The New York Yankees entered the offseason facing familiar questions about their offensive identity after another frustrating end to their season. Despite the talent in their lineup, the Yankees were swept by the division rival Tampa Bay Rays in the American League Division Series, leaving the franchise to confront concerns about its execution, approach and ability to deliver when the stakes are highest.
The team's reliance on superstar slugger Aaron Judge was laid bare, as the offense struggled to produce while he was sidelined by an injury. And its failure to execute fundamental defensive and baserunning plays has come under fire as well, particularly after the Rays and World Series champion Milwaukee Brewers succeeded with such a different style.
Former Yankees manager Joe Girardi articulated many of the criticisms surrounding the Yankees shortly after their season ended.
"Joe Girardi isn't blaming Aaron Boone for the Yankees' shortcomings, but believes a deeper-rooted culture issue might have contributed to the team being swept in the ALDS," Mark Suleymanov wrote for the New York Post. "Girardi cited Austin Wells' baserunning blunder in Game 1 and Jazz Chisholm Jr.'s disastrous throw in an error-filled Game 2 as examples of the team's fundamental failures — and the concerning response to those mistakes."
And with the Yankees under fire for a power-heavy offense and poor fundamentals, one of their most intriguing infield prospects has spoken out about the kind of change he'd like to see in the sport.

#series #division

La Stampa reports that part of the Juventus dressing room is unhappy with Luciano Spalletti's methods, particularly because the Tuscan coach spends too much time talking, which reduces the intensity of training.
Juventus are preparing for a crucial Serie A match against Napoli, and coach Spalletti has ordered the team into a two-day training retreat.
ITALY – OCTOBER 28: Luciano Spalletti, head coach of Juventus, reacts during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and Juventus FC at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on October 28, 2026 in Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
The Italian tactician is on the brink, having only earned 14 points in nine Serie A games so far this season, losing two of the last three games.
On Thursday, after a 2-0 loss to Genoa, CEO Giovanni Carnevali gave a stern dressing-room speech, asking the players to take responsibility for the poor results so far.

#juventus #italy #october

Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers had a rough night in ****** letown.
They have now lost two games in a row, as they followed up their Week 7 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at home with a 27-19 defeat at the hands of Jordan Love and the Green Bay Packers in Week 8's edition of Thursday Night Football at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.
Young struggled in the pocket, largely because of the relentless pressure from the home team's pass rush unit. The former Alabama Crimson Tide star signal-caller was sacked for a total of six times for a loss of 33 yards. Young finished with just 209 passing yards and a touchdown against an interception on 23/41 pass completions.
The ugly loss to Green Bay left Young with a clear message about how Green Bay dominated his team.
"They executed better," Young said after the game, via Mike Kaye of ESPN. "A lot of stuff was on film, but they just do a really good job of disguising. They're a really good defense. So, we have a lot of respect for them. They were better than us today, for sure. They deserve that win. We should have been better. We've just got to execute better — that's all it is."

#green #really

Florida vs. Georgia game location 2026: Why ****** tail Party is being played in Atlanta originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
One of college football's most heated rivalries between the Florida Gators and Georgia Bulldogs will be played for a 104th time. But this year the annual SEC showdown will be played in a different location than usual.
The game, which had been unofficially known as the "World's Largest Outdoor ****** tail Party" since the 1950s, is usually held in Jacksonville, Fla. But for 2026, the game will be held in Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga.
In 2027, the game will be held in Tampa, Fla.
Here's a look at why the location of the game moved, and when it could return to its usual host city.

#held #cocktail

Thursday night was gut-check time for the Carolina Panthers, who were fresh off an embarrassing 30-point loss to the one-win Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 7. But that gut would just keep taking shot after shot, until the Green Bay Packers came out of Lambeau Field with a 27-19 win.
So, is this latest letdown the beginning of the end for the 2026 Panthers? Well, maybe it's not as deflating as some may think.
Here are our top takeaways from the Week 8 defeat:
For a second straight outing, the Panthers' offensive line greatly hampered quarterback Bryce Young.
Young took six sacks and, according to ESPN, was pressured on a career-high 22 of his dropbacks—many of which came ridiculously quickly. Heck, the Packers even got home on three-man rush at one point.

#thursday

CC Sabathia's stint with the Milwaukee Brewers may have been brief, but the bond he built with the franchise has clearly endured. Following Milwaukee's 4-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 5 on Wednesday, which secured the World Series ****** le in five games, Sabathia was quick to celebrate the Brewers' historic accomplishment.
Sabathia took to social media to celebrate Milwaukee's championship, sharing a heartfelt congratulatory message for the team. The former Brewers pitcher recognized a historic achievement that will forever be part of the franchise's legacy in Major League Baseball.
"World Series Champions for the first time ever!! Soak it all in Milwaukee!!!" wrote the former Brewers star.
Sabathia eventually lifted the World Series trophy with the Yankees in 2009, but his time in Milwaukee ended without a championship opportunity. During his only season with the Brewers in 2008, the team was eliminated by Philadelphia in the National League Division Series. The Phillies continued their run all the way to the ****** le, leaving Sabathia and Milwaukee on the outside looking in.
Former Milwaukee Brewers pitcher CC Sabathia heads to the mound to throw a ceremonial first pitch before their game against the New York Yankees Friday, May 8, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

#series #league #title

Is Dak Prescott worried about Cardinals using same kryptonite plan as Buccaneers, Packers? appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Dallas Cowboys will aim to notch back-to-back wins for the first time this season as they host the Arizona Cardinals at AT&T Stadium on Sunday.
It has been an up-and-down campaign for the Cowboys, who are sitting on a 3-4 record. The Cardinals are having a worse season with a 2-5 record.
Dallas beat the Philadelphia Eagles, 38-21, in Week 7, with Dak Prescott throwing for 212 yards and three touchdowns and CeeDee Lamb tallying five catches for 74 yards and two touchdowns. It was a much-needed victory after the Cowboys suffered back-to-back losses to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Green Bay Packers.
Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)

#cardinals #packers #first

Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield (thumb) was a full participant in practice Thursday, Oct. 29.
SOURCE: Buccaneers.com
Why it Matters: Mayfield returned to action in Week 7, but he only had to throw 11 times as the Buccaneers cruised to a win. He wasn't posting great numbers prior to the injury, so it wouldn't be wise to expect Mayfield to suddenly start delivering great stat lines. For now, he should be considered a QB2.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Full practice for Baker Mayfield Thursday

#mayfield #baker #thursday

The Carolina Panthers have fallen into a tie atop the NFC South with their Thursday night loss to the Green Bay Packers. At 3-4, they still sit in first in the division after tiebreakers with the Atlanta Falcons. Atlanta plays the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday and would take the division lead with a win.
The Wild Card race isn't too far off. The Packers are now in the final playoff spot at 5-3, so Carolina is the equivalent of two games back with the head-to-head tiebreaker.
1. Carolina Panthers (3-4, win over ATL)
2. Atlanta Falcons (3-4, loss to CAR)
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-5, 1-0 NFCS)

#atlanta

Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Emeka Egbuka (concussion, foot) was a limited participant in practice Thursday, Oct. 29.
SOURCE: Buccaneers.com
Why it Matters: Egbuka remained a limited participant, so he still isn't a lock to return to action this weekend. He was piling up targets prior to missing the Week 7 contest, so if he does suit up, WR3 production is certainly in play.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Another limited practice for Emeka Egbuka

#egbuka #limited #emeka #matters

Buccaneers' Emeka Egbuka among players included in latest injury report before Falcons game appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka is showing signs of progress in his recovery, although his status for Sunday's Week 8 clash with the Atlanta Falcons remains up in the air.
Egbuka was a limited participant in Thursday's practice as he continued to work through the NFL's concussion protocol. One encouraging sign was his return to a regular practice jersey after previously wearing a non-contact one. The development suggests he is making progress, though he still needs medical clearance before returning to game action.
The rookie has been out since sustaining a concussion and a foot injury in the Buccaneers' Week 6 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. During the fourth quarter, Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen delivered a hit that brought his shoulder into Egbuka's helmet as the receiver tried to make a play on an incomplete pass. The injuries forced him to sit out Tampa Bay's Week 7 win over the Carolina Panthers.
Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)

#buccaneers #egbuka #week #tampa

Greetings, Falcoholics! We're moving right along in the week as the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers both held their second practices of the week. The Falcons injury report grew on Thursday, so there's a lot to cover.
Let's take a look!
Full
• WR Beaux Collins (hip)
• OL Cameron Williams (ankle)

#falcoholics #we 're #tampa #thursday

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Pontus Holmberg set a career high with four points on a goal and three ******* ists, Brandon Hagel and Anthony Cirelli each had a goal and two ******* ists, and the Tampa Bay Lightning remain unbeaten at home with a 6-4 victory over the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday night.
Brayden Point, John Carlson and Conor Geekie all scored for Tampa Bay. Andrei Vasilevskiy stopped 17 shots.
The Lightning improved to 6-0 at home to tie a franchise record to start a season.
Neil Pionk, playing his 600th game, scored twice. Kyle Connor and Dylan Samberg also scored for the Jets and Mark Scheilffele had three ******* ists.
Stuart Skinner allowed five goals on 21 shots before being replaced by Nico Daws to start the third period. Daws finished with nine saves in his Winnipeg debut.

#daws #goal

Fresh off the franchise's first World Series victory, the Milwaukee Brewers are reading to celebrate with all of Wisconsin. After beating the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 5 on Wednesday, Brewers returned to Milwaukee on Thursday, and made their first major stop at the Green Bay Packers' primetime matchup against the Carolina Panthers.
During a break after the first quarter of Thursday's game, several players emerged from the tunnel at Lambeau Field with the World Series trophy held high, earning a roar from the Packers crowd.
The Brewers' appearance at Lambeau was slightly spoiled by right fielder Sal Frelick, who joined ESPN's "Sportscenter" for an interview while on the bus to Green Bay. Frelick was candid about how the celebrations had been going since beating the Rays on Wednesday.
"It's been crazy. Not a lot of sleep, late night last night, early bus to the airport this morning. Just got back here to Milwaukee and now we're headed up north," Frelick said, panning to show his teammates, including the trophy-carting ace Jacob Misiorowski.
Once in Lambeau, some players — including Frelick — opted to do a Lambeau Leap into the crowd as part of the first-quarter break.

#World #rays #wednesday #green

The Green Bay Packers are battling to earn a "Thursday Night Football" victory over the Carolina Panthers to open Week 8 of the 2026 NFL season.
The Packers' efforts to do so are being witnessed by a group of Milwaukee Brewers players, who are celebrating the franchise's first World Series win.
The Brewers' presence came just one day after the team wrapped up its World Series ******* le with a 4-1 Game 5 win over the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. They came onto the field after the first quarter with the Commissioner's Trophy in tow and were greeted by a chorus of cheers by the crowd at Lambeau Field.
Brandon Woodruff carried the trophy onto the field for the Brewers while players like Christian Yelich and Sal Frelick were also on-hand for the celebration. Frelick took his opportunity on the field to try a Lambeau Leap, and he was greeted warmly by the crowd.
Below is a look at the mid-game festivities:

#field #packers #frelick #game

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

University finished third at the 2026 FHSAA boys bowling championships on Oct. 29.
The third-seeded ***** ans began their run with a sweep (207-188, 203-194, 255-214) over No. 14 Windermere, but that would be their last comfortable victory of the tournament.
University showed its resilience after trailing No. 6 Melbourne and No. 10 Leesburg 2-0 in Rounds 2 and 3, respectively. Melbourne beat the ***** ans 213-209 and 222-212 in the opening Baker matches, but University won 215-181, 203-162 and 248-185 to send the Bulldogs to the consolation bracket.
Leesburg beat University 226-184 and 235-217, but the ***** ans advanced with victories of 249-172, 176-136 and 213-187.
University lost to top-seeded Ridgeview 3-0 (234-213, 198-179, 203-158) in the winner's bracket semifinal and was sent to the consolation bracket. The ***** ans were eliminated against eventual state champion SLAM Tampa 3-2 (239-197, 258-144, 189-192, 219-279, 217-189) after nearly completing a third 2-0 comeback.

#Titans #seeded #consolation

There once was a time when the mere thought of competing with the World Series made the NFL hide under the bed. Nowadays, regular-season football is the monster lurking under the World Series' futon.
When ESPN announced the numbers for the Week 7 Cowboys-Eagles game (18.8 million), Fox had yet to disclose the viewership for Game 3 of the World Series between (Googles it) Tampa Bay and Milwaukee. And for good reason.
Via Manny Soloway of Awful Announcing, the baseball game averaged 8.33 million viewers. That made it the fourth-least-watched World Series game ever, behind only Game 3 in 2023, Game 4 in 2023, and Game 3 in 2020.
In the 1970s, the NFL moved Monday Night Football to Thursday, in order to avoid competing with the World Series. Prior to 2010, the NFL avoided playing on Sunday nights, in order to avoid competing with the World Series.
Now, baseball should endeavor to play World Series games when NFL games aren't being played. Which means Tuesday night, Wednesday night, Friday night, and Saturday night.

#series #competing #Baseball

It has been less than 24 hours since the Milwaukee Brewers won the 2026 World Series in Tampa Bay.
The World Series Parade is happening on Friday morning so what better way to spend Thursday night than at Lambeau Field cheering on the Green Bay Packers.
Wisconsin is having a moment, and the Brewers want to extend the good vibes to their NFL compatriots in Green Bay as they take on the Carolina Panthers on Thursday Night Football on Prime Video.
MORE: World Series MVP William Contreras accomplishes feat not seen since 1938
Oct 27, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Milwaukee Brewers shortstop Cooper Pratt (12) runs after hitting a solo home run against the Tampa Bay Rays during the 12th inning in game four of the 2026 World Series at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

#World #brewers #milwaukee #thursday

Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Trevor Megill poked his head out of the ceiling of his bus and screamed at the hundreds of people in front of him.
If Megill did that last time the Brewers landed at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, one day after the Brewers swept the Dodgers in the National League Championship Series, it would have been a waste of energy. Only two fans even tried to greet them.
Not on Oct. 29.
Two weeks later, less than 24 hours after the Brewers won the World Series over the Tampa Bay Rays, a swarm of fans lined up outside the airport's private terminal to coronate their champions' return.
And Megill cheered right back.

#megill #milwaukee #series #international

Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Trevor Megill poked his head out of the ceiling of his bus and screamed at the hundreds of people in front of him.
If Megill did that last time the Brewers landed at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, one day after the Brewers swept the Dodgers in the National League Championship Series, it would have been a waste of energy. Only two fans even tried to greet them.
Not on Oct. 29.
Two weeks later, less than 24 hours after the Brewers won the World Series over the Tampa Bay Rays, a swarm of fans lined up outside the airport's private terminal to coronate their champions' return.
And Megill cheered right back.

#Dodgers

Week 8 of the 2026-2027 NFL season kicks off this evening with a showdown between the NFC South and the NFC North. The traveling 3-3 Carolina Panthers are coming off a blowout loss to their divisional rivals, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 13-43. The hosting Green Bay Packers are also coming off a loss to a divisional rival, the Detroit Lions, 17-20.
Please use this live thread to follow tonight's games and, as always, discuss all things Miami Dolphins. Per SBNation policy, sharing, discussing, or requesting illegal game streams is strictly prohibited and may result in a temporary or permanent site ban. Enjoy the games!
We have everything you need to know to watch this evening's game right here:
When: Thursday, October 29th, 8:15 PM EST
Where: Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin

#green

NEW YORK (AP) — When Jake Bauers gloved the final out of the Milwaukee Brewers' first World Series triumph, it might have ended the last Major League Baseball game for a long time.
While just 148 days remain until the scheduled start of the 2027 season on March 24, owners have proposed a salary cap for the first time since their 1994 plan led to a 7 1/2-month strike and the first cancellation of the World Series in 90 years.
"Obviously, you'd love to see the game be in a good spot and continue to be played," Milwaukee captain Christian Yelich said Wednesday a few hours before his team finished a five-game victory over Tampa Bay. "I think the game's in a great spot right now with a lot of people tuned in, a lot of popularity, a lot of great players out there. It would obviously be a shame if we miss time, but we'll have plenty of time this offseason to talk about it."
Baseball's five-year labor contract, agreed to in March 2022 on the 99th day of a management lockout, expires on Dec. 1. MLB is likely to lock out players again as soon as the deal expires.
That could create another free-agent frenzy ahead of the expiration. On Dec. 1, 2021, clubs committed to $1.4 billion in salaries that included nine-figure contracts for Javier Báez, Byron Buxton, Kevin Gausman, Max Scherzer, Corey Seager and Marcus Semien.

#time #series #obviously

Nate Tice & Matt Harmon preview the biggest games of Week 8 of the NFL season. The duo start with their reactions to the Chicago Bears acquiring All-Pro DT Jeffery Simmons in a blockbuster trade before diving into the Bears' upcoming matchup against the Seattle Seahawks on Monday night (where Simmons will face new Seahawks G Quenton Nelson).
Later, Nate & Matt deep dive on the Minnesota Vikings battling the Detroit Lions, including a hoss fight when Jared Goff & Jahmyr Gibbs take on Brian Flores, plus the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers fighting for the AFC North lead.
Next, the guys each give one key matchup to watch for the Baltimore Ravens vs. Buffalo Bills (which could be a shootout), the Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Denver Broncos (for the AFC West lead). The two hosts wrap things up with their Hail Mary bold predictions for Week 8.
(1:45) - Bears acquire All-Pro DT Jeffery Simmons
(12:25) - Bears vs. Seahawks deep dive

#simmons #seahawks

The World Series matchup isn't set in stone just yet, but Tampa Bay took a major step towards being the one that will face Milwaukee in the Fall Classic. They took two out of three in Cleveland to return home with a 3-2 series lead heading into a big Game 6 tonight, where they'll start Freddy Peralta who has been dealing this postseason while the Guardians will scramble to piece their way through a bullpen game after having to get 21 outs from their relievers yesterday. Thanks to the postponed Game 4 eating up the travel day, even if they do win tonight they'll also be forced to play the potential do-or-die Game 7 on four straight days without a night off — it's not looking pretty for Cleveland, to say the least.
We've got a full slate for you ahead of this critical Game 6 later tonight, starting with Jake's recap of Game 5's action in the Roundup. Michael hands out a stellar grade to David Bednar to kick off our annual Report Card series, and Kevin recalls Sandy Alomar Sr. and his days with the Yankees on his birthday. Then in the afternoon Jonathan goes over the Yankees' longest home runs of the season and Estevao reflects on the gap between Giancarlo Stanton and 500 career home runs before I return to open up the mailbag for more of your questions.
American League Championship Series Game 6
(Rays lead series, 3-2)
Cleveland Guardians vs. Tampa Bay Rays
Time: 8:00 p.m. EST

#series #cleveland #home #tonight

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

CLEVELAND — A lack of offense put the Guardians' backs firmly against the wall against the Chicago White Sox in an American League Division Series before Jose Ramirez came to the rescue in three consecutive games.
Now in the AL Championship Series, an all-too-familiar — and all-too-unwelcome — lack of timely hitting has every ounce of the Guardians' weight again on their heels, with nowhere else to go but forward or home.
The Guardians lost 3-1 to the Rays in Game 5 of the ALCS, giving Tampa Bay a 3-2 series lead and putting the Rays on the brink of a World Series berth. Trailing in the series for the first time, the Guardians travel to Tampa Bay (without the benefit of an off day to regroup after Game 4 was pushed back) for must-win Games 6 and 7.
They had to win three consecutive games to get to the ALCS. Now, they must again defy the odds and rally to win two connective road games to play the Milwaukee Brewers in the World Series.
"I think it'll help a ton knowing we're able to do it, facing elimination," said outfielder Steven Kwan, who made two highlight reel defensive plays in Game 5 to save at least two runs. "I think we feel a little better on this one as opposed to the [ALDS] since we've got some wins under our belt.

#series #games #alcs

NEW YORK – Another forensic dive into a disappointing Yankees finish is underway, discussing method and gathering intel on how to make a better run at the Canyon of Heroes in 2027.
That storied stretch of lower Broadway hasn't seen a parade of Yankees in 17 years.
Nearly two weeks since his team was swept by the Tampa Bay Rays in the AL Division Series, Yankees GM Brian Cashman has yet to publicly address how it ended or hint at the strategy ahead.
These are among the biggest questions revolving around Yankees Universe as the World Series begins elsewhere later this week:
Cashman's contract expires at year's end, while manager Aaron Boone's deal runs through the 2027 season.

#york #heroes #nearly

CLEVELAND — The Guardians have repeatedly shown they are not going to live in their fears during the MLB playoffs.
On Sunday, Oct. 18, Game 5 of the American League Championship Series proved the bold approach can backfire.
For the first time, the Guardians paired starting pitcher Parker Messick with catcher Patrick Bailey instead of Austin Hedges. Perhaps Messick still would have had a rough outing if Hedges were catching. Although Messick insisted his arm and body feel good, he has pitched 200 innings in the 2026 regular season and postseason combined — far more than he had ever pitched in a single college or minor-league season.
Whether Messick is fatigued or fresh, the bottom line is the Guardians used a new wrinkle with a rookie pitcher under the bright lights of the playoffs, and he did not perform well in a monumental Game 5.
Messick struggling is certainly not the only reason the Guardians lost 3-1 to the Tampa Bay Rays at Progressive Field and now trail 3-2 in the best-of-seven ALCS as the series returns to St. Petersburg, Florida, for Game 6 at 8:08 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19, at Tropicana Field.

#messick #game #field #series

Yankees predicted to replace Jazz Chisholm with $12M two-time Silver Slugger winner, 4x All-Star originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The New York Yankees have a big offseason ahead after getting swept by their division rival, the Tampa Bay Rays. The Yankees wanted to make a deep postseason run, but ultimately fell short.
All eyes are now on free agents and players who could leave the team. One of those players is Jazz Chisholm Jr., but he would like to stay in New York.
"Chisholm, an All-Star for the second time in 2025, endured a down year at the plate and struggled both offensively and defensively in four appearances in the playoffs. Manager Aaron Boone left Chisholm out of the Yankees' starting lineup for two postseason games, including their season-ending loss on Wednesday. The fans at Yankee Stadium booed Chisholm after he fouled out to first base as a pinch hitter in the bottom of the seventh inning. Nevertheless, Chisholm would rather continue his career with the Yankees than exit in free agency," MLB Trade Rumors wrote.
Early in Chisholm's career, he wasn't always the best player off the field. Yankees legend Derek Jeter even had to get on him when he was an owner of the Miami Marlins.

#chisholm #time #postseason