×
Arteta rules out Saka for Arsenal vs Manchester City clash Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said winger Noni Madueke has responded well after being forced off in Wednesday’s Champions League ​tie against Sporting and could be available for Sunday’s crucial Premier League ‌clash at Manchester City.Arsenal is six points ahead of ​second-placed City, which has a game in hand. ⁠Despite a 2-1 loss at home to Bournemouth last week, Arteta said his side remain confident, even with winger Bukayo Saka and midfielder Mikel Merino ‌sidelined.Saka has not played since the League Cup final defeat by City last month, while Merino has been ‌sidelined since undergoing foot surgery in February.“Bukayo is out, that’s ‌for ⁠sure, Mikel is out as well,” Arteta told reporters ⁠on Friday. “We have another training session tomorrow. Madueke is quite positive, and he is a player who pushes through pain. I’m hopeful he can be available ​but we’ll see if he’s ‌able to train.“Saka is just starting to do some stuff. Let’s see that progression and how quickly we can go through.”Arteta said Arsenal will assess several players who have missed recent ‌matches, including Martin Odegaard, Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori, as it looks to bolster the squad for the weekend.ALSO READ | If Manchester City loses, ‘it’s over’, says Pep Guardiola ahead of Arsenal Premier League title showdown“Some players are quite close. The turnaround time is ⁠short. We will try tomorrow to push everybody,” added the Spaniard. “If they are in good condition, they will be part of us. If ‌they are not, they won’t.“We will have a solution, whatever happens. We are so used to this, this season.”Arteta also suggested 16-year-old Max Dowman, who became the Premier League’s youngest scorer in March, could feature.“He will be ready, I am sure. You throw him in any context and this kid, you know what ‌he will be delivering,” he said.Arsenal is chasing its first Premier League title ​in 22 years, and Arteta stressed the importance of getting all three points on Sunday to keep its ⁠title bid on track.“It is certainly the most important game, as it ⁠is the next one. We have earned the right to be in this position, to be challenging,” he said.“We ‌are not going to spend one second about that (playing for a draw). We prepare every game to win and that ​is why we are where we are.”Published on Apr 17, 2026 #Arteta #rules #Saka #Arsenal #Manchester #City #clash

Arteta rules out Saka for Arsenal vs Manchester City clash

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said winger Noni Madueke has responded well after being forced off in Wednesday’s Champions League ​tie against Sporting and could be available for Sunday’s crucial Premier League ‌clash at Manchester City.

Arsenal is six points ahead of ​second-placed City, which has a game in hand. ⁠Despite a 2-1 loss at home to Bournemouth last week, Arteta said his side remain confident, even with winger Bukayo Saka and midfielder Mikel Merino ‌sidelined.

Saka has not played since the League Cup final defeat by City last month, while Merino has been ‌sidelined since undergoing foot surgery in February.

“Bukayo is out, that’s ‌for ⁠sure, Mikel is out as well,” Arteta told reporters ⁠on Friday. “We have another training session tomorrow. Madueke is quite positive, and he is a player who pushes through pain. I’m hopeful he can be available ​but we’ll see if he’s ‌able to train.

“Saka is just starting to do some stuff. Let’s see that progression and how quickly we can go through.”

Arteta said Arsenal will assess several players who have missed recent ‌matches, including Martin Odegaard, Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori, as it looks to bolster the squad for the weekend.

ALSO READ | If Manchester City loses, ‘it’s over’, says Pep Guardiola ahead of Arsenal Premier League title showdown

“Some players are quite close. The turnaround time is ⁠short. We will try tomorrow to push everybody,” added the Spaniard. “If they are in good condition, they will be part of us. If ‌they are not, they won’t.

“We will have a solution, whatever happens. We are so used to this, this season.”

Arteta also suggested 16-year-old Max Dowman, who became the Premier League’s youngest scorer in March, could feature.

“He will be ready, I am sure. You throw him in any context and this kid, you know what ‌he will be delivering,” he said.

Arsenal is chasing its first Premier League title ​in 22 years, and Arteta stressed the importance of getting all three points on Sunday to keep its ⁠title bid on track.

“It is certainly the most important game, as it ⁠is the next one. We have earned the right to be in this position, to be challenging,” he said.

“We ‌are not going to spend one second about that (playing for a draw). We prepare every game to win and that ​is why we are where we are.”

Published on Apr 17, 2026

#Arteta #rules #Saka #Arsenal #Manchester #City #clash

Sports news , , , , , ,

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said winger Noni Madueke has responded well after being forced off in Wednesday’s Champions League ​tie against Sporting and could be available for Sunday’s crucial Premier League ‌clash at Manchester City.

Arsenal is six points ahead of ​second-placed City, which has a game in hand. ⁠Despite a 2-1 loss at home to Bournemouth last week, Arteta said his side remain confident, even with winger Bukayo Saka and midfielder Mikel Merino ‌sidelined.

Saka has not played since the League Cup final defeat by City last month, while Merino has been ‌sidelined since undergoing foot surgery in February.

“Bukayo is out, that’s ‌for ⁠sure, Mikel is out as well,” Arteta told reporters ⁠on Friday. “We have another training session tomorrow. Madueke is quite positive, and he is a player who pushes through pain. I’m hopeful he can be available ​but we’ll see if he’s ‌able to train.

“Saka is just starting to do some stuff. Let’s see that progression and how quickly we can go through.”

Arteta said Arsenal will assess several players who have missed recent ‌matches, including Martin Odegaard, Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori, as it looks to bolster the squad for the weekend.

ALSO READ | If Manchester City loses, ‘it’s over’, says Pep Guardiola ahead of Arsenal Premier League title showdown

“Some players are quite close. The turnaround time is ⁠short. We will try tomorrow to push everybody,” added the Spaniard. “If they are in good condition, they will be part of us. If ‌they are not, they won’t.

“We will have a solution, whatever happens. We are so used to this, this season.”

Arteta also suggested 16-year-old Max Dowman, who became the Premier League’s youngest scorer in March, could feature.

“He will be ready, I am sure. You throw him in any context and this kid, you know what ‌he will be delivering,” he said.

Arsenal is chasing its first Premier League title ​in 22 years, and Arteta stressed the importance of getting all three points on Sunday to keep its ⁠title bid on track.

“It is certainly the most important game, as it ⁠is the next one. We have earned the right to be in this position, to be challenging,” he said.

“We ‌are not going to spend one second about that (playing for a draw). We prepare every game to win and that ​is why we are where we are.”

Published on Apr 17, 2026

Source link
#Arteta #rules #Saka #Arsenal #Manchester #City #clash

Tag

Related Posts

Deadspin | Rangers ride momentum of late rally into opener vs. Mariners Apr 16, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Texas Rangers catcher Kyle Higashioka (11) celebrates with teammates after scoring a run against the Athletics during the ninth inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Lee-Imagn Images Winning on getaway day sure beats the alternative. The Texas Rangers know that feeling after scoring four runs in the ninth inning on Thursday to beat the Athletics 9-6 in West Sacramento, Calif. The Rangers practically glided to Seattle, where they’ll meet their American League West rival, the Mariners, in a three-game series beginning Friday night. It appeared the Rangers were going to lose Thursday after Nick Kurtz’s wind-aided double with the bases loaded in the bottom of the eighth inning fell in front of left fielder Wyatt Langford, clearing the bases and giving the A’s a one-run lead. But the Rangers rallied in the ninth, with Joc Pederson’s RBI single and Ezequiel Duran’s two-run single as the key blows. “I just think that they played nine innings no matter what,” Rangers manager Skip Schumaker said. “They play hard, and it doesn’t matter what the score is. There’s always a fighting chance. I’m just proud of these guys. They just never give up. It was pretty demoralizing, how that was going. It could have been a demoralizing flight, quite honestly. That’s not easy to do, so this is a much happier flight, for sure.” Josh Jung, who went 3-for-5 with a double, homer and two RBIs, credited Langford, who took out his frustration between the eighth and ninth innings by lobbing some water jugs around the visiting dugout. “He kind of did it for all of us, probably,” Jung said. “We were frustrated, but then we’re just laughing. It’s like one jug goes, and then the next goes, too.” The Rangers and A’s split their four-game series to remain tied atop the AL West. The Mariners, meanwhile, were swept in a three-game series in San Diego, losing 5-2 Thursday to drop to 1-8 on the road and into a tie with Houston in the division cellar. The Mariners also were swept in a three-game series early last week in Texas vs. the Rangers, having been outscored 8-3. “We just need to continue to set the table,” Mariners star Julio Rodríguez said. “Somebody’s gonna eat at some point.” Seattle is starving for its Nos. 2-4 hitters — Cal Raleigh, Rodriguez and Josh Naylor — to break out of their early season slumps. The trio has combined for a .162 batting average with five home runs and 24 RBIs. “We play a really hard game. Sometimes we’re not gonna come through there. Sometimes you’re gonna come through,” Rodriguez said. “I feel like if you play good baseball you can win at home, on the road, everywhere.” The series opener will feature a pair of ace right-handers in the Rangers’ Jacob deGrom (1-0, 2.87 ERA) and the Mariners’ Logan Gilbert (1-2, 4.18). DeGrom got his first victory of the season Sunday at the defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers, when he allowed one run on four hits over six innings, with three walks and nine strikeouts, in a 5-2 decision. In his start previous to that, on April 6, he got a no-decision in a 2-1 victory against the Mariners. The only hit he allowed over five innings was a solo homer by Raleigh. In eight career starts against Seattle, deGrom is 2-2 with a 3.26 ERA. Gilbert is 5-3 with a 2.90 ERA in 17 career starts against Texas. He took the loss in that April 6 matchup with deGrom despite giving up just two runs in six innings. Gilbert also is coming off his first victory of the season, defeating visiting Houston 6-1 Sunday when he allowed one run on four hits over seven innings, with one walk and seven strikeouts. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Rangers #ride #momentum #late #rally #opener #MarinersApr 16, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Texas Rangers catcher Kyle Higashioka (11) celebrates with teammates after scoring a run against the Athletics during the ninth inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Lee-Imagn Images

Winning on getaway day sure beats the alternative.

The Texas Rangers know that feeling after scoring four runs in the ninth inning on Thursday to beat the Athletics 9-6 in West Sacramento, Calif.

The Rangers practically glided to Seattle, where they’ll meet their American League West rival, the Mariners, in a three-game series beginning Friday night.

It appeared the Rangers were going to lose Thursday after Nick Kurtz’s wind-aided double with the bases loaded in the bottom of the eighth inning fell in front of left fielder Wyatt Langford, clearing the bases and giving the A’s a one-run lead.

But the Rangers rallied in the ninth, with Joc Pederson’s RBI single and Ezequiel Duran’s two-run single as the key blows.

“I just think that they played nine innings no matter what,” Rangers manager Skip Schumaker said. “They play hard, and it doesn’t matter what the score is. There’s always a fighting chance. I’m just proud of these guys. They just never give up. It was pretty demoralizing, how that was going. It could have been a demoralizing flight, quite honestly. That’s not easy to do, so this is a much happier flight, for sure.”

Josh Jung, who went 3-for-5 with a double, homer and two RBIs, credited Langford, who took out his frustration between the eighth and ninth innings by lobbing some water jugs around the visiting dugout.

“He kind of did it for all of us, probably,” Jung said. “We were frustrated, but then we’re just laughing. It’s like one jug goes, and then the next goes, too.”

The Rangers and A’s split their four-game series to remain tied atop the AL West.


The Mariners, meanwhile, were swept in a three-game series in San Diego, losing 5-2 Thursday to drop to 1-8 on the road and into a tie with Houston in the division cellar. The Mariners also were swept in a three-game series early last week in Texas vs. the Rangers, having been outscored 8-3.

“We just need to continue to set the table,” Mariners star Julio Rodríguez said. “Somebody’s gonna eat at some point.”

Seattle is starving for its Nos. 2-4 hitters — Cal Raleigh, Rodriguez and Josh Naylor — to break out of their early season slumps. The trio has combined for a .162 batting average with five home runs and 24 RBIs.

“We play a really hard game. Sometimes we’re not gonna come through there. Sometimes you’re gonna come through,” Rodriguez said. “I feel like if you play good baseball you can win at home, on the road, everywhere.”

The series opener will feature a pair of ace right-handers in the Rangers’ Jacob deGrom (1-0, 2.87 ERA) and the Mariners’ Logan Gilbert (1-2, 4.18).

DeGrom got his first victory of the season Sunday at the defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers, when he allowed one run on four hits over six innings, with three walks and nine strikeouts, in a 5-2 decision.

In his start previous to that, on April 6, he got a no-decision in a 2-1 victory against the Mariners. The only hit he allowed over five innings was a solo homer by Raleigh.

In eight career starts against Seattle, deGrom is 2-2 with a 3.26 ERA.

Gilbert is 5-3 with a 2.90 ERA in 17 career starts against Texas. He took the loss in that April 6 matchup with deGrom despite giving up just two runs in six innings.

Gilbert also is coming off his first victory of the season, defeating visiting Houston 6-1 Sunday when he allowed one run on four hits over seven innings, with one walk and seven strikeouts.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Rangers #ride #momentum #late #rally #opener #Mariners">Deadspin | Rangers ride momentum of late rally into opener vs. Mariners Apr 16, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Texas Rangers catcher Kyle Higashioka (11) celebrates with teammates after scoring a run against the Athletics during the ninth inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Lee-Imagn Images Winning on getaway day sure beats the alternative. The Texas Rangers know that feeling after scoring four runs in the ninth inning on Thursday to beat the Athletics 9-6 in West Sacramento, Calif. The Rangers practically glided to Seattle, where they’ll meet their American League West rival, the Mariners, in a three-game series beginning Friday night. It appeared the Rangers were going to lose Thursday after Nick Kurtz’s wind-aided double with the bases loaded in the bottom of the eighth inning fell in front of left fielder Wyatt Langford, clearing the bases and giving the A’s a one-run lead. But the Rangers rallied in the ninth, with Joc Pederson’s RBI single and Ezequiel Duran’s two-run single as the key blows. “I just think that they played nine innings no matter what,” Rangers manager Skip Schumaker said. “They play hard, and it doesn’t matter what the score is. There’s always a fighting chance. I’m just proud of these guys. They just never give up. It was pretty demoralizing, how that was going. It could have been a demoralizing flight, quite honestly. That’s not easy to do, so this is a much happier flight, for sure.” Josh Jung, who went 3-for-5 with a double, homer and two RBIs, credited Langford, who took out his frustration between the eighth and ninth innings by lobbing some water jugs around the visiting dugout. “He kind of did it for all of us, probably,” Jung said. “We were frustrated, but then we’re just laughing. It’s like one jug goes, and then the next goes, too.” The Rangers and A’s split their four-game series to remain tied atop the AL West. The Mariners, meanwhile, were swept in a three-game series in San Diego, losing 5-2 Thursday to drop to 1-8 on the road and into a tie with Houston in the division cellar. The Mariners also were swept in a three-game series early last week in Texas vs. the Rangers, having been outscored 8-3. “We just need to continue to set the table,” Mariners star Julio Rodríguez said. “Somebody’s gonna eat at some point.” Seattle is starving for its Nos. 2-4 hitters — Cal Raleigh, Rodriguez and Josh Naylor — to break out of their early season slumps. The trio has combined for a .162 batting average with five home runs and 24 RBIs. “We play a really hard game. Sometimes we’re not gonna come through there. Sometimes you’re gonna come through,” Rodriguez said. “I feel like if you play good baseball you can win at home, on the road, everywhere.” The series opener will feature a pair of ace right-handers in the Rangers’ Jacob deGrom (1-0, 2.87 ERA) and the Mariners’ Logan Gilbert (1-2, 4.18). DeGrom got his first victory of the season Sunday at the defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers, when he allowed one run on four hits over six innings, with three walks and nine strikeouts, in a 5-2 decision. In his start previous to that, on April 6, he got a no-decision in a 2-1 victory against the Mariners. The only hit he allowed over five innings was a solo homer by Raleigh. In eight career starts against Seattle, deGrom is 2-2 with a 3.26 ERA. Gilbert is 5-3 with a 2.90 ERA in 17 career starts against Texas. He took the loss in that April 6 matchup with deGrom despite giving up just two runs in six innings. Gilbert also is coming off his first victory of the season, defeating visiting Houston 6-1 Sunday when he allowed one run on four hits over seven innings, with one walk and seven strikeouts. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Rangers #ride #momentum #late #rally #opener #Mariners

Top seed Alexander Zverev battled back from a set down to beat Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo on Friday and book a spot in the semifinals of the Munich ATP tournament.

The three-time Munich champion won 5-7, 6-0, 6-2 and will take on Italy’s Flavio Cobolli on Saturday for a place in the final.

Zverev burst out of the blocks and served for a 5-1 lead in the opening set but appeared to suddenly lose his rhythm, winning just one more game as Cerundolo powered back to take the opening set.

As the second set began, and with the support of the home crowd, the 28-year-old found his form as swiftly as he had lost it, bouncing back to win the final two sets while dropping just two games.

“Even in the first set when I was up 4-1, he started playing unbelievable. He started returning unbelievable,” Zverev said.

“My first-serve percentage was very high, and he started returning a foot in front of the baseline. So there was nothing I could do, to be honest,” he added.

The German came into Friday’s match holding a 4-3 career advantage over the fifth-seeded Cerundolo but had never previously beaten the Argentine in three matches on clay.

“Definitely happy to get the win today against Francisco, for the first time on clay,” Zverev said on court after the win.

ALSO READ | Barcelona Open 2026: Musetti beats Moutet, to face Fils quarterfinal

Zverev, whose most recent title came in Munich a year ago, is chasing a record fourth triumph at the tournament, having also won in 2017 and 2018.

On the other side of the draw, American second seed Ben Shelton overcame Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca to keep hopes of a 2025 Munich final rematch with Zverev alive.

Shelton, the world number six, won 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 and will take on either Denis Shapovalov or Alex Molcan in the semifinals.

The American has never won a clay court tournament, having lost in straight sets to Zverev in Munich a year ago. Earlier, Cobolli was the first to book a spot in the final four after he defeated Czech Vit Kopriva 6-3, 6-2.

Playing on his favourite surface, the fourth seed won the opening set and cruised to a 5-1 lead in the second. He missed two match points on Kopriva’s serve before finishing it off in the following game.

Published on Apr 17, 2026

#Munich #Open #Zverev #fights #Cerundolo #reach #semifinal">Munich Open 2026: Zverev fights past Cerundolo to reach semifinal Top seed Alexander Zverev battled back from a set down to beat Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo on Friday and book a spot in the semifinals of the Munich ATP tournament.The three-time Munich champion won 5-7, 6-0, 6-2 and will take on Italy’s Flavio Cobolli on Saturday for a place in the final.Zverev burst out of the blocks and served for a 5-1 lead in the opening set but appeared to suddenly lose his rhythm, winning just one more game as Cerundolo powered back to take the opening set.As the second set began, and with the support of the home crowd, the 28-year-old found his form as swiftly as he had lost it, bouncing back to win the final two sets while dropping just two games.“Even in the first set when I was up 4-1, he started playing unbelievable. He started returning unbelievable,” Zverev said.“My first-serve percentage was very high, and he started returning a foot in front of the baseline. So there was nothing I could do, to be honest,” he added.The German came into Friday’s match holding a 4-3 career advantage over the fifth-seeded Cerundolo but had never previously beaten the Argentine in three matches on clay.“Definitely happy to get the win today against Francisco, for the first time on clay,” Zverev said on court after the win.ALSO READ | Barcelona Open 2026: Musetti beats Moutet, to face Fils quarterfinalZverev, whose most recent title came in Munich a year ago, is chasing a record fourth triumph at the tournament, having also won in 2017 and 2018.On the other side of the draw, American second seed Ben Shelton overcame Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca to keep hopes of a 2025 Munich final rematch with Zverev alive.Shelton, the world number six, won 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 and will take on either Denis Shapovalov or Alex Molcan in the semifinals.The American has never won a clay court tournament, having lost in straight sets to Zverev in Munich a year ago. Earlier, Cobolli was the first to book a spot in the final four after he defeated Czech Vit Kopriva 6-3, 6-2.Playing on his favourite surface, the fourth seed won the opening set and cruised to a 5-1 lead in the second. He missed two match points on Kopriva’s serve before finishing it off in the following game.Published on Apr 17, 2026 #Munich #Open #Zverev #fights #Cerundolo #reach #semifinal

Barcelona Open 2026: Musetti beats Moutet, to face Fils quarterfinal

Zverev, whose most recent title came in Munich a year ago, is chasing a record fourth triumph at the tournament, having also won in 2017 and 2018.

On the other side of the draw, American second seed Ben Shelton overcame Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca to keep hopes of a 2025 Munich final rematch with Zverev alive.

Shelton, the world number six, won 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 and will take on either Denis Shapovalov or Alex Molcan in the semifinals.

The American has never won a clay court tournament, having lost in straight sets to Zverev in Munich a year ago. Earlier, Cobolli was the first to book a spot in the final four after he defeated Czech Vit Kopriva 6-3, 6-2.

Playing on his favourite surface, the fourth seed won the opening set and cruised to a 5-1 lead in the second. He missed two match points on Kopriva’s serve before finishing it off in the following game.

Published on Apr 17, 2026

#Munich #Open #Zverev #fights #Cerundolo #reach #semifinal">Munich Open 2026: Zverev fights past Cerundolo to reach semifinal

Top seed Alexander Zverev battled back from a set down to beat Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo on Friday and book a spot in the semifinals of the Munich ATP tournament.

The three-time Munich champion won 5-7, 6-0, 6-2 and will take on Italy’s Flavio Cobolli on Saturday for a place in the final.

Zverev burst out of the blocks and served for a 5-1 lead in the opening set but appeared to suddenly lose his rhythm, winning just one more game as Cerundolo powered back to take the opening set.

As the second set began, and with the support of the home crowd, the 28-year-old found his form as swiftly as he had lost it, bouncing back to win the final two sets while dropping just two games.

“Even in the first set when I was up 4-1, he started playing unbelievable. He started returning unbelievable,” Zverev said.

“My first-serve percentage was very high, and he started returning a foot in front of the baseline. So there was nothing I could do, to be honest,” he added.

The German came into Friday’s match holding a 4-3 career advantage over the fifth-seeded Cerundolo but had never previously beaten the Argentine in three matches on clay.

“Definitely happy to get the win today against Francisco, for the first time on clay,” Zverev said on court after the win.

ALSO READ | Barcelona Open 2026: Musetti beats Moutet, to face Fils quarterfinal

Zverev, whose most recent title came in Munich a year ago, is chasing a record fourth triumph at the tournament, having also won in 2017 and 2018.

On the other side of the draw, American second seed Ben Shelton overcame Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca to keep hopes of a 2025 Munich final rematch with Zverev alive.

Shelton, the world number six, won 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 and will take on either Denis Shapovalov or Alex Molcan in the semifinals.

The American has never won a clay court tournament, having lost in straight sets to Zverev in Munich a year ago. Earlier, Cobolli was the first to book a spot in the final four after he defeated Czech Vit Kopriva 6-3, 6-2.

Playing on his favourite surface, the fourth seed won the opening set and cruised to a 5-1 lead in the second. He missed two match points on Kopriva’s serve before finishing it off in the following game.

Published on Apr 17, 2026

#Munich #Open #Zverev #fights #Cerundolo #reach #semifinal
Deadspin | D-backs’ Michael Soroka, riding hot streak, turns focus to Blue Jays Mar 13, 2026; Houston, TX, United States; Canada starting pitcher Michael Soroka (40) walks back to the dugout during the second inning against the United States during a quarterfinal game of the 2026 World Baseball Classic at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images The Arizona Diamondbacks will return home as one of the hottest teams in baseball, set to open a three-game series with the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday night in Phoenix. Since a 9-6 win over the Detroit Tigers on March 30, the Diamondbacks have won 11 times. Only the San Diego Padres (12) have won more in that stretch. Arizona completed a 6-3 road trip by winning all three series — against the New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies and Baltimore Orioles. Arizona has eight comeback victories this season and has won six of 10 one-run games. The Diamondbacks have not lost a series since being swept by the Dodgers to open the season, winning four and splitting the other series. “That’s our identity, to do what the at-bat calls for,” Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said. “That’s the type of baseball we play here. It’s gritty and helps you stay in games.” Arizona right-bander Michael Soroka (3-0, 2.87 ERA) is scheduled to face Blue Jays left-hander Eric Lauer (1-2, 7.82) in the series opener. The injury-depleted Blue Jays have lost four of the past five games and 10 of 13. They have lost five straight series while playing without premier hitters George Springer and Alejandro Kirk and starting pitchers Jose Berrios, Shane Bieber, Trey Yesavage and Cody Ponce. The Blue Jays are coming off a series defeat to the Milwaukee Brewers, in which Toronto lost two 2-1 games. The Jays have not seen the anticipated production from offseason free-agent acquisition Kazuma Okamoto, who was 0-for-4 on Thursday and has just two hits in his past 23 at-bats. After hitting a home run in two of the first four games of the season, he has no homers and two RBIs since. “Over the long course of a season, I know there are going to be ups and downs, and that’s not different from playing in Japan,” Okamoto told MLB.com through an interpreter. “I think this is just a little lull right now, and hopefully I can get it going soon.” Arizona is receiving help from perhaps unexpected sources. Catcher Adrian Del Castillo had five RBIs in an 8-5, 10-inning victory at Baltimore to complete the trip Wednesday. His two-run homer in the 10th was the decider, and he also had a two-run triple in the third and an RBI groundout in the seventh. He has 10 RBIs, one behind team leader Corbin Carroll. “Honestly, we’ve had some crazy wins and some good wins,” Del Castillo said in a TV interview. “We all work together. We just keep having fun. I think we have to feed off these wins and take it home and keep doing it.” Utility player Ildemaro Vargas has hit in all 12 games he has played, a franchise record to start the season. He has played at first, second and third bases and also left field. He has five doubles, two homers, eight RBIs and a .383 batting average. Soroka has won all three of his starts and has two 10-strikeout games in just 15 2/3 total innings. Soroka, 28, who spent the 2025 season playing for the Washington Nationals and Chicago Cubs, and Randy Johnson are the only two pitchers in franchise history with 10 or more strikeouts in two of their first three appearances with the team. Against the Blue Jays, Soroka is 1-2 with a 5.09 ERA in five career games (four starts) but has faced them only twice since 2019. Lauer beat the Athletics 5-2 on March 29 to open his season but has lost his past two starts, and he gave up seven runs on five hits and two homers in a 7-4 loss to the Minnesota Twins on Saturday. Lauer is 4-4 with a 2.38 ERA in 10 career starts against Arizona. He gave up one run and struck out eight in five innings in an 8-1 victory over the D-Backs last June 18, his only start against them since 2022. He played for the Brewers that season. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Dbacks #Michael #Soroka #riding #hot #streak #turns #focus #Blue #JaysMar 13, 2026; Houston, TX, United States; Canada starting pitcher Michael Soroka (40) walks back to the dugout during the second inning against the United States during a quarterfinal game of the 2026 World Baseball Classic at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

The Arizona Diamondbacks will return home as one of the hottest teams in baseball, set to open a three-game series with the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday night in Phoenix.

Since a 9-6 win over the Detroit Tigers on March 30, the Diamondbacks have won 11 times. Only the San Diego Padres (12) have won more in that stretch. Arizona completed a 6-3 road trip by winning all three series — against the New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies and Baltimore Orioles.

Arizona has eight comeback victories this season and has won six of 10 one-run games. The Diamondbacks have not lost a series since being swept by the Dodgers to open the season, winning four and splitting the other series.

“That’s our identity, to do what the at-bat calls for,” Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said. “That’s the type of baseball we play here. It’s gritty and helps you stay in games.”

Arizona right-bander Michael Soroka (3-0, 2.87 ERA) is scheduled to face Blue Jays left-hander Eric Lauer (1-2, 7.82) in the series opener.

The injury-depleted Blue Jays have lost four of the past five games and 10 of 13. They have lost five straight series while playing without premier hitters George Springer and Alejandro Kirk and starting pitchers Jose Berrios, Shane Bieber, Trey Yesavage and Cody Ponce.

The Blue Jays are coming off a series defeat to the Milwaukee Brewers, in which Toronto lost two 2-1 games. The Jays have not seen the anticipated production from offseason free-agent acquisition Kazuma Okamoto, who was 0-for-4 on Thursday and has just two hits in his past 23 at-bats. After hitting a home run in two of the first four games of the season, he has no homers and two RBIs since.

“Over the long course of a season, I know there are going to be ups and downs, and that’s not different from playing in Japan,” Okamoto told MLB.com through an interpreter. “I think this is just a little lull right now, and hopefully I can get it going soon.”


Arizona is receiving help from perhaps unexpected sources.

Catcher Adrian Del Castillo had five RBIs in an 8-5, 10-inning victory at Baltimore to complete the trip Wednesday. His two-run homer in the 10th was the decider, and he also had a two-run triple in the third and an RBI groundout in the seventh. He has 10 RBIs, one behind team leader Corbin Carroll.

“Honestly, we’ve had some crazy wins and some good wins,” Del Castillo said in a TV interview. “We all work together. We just keep having fun. I think we have to feed off these wins and take it home and keep doing it.”

Utility player Ildemaro Vargas has hit in all 12 games he has played, a franchise record to start the season. He has played at first, second and third bases and also left field. He has five doubles, two homers, eight RBIs and a .383 batting average.

Soroka has won all three of his starts and has two 10-strikeout games in just 15 2/3 total innings. Soroka, 28, who spent the 2025 season playing for the Washington Nationals and Chicago Cubs, and Randy Johnson are the only two pitchers in franchise history with 10 or more strikeouts in two of their first three appearances with the team.

Against the Blue Jays, Soroka is 1-2 with a 5.09 ERA in five career games (four starts) but has faced them only twice since 2019.

Lauer beat the Athletics 5-2 on March 29 to open his season but has lost his past two starts, and he gave up seven runs on five hits and two homers in a 7-4 loss to the Minnesota Twins on Saturday.

Lauer is 4-4 with a 2.38 ERA in 10 career starts against Arizona. He gave up one run and struck out eight in five innings in an 8-1 victory over the D-Backs last June 18, his only start against them since 2022. He played for the Brewers that season.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Dbacks #Michael #Soroka #riding #hot #streak #turns #focus #Blue #Jays">Deadspin | D-backs’ Michael Soroka, riding hot streak, turns focus to Blue Jays Mar 13, 2026; Houston, TX, United States; Canada starting pitcher Michael Soroka (40) walks back to the dugout during the second inning against the United States during a quarterfinal game of the 2026 World Baseball Classic at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images The Arizona Diamondbacks will return home as one of the hottest teams in baseball, set to open a three-game series with the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday night in Phoenix. Since a 9-6 win over the Detroit Tigers on March 30, the Diamondbacks have won 11 times. Only the San Diego Padres (12) have won more in that stretch. Arizona completed a 6-3 road trip by winning all three series — against the New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies and Baltimore Orioles. Arizona has eight comeback victories this season and has won six of 10 one-run games. The Diamondbacks have not lost a series since being swept by the Dodgers to open the season, winning four and splitting the other series. “That’s our identity, to do what the at-bat calls for,” Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said. “That’s the type of baseball we play here. It’s gritty and helps you stay in games.” Arizona right-bander Michael Soroka (3-0, 2.87 ERA) is scheduled to face Blue Jays left-hander Eric Lauer (1-2, 7.82) in the series opener. The injury-depleted Blue Jays have lost four of the past five games and 10 of 13. They have lost five straight series while playing without premier hitters George Springer and Alejandro Kirk and starting pitchers Jose Berrios, Shane Bieber, Trey Yesavage and Cody Ponce. The Blue Jays are coming off a series defeat to the Milwaukee Brewers, in which Toronto lost two 2-1 games. The Jays have not seen the anticipated production from offseason free-agent acquisition Kazuma Okamoto, who was 0-for-4 on Thursday and has just two hits in his past 23 at-bats. After hitting a home run in two of the first four games of the season, he has no homers and two RBIs since. “Over the long course of a season, I know there are going to be ups and downs, and that’s not different from playing in Japan,” Okamoto told MLB.com through an interpreter. “I think this is just a little lull right now, and hopefully I can get it going soon.” Arizona is receiving help from perhaps unexpected sources. Catcher Adrian Del Castillo had five RBIs in an 8-5, 10-inning victory at Baltimore to complete the trip Wednesday. His two-run homer in the 10th was the decider, and he also had a two-run triple in the third and an RBI groundout in the seventh. He has 10 RBIs, one behind team leader Corbin Carroll. “Honestly, we’ve had some crazy wins and some good wins,” Del Castillo said in a TV interview. “We all work together. We just keep having fun. I think we have to feed off these wins and take it home and keep doing it.” Utility player Ildemaro Vargas has hit in all 12 games he has played, a franchise record to start the season. He has played at first, second and third bases and also left field. He has five doubles, two homers, eight RBIs and a .383 batting average. Soroka has won all three of his starts and has two 10-strikeout games in just 15 2/3 total innings. Soroka, 28, who spent the 2025 season playing for the Washington Nationals and Chicago Cubs, and Randy Johnson are the only two pitchers in franchise history with 10 or more strikeouts in two of their first three appearances with the team. Against the Blue Jays, Soroka is 1-2 with a 5.09 ERA in five career games (four starts) but has faced them only twice since 2019. Lauer beat the Athletics 5-2 on March 29 to open his season but has lost his past two starts, and he gave up seven runs on five hits and two homers in a 7-4 loss to the Minnesota Twins on Saturday. Lauer is 4-4 with a 2.38 ERA in 10 career starts against Arizona. He gave up one run and struck out eight in five innings in an 8-1 victory over the D-Backs last June 18, his only start against them since 2022. He played for the Brewers that season. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Dbacks #Michael #Soroka #riding #hot #streak #turns #focus #Blue #Jays

Post Comment