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Top Seeds in Eastern Conference in Trouble During NBA Playoffs Round 1 | Deadspin.com The New York Knicks looked like they would be cruising to a 2-0 series lead over the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night, then CJ McCollum struck. New York was outscored 28-15 in the 4th quarter, and all the momentum has flipped back in the Hawks’ favor as the series heads down south to Atlanta for game three.Then over in Detroit, the Pistons feel like they’re in a must-win game two, as they’ll be looking to even their series up at one game apiece before the series heads down to Orlando.Both Detroit and New York had lofty expectations heading into the playoffs, but the road has been a little bumpier than expected. For the Pistons, it was shocking to see another team set the tone for aggression in game one. Specifically with Isaiah Stewart and Jalen Duren. Those two combined for only 11 points and 11 rebounds and struggled to handle the physical play Orlando has consistently brought to the playoffs over the last few seasons.Detroit wouldn’t be the first 60-win team to get bounced in the first round, but this would feel like a massive setback for the organization. JB Bickerstaff has a reputation for struggling in the postseason, and a first-round exit would bring into question whether he’s the right guy to lead the Pistons, even after two tremendous seasons turning things around in the Motor City.The vibe for the Knicks is a bit different than what we’re seeing in Detroit, but their fans are still starting to feel some heat. New York has been in control for 95 minutes of this series, yet it’s still tied at 1 game each.Of course, you’d think that New York would still be confident that they’re going to win this series; unfortunately, you can’t help but remember what Trae Young and previous iterations of the Hawks have done to the city. It’s hard not to let negative thoughts creep into your brain after what you’ve experienced in the past. If there was one lower seed the city of New York wanted to miss, it was Atlanta, and we’re already seeing why in what might be the best series in the first round of the playoffs.Boston is the third favorite in the East to drop a game, but the vibe in that series still feels entirely different. Boston has notoriously dominated the Sixers in the postseason, so I doubt that even after losing one game, they’re feeling any pressure in their series.The Knicks are still -198 to advance, and Detroit is -205, so they’re still solidly favorites to advance, but the pressure has begun to creep in. Who would’ve guessed that James Harden and the Cavs would look the most comfortable in an Eastern Conference first-round series? #Top #Seeds #Eastern #Conference #Trouble #NBA #Playoffs #Deadspin.com

Top Seeds in Eastern Conference in Trouble During NBA Playoffs Round 1 | Deadspin.com

The New York Knicks looked like they would be cruising to a 2-0 series lead over the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night, then CJ McCollum struck. New York was outscored 28-15 in the 4th quarter, and all the momentum has flipped back in the Hawks’ favor as the series heads down south to Atlanta for game three.

Then over in Detroit, the Pistons feel like they’re in a must-win game two, as they’ll be looking to even their series up at one game apiece before the series heads down to Orlando.

Both Detroit and New York had lofty expectations heading into the playoffs, but the road has been a little bumpier than expected. For the Pistons, it was shocking to see another team set the tone for aggression in game one. Specifically with Isaiah Stewart and Jalen Duren. Those two combined for only 11 points and 11 rebounds and struggled to handle the physical play Orlando has consistently brought to the playoffs over the last few seasons.

Detroit wouldn’t be the first 60-win team to get bounced in the first round, but this would feel like a massive setback for the organization. JB Bickerstaff has a reputation for struggling in the postseason, and a first-round exit would bring into question whether he’s the right guy to lead the Pistons, even after two tremendous seasons turning things around in the Motor City.

The vibe for the Knicks is a bit different than what we’re seeing in Detroit, but their fans are still starting to feel some heat. New York has been in control for 95 minutes of this series, yet it’s still tied at 1 game each.

Of course, you’d think that New York would still be confident that they’re going to win this series; unfortunately, you can’t help but remember what Trae Young and previous iterations of the Hawks have done to the city. It’s hard not to let negative thoughts creep into your brain after what you’ve experienced in the past. If there was one lower seed the city of New York wanted to miss, it was Atlanta, and we’re already seeing why in what might be the best series in the first round of the playoffs.

Boston is the third favorite in the East to drop a game, but the vibe in that series still feels entirely different. Boston has notoriously dominated the Sixers in the postseason, so I doubt that even after losing one game, they’re feeling any pressure in their series.

The Knicks are still -198 to advance, and Detroit is -205, so they’re still solidly favorites to advance, but the pressure has begun to creep in. Who would’ve guessed that James Harden and the Cavs would look the most comfortable in an Eastern Conference first-round series?

#Top #Seeds #Eastern #Conference #Trouble #NBA #Playoffs #Deadspin.com

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The New York Knicks looked like they would be cruising to a 2-0 series lead over the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night, then CJ McCollum struck. New York was outscored 28-15 in the 4th quarter, and all the momentum has flipped back in the Hawks’ favor as the series heads down south to Atlanta for game three.

Then over in Detroit, the Pistons feel like they’re in a must-win game two, as they’ll be looking to even their series up at one game apiece before the series heads down to Orlando.

Both Detroit and New York had lofty expectations heading into the playoffs, but the road has been a little bumpier than expected. For the Pistons, it was shocking to see another team set the tone for aggression in game one. Specifically with Isaiah Stewart and Jalen Duren. Those two combined for only 11 points and 11 rebounds and struggled to handle the physical play Orlando has consistently brought to the playoffs over the last few seasons.

Detroit wouldn’t be the first 60-win team to get bounced in the first round, but this would feel like a massive setback for the organization. JB Bickerstaff has a reputation for struggling in the postseason, and a first-round exit would bring into question whether he’s the right guy to lead the Pistons, even after two tremendous seasons turning things around in the Motor City.

The vibe for the Knicks is a bit different than what we’re seeing in Detroit, but their fans are still starting to feel some heat. New York has been in control for 95 minutes of this series, yet it’s still tied at 1 game each.

Of course, you’d think that New York would still be confident that they’re going to win this series; unfortunately, you can’t help but remember what Trae Young and previous iterations of the Hawks have done to the city. It’s hard not to let negative thoughts creep into your brain after what you’ve experienced in the past. If there was one lower seed the city of New York wanted to miss, it was Atlanta, and we’re already seeing why in what might be the best series in the first round of the playoffs.

Boston is the third favorite in the East to drop a game, but the vibe in that series still feels entirely different. Boston has notoriously dominated the Sixers in the postseason, so I doubt that even after losing one game, they’re feeling any pressure in their series.

The Knicks are still -198 to advance, and Detroit is -205, so they’re still solidly favorites to advance, but the pressure has begun to creep in. Who would’ve guessed that James Harden and the Cavs would look the most comfortable in an Eastern Conference first-round series?

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#Top #Seeds #Eastern #Conference #Trouble #NBA #Playoffs #Deadspin.com

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Alex Albon: New F1 regulations lacks the pureness of the sport <div id="content-body-70893147" itemprop="articleBody"><p>The 2026 Formula One regulations have come under criticism by drivers for taking the fun out of the racing. The bone of contention has centred on the new hybrid Power Unit, which is 50% electric, irritating drivers, as the cars are energy-starved and can’t be driven at full speed at all times.</p><p>In light of this, the FIA and F1 have decided to make tweaks ahead of the next race in Miami in May, and Williams F1 driver Alexander Albon has welcomed the change.</p><p>“Positive, definitely towards the right direction. Is it going to fix everything? Likely not, but how much can we actually fix? I think we’ve gone the right way to address a lot of the purity of the sport,” said Albon during an interaction organised by <i>FanCode</i> on Wednesday.</p><p>At the same time, the British-born Thai racer echoed the prevalent view in the paddock that these cars are fundamentally different to what F1 used to be and lack the purity of racing.</p><p><b>READ</b> | <b><a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/motorsport/f1/formula-one-fia-hails-inputs-from-drivers-on-changes-in-2026-season-f1-rules-meeting-latest-updates/article70883108.ece" target="_blank">FIA hails ‘invaluable input’ from drivers ahead of F1 rules meeting</a></b></p><p>“Yeah, so basically the biggest thing I think is when you think about karting, when you think about everything we’ve done until this year, to go faster, you just drive as fast as you can. It’s as simple as that. This year, the game has changed, where there are many situations where, by driving slower, you can go faster, and so it lacks the pureness of the sport in many ways,” he added.</p><p>The 30-year-old also felt that adapting is part and parcel of the sport and hoped things would get better over time.</p><p>“It depends. What do people think is the essence of motorsport or racing? Is it to be purely the fastest car around the lap, or the fastest driver around the lap? We cannot forget that motorsport and racing are also about adapting. Every year we have a new regulation, and every year the best teams adapt better than everyone else. So, in terms of the purity of the sport in driving, I would say yes, I agree that’s been taken away. But in terms of the sport and the focus of performance, it’s still about adapting. Maybe the dials of the regulations are not quite there yet, but it’s getting there,” Albon responded to a question of whether the new tech was veering the sport away from its soul.</p><p>“We still need a bit more work. I still think after Miami, there’s still going to be a couple of extra final tune-ups before the drivers and the teams are happy.”</p><p>Regarding the driving challenge, Albon believed drivers had to rewire their minds, even though the cars aren’t physically taxing.</p><p>“It is not physically more difficult; if anything, it’s physically easier, just because the tracks are slower. But then the mental side is very different.</p><p>“I think part of that is because it’s not as natural to do. Like I told you before, about how driving slower goes faster. I think a Formula 1 driver is not built to think that way. I think maybe in Formula E, yes, but in Formula 1, no. And so kind of rewiring your brain and getting into a habit of changing these kinds of things is very different. I was quite surprised by it, and I think every race feels easier and easier, as it should. But for sure, it’s mentally a lot more of a challenge.”</p><p>In a year where Mercedes has established itself as the best team so far, Williams, running a Mercedes Power Unit, has had a harder time languishing at ninth in the standings after the first three races. The team missed the Barcelona tests and, so far, has only two points, courtesy of Carlos Sainz’s ninth-place finish at the Chinese GP.</p><p>On the team’s target, Albon hoped the team could get close to the midfield by the year-end, which would be a realistic ambition.</p><p>“I mean, it’s no secret. Look at the results. We are on the back foot.</p><p>“We’re not where we want to be. We have an aggressive upgrade plan. I would say Miami isn’t the biggest upgrade compared to what we’re planning for the rest of the season. I still feel like the midfield fight is going to be tough. It’s all relative today. We know we have performance.”</p><p>“Clearly, now everyone knows our car is heavy. We know the more we can take the weight out, the better position we’ll be in. I believe by the middle of the season to the end of the season, we’re going to catch up to the midfield. That’s a target for us. The main thing for us is that every race and every upgrade package needs to work. We need to make sure that we’re efficient. Obviously, we have a big gap to close down,” remarked Albon.</p><p>The former Red Bull driver himself has had a tough time adapting to the new regulations, having yet to score a point, and has revealed that a lot of it also has to do with software.</p><p>“I think I’ve been a little bit on the back foot with these regulation changes. I recognise my driving style isn’t as efficient as I would like. The focus is on adapting and changing. As I said, it’s a different way to drive these cars nowadays. It’s kind of one of these things, as you learn throughout the year,” Albon candidly admitted to his struggles.</p><p>“Mercedes and HPP (High Performance Powertrains) need to learn how you drive, and you also need to learn how to drive their software. A lot of it is software-based. Much of it comes down to algorithms and sensitivities. So that’s been a bit of a challenge. I think, as a driver, the main thing you can do is help develop bespoke software for your car,” he added.</p><p><b>READ</b> | <b><a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/motorsport/f1/f1-technical-heads-to-meet-discuss-new-engine-rules-changes-motorsport-news/article70839707.ece" target="_blank">F1 technical heads to meet, discuss new engine rules</a></b></p><p>During qualifying for the Japanese GP, Albon expressed frustration at being slower than his teammate Sainz, attributing the gap to his driving style.</p><p>“Most of that is just down to trying to understand the system, honestly. I think we realised at the start of the season that I’m doing okay in the corners and I’m struggling a bit on the straights. As a group, that’s Williams, me, and Mercedes, trying to understand where these differences come from between drivers.”</p><p>“It’s amazing when you actually look at the details; it all adds up. If a driver has a different driving style, it can affect how the system works. We actually spent a lot of these five weeks trying to understand it. Spending a lot of time with Mercedes as well, trying to understand where these differences come from,” said Albon.</p><p><i>Fans Can Watch Formula 1 on FanCode</i></p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 22, 2026</p></div> #Alex #Albon #regulations #lacks #pureness #sport

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What is Project ACL — US league joins global project to cut injuries in women’s football <div id="content-body-70893051" itemprop="articleBody"><p>The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and its players’ union ​have joined Project ACL, a global initiative aimed at ⁠reducing the number of anterior cruciate ligament injuries in professional women’s football.</p><p>The collaboration brings the U.S.-based NWSL into a programme that was launched in England’s Women’s Super ‌League two years ago in response to a call for more research into ACL tears, with women more than twice ‌as likely to suffer the debilitating injury than men.</p><p>Project ACL ‌seeks ⁠to better understand the multiple factors behind ACL injuries, with ⁠researchers saying there is limited evidence on how to reduce such injuries at the professional level, and women make up as little as eight per cent of sports science research.</p><p>The NWSL ​and NWSLPA will work alongside ‌existing partners Nike, Leeds Beckett University and global players union FIFPRO to build evidence-based practices to help the women’s game, studying not just the physical causes but training conditions, scheduling demands and recovery ‌environments.</p><p><b>ALSO READ | <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/other-sports/why-are-women-more-likely-to-suffer-acl-injuries-reason-explained-coventry-university-study/article70227221.ece" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Study links poor childhood movement skills to rising ACL injuries in girls</a></b></p><p>Since its launch, Project ACL researchers have surveyed staff across all ​12 WSL clubs and conducted interviews with more than 30 players, with support from England’s Professional Footballers’ Association.</p><p>The project ⁠is also tracking players’ workload, travel and critical zone appearances (games with less than five days of recovery time) via the FIFPRO Player Workload Monitoring ‌tool to establish links between scheduling and injury risk.</p><p>The formal launch of the NWSL partnership was held on Wednesday at Nike’s headquarters in New York.</p><p>“We believe that player-centricity and collaboration with key stakeholders are central to establishing meaningful change in the soccer ecosystem and that players, competition organizers and stakeholders around the world will benefit from Project ACL’s ‌outputs and outcomes,” said Dr. Alex Culvin, FIFPRO’s director of women’s football.</p><p>The NWSL’s vice-president ​of sporting, Sarah Gregorius, said player health was central to the league’s future.</p><p><b>ALSO READ | <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/womens-euro-2025-acl-research-injury-list-women-football-prevention-fifpro-report/article69759752.ece" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Women’s EURO 2025: ACL research in women’s football needs to focus on prevention over cure</a></b></p><p>“This is an area where we intend to ⁠lead,” she said. “By continuing to invest in this work, we can help ⁠build environments where our players are better supported and able to perform at their best.”</p><p>More than 25 players missed the FIFA ‌Women’s World Cup due to ACL injuries.</p><p>Gotham FC defender Kayla Duran is the most recent NWSL player to suffer the season-ending knee ​injury, in a game against Kansas City Current on April 4.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 22, 2026</p></div> #Project #ACL #league #joins #global #project #cut #injuries #womens #football

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Meanwhile, the Eagles got absolutely bailed out of their WR mess by their in-division rival. Philadelphia were staring down the barrel of either needing to reach for a pass catcher, or take a different position, potentially be forced to trade AJ Brown, and get left with an incomplete offense. Now with DeVonta Smith and Makai Lemon they’re set — and both players came to the Eagles via trades with the Cowboys.

Time will tell how all this shakes out. Maybe Iheanachor will turn into a stud, Lemon will be a bust and everything will play out … or this could be a moment that haunts the Steelers forever.

#exact #moment #Steelers #Eagles #ruined #draft #plans">This was the exact moment the Steelers found out the Eagles ruined their draft plans The Pittsburgh Steelers were on the receiving end of the most embarrassing, soul-crushing moment of the NFL Draft’s first round on Thursday night — and it came courtesy of their in-state rival, the Philadelphia Eagles, just to rub salt in the wound.GM Omar Khan was on the phone with USC wide receiver Makai Lemon, telling the prospect that he was going to be picked at No. 21 and become a Steeler. Then all the oxygen got sucked from Pittsburgh’s war room when Lemon told Khan, “Why is Philly calling?”The Steelers jumped the gun in making the call. They reached out to Lemon when the Cowboys were on the clock, assuming there was no way that Dallas was going to take a wide receiver — and also likely assuming that they wouldn’t trade in-division with the Eagles, who were the most-likely team to take a receiver at that point.It led to a bit of a mess. Pittsburgh ended up making a decent choice in offensive tackle Max Iheanachor, but he was definitely more of a reach based on consensus big boards, whereas Lemon would have been a steal. It’s also unclear how Iheanachor makes the Steelers immediately better, seeming more like Broderick Jones insurance than a home run in his own right. Find every pick of the 2026 NFL Draft with our tracker.Meanwhile, the Eagles got absolutely bailed out of their WR mess by their in-division rival. Philadelphia were staring down the barrel of either needing to reach for a pass catcher, or take a different position, potentially be forced to trade AJ Brown, and get left with an incomplete offense. Now with DeVonta Smith and Makai Lemon they’re set — and both players came to the Eagles via trades with the Cowboys.Time will tell how all this shakes out. Maybe Iheanachor will turn into a stud, Lemon will be a bust and everything will play out … or this could be a moment that haunts the Steelers forever. #exact #moment #Steelers #Eagles #ruined #draft #plans

Meanwhile, the Eagles got absolutely bailed out of their WR mess by their in-division rival. Philadelphia were staring down the barrel of either needing to reach for a pass catcher, or take a different position, potentially be forced to trade AJ Brown, and get left with an incomplete offense. Now with DeVonta Smith and Makai Lemon they’re set — and both players came to the Eagles via trades with the Cowboys.

Time will tell how all this shakes out. Maybe Iheanachor will turn into a stud, Lemon will be a bust and everything will play out … or this could be a moment that haunts the Steelers forever.

#exact #moment #Steelers #Eagles #ruined #draft #plans">This was the exact moment the Steelers found out the Eagles ruined their draft plans

The Pittsburgh Steelers were on the receiving end of the most embarrassing, soul-crushing moment of the NFL Draft’s first round on Thursday night — and it came courtesy of their in-state rival, the Philadelphia Eagles, just to rub salt in the wound.

GM Omar Khan was on the phone with USC wide receiver Makai Lemon, telling the prospect that he was going to be picked at No. 21 and become a Steeler. Then all the oxygen got sucked from Pittsburgh’s war room when Lemon told Khan, “Why is Philly calling?”

The Steelers jumped the gun in making the call. They reached out to Lemon when the Cowboys were on the clock, assuming there was no way that Dallas was going to take a wide receiver — and also likely assuming that they wouldn’t trade in-division with the Eagles, who were the most-likely team to take a receiver at that point.

It led to a bit of a mess. Pittsburgh ended up making a decent choice in offensive tackle Max Iheanachor, but he was definitely more of a reach based on consensus big boards, whereas Lemon would have been a steal. It’s also unclear how Iheanachor makes the Steelers immediately better, seeming more like Broderick Jones insurance than a home run in his own right. Find every pick of the 2026 NFL Draft with our tracker.

Meanwhile, the Eagles got absolutely bailed out of their WR mess by their in-division rival. Philadelphia were staring down the barrel of either needing to reach for a pass catcher, or take a different position, potentially be forced to trade AJ Brown, and get left with an incomplete offense. Now with DeVonta Smith and Makai Lemon they’re set — and both players came to the Eagles via trades with the Cowboys.

Time will tell how all this shakes out. Maybe Iheanachor will turn into a stud, Lemon will be a bust and everything will play out … or this could be a moment that haunts the Steelers forever.

#exact #moment #Steelers #Eagles #ruined #draft #plans

RCB bowler Rasikh Salam walked off the field due to cramps against Gujarat Titans at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Friday night.

Rasikh was set to bowl the last over of the first innings but mid way through his run up on the first ball, he slowed down, stopped, and went down, holding his feet.

The 26-year-old faced a similar issue during RCB’s match against Mumbai Indians a week ago, when the bowler had to be treated multiple times by the physios and the match was interrupted on more than one occasion.

While Rasikh managed to carry on against MI, he was unable to continue against GT and after an assessment by the physios, the team management decided to take him off the field.

Krunal Pandya bowled the last over in place of Rasikh as GT ended with 205 on the board. Rasikh registered figures of 0/28 off his three overs tonight before he was forced to walk off the field.

Published on Apr 24, 2026

#RCB #IPL #Rasikh #Salam #walks #field #cramps #Gujarat #Titans">RCB vs GT IPL 2026: Rasikh Salam walks off the field with cramps against Gujarat Titans RCB bowler Rasikh Salam walked off the field due to cramps against Gujarat Titans at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Friday night.Rasikh was set to bowl the last over of the first innings but mid way through his run up on the first ball, he slowed down, stopped, and went down, holding his feet.The 26-year-old faced a similar issue during RCB’s match against Mumbai Indians a week ago, when the bowler had to be treated multiple times by the physios and the match was interrupted on more than one occasion.While Rasikh managed to carry on against MI, he was unable to continue against GT and after an assessment by the physios, the team management decided to take him off the field.Krunal Pandya bowled the last over in place of Rasikh as GT ended with 205 on the board. Rasikh registered figures of 0/28 off his three overs tonight before he was forced to walk off the field.Published on Apr 24, 2026 #RCB #IPL #Rasikh #Salam #walks #field #cramps #Gujarat #Titans

Deadspin | Brandon Nimmo, Rangers take aim at Athletics Apr 18, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Texas Rangers right fielder Brandon Nimmo (24) hits a single during the eighth inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. The hit was the 1,000th hit of his career. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images After taking two of three contests from the Pittsburgh Pirates to open a nine-game homestand, the Texas Rangers will welcome the Athletics to Arlington for the opener of a three-game series on Friday night. The Rangers are feeling good about their offseason trade that landed them a reliable leadoff hitter, outfielder Brandon Nimmo, from the New York Mets. With a two-hit game in Texas’ 6-1 series-clinching win over the Pirates on Thursday night, Nimmo raised his batting average to .304 for the season. He’s recorded seven doubles, four home runs and 11 RBIs in his first 25 games with the Rangers. After spending the first 10 years of his career with the Mets, Nimmo came to Texas in a November transaction that sent second baseman Marcus Semien to New York. Nimmo, 33, got an early chance to celebrate a career achievement with his new team, as he recorded his 1,000th career hit in the Rangers’ 7-3 loss in Seattle last Saturday. Texas manager Skip Schumaker has praised Nimmo for his attitude and the dimension he’s added to the lineup. “All he cares about is winning. We’re just so fortunate to have him,” Schumaker said. Nathan Eovaldi (2-3, 5.06 ERA) will be Texas’ starting pitcher for Friday’s opener. Eovaldi, who is in the second season of a three-year, million deal, last pitched on the day Nimmo reached his hitting milestone. He took the loss Saturday after giving up four runs (two earned) on eight hits in five innings vs. the Mariners. Eovaldi, 36, is 4-2 with a 2.54 ERA in 15 career appearances (all starts) against the A’s. The Athletics come to Arlington following an off day and with renewed spirit after winning a series at Seattle to begin the week. They defeated the Mariners 6-4 on Monday and 5-2 on Tuesday before dropping a 5-4 decision in the series finale on Wednesday. The Athletics needed the break that their travel day on Thursday provided, as they just wrapped a stretch of 16 games in 16 days dating to April 7. Manager Mark Kotsay said he was happy to see his team rewarded after gutting through its uninterrupted run of games. “This club came in here focused, prepared — to see them win a series at the end of it, it’s a good feeling,” Kotsay said. Luis Severino (0-2, 6.20 ERA) will start start for the A’s on Friday. The right-hander is 2-3 with a 3.97 ERA in nine career appearances (eight starts) against the Rangers. Severino has struggled for control, walking 20 hitters in 24 2/3 innings this season. This will be the second meeting between the Athletics and Rangers this season. The teams split a four-game set hosted by the A’s from April 13-16. Texas won the head-to-head series last season, 8-5. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Brandon #Nimmo #Rangers #aim #AthleticsApr 18, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Texas Rangers right fielder Brandon Nimmo (24) hits a single during the eighth inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. The hit was the 1,000th hit of his career. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images

After taking two of three contests from the Pittsburgh Pirates to open a nine-game homestand, the Texas Rangers will welcome the Athletics to Arlington for the opener of a three-game series on Friday night.

The Rangers are feeling good about their offseason trade that landed them a reliable leadoff hitter, outfielder Brandon Nimmo, from the New York Mets.

With a two-hit game in Texas’ 6-1 series-clinching win over the Pirates on Thursday night, Nimmo raised his batting average to .304 for the season. He’s recorded seven doubles, four home runs and 11 RBIs in his first 25 games with the Rangers.

After spending the first 10 years of his career with the Mets, Nimmo came to Texas in a November transaction that sent second baseman Marcus Semien to New York.

Nimmo, 33, got an early chance to celebrate a career achievement with his new team, as he recorded his 1,000th career hit in the Rangers’ 7-3 loss in Seattle last Saturday.

Texas manager Skip Schumaker has praised Nimmo for his attitude and the dimension he’s added to the lineup.

“All he cares about is winning. We’re just so fortunate to have him,” Schumaker said.


Nathan Eovaldi (2-3, 5.06 ERA) will be Texas’ starting pitcher for Friday’s opener. Eovaldi, who is in the second season of a three-year, $75 million deal, last pitched on the day Nimmo reached his hitting milestone. He took the loss Saturday after giving up four runs (two earned) on eight hits in five innings vs. the Mariners.

Eovaldi, 36, is 4-2 with a 2.54 ERA in 15 career appearances (all starts) against the A’s.

The Athletics come to Arlington following an off day and with renewed spirit after winning a series at Seattle to begin the week. They defeated the Mariners 6-4 on Monday and 5-2 on Tuesday before dropping a 5-4 decision in the series finale on Wednesday.

The Athletics needed the break that their travel day on Thursday provided, as they just wrapped a stretch of 16 games in 16 days dating to April 7. Manager Mark Kotsay said he was happy to see his team rewarded after gutting through its uninterrupted run of games.

“This club came in here focused, prepared — to see them win a series at the end of it, it’s a good feeling,” Kotsay said.

Luis Severino (0-2, 6.20 ERA) will start start for the A’s on Friday. The right-hander is 2-3 with a 3.97 ERA in nine career appearances (eight starts) against the Rangers.

Severino has struggled for control, walking 20 hitters in 24 2/3 innings this season.

This will be the second meeting between the Athletics and Rangers this season. The teams split a four-game set hosted by the A’s from April 13-16. Texas won the head-to-head series last season, 8-5.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Brandon #Nimmo #Rangers #aim #Athletics">Deadspin | Brandon Nimmo, Rangers take aim at Athletics Apr 18, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Texas Rangers right fielder Brandon Nimmo (24) hits a single during the eighth inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. The hit was the 1,000th hit of his career. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images After taking two of three contests from the Pittsburgh Pirates to open a nine-game homestand, the Texas Rangers will welcome the Athletics to Arlington for the opener of a three-game series on Friday night. The Rangers are feeling good about their offseason trade that landed them a reliable leadoff hitter, outfielder Brandon Nimmo, from the New York Mets. With a two-hit game in Texas’ 6-1 series-clinching win over the Pirates on Thursday night, Nimmo raised his batting average to .304 for the season. He’s recorded seven doubles, four home runs and 11 RBIs in his first 25 games with the Rangers. After spending the first 10 years of his career with the Mets, Nimmo came to Texas in a November transaction that sent second baseman Marcus Semien to New York. Nimmo, 33, got an early chance to celebrate a career achievement with his new team, as he recorded his 1,000th career hit in the Rangers’ 7-3 loss in Seattle last Saturday. Texas manager Skip Schumaker has praised Nimmo for his attitude and the dimension he’s added to the lineup. “All he cares about is winning. We’re just so fortunate to have him,” Schumaker said. Nathan Eovaldi (2-3, 5.06 ERA) will be Texas’ starting pitcher for Friday’s opener. Eovaldi, who is in the second season of a three-year, million deal, last pitched on the day Nimmo reached his hitting milestone. He took the loss Saturday after giving up four runs (two earned) on eight hits in five innings vs. the Mariners. Eovaldi, 36, is 4-2 with a 2.54 ERA in 15 career appearances (all starts) against the A’s. The Athletics come to Arlington following an off day and with renewed spirit after winning a series at Seattle to begin the week. They defeated the Mariners 6-4 on Monday and 5-2 on Tuesday before dropping a 5-4 decision in the series finale on Wednesday. The Athletics needed the break that their travel day on Thursday provided, as they just wrapped a stretch of 16 games in 16 days dating to April 7. Manager Mark Kotsay said he was happy to see his team rewarded after gutting through its uninterrupted run of games. “This club came in here focused, prepared — to see them win a series at the end of it, it’s a good feeling,” Kotsay said. Luis Severino (0-2, 6.20 ERA) will start start for the A’s on Friday. The right-hander is 2-3 with a 3.97 ERA in nine career appearances (eight starts) against the Rangers. Severino has struggled for control, walking 20 hitters in 24 2/3 innings this season. This will be the second meeting between the Athletics and Rangers this season. The teams split a four-game set hosted by the A’s from April 13-16. Texas won the head-to-head series last season, 8-5. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Brandon #Nimmo #Rangers #aim #Athletics

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