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Deadspin | Magic rule out Franz Wagner (calf) for pivotal Game 6 vs. Pistons Apr 29, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (22) walks off the court after the game against the Detroit Pistons during game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images Magic standout forward Franz Wagner will miss his second straight game when Orlando attempts to close out its first-round series against the visiting Detroit Pistons on Friday night. Wagner is bothered by a right calf strain that also caused him to miss Game 5 of the Eastern Conference series on Wednesday. Orlando ruled out Wagner for Game 6 on Thursday afternoon. Wagner was injured in the second half of Game 4 when the Magic won 94-88 to take a 3-1 series lead. Detroit bounced back for a 116-109 home win in Game 5. “It impacts quite a bit,” Orlando coach Jamahl Mosley said after Game 5 on the loss of Wagner. “You obviously know how he has been playing and what he has been doing for us. More than anything, you just hate to see him out, with him being able to come back (from the ankle injury) and then bounce back out. For us, it changes things in a big way, but obviously, we always talk about next-man-up mentality.” Wagner played just 34 regular-season games due to the left ankle injury he sustained on Dec. 7. He briefly returned for two games in January and again for two games in February before the latter setback kept him sidelined until April 1. The 24-year-old German averaged 20.6 points per game. Wagner has averaged 16.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.8 steals over the first four games of the series against Detroit. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Magic #rule #Franz #Wagner #calf #pivotal #Game #Pistons

Deadspin | Magic rule out Franz Wagner (calf) for pivotal Game 6 vs. Pistons
Deadspin | Magic rule out Franz Wagner (calf) for pivotal Game 6 vs. Pistons Apr 29, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (22) walks off the court after the game against the Detroit Pistons during game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images Magic standout forward Franz Wagner will miss his second straight game when Orlando attempts to close out its first-round series against the visiting Detroit Pistons on Friday night. Wagner is bothered by a right calf strain that also caused him to miss Game 5 of the Eastern Conference series on Wednesday. Orlando ruled out Wagner for Game 6 on Thursday afternoon. Wagner was injured in the second half of Game 4 when the Magic won 94-88 to take a 3-1 series lead. Detroit bounced back for a 116-109 home win in Game 5. “It impacts quite a bit,” Orlando coach Jamahl Mosley said after Game 5 on the loss of Wagner. “You obviously know how he has been playing and what he has been doing for us. More than anything, you just hate to see him out, with him being able to come back (from the ankle injury) and then bounce back out. For us, it changes things in a big way, but obviously, we always talk about next-man-up mentality.” Wagner played just 34 regular-season games due to the left ankle injury he sustained on Dec. 7. He briefly returned for two games in January and again for two games in February before the latter setback kept him sidelined until April 1. The 24-year-old German averaged 20.6 points per game. Wagner has averaged 16.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.8 steals over the first four games of the series against Detroit. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Magic #rule #Franz #Wagner #calf #pivotal #Game #PistonsApr 29, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (22) walks off the court after the game against the Detroit Pistons during game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Magic standout forward Franz Wagner will miss his second straight game when Orlando attempts to close out its first-round series against the visiting Detroit Pistons on Friday night.

Wagner is bothered by a right calf strain that also caused him to miss Game 5 of the Eastern Conference series on Wednesday. Orlando ruled out Wagner for Game 6 on Thursday afternoon.

Wagner was injured in the second half of Game 4 when the Magic won 94-88 to take a 3-1 series lead. Detroit bounced back for a 116-109 home win in Game 5.


“It impacts quite a bit,” Orlando coach Jamahl Mosley said after Game 5 on the loss of Wagner. “You obviously know how he has been playing and what he has been doing for us. More than anything, you just hate to see him out, with him being able to come back (from the ankle injury) and then bounce back out. For us, it changes things in a big way, but obviously, we always talk about next-man-up mentality.”

Wagner played just 34 regular-season games due to the left ankle injury he sustained on Dec. 7. He briefly returned for two games in January and again for two games in February before the latter setback kept him sidelined until April 1. The 24-year-old German averaged 20.6 points per game.

Wagner has averaged 16.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.8 steals over the first four games of the series against Detroit.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Magic #rule #Franz #Wagner #calf #pivotal #Game #Pistons

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Apr 29, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (22) walks off the court after the game against the Detroit Pistons during game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Magic standout forward Franz Wagner will miss his second straight game when Orlando attempts to close out its first-round series against the visiting Detroit Pistons on Friday night.

Wagner is bothered by a right calf strain that also caused him to miss Game 5 of the Eastern Conference series on Wednesday. Orlando ruled out Wagner for Game 6 on Thursday afternoon.

Wagner was injured in the second half of Game 4 when the Magic won 94-88 to take a 3-1 series lead. Detroit bounced back for a 116-109 home win in Game 5.

“It impacts quite a bit,” Orlando coach Jamahl Mosley said after Game 5 on the loss of Wagner. “You obviously know how he has been playing and what he has been doing for us. More than anything, you just hate to see him out, with him being able to come back (from the ankle injury) and then bounce back out. For us, it changes things in a big way, but obviously, we always talk about next-man-up mentality.”

Wagner played just 34 regular-season games due to the left ankle injury he sustained on Dec. 7. He briefly returned for two games in January and again for two games in February before the latter setback kept him sidelined until April 1. The 24-year-old German averaged 20.6 points per game.

Wagner has averaged 16.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.8 steals over the first four games of the series against Detroit.

–Field Level Media

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Deadspin | Right to Party scratched from Kentucky Derby 2026 Kentucky Derby contender Right To Party works during a morning training session during Kentucky Derby week. The horse is trained by Kenny McPeek. April 29, 2026 Right to Party was scratched from the 152nd Kentucky Derby on Friday, the day before the first leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown. The decision was made by regulatory veterinarians on hand in Louisville, Ky. The vets diagnosed the horse with right front lameness, an abnormality that could affect its gait and pose danger to the horse and jockey. Right to Party was a 30-1 longshot on the morning line before the scratch and was set to start in the No. 5 post position, which has been a favorable spot in past races. He was replaced by Robusta, a 50-1 longshot who will start from Gate 23. This is the third horse to be replaced in advance of the 20-horse race. Silent Tactic, another longshot, was replaced by Great White. Ocelli took the spot of Fulleffort, who was scratched Thursday. Ocelli carries 50-1 odds and will attempt to become just the fourth horse to gain its first career win at the Kentucky Derby. That last was done in 1933 by Brokers Tip. Right to Party is trained by Ken McPeek, who won his first Kentucky Derby in 2024 with Mystik Dan involved in a three-horse photo finish. Jockey Christopher Elliott was set to ride Right to Party on Saturday. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Party #scratched #Kentucky #Derby2026 Kentucky Derby contender Right To Party works during a morning training session during Kentucky Derby week. The horse is trained by Kenny McPeek. April 29, 2026

Right to Party was scratched from the 152nd Kentucky Derby on Friday, the day before the first leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown.

The decision was made by regulatory veterinarians on hand in Louisville, Ky. The vets diagnosed the horse with right front lameness, an abnormality that could affect its gait and pose danger to the horse and jockey.

Right to Party was a 30-1 longshot on the morning line before the scratch and was set to start in the No. 5 post position, which has been a favorable spot in past races. He was replaced by Robusta, a 50-1 longshot who will start from Gate 23.


This is the third horse to be replaced in advance of the 20-horse race. Silent Tactic, another longshot, was replaced by Great White.

Ocelli took the spot of Fulleffort, who was scratched Thursday. Ocelli carries 50-1 odds and will attempt to become just the fourth horse to gain its first career win at the Kentucky Derby. That last was done in 1933 by Brokers Tip.

Right to Party is trained by Ken McPeek, who won his first Kentucky Derby in 2024 with Mystik Dan involved in a three-horse photo finish. Jockey Christopher Elliott was set to ride Right to Party on Saturday.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Party #scratched #Kentucky #Derby">Deadspin | Right to Party scratched from Kentucky Derby 2026 Kentucky Derby contender Right To Party works during a morning training session during Kentucky Derby week. The horse is trained by Kenny McPeek. April 29, 2026 Right to Party was scratched from the 152nd Kentucky Derby on Friday, the day before the first leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown. The decision was made by regulatory veterinarians on hand in Louisville, Ky. The vets diagnosed the horse with right front lameness, an abnormality that could affect its gait and pose danger to the horse and jockey. Right to Party was a 30-1 longshot on the morning line before the scratch and was set to start in the No. 5 post position, which has been a favorable spot in past races. He was replaced by Robusta, a 50-1 longshot who will start from Gate 23. This is the third horse to be replaced in advance of the 20-horse race. Silent Tactic, another longshot, was replaced by Great White. Ocelli took the spot of Fulleffort, who was scratched Thursday. Ocelli carries 50-1 odds and will attempt to become just the fourth horse to gain its first career win at the Kentucky Derby. That last was done in 1933 by Brokers Tip. Right to Party is trained by Ken McPeek, who won his first Kentucky Derby in 2024 with Mystik Dan involved in a three-horse photo finish. Jockey Christopher Elliott was set to ride Right to Party on Saturday. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Party #scratched #Kentucky #Derby

Manchester United boss Michael Carrick is hopeful Matheus Cunha will be fit to return when his side hosts Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday in one of football’s fiercest rivalries, with both teams chasing Champions League qualification.

United, third in the Premier League, needs two more points to secure a top-five finish and a return to Europe’s elite competition next season, while fourth-placed Liverpool is looking to strengthen its own Champions League position in a congested race.

Carrick said Cunha had returned to light training after a recent setback.

“We are in good shape really,” Carrick told reporters on Friday. “Matheus has done a little bit of work, so we are hopeful. With Luke [Shaw], we aren’t sure if he will be ready but we are hopeful. Matthijs [de Ligt] is still a little bit further, he won’t be involved in the game.

“Other than that, we are in good shape.”

The possible return of Cunha, who missed Monday’s 2-1 win over Brentford with a hip flexor injury, would be a timely boost for United in a fixture Carrick said retains its intensity regardless of league position.

“It’s certainly always been one of my favourite games, without a doubt. It is a standout game,” he said.

“Because of the history, the ups and downs this match-up has produced in the past, the entertainment and the emotion, all of those things make it a really special game.”

United has climbed steadily since Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim midway through the campaign, putting itself in position to finish above holder Liverpool and secure Champions League football with games to spare.

“It shows the improvements of the group, we are getting stronger,” Carrick said. “We come into this game in such a good position off the back of good results and trying to achieve what we want.

“But it is a one-off game. The league position is what it is but Sunday’s a whole different ball game.”

Carrick has also restored academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo to the heart of the side, with the midfielder recently signing a new five-year deal after being marginalised earlier in the season under Amorim.

ALSO READ: Jose Mourinho says no contact has been made with Real Madrid

“He epitomises this football club,” Carrick said. “He is a young player who has come through the academy, is living and breathing the club, and has come through with real talent.

“The natural thing for him was to sign a new contract so everyone is over the moon with it, including me because I think he deserves it.”

Mainoo has started 12 of Carrick’s 13 league matches in charge, missing one game due to injury, underlining his renewed importance as United looks to finish strongly.

Despite the league stakes, Carrick stressed the wider significance of a fixture that has shaped English football for decades.

“When I think about this game, the first thing that comes to mind is that air of competition really, irrespective of league positions over the years,” he said. “That emotion of the players and supporters has never changed.

“Two incredible football clubs … to have such an impact over such a period of time is quite special and we all appreciate that.”

United has 61 points from 34 games, 12 behind leader Arsenal, while Liverpool is three points behind United and level on points with fifth-placed Aston Villa.

Published on May 01, 2026

#Carrick #hopeful #Cunha #return #Manchester #United #hosts #Liverpool #Champions #League #race">Carrick hopeful of Cunha return as Manchester United hosts Liverpool in Champions League race Manchester United boss Michael Carrick is hopeful Matheus Cunha will be fit to return when his side hosts Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday in one of football’s fiercest rivalries, with both teams chasing Champions League qualification.United, third in the Premier League, needs two more points to secure a top-five finish and a return to Europe’s elite competition next season, while fourth-placed Liverpool is looking to strengthen its own Champions League position in a congested race.Carrick said Cunha had returned to light training after a recent setback.“We are in good shape really,” Carrick told reporters on Friday. “Matheus has done a little bit of work, so we are hopeful. With Luke [Shaw], we aren’t sure if he will be ready but we are hopeful. Matthijs [de Ligt] is still a little bit further, he won’t be involved in the game.“Other than that, we are in good shape.”The possible return of Cunha, who missed Monday’s 2-1 win over Brentford with a hip flexor injury, would be a timely boost for United in a fixture Carrick said retains its intensity regardless of league position.“It’s certainly always been one of my favourite games, without a doubt. It is a standout game,” he said.“Because of the history, the ups and downs this match-up has produced in the past, the entertainment and the emotion, all of those things make it a really special game.”United has climbed steadily since Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim midway through the campaign, putting itself in position to finish above holder Liverpool and secure Champions League football with games to spare.“It shows the improvements of the group, we are getting stronger,” Carrick said. “We come into this game in such a good position off the back of good results and trying to achieve what we want.“But it is a one-off game. The league position is what it is but Sunday’s a whole different ball game.”Carrick has also restored academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo to the heart of the side, with the midfielder recently signing a new five-year deal after being marginalised earlier in the season under Amorim.ALSO READ: Jose Mourinho says no contact has been made with Real Madrid“He epitomises this football club,” Carrick said. “He is a young player who has come through the academy, is living and breathing the club, and has come through with real talent.“The natural thing for him was to sign a new contract so everyone is over the moon with it, including me because I think he deserves it.”Mainoo has started 12 of Carrick’s 13 league matches in charge, missing one game due to injury, underlining his renewed importance as United looks to finish strongly.Despite the league stakes, Carrick stressed the wider significance of a fixture that has shaped English football for decades.“When I think about this game, the first thing that comes to mind is that air of competition really, irrespective of league positions over the years,” he said. “That emotion of the players and supporters has never changed.“Two incredible football clubs … to have such an impact over such a period of time is quite special and we all appreciate that.”United has 61 points from 34 games, 12 behind leader Arsenal, while Liverpool is three points behind United and level on points with fifth-placed Aston Villa.Published on May 01, 2026 #Carrick #hopeful #Cunha #return #Manchester #United #hosts #Liverpool #Champions #League #race

Jose Mourinho says no contact has been made with Real Madrid

“He epitomises this football club,” Carrick said. “He is a young player who has come through the academy, is living and breathing the club, and has come through with real talent.

“The natural thing for him was to sign a new contract so everyone is over the moon with it, including me because I think he deserves it.”

Mainoo has started 12 of Carrick’s 13 league matches in charge, missing one game due to injury, underlining his renewed importance as United looks to finish strongly.

Despite the league stakes, Carrick stressed the wider significance of a fixture that has shaped English football for decades.

“When I think about this game, the first thing that comes to mind is that air of competition really, irrespective of league positions over the years,” he said. “That emotion of the players and supporters has never changed.

“Two incredible football clubs … to have such an impact over such a period of time is quite special and we all appreciate that.”

United has 61 points from 34 games, 12 behind leader Arsenal, while Liverpool is three points behind United and level on points with fifth-placed Aston Villa.

Published on May 01, 2026

#Carrick #hopeful #Cunha #return #Manchester #United #hosts #Liverpool #Champions #League #race">Carrick hopeful of Cunha return as Manchester United hosts Liverpool in Champions League race

Manchester United boss Michael Carrick is hopeful Matheus Cunha will be fit to return when his side hosts Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday in one of football’s fiercest rivalries, with both teams chasing Champions League qualification.

United, third in the Premier League, needs two more points to secure a top-five finish and a return to Europe’s elite competition next season, while fourth-placed Liverpool is looking to strengthen its own Champions League position in a congested race.

Carrick said Cunha had returned to light training after a recent setback.

“We are in good shape really,” Carrick told reporters on Friday. “Matheus has done a little bit of work, so we are hopeful. With Luke [Shaw], we aren’t sure if he will be ready but we are hopeful. Matthijs [de Ligt] is still a little bit further, he won’t be involved in the game.

“Other than that, we are in good shape.”

The possible return of Cunha, who missed Monday’s 2-1 win over Brentford with a hip flexor injury, would be a timely boost for United in a fixture Carrick said retains its intensity regardless of league position.

“It’s certainly always been one of my favourite games, without a doubt. It is a standout game,” he said.

“Because of the history, the ups and downs this match-up has produced in the past, the entertainment and the emotion, all of those things make it a really special game.”

United has climbed steadily since Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim midway through the campaign, putting itself in position to finish above holder Liverpool and secure Champions League football with games to spare.

“It shows the improvements of the group, we are getting stronger,” Carrick said. “We come into this game in such a good position off the back of good results and trying to achieve what we want.

“But it is a one-off game. The league position is what it is but Sunday’s a whole different ball game.”

Carrick has also restored academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo to the heart of the side, with the midfielder recently signing a new five-year deal after being marginalised earlier in the season under Amorim.

ALSO READ: Jose Mourinho says no contact has been made with Real Madrid

“He epitomises this football club,” Carrick said. “He is a young player who has come through the academy, is living and breathing the club, and has come through with real talent.

“The natural thing for him was to sign a new contract so everyone is over the moon with it, including me because I think he deserves it.”

Mainoo has started 12 of Carrick’s 13 league matches in charge, missing one game due to injury, underlining his renewed importance as United looks to finish strongly.

Despite the league stakes, Carrick stressed the wider significance of a fixture that has shaped English football for decades.

“When I think about this game, the first thing that comes to mind is that air of competition really, irrespective of league positions over the years,” he said. “That emotion of the players and supporters has never changed.

“Two incredible football clubs … to have such an impact over such a period of time is quite special and we all appreciate that.”

United has 61 points from 34 games, 12 behind leader Arsenal, while Liverpool is three points behind United and level on points with fifth-placed Aston Villa.

Published on May 01, 2026

#Carrick #hopeful #Cunha #return #Manchester #United #hosts #Liverpool #Champions #League #race
Deadspin | Padres’ Fernando Tatis Jr seeks first homer, wins in series vs. White Sox Apr 28, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres second baseman Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) reacts after a ball call during the fifth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images It’s safe to say that no one had San Diego Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr. getting to May 1 without a homer on his stat sheet. But that’s the case as Tatis and San Diego gear up for the first game on Friday of a three-game weekend series against the visiting Chicago White Sox. It would be ironic if Tatis finally went deep against the organization that originally found him before trading him in June 2016 for the veteran right-hander James Shields, a one-time All-Star who went 4-12 that season with Chicago and 16-35 there to close out his career. Since making his major league debut with the Padres in 2019, Tatis has slugged 152 homers, winning a home run title with 42 in 2021. The three-time All-Star has swiped 132 bases, including a career-high 32 last year, and has become a platinum Gold Glove right fielder after starting his career as a plus defender at shortstop. However, he’s yet to perform his patented home run trot this year, even though his recent swings — he’s swatted a spate of balls well over 100 mph — suggest he might find the bleachers sooner instead of later. “I’m doing everything — hitting early, doing batting practice, after (games),” Tatis said. “It still doesn’t turn around. I don’t know … trying to figure it out.” Tatis is batting .250 with 13 RBI and eight steals in 10 attempts. He’s one of a handful of San Diego hitters still looking for their best form. Center fielder Jackson Merrill, a career .271 hitter, is down to .200 this season after managing only one hit in the team’s series loss to the Chicago Cubs. Second baseman Jake Cronenworth, a career .244 hitter, is batting a shocking .146. But the team has pitched well enough, including Friday night’s starter, right-hander German Marquez (3-1, 4.38 ERA). He’s coming off a 6-4 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday in Mexico City, allowing four runs on six hits over six innings with a walk and two strikeouts. Marquez is 1-2 with a 4.74 ERA in three career starts against the White Sox. Noah Schultz (1-1, 3.52) takes the ball for Chicago. The rookie lefty last worked on Saturday, fanning eight and permitting just four hits and two runs over six innings while walking four in a no-decision against Washington. The 6-foot-10, 240-pound Schultz has allowed only eight hits in 15 1/3 innings and fanned 18 but walked nine. Schultz is one reason why the White Sox are finally trending in the right direction after three long years. Chicago polished off a three-game home sweep of the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday with a 3-2, 10-inning win on Colson Montgomery’s game-winning single. The White Sox finished April at 13-13, their first full month of .500 baseball since June 2023 (13-13). The 2026 run included a sweep of defending American League champion Toronto and a series win at Arizona. “After a tough first couple of series, it feels like we’ve found different ways to win some of these close ballgames that maybe last year we wouldn’t have won,” said second-year manager Will Venable. “They’re coming to the ballpark focused and energized.” The addition of rookie third baseman Munetaka Murakami from Japan has given the team a hammer in the middle of the order. Murakami is batting only .236 but has belted 12 homers to tie Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees for the MLB lead. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Padres #Fernando #Tatis #seeks #homer #wins #series #White #SoxApr 28, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres second baseman Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) reacts after a ball call during the fifth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images

It’s safe to say that no one had San Diego Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr. getting to May 1 without a homer on his stat sheet.

But that’s the case as Tatis and San Diego gear up for the first game on Friday of a three-game weekend series against the visiting Chicago White Sox.

It would be ironic if Tatis finally went deep against the organization that originally found him before trading him in June 2016 for the veteran right-hander James Shields, a one-time All-Star who went 4-12 that season with Chicago and 16-35 there to close out his career.

Since making his major league debut with the Padres in 2019, Tatis has slugged 152 homers, winning a home run title with 42 in 2021. The three-time All-Star has swiped 132 bases, including a career-high 32 last year, and has become a platinum Gold Glove right fielder after starting his career as a plus defender at shortstop.

However, he’s yet to perform his patented home run trot this year, even though his recent swings — he’s swatted a spate of balls well over 100 mph — suggest he might find the bleachers sooner instead of later.

“I’m doing everything — hitting early, doing batting practice, after (games),” Tatis said. “It still doesn’t turn around. I don’t know … trying to figure it out.”

Tatis is batting .250 with 13 RBI and eight steals in 10 attempts. He’s one of a handful of San Diego hitters still looking for their best form. Center fielder Jackson Merrill, a career .271 hitter, is down to .200 this season after managing only one hit in the team’s series loss to the Chicago Cubs. Second baseman Jake Cronenworth, a career .244 hitter, is batting a shocking .146.


But the team has pitched well enough, including Friday night’s starter, right-hander German Marquez (3-1, 4.38 ERA). He’s coming off a 6-4 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday in Mexico City, allowing four runs on six hits over six innings with a walk and two strikeouts.

Marquez is 1-2 with a 4.74 ERA in three career starts against the White Sox.

Noah Schultz (1-1, 3.52) takes the ball for Chicago. The rookie lefty last worked on Saturday, fanning eight and permitting just four hits and two runs over six innings while walking four in a no-decision against Washington. The 6-foot-10, 240-pound Schultz has allowed only eight hits in 15 1/3 innings and fanned 18 but walked nine.

Schultz is one reason why the White Sox are finally trending in the right direction after three long years. Chicago polished off a three-game home sweep of the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday with a 3-2, 10-inning win on Colson Montgomery’s game-winning single.

The White Sox finished April at 13-13, their first full month of .500 baseball since June 2023 (13-13). The 2026 run included a sweep of defending American League champion Toronto and a series win at Arizona.

“After a tough first couple of series, it feels like we’ve found different ways to win some of these close ballgames that maybe last year we wouldn’t have won,” said second-year manager Will Venable. “They’re coming to the ballpark focused and energized.”

The addition of rookie third baseman Munetaka Murakami from Japan has given the team a hammer in the middle of the order. Murakami is batting only .236 but has belted 12 homers to tie Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees for the MLB lead.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Padres #Fernando #Tatis #seeks #homer #wins #series #White #Sox">Deadspin | Padres’ Fernando Tatis Jr seeks first homer, wins in series vs. White Sox Apr 28, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres second baseman Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) reacts after a ball call during the fifth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images It’s safe to say that no one had San Diego Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr. getting to May 1 without a homer on his stat sheet. But that’s the case as Tatis and San Diego gear up for the first game on Friday of a three-game weekend series against the visiting Chicago White Sox. It would be ironic if Tatis finally went deep against the organization that originally found him before trading him in June 2016 for the veteran right-hander James Shields, a one-time All-Star who went 4-12 that season with Chicago and 16-35 there to close out his career. Since making his major league debut with the Padres in 2019, Tatis has slugged 152 homers, winning a home run title with 42 in 2021. The three-time All-Star has swiped 132 bases, including a career-high 32 last year, and has become a platinum Gold Glove right fielder after starting his career as a plus defender at shortstop. However, he’s yet to perform his patented home run trot this year, even though his recent swings — he’s swatted a spate of balls well over 100 mph — suggest he might find the bleachers sooner instead of later. “I’m doing everything — hitting early, doing batting practice, after (games),” Tatis said. “It still doesn’t turn around. I don’t know … trying to figure it out.” Tatis is batting .250 with 13 RBI and eight steals in 10 attempts. He’s one of a handful of San Diego hitters still looking for their best form. Center fielder Jackson Merrill, a career .271 hitter, is down to .200 this season after managing only one hit in the team’s series loss to the Chicago Cubs. Second baseman Jake Cronenworth, a career .244 hitter, is batting a shocking .146. But the team has pitched well enough, including Friday night’s starter, right-hander German Marquez (3-1, 4.38 ERA). He’s coming off a 6-4 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday in Mexico City, allowing four runs on six hits over six innings with a walk and two strikeouts. Marquez is 1-2 with a 4.74 ERA in three career starts against the White Sox. Noah Schultz (1-1, 3.52) takes the ball for Chicago. The rookie lefty last worked on Saturday, fanning eight and permitting just four hits and two runs over six innings while walking four in a no-decision against Washington. The 6-foot-10, 240-pound Schultz has allowed only eight hits in 15 1/3 innings and fanned 18 but walked nine. Schultz is one reason why the White Sox are finally trending in the right direction after three long years. Chicago polished off a three-game home sweep of the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday with a 3-2, 10-inning win on Colson Montgomery’s game-winning single. The White Sox finished April at 13-13, their first full month of .500 baseball since June 2023 (13-13). The 2026 run included a sweep of defending American League champion Toronto and a series win at Arizona. “After a tough first couple of series, it feels like we’ve found different ways to win some of these close ballgames that maybe last year we wouldn’t have won,” said second-year manager Will Venable. “They’re coming to the ballpark focused and energized.” The addition of rookie third baseman Munetaka Murakami from Japan has given the team a hammer in the middle of the order. Murakami is batting only .236 but has belted 12 homers to tie Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees for the MLB lead. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Padres #Fernando #Tatis #seeks #homer #wins #series #White #Sox

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