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Deadspin | Braves promote RHP Didier Fuentes, shuffle rotation  Mar 29, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves pitcher Didier Fuentes (72) pitches against the Kansas City Royals during the sixth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images   The Atlanta Braves promoted right-hander Didier Fuentes from Triple-A Gwinnett to start Wednesday’s road game against the Washington Nationals.  Right-handed reliever Ian Hamilton was designated for assignment to make room on the roster for Fuentes.  The Braves pushed previously announced starter Martin Perez back to Thursday at Washington, giving fellow left-hander Chris Sale an additional day of rest before he takes the mound at home Friday against the Philadelphia Phillies.  Fuentes, who made his major league debut last season, started the season in the Atlanta bullpen before being sent down to Gwinnett to build up as a starter.   He had a 2.25 ERA in four major league innings with four strikeouts and one walk before he was sent down. In three Triple-A starts spanning 16 2/3 innings, he went 1-1 with a 2.16 ERA, 20 strikeouts and six walks.  Fuentes, who debuted three days after his 20th birthday last June, had a 13.85 ERA in four starts and 13 innings in 2025, allowing 20 earned runs on 23 hits. However, his 0.66 ERA, 18 strikeouts and one walk over 13 2/3 innings this spring helped him earn an Opening Day roster spot.  Hamilton, 30, allowed three runs in one inning of his Braves debut in Tuesday’s 11-4 loss to the Nationals. Over seven seasons with the Chicago White Sox (2018, 2020), Minnesota Twins (2022), New York Yankees (2023-25) and Braves, Hamilton is 6-6 with a 3.75 ERA over 151 1/3 innings.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Braves #promote #RHP #Didier #Fuentes #shuffle #rotation

Deadspin | Braves promote RHP Didier Fuentes, shuffle rotation
Deadspin | Braves promote RHP Didier Fuentes, shuffle rotation  Mar 29, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves pitcher Didier Fuentes (72) pitches against the Kansas City Royals during the sixth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images   The Atlanta Braves promoted right-hander Didier Fuentes from Triple-A Gwinnett to start Wednesday’s road game against the Washington Nationals.  Right-handed reliever Ian Hamilton was designated for assignment to make room on the roster for Fuentes.  The Braves pushed previously announced starter Martin Perez back to Thursday at Washington, giving fellow left-hander Chris Sale an additional day of rest before he takes the mound at home Friday against the Philadelphia Phillies.  Fuentes, who made his major league debut last season, started the season in the Atlanta bullpen before being sent down to Gwinnett to build up as a starter.   He had a 2.25 ERA in four major league innings with four strikeouts and one walk before he was sent down. In three Triple-A starts spanning 16 2/3 innings, he went 1-1 with a 2.16 ERA, 20 strikeouts and six walks.  Fuentes, who debuted three days after his 20th birthday last June, had a 13.85 ERA in four starts and 13 innings in 2025, allowing 20 earned runs on 23 hits. However, his 0.66 ERA, 18 strikeouts and one walk over 13 2/3 innings this spring helped him earn an Opening Day roster spot.  Hamilton, 30, allowed three runs in one inning of his Braves debut in Tuesday’s 11-4 loss to the Nationals. Over seven seasons with the Chicago White Sox (2018, 2020), Minnesota Twins (2022), New York Yankees (2023-25) and Braves, Hamilton is 6-6 with a 3.75 ERA over 151 1/3 innings.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Braves #promote #RHP #Didier #Fuentes #shuffle #rotationMar 29, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves pitcher Didier Fuentes (72) pitches against the Kansas City Royals during the sixth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

The Atlanta Braves promoted right-hander Didier Fuentes from Triple-A Gwinnett to start Wednesday’s road game against the Washington Nationals.

Right-handed reliever Ian Hamilton was designated for assignment to make room on the roster for Fuentes.

The Braves pushed previously announced starter Martin Perez back to Thursday at Washington, giving fellow left-hander Chris Sale an additional day of rest before he takes the mound at home Friday against the Philadelphia Phillies.


Fuentes, who made his major league debut last season, started the season in the Atlanta bullpen before being sent down to Gwinnett to build up as a starter.

He had a 2.25 ERA in four major league innings with four strikeouts and one walk before he was sent down. In three Triple-A starts spanning 16 2/3 innings, he went 1-1 with a 2.16 ERA, 20 strikeouts and six walks.

Fuentes, who debuted three days after his 20th birthday last June, had a 13.85 ERA in four starts and 13 innings in 2025, allowing 20 earned runs on 23 hits. However, his 0.66 ERA, 18 strikeouts and one walk over 13 2/3 innings this spring helped him earn an Opening Day roster spot.

Hamilton, 30, allowed three runs in one inning of his Braves debut in Tuesday’s 11-4 loss to the Nationals. Over seven seasons with the Chicago White Sox (2018, 2020), Minnesota Twins (2022), New York Yankees (2023-25) and Braves, Hamilton is 6-6 with a 3.75 ERA over 151 1/3 innings.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Braves #promote #RHP #Didier #Fuentes #shuffle #rotation

Mar 29, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves pitcher Didier Fuentes (72) pitches against the Kansas City Royals during the sixth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

The Atlanta Braves promoted right-hander Didier Fuentes from Triple-A Gwinnett to start Wednesday’s road game against the Washington Nationals.

Right-handed reliever Ian Hamilton was designated for assignment to make room on the roster for Fuentes.

The Braves pushed previously announced starter Martin Perez back to Thursday at Washington, giving fellow left-hander Chris Sale an additional day of rest before he takes the mound at home Friday against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Fuentes, who made his major league debut last season, started the season in the Atlanta bullpen before being sent down to Gwinnett to build up as a starter.

He had a 2.25 ERA in four major league innings with four strikeouts and one walk before he was sent down. In three Triple-A starts spanning 16 2/3 innings, he went 1-1 with a 2.16 ERA, 20 strikeouts and six walks.

Fuentes, who debuted three days after his 20th birthday last June, had a 13.85 ERA in four starts and 13 innings in 2025, allowing 20 earned runs on 23 hits. However, his 0.66 ERA, 18 strikeouts and one walk over 13 2/3 innings this spring helped him earn an Opening Day roster spot.

Hamilton, 30, allowed three runs in one inning of his Braves debut in Tuesday’s 11-4 loss to the Nationals. Over seven seasons with the Chicago White Sox (2018, 2020), Minnesota Twins (2022), New York Yankees (2023-25) and Braves, Hamilton is 6-6 with a 3.75 ERA over 151 1/3 innings.

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Braves #promote #RHP #Didier #Fuentes #shuffle #rotation

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Kentucky’s transfer portal struggles put more heat on Mark Pope, and he deserves it <div id="zephr-anchor"><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Mark Pope’s first year as the head coach of the Kentucky men’s basketball program was sort of like a Hallmark Christmas movie: Cute, predictable, got the job done, but lacking in the substance for any viewer or fan to refer to it as one of their favorite movies or seasons of all-time.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Pope understood the assignment. Whenever there’s an unamiable parting of ways, the task for the next person up is to showcase that they’re capable of continuing to provide the good qualities of the person they’re replacing, but also that they are the antithesis of said person in the areas that had ultimately steered the relationship towards a breakup.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Kentucky fans were upset that John Calipari seemingly refused to modernize his offensive philosophies.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Mark Pope came from BYU with an offensive game plan centered around lighting up the scoreboard with outside shots and high percentage buckets at the rim.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Kentucky fans were upset that John Calipari had seemed to believe that he had become bigger than the program.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Mark Pope was a former player who played up the notion that the Big Blue Nation WAS Kentucky basketball, and that this was a perpetual truth that couldn’t be changed.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Kentucky fans were <em>really </em>upset that John Calipari hadn’t been to the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament since 2019 and couldn’t seem to stop losing games to double-digit seeds.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Mark Pope’s first Kentucky team played to its 3-seed, making the Sweet 16 before getting hammered by conference rival Tennessee.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">It was nice, it was refreshing, and it hit just about every necessary benchmark the fan base had for year one. It also wasn’t going to be good enough moving forward.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">This is a fan base that demands the biggest and the best, and Hallmark Christmas movies don’t win Oscars and they don’t get standing ovations at Cannes.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Telling Kentucky fans how great they are and consistently referencing how lucky he is to be the most important man in Lexington was never going to be enough for Pope in year two. The bar was always going to be raised, and simply not being John Calipari was never going to be the boost necessary to clear it.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The task got even taller when <a href="https://www.kentucky.com/sports/college/kentucky-sports/uk-basketball-men/article312461238.html">reports</a> surfaced last October that Kentucky had spent $22 million on its 2025-26 roster, and that the number was the most in the sport “by a wide margin.” Immediately, the target that is always on UK’s back became larger than Pope’s 6’10 frame. The tolerance for another potential “cute, fun, but not special” season evaporated instantly.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Dealing with some injuries?</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Don’t care, $22 million roster.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Drop a game you’re not supposed to drop?</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Can’t happen, $22 million roster.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Fall short of the ultimate goal in March.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Simply unacceptable, $22 million roster.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">This was the established terrain when Pope and Kentucky began year two ranked inside the preseason top 10.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Pope then stepped in nearly all of the covered landmines that were scattered seemingly everywhere across the college basketball landscape.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">One of the few things that BBN still loved about Calipari by the time that both sides agreed it was time for a divorce was that he still dominated hated rival Louisville. Cal was 13-3 against the Cardinals and had won his two last Battle of the Bluegrass games by a combined 42 points.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">In its first real test of the 2025-26 season, Pope’s Wildcats trailed Louisville by as many as 20 points before ultimately falling by a score of 96-88. Prominent members of UK’s fan media declared it as the official “honeymoon’s over” moment between Pope and the fan base. There are certain games you can lose as Kentucky’s head coach without sending the websites and the message boards and the radio shows in the Commonwealth into a full-blown 48 hour (or more) meltdown. The Louisville game is never one of them.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">When the on-the-court stuff goes haywire at a place like Kentucky, the off-the-court stuff suddenly becomes nearly impossible to manage. Pope didn’t do himself any favors on that front.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">With the fan base still fuming over the loss, Pope seemed to try and hint at an excuse for the team’s poor performance.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">“I’m not ready to tell the story yet, but at some point, we will talk in detail about our pregame experience at Louisville,” Pope said. “It was out of character for us. I don’t want our guys to be run by their emotion; I want them to be able to focus their emotion.”</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The message did not resonate with its targeted audience.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Kentucky fans ripped into their head coach for insinuating there was a valid reason for the team not looking stellar against Louisville but not telling anybody what it was. Rumors also began to swirl throughout the Bluegrass State in a way that is typically reserved for if the Wildcats are really struggling during the heart of a season.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Did Pope get into it with a player?</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Are two players going after the same girl?</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Are THREE players going after the same girl?</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Three nights later, after a 99-53 blowout win over Eastern Illinois, Pope made light of the comment and the tidal wave of response it had created.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">“I’m a big Taylor Swift fan and I just love to leave out these things that keep everybody wondering and guessing,” Pope joked. “It really is nothing; it’s just something about the emotional level of our team. I want to tease it and let it play for a few more days. It was just the way we felt as a team and how we responded.”</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Pope quickly learned that a 44-point win in a buy game three days after a loss to Louisville didn’t earn him the right to make quirky jokes again. Not even ones with Taylor Swift references.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The heat doubled a week after the Louisville loss when Kentucky went to Madison Square Garden for the annual Champions Classic doubleheader and got throttled by Michigan State, 83-66. They followed that up with a home loss to North Carolina and a 45-point beatdown at the hands of Gonzaga that sent BBN into a full-on frenzy.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The heat didn’t die down during conference play, where UK lost eight games and was forced to play on the opening day of the SEC Tournament for the first time in the history of the program. Even Billy Gillispie earned at least a single bye in the league tourney in both of his failed seasons in Lexington.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">A dramatic overtime win over Santa Clara provided some positive March vibes for about 24 hours, but a blowout loss to a short-handed Iowa State team in round two officially set the tone for Pope’s third spring wearing the Commonwealth’s heaviest crown: It’s time to start showing us something … or else.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">So far, “or else” has dominated the spring conversations in the Bluegrass State.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Kentucky was viewed as a heavy favorite for G-Leaguer Dink Pate. Pate ultimately committed to Providence.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Highly-coveted BYU point guard Rob Wright was seen as a done deal for the Wildcats … until Wright actually visited UK. Quickly, rumors of Wright’s visit going south began to spread, and the rising junior ultimately opted to re-sign with the Cougars.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Syracuse transfer Donnie Freeman was talked about as a sure thing for Kentucky for weeks. Then, Rick Pitino — Pope’s former head coach and mentor — swooped in and stole him. <a href="https://x.com/GoodmanHoops/status/2046401813411221854?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E2046401813411221854%7Ctwgr%5Eb3799addae0f03bd01f3313bc2fc558e351f436b%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.si.com%2Fcollege%2Fkentucky%2Fmen-s-basketball%2Fthis-quote-on-donnie-freeman-s-decision-to-pick-st-john-s-will-frustrate-kentucky-fans">Reports</a> that Freeman wanted to play for “a guy that would coach him hard, and wanted someone who had coached pros” added insult to injury.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Tyran Stokes, a Kentucky native and the No. 1 overall player in the recruiting class of 2026, has seemed to be in no particular rush to pledge his loyalty to Pope and the Wildcats despite receiving the full-court press from BBN.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The Cats also lost Collin Chandler, who most believed would return for another season to BYU, and productive power forward Mo Dioubate to conference rival LSU.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">During this run of futility, Pope has become something of an internet meme, both locally and nationally.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">There are more. There are lots more.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">In fairness, it’s not like Kentucky appears to be headed for an all-time disaster of season. Pope <em>has </em>landed a pair of high-profile transfers in Washington’s Zoom Diallo and Furman’s Alex Wilkins. He’ll also return heavy contributors Malachi Moreno and Kam Williams from last year’s team. Those bones should be strong enough to form the nucleus of a team that should once again be NCAA Tournament good.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">But NCAA Tournament good isn’t the standard at Kentucky. Certainly not in year three of a head coach’s tenure.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Pope knew exactly what he was signing up for when he agreed to be the guy who followed Calipari in Lexington. The ceiling for the potential good at Kentucky is always about as high as any good in college basketball can be. You are king of the sport’s most passionate fan base and one its most powerful programs, and every second you exist, you are treated as such.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The floor for the potential bad is … well, Pope is flirting with finding out just how low that can get and how ugly things can become over the 10 months ahead.</p></div></div> #Kentuckys #transfer #portal #struggles #put #heat #Mark #Pope #deserves

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LSG vs RR, IPL 2026: Bowlers rule the roost to help Rajasthan Royals return to winning ways <div id="content-body-70894262" itemprop="articleBody"><p>In a rare slow-burn Indian Premier League (IPL) contest, Rajasthan Royals defeated Lucknow Super Giants by 40 runs at the Ekana Cricket Stadium here on Wednesday by successfully defending this season’s lowest total. </p><p>After the Royals managed just 159, Jofra Archer and Nandre Burger reduced the Super Giants to 11 for three in the PowerPlay, as Ayush Badoni, Rishabh Pant and Aiden Markram fell for ducks. </p><p>Nicholas Pooran’s painstaking 25-ball 22 ended just as the West Indian looked to tee off in the face of a mounting required rate. Ravindra Jadeja and Ravi Bishnoi’s stranglehold through the middle meant the host was always behind the eight ball. </p><p>With 61 runs needed from five overs, Mitchell Marsh’s steady presence in the middle gave the home fans hope before the Australian was undone by Burger’s slower one. </p><p>Riyan Parag’s low diving catch at extra-cover to dismiss the dangerous Mukul Choudhary was the last nail in LSG’s coffin. Brijesh Sharma and Archer later completed the formalities.</p><p><b>ALSO READ: <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/ipl/mumbai-indians-vs-chennai-super-kings-ipl-2026-mi-csk-rivalry-preview/article70893555.ece" target="_self">IPL 2026, Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings: A familiar rivalry seeks new relevance</a></b></p><p>Earlier, after the Super Giants elected to bowl, Mohammed Shami steamed in, with a slip in place on a spicy pitch, and delivered a pearler that was angled on leg-side but moved away late to kiss Dhruv Jurel’s outside edge and into the wicketkeeper’s gloves. A ball earlier, Shami had dismissed Yashasvi Jaiswal with a bouncer after he had carted Shami for three consecutive fours. </p><p>In the following over, Mohsin Khan stemmed the flow of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s exuberance by homing in on a good length consistently, which resulted in five dot balls, before Sooryavanshi rushed into a fatal slog. </p><p>Sensing the situation, Parag didn’t go feeling for the ball when Shami strode in again, with the RR skipper leaving one in the channel before solidly defending—pure Test match stuff. </p><p>RR’s top-order juggernaut had ground to a halt, crawling to 44 for three inside the PowerPlay. </p><p>Mayank Yadav’s 0 for 56 in four overs was the sole blemish in an otherwise spotless Super Giants bowling performance. </p><p>However, Jadeja and Impact Player Shubham Dubey’s 49-run partnership off 25 balls was crucial in consigning the Super Giants to their third straight defeat at home. </p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 22, 2026</p></div> #LSG #IPL #Bowlers #rule #roost #Rajasthan #Royals #return #winning #ways

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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