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Concern for Argentina before FIFA World Cup as Romero injured in Tottenham’s loss to Sunderland  Tottenham defender Cristian Romero left the field in tears following an injury in his team’s 1-0 loss to Sunderland in the Premier League on Sunday.The Argentina international limped off after colliding with Tottenham goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky in the second half at the Stadium of Light.It was not immediately clear what the nature of the injury was, but the 27-year-old Romero was unable to play on and was visibly distressed as he made his way to the sideline. While he was able to leave the field unaided and did not require a stretcher, he was consoled by teammates as he walked away.ALSO READ | One Spurs win would ‘change everything’, says De ZerbiThe timing of Romero’s injury will be a concern for Argentina ahead of the World Cup starting in June.Kinsky was able to continue after having his head wrapped with a bandage.New Spurs coach Roberto De Zerbi said it was “very bad” that Romero sustained an injury, but did not know the severity of it.“We have to see in the next days. I hope for us it is not an important problem because he is a crucial player for us,” De Zerbi said. “We need him to finish the season and to achieve our goal.”Published on Apr 12, 2026  #Concern #Argentina #FIFA #World #Cup #Romero #injured #Tottenhams #loss #Sunderland

Concern for Argentina before FIFA World Cup as Romero injured in Tottenham’s loss to Sunderland

Tottenham defender Cristian Romero left the field in tears following an injury in his team’s 1-0 loss to Sunderland in the Premier League on Sunday.

The Argentina international limped off after colliding with Tottenham goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky in the second half at the Stadium of Light.

It was not immediately clear what the nature of the injury was, but the 27-year-old Romero was unable to play on and was visibly distressed as he made his way to the sideline. While he was able to leave the field unaided and did not require a stretcher, he was consoled by teammates as he walked away.

ALSO READ | One Spurs win would ‘change everything’, says De Zerbi

The timing of Romero’s injury will be a concern for Argentina ahead of the World Cup starting in June.

Kinsky was able to continue after having his head wrapped with a bandage.

New Spurs coach Roberto De Zerbi said it was “very bad” that Romero sustained an injury, but did not know the severity of it.

“We have to see in the next days. I hope for us it is not an important problem because he is a crucial player for us,” De Zerbi said. “We need him to finish the season and to achieve our goal.”

Published on Apr 12, 2026

#Concern #Argentina #FIFA #World #Cup #Romero #injured #Tottenhams #loss #Sunderland

Tottenham defender Cristian Romero left the field in tears following an injury in his team’s 1-0 loss to Sunderland in the Premier League on Sunday.

The Argentina international limped off after colliding with Tottenham goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky in the second half at the Stadium of Light.

It was not immediately clear what the nature of the injury was, but the 27-year-old Romero was unable to play on and was visibly distressed as he made his way to the sideline. While he was able to leave the field unaided and did not require a stretcher, he was consoled by teammates as he walked away.

ALSO READ | One Spurs win would ‘change everything’, says De Zerbi

The timing of Romero’s injury will be a concern for Argentina ahead of the World Cup starting in June.

Kinsky was able to continue after having his head wrapped with a bandage.

New Spurs coach Roberto De Zerbi said it was “very bad” that Romero sustained an injury, but did not know the severity of it.

“We have to see in the next days. I hope for us it is not an important problem because he is a crucial player for us,” De Zerbi said. “We need him to finish the season and to achieve our goal.”

Published on Apr 12, 2026

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#Concern #Argentina #FIFA #World #Cup #Romero #injured #Tottenhams #loss #Sunderland

Rajasthan Royals’ long-time team manager Romi Bhinder has found himself in the middle of a controversy after television cameras caught him using a mobile phone in the team dugout during an Indian Premier League fixture against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Guwahati earlier this week.

While the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) has swung into action and initiated a probe, Board secretary Devajit Saikia said the “veracity of the incident” would be established before any conclusion is drawn.

“Managers using a mobile phone is permissible, but we need to find out whether there was any violation of rules. That fact-finding exercise is now on. Once it is complete, we will take necessary steps depending on the outcome,” Saikia told  Sportstar.

Footage of the incident, showing Bhinder on his phone with Vaibhav Suryavanshi seated beside him, quickly went viral on social media, prompting the ACU to take cognisance.

However, Saikia reiterated that due process would be followed. “We will conduct an internal examination before reaching a logical conclusion. We need to review the video footage and gather evidence,” he added.

According to the IPL’s official guidelines under the PMOA (Players and Match Officials Area) protocol (2026), “The Team Manager may use a phone in the dressing room but NOT in the dugout.”

Ahead of every season, the IPL conducts mandatory briefings for team captains and managers, taking them through the PMOA framework and anti-corruption protocols.

Bhinder, a long-serving figure with Rajasthan Royals, has been part of that system for years. During the franchise’s suspension between 2016 and 2018, he also worked with Rising Pune Supergiant as team manager, before returning to his old franchise in 2018.

Published on Apr 12, 2026

#Phone #IPL #dugout #controversy #manager #Bhinder #scrutiny #AntiCorruption #Unit">Phone in IPL dugout controversy — RR manager Bhinder under scrutiny from Anti-Corruption Unit  Rajasthan Royals’ long-time team manager Romi Bhinder has found himself in the middle of a controversy after television cameras caught him using a mobile phone in the team dugout during an Indian Premier League fixture against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Guwahati earlier this week.While the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) has swung into action and initiated a probe, Board secretary Devajit Saikia said the “veracity of the incident” would be established before any conclusion is drawn.“Managers using a mobile phone is permissible, but we need to find out whether there was any violation of rules. That fact-finding exercise is now on. Once it is complete, we will take necessary steps depending on the outcome,” Saikia told        Sportstar.Footage of the incident, showing Bhinder on his phone with Vaibhav Suryavanshi seated beside him, quickly went viral on social media, prompting the ACU to take cognisance.However, Saikia reiterated that due process would be followed. “We will conduct an internal examination before reaching a logical conclusion. We need to review the video footage and gather evidence,” he added.According to the IPL’s official guidelines under the PMOA (Players and Match Officials Area) protocol (2026), “The Team Manager may use a phone in the dressing room but NOT in the dugout.”Ahead of every season, the IPL conducts mandatory briefings for team captains and managers, taking them through the PMOA framework and anti-corruption protocols.Bhinder, a long-serving figure with Rajasthan Royals, has been part of that system for years. During the franchise’s suspension between 2016 and 2018, he also worked with Rising Pune Supergiant as team manager, before returning to his old franchise in 2018.Published on Apr 12, 2026  #Phone #IPL #dugout #controversy #manager #Bhinder #scrutiny #AntiCorruption #Unit

Three MLB Contenders That Need Answers Before It’s Too Late | Deadspin.com  Apr 8, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Philadelphia Phillies left fielder Kyle Schwarber (12) celebrates a single in the top of the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Justine Willard-Imagn Images   Good Major League Baseball organizations resist the urge to press the panic button, especially before MLB celebrates Jackie Robinson’s legacy on April 15.But good MLB franchises also do their best to ensure that poor starts don’t turn into lost seasons — both for their players and the collective. That’s why there are a few expected contenders that likely are watching every pitch and swing with more of a critical eye.Every team enters Sunday’s action with either 14 or 15 games under their belt, so there’s still 90 percent of the season to go. But here are three teams that aren’t coming close to living up to their potential — and why:PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES (7-7)The two-time defending NL East champs didn’t spend huge dollars on Kyle Schwarber and Cristopher Sanchez and good money on setup man Brad Keller just so they can be mediocre.While they’re sitting at .500, their numbers suggest they should be worse. They’ve gotten outscored by 15 runs, which combines painful starts from Jesus Luzardo (6.23 ERA) and Taijuan Walker (9.31 ERA) with dreadful production from their infield.Leadoff man Trea Turner boasts a .237 average, a .591 OPS and just one stolen base in 14 games. That makes him the Phils’ second-hottest infielder as 2B Bryson Stott (.190 average, .477 OPS) and 3B Alec Bohm (.157 average, .470 OPS) are not exactly stinging the ball. Bohm has dropped from cleanup to eighth in the order, but that might not be far enough.Meanwhile, Schwarber has fanned a league-high 23 times in just 62 plate appearances (37.1%). In retrospect, it’s no wonder the Phillies recently went 20 straight innings without scoring against the scuffling San Francisco Giants.TORONTO BLUE JAYS (6-8) Mar 31, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31) delivers a pitch against the Colorado Rockies in the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images   Speaking of spending big money, the Blue Jays went all-in to maximize their chances for a second consecutive World Series appearance — trying to join an American League list that consists of the Houston Astros (2021-22), Kansas City Royals (2014-15) and Texas Rangers (2010-11) over the last 25 years.The Blue Jays rank last in the AL in runs differential (-19) — not including the Chicago White Sox’s minus-31 because they’re not even trying to field a full roster of MLB-caliber players — but Toronto can take some solace that it ranks first in unlikely, ruinous injuries.Catcher Alejandro Kirk fractured the thumb on his glove hand while catching a pitch. New starting pitcher Cody Ponce suffered a season-ending knee sprain trying to field a bouncer between the mound and first.They joined a teeming injured list that also features starting pitchers Trey Yesavage, Jose Berrios, Shane Bieber and Bowden Francis and starting outfielders Addison Barger and Anthony Santander.The Jays have no choice but to be patient, but it must be tempting to spend some more millions each time they endure another start like Saturday’s — when Eric Lauer allowed seven earned runs in the third to spark a 7-4 loss to Minnesota.KANSAS CITY ROYALS (7-8)  Apr 6, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Kansas City Royals catcher Carter Jensen (22) runs the bases after hitting a solo home run off Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher Peyton Pallette (41) during the sixth inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images   We’ll keep this brief because there’s one stat that sums up the Royals’ 3.27 runs per game through Saturday’s play:In the Royals’ first 14 games, All-Star shortstop Bobby Witt reached base 22 times (15 hits and seven walks) and stole eight bases. Somehow, though, he managed to score just one run. According to White Sox radio play-by-play man Len Kasper, that’s because the rest of the Royals batted .120 with Witt on base.Being a team-first guy, Witt figured out a way Saturday to keep his teammates from feeling worse about themselves: He elected to go 0-for-4 — just the second time this year he failed to get on base.That had to make Vinnie Pasquantino and Salvador Perez, who boast matching .164 batting averages, feel much better.   #MLB #Contenders #Answers #Late #Deadspin.comApr 8, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Philadelphia Phillies left fielder Kyle Schwarber (12) celebrates a single in the top of the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Justine Willard-Imagn Images

Good Major League Baseball organizations resist the urge to press the panic button, especially before MLB celebrates Jackie Robinson’s legacy on April 15.

But good MLB franchises also do their best to ensure that poor starts don’t turn into lost seasons — both for their players and the collective. That’s why there are a few expected contenders that likely are watching every pitch and swing with more of a critical eye.

Every team enters Sunday’s action with either 14 or 15 games under their belt, so there’s still 90 percent of the season to go. But here are three teams that aren’t coming close to living up to their potential — and why:

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES (7-7)

The two-time defending NL East champs didn’t spend huge dollars on Kyle Schwarber and Cristopher Sanchez and good money on setup man Brad Keller just so they can be mediocre.

While they’re sitting at .500, their numbers suggest they should be worse. They’ve gotten outscored by 15 runs, which combines painful starts from Jesus Luzardo (6.23 ERA) and Taijuan Walker (9.31 ERA) with dreadful production from their infield.

Leadoff man Trea Turner boasts a .237 average, a .591 OPS and just one stolen base in 14 games. That makes him the Phils’ second-hottest infielder as 2B Bryson Stott (.190 average, .477 OPS) and 3B Alec Bohm (.157 average, .470 OPS) are not exactly stinging the ball. Bohm has dropped from cleanup to eighth in the order, but that might not be far enough.

Meanwhile, Schwarber has fanned a league-high 23 times in just 62 plate appearances (37.1%). In retrospect, it’s no wonder the Phillies recently went 20 straight innings without scoring against the scuffling San Francisco Giants.

TORONTO BLUE JAYS (6-8)

Mar 31, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31) delivers a pitch against the Colorado Rockies in the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn ImagesMar 31, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31) delivers a pitch against the Colorado Rockies in the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

Speaking of spending big money, the Blue Jays went all-in to maximize their chances for a second consecutive World Series appearance — trying to join an American League list that consists of the Houston Astros (2021-22), Kansas City Royals (2014-15) and Texas Rangers (2010-11) over the last 25 years.

The Blue Jays rank last in the AL in runs differential (-19) — not including the Chicago White Sox’s minus-31 because they’re not even trying to field a full roster of MLB-caliber players — but Toronto can take some solace that it ranks first in unlikely, ruinous injuries.

Catcher Alejandro Kirk fractured the thumb on his glove hand while catching a pitch. New starting pitcher Cody Ponce suffered a season-ending knee sprain trying to field a bouncer between the mound and first.

They joined a teeming injured list that also features starting pitchers Trey Yesavage, Jose Berrios, Shane Bieber and Bowden Francis and starting outfielders Addison Barger and Anthony Santander.

The Jays have no choice but to be patient, but it must be tempting to spend some more millions each time they endure another start like Saturday’s — when Eric Lauer allowed seven earned runs in the third to spark a 7-4 loss to Minnesota.

KANSAS CITY ROYALS (7-8)

Apr 6, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Kansas City Royals catcher Carter Jensen (22) runs the bases after hitting a solo home run off Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher Peyton Pallette (41) during the sixth inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn ImagesApr 6, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Kansas City Royals catcher Carter Jensen (22) runs the bases after hitting a solo home run off Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher Peyton Pallette (41) during the sixth inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images

We’ll keep this brief because there’s one stat that sums up the Royals’ 3.27 runs per game through Saturday’s play:

In the Royals’ first 14 games, All-Star shortstop Bobby Witt reached base 22 times (15 hits and seven walks) and stole eight bases. Somehow, though, he managed to score just one run. According to White Sox radio play-by-play man Len Kasper, that’s because the rest of the Royals batted .120 with Witt on base.

Being a team-first guy, Witt figured out a way Saturday to keep his teammates from feeling worse about themselves: He elected to go 0-for-4 — just the second time this year he failed to get on base.

That had to make Vinnie Pasquantino and Salvador Perez, who boast matching .164 batting averages, feel much better.

#MLB #Contenders #Answers #Late #Deadspin.com">Three MLB Contenders That Need Answers Before It’s Too Late | Deadspin.com  Apr 8, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Philadelphia Phillies left fielder Kyle Schwarber (12) celebrates a single in the top of the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Justine Willard-Imagn Images   Good Major League Baseball organizations resist the urge to press the panic button, especially before MLB celebrates Jackie Robinson’s legacy on April 15.But good MLB franchises also do their best to ensure that poor starts don’t turn into lost seasons — both for their players and the collective. That’s why there are a few expected contenders that likely are watching every pitch and swing with more of a critical eye.Every team enters Sunday’s action with either 14 or 15 games under their belt, so there’s still 90 percent of the season to go. But here are three teams that aren’t coming close to living up to their potential — and why:PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES (7-7)The two-time defending NL East champs didn’t spend huge dollars on Kyle Schwarber and Cristopher Sanchez and good money on setup man Brad Keller just so they can be mediocre.While they’re sitting at .500, their numbers suggest they should be worse. They’ve gotten outscored by 15 runs, which combines painful starts from Jesus Luzardo (6.23 ERA) and Taijuan Walker (9.31 ERA) with dreadful production from their infield.Leadoff man Trea Turner boasts a .237 average, a .591 OPS and just one stolen base in 14 games. That makes him the Phils’ second-hottest infielder as 2B Bryson Stott (.190 average, .477 OPS) and 3B Alec Bohm (.157 average, .470 OPS) are not exactly stinging the ball. Bohm has dropped from cleanup to eighth in the order, but that might not be far enough.Meanwhile, Schwarber has fanned a league-high 23 times in just 62 plate appearances (37.1%). In retrospect, it’s no wonder the Phillies recently went 20 straight innings without scoring against the scuffling San Francisco Giants.TORONTO BLUE JAYS (6-8) Mar 31, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31) delivers a pitch against the Colorado Rockies in the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images   Speaking of spending big money, the Blue Jays went all-in to maximize their chances for a second consecutive World Series appearance — trying to join an American League list that consists of the Houston Astros (2021-22), Kansas City Royals (2014-15) and Texas Rangers (2010-11) over the last 25 years.The Blue Jays rank last in the AL in runs differential (-19) — not including the Chicago White Sox’s minus-31 because they’re not even trying to field a full roster of MLB-caliber players — but Toronto can take some solace that it ranks first in unlikely, ruinous injuries.Catcher Alejandro Kirk fractured the thumb on his glove hand while catching a pitch. New starting pitcher Cody Ponce suffered a season-ending knee sprain trying to field a bouncer between the mound and first.They joined a teeming injured list that also features starting pitchers Trey Yesavage, Jose Berrios, Shane Bieber and Bowden Francis and starting outfielders Addison Barger and Anthony Santander.The Jays have no choice but to be patient, but it must be tempting to spend some more millions each time they endure another start like Saturday’s — when Eric Lauer allowed seven earned runs in the third to spark a 7-4 loss to Minnesota.KANSAS CITY ROYALS (7-8)  Apr 6, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Kansas City Royals catcher Carter Jensen (22) runs the bases after hitting a solo home run off Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher Peyton Pallette (41) during the sixth inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images   We’ll keep this brief because there’s one stat that sums up the Royals’ 3.27 runs per game through Saturday’s play:In the Royals’ first 14 games, All-Star shortstop Bobby Witt reached base 22 times (15 hits and seven walks) and stole eight bases. Somehow, though, he managed to score just one run. According to White Sox radio play-by-play man Len Kasper, that’s because the rest of the Royals batted .120 with Witt on base.Being a team-first guy, Witt figured out a way Saturday to keep his teammates from feeling worse about themselves: He elected to go 0-for-4 — just the second time this year he failed to get on base.That had to make Vinnie Pasquantino and Salvador Perez, who boast matching .164 batting averages, feel much better.   #MLB #Contenders #Answers #Late #Deadspin.com

The Jays have no choice but to be patient, but it must be tempting to spend some more millions each time they endure another start like Saturday’s — when Eric Lauer allowed seven earned runs in the third to spark a 7-4 loss to Minnesota.

KANSAS CITY ROYALS (7-8)

Apr 6, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Kansas City Royals catcher Carter Jensen (22) runs the bases after hitting a solo home run off Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher Peyton Pallette (41) during the sixth inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn ImagesApr 6, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Kansas City Royals catcher Carter Jensen (22) runs the bases after hitting a solo home run off Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher Peyton Pallette (41) during the sixth inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images

We’ll keep this brief because there’s one stat that sums up the Royals’ 3.27 runs per game through Saturday’s play:

In the Royals’ first 14 games, All-Star shortstop Bobby Witt reached base 22 times (15 hits and seven walks) and stole eight bases. Somehow, though, he managed to score just one run. According to White Sox radio play-by-play man Len Kasper, that’s because the rest of the Royals batted .120 with Witt on base.

Being a team-first guy, Witt figured out a way Saturday to keep his teammates from feeling worse about themselves: He elected to go 0-for-4 — just the second time this year he failed to get on base.

That had to make Vinnie Pasquantino and Salvador Perez, who boast matching .164 batting averages, feel much better.

#MLB #Contenders #Answers #Late #Deadspin.com">Three MLB Contenders That Need Answers Before It’s Too Late | Deadspin.com
Three MLB Contenders That Need Answers Before It’s Too Late | Deadspin.com  Apr 8, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Philadelphia Phillies left fielder Kyle Schwarber (12) celebrates a single in the top of the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Justine Willard-Imagn Images   Good Major League Baseball organizations resist the urge to press the panic button, especially before MLB celebrates Jackie Robinson’s legacy on April 15.But good MLB franchises also do their best to ensure that poor starts don’t turn into lost seasons — both for their players and the collective. That’s why there are a few expected contenders that likely are watching every pitch and swing with more of a critical eye.Every team enters Sunday’s action with either 14 or 15 games under their belt, so there’s still 90 percent of the season to go. But here are three teams that aren’t coming close to living up to their potential — and why:PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES (7-7)The two-time defending NL East champs didn’t spend huge dollars on Kyle Schwarber and Cristopher Sanchez and good money on setup man Brad Keller just so they can be mediocre.While they’re sitting at .500, their numbers suggest they should be worse. They’ve gotten outscored by 15 runs, which combines painful starts from Jesus Luzardo (6.23 ERA) and Taijuan Walker (9.31 ERA) with dreadful production from their infield.Leadoff man Trea Turner boasts a .237 average, a .591 OPS and just one stolen base in 14 games. That makes him the Phils’ second-hottest infielder as 2B Bryson Stott (.190 average, .477 OPS) and 3B Alec Bohm (.157 average, .470 OPS) are not exactly stinging the ball. Bohm has dropped from cleanup to eighth in the order, but that might not be far enough.Meanwhile, Schwarber has fanned a league-high 23 times in just 62 plate appearances (37.1%). In retrospect, it’s no wonder the Phillies recently went 20 straight innings without scoring against the scuffling San Francisco Giants.TORONTO BLUE JAYS (6-8) Mar 31, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31) delivers a pitch against the Colorado Rockies in the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images   Speaking of spending big money, the Blue Jays went all-in to maximize their chances for a second consecutive World Series appearance — trying to join an American League list that consists of the Houston Astros (2021-22), Kansas City Royals (2014-15) and Texas Rangers (2010-11) over the last 25 years.The Blue Jays rank last in the AL in runs differential (-19) — not including the Chicago White Sox’s minus-31 because they’re not even trying to field a full roster of MLB-caliber players — but Toronto can take some solace that it ranks first in unlikely, ruinous injuries.Catcher Alejandro Kirk fractured the thumb on his glove hand while catching a pitch. New starting pitcher Cody Ponce suffered a season-ending knee sprain trying to field a bouncer between the mound and first.They joined a teeming injured list that also features starting pitchers Trey Yesavage, Jose Berrios, Shane Bieber and Bowden Francis and starting outfielders Addison Barger and Anthony Santander.The Jays have no choice but to be patient, but it must be tempting to spend some more millions each time they endure another start like Saturday’s — when Eric Lauer allowed seven earned runs in the third to spark a 7-4 loss to Minnesota.KANSAS CITY ROYALS (7-8)  Apr 6, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Kansas City Royals catcher Carter Jensen (22) runs the bases after hitting a solo home run off Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher Peyton Pallette (41) during the sixth inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images   We’ll keep this brief because there’s one stat that sums up the Royals’ 3.27 runs per game through Saturday’s play:In the Royals’ first 14 games, All-Star shortstop Bobby Witt reached base 22 times (15 hits and seven walks) and stole eight bases. Somehow, though, he managed to score just one run. According to White Sox radio play-by-play man Len Kasper, that’s because the rest of the Royals batted .120 with Witt on base.Being a team-first guy, Witt figured out a way Saturday to keep his teammates from feeling worse about themselves: He elected to go 0-for-4 — just the second time this year he failed to get on base.That had to make Vinnie Pasquantino and Salvador Perez, who boast matching .164 batting averages, feel much better.   #MLB #Contenders #Answers #Late #Deadspin.comApr 8, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Philadelphia Phillies left fielder Kyle Schwarber (12) celebrates a single in the top of the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Justine Willard-Imagn Images

Good Major League Baseball organizations resist the urge to press the panic button, especially before MLB celebrates Jackie Robinson’s legacy on April 15.

But good MLB franchises also do their best to ensure that poor starts don’t turn into lost seasons — both for their players and the collective. That’s why there are a few expected contenders that likely are watching every pitch and swing with more of a critical eye.

Every team enters Sunday’s action with either 14 or 15 games under their belt, so there’s still 90 percent of the season to go. But here are three teams that aren’t coming close to living up to their potential — and why:

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES (7-7)

The two-time defending NL East champs didn’t spend huge dollars on Kyle Schwarber and Cristopher Sanchez and good money on setup man Brad Keller just so they can be mediocre.

While they’re sitting at .500, their numbers suggest they should be worse. They’ve gotten outscored by 15 runs, which combines painful starts from Jesus Luzardo (6.23 ERA) and Taijuan Walker (9.31 ERA) with dreadful production from their infield.

Leadoff man Trea Turner boasts a .237 average, a .591 OPS and just one stolen base in 14 games. That makes him the Phils’ second-hottest infielder as 2B Bryson Stott (.190 average, .477 OPS) and 3B Alec Bohm (.157 average, .470 OPS) are not exactly stinging the ball. Bohm has dropped from cleanup to eighth in the order, but that might not be far enough.

Meanwhile, Schwarber has fanned a league-high 23 times in just 62 plate appearances (37.1%). In retrospect, it’s no wonder the Phillies recently went 20 straight innings without scoring against the scuffling San Francisco Giants.

TORONTO BLUE JAYS (6-8)

Mar 31, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31) delivers a pitch against the Colorado Rockies in the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn ImagesMar 31, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31) delivers a pitch against the Colorado Rockies in the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

Speaking of spending big money, the Blue Jays went all-in to maximize their chances for a second consecutive World Series appearance — trying to join an American League list that consists of the Houston Astros (2021-22), Kansas City Royals (2014-15) and Texas Rangers (2010-11) over the last 25 years.

The Blue Jays rank last in the AL in runs differential (-19) — not including the Chicago White Sox’s minus-31 because they’re not even trying to field a full roster of MLB-caliber players — but Toronto can take some solace that it ranks first in unlikely, ruinous injuries.

Catcher Alejandro Kirk fractured the thumb on his glove hand while catching a pitch. New starting pitcher Cody Ponce suffered a season-ending knee sprain trying to field a bouncer between the mound and first.

They joined a teeming injured list that also features starting pitchers Trey Yesavage, Jose Berrios, Shane Bieber and Bowden Francis and starting outfielders Addison Barger and Anthony Santander.

The Jays have no choice but to be patient, but it must be tempting to spend some more millions each time they endure another start like Saturday’s — when Eric Lauer allowed seven earned runs in the third to spark a 7-4 loss to Minnesota.

KANSAS CITY ROYALS (7-8)

Apr 6, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Kansas City Royals catcher Carter Jensen (22) runs the bases after hitting a solo home run off Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher Peyton Pallette (41) during the sixth inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn ImagesApr 6, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Kansas City Royals catcher Carter Jensen (22) runs the bases after hitting a solo home run off Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher Peyton Pallette (41) during the sixth inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images

We’ll keep this brief because there’s one stat that sums up the Royals’ 3.27 runs per game through Saturday’s play:

In the Royals’ first 14 games, All-Star shortstop Bobby Witt reached base 22 times (15 hits and seven walks) and stole eight bases. Somehow, though, he managed to score just one run. According to White Sox radio play-by-play man Len Kasper, that’s because the rest of the Royals batted .120 with Witt on base.

Being a team-first guy, Witt figured out a way Saturday to keep his teammates from feeling worse about themselves: He elected to go 0-for-4 — just the second time this year he failed to get on base.

That had to make Vinnie Pasquantino and Salvador Perez, who boast matching .164 batting averages, feel much better.

#MLB #Contenders #Answers #Late #Deadspin.com

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