Deadspin | Giants WR Darius Slayton (core surgery) to miss offseason program New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (18) breaks a tackle attempt by Dallas Cowboys cornerback Corey Ballentine (36) before getting a Big Blue first down, Sunday, January 4, 2026, in East Rutherford. Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton underwent core muscle surgery after the 2025 season and won’t participate in the majority of the offseason program. The Giants expect him to be fully cleared for training camp and could still have interest in signing veteran free agent Odell Beckham Jr., the New York Post reported Thursday. Slayton and fellow wide receiver Malik Nabers (knee) are both recovering from surgeries. Nabers went down with a season-ending right knee injury. He had surgery to repair his torn ACL in a September win over the Los Angeles Chargers. Free agent Wan’Dale Robinson signed with the Tennessee Titans. He led the Giants with 92 receptions for 1,014 yards, more than double the next closest wide receiver’s production (Slayton) in 2025 with Nabers on injured reserve most of the season. The Giants drafted jumbo wide receiver Malachi Fields (6-foor-4, 200 pounds) in the third round of the 2026 draft, signed free agents Darnell Mooney (Falcons, Bears) and Calvin Austin III (Steelers) and currently list 13 wide receivers on their 90-man offseason roster. Slayton, 29, had 37 receptions for 538 yards and one touchdown in 2025. He was a fifth-round pick of the Giants in 2019 and has 296 career receptions for 4,435 yards with 22 touchdowns. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Giants #Darius #Slayton #core #surgery #offseason #program

Deadspin | Giants WR Darius Slayton (core surgery) to miss offseason program
Deadspin | Giants WR Darius Slayton (core surgery) to miss offseason program New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (18) breaks a tackle attempt by Dallas Cowboys cornerback Corey Ballentine (36) before getting a Big Blue first down, Sunday, January 4, 2026, in East Rutherford. Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton underwent core muscle surgery after the 2025 season and won’t participate in the majority of the offseason program. The Giants expect him to be fully cleared for training camp and could still have interest in signing veteran free agent Odell Beckham Jr., the New York Post reported Thursday. Slayton and fellow wide receiver Malik Nabers (knee) are both recovering from surgeries. Nabers went down with a season-ending right knee injury. He had surgery to repair his torn ACL in a September win over the Los Angeles Chargers. Free agent Wan’Dale Robinson signed with the Tennessee Titans. He led the Giants with 92 receptions for 1,014 yards, more than double the next closest wide receiver’s production (Slayton) in 2025 with Nabers on injured reserve most of the season. The Giants drafted jumbo wide receiver Malachi Fields (6-foor-4, 200 pounds) in the third round of the 2026 draft, signed free agents Darnell Mooney (Falcons, Bears) and Calvin Austin III (Steelers) and currently list 13 wide receivers on their 90-man offseason roster. Slayton, 29, had 37 receptions for 538 yards and one touchdown in 2025. He was a fifth-round pick of the Giants in 2019 and has 296 career receptions for 4,435 yards with 22 touchdowns. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Giants #Darius #Slayton #core #surgery #offseason #programNew York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (18) breaks a tackle attempt by Dallas Cowboys cornerback Corey Ballentine (36) before getting a Big Blue first down, Sunday, January 4, 2026, in East Rutherford.

Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton underwent core muscle surgery after the 2025 season and won’t participate in the majority of the offseason program.

The Giants expect him to be fully cleared for training camp and could still have interest in signing veteran free agent Odell Beckham Jr., the New York Post reported Thursday.

Slayton and fellow wide receiver Malik Nabers (knee) are both recovering from surgeries. Nabers went down with a season-ending right knee injury. He had surgery to repair his torn ACL in a September win over the Los Angeles Chargers.


Free agent Wan’Dale Robinson signed with the Tennessee Titans. He led the Giants with 92 receptions for 1,014 yards, more than double the next closest wide receiver’s production (Slayton) in 2025 with Nabers on injured reserve most of the season.

The Giants drafted jumbo wide receiver Malachi Fields (6-foor-4, 200 pounds) in the third round of the 2026 draft, signed free agents Darnell Mooney (Falcons, Bears) and Calvin Austin III (Steelers) and currently list 13 wide receivers on their 90-man offseason roster.

Slayton, 29, had 37 receptions for 538 yards and one touchdown in 2025. He was a fifth-round pick of the Giants in 2019 and has 296 career receptions for 4,435 yards with 22 touchdowns.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Giants #Darius #Slayton #core #surgery #offseason #program

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New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (18) breaks a tackle attempt by Dallas Cowboys cornerback Corey Ballentine (36) before getting a Big Blue first down, Sunday, January 4, 2026, in East Rutherford.

Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton underwent core muscle surgery after the 2025 season and won’t participate in the majority of the offseason program.

The Giants expect him to be fully cleared for training camp and could still have interest in signing veteran free agent Odell Beckham Jr., the New York Post reported Thursday.

Slayton and fellow wide receiver Malik Nabers (knee) are both recovering from surgeries. Nabers went down with a season-ending right knee injury. He had surgery to repair his torn ACL in a September win over the Los Angeles Chargers.

Free agent Wan’Dale Robinson signed with the Tennessee Titans. He led the Giants with 92 receptions for 1,014 yards, more than double the next closest wide receiver’s production (Slayton) in 2025 with Nabers on injured reserve most of the season.

The Giants drafted jumbo wide receiver Malachi Fields (6-foor-4, 200 pounds) in the third round of the 2026 draft, signed free agents Darnell Mooney (Falcons, Bears) and Calvin Austin III (Steelers) and currently list 13 wide receivers on their 90-man offseason roster.

Slayton, 29, had 37 receptions for 538 yards and one touchdown in 2025. He was a fifth-round pick of the Giants in 2019 and has 296 career receptions for 4,435 yards with 22 touchdowns.

–Field Level Media

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Deadspin | Lady Byng finalists: Anze Kopitar, Cole Caufield, Jake Sanderson <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28782663.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28782663.jpg" alt="NHL: Stanley Cup Playoffs-Los Angeles Kings at Colorado Avalanche" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 21, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Kings center Anze Kopitar (11) in the first period against the Colorado Avalanche in game two of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Los Angeles Kings captain Anze Kopitar, Montreal Canadiens forward Cole Caufield and Ottawa Senators defenseman Jake Sanderson were named the finalists for the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy on Thursday.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Kopitar is no stranger to the award, presented annually to the NHL player who best combines sportsmanship, gentlemanly conduct and ability. He won the award in 2015-16, 2022-23, 2024-25.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>The award, which will be voted on by the Professional Hockey Writers Association, will be announced at a later date.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-4"> <p>Kopitar, 38, recorded 38 points (12 goals, 26 assists) and committed five minor penalties while competing in his 20th and final NHL season. He is bidding to become the first back-to-back winner of the award since Martin St. Louis accomplished the feat for the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2009-10 and 2010-11.</p> </section> <section id="section-5"> <p>Caufield, 25, scored a career-high 51 goals to go along with 88 points and just 14 penalty minutes this season.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>Sanderson, 23, totaled 54 points (14 goals, 40 assists) and just eight penalty minutes in 67 games this season.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Lady #Byng #finalists #Anze #Kopitar #Cole #Caufield #Jake #Sanderson

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Deadspin | Duke announces streaming partnership with Amazon <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28617304.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28617304.jpg" alt="NCAA Basketball: NCAA Tournament Elite Eight-East Regional-Connecticut at Duke" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Mar 29, 2026; Washington, DC, USA; The Duke Blue Devils mascot performs during a timeout against the UConn Huskies in the first half during an Elite Eight game of the East Regional of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Duke is launching a pioneering partnership with Amazon that includes streaming three men’s basketball games next season on Prime Video.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Amazon’s first foray into broadcasting live college sports will feature the Blue Devils’ games against UConn on Nov. 25 in Las Vegas, reigning national champion Michigan at New York City’s Madison Square Garden on Dec. 21, and Gonzaga on Feb. 20 in Detroit.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>“In addition to our outstanding partnership with ESPN, we are excited to work with Prime Video on this groundbreaking initiative,” Duke athletic director Nina King said. “As Prime Video’s first college sports partner, this collaboration not only expands the global reach of Duke Men’s Basketball, but also creates meaningful opportunities for our student-athletes in a way that reflects innovation and excellence.”</p> </section><br/><section id="section-4"> <p>The deal announced Thursday also includes NIL opportunities for Duke athletes and a broader retail relationship that will be announced at a later date.</p> </section> <section id="section-5"> <p>Prime Video has televised NFL games since 2017, including “Thursday Night Football.” The streaming giant began an 11-year media deal with the NBA this season.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>One of the most decorated programs in NCAA Division I history, Duke has been to the Final Four 18 times and won five national championships. The Blue Devils finished 35-3 this past season after losing to UConn in the Elite Eight.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Duke #announces #streaming #partnership #Amazon

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Deadspin | LIV Golf touts ‘strong momentum’ despite New Orleans postponement The LIV Golf logo and team flags at LIV Golf Dallas golf tournament in 2025. Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images LIV Golf said the league looks forward to continuing its “strong momentum” despite postponing its New Orleans event scheduled for June amid questions about its future beyond 2026. In a statement provided to Field Level Media on Wednesday, LIV said it intends to “explore” a potential fall event in Louisiana while citing summer heat, a crowded sports calendar and course conditions among the reasons for the postponement. “In coordination with the Governor of Louisiana and Louisiana Economic Development, we have made the strategic decision to explore moving LIV Golf Louisiana to a new window later this fall,” the statement read. “This shift allows us to avoid the peak summer heat and the crowded global sports calendar while ensuring the course is in the championship condition our fans and players expect. “We are grateful for the continued partnership and flexibility of the state of Louisiana as we work together to deliver a world-class debut this fall. Our team is focused on maintaining the strong momentum of the 2026 season and we look forward to sharing finalized dates in the near future.” However, the postponement comes in the wake of reports that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is preparing to pull its funding for the league. LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil had promised employees in an email that the current season would go “exactly as planned, uninterrupted and at full throttle.” However, the postponement of the New Orleans event scheduled for June 25-28 leaves a gap between LIV Golf Andalucia in Spain (June 4-7) and LIV Golf United Kingdom (July 23-26). The league is set to return to action with LIV Golf Virginia next weekend. Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry’s statement on Tuesday confirmed reports that Louisiana has so far paid .2 million of a million agreement. LIV “is expected to return all state incentive funds” totaling .2 million; the other million was spent on improvements to the golf course, Bayou Oaks at City Park. “We appreciate LIV’s good-faith efforts and look forward to maintaining our partnership as we continue conversations around an event later this year,” Landry said. “We are grateful for the work of our local partners and the collaboration that supported this effort.” NOLA.com reported Monday that LIV was exploring a smaller, “exposition-style” event in New Orleans in the fall. The league’s team championship in late August is the last event currently scheduled, with the LIV Golf Louisiana event now listed at the bottom of the website’s schedule page without a date. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #LIV #Golf #touts #strong #momentum #Orleans #postponementThe LIV Golf logo and team flags at LIV Golf Dallas golf tournament in 2025. Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

LIV Golf said the league looks forward to continuing its “strong momentum” despite postponing its New Orleans event scheduled for June amid questions about its future beyond 2026.

In a statement provided to Field Level Media on Wednesday, LIV said it intends to “explore” a potential fall event in Louisiana while citing summer heat, a crowded sports calendar and course conditions among the reasons for the postponement.

“In coordination with the Governor of Louisiana and Louisiana Economic Development, we have made the strategic decision to explore moving LIV Golf Louisiana to a new window later this fall,” the statement read. “This shift allows us to avoid the peak summer heat and the crowded global sports calendar while ensuring the course is in the championship condition our fans and players expect.

“We are grateful for the continued partnership and flexibility of the state of Louisiana as we work together to deliver a world-class debut this fall. Our team is focused on maintaining the strong momentum of the 2026 season and we look forward to sharing finalized dates in the near future.”


However, the postponement comes in the wake of reports that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is preparing to pull its funding for the league. LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil had promised employees in an email that the current season would go “exactly as planned, uninterrupted and at full throttle.”

However, the postponement of the New Orleans event scheduled for June 25-28 leaves a gap between LIV Golf Andalucia in Spain (June 4-7) and LIV Golf United Kingdom (July 23-26). The league is set to return to action with LIV Golf Virginia next weekend.

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry’s statement on Tuesday confirmed reports that Louisiana has so far paid $3.2 million of a $7 million agreement. LIV “is expected to return all state incentive funds” totaling $1.2 million; the other $2 million was spent on improvements to the golf course, Bayou Oaks at City Park.

“We appreciate LIV’s good-faith efforts and look forward to maintaining our partnership as we continue conversations around an event later this year,” Landry said. “We are grateful for the work of our local partners and the collaboration that supported this effort.”

NOLA.com reported Monday that LIV was exploring a smaller, “exposition-style” event in New Orleans in the fall. The league’s team championship in late August is the last event currently scheduled, with the LIV Golf Louisiana event now listed at the bottom of the website’s schedule page without a date.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #LIV #Golf #touts #strong #momentum #Orleans #postponement">Deadspin | LIV Golf touts ‘strong momentum’ despite New Orleans postponement The LIV Golf logo and team flags at LIV Golf Dallas golf tournament in 2025. Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images LIV Golf said the league looks forward to continuing its “strong momentum” despite postponing its New Orleans event scheduled for June amid questions about its future beyond 2026. In a statement provided to Field Level Media on Wednesday, LIV said it intends to “explore” a potential fall event in Louisiana while citing summer heat, a crowded sports calendar and course conditions among the reasons for the postponement. “In coordination with the Governor of Louisiana and Louisiana Economic Development, we have made the strategic decision to explore moving LIV Golf Louisiana to a new window later this fall,” the statement read. “This shift allows us to avoid the peak summer heat and the crowded global sports calendar while ensuring the course is in the championship condition our fans and players expect. “We are grateful for the continued partnership and flexibility of the state of Louisiana as we work together to deliver a world-class debut this fall. Our team is focused on maintaining the strong momentum of the 2026 season and we look forward to sharing finalized dates in the near future.” However, the postponement comes in the wake of reports that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is preparing to pull its funding for the league. LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil had promised employees in an email that the current season would go “exactly as planned, uninterrupted and at full throttle.” However, the postponement of the New Orleans event scheduled for June 25-28 leaves a gap between LIV Golf Andalucia in Spain (June 4-7) and LIV Golf United Kingdom (July 23-26). The league is set to return to action with LIV Golf Virginia next weekend. Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry’s statement on Tuesday confirmed reports that Louisiana has so far paid .2 million of a million agreement. LIV “is expected to return all state incentive funds” totaling .2 million; the other million was spent on improvements to the golf course, Bayou Oaks at City Park. “We appreciate LIV’s good-faith efforts and look forward to maintaining our partnership as we continue conversations around an event later this year,” Landry said. “We are grateful for the work of our local partners and the collaboration that supported this effort.” NOLA.com reported Monday that LIV was exploring a smaller, “exposition-style” event in New Orleans in the fall. The league’s team championship in late August is the last event currently scheduled, with the LIV Golf Louisiana event now listed at the bottom of the website’s schedule page without a date. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #LIV #Golf #touts #strong #momentum #Orleans #postponement

Deadspin | Braves bring historic pace into series finale vs. Tigers Apr 29, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson (28) celebrates after a walk-off two-run home run against the Detroit Tigers in the ninth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images The Braves will look for their 11th straight win against the Detroit Tigers on Thursday afternoon when the teams play the finale of a three-game series in Atlanta. Matt Olson and the Braves gut-punched the Tigers on Wednesday when the first baseman crushed a two-run walk-off homer in the ninth inning. Detroit hasn’t beaten Atlanta since June 12, 2023. “When you have good years, you tend to have games like that,” Atlanta manager Walt Weiss said. “You look back and there’s always 10 or 12 games you won that you necessarily shouldn’t have. And we’ve had a few of those already. That’s a good sign.” Atlanta owns a major-league-best 22-9 mark, its best start in 26 years. The Braves have not lost a series, going 9-0-1. The 1983 team went a franchise-record tying 10 straight series without a defeat to open the season. The 1889 and 1892 Boston Beaneaters also opened their seasons with 10 straight series wins. “Like I said the other day, we’ve had innings where we’ve put up five, six and seven spots, so it kind of makes it feel like you’re in every ballgame when you feel like you can do that,” Olson said. Atlanta will pit right-hander Bryce Elder (3-1, 1.95 ERA) against Detroit southpaw Framber Valdez (2-1, 3.41) in the series finale. Elder, in his latest outing on Saturday against the Philadelphia Phillies, pitched seven innings and allowed three runs on six hits and one walk while striking out two. The Braves eventually lost 8-5 in 10 innings. Elder has made one career start against the Tigers, beating them last Sept. 19 by allowing one run — on a solo homer by Spencer Torkelson — in seven strong innings. Valdez did not receive a decision when he faced the Cincinnati Reds on Friday. His control was shaky and he allowed two runs on four hits and five walks while striking out four in 4 1/3 innings. He threw 89 pitches, only 47 strikes. Valdez is 1-1 with a 6.55 ERA in two career starts against the Braves, both while a member of the Houston Astros. He took a loss against Atlanta last Sept. 14 when he allowed five runs over four-plus innings. Detroit rookie Kevin McGonigle went 2-for-4 on Wednesday and extended his hitting streak to 13 games, during which he has hit .358 (19-for-53). He has reached safely in his past 26 starts. The Tigers had to put left-hander Casey Mize (right adductor strain) and shortstop Javier Baez (right ankle sprain) on the injured list on Wednesday. Detroit recalled lefty Emmanuel De Jesus and third baseman Jace Jung from Triple-A Toledo. “Hopefully time heals that and (Mize) will continue with his arm-moving and things like that,” manager A.J. Hinch said. “Javy’s is a pretty significant ankle sprain, so I don’t know what that means in terms of a timeline.” The biggest decision involves who will take Mize’s spot in the rotation, as the Tigers don’t have another day off until May 7. The Braves announced that right-hander Spencer Strider, out all season with a left oblique strain, would make his first start on Sunday at Colorado. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Braves #bring #historic #pace #series #finale #TigersApr 29, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson (28) celebrates after a walk-off two-run home run against the Detroit Tigers in the ninth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The Braves will look for their 11th straight win against the Detroit Tigers on Thursday afternoon when the teams play the finale of a three-game series in Atlanta.

Matt Olson and the Braves gut-punched the Tigers on Wednesday when the first baseman crushed a two-run walk-off homer in the ninth inning. Detroit hasn’t beaten Atlanta since June 12, 2023.

“When you have good years, you tend to have games like that,” Atlanta manager Walt Weiss said. “You look back and there’s always 10 or 12 games you won that you necessarily shouldn’t have. And we’ve had a few of those already. That’s a good sign.”

Atlanta owns a major-league-best 22-9 mark, its best start in 26 years. The Braves have not lost a series, going 9-0-1. The 1983 team went a franchise-record tying 10 straight series without a defeat to open the season. The 1889 and 1892 Boston Beaneaters also opened their seasons with 10 straight series wins.

“Like I said the other day, we’ve had innings where we’ve put up five, six and seven spots, so it kind of makes it feel like you’re in every ballgame when you feel like you can do that,” Olson said.

Atlanta will pit right-hander Bryce Elder (3-1, 1.95 ERA) against Detroit southpaw Framber Valdez (2-1, 3.41) in the series finale.

Elder, in his latest outing on Saturday against the Philadelphia Phillies, pitched seven innings and allowed three runs on six hits and one walk while striking out two. The Braves eventually lost 8-5 in 10 innings.


Elder has made one career start against the Tigers, beating them last Sept. 19 by allowing one run — on a solo homer by Spencer Torkelson — in seven strong innings.

Valdez did not receive a decision when he faced the Cincinnati Reds on Friday. His control was shaky and he allowed two runs on four hits and five walks while striking out four in 4 1/3 innings. He threw 89 pitches, only 47 strikes.

Valdez is 1-1 with a 6.55 ERA in two career starts against the Braves, both while a member of the Houston Astros. He took a loss against Atlanta last Sept. 14 when he allowed five runs over four-plus innings.

Detroit rookie Kevin McGonigle went 2-for-4 on Wednesday and extended his hitting streak to 13 games, during which he has hit .358 (19-for-53). He has reached safely in his past 26 starts.

The Tigers had to put left-hander Casey Mize (right adductor strain) and shortstop Javier Baez (right ankle sprain) on the injured list on Wednesday. Detroit recalled lefty Emmanuel De Jesus and third baseman Jace Jung from Triple-A Toledo.

“Hopefully time heals that and (Mize) will continue with his arm-moving and things like that,” manager A.J. Hinch said. “Javy’s is a pretty significant ankle sprain, so I don’t know what that means in terms of a timeline.”

The biggest decision involves who will take Mize’s spot in the rotation, as the Tigers don’t have another day off until May 7.

The Braves announced that right-hander Spencer Strider, out all season with a left oblique strain, would make his first start on Sunday at Colorado.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Braves #bring #historic #pace #series #finale #Tigers">Deadspin | Braves bring historic pace into series finale vs. Tigers Apr 29, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson (28) celebrates after a walk-off two-run home run against the Detroit Tigers in the ninth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images The Braves will look for their 11th straight win against the Detroit Tigers on Thursday afternoon when the teams play the finale of a three-game series in Atlanta. Matt Olson and the Braves gut-punched the Tigers on Wednesday when the first baseman crushed a two-run walk-off homer in the ninth inning. Detroit hasn’t beaten Atlanta since June 12, 2023. “When you have good years, you tend to have games like that,” Atlanta manager Walt Weiss said. “You look back and there’s always 10 or 12 games you won that you necessarily shouldn’t have. And we’ve had a few of those already. That’s a good sign.” Atlanta owns a major-league-best 22-9 mark, its best start in 26 years. The Braves have not lost a series, going 9-0-1. The 1983 team went a franchise-record tying 10 straight series without a defeat to open the season. The 1889 and 1892 Boston Beaneaters also opened their seasons with 10 straight series wins. “Like I said the other day, we’ve had innings where we’ve put up five, six and seven spots, so it kind of makes it feel like you’re in every ballgame when you feel like you can do that,” Olson said. Atlanta will pit right-hander Bryce Elder (3-1, 1.95 ERA) against Detroit southpaw Framber Valdez (2-1, 3.41) in the series finale. Elder, in his latest outing on Saturday against the Philadelphia Phillies, pitched seven innings and allowed three runs on six hits and one walk while striking out two. The Braves eventually lost 8-5 in 10 innings. Elder has made one career start against the Tigers, beating them last Sept. 19 by allowing one run — on a solo homer by Spencer Torkelson — in seven strong innings. Valdez did not receive a decision when he faced the Cincinnati Reds on Friday. His control was shaky and he allowed two runs on four hits and five walks while striking out four in 4 1/3 innings. He threw 89 pitches, only 47 strikes. Valdez is 1-1 with a 6.55 ERA in two career starts against the Braves, both while a member of the Houston Astros. He took a loss against Atlanta last Sept. 14 when he allowed five runs over four-plus innings. Detroit rookie Kevin McGonigle went 2-for-4 on Wednesday and extended his hitting streak to 13 games, during which he has hit .358 (19-for-53). He has reached safely in his past 26 starts. The Tigers had to put left-hander Casey Mize (right adductor strain) and shortstop Javier Baez (right ankle sprain) on the injured list on Wednesday. Detroit recalled lefty Emmanuel De Jesus and third baseman Jace Jung from Triple-A Toledo. “Hopefully time heals that and (Mize) will continue with his arm-moving and things like that,” manager A.J. Hinch said. “Javy’s is a pretty significant ankle sprain, so I don’t know what that means in terms of a timeline.” The biggest decision involves who will take Mize’s spot in the rotation, as the Tigers don’t have another day off until May 7. The Braves announced that right-hander Spencer Strider, out all season with a left oblique strain, would make his first start on Sunday at Colorado. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Braves #bring #historic #pace #series #finale #Tigers

Deadspin | Hunter Dobbins set for Cardinals debut vs. Pirates, Paul Skenes Apr 28, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Hunter Dobbins (40) throws in the outfield before the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images Hunter Dobbins will go up against a formidable opposite number in his Cardinals debut on Thursday afternoon when St. Louis opposes the host Pittsburgh Pirates. The 26-year-old right-hander will face the Pirates’ ace, reigning National League Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes (4-1, 2.48 ERA). St. Louis has won the first three contests of the four-game series after holding on for a 5-4 victory on Thursday night, which ended with Nathan Church leaping at the left field wall to snare Nick Gonzales’ long drive with a runner on. Dobbins will be activated from the injured list to make a spot start with St. Louis in the team’s stretch of 17 games in 17 days. Dobbins has been on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Memphis, where he went 3-0 with a 4.37 ERA in five starts. The Texas Tech product is set to make his first major league appearance since last July, when he was a member of the Boston Red Sox and tore his right ACL during a fielding play. That injury and an elbow strain limited him to 61 innings as a rookie in 2025. Dobbins will be trying to follow an outstanding start by Andre Pallante on Wednesday night, in which he allowed a run and five hits over six innings. Dobbins went 4-1 with a 4.13 ERA, 17 walks and 45 strikeouts in 13 games (11 starts) for the Red Sox last year. The Cardinals obtained Dobbins and two other pitching prospects when they traded Willson Contreras to Boston in December. Dobbins faced only two of Pittsburgh’s current players last season. Jake Mangum singled against him as a member of the Tampa Bay Rays, and Ryan O’Hearn went 0-for-2 vs. Dobbins while playing for the Baltimore Orioles. Skenes, who has 30 strikeouts and a 0.72 WHIP in 29 innings, is coming off a 6-0 win over the host Milwaukee Brewers on Friday in which he took a perfect game into the seventh. Jake Bauers’ two-out groundball single broke up the quest for perfection. Skenes had to settle for seven innings of one-hit, scoring ball. He struck out a season-best seven, walked none and threw a season-high 93 pitches. “That’s the best I’ve ever seen from anyone, I think,” Brewers manager Pat Murphy said after the game. Opponents are hitting .141 against Skenes this season. He held foes to a .198 average while winning NL Rookie of the Year in 2024 and a .199 average in his Cy Young campaign last season. “I think sometimes we lose sight of the fact that he came up two years ago and he’s in his third season in the big leagues,” Pirates manager Don Kelly said. “He’s continuing to get better, which is amazing considering what he’s already done in the game.” Even so, Skenes has yet to defeat St. Louis in his short career. Despite a 2.39 ERA and 41 strikeouts in 37 2/3 innings over six starts against the Cardinals, Skenes has a 0-4 record in those contests. St. Louis has only managed 27 hits with seven walks against him. Though his try for a game-winning walk-off home run was foiled by Church, Gonzales did extend his hitting streak to 10 games with a single earlier Wednesday night. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Hunter #Dobbins #set #Cardinals #debut #Pirates #Paul #SkenesApr 28, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Hunter Dobbins (40) throws in the outfield before the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Hunter Dobbins will go up against a formidable opposite number in his Cardinals debut on Thursday afternoon when St. Louis opposes the host Pittsburgh Pirates.

The 26-year-old right-hander will face the Pirates’ ace, reigning National League Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes (4-1, 2.48 ERA).

St. Louis has won the first three contests of the four-game series after holding on for a 5-4 victory on Thursday night, which ended with Nathan Church leaping at the left field wall to snare Nick Gonzales’ long drive with a runner on.

Dobbins will be activated from the injured list to make a spot start with St. Louis in the team’s stretch of 17 games in 17 days. Dobbins has been on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Memphis, where he went 3-0 with a 4.37 ERA in five starts.

The Texas Tech product is set to make his first major league appearance since last July, when he was a member of the Boston Red Sox and tore his right ACL during a fielding play. That injury and an elbow strain limited him to 61 innings as a rookie in 2025.

Dobbins will be trying to follow an outstanding start by Andre Pallante on Wednesday night, in which he allowed a run and five hits over six innings.

Dobbins went 4-1 with a 4.13 ERA, 17 walks and 45 strikeouts in 13 games (11 starts) for the Red Sox last year.

The Cardinals obtained Dobbins and two other pitching prospects when they traded Willson Contreras to Boston in December.


Dobbins faced only two of Pittsburgh’s current players last season. Jake Mangum singled against him as a member of the Tampa Bay Rays, and Ryan O’Hearn went 0-for-2 vs. Dobbins while playing for the Baltimore Orioles.

Skenes, who has 30 strikeouts and a 0.72 WHIP in 29 innings, is coming off a 6-0 win over the host Milwaukee Brewers on Friday in which he took a perfect game into the seventh. Jake Bauers’ two-out groundball single broke up the quest for perfection.

Skenes had to settle for seven innings of one-hit, scoring ball. He struck out a season-best seven, walked none and threw a season-high 93 pitches.

“That’s the best I’ve ever seen from anyone, I think,” Brewers manager Pat Murphy said after the game.

Opponents are hitting .141 against Skenes this season. He held foes to a .198 average while winning NL Rookie of the Year in 2024 and a .199 average in his Cy Young campaign last season.

“I think sometimes we lose sight of the fact that he came up two years ago and he’s in his third season in the big leagues,” Pirates manager Don Kelly said. “He’s continuing to get better, which is amazing considering what he’s already done in the game.”

Even so, Skenes has yet to defeat St. Louis in his short career. Despite a 2.39 ERA and 41 strikeouts in 37 2/3 innings over six starts against the Cardinals, Skenes has a 0-4 record in those contests. St. Louis has only managed 27 hits with seven walks against him.

Though his try for a game-winning walk-off home run was foiled by Church, Gonzales did extend his hitting streak to 10 games with a single earlier Wednesday night.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Hunter #Dobbins #set #Cardinals #debut #Pirates #Paul #Skenes">Deadspin | Hunter Dobbins set for Cardinals debut vs. Pirates, Paul Skenes Apr 28, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Hunter Dobbins (40) throws in the outfield before the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images Hunter Dobbins will go up against a formidable opposite number in his Cardinals debut on Thursday afternoon when St. Louis opposes the host Pittsburgh Pirates. The 26-year-old right-hander will face the Pirates’ ace, reigning National League Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes (4-1, 2.48 ERA). St. Louis has won the first three contests of the four-game series after holding on for a 5-4 victory on Thursday night, which ended with Nathan Church leaping at the left field wall to snare Nick Gonzales’ long drive with a runner on. Dobbins will be activated from the injured list to make a spot start with St. Louis in the team’s stretch of 17 games in 17 days. Dobbins has been on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Memphis, where he went 3-0 with a 4.37 ERA in five starts. The Texas Tech product is set to make his first major league appearance since last July, when he was a member of the Boston Red Sox and tore his right ACL during a fielding play. That injury and an elbow strain limited him to 61 innings as a rookie in 2025. Dobbins will be trying to follow an outstanding start by Andre Pallante on Wednesday night, in which he allowed a run and five hits over six innings. Dobbins went 4-1 with a 4.13 ERA, 17 walks and 45 strikeouts in 13 games (11 starts) for the Red Sox last year. The Cardinals obtained Dobbins and two other pitching prospects when they traded Willson Contreras to Boston in December. Dobbins faced only two of Pittsburgh’s current players last season. Jake Mangum singled against him as a member of the Tampa Bay Rays, and Ryan O’Hearn went 0-for-2 vs. Dobbins while playing for the Baltimore Orioles. Skenes, who has 30 strikeouts and a 0.72 WHIP in 29 innings, is coming off a 6-0 win over the host Milwaukee Brewers on Friday in which he took a perfect game into the seventh. Jake Bauers’ two-out groundball single broke up the quest for perfection. Skenes had to settle for seven innings of one-hit, scoring ball. He struck out a season-best seven, walked none and threw a season-high 93 pitches. “That’s the best I’ve ever seen from anyone, I think,” Brewers manager Pat Murphy said after the game. Opponents are hitting .141 against Skenes this season. He held foes to a .198 average while winning NL Rookie of the Year in 2024 and a .199 average in his Cy Young campaign last season. “I think sometimes we lose sight of the fact that he came up two years ago and he’s in his third season in the big leagues,” Pirates manager Don Kelly said. “He’s continuing to get better, which is amazing considering what he’s already done in the game.” Even so, Skenes has yet to defeat St. Louis in his short career. Despite a 2.39 ERA and 41 strikeouts in 37 2/3 innings over six starts against the Cardinals, Skenes has a 0-4 record in those contests. St. Louis has only managed 27 hits with seven walks against him. Though his try for a game-winning walk-off home run was foiled by Church, Gonzales did extend his hitting streak to 10 games with a single earlier Wednesday night. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Hunter #Dobbins #set #Cardinals #debut #Pirates #Paul #Skenes

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