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Deadspin | After halting 8-game skid, Royals chase series win vs. Orioles Apr 17, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Michael Wacha (52) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images Michael Wacha has been the brightest light amid a dismal start to the season for the Kansas City Royals. Meanwhile, Chris Bassitt might have found a needed rhythm following a rough beginning to his Baltimore Orioles’ tenure. The two veteran right-handers will match up in the decisive contest of a three-game series on Wednesday afternoon in Kansas City, Mo. Wacha (2-0, 1.00 ERA), who will turn 35 in July, is second in the majors in ERA, trailing only Jose Soriano (0.28) of the Los Angeles Angels. Wacha has yielded just three runs, eight walks and 13 hits over 27 innings of his four starts. On Friday, Wacha gave up a two-run homer and two other hits over six innings in Kansas City’s 4-2 loss to the New York Yankees. “He’s difficult against any lineup,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro. Wacha is 3-3 with a 5.22 ERA in 13 career starts vs. Baltimore. He is 0-2 with a 5.29 ERA in three starts against the Orioles since joining Kansas City in December 2023. The Royals, however, have some momentum after ending an eight-game losing streak with Tuesday’s 6-5 win to even this series. “We believe in each other, and everyone in here,” star Bobby Witt Jr. told the Royals’ official website. “And that’s how we got to go about it. We got to get better every day and try to improve.” Michael Massey belted a tying solo homer in the eighth inning and Maikel Garcia scored the winning run on a wild pitch in the ninth for the Royals, who will bid to post back-to-back victories for the first time since April 10-11. “It’s a long season. … We have a great team,” Garcia told Royals.TV. “We just keep working, go out there and compete.” Garcia is 4-for-9 in the series, but he’s hitless in four career at-bats vs. Bassitt (0-2, 6.19 ERA). Bassitt allowed 10 runs over 6 1/3 innings while losing his first two starts as an Oriole this season. Since then, though, the former Toronto Blue Jays pitcher has yielded one earned run in 9 2/3 innings as Baltimore won his next two outings. Last Friday at Cleveland, Bassitt yielded four hits and four walks over five scoreless innings of the Orioles’ 6-4 victory. “Overall, good,” he said. “(I’m) able to just execute enough.” Bassitt is 1-2 with a 3.60 ERA in eight career starts against the Royals, with Witt and Vinnie Pasquantino going a combined 2-for-10 vs. him. Meanwhile, Massey’s homer served as the first hit and run allowed this season by Baltimore reliever Nico Garcia. Pete Alonso had two hits Tuesday but is batting just .211 to open his first season with the Orioles after seven seasons with the New York Mets. However, Alonso is 3-for-7 with a home vs. Wacha. Baltimore has lost six of its last eight games and is 2-4 on a seven-game road trip. Fellow Orioles star Adley Rutschman came off the 10-day injury list Tuesday and hit his first home run of 2026. He’s a career .301 hitter with two homers and 10 RBIs against Kansas City. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #halting #8game #skid #Royals #chase #series #win #Orioles

Deadspin | After halting 8-game skid, Royals chase series win vs. Orioles
Deadspin | After halting 8-game skid, Royals chase series win vs. Orioles Apr 17, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Michael Wacha (52) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images Michael Wacha has been the brightest light amid a dismal start to the season for the Kansas City Royals. Meanwhile, Chris Bassitt might have found a needed rhythm following a rough beginning to his Baltimore Orioles’ tenure. The two veteran right-handers will match up in the decisive contest of a three-game series on Wednesday afternoon in Kansas City, Mo. Wacha (2-0, 1.00 ERA), who will turn 35 in July, is second in the majors in ERA, trailing only Jose Soriano (0.28) of the Los Angeles Angels. Wacha has yielded just three runs, eight walks and 13 hits over 27 innings of his four starts. On Friday, Wacha gave up a two-run homer and two other hits over six innings in Kansas City’s 4-2 loss to the New York Yankees. “He’s difficult against any lineup,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro. Wacha is 3-3 with a 5.22 ERA in 13 career starts vs. Baltimore. He is 0-2 with a 5.29 ERA in three starts against the Orioles since joining Kansas City in December 2023. The Royals, however, have some momentum after ending an eight-game losing streak with Tuesday’s 6-5 win to even this series. “We believe in each other, and everyone in here,” star Bobby Witt Jr. told the Royals’ official website. “And that’s how we got to go about it. We got to get better every day and try to improve.” Michael Massey belted a tying solo homer in the eighth inning and Maikel Garcia scored the winning run on a wild pitch in the ninth for the Royals, who will bid to post back-to-back victories for the first time since April 10-11. “It’s a long season. … We have a great team,” Garcia told Royals.TV. “We just keep working, go out there and compete.” Garcia is 4-for-9 in the series, but he’s hitless in four career at-bats vs. Bassitt (0-2, 6.19 ERA). Bassitt allowed 10 runs over 6 1/3 innings while losing his first two starts as an Oriole this season. Since then, though, the former Toronto Blue Jays pitcher has yielded one earned run in 9 2/3 innings as Baltimore won his next two outings. Last Friday at Cleveland, Bassitt yielded four hits and four walks over five scoreless innings of the Orioles’ 6-4 victory. “Overall, good,” he said. “(I’m) able to just execute enough.” Bassitt is 1-2 with a 3.60 ERA in eight career starts against the Royals, with Witt and Vinnie Pasquantino going a combined 2-for-10 vs. him. Meanwhile, Massey’s homer served as the first hit and run allowed this season by Baltimore reliever Nico Garcia. Pete Alonso had two hits Tuesday but is batting just .211 to open his first season with the Orioles after seven seasons with the New York Mets. However, Alonso is 3-for-7 with a home vs. Wacha. Baltimore has lost six of its last eight games and is 2-4 on a seven-game road trip. Fellow Orioles star Adley Rutschman came off the 10-day injury list Tuesday and hit his first home run of 2026. He’s a career .301 hitter with two homers and 10 RBIs against Kansas City. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #halting #8game #skid #Royals #chase #series #win #OriolesApr 17, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Michael Wacha (52) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Michael Wacha has been the brightest light amid a dismal start to the season for the Kansas City Royals.

Meanwhile, Chris Bassitt might have found a needed rhythm following a rough beginning to his Baltimore Orioles’ tenure.

The two veteran right-handers will match up in the decisive contest of a three-game series on Wednesday afternoon in Kansas City, Mo.

Wacha (2-0, 1.00 ERA), who will turn 35 in July, is second in the majors in ERA, trailing only Jose Soriano (0.28) of the Los Angeles Angels. Wacha has yielded just three runs, eight walks and 13 hits over 27 innings of his four starts.

On Friday, Wacha gave up a two-run homer and two other hits over six innings in Kansas City’s 4-2 loss to the New York Yankees.

“He’s difficult against any lineup,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro.

Wacha is 3-3 with a 5.22 ERA in 13 career starts vs. Baltimore. He is 0-2 with a 5.29 ERA in three starts against the Orioles since joining Kansas City in December 2023.

The Royals, however, have some momentum after ending an eight-game losing streak with Tuesday’s 6-5 win to even this series.

“We believe in each other, and everyone in here,” star Bobby Witt Jr. told the Royals’ official website. “And that’s how we got to go about it. We got to get better every day and try to improve.”

Michael Massey belted a tying solo homer in the eighth inning and Maikel Garcia scored the winning run on a wild pitch in the ninth for the Royals, who will bid to post back-to-back victories for the first time since April 10-11.


“It’s a long season. … We have a great team,” Garcia told Royals.TV. “We just keep working, go out there and compete.”

Garcia is 4-for-9 in the series, but he’s hitless in four career at-bats vs. Bassitt (0-2, 6.19 ERA).

Bassitt allowed 10 runs over 6 1/3 innings while losing his first two starts as an Oriole this season. Since then, though, the former Toronto Blue Jays pitcher has yielded one earned run in 9 2/3 innings as Baltimore won his next two outings.

Last Friday at Cleveland, Bassitt yielded four hits and four walks over five scoreless innings of the Orioles’ 6-4 victory.

“Overall, good,” he said. “(I’m) able to just execute enough.”

Bassitt is 1-2 with a 3.60 ERA in eight career starts against the Royals, with Witt and Vinnie Pasquantino going a combined 2-for-10 vs. him.

Meanwhile, Massey’s homer served as the first hit and run allowed this season by Baltimore reliever Nico Garcia.

Pete Alonso had two hits Tuesday but is batting just .211 to open his first season with the Orioles after seven seasons with the New York Mets. However, Alonso is 3-for-7 with a home vs. Wacha.

Baltimore has lost six of its last eight games and is 2-4 on a seven-game road trip.

Fellow Orioles star Adley Rutschman came off the 10-day injury list Tuesday and hit his first home run of 2026. He’s a career .301 hitter with two homers and 10 RBIs against Kansas City.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #halting #8game #skid #Royals #chase #series #win #Orioles

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Apr 17, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Michael Wacha (52) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Michael Wacha has been the brightest light amid a dismal start to the season for the Kansas City Royals.

Meanwhile, Chris Bassitt might have found a needed rhythm following a rough beginning to his Baltimore Orioles’ tenure.

The two veteran right-handers will match up in the decisive contest of a three-game series on Wednesday afternoon in Kansas City, Mo.

Wacha (2-0, 1.00 ERA), who will turn 35 in July, is second in the majors in ERA, trailing only Jose Soriano (0.28) of the Los Angeles Angels. Wacha has yielded just three runs, eight walks and 13 hits over 27 innings of his four starts.

On Friday, Wacha gave up a two-run homer and two other hits over six innings in Kansas City’s 4-2 loss to the New York Yankees.

“He’s difficult against any lineup,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro.

Wacha is 3-3 with a 5.22 ERA in 13 career starts vs. Baltimore. He is 0-2 with a 5.29 ERA in three starts against the Orioles since joining Kansas City in December 2023.

The Royals, however, have some momentum after ending an eight-game losing streak with Tuesday’s 6-5 win to even this series.

“We believe in each other, and everyone in here,” star Bobby Witt Jr. told the Royals’ official website. “And that’s how we got to go about it. We got to get better every day and try to improve.”

Michael Massey belted a tying solo homer in the eighth inning and Maikel Garcia scored the winning run on a wild pitch in the ninth for the Royals, who will bid to post back-to-back victories for the first time since April 10-11.

“It’s a long season. … We have a great team,” Garcia told Royals.TV. “We just keep working, go out there and compete.”

Garcia is 4-for-9 in the series, but he’s hitless in four career at-bats vs. Bassitt (0-2, 6.19 ERA).

Bassitt allowed 10 runs over 6 1/3 innings while losing his first two starts as an Oriole this season. Since then, though, the former Toronto Blue Jays pitcher has yielded one earned run in 9 2/3 innings as Baltimore won his next two outings.

Last Friday at Cleveland, Bassitt yielded four hits and four walks over five scoreless innings of the Orioles’ 6-4 victory.

“Overall, good,” he said. “(I’m) able to just execute enough.”

Bassitt is 1-2 with a 3.60 ERA in eight career starts against the Royals, with Witt and Vinnie Pasquantino going a combined 2-for-10 vs. him.

Meanwhile, Massey’s homer served as the first hit and run allowed this season by Baltimore reliever Nico Garcia.

Pete Alonso had two hits Tuesday but is batting just .211 to open his first season with the Orioles after seven seasons with the New York Mets. However, Alonso is 3-for-7 with a home vs. Wacha.

Baltimore has lost six of its last eight games and is 2-4 on a seven-game road trip.

Fellow Orioles star Adley Rutschman came off the 10-day injury list Tuesday and hit his first home run of 2026. He’s a career .301 hitter with two homers and 10 RBIs against Kansas City.

–Field Level Media

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Indian sports wrap, April 22: Tamil Nadu wins UTT junior & youth C’ship <div id="content-body-70892665" itemprop="articleBody"><p><b>UTT Junior & Youth C’ship: Abhinand anchors TN’s title win against Maharashtra</b></p><p>Top seed Tamil Nadu stamped its authority with a 3-1 win over Maharashtra to clinch the Under-19 boys’ team title at the UTT Inter-State Junior and Youth National Table Tennis Championships on Wednesday.</p><p>Tamil Nadu’s charge was led by the rock-solid P B Abhinand, who delivered commanding wins over Neil Mulye and Kushal Chopda, sealing the title in style in the reverse singles.</p><p>Maharashtra leaned heavily on Chopda — a tactic that carried it to the final but exposed its lack of depth. Mulye showed fight, but the duo couldn’t match Tamil Nadu’s balance when it mattered.</p><p>The difference was Tamil Nadu’s all-round strength, highlighted by SK Mehan’s straight-game win over Ishan Khandekar, which firmly tilted the tie in their favour.</p><p>Earlier, Tamil Nadu beat Assam in the semifinals, while Maharashtra got past West Bengal.</p><div class="fact-box"><h5 class="main-title"> Results: </h5><p> Under-19 Boys (Final): Tamil Nadu bt Maharashtra 3-1 (M.R.Balamurugan lost to Kushal Chopda 11-9, 13-11, 8-11, 6-11, 9-11, P.B. Abhinand bt Neil Mulye 11-5, 11-3, 7-11, 11-6, S.K. Mehan bt Ishan Khandekar 11-4, 12-10, 11-7, Abhinand bt Kushal 11-6, 11-6, 11-8). </p><p> Semifinals: Tamil Nadu bt Assam 3-2 (Abhinand bt Divyaj Rajkhowa Roy 6-11, 11-5, 11-6, 11-5, Balamurugan lost to Priyanuj Bhattacharyya 12-14, 6-11, 9-11, Mehan bt Swapnanil Dutta 11-4, 11-7, 11-7, Abhinand lost to Priyanuj 6-11, 11-5, 11-13, 11-7, 6-11, Balamurugan bt Divyaj 11-7, 11-5, 8-11, 5-11, 11-8). </p><p> Maharashtra bt West Bengal 3-1 (Neil bt Punit Biswas 11-9, 4-11, 11-9, 5-11, 11-8, Kushal bt Oishik Ghosh 11-6, 11-9, 11-8, Ishan lost to Rupam Sardar 9-11, 10-12, 11-7, 8-11, Kushal bt Punit 9-11, 11-6, 11-7, 11-8). </p></div><p><i>– PTI</i></p><h4 class="sub_head">GOLF</h4><p><b>Leading Indians in fray at Singapore Open golf</b></p><p>As many as 11 Indians, including Karandeep Kochhar, Gaganjeet Bhullar, SSP Chawrasia, and Jeev Milkha Singh, will tee off at the Singapore Open on Thursday, aiming to secure spots in the 154th edition of The Open Championship, golf’s oldest Major, later this year.</p><p>The 57th edition of the tournament is part of the International Series and offers a prize purse of USD 2 million, with the top two players — if not already exempt — earning spots in The Open Championship, scheduled for July.</p><p>Kochhar, in sublime form in recent months, will be one to watch. He is joined by 11-time Asian Tour winner Gaganjeet Bhullar, six-time winner SSP Chawrasia, and two-time Asian Tour Order of Merit champion Jeev Milkha Singh.</p><p>Also in the fray are three-time Asian Tour winner Shiv Kapur, former champions Ajeetesh Sandhu and Rashid Khan, along with a promising young contingent featuring Pukhraj Singh Gill, Sachin Baisoya, Shaurya Bhattacharya, and Shubham Jaglan.</p><p>The Singapore Open was last played at Sentosa Golf Club in 2022, when Thailand’s Sadom Kaewkanjana beat Tom Kim of Korea.</p><p>Kochhar, who has been in close contention twice already this year, finishing fourth at the Philippine Golf Championship and fifth at International Series Japan, will look to capitalise on his rich vein of form.</p><p>“This is one tournament I look forward to, especially just in terms of the golf course. I think it’s an amazing golf course and I love playing here. Hopefully I can play well,” said Kochhar.</p><p>“I think it’s a great track. It’s a long golf course. It’s on the longer side for sure. But the conditions are great. I think it’s going to be a hot, hot week,” he added.</p><p><i>– PTI</i></p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 22, 2026</p></div> #Indian #sports #wrap #April #Tamil #Nadu #wins #UTT #junior #youth #Cship

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Deadspin | Trade tracker: Chiefs move up to take CB Mansoor Delane No. 6 Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; LSU Tigers defensive back Mansoor Delane is selected by the Kansas City Chiefs as the number six pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images The Kansas City Chiefs made the first move up the board of the 2026 NFL Draft, swapping three places with the Cleveland Browns to select LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane on Thursday night. The Chiefs moved from No. 9 to No. 6 overall, while the Browns received a third-rounder (74th overall) and a fifth-rounder (148th) in addition to the ninth overall pick from Kansas City. Cleveland drafted Utah offensive tackle Spencer Fano in the No. 9 slot, the first offensive lineman taken. The Chiefs, coming off their first missed postseason since 2014, had a need at cornerback after dealing two-time All-Pro corner Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams last month. Delane, the first cornerback selected Thursday, was a unanimous All-American in 2025 after recording two interceptions, 11 pass breakups and 45 tackles in 11 games for LSU. He spent his first three college seasons at Virginia Tech before transferring ahead of the 2025 season and finished his college career with eight interceptions, 27 pass breakups, 191 tackles and seven tackles for loss. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Trade #tracker #Chiefs #move #Mansoor #DelaneApr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; LSU Tigers defensive back Mansoor Delane is selected by the Kansas City Chiefs as the number six pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Kansas City Chiefs made the first move up the board of the 2026 NFL Draft, swapping three places with the Cleveland Browns to select LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane on Thursday night.

The Chiefs moved from No. 9 to No. 6 overall, while the Browns received a third-rounder (74th overall) and a fifth-rounder (148th) in addition to the ninth overall pick from Kansas City.


Cleveland drafted Utah offensive tackle Spencer Fano in the No. 9 slot, the first offensive lineman taken.

The Chiefs, coming off their first missed postseason since 2014, had a need at cornerback after dealing two-time All-Pro corner Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams last month.

Delane, the first cornerback selected Thursday, was a unanimous All-American in 2025 after recording two interceptions, 11 pass breakups and 45 tackles in 11 games for LSU. He spent his first three college seasons at Virginia Tech before transferring ahead of the 2025 season and finished his college career with eight interceptions, 27 pass breakups, 191 tackles and seven tackles for loss.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Trade #tracker #Chiefs #move #Mansoor #Delane">Deadspin | Trade tracker: Chiefs move up to take CB Mansoor Delane No. 6 Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; LSU Tigers defensive back Mansoor Delane is selected by the Kansas City Chiefs as the number six pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images The Kansas City Chiefs made the first move up the board of the 2026 NFL Draft, swapping three places with the Cleveland Browns to select LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane on Thursday night. The Chiefs moved from No. 9 to No. 6 overall, while the Browns received a third-rounder (74th overall) and a fifth-rounder (148th) in addition to the ninth overall pick from Kansas City. Cleveland drafted Utah offensive tackle Spencer Fano in the No. 9 slot, the first offensive lineman taken. The Chiefs, coming off their first missed postseason since 2014, had a need at cornerback after dealing two-time All-Pro corner Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams last month. Delane, the first cornerback selected Thursday, was a unanimous All-American in 2025 after recording two interceptions, 11 pass breakups and 45 tackles in 11 games for LSU. He spent his first three college seasons at Virginia Tech before transferring ahead of the 2025 season and finished his college career with eight interceptions, 27 pass breakups, 191 tackles and seven tackles for loss. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Trade #tracker #Chiefs #move #Mansoor #Delane

Liverpool’s third-choice goalkeeper Freddie Woodman could feature in Saturday’s Premier League match against Crystal Palace, manager Arne Slot said as he looks to manage a goalkeeping crisis.

The 29-year-old made his first Liverpool appearance in last weekend’s 2-1 Merseyside derby win over Everton after Giorgi Mamardashvili, who had been playing in place of the injured Alisson Becker, was forced off in the second half.

“Giorgi will definitely not be available and not for the upcoming weeks,” Slot told reporters.

“Ali is close to returning to play. Let’s see if Saturday comes too early. That leaves Freddie Woodman as an option, who is definitely fit.”

Slot said Liverpool’s decision to sign an experienced third-choice goalkeeper was made with such scenarios in mind.

“Usually you don’t need him that much, but there could be situations when one is injured and one is suspended — or in this case, more than one is unavailable,” the 47-year-old said.

ALSO READ: Manchester City leapfrogs Arsenal to top Premier League table; Burnley relegated

“He has the experience to play at Premier League level, but definitely at Championship level.

“He’s ready for it, but it will always be helpful if the fans support him.”

Slot also confirmed that defender Joe Gomez is available again after missing the derby through injury, while midfielder Wataru Endo is making good progress and could return before the end of the season.

Despite discussions already under way about next season and Slot’s future, he said his focus remains firmly on the short term and Liverpool’s push for a top-five finish.

“Margins are small. One or two results can make a big difference. Two weeks ago we weren’t five points clear of sixth place and two results later we are,” he said.

“It can also go both ways, so my full focus is on Palace.”

Liverpool has faced Palace three times this season without a win, and Slot highlighted the challenge posed by Oliver Glasner’s side.

“They have a very good manager who is able to bring a lot of discipline to that team. It’s really hard to create chances against them,” he said.

“They have conceded the second-fewest goals after Arsenal, so that tells you a lot.”

Liverpool is fifth on 55 points and hosts 13th-placed Palace on Saturday as it continues its push for Champions League qualification.

Published on Apr 24, 2026

#Woodman #start #Liverpool #deal #goalkeeping #crisis #Palace #clash">Woodman could start as Liverpool deal with goalkeeping crisis before Palace clash Liverpool’s third-choice goalkeeper Freddie Woodman could feature in Saturday’s Premier League match against Crystal Palace, manager Arne Slot said as he looks to manage a goalkeeping crisis.The 29-year-old made his first Liverpool appearance in last weekend’s 2-1 Merseyside derby win over Everton after Giorgi Mamardashvili, who had been playing in place of the injured Alisson Becker, was forced off in the second half.“Giorgi will definitely not be available and not for the upcoming weeks,” Slot told reporters.“Ali is close to returning to play. Let’s see if Saturday comes too early. That leaves Freddie Woodman as an option, who is definitely fit.”Slot said Liverpool’s decision to sign an experienced third-choice goalkeeper was made with such scenarios in mind.“Usually you don’t need him that much, but there could be situations when one is injured and one is suspended — or in this case, more than one is unavailable,” the 47-year-old said.ALSO READ: Manchester City leapfrogs Arsenal to top Premier League table; Burnley relegated“He has the experience to play at Premier League level, but definitely at Championship level.“He’s ready for it, but it will always be helpful if the fans support him.”Slot also confirmed that defender Joe Gomez is available again after missing the derby through injury, while midfielder Wataru Endo is making good progress and could return before the end of the season.Despite discussions already under way about next season and Slot’s future, he said his focus remains firmly on the short term and Liverpool’s push for a top-five finish.“Margins are small. One or two results can make a big difference. Two weeks ago we weren’t five points clear of sixth place and two results later we are,” he said.“It can also go both ways, so my full focus is on Palace.”Liverpool has faced Palace three times this season without a win, and Slot highlighted the challenge posed by Oliver Glasner’s side.“They have a very good manager who is able to bring a lot of discipline to that team. It’s really hard to create chances against them,” he said.“They have conceded the second-fewest goals after Arsenal, so that tells you a lot.”Liverpool is fifth on 55 points and hosts 13th-placed Palace on Saturday as it continues its push for Champions League qualification.Published on Apr 24, 2026 #Woodman #start #Liverpool #deal #goalkeeping #crisis #Palace #clash

Manchester City leapfrogs Arsenal to top Premier League table; Burnley relegated

“He has the experience to play at Premier League level, but definitely at Championship level.

“He’s ready for it, but it will always be helpful if the fans support him.”

Slot also confirmed that defender Joe Gomez is available again after missing the derby through injury, while midfielder Wataru Endo is making good progress and could return before the end of the season.

Despite discussions already under way about next season and Slot’s future, he said his focus remains firmly on the short term and Liverpool’s push for a top-five finish.

“Margins are small. One or two results can make a big difference. Two weeks ago we weren’t five points clear of sixth place and two results later we are,” he said.

“It can also go both ways, so my full focus is on Palace.”

Liverpool has faced Palace three times this season without a win, and Slot highlighted the challenge posed by Oliver Glasner’s side.

“They have a very good manager who is able to bring a lot of discipline to that team. It’s really hard to create chances against them,” he said.

“They have conceded the second-fewest goals after Arsenal, so that tells you a lot.”

Liverpool is fifth on 55 points and hosts 13th-placed Palace on Saturday as it continues its push for Champions League qualification.

Published on Apr 24, 2026

#Woodman #start #Liverpool #deal #goalkeeping #crisis #Palace #clash">Woodman could start as Liverpool deal with goalkeeping crisis before Palace clash

Liverpool’s third-choice goalkeeper Freddie Woodman could feature in Saturday’s Premier League match against Crystal Palace, manager Arne Slot said as he looks to manage a goalkeeping crisis.

The 29-year-old made his first Liverpool appearance in last weekend’s 2-1 Merseyside derby win over Everton after Giorgi Mamardashvili, who had been playing in place of the injured Alisson Becker, was forced off in the second half.

“Giorgi will definitely not be available and not for the upcoming weeks,” Slot told reporters.

“Ali is close to returning to play. Let’s see if Saturday comes too early. That leaves Freddie Woodman as an option, who is definitely fit.”

Slot said Liverpool’s decision to sign an experienced third-choice goalkeeper was made with such scenarios in mind.

“Usually you don’t need him that much, but there could be situations when one is injured and one is suspended — or in this case, more than one is unavailable,” the 47-year-old said.

ALSO READ: Manchester City leapfrogs Arsenal to top Premier League table; Burnley relegated

“He has the experience to play at Premier League level, but definitely at Championship level.

“He’s ready for it, but it will always be helpful if the fans support him.”

Slot also confirmed that defender Joe Gomez is available again after missing the derby through injury, while midfielder Wataru Endo is making good progress and could return before the end of the season.

Despite discussions already under way about next season and Slot’s future, he said his focus remains firmly on the short term and Liverpool’s push for a top-five finish.

“Margins are small. One or two results can make a big difference. Two weeks ago we weren’t five points clear of sixth place and two results later we are,” he said.

“It can also go both ways, so my full focus is on Palace.”

Liverpool has faced Palace three times this season without a win, and Slot highlighted the challenge posed by Oliver Glasner’s side.

“They have a very good manager who is able to bring a lot of discipline to that team. It’s really hard to create chances against them,” he said.

“They have conceded the second-fewest goals after Arsenal, so that tells you a lot.”

Liverpool is fifth on 55 points and hosts 13th-placed Palace on Saturday as it continues its push for Champions League qualification.

Published on Apr 24, 2026

#Woodman #start #Liverpool #deal #goalkeeping #crisis #Palace #clash
Deadspin | Behind Bo Bichette, Mets put mini win streak on line vs. Rockies Apr 23, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets shortstop Bo Bichette (19) hits a three-run double during the eighth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images Bo Bichette seems to like batting leadoff for the New York Mets. Good thing, because the Mets are going to be without their usual leadoff hitter for a while. Bichette and the Mets will look to continue building a winning streak Friday night when New York hosts the Colorado Rockies in the opener of a three-game series. Freddy Peralta (1-2, 4.05 ERA) is slated to start for the Mets against the Rockies’ Michael Lorenzen (1-2, 7.48) in a battle of right-handers. The Mets and Rockies were on the opposite ends of 10-8 scores as the host team in the rubber matches of three-game series Thursday. New York outlasted the Minnesota Twins, while Colorado fell to the San Diego Padres. Bichette went 3-for-5 on Thursday, when his three-run eighth-inning double snapped a 7-7 tie and helped the Mets avoid an ugly loss. New York, which ended a 12-game losing streak on Wednesday, squandered a 7-2 lead on Thursday. The Mets then nearly frittered away the advantage again in the ninth, when Devin Williams gave up an RBI single to Tristan Gray before he ended the game by striking out Trevor Larnach with the potential tying run in scoring position. The Mets won the same day Francisco Lindor, the team’s regular leadoff man, went on the 10-day injured list due to a strained left calf sustained Wednesday night. “It’s hard to (establish) a timetable,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said regarding Lindor’s absence, “but we do know that he’s going to be down for a while.” Fortunately for the Mets, Bichette appears to be warming up after a slow start. The 28-year-old third baseman, who signed with New York in January, went 1-for-4 as the leadoff hitter on Wednesday, when Mendoza shuffled the lineup and batted Lindor fourth. The three hits Thursday tied a season high for Bichette, who has collected a hit in seven of his past eight games to raise his average to .238 — only the third time this season that he ended a game batting higher than .230. “I don’t know if it has anything to do with (being first in the lineup),” said Bichette, a career .282 hitter when batting leadoff. “I felt good today.” The Rockies appeared to be on the verge of a feel-good victory on Thursday and their second straight winning homestand to start the season when they carried an 8-5 lead into the ninth inning. However, closer Victor Vodnik, who got the final out of the eighth, gave up five runs in the ninth, including Gavin Sheets’ go-ahead three-run homer. Colorado finished 3-4 on a homestand that included a split of a four-game series with the two-time defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers. The Rockies, who went 4-2 on their first homestand of the season against the Philadelphia Phillies and Houston Astros, had a 25-56 home mark last year, when they finished a franchise-worst 43-119. The Rockies are 10-16 this season, which puts them ahead of only the Mets (9-16) and the Philadelphia Phillies (8-17) in the National League but well ahead of the pace they set last year, when Colorado didn’t record its 10th win until June 2. “It’s been a year so far with a lot of highs and some lows,” said Rockies outfielder Mickey Moniak, who went 4-for-5 with two homers on Thursday. “Now it’s just going to be about finding that consistent high and figuring out ways to win baseball games.” Peralta took the defeat in his most recent start, when he gave up three runs over 5 2/3 innings as the Mets fell 4-2 to the Chicago Cubs on Saturday. He is 4-2 with a 3.49 ERA in eight career games (seven starts) against the Rockies. Lorenzen didn’t factor into the decision Sunday after allowing three runs over five innings in the Rockies’ 9-6 win over the Dodgers. He owns a 2-1 record and a 2.61 ERA with two saves in 16 games (four starts) vs. the Mets. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Bichette #Mets #put #mini #win #streak #line #RockiesApr 23, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets shortstop Bo Bichette (19) hits a three-run double during the eighth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Bo Bichette seems to like batting leadoff for the New York Mets.

Good thing, because the Mets are going to be without their usual leadoff hitter for a while.

Bichette and the Mets will look to continue building a winning streak Friday night when New York hosts the Colorado Rockies in the opener of a three-game series.

Freddy Peralta (1-2, 4.05 ERA) is slated to start for the Mets against the Rockies’ Michael Lorenzen (1-2, 7.48) in a battle of right-handers.

The Mets and Rockies were on the opposite ends of 10-8 scores as the host team in the rubber matches of three-game series Thursday. New York outlasted the Minnesota Twins, while Colorado fell to the San Diego Padres.

Bichette went 3-for-5 on Thursday, when his three-run eighth-inning double snapped a 7-7 tie and helped the Mets avoid an ugly loss.

New York, which ended a 12-game losing streak on Wednesday, squandered a 7-2 lead on Thursday. The Mets then nearly frittered away the advantage again in the ninth, when Devin Williams gave up an RBI single to Tristan Gray before he ended the game by striking out Trevor Larnach with the potential tying run in scoring position.

The Mets won the same day Francisco Lindor, the team’s regular leadoff man, went on the 10-day injured list due to a strained left calf sustained Wednesday night.

“It’s hard to (establish) a timetable,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said regarding Lindor’s absence, “but we do know that he’s going to be down for a while.”


Fortunately for the Mets, Bichette appears to be warming up after a slow start. The 28-year-old third baseman, who signed with New York in January, went 1-for-4 as the leadoff hitter on Wednesday, when Mendoza shuffled the lineup and batted Lindor fourth.

The three hits Thursday tied a season high for Bichette, who has collected a hit in seven of his past eight games to raise his average to .238 — only the third time this season that he ended a game batting higher than .230.

“I don’t know if it has anything to do with (being first in the lineup),” said Bichette, a career .282 hitter when batting leadoff. “I felt good today.”

The Rockies appeared to be on the verge of a feel-good victory on Thursday and their second straight winning homestand to start the season when they carried an 8-5 lead into the ninth inning. However, closer Victor Vodnik, who got the final out of the eighth, gave up five runs in the ninth, including Gavin Sheets’ go-ahead three-run homer.

Colorado finished 3-4 on a homestand that included a split of a four-game series with the two-time defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Rockies, who went 4-2 on their first homestand of the season against the Philadelphia Phillies and Houston Astros, had a 25-56 home mark last year, when they finished a franchise-worst 43-119.

The Rockies are 10-16 this season, which puts them ahead of only the Mets (9-16) and the Philadelphia Phillies (8-17) in the National League but well ahead of the pace they set last year, when Colorado didn’t record its 10th win until June 2.

“It’s been a year so far with a lot of highs and some lows,” said Rockies outfielder Mickey Moniak, who went 4-for-5 with two homers on Thursday. “Now it’s just going to be about finding that consistent high and figuring out ways to win baseball games.”

Peralta took the defeat in his most recent start, when he gave up three runs over 5 2/3 innings as the Mets fell 4-2 to the Chicago Cubs on Saturday. He is 4-2 with a 3.49 ERA in eight career games (seven starts) against the Rockies.

Lorenzen didn’t factor into the decision Sunday after allowing three runs over five innings in the Rockies’ 9-6 win over the Dodgers. He owns a 2-1 record and a 2.61 ERA with two saves in 16 games (four starts) vs. the Mets.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Bichette #Mets #put #mini #win #streak #line #Rockies">Deadspin | Behind Bo Bichette, Mets put mini win streak on line vs. Rockies Apr 23, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets shortstop Bo Bichette (19) hits a three-run double during the eighth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images Bo Bichette seems to like batting leadoff for the New York Mets. Good thing, because the Mets are going to be without their usual leadoff hitter for a while. Bichette and the Mets will look to continue building a winning streak Friday night when New York hosts the Colorado Rockies in the opener of a three-game series. Freddy Peralta (1-2, 4.05 ERA) is slated to start for the Mets against the Rockies’ Michael Lorenzen (1-2, 7.48) in a battle of right-handers. The Mets and Rockies were on the opposite ends of 10-8 scores as the host team in the rubber matches of three-game series Thursday. New York outlasted the Minnesota Twins, while Colorado fell to the San Diego Padres. Bichette went 3-for-5 on Thursday, when his three-run eighth-inning double snapped a 7-7 tie and helped the Mets avoid an ugly loss. New York, which ended a 12-game losing streak on Wednesday, squandered a 7-2 lead on Thursday. The Mets then nearly frittered away the advantage again in the ninth, when Devin Williams gave up an RBI single to Tristan Gray before he ended the game by striking out Trevor Larnach with the potential tying run in scoring position. The Mets won the same day Francisco Lindor, the team’s regular leadoff man, went on the 10-day injured list due to a strained left calf sustained Wednesday night. “It’s hard to (establish) a timetable,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said regarding Lindor’s absence, “but we do know that he’s going to be down for a while.” Fortunately for the Mets, Bichette appears to be warming up after a slow start. The 28-year-old third baseman, who signed with New York in January, went 1-for-4 as the leadoff hitter on Wednesday, when Mendoza shuffled the lineup and batted Lindor fourth. The three hits Thursday tied a season high for Bichette, who has collected a hit in seven of his past eight games to raise his average to .238 — only the third time this season that he ended a game batting higher than .230. “I don’t know if it has anything to do with (being first in the lineup),” said Bichette, a career .282 hitter when batting leadoff. “I felt good today.” The Rockies appeared to be on the verge of a feel-good victory on Thursday and their second straight winning homestand to start the season when they carried an 8-5 lead into the ninth inning. However, closer Victor Vodnik, who got the final out of the eighth, gave up five runs in the ninth, including Gavin Sheets’ go-ahead three-run homer. Colorado finished 3-4 on a homestand that included a split of a four-game series with the two-time defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers. The Rockies, who went 4-2 on their first homestand of the season against the Philadelphia Phillies and Houston Astros, had a 25-56 home mark last year, when they finished a franchise-worst 43-119. The Rockies are 10-16 this season, which puts them ahead of only the Mets (9-16) and the Philadelphia Phillies (8-17) in the National League but well ahead of the pace they set last year, when Colorado didn’t record its 10th win until June 2. “It’s been a year so far with a lot of highs and some lows,” said Rockies outfielder Mickey Moniak, who went 4-for-5 with two homers on Thursday. “Now it’s just going to be about finding that consistent high and figuring out ways to win baseball games.” Peralta took the defeat in his most recent start, when he gave up three runs over 5 2/3 innings as the Mets fell 4-2 to the Chicago Cubs on Saturday. He is 4-2 with a 3.49 ERA in eight career games (seven starts) against the Rockies. Lorenzen didn’t factor into the decision Sunday after allowing three runs over five innings in the Rockies’ 9-6 win over the Dodgers. He owns a 2-1 record and a 2.61 ERA with two saves in 16 games (four starts) vs. the Mets. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Bichette #Mets #put #mini #win #streak #line #Rockies

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