago
The Kansas City Royals made their first big offseason move on Thursday by cutting ties with closer Carlos Estévez. The team declined his $13 million club option, which means he hits the open market. Instead of paying that high price, Kansas City will hand him a $2 million buyout. This decision clears the books but leaves a huge hole in the bullpen after he led the league with 42 saves in 2025.
At the same time, the club exercised a $2.5 million option on right-hander Tony Gonsolin. Per MLB.com Royals, this move keeps a former All-Star under contract for 2027 despite his recent injury struggles. It is a low-cost gamble for a pitcher who once went 16-1 with a 2.14 ERA in 2022. After ending last season with a 5.07 bullpen ERA that ranked 29th in the majors, the Royals must acquire all available pitching help.
Letting Estévez walk feels risky, but the math makes sense for a small-market team. He signed a two-year, $22.2 million deal before 2025 and delivered a 2.45 ERA that year. However, his 2026 season was a disaster filled with injuries and blown saves. He was limited to just one appearance before a comebacker hit his foot and a rotator cuff strain ended his year. According to Yardbarker, his strikeout rate dropped while his walk rate climbed in 2025, showing he was already losing a step.
Paying $13 million for a pitcher who might not even throw a pitch in 2027 is hard to justify. The Royals are better off taking the $2 million buyout and trying to find a cheaper replacement. They need to fix a relief corps that allowed too many runs and lost too many games. The 69-93 record from last year proves the bullpen was a major problem that this move attempts to address.
Bringing back Gonsolin is a different kind of bet, one based on potential rather than recent results. He joined the team on August 13 while recovering from elbow surgery he had in August 2025. In just one major league outing this year against the White Sox, the 32-year-old surrendered five runs across 2 2/3 innings. Per Royals Keep, the $2.5 million price tag is very affordable for a starter with his career stats of 37 wins and 13 losses.
#year #kansas #city
At the same time, the club exercised a $2.5 million option on right-hander Tony Gonsolin. Per MLB.com Royals, this move keeps a former All-Star under contract for 2027 despite his recent injury struggles. It is a low-cost gamble for a pitcher who once went 16-1 with a 2.14 ERA in 2022. After ending last season with a 5.07 bullpen ERA that ranked 29th in the majors, the Royals must acquire all available pitching help.
Letting Estévez walk feels risky, but the math makes sense for a small-market team. He signed a two-year, $22.2 million deal before 2025 and delivered a 2.45 ERA that year. However, his 2026 season was a disaster filled with injuries and blown saves. He was limited to just one appearance before a comebacker hit his foot and a rotator cuff strain ended his year. According to Yardbarker, his strikeout rate dropped while his walk rate climbed in 2025, showing he was already losing a step.
Paying $13 million for a pitcher who might not even throw a pitch in 2027 is hard to justify. The Royals are better off taking the $2 million buyout and trying to find a cheaper replacement. They need to fix a relief corps that allowed too many runs and lost too many games. The 69-93 record from last year proves the bullpen was a major problem that this move attempts to address.
Bringing back Gonsolin is a different kind of bet, one based on potential rather than recent results. He joined the team on August 13 while recovering from elbow surgery he had in August 2025. In just one major league outing this year against the White Sox, the 32-year-old surrendered five runs across 2 2/3 innings. Per Royals Keep, the $2.5 million price tag is very affordable for a starter with his career stats of 37 wins and 13 losses.
#year #kansas #city
24 hours ago
Bo Bichette's decision to opt into a second year with the Mets was not a surprise to anyone in the organization. He had one of the worst statistical seasons of his career offensively – not exactly the kind of year players try to ride into free agency. He spoke glowingly of new manager Andy Green. And he seemed to find comfort in the clubhouse and on the New York stage – as if he had arrived with something to prove and finally remembered he was capable of proving it.
But while the Mets have expected for several weeks now that Bichette would be back, his return nevertheless qualifies as crucial to their offseason. With Bichette, the Mets lineup in 2027 will include all the key components of a group that posted the fifth-best OPS in the majors after August 1… even with Juan Soto injured for part of that time.
The top of the order looked versatile and energetic when Francisco Lindor was healthy and leading off and Soto was healthy and hitting second and Bichette was behind them, putting the ball in play with Carson Benge there to drive everyone in. Bichette's return means the Mets can build on the offense they unearthed late last year, rather than having to reconfigure it.
But because Bichette's decision was not a surprise, expectations for the Mets season should not pivot because of it. They still need, and plan to pursue, starting pitching. They will still explore options to upgrade offensively at first base, though exactly how high they will aim – and how much money or prospect capital they are willing to spend there – remains unclear.
And they still seem likely to give one of their infield prospects a chance somewhere in the majors next season. With Bichette back, the most obvious place for a prospect to elbow in would be second, though because Bichette has also played second base, the Mets could make room for a prospect at third.
#prospect
But while the Mets have expected for several weeks now that Bichette would be back, his return nevertheless qualifies as crucial to their offseason. With Bichette, the Mets lineup in 2027 will include all the key components of a group that posted the fifth-best OPS in the majors after August 1… even with Juan Soto injured for part of that time.
The top of the order looked versatile and energetic when Francisco Lindor was healthy and leading off and Soto was healthy and hitting second and Bichette was behind them, putting the ball in play with Carson Benge there to drive everyone in. Bichette's return means the Mets can build on the offense they unearthed late last year, rather than having to reconfigure it.
But because Bichette's decision was not a surprise, expectations for the Mets season should not pivot because of it. They still need, and plan to pursue, starting pitching. They will still explore options to upgrade offensively at first base, though exactly how high they will aim – and how much money or prospect capital they are willing to spend there – remains unclear.
And they still seem likely to give one of their infield prospects a chance somewhere in the majors next season. With Bichette back, the most obvious place for a prospect to elbow in would be second, though because Bichette has also played second base, the Mets could make room for a prospect at third.
#prospect
1 day ago
The tiny town of Wheeler is now home to a World Series champion.
Native son Brandon Woodruff has earned a ring after his Milwaukee Brewers finished off Tampa Bay in five games, winning 4-1 on Wednesday night. It's the first World Series ****** le in franchise history.
Woodruff, 33, has spent his entire professional career in the Brewers organization, including the last 10 in the majors – making him the longest-tenured current Brewer. He's been one of the team's most consistent pitchers – when healthy. Woodruff missed the entire 2024 season with an injury to his throwing shoulder, and he has battled similar ailments the past two seasons. He made 12 starts in 2025 and nine starts this year.
After pitching on July 4, Woodruff was shut down due to shoulder issues and did not pitch the rest of the regular season. His numbers: a 2-2 record and 2.98 ERA.
But surprisingly, the right-hander did not need surgery and got healthy enough to be included on Milwaukee's World Series roster. And then, in Game 3 on Monday, Woodruff got the final three outs of a 10-1 win. He allowed one run on two hits and had one strikeout.
#World
Native son Brandon Woodruff has earned a ring after his Milwaukee Brewers finished off Tampa Bay in five games, winning 4-1 on Wednesday night. It's the first World Series ****** le in franchise history.
Woodruff, 33, has spent his entire professional career in the Brewers organization, including the last 10 in the majors – making him the longest-tenured current Brewer. He's been one of the team's most consistent pitchers – when healthy. Woodruff missed the entire 2024 season with an injury to his throwing shoulder, and he has battled similar ailments the past two seasons. He made 12 starts in 2025 and nine starts this year.
After pitching on July 4, Woodruff was shut down due to shoulder issues and did not pitch the rest of the regular season. His numbers: a 2-2 record and 2.98 ERA.
But surprisingly, the right-hander did not need surgery and got healthy enough to be included on Milwaukee's World Series roster. And then, in Game 3 on Monday, Woodruff got the final three outs of a 10-1 win. He allowed one run on two hits and had one strikeout.
#World
1 day ago
The Detroit Tigers nearly sent Tarik Skubal to the Milwaukee Brewers instead of the Los Angeles Dodgers, and newly revealed details suggest the deal was much closer to happening than anyone realized.
In fact, Milwaukee reportedly believed it had reached an agreement in principle with Detroit before Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris ultimately went in another direction.
The proposed deal would have landed Detroit three highly regarded position-player prospects, including one of baseball's most promising young infielders.
Instead, Harris chose a package built around outfielder Zyhir Hope and two pitching prospects.
Now that the Brewers have won the 2026 World Series, the behind-the-scenes details make Detroit's decision even more fascinating.
#harris #instead #details #deal
In fact, Milwaukee reportedly believed it had reached an agreement in principle with Detroit before Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris ultimately went in another direction.
The proposed deal would have landed Detroit three highly regarded position-player prospects, including one of baseball's most promising young infielders.
Instead, Harris chose a package built around outfielder Zyhir Hope and two pitching prospects.
Now that the Brewers have won the 2026 World Series, the behind-the-scenes details make Detroit's decision even more fascinating.
#harris #instead #details #deal
1 day ago
This really shouldn't be that surprising. The Tigers have one of the better core groups in baseball now, and while their rotation has question marks due to injury and inexperience, it's certainly a pretty talented group with Framber Valdez as the veteran, and Jackson Jobe, Troy Melton, Keider Montero, River Ryan, and Reese Olson lined up behind the veteran lefty. Obviously they need to build a much better bullpen, but this shouldn't really be that hard. We'll see how hard the front office decides to make it.
The Tigers were 14th in run scoring, and 11th in team wRC+ in 2026, despite getting gutted for a good six weeks by a huge wave of injuries from mid-April through May. Max Clark has only just arrived, while Hao-Yu Lee and Eduardo Valencia broke out with the bats in the second half. They still have plenty of young hitting talent coming behind them as well. They were also 6th best in team ERA and 10th best in team fielding independent pitching (FIP). The defense got better as Clark and other young outfielders were added to the mix. It would really help that cause if John Peck can insert himself into the mix next year.
The Brewers are number one on the power rankings, as you'd expect. The Dodgers and Yankees check in second and third. The Rays, Red Sox, and Braves round out the 4-6 slots, with the Tigers in seventh.
Here is ESPN's argument for the Tigers in 2027.
1. Their plus-71 run differential was fourth in the AL, not that far behind the Rays (plus-86) or Red Sox (plus-78), and that's a positive indicator for the following season.
#rays #veteran
The Tigers were 14th in run scoring, and 11th in team wRC+ in 2026, despite getting gutted for a good six weeks by a huge wave of injuries from mid-April through May. Max Clark has only just arrived, while Hao-Yu Lee and Eduardo Valencia broke out with the bats in the second half. They still have plenty of young hitting talent coming behind them as well. They were also 6th best in team ERA and 10th best in team fielding independent pitching (FIP). The defense got better as Clark and other young outfielders were added to the mix. It would really help that cause if John Peck can insert himself into the mix next year.
The Brewers are number one on the power rankings, as you'd expect. The Dodgers and Yankees check in second and third. The Rays, Red Sox, and Braves round out the 4-6 slots, with the Tigers in seventh.
Here is ESPN's argument for the Tigers in 2027.
1. Their plus-71 run differential was fourth in the AL, not that far behind the Rays (plus-86) or Red Sox (plus-78), and that's a positive indicator for the following season.
#rays #veteran
1 day ago
This really shouldn't be that surprising. The Tigers have one of the better core groups in baseball now, and while their rotation has question marks due to injury and inexperience, it's certainly a pretty talented group with Framber Valdez as the veteran, and Jackson Jobe, Troy Melton, Keider Montero, River Ryan, and Reese Olson lined up behind the veteran lefty. Obviously they need to build a much better bullpen, but this shouldn't really be that hard. We'll see how hard the front office decides to make it.
The Tigers were 14th in run scoring, and 11th in team wRC+ in 2026, despite getting gutted for a good six weeks by a huge wave of injuries from mid-April through May. Max Clark has only just arrived, while Hao-Yu Lee and Eduardo Valencia broke out with the bats in the second half. They still have plenty of young hitting talent coming behind them as well. They were also 6th best in team ERA and 10th best in team fielding independent pitching (FIP). The defense got better as Clark and other young outfielders were added to the mix. It would really help that cause if John Peck can insert himself into the mix next year.
The Brewers are number one on the power rankings, as you'd expect. The Dodgers and Yankees check in second and third. The Rays, Red Sox, and Braves round out the 4-6 slots, with the Tigers in seventh.
Here is ESPN's argument for the Tigers in 2027.
1. Their plus-71 run differential was fourth in the AL, not that far behind the Rays (plus-86) or Red Sox (plus-78), and that's a positive indicator for the following season.
#tigers #team #clark
The Tigers were 14th in run scoring, and 11th in team wRC+ in 2026, despite getting gutted for a good six weeks by a huge wave of injuries from mid-April through May. Max Clark has only just arrived, while Hao-Yu Lee and Eduardo Valencia broke out with the bats in the second half. They still have plenty of young hitting talent coming behind them as well. They were also 6th best in team ERA and 10th best in team fielding independent pitching (FIP). The defense got better as Clark and other young outfielders were added to the mix. It would really help that cause if John Peck can insert himself into the mix next year.
The Brewers are number one on the power rankings, as you'd expect. The Dodgers and Yankees check in second and third. The Rays, Red Sox, and Braves round out the 4-6 slots, with the Tigers in seventh.
Here is ESPN's argument for the Tigers in 2027.
1. Their plus-71 run differential was fourth in the AL, not that far behind the Rays (plus-86) or Red Sox (plus-78), and that's a positive indicator for the following season.
#tigers #team #clark
1 day ago
President Trump recently joked at a rally in Texas that the $5,000 payments he's promised if Republicans win the midterm elections would only get Americans "a hamburger and maybe a small dessert" at his Mar-a-Lago club.
The president has vowed to give every American adult $5,000 if Republicans retain majorities in the House and the Senate after the midterm elections on Nov. 3. Trump specified, though, that the money must be spent in the U.S., pitching his own club as a possible — yet expensive — option on where to spend it.
The tax breaks in Trump's 'big beautiful bill' expire after 2028. Here are 4 moves to make before the window closes
Jeff Bezos backs a platform that lets anyone invest in rental homes for as little as $100 — 6 ways to build wealth like a landlord without actually being one
Dave Ramsey warns nearly 50% of Americans are making 1 big Social Security mistake. Here's what it is and 3 simple steps to fix it ASAP
#elections #lago
The president has vowed to give every American adult $5,000 if Republicans retain majorities in the House and the Senate after the midterm elections on Nov. 3. Trump specified, though, that the money must be spent in the U.S., pitching his own club as a possible — yet expensive — option on where to spend it.
The tax breaks in Trump's 'big beautiful bill' expire after 2028. Here are 4 moves to make before the window closes
Jeff Bezos backs a platform that lets anyone invest in rental homes for as little as $100 — 6 ways to build wealth like a landlord without actually being one
Dave Ramsey warns nearly 50% of Americans are making 1 big Social Security mistake. Here's what it is and 3 simple steps to fix it ASAP
#elections #lago
12 days ago
MLB playoff games on TV today: Schedule, times, TV channels, live streams to watch ALCS, NLCS games originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The 2026 World Series could be set Monday night, with the Rays on the brink of advancing as they host Game 6 against the Guardians.
Tampa Bay's 3-1 win Sunday put Cleveland on the brink, needing a pair of wins at Tropicana Field to return to the Fall Classic for the first time since 2016. The Rays are trying to reach the World Series for the third time, but their most recent trip came in the COVID-shortened 2020 season when all the games were played in Arlington, Texas, so their fans mostly missed out that time.
The Rays got a brilliant pitching performance from Drew Rasmussen in Game 5 and will look for more of the same Monday with veteran Freddy Peralta on the mound. The trade-deadline acquisition started Game 2 of this series and was dominant, holding the Guardians to four hits in six scoreless innings of a 3-1 Tampa Bay win. He also pitched 2/3 of an inning in relief Saturday in Game 4.
Cleveland's pitching situation is unclear but it will be all hands on deck for Stephen Vogt as the Guardians hope their offense can get going the way it did to turn around the Division Series against the White Sox. Can they stay alive, or will the top-seeded Rays move on?
#Guardians #sporting #World
The 2026 World Series could be set Monday night, with the Rays on the brink of advancing as they host Game 6 against the Guardians.
Tampa Bay's 3-1 win Sunday put Cleveland on the brink, needing a pair of wins at Tropicana Field to return to the Fall Classic for the first time since 2016. The Rays are trying to reach the World Series for the third time, but their most recent trip came in the COVID-shortened 2020 season when all the games were played in Arlington, Texas, so their fans mostly missed out that time.
The Rays got a brilliant pitching performance from Drew Rasmussen in Game 5 and will look for more of the same Monday with veteran Freddy Peralta on the mound. The trade-deadline acquisition started Game 2 of this series and was dominant, holding the Guardians to four hits in six scoreless innings of a 3-1 Tampa Bay win. He also pitched 2/3 of an inning in relief Saturday in Game 4.
Cleveland's pitching situation is unclear but it will be all hands on deck for Stephen Vogt as the Guardians hope their offense can get going the way it did to turn around the Division Series against the White Sox. Can they stay alive, or will the top-seeded Rays move on?
#Guardians #sporting #World
12 days ago
The Tampa Bay Rays are one win away from reaching the World Series after defeating the Cleveland Guardians 3-1 in Game 5 of the American League Championship Series on Sunday. Behind another outstanding postseason performance from starting pitcher Drew Rasmussen and timely hitting throughout the lineup, Tampa Bay took a 3-2 lead in the best of seven series.
The Rays entered the matchup looking to build on Saturday's 7-3 victory, which evened the series at two games apiece. They delivered another strong performance in Cleveland, putting themselves in position to clinch the American League pennant on their home field.
Rasmussen was the biggest difference-maker Sunday, holding Cleveland to one run on four hits across seven innings. He consistently kept the Guardians' hitters off balance, limiting scoring opportunities and giving Tampa Bay's offense time to build an advantage.
The outing continued Rasmussen's impressive postseason run. His performance helped the Rays control the game from the early innings and put pressure on Cleveland to find answers against Tampa Bay's pitching staff.
Rasmussen's ability to work deep into the game also protected the bullpen, allowing the Rays to turn the final two innings over to their relievers with a lead.
#innings
The Rays entered the matchup looking to build on Saturday's 7-3 victory, which evened the series at two games apiece. They delivered another strong performance in Cleveland, putting themselves in position to clinch the American League pennant on their home field.
Rasmussen was the biggest difference-maker Sunday, holding Cleveland to one run on four hits across seven innings. He consistently kept the Guardians' hitters off balance, limiting scoring opportunities and giving Tampa Bay's offense time to build an advantage.
The outing continued Rasmussen's impressive postseason run. His performance helped the Rays control the game from the early innings and put pressure on Cleveland to find answers against Tampa Bay's pitching staff.
Rasmussen's ability to work deep into the game also protected the bullpen, allowing the Rays to turn the final two innings over to their relievers with a lead.
#innings
29 days ago
Bill Burr is pitching a different use for artificial intelligence: point it at the top of the org chart.
The comedian made the case during a sit-down with Rolling Stone, pointing out that it makes way more sense to create AI CEOs instead of AI workers, considering the fact that companies will save way more.
"All this AI is to replace working people. It's like, why don't you make an AI CEO that's empathetic, that cares about the middle class and the future of the planet?" the comedian asked.
COMPLEX SHOP: Shop the brands you love, anytime and anywhere. Uncover what's next. Buy. Collect. Obsess.
"They're making way more. You take that guy's salary versus all the work. You're going to save way more money replacing one guy," Burr continued. "Why don't you do that? Because it's not for us, it's for them."
#bill
The comedian made the case during a sit-down with Rolling Stone, pointing out that it makes way more sense to create AI CEOs instead of AI workers, considering the fact that companies will save way more.
"All this AI is to replace working people. It's like, why don't you make an AI CEO that's empathetic, that cares about the middle class and the future of the planet?" the comedian asked.
COMPLEX SHOP: Shop the brands you love, anytime and anywhere. Uncover what's next. Buy. Collect. Obsess.
"They're making way more. You take that guy's salary versus all the work. You're going to save way more money replacing one guy," Burr continued. "Why don't you do that? Because it's not for us, it's for them."
#bill
1 month ago
On September 16, IDEXX Laboratories (NASDAQ:IDXX) announced it had bought CoVetAI, a fast-growing veterinary software company whose tool listens during appointments and organizes what gets said and done. It sounds like a productivity gadget. But IDEXX is pitching it as a way to put the right patient details in front of a vet at the moment they decide what to test. The price was not disclosed, so the strategy is the story.
Start with the customer base IDEXX already has. More than 10,000 clinics worldwide run on its cloud practice software, and CoVet will plug into that system, including a link to IDEXX VetConnect PLUS. That hands a new product a ready audience. CoVet also works with practice systems IDEXX does not make, and IDEXX plans to keep supporting rival scribes, so the tool can reach clinics and regions the company does not serve today.
Then there is the engine this could feed. On August 4, IDEXX reported second-quarter revenue growth of 10%, and its recurring diagnostics business grew 11%, powered by higher volumes. That says vets are already running more tests, which is the behavior a smarter workflow tool is meant to encourage. The company also placed more than 1,600 inVue Dx ****** yzers in the quarter, lifting the installed base past 9,000, and it counts that instrument among its AI-driven products. Software and hardware are pointing in the same direction.
The biggest problem is what we can't see. Without deal terms, there is no way to judge what IDEXX paid or how much CoVet matters to earnings. And the company describes the payoff in future tense, saying these capabilities can raise diagnostic use over time. That is a hope, not a result yet. CoVet's openness to other systems cuts both ways too. It widens reach, but it also means a clinic can use CoVet without going deeper into IDEXX's ecosystem.
The second quarter also needs a careful read. Earnings per share rose 18%, but that included tax benefits from stock-based pay and a currency boost, and growth on a comparable basis was 15%. Some of the gain, in other words, did not come from selling more to vets. IDEXX also says it is spending more on commercial and innovation priorities, so its higher full-year earnings outlook comes with added costs attached.
#company #software #earnings #already
Start with the customer base IDEXX already has. More than 10,000 clinics worldwide run on its cloud practice software, and CoVet will plug into that system, including a link to IDEXX VetConnect PLUS. That hands a new product a ready audience. CoVet also works with practice systems IDEXX does not make, and IDEXX plans to keep supporting rival scribes, so the tool can reach clinics and regions the company does not serve today.
Then there is the engine this could feed. On August 4, IDEXX reported second-quarter revenue growth of 10%, and its recurring diagnostics business grew 11%, powered by higher volumes. That says vets are already running more tests, which is the behavior a smarter workflow tool is meant to encourage. The company also placed more than 1,600 inVue Dx ****** yzers in the quarter, lifting the installed base past 9,000, and it counts that instrument among its AI-driven products. Software and hardware are pointing in the same direction.
The biggest problem is what we can't see. Without deal terms, there is no way to judge what IDEXX paid or how much CoVet matters to earnings. And the company describes the payoff in future tense, saying these capabilities can raise diagnostic use over time. That is a hope, not a result yet. CoVet's openness to other systems cuts both ways too. It widens reach, but it also means a clinic can use CoVet without going deeper into IDEXX's ecosystem.
The second quarter also needs a careful read. Earnings per share rose 18%, but that included tax benefits from stock-based pay and a currency boost, and growth on a comparable basis was 15%. Some of the gain, in other words, did not come from selling more to vets. IDEXX also says it is spending more on commercial and innovation priorities, so its higher full-year earnings outlook comes with added costs attached.
#company #software #earnings #already
1 month ago
Amazon Business is now a $60B operation serving 11 million customers worldwide. In this FreightWaves Today interview, Amazon Business exec Daniel Silverfield breaks down what that scale means for procurement, supplier consolidation, same-day grocery delivery and AI-driven savings.The big takeaway: business buyers want fewer suppliers, better visibility and less waste in purchasing. Silverfield explains how Amazon Business is pitching exactly that to everyone from small companies to Fortune 100s.
Amazon Business has hit $60 billion in annualized gross sales and now serves 11 million customers worldwide, with 1.8 million organizations added this year alone — a growth rate that puts it on par with a Fortune 100 company if it were standalone. The platform, which launched roughly a decade ago after Amazon noticed businesses already shopping on amazon.com, is increasingly central to how companies across sectors manage procurement, from office supplies to same-day groceries.
The scale matters to shippers, carriers, and brokers because Amazon Business is driving a fundamental shift in B2B purchasing behavior — consolidating supplier pools, centralizing data, and moving procurement from quarterly reporting cycles to an always-on, AI-powered model. Every order that migrates to the platform is one fewer touchpoint for traditional distributors and one more shipment flowing through Amazon's own logistics network.
Daniel Silverfield, head of value and selection for Amazon Business, said the platform saved customers $880 million on Prime free shipping last year and $1 billion through business-specific discounts. The company added 30% new items year over year and recently launched same-day grocery delivery across 2,300 U.S. cities in the first half of this year, a capability customers had been requesting for some time.
"The big shift that we're seeing is that people are moving to a continuous, always-on, conversational-powered procurement journey where agents may be looking for the best price while they're asleep, maybe negotiating on their behalf while they're asleep, and then surfacing to them the best product to buy," said Silverfield.
#customers
Amazon Business has hit $60 billion in annualized gross sales and now serves 11 million customers worldwide, with 1.8 million organizations added this year alone — a growth rate that puts it on par with a Fortune 100 company if it were standalone. The platform, which launched roughly a decade ago after Amazon noticed businesses already shopping on amazon.com, is increasingly central to how companies across sectors manage procurement, from office supplies to same-day groceries.
The scale matters to shippers, carriers, and brokers because Amazon Business is driving a fundamental shift in B2B purchasing behavior — consolidating supplier pools, centralizing data, and moving procurement from quarterly reporting cycles to an always-on, AI-powered model. Every order that migrates to the platform is one fewer touchpoint for traditional distributors and one more shipment flowing through Amazon's own logistics network.
Daniel Silverfield, head of value and selection for Amazon Business, said the platform saved customers $880 million on Prime free shipping last year and $1 billion through business-specific discounts. The company added 30% new items year over year and recently launched same-day grocery delivery across 2,300 U.S. cities in the first half of this year, a capability customers had been requesting for some time.
"The big shift that we're seeing is that people are moving to a continuous, always-on, conversational-powered procurement journey where agents may be looking for the best price while they're asleep, maybe negotiating on their behalf while they're asleep, and then surfacing to them the best product to buy," said Silverfield.
#customers
1 month ago
Self-driving tech company May Mobility has reached a deal to go public via a merger with a **** affiliated with Atlas Credit Partners.
Why it matters: The deal is a test of public-market appetite for autonomous vehicle companies, with May pitching investors on a relatively capital-light alternative to the fleet-owning robotaxi model.
Driving the news: The transaction with ACP Holdings Acquisition Corp. implies a $1.4 billion pro forma enterprise value and could provide the Ann Arbor, Mich.-based AV startup with up to $337 million in gross proceeds.
That includes $217 million from the **** 's trust, **** uming no redemptions, plus a $120 million fully committed from private investors through a so-called PIPE financing.
An Atlas Credit Partners affiliate is co-anchoring the PIPE.
#driving #deal
Why it matters: The deal is a test of public-market appetite for autonomous vehicle companies, with May pitching investors on a relatively capital-light alternative to the fleet-owning robotaxi model.
Driving the news: The transaction with ACP Holdings Acquisition Corp. implies a $1.4 billion pro forma enterprise value and could provide the Ann Arbor, Mich.-based AV startup with up to $337 million in gross proceeds.
That includes $217 million from the **** 's trust, **** uming no redemptions, plus a $120 million fully committed from private investors through a so-called PIPE financing.
An Atlas Credit Partners affiliate is co-anchoring the PIPE.
#driving #deal
2 months ago
For a quick reminder of what makes a team with the oldest lineup in the majors the continued favorite to win a third straight World Series – even with one unicorn tied behind its back – take a long, close look at this week's series at Great American Ball Park.
Or for mercy's sake, if you're a Cincinnati Reds fan, just read about it here.
The Los Angeles Dodgers send as many Cy Young Awards to the mound for starts against the Reds this week as there are games in the series. And that doesn't even count who's listed for Thursday's series finale (somebody they call TBA).
Two of the four CYAs belong to left-hander Tarik Skubal, the former Detroit Tigers ace the Dodgers acquired at the trade deadline, who started this week's opener.
For the second time in a week Skubal rolled the Reds, this time pitching seven scoreless innings in a 4-1 win that clinched the Dodgers' 14th consecutive playoff berth.
#week #World
Or for mercy's sake, if you're a Cincinnati Reds fan, just read about it here.
The Los Angeles Dodgers send as many Cy Young Awards to the mound for starts against the Reds this week as there are games in the series. And that doesn't even count who's listed for Thursday's series finale (somebody they call TBA).
Two of the four CYAs belong to left-hander Tarik Skubal, the former Detroit Tigers ace the Dodgers acquired at the trade deadline, who started this week's opener.
For the second time in a week Skubal rolled the Reds, this time pitching seven scoreless innings in a 4-1 win that clinched the Dodgers' 14th consecutive playoff berth.
#week #World
2 months 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
2 months ago
On September 10, IBEX Limited (NASDAQ:IBEX) held its fourth-quarter and full fiscal year 2026 earnings call, and the numbers backed up a message management has been building toward for months. The company posted record full-year revenue, adjusted EBITDA, and free cash flow, all while pitching itself as a business that has flipped the AI narrative in its favor rather than becoming its next casualty. For a sector that has spent the last two years bracing for automation to gut it, that is a notable claim to back with actual client wins.
Full-year revenue hit $644.1 million, up 15.4% organically, and fourth-quarter revenue reached $164.3 million, up 11.6% from a year earlier. That marked the sixth straight quarter of double-digit growth, a streak that suggests the momentum is not a one-off. HealthTech led the charge, climbing 38.5% to $114 million for the year and blowing past the $100 million target management had set for the segment, driven largely by demand from large insurance payers. Technology grew 27.4% in the quarter, while travel and logistics added 17.8%, helped by a new AI agent partnership with Philippine Airlines.
That Philippine Airlines deal is the clearest evidence that IBEX's Sierra AI partnership, formalized in January and announced publicly in May, is more than a slide in an investor deck. During the proof of concept, the AI agent handled interactions in English, Tagalog, and Taglish, hit resolution rates above 20%, and scored a 4.7 out of 5.0 on customer satisfaction, on par with human agents. A separate deployment for BJ's Wholesale pushed resolution rates above 40% and matched that same satisfaction score, beating the marks the client's prior BPO vendor had put up with human agents alone. The company added 17 new trophy logo clients across the year, and its top five clients now make up 33% of revenue, down from 36%, a sign the business is not leaning on a shrinking handful of accounts to carry it.
Not every line moved in the right direction. Fourth quarter GAAP net income slipped to $8.7 million from $9.6 million a year earlier, and diluted EPS fell to $0.59 from $0.66. Management pointed to training costs tied to all those new client wins, a temporary hit from shifting work out of nearshore centers into offshore ones, and higher fuel prices hitting utility and transportation costs, particularly offshore. Adjusted EBITDA margin for the quarter slipped to 12.3% from 13.9%, the same set of pressures showing up in the profitability line rather than just net income.
#revenue #fourth
Full-year revenue hit $644.1 million, up 15.4% organically, and fourth-quarter revenue reached $164.3 million, up 11.6% from a year earlier. That marked the sixth straight quarter of double-digit growth, a streak that suggests the momentum is not a one-off. HealthTech led the charge, climbing 38.5% to $114 million for the year and blowing past the $100 million target management had set for the segment, driven largely by demand from large insurance payers. Technology grew 27.4% in the quarter, while travel and logistics added 17.8%, helped by a new AI agent partnership with Philippine Airlines.
That Philippine Airlines deal is the clearest evidence that IBEX's Sierra AI partnership, formalized in January and announced publicly in May, is more than a slide in an investor deck. During the proof of concept, the AI agent handled interactions in English, Tagalog, and Taglish, hit resolution rates above 20%, and scored a 4.7 out of 5.0 on customer satisfaction, on par with human agents. A separate deployment for BJ's Wholesale pushed resolution rates above 40% and matched that same satisfaction score, beating the marks the client's prior BPO vendor had put up with human agents alone. The company added 17 new trophy logo clients across the year, and its top five clients now make up 33% of revenue, down from 36%, a sign the business is not leaning on a shrinking handful of accounts to carry it.
Not every line moved in the right direction. Fourth quarter GAAP net income slipped to $8.7 million from $9.6 million a year earlier, and diluted EPS fell to $0.59 from $0.66. Management pointed to training costs tied to all those new client wins, a temporary hit from shifting work out of nearshore centers into offshore ones, and higher fuel prices hitting utility and transportation costs, particularly offshore. Adjusted EBITDA margin for the quarter slipped to 12.3% from 13.9%, the same set of pressures showing up in the profitability line rather than just net income.
#revenue #fourth
2 months 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
2 months ago
White Sox's postseason hopes might rely on two breakout pitchers originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Chicago White Sox are 76-73 entering play on Monday, September 14. They're just 0.5 games up on the Cleveland Guardians and fittingly begin a series against their division rivals in Cleveland to get the week started.
If they struggle during this series, not only could the White Sox lose their AL Central lead, but they might even drop out of the postseason field entirely. This is a pivotal series, and the end of the season is still very important to Chicago.
One AL scout told ESPN's Jesse Rogers that the White Sox can be a "sleeper" postseason team if two pitchers can perform at a high level.
"If the White Sox can get just a little starting pitching, they could still make some noise," an AL scout told Rogers. "They have a bullpen. That's always a need in the playoffs. And they can hit home runs. They just haven't lately. I like them as a sleeper, **** uming [Davis] Martin or [Sean] Burke are good."
#white
The Chicago White Sox are 76-73 entering play on Monday, September 14. They're just 0.5 games up on the Cleveland Guardians and fittingly begin a series against their division rivals in Cleveland to get the week started.
If they struggle during this series, not only could the White Sox lose their AL Central lead, but they might even drop out of the postseason field entirely. This is a pivotal series, and the end of the season is still very important to Chicago.
One AL scout told ESPN's Jesse Rogers that the White Sox can be a "sleeper" postseason team if two pitchers can perform at a high level.
"If the White Sox can get just a little starting pitching, they could still make some noise," an AL scout told Rogers. "They have a bullpen. That's always a need in the playoffs. And they can hit home runs. They just haven't lately. I like them as a sleeper, **** uming [Davis] Martin or [Sean] Burke are good."
#white
2 months ago
I've used the word "penultimate" seemingly endless times in the last month or so, so here's one more. The WooSox capped off their finale in Lehigh Valley (Phillies AAA), finishing the PENULTIMATE series of 2026 in dramatic fashion despite outplaying the IronPigs for most of the game. Gage Ziehl had a gritty if not spectacular performance, pitching into the sixth and coming back from being taken yard in the fourth without his confidence shaken. All told, the 23-year-old righty struck out eight to bring his total to 126 in 116 innings pitched (96/85, respectively, of those being in Portland) and is really shaping up into someone to watch in 2027. The pitching staff as a whole issued zero walks despite being taken for nine hits, but the game never looked out of control save for when Noah Song came in to let two runs up in the sixth.
Luckily, though, the WooSox offense had a home run derby, sending five over the fence, including two from Allan Castro. That second one hoisted the WooSox from a deficit to a lead that Sam McWilliams wouldn't give up. Arias also hit his 24th home run of the season (and his 5th in Triple-A.)
Rain cancelled the last game of the season against Binghamton (Mets AA) in an anticlimactic fashion. But what a season it was for the Sea Dogs.
The season began with interested eyes watching Franklin Arias become an absolute hitting machine in the spring, along with Anthony Eyannson dealing, only for the former to be promoted to Triple-A and the latter dealt to Baltimore (or rather, Chesapeake) in the Adley Rutschman deal. Still, Brooks Brannon raked, the team had 8 walk-off wins and generally found ways to come up on top. The pitching staff headed by Hayden Mullins, in his own right a guy to watch, pitched a combined no hitter in April (but not a shutout). And Justin Gonzales looks formidable as an everyday outfielder a few years in the future. Overall, the cupboard is not as fully stocked as some teams, but there's some players to feel good about starting to make their mark in the mid-levels of the farm.
#pitching
Luckily, though, the WooSox offense had a home run derby, sending five over the fence, including two from Allan Castro. That second one hoisted the WooSox from a deficit to a lead that Sam McWilliams wouldn't give up. Arias also hit his 24th home run of the season (and his 5th in Triple-A.)
Rain cancelled the last game of the season against Binghamton (Mets AA) in an anticlimactic fashion. But what a season it was for the Sea Dogs.
The season began with interested eyes watching Franklin Arias become an absolute hitting machine in the spring, along with Anthony Eyannson dealing, only for the former to be promoted to Triple-A and the latter dealt to Baltimore (or rather, Chesapeake) in the Adley Rutschman deal. Still, Brooks Brannon raked, the team had 8 walk-off wins and generally found ways to come up on top. The pitching staff headed by Hayden Mullins, in his own right a guy to watch, pitched a combined no hitter in April (but not a shutout). And Justin Gonzales looks formidable as an everyday outfielder a few years in the future. Overall, the cupboard is not as fully stocked as some teams, but there's some players to feel good about starting to make their mark in the mid-levels of the farm.
#pitching
2 months ago
The Diamondbacks selected the contract of first baseman Pavin Smith from Triple-A Reno, bringing back the longtime lefty bat a couple of months after his struggles in the majors led to him being designated for ****** ignment.
To make room, the Diamondbacks optioned catcher Adrian Del Castillo.
Smith went a miserable 11 for 78 (.141) with one homer in 28 games before the Diamondbacks moved on from him in July. Smith cleared waivers and was outrighted to Reno, where he hit .287/.423/.504 in 39 games. He was even better in recent weeks, going 15 for 47 (.319) with four homers and a 1.109 OPS over his past 13 games.
"It's an opportunity for Pavin to go and show what he can do against some right-handed pitching," Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said. "He's been performing in Triple-A. We're just curious to see what it looks like this time around. I know the last time around it did not go well at all, but he's going to get a start here and there and it's an opportunity for him to show us where he's at and what he's picked up since he was sent back down."
Lovullo added: "The Triple-A staff felt very strongly he could come back up here and help contribute."
#triple #Opportunity
To make room, the Diamondbacks optioned catcher Adrian Del Castillo.
Smith went a miserable 11 for 78 (.141) with one homer in 28 games before the Diamondbacks moved on from him in July. Smith cleared waivers and was outrighted to Reno, where he hit .287/.423/.504 in 39 games. He was even better in recent weeks, going 15 for 47 (.319) with four homers and a 1.109 OPS over his past 13 games.
"It's an opportunity for Pavin to go and show what he can do against some right-handed pitching," Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said. "He's been performing in Triple-A. We're just curious to see what it looks like this time around. I know the last time around it did not go well at all, but he's going to get a start here and there and it's an opportunity for him to show us where he's at and what he's picked up since he was sent back down."
Lovullo added: "The Triple-A staff felt very strongly he could come back up here and help contribute."
#triple #Opportunity
2 months ago
The Washington Nationals bullpen blowing games is nothing new and we saw that today. However, the offense bailing out the bullpen and fighting back in the late innings was something different. That fight late in the game helped the Nats get their second walk off win of the season and win the series against the Angels,
As we have discussed, CJ Abrams has really been struggling lately. However, this series has seen a much more lively version of Abrams. While the Angels are not a good team, you cannot solely attribute this improvement to just seeing bad pitching. Walbert Urena was averaging over 99 MPH, but Abrams was still able to get the Nats on the board with an RBI double in the 1st.
cj x abi run collab pic.twitter.com/eWgugX0ZfM
These last couple of weeks are very important for the Nats shortstop/second baseman. His OPS is still a ways off what it was a couple months ago. However, if he can stabilize these last couple of weeks, he can end the season on a positive note. There are still plenty of milestones for CJ to reach. He is one stolen base away from a 30-30 season and 4 RBI's away from 100.
His 29th stolen base was perhaps his most important of the season. In the bottom of the 10th inning, the Nats had runners on first and second with 1 out. Abrams noticed that the pitcher was not paying enough attention to him and took off. He swiped third base without a throw. That stolen base ended up winning the Nats the game.
#season #base #still
As we have discussed, CJ Abrams has really been struggling lately. However, this series has seen a much more lively version of Abrams. While the Angels are not a good team, you cannot solely attribute this improvement to just seeing bad pitching. Walbert Urena was averaging over 99 MPH, but Abrams was still able to get the Nats on the board with an RBI double in the 1st.
cj x abi run collab pic.twitter.com/eWgugX0ZfM
These last couple of weeks are very important for the Nats shortstop/second baseman. His OPS is still a ways off what it was a couple months ago. However, if he can stabilize these last couple of weeks, he can end the season on a positive note. There are still plenty of milestones for CJ to reach. He is one stolen base away from a 30-30 season and 4 RBI's away from 100.
His 29th stolen base was perhaps his most important of the season. In the bottom of the 10th inning, the Nats had runners on first and second with 1 out. Abrams noticed that the pitcher was not paying enough attention to him and took off. He swiped third base without a throw. That stolen base ended up winning the Nats the game.
#season #base #still
2 months ago
First-inning runs alone won't get you over the line most of the time. Stopping at a pair of early solo shots—at least until the ninth inning—the Dodgers' offense left a lot to be desired in a 4-3 loss to the Marlins, as Tyler Glasnow went through plenty of issues in his shortest regular start of the season (4+ IP). The hard-throwing right-hander walked four and seldom looked in rhythm.
Beginning with a bang, the Dodgers made a statement against Tyler Phillips in the first, taking a 2-0 lead with back-to-back long ****** from Mookie Betts and Max Muncy—the one from Betts had special value, given it represented the 10,000th home run in Los Angeles Dodgers history. The problem is that this so-called statement was left at that, with the offense failing to record another hit in Phillips' three-plus innings of work, pitching with a short leash.
By the time Phillips was removed from the game in the fourth, the Marlins had already taken the lead courtesy of a three-run second against Glasnow. Josue De Paula came back from down in the count to earn a walk against Phillips in the fourth, enough for the Marlins to make the call to the bullpen and bring in left-hander Cade Gibson to retire Hunter Feduccia.
The Dodgers trailed at this early point because Tyler Glasnow seemed to be swimming against the tide for the better part of this one, meshing small periods of dominance with worrisome rallies. After squeezing his way out of a bases-loaded jam in the first, Glasnow coughed up three runs in the second. The damage started with a two-run shot from Graham Pauley and later on with three straight singles, the last one an RBI knock from Otto Lopez.
It then looked like Glasnow would figure things out with clean innings in the third and fourth, including striking out the side in the latter, but that calmness was short-lived. Walking the first two batters of the fifth, Glasnow was removed, recording just 12 outs and leaving quite a mess for Jack Dreyer, who did himself no favors by loading the bases with an 0-2 HBP. In what felt like a pivotal inning for the Dodgers to remain in this game, they caught all the breaks—an errant throw from Mookie Betts on a routine grounder was snagged by Alex Freeland, preventing multiple runners from scoring, and in the following at-bat, Kyle Tucker flashed the leather with a smooth sliding grab to keep everyone at their stations. With one out, Dreyer induced a timely double play as Agustin Ramírez absolutely smoked a groundball right at Betts. And just like that, the score was at a still manageable 4-2 deficit.
#phillips
Beginning with a bang, the Dodgers made a statement against Tyler Phillips in the first, taking a 2-0 lead with back-to-back long ****** from Mookie Betts and Max Muncy—the one from Betts had special value, given it represented the 10,000th home run in Los Angeles Dodgers history. The problem is that this so-called statement was left at that, with the offense failing to record another hit in Phillips' three-plus innings of work, pitching with a short leash.
By the time Phillips was removed from the game in the fourth, the Marlins had already taken the lead courtesy of a three-run second against Glasnow. Josue De Paula came back from down in the count to earn a walk against Phillips in the fourth, enough for the Marlins to make the call to the bullpen and bring in left-hander Cade Gibson to retire Hunter Feduccia.
The Dodgers trailed at this early point because Tyler Glasnow seemed to be swimming against the tide for the better part of this one, meshing small periods of dominance with worrisome rallies. After squeezing his way out of a bases-loaded jam in the first, Glasnow coughed up three runs in the second. The damage started with a two-run shot from Graham Pauley and later on with three straight singles, the last one an RBI knock from Otto Lopez.
It then looked like Glasnow would figure things out with clean innings in the third and fourth, including striking out the side in the latter, but that calmness was short-lived. Walking the first two batters of the fifth, Glasnow was removed, recording just 12 outs and leaving quite a mess for Jack Dreyer, who did himself no favors by loading the bases with an 0-2 HBP. In what felt like a pivotal inning for the Dodgers to remain in this game, they caught all the breaks—an errant throw from Mookie Betts on a routine grounder was snagged by Alex Freeland, preventing multiple runners from scoring, and in the following at-bat, Kyle Tucker flashed the leather with a smooth sliding grab to keep everyone at their stations. With one out, Dreyer induced a timely double play as Agustin Ramírez absolutely smoked a groundball right at Betts. And just like that, the score was at a still manageable 4-2 deficit.
#phillips
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
Baseball's best team is going to see a lot of the San Francisco Giants during these final days of the regular season. Given that it's a brave new world around here, we'll make sure all of them get a proper introduction.
The Los Angeles Dodgers couldn't possibly know much about Jonah **** , Turner Hill, Shay Whitcomb, Drew Cavanaugh, Trent Harris - there, that covers about half the group. The defending champs are too busy trying to figure out their postseason plans, and it's a lot more complicated than you may think.
The Dodgers without Shohei Ohtani? Unthinkable.
Resting uncomfortably on the injured list, felled by a sore left knee and right arm, Ohtani won't be in uniform for the Giants' three-game series that begins Friday at Dodger Stadium. When the two teams close out the season at Oracle Park on Sept. 25-27, he will have been eligible for only two prior games, against San Diego at home.
Until recently, the Dodgers tried to shake off Ohtani's aches and pains. This is the greatest talent in the history of baseball, a man who looks **** near indestructible at times. He rises above everyone, godlike, as he lodges a three-run homer alongside a pitching masterpiece.
#angeles #jonah
The Los Angeles Dodgers couldn't possibly know much about Jonah **** , Turner Hill, Shay Whitcomb, Drew Cavanaugh, Trent Harris - there, that covers about half the group. The defending champs are too busy trying to figure out their postseason plans, and it's a lot more complicated than you may think.
The Dodgers without Shohei Ohtani? Unthinkable.
Resting uncomfortably on the injured list, felled by a sore left knee and right arm, Ohtani won't be in uniform for the Giants' three-game series that begins Friday at Dodger Stadium. When the two teams close out the season at Oracle Park on Sept. 25-27, he will have been eligible for only two prior games, against San Diego at home.
Until recently, the Dodgers tried to shake off Ohtani's aches and pains. This is the greatest talent in the history of baseball, a man who looks **** near indestructible at times. He rises above everyone, godlike, as he lodges a three-run homer alongside a pitching masterpiece.
#angeles #jonah
2 months ago
Jose Alvarado's appearance last night probably solidified what Don Mattingly is thinking in the playoffs. He and Alex McFarlane are going to be the bridges to Jhoan Duran. Jonathan Bowlan looks like he is struggling to handle to pressure as it continues to mount with each appearance that gets closer to September, so maybe those are the two that get leaned on.
On to the links.
Phillies news:
The Phillies have had a really good offensive approach since the All-Star break. Can they keep it up during the playoffs against better pitching ($)?
Bryson Stott is still considered the young guy on the infield, but he's pretty much a (good) finished product.
#appearance #playoffs #mattingly #alex
On to the links.
Phillies news:
The Phillies have had a really good offensive approach since the All-Star break. Can they keep it up during the playoffs against better pitching ($)?
Bryson Stott is still considered the young guy on the infield, but he's pretty much a (good) finished product.
#appearance #playoffs #mattingly #alex
2 months ago
Wow. It took an extra inning for it to be decided but the A's came out on top thanks to some late-game heroics from an unexpected hero. The Athletics took the first game of the series against the Mariners, walking them off en route to a 6-5 victory. Seattle's playoff hopes are on life support.
Springs solid again
The A's had veteran southpaw Jeffrey Springs on the ***** p tonight. It's no secret he's in the final month donning the Green & Gold but there's no reason his tenure has to end on a low note.
Springs had literally just seen these guys, pitching against them within the past week. That start was in Seattle though and he's been much better on the road. How would he do against them in the hitters ballpark that is the Athletics' current home?
Seattle struck first tonight, going small-ball to bring in a run in the first against Springs to give the M's a quick lead. They'd go small-ball again in the second for their second run, pushing across that baserunner off a groundout. That was all the damage Seattle could muster tonight against the lefty though as he would toss three more innings without allowing another run.
#athletics #small #ball
Springs solid again
The A's had veteran southpaw Jeffrey Springs on the ***** p tonight. It's no secret he's in the final month donning the Green & Gold but there's no reason his tenure has to end on a low note.
Springs had literally just seen these guys, pitching against them within the past week. That start was in Seattle though and he's been much better on the road. How would he do against them in the hitters ballpark that is the Athletics' current home?
Seattle struck first tonight, going small-ball to bring in a run in the first against Springs to give the M's a quick lead. They'd go small-ball again in the second for their second run, pushing across that baserunner off a groundout. That was all the damage Seattle could muster tonight against the lefty though as he would toss three more innings without allowing another run.
#athletics #small #ball
2 months ago
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - An unorthodox pitching plan worked about as well as the Houston Astros could have hoped Friday. Their offense could not capitalize against another American League contender.
Junior Caminero cranked a walk-off, two-run home run against Bryan Abreu to send the Astros to a 3-1 loss in the opener of a series against the Tampa Bay Rays, who became the first American League team to clinch a spot in this year's playoff field. Houston, which entered the day with a three-game lead in the AL West, ended it with a 75-73 record.
Using an opener, three Astros pitchers combined to hold the Rays to two hits before the ninth inning. Jonathan Aranda hit a one-out double against Abreu. With first base open, the Astros opted to face Caminero, the AL home run leader, who crushed a first-pitch fastball 417 feet to ignite a celebration at Tropicana Field.
The Astros totaled nine hits. But they were 2-for-6 with runners in scoring position, with neither of the hits scoring a run, and stranded six men on base.
A 1-1 tie reached the ninth inning. The teams took different routes there. Rays starter Drew Rasmussen worked seven innings, navigating eight hits. One run against him scored on a fielder's choice. He threw 92 pitches before Tampa Bay turned to its bullpen.
#astros #houston #abreu #tampa
Junior Caminero cranked a walk-off, two-run home run against Bryan Abreu to send the Astros to a 3-1 loss in the opener of a series against the Tampa Bay Rays, who became the first American League team to clinch a spot in this year's playoff field. Houston, which entered the day with a three-game lead in the AL West, ended it with a 75-73 record.
Using an opener, three Astros pitchers combined to hold the Rays to two hits before the ninth inning. Jonathan Aranda hit a one-out double against Abreu. With first base open, the Astros opted to face Caminero, the AL home run leader, who crushed a first-pitch fastball 417 feet to ignite a celebration at Tropicana Field.
The Astros totaled nine hits. But they were 2-for-6 with runners in scoring position, with neither of the hits scoring a run, and stranded six men on base.
A 1-1 tie reached the ninth inning. The teams took different routes there. Rays starter Drew Rasmussen worked seven innings, navigating eight hits. One run against him scored on a fielder's choice. He threw 92 pitches before Tampa Bay turned to its bullpen.
#astros #houston #abreu #tampa
2 months ago
It was a day of remembrance, but a night Nolan McLean might want to forget.
McLean's curveball spins at a higher rate than any other in baseball, but Friday night at Yankee Stadium, Cody Bellinger spun one over the short porch in right field into the stands. The three-run homer sank the Mets in a 6-4 loss to the Yankees.
It was the first time in more than a month McLean failed to go more than five innings, and only the second time in his last 14 outings. McLean was charged with five earned runs on a career-worst 10 hits over five innings in his ninth loss of the season (11-9). An NL Rookie of the Year candidate, McLean has looked like a seasoned veteran at times this season. But even the most dominant rookie starting pitchers have outings like the one McLean had against the Yankees.
Rookies slump, sputter and get knocked down, then figure out how to get up again.
No one knows this better than Bellinger, the 2017 NL Rookie of the Year. While his hitless stretches were few and far between with the Dodgers in 2017, there were bad strikeouts and bad games. Individually, they did little to put a dent in his candidacy. The overall body of work was too impressive. The same goes for McLean, who has carried a sub-3.00 ERA for most of the season and has quietly put up some of the best starting pitching numbers in the National League since June.
#five
McLean's curveball spins at a higher rate than any other in baseball, but Friday night at Yankee Stadium, Cody Bellinger spun one over the short porch in right field into the stands. The three-run homer sank the Mets in a 6-4 loss to the Yankees.
It was the first time in more than a month McLean failed to go more than five innings, and only the second time in his last 14 outings. McLean was charged with five earned runs on a career-worst 10 hits over five innings in his ninth loss of the season (11-9). An NL Rookie of the Year candidate, McLean has looked like a seasoned veteran at times this season. But even the most dominant rookie starting pitchers have outings like the one McLean had against the Yankees.
Rookies slump, sputter and get knocked down, then figure out how to get up again.
No one knows this better than Bellinger, the 2017 NL Rookie of the Year. While his hitless stretches were few and far between with the Dodgers in 2017, there were bad strikeouts and bad games. Individually, they did little to put a dent in his candidacy. The overall body of work was too impressive. The same goes for McLean, who has carried a sub-3.00 ERA for most of the season and has quietly put up some of the best starting pitching numbers in the National League since June.
#five
