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Deadspin | Streaking Quakes may be without key player at Toronto Apr 25, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; San Jose Earthquakes forward Timo Werner (11) celebrates after scoring against St. Louis CITY SC in the second half at Energizer Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Puetz-Imagn Images The league-leading San Jose Earthquakes may not be at full strength Saturday afternoon as they look to continue the best run in franchise history at Toronto FC. The Earthquakes (9-1-0, 27 points) extended their club-record winning streak to eight matches in all competitions when they eliminated Minnesota United FC in the Round of 16 at the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup by a score of 4-2 on Tuesday. Jack Skahan, Beau Leroux and Niko Tsakiris each scored in a seven-minute stretch to rally the Quakes from a 2-1 deficit. It wasn’t all good news for head coach Bruce Arena’s side. April’s MLS Player of the Month Timo Werner, who had played the full 90 minutes three days earlier against St. Louis, was forced off in the 34th minute with a hamstring injury and may not feature in the matinee at Toronto. “We’re somewhat limited. It’s not like you take Timo off and the next guy can fill that void,” Arena admitted after match vs. Minnesota. “And how we manage it, it’s never perfect, and we try our best, but the part that you manage is how you work every day with the players and you give them the confidence to know that when their numbers fall, they’re ready to play.” Toronto FC (3-3-4, 13 points) are dealing with their own injury problems in the midst of a four-match winless run. Center-back Benjamin Kuscevic and midfielder Jose Cifuentes made for two more additions to TFC’s lengthy injury list in their 2-1 defeat to Atlanta United last Saturday. Designated players Djordje Mihailovic and Richie Laryea were among those absent. Deandre Kerr and Walker Zimmerman, who was away for the birth of his daughter, are slated to return. “I feel like we just have to put our heads down and work and the guys who are available have to step up,” head coach Robin Fraser said on Thursday. The fixture will mark the two teams’ first encounter in more than three years. Four of their last five clashes have ended in draws, dating back to August of 2018. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Streaking #Quakes #key #player #Toronto

Deadspin | Streaking Quakes may be without key player at Toronto
Deadspin | Streaking Quakes may be without key player at Toronto Apr 25, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; San Jose Earthquakes forward Timo Werner (11) celebrates after scoring against St. Louis CITY SC in the second half at Energizer Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Puetz-Imagn Images The league-leading San Jose Earthquakes may not be at full strength Saturday afternoon as they look to continue the best run in franchise history at Toronto FC. The Earthquakes (9-1-0, 27 points) extended their club-record winning streak to eight matches in all competitions when they eliminated Minnesota United FC in the Round of 16 at the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup by a score of 4-2 on Tuesday. Jack Skahan, Beau Leroux and Niko Tsakiris each scored in a seven-minute stretch to rally the Quakes from a 2-1 deficit. It wasn’t all good news for head coach Bruce Arena’s side. April’s MLS Player of the Month Timo Werner, who had played the full 90 minutes three days earlier against St. Louis, was forced off in the 34th minute with a hamstring injury and may not feature in the matinee at Toronto. “We’re somewhat limited. It’s not like you take Timo off and the next guy can fill that void,” Arena admitted after match vs. Minnesota. “And how we manage it, it’s never perfect, and we try our best, but the part that you manage is how you work every day with the players and you give them the confidence to know that when their numbers fall, they’re ready to play.” Toronto FC (3-3-4, 13 points) are dealing with their own injury problems in the midst of a four-match winless run. Center-back Benjamin Kuscevic and midfielder Jose Cifuentes made for two more additions to TFC’s lengthy injury list in their 2-1 defeat to Atlanta United last Saturday. Designated players Djordje Mihailovic and Richie Laryea were among those absent. Deandre Kerr and Walker Zimmerman, who was away for the birth of his daughter, are slated to return. “I feel like we just have to put our heads down and work and the guys who are available have to step up,” head coach Robin Fraser said on Thursday. The fixture will mark the two teams’ first encounter in more than three years. Four of their last five clashes have ended in draws, dating back to August of 2018. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Streaking #Quakes #key #player #TorontoApr 25, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; San Jose Earthquakes forward Timo Werner (11) celebrates after scoring against St. Louis CITY SC in the second half at Energizer Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Puetz-Imagn Images

The league-leading San Jose Earthquakes may not be at full strength Saturday afternoon as they look to continue the best run in franchise history at Toronto FC.

The Earthquakes (9-1-0, 27 points) extended their club-record winning streak to eight matches in all competitions when they eliminated Minnesota United FC in the Round of 16 at the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup by a score of 4-2 on Tuesday. Jack Skahan, Beau Leroux and Niko Tsakiris each scored in a seven-minute stretch to rally the Quakes from a 2-1 deficit.

It wasn’t all good news for head coach Bruce Arena’s side. April’s MLS Player of the Month Timo Werner, who had played the full 90 minutes three days earlier against St. Louis, was forced off in the 34th minute with a hamstring injury and may not feature in the matinee at Toronto.

“We’re somewhat limited. It’s not like you take Timo off and the next guy can fill that void,” Arena admitted after match vs. Minnesota. “And how we manage it, it’s never perfect, and we try our best, but the part that you manage is how you work every day with the players and you give them the confidence to know that when their numbers fall, they’re ready to play.”


Toronto FC (3-3-4, 13 points) are dealing with their own injury problems in the midst of a four-match winless run.

Center-back Benjamin Kuscevic and midfielder Jose Cifuentes made for two more additions to TFC’s lengthy injury list in their 2-1 defeat to Atlanta United last Saturday. Designated players Djordje Mihailovic and Richie Laryea were among those absent. Deandre Kerr and Walker Zimmerman, who was away for the birth of his daughter, are slated to return.

“I feel like we just have to put our heads down and work and the guys who are available have to step up,” head coach Robin Fraser said on Thursday.

The fixture will mark the two teams’ first encounter in more than three years. Four of their last five clashes have ended in draws, dating back to August of 2018.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Streaking #Quakes #key #player #Toronto

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Apr 25, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; San Jose Earthquakes forward Timo Werner (11) celebrates after scoring against St. Louis CITY SC in the second half at Energizer Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Puetz-Imagn Images

The league-leading San Jose Earthquakes may not be at full strength Saturday afternoon as they look to continue the best run in franchise history at Toronto FC.

The Earthquakes (9-1-0, 27 points) extended their club-record winning streak to eight matches in all competitions when they eliminated Minnesota United FC in the Round of 16 at the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup by a score of 4-2 on Tuesday. Jack Skahan, Beau Leroux and Niko Tsakiris each scored in a seven-minute stretch to rally the Quakes from a 2-1 deficit.

It wasn’t all good news for head coach Bruce Arena’s side. April’s MLS Player of the Month Timo Werner, who had played the full 90 minutes three days earlier against St. Louis, was forced off in the 34th minute with a hamstring injury and may not feature in the matinee at Toronto.

“We’re somewhat limited. It’s not like you take Timo off and the next guy can fill that void,” Arena admitted after match vs. Minnesota. “And how we manage it, it’s never perfect, and we try our best, but the part that you manage is how you work every day with the players and you give them the confidence to know that when their numbers fall, they’re ready to play.”

Toronto FC (3-3-4, 13 points) are dealing with their own injury problems in the midst of a four-match winless run.

Center-back Benjamin Kuscevic and midfielder Jose Cifuentes made for two more additions to TFC’s lengthy injury list in their 2-1 defeat to Atlanta United last Saturday. Designated players Djordje Mihailovic and Richie Laryea were among those absent. Deandre Kerr and Walker Zimmerman, who was away for the birth of his daughter, are slated to return.

“I feel like we just have to put our heads down and work and the guys who are available have to step up,” head coach Robin Fraser said on Thursday.

The fixture will mark the two teams’ first encounter in more than three years. Four of their last five clashes have ended in draws, dating back to August of 2018.

–Field Level Media

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MIKE SWEENEY vs. JEFF WEAVER <div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Hey everybody! It’s Jon again.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">In the second episode of my new series “The History of Charging the Mound,” we examine a 2001 bout between Mike Sweeney and Jeff Weaver. As you’ll see, this is among the most unexpected and bizarre mound-chargings on record. Strap in for passive-aggressiveness, a sensational takedown, some solid ground-and-pound combat, a disgraceful cheap shot, and eventual crying.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">If you need to catch up, <a href="https://youtu.be/jZs5M-D2eNc?si=iIetzAkHPNtYuhLZ" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here’s Episode 1</a> of this series. And if you’d like to keep exploring, <a href="https://www.patreon.com/posts/database-of-weve-142735794" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here you can find a spreadsheet</a> in which I’ve logged all 266 mound-charging incidents I’ve found over the last 75 years. As always, if you’re interested in more and don’t want to wait, we’ve got everything that’s been published within <a href="https://www.patreon.com/collection/1816929?view=expanded">the series available here</a>, and we’re going to keep adding to it on a monthly basis.</p></div><div><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">I hope you enjoy, and whether you’re one of our Patrons or just enjoying things as they make it over to YouTube – you’ll have a new mound charging story to enjoy next week. Or, next week if you’re reading that this week. This week is the one with April 27th, 2026 in it. I hope that’s helpful.</p></div> #MIKE #SWEENEY #JEFF #WEAVER

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Deadspin | Cole Young, Mariners surging ahead of opener vs. Royals Apr 29, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Seattle Mariners second baseman Cole Young (2) hits a two RBI single against the Minnesota Twins during the ninth inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images The Seattle Mariners found their mojo on the road. Now they’ll try to bring it back home. The Mariners just completed a 5-1 trip to St. Louis and Minnesota after losing eight of their first nine road contests and will host the Kansas City Royals on Friday night in the opener of a three-game series. The Mariners scored three runs in the top of the ninth inning Wednesday in a 5-3 win over the Twins. “A really good way to end the road trip,” Mariners manager Dan Wilson said. “A nice 5-1 road trip; we’ll take that every time.” Cole Young’s two-run single up the middle with the infield drawn in put Seattle ahead on Wednesday. “That was a lucky, lucky hit,” said Young, a second baseman in his first full major league season. “I’m just happy I got the job done.” Young, 22, has six go-ahead or game-tying RBIs in the seventh inning or later this season, the most in MLB. “It’s just calming myself down and not trying to be someone I’m not,” Young said. “I’m not trying to be a hero in every, every situation. Just pass the baton. I’m just trying to get on base, and I feel like that’s helped me out a ton.” Young went 11-for-22 on the trip, with two doubles, a home run and eight RBIs. He has driven in at least one run in six consecutive games, the longest active streak in the majors. He is batting .286 this season, with three homers and 19 RBIs. “He doesn’t let the game speed up on him,” Wilson said of Young. “He’s got really good control of his emotion. The moment doesn’t seem too big for him, which is huge. And then being able to see the pitch, let it get deep enough and not chase. He’s not afraid to go the other way with it. He’s done it several times for us, and almost every time he has used the middle of the field and opposite field.” The Royals, who are in the American League Central cellar, fell 6-3 to the Athletics on Thursday in West Sacramento, Calif. Kansas City left 12 runners on base and went 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position. “We got to keep giving ourselves those opportunities and cash them in,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “We didn’t do that (Thursday).” Kansas City is 3-12 on the road this season, averaging just 2.6 runs a game there. “Move on, keep working. It’s a long season,” said Royals infielder Maikel Garcia, who homered Thursday. “We’re going to get a lot more chances with men on base. Just keep believing in ourselves.” Friday’s series opener is scheduled to feature Royals left-hander Cole Ragans (1-4, 5.00 ERA) against Mariners right-hander Bryan Woo (1-2, 3.86). Ragans is coming off his first victory of the season, 12-1 over the visiting Los Angeles Angels on Saturday. He allowed one run on five hits over six innings, with no walks and a season-high 11 strikeouts, one shy of his career-best. Ragans is 0-0 with a 2.53 ERA in three career appearances against Seattle, including two starts. Woo will try to bounce back from his worst start of the season, in which he gave up seven runs on nine hits in just three innings Saturday in St. Louis. He didn’t receive a decision as the Mariners rallied to win 11-9. Woo, who hadn’t allowed a home run all season until that point, gave up four homers to the Cardinals on a windy afternoon at Busch Stadium. He is 1-0 with a 1.69 ERA in one previous start vs. Kansas City. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Cole #Young #Mariners #surging #ahead #opener #RoyalsApr 29, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Seattle Mariners second baseman Cole Young (2) hits a two RBI single against the Minnesota Twins during the ninth inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

The Seattle Mariners found their mojo on the road.

Now they’ll try to bring it back home.

The Mariners just completed a 5-1 trip to St. Louis and Minnesota after losing eight of their first nine road contests and will host the Kansas City Royals on Friday night in the opener of a three-game series.

The Mariners scored three runs in the top of the ninth inning Wednesday in a 5-3 win over the Twins.

“A really good way to end the road trip,” Mariners manager Dan Wilson said. “A nice 5-1 road trip; we’ll take that every time.”

Cole Young’s two-run single up the middle with the infield drawn in put Seattle ahead on Wednesday.

“That was a lucky, lucky hit,” said Young, a second baseman in his first full major league season. “I’m just happy I got the job done.”

Young, 22, has six go-ahead or game-tying RBIs in the seventh inning or later this season, the most in MLB.

“It’s just calming myself down and not trying to be someone I’m not,” Young said. “I’m not trying to be a hero in every, every situation. Just pass the baton. I’m just trying to get on base, and I feel like that’s helped me out a ton.”

Young went 11-for-22 on the trip, with two doubles, a home run and eight RBIs. He has driven in at least one run in six consecutive games, the longest active streak in the majors. He is batting .286 this season, with three homers and 19 RBIs.


“He doesn’t let the game speed up on him,” Wilson said of Young. “He’s got really good control of his emotion. The moment doesn’t seem too big for him, which is huge. And then being able to see the pitch, let it get deep enough and not chase. He’s not afraid to go the other way with it. He’s done it several times for us, and almost every time he has used the middle of the field and opposite field.”

The Royals, who are in the American League Central cellar, fell 6-3 to the Athletics on Thursday in West Sacramento, Calif. Kansas City left 12 runners on base and went 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position.

“We got to keep giving ourselves those opportunities and cash them in,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “We didn’t do that (Thursday).”

Kansas City is 3-12 on the road this season, averaging just 2.6 runs a game there.

“Move on, keep working. It’s a long season,” said Royals infielder Maikel Garcia, who homered Thursday. “We’re going to get a lot more chances with men on base. Just keep believing in ourselves.”

Friday’s series opener is scheduled to feature Royals left-hander Cole Ragans (1-4, 5.00 ERA) against Mariners right-hander Bryan Woo (1-2, 3.86).

Ragans is coming off his first victory of the season, 12-1 over the visiting Los Angeles Angels on Saturday. He allowed one run on five hits over six innings, with no walks and a season-high 11 strikeouts, one shy of his career-best.

Ragans is 0-0 with a 2.53 ERA in three career appearances against Seattle, including two starts.

Woo will try to bounce back from his worst start of the season, in which he gave up seven runs on nine hits in just three innings Saturday in St. Louis. He didn’t receive a decision as the Mariners rallied to win 11-9.

Woo, who hadn’t allowed a home run all season until that point, gave up four homers to the Cardinals on a windy afternoon at Busch Stadium. He is 1-0 with a 1.69 ERA in one previous start vs. Kansas City.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Cole #Young #Mariners #surging #ahead #opener #Royals">Deadspin | Cole Young, Mariners surging ahead of opener vs. Royals Apr 29, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Seattle Mariners second baseman Cole Young (2) hits a two RBI single against the Minnesota Twins during the ninth inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images The Seattle Mariners found their mojo on the road. Now they’ll try to bring it back home. The Mariners just completed a 5-1 trip to St. Louis and Minnesota after losing eight of their first nine road contests and will host the Kansas City Royals on Friday night in the opener of a three-game series. The Mariners scored three runs in the top of the ninth inning Wednesday in a 5-3 win over the Twins. “A really good way to end the road trip,” Mariners manager Dan Wilson said. “A nice 5-1 road trip; we’ll take that every time.” Cole Young’s two-run single up the middle with the infield drawn in put Seattle ahead on Wednesday. “That was a lucky, lucky hit,” said Young, a second baseman in his first full major league season. “I’m just happy I got the job done.” Young, 22, has six go-ahead or game-tying RBIs in the seventh inning or later this season, the most in MLB. “It’s just calming myself down and not trying to be someone I’m not,” Young said. “I’m not trying to be a hero in every, every situation. Just pass the baton. I’m just trying to get on base, and I feel like that’s helped me out a ton.” Young went 11-for-22 on the trip, with two doubles, a home run and eight RBIs. He has driven in at least one run in six consecutive games, the longest active streak in the majors. He is batting .286 this season, with three homers and 19 RBIs. “He doesn’t let the game speed up on him,” Wilson said of Young. “He’s got really good control of his emotion. The moment doesn’t seem too big for him, which is huge. And then being able to see the pitch, let it get deep enough and not chase. He’s not afraid to go the other way with it. He’s done it several times for us, and almost every time he has used the middle of the field and opposite field.” The Royals, who are in the American League Central cellar, fell 6-3 to the Athletics on Thursday in West Sacramento, Calif. Kansas City left 12 runners on base and went 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position. “We got to keep giving ourselves those opportunities and cash them in,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “We didn’t do that (Thursday).” Kansas City is 3-12 on the road this season, averaging just 2.6 runs a game there. “Move on, keep working. It’s a long season,” said Royals infielder Maikel Garcia, who homered Thursday. “We’re going to get a lot more chances with men on base. Just keep believing in ourselves.” Friday’s series opener is scheduled to feature Royals left-hander Cole Ragans (1-4, 5.00 ERA) against Mariners right-hander Bryan Woo (1-2, 3.86). Ragans is coming off his first victory of the season, 12-1 over the visiting Los Angeles Angels on Saturday. He allowed one run on five hits over six innings, with no walks and a season-high 11 strikeouts, one shy of his career-best. Ragans is 0-0 with a 2.53 ERA in three career appearances against Seattle, including two starts. Woo will try to bounce back from his worst start of the season, in which he gave up seven runs on nine hits in just three innings Saturday in St. Louis. He didn’t receive a decision as the Mariners rallied to win 11-9. Woo, who hadn’t allowed a home run all season until that point, gave up four homers to the Cardinals on a windy afternoon at Busch Stadium. He is 1-0 with a 1.69 ERA in one previous start vs. Kansas City. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Cole #Young #Mariners #surging #ahead #opener #Royals

Deadspin | Japan’s Kei Nishikori retiring from tennis after 2026 season Aug 8, 2025; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Kei Nishikori (JPN) serves against Camilo Ugo Carabelli (ARG) during the Cincinnati Open at the Lindner Family Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images Kei Nishikori, once ranked as high as No. 4 in the world, will retire from tennis at the end of the 2026 season. The 36-year-old Japanese trailblazer made the announcement Thursday via social media. “Since I was a child, I have been passionate about tennis and I have continued to pursue it with only one dream in my heart: ‘I want to compete on the world stage.’ Reaching the ATP Tour, playing at the highest level of competition, and maintaining a presence in the Top 10 is something I am extremely proud of,” he posted to X. “Whether in victory or defeat, the special atmosphere I felt in packed arenas is irreplaceable.” Nishikori was the first Japanese man to be ranked in the top 10 in the world. He has won 12 titles, 451 tour matches and just over $26 million on the ATP Tour. It was March 2, 2015, when Nishikori was ranked No. 4 amid tennis’ brightest stars. That week, Novak Djokovic was No. 1, followed by Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. After Nishikori, at No. 5, was Andy Murray. Those four opponents combined to win 69 Grand Slam titles. Nishikori never won one, with his best result coming in 2014 when he defeated Djokovic to reach the U.S. Open final, which he lost to Marin Cilic of Croatia. Nishikori has competed this season in ATP Challenger events. His most recent ATP Tour event came in 2025 at Cincinnati. “My love for tennis and my belief that I could become a stronger player always brought me back to the court. I feel that all of these experiences have enriched and shaped my life. I am deeply grateful [for] my family and to everyone who has supported me at all times,” Nishikori wrote. “To be honest, I still wish I could continue my playing career. Even so, looking back on everything up to this point, I can proudly say that I gave it my all. “I am truly happy to have walked this path. I will cherish every moment of the remaining matches and fight to the very end.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Japans #Kei #Nishikori #retiring #tennis #seasonAug 8, 2025; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Kei Nishikori (JPN) serves against Camilo Ugo Carabelli (ARG) during the Cincinnati Open at the Lindner Family Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images

Kei Nishikori, once ranked as high as No. 4 in the world, will retire from tennis at the end of the 2026 season.

The 36-year-old Japanese trailblazer made the announcement Thursday via social media.

“Since I was a child, I have been passionate about tennis and I have continued to pursue it with only one dream in my heart: ‘I want to compete on the world stage.’ Reaching the ATP Tour, playing at the highest level of competition, and maintaining a presence in the Top 10 is something I am extremely proud of,” he posted to X. “Whether in victory or defeat, the special atmosphere I felt in packed arenas is irreplaceable.”

Nishikori was the first Japanese man to be ranked in the top 10 in the world.

He has won 12 titles, 451 tour matches and just over $26 million on the ATP Tour.


It was March 2, 2015, when Nishikori was ranked No. 4 amid tennis’ brightest stars. That week, Novak Djokovic was No. 1, followed by Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. After Nishikori, at No. 5, was Andy Murray.

Those four opponents combined to win 69 Grand Slam titles. Nishikori never won one, with his best result coming in 2014 when he defeated Djokovic to reach the U.S. Open final, which he lost to Marin Cilic of Croatia.

Nishikori has competed this season in ATP Challenger events. His most recent ATP Tour event came in 2025 at Cincinnati.

“My love for tennis and my belief that I could become a stronger player always brought me back to the court. I feel that all of these experiences have enriched and shaped my life. I am deeply grateful [for] my family and to everyone who has supported me at all times,” Nishikori wrote. “To be honest, I still wish I could continue my playing career. Even so, looking back on everything up to this point, I can proudly say that I gave it my all.

“I am truly happy to have walked this path. I will cherish every moment of the remaining matches and fight to the very end.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Japans #Kei #Nishikori #retiring #tennis #season">Deadspin | Japan’s Kei Nishikori retiring from tennis after 2026 season Aug 8, 2025; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Kei Nishikori (JPN) serves against Camilo Ugo Carabelli (ARG) during the Cincinnati Open at the Lindner Family Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images Kei Nishikori, once ranked as high as No. 4 in the world, will retire from tennis at the end of the 2026 season. The 36-year-old Japanese trailblazer made the announcement Thursday via social media. “Since I was a child, I have been passionate about tennis and I have continued to pursue it with only one dream in my heart: ‘I want to compete on the world stage.’ Reaching the ATP Tour, playing at the highest level of competition, and maintaining a presence in the Top 10 is something I am extremely proud of,” he posted to X. “Whether in victory or defeat, the special atmosphere I felt in packed arenas is irreplaceable.” Nishikori was the first Japanese man to be ranked in the top 10 in the world. He has won 12 titles, 451 tour matches and just over $26 million on the ATP Tour. It was March 2, 2015, when Nishikori was ranked No. 4 amid tennis’ brightest stars. That week, Novak Djokovic was No. 1, followed by Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. After Nishikori, at No. 5, was Andy Murray. Those four opponents combined to win 69 Grand Slam titles. Nishikori never won one, with his best result coming in 2014 when he defeated Djokovic to reach the U.S. Open final, which he lost to Marin Cilic of Croatia. Nishikori has competed this season in ATP Challenger events. His most recent ATP Tour event came in 2025 at Cincinnati. “My love for tennis and my belief that I could become a stronger player always brought me back to the court. I feel that all of these experiences have enriched and shaped my life. I am deeply grateful [for] my family and to everyone who has supported me at all times,” Nishikori wrote. “To be honest, I still wish I could continue my playing career. Even so, looking back on everything up to this point, I can proudly say that I gave it my all. “I am truly happy to have walked this path. I will cherish every moment of the remaining matches and fight to the very end.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Japans #Kei #Nishikori #retiring #tennis #season

Friday May 1st MLB Betting Picks: Top Predictions for Today’s Games | Deadspin.com Apr 2, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Cole Ragans (55) pitches during the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images May has arrived!Let’s hope that means unfettered nice weather here in the Northeast as my Wednesday pick got rained out. And how about we see that in the Midwest, too. Here are today’s MLB Picks.Season Record 15-12-1, +0.52 UnitsRoyals at MarinersWe have a matchup of two aces off to kind of bumpy starts representing two teams that are not exactly fast out of the gate.Cole Ragans has an ugly 5.00 ERA and 1.48 WHIP for the Kansas City Royals thus far, mostly thanks to his uncharacteristically high 15.7% BB%. He’s never been the greatest at avoiding the free pass, but that’s a huge bump from his 9.5% career level. There’s a bit of a mitigating circumstance here however as Ragans took a comebacker to the thumb in Cleveland on April 8 and tried to stay in the game but lost all command and had to leave in the first inning. He didn’t miss a start, but walked four and then eight (!) in his next two outings, so I have to wonder whether the thumb still impacted his delivery.No way to know, but in his last outing he was spectacular, striking out 11 vs. no walks in six innings vs. the Los Angeles Angels.Bryan Woo has overall better numbers with a 3.86 ERA and 1.06 WHIP. But it’s a bit of a dip from his 2.94 ERA 0.94 WHIP breakout last year. His K% has dipped from 27.1% to 19.1% and it’s hard to explain why. His velo is actually up a shade and his Stuff and Location scores remain similarly excellent. The St. Louis Cardinals torched Woo for four homers, nine hits and seven earned runs in just three innings in his last outing.One game does not make a trend, but these two could not enter the game on more divergent paths. Plus the Seattle Mariners have looked pretty lousy vs. lefties this season, slashing just .204/.291/.332 with an 81 wRC+. So give me the Royals here and we’ll stick with the F5 to make it mostly a play on the SP matchup.Royals F5 (+130 BetMGM) Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: betting Blue Jays at TwinsTwins F5 -0.5 (+116 FanDuel)OK, quite the difference here as we have two non-aces going; Patrick Corbin for the Toronto Blue Jays vs. Simeon Woods-Richardson for the Minnesota Twins. Corbin has looked a bit better on the surface, 3.72 ERA and 1.24 WHIP through four starts and 19.1 IP, vs. a 6.30 ERA and 1.70 WHIP for SWR. But at least one of the ERA estimators actually think SWR is a bit less bad, 4.80 xERA vs. 5.87 xERA for Corbin.One thing that’s almost a guarantee is that SWR will need his fielders to help him out as he has just an 11% K% and the Jays are the second toughest team for righties to strike out at 19.4% K%. I’m not expecting all that much from him, really just that he can keep up with Corbin, who’s really here to eat some innings for the Jays and keep the game within range. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: betting #Friday #1st #MLB #Betting #Picks #Top #Predictions #Todays #Games #Deadspin.comApr 2, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Cole Ragans (55) pitches during the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

May has arrived!

Let’s hope that means unfettered nice weather here in the Northeast as my Wednesday pick got rained out. And how about we see that in the Midwest, too. Here are today’s MLB Picks.

Season Record 15-12-1, +0.52 Units

Royals at Mariners

We have a matchup of two aces off to kind of bumpy starts representing two teams that are not exactly fast out of the gate.

Cole Ragans has an ugly 5.00 ERA and 1.48 WHIP for the Kansas City Royals thus far, mostly thanks to his uncharacteristically high 15.7% BB%. He’s never been the greatest at avoiding the free pass, but that’s a huge bump from his 9.5% career level. There’s a bit of a mitigating circumstance here however as Ragans took a comebacker to the thumb in Cleveland on April 8 and tried to stay in the game but lost all command and had to leave in the first inning. He didn’t miss a start, but walked four and then eight (!) in his next two outings, so I have to wonder whether the thumb still impacted his delivery.

No way to know, but in his last outing he was spectacular, striking out 11 vs. no walks in six innings vs. the Los Angeles Angels.

Bryan Woo has overall better numbers with a 3.86 ERA and 1.06 WHIP. But it’s a bit of a dip from his 2.94 ERA 0.94 WHIP breakout last year. His K% has dipped from 27.1% to 19.1% and it’s hard to explain why. His velo is actually up a shade and his Stuff and Location scores remain similarly excellent. The St. Louis Cardinals torched Woo for four homers, nine hits and seven earned runs in just three innings in his last outing.

One game does not make a trend, but these two could not enter the game on more divergent paths. Plus the Seattle Mariners have looked pretty lousy vs. lefties this season, slashing just .204/.291/.332 with an 81 wRC+. So give me the Royals here and we’ll stick with the F5 to make it mostly a play on the SP matchup.

Royals F5 (+130 BetMGM)

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: betting

Blue Jays at Twins

Twins F5 -0.5 (+116 FanDuel)

OK, quite the difference here as we have two non-aces going; Patrick Corbin for the Toronto Blue Jays vs. Simeon Woods-Richardson for the Minnesota Twins. Corbin has looked a bit better on the surface, 3.72 ERA and 1.24 WHIP through four starts and 19.1 IP, vs. a 6.30 ERA and 1.70 WHIP for SWR. But at least one of the ERA estimators actually think SWR is a bit less bad, 4.80 xERA vs. 5.87 xERA for Corbin.

One thing that’s almost a guarantee is that SWR will need his fielders to help him out as he has just an 11% K% and the Jays are the second toughest team for righties to strike out at 19.4% K%. I’m not expecting all that much from him, really just that he can keep up with Corbin, who’s really here to eat some innings for the Jays and keep the game within range.

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: betting

#Friday #1st #MLB #Betting #Picks #Top #Predictions #Todays #Games #Deadspin.com">Friday May 1st MLB Betting Picks: Top Predictions for Today’s Games | Deadspin.com Apr 2, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Cole Ragans (55) pitches during the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images May has arrived!Let’s hope that means unfettered nice weather here in the Northeast as my Wednesday pick got rained out. And how about we see that in the Midwest, too. Here are today’s MLB Picks.Season Record 15-12-1, +0.52 UnitsRoyals at MarinersWe have a matchup of two aces off to kind of bumpy starts representing two teams that are not exactly fast out of the gate.Cole Ragans has an ugly 5.00 ERA and 1.48 WHIP for the Kansas City Royals thus far, mostly thanks to his uncharacteristically high 15.7% BB%. He’s never been the greatest at avoiding the free pass, but that’s a huge bump from his 9.5% career level. There’s a bit of a mitigating circumstance here however as Ragans took a comebacker to the thumb in Cleveland on April 8 and tried to stay in the game but lost all command and had to leave in the first inning. He didn’t miss a start, but walked four and then eight (!) in his next two outings, so I have to wonder whether the thumb still impacted his delivery.No way to know, but in his last outing he was spectacular, striking out 11 vs. no walks in six innings vs. the Los Angeles Angels.Bryan Woo has overall better numbers with a 3.86 ERA and 1.06 WHIP. But it’s a bit of a dip from his 2.94 ERA 0.94 WHIP breakout last year. His K% has dipped from 27.1% to 19.1% and it’s hard to explain why. His velo is actually up a shade and his Stuff and Location scores remain similarly excellent. The St. Louis Cardinals torched Woo for four homers, nine hits and seven earned runs in just three innings in his last outing.One game does not make a trend, but these two could not enter the game on more divergent paths. Plus the Seattle Mariners have looked pretty lousy vs. lefties this season, slashing just .204/.291/.332 with an 81 wRC+. So give me the Royals here and we’ll stick with the F5 to make it mostly a play on the SP matchup.Royals F5 (+130 BetMGM) Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: betting Blue Jays at TwinsTwins F5 -0.5 (+116 FanDuel)OK, quite the difference here as we have two non-aces going; Patrick Corbin for the Toronto Blue Jays vs. Simeon Woods-Richardson for the Minnesota Twins. Corbin has looked a bit better on the surface, 3.72 ERA and 1.24 WHIP through four starts and 19.1 IP, vs. a 6.30 ERA and 1.70 WHIP for SWR. But at least one of the ERA estimators actually think SWR is a bit less bad, 4.80 xERA vs. 5.87 xERA for Corbin.One thing that’s almost a guarantee is that SWR will need his fielders to help him out as he has just an 11% K% and the Jays are the second toughest team for righties to strike out at 19.4% K%. I’m not expecting all that much from him, really just that he can keep up with Corbin, who’s really here to eat some innings for the Jays and keep the game within range. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: betting #Friday #1st #MLB #Betting #Picks #Top #Predictions #Todays #Games #Deadspin.com

my Wednesday pick got rained out. And how about we see that in the Midwest, too. Here are today’s MLB Picks.

Season Record 15-12-1, +0.52 Units

Royals at Mariners

We have a matchup of two aces off to kind of bumpy starts representing two teams that are not exactly fast out of the gate.

Cole Ragans has an ugly 5.00 ERA and 1.48 WHIP for the Kansas City Royals thus far, mostly thanks to his uncharacteristically high 15.7% BB%. He’s never been the greatest at avoiding the free pass, but that’s a huge bump from his 9.5% career level. There’s a bit of a mitigating circumstance here however as Ragans took a comebacker to the thumb in Cleveland on April 8 and tried to stay in the game but lost all command and had to leave in the first inning. He didn’t miss a start, but walked four and then eight (!) in his next two outings, so I have to wonder whether the thumb still impacted his delivery.

No way to know, but in his last outing he was spectacular, striking out 11 vs. no walks in six innings vs. the Los Angeles Angels.

Bryan Woo has overall better numbers with a 3.86 ERA and 1.06 WHIP. But it’s a bit of a dip from his 2.94 ERA 0.94 WHIP breakout last year. His K% has dipped from 27.1% to 19.1% and it’s hard to explain why. His velo is actually up a shade and his Stuff and Location scores remain similarly excellent. The St. Louis Cardinals torched Woo for four homers, nine hits and seven earned runs in just three innings in his last outing.

One game does not make a trend, but these two could not enter the game on more divergent paths. Plus the Seattle Mariners have looked pretty lousy vs. lefties this season, slashing just .204/.291/.332 with an 81 wRC+. So give me the Royals here and we’ll stick with the F5 to make it mostly a play on the SP matchup.

Royals F5 (+130 BetMGM)

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: betting

Blue Jays at Twins

Twins F5 -0.5 (+116 FanDuel)

OK, quite the difference here as we have two non-aces going; Patrick Corbin for the Toronto Blue Jays vs. Simeon Woods-Richardson for the Minnesota Twins. Corbin has looked a bit better on the surface, 3.72 ERA and 1.24 WHIP through four starts and 19.1 IP, vs. a 6.30 ERA and 1.70 WHIP for SWR. But at least one of the ERA estimators actually think SWR is a bit less bad, 4.80 xERA vs. 5.87 xERA for Corbin.

One thing that’s almost a guarantee is that SWR will need his fielders to help him out as he has just an 11% K% and the Jays are the second toughest team for righties to strike out at 19.4% K%. I’m not expecting all that much from him, really just that he can keep up with Corbin, who’s really here to eat some innings for the Jays and keep the game within range.

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: betting

#Friday #1st #MLB #Betting #Picks #Top #Predictions #Todays #Games #Deadspin.com">Friday May 1st MLB Betting Picks: Top Predictions for Today’s Games | Deadspin.com
Friday May 1st MLB Betting Picks: Top Predictions for Today’s Games | Deadspin.com Apr 2, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Cole Ragans (55) pitches during the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images May has arrived!Let’s hope that means unfettered nice weather here in the Northeast as my Wednesday pick got rained out. And how about we see that in the Midwest, too. Here are today’s MLB Picks.Season Record 15-12-1, +0.52 UnitsRoyals at MarinersWe have a matchup of two aces off to kind of bumpy starts representing two teams that are not exactly fast out of the gate.Cole Ragans has an ugly 5.00 ERA and 1.48 WHIP for the Kansas City Royals thus far, mostly thanks to his uncharacteristically high 15.7% BB%. He’s never been the greatest at avoiding the free pass, but that’s a huge bump from his 9.5% career level. There’s a bit of a mitigating circumstance here however as Ragans took a comebacker to the thumb in Cleveland on April 8 and tried to stay in the game but lost all command and had to leave in the first inning. He didn’t miss a start, but walked four and then eight (!) in his next two outings, so I have to wonder whether the thumb still impacted his delivery.No way to know, but in his last outing he was spectacular, striking out 11 vs. no walks in six innings vs. the Los Angeles Angels.Bryan Woo has overall better numbers with a 3.86 ERA and 1.06 WHIP. But it’s a bit of a dip from his 2.94 ERA 0.94 WHIP breakout last year. His K% has dipped from 27.1% to 19.1% and it’s hard to explain why. His velo is actually up a shade and his Stuff and Location scores remain similarly excellent. The St. Louis Cardinals torched Woo for four homers, nine hits and seven earned runs in just three innings in his last outing.One game does not make a trend, but these two could not enter the game on more divergent paths. Plus the Seattle Mariners have looked pretty lousy vs. lefties this season, slashing just .204/.291/.332 with an 81 wRC+. So give me the Royals here and we’ll stick with the F5 to make it mostly a play on the SP matchup.Royals F5 (+130 BetMGM) Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: betting Blue Jays at TwinsTwins F5 -0.5 (+116 FanDuel)OK, quite the difference here as we have two non-aces going; Patrick Corbin for the Toronto Blue Jays vs. Simeon Woods-Richardson for the Minnesota Twins. Corbin has looked a bit better on the surface, 3.72 ERA and 1.24 WHIP through four starts and 19.1 IP, vs. a 6.30 ERA and 1.70 WHIP for SWR. But at least one of the ERA estimators actually think SWR is a bit less bad, 4.80 xERA vs. 5.87 xERA for Corbin.One thing that’s almost a guarantee is that SWR will need his fielders to help him out as he has just an 11% K% and the Jays are the second toughest team for righties to strike out at 19.4% K%. I’m not expecting all that much from him, really just that he can keep up with Corbin, who’s really here to eat some innings for the Jays and keep the game within range. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: betting #Friday #1st #MLB #Betting #Picks #Top #Predictions #Todays #Games #Deadspin.comApr 2, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Cole Ragans (55) pitches during the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

May has arrived!

Let’s hope that means unfettered nice weather here in the Northeast as my Wednesday pick got rained out. And how about we see that in the Midwest, too. Here are today’s MLB Picks.

Season Record 15-12-1, +0.52 Units

Royals at Mariners

We have a matchup of two aces off to kind of bumpy starts representing two teams that are not exactly fast out of the gate.

Cole Ragans has an ugly 5.00 ERA and 1.48 WHIP for the Kansas City Royals thus far, mostly thanks to his uncharacteristically high 15.7% BB%. He’s never been the greatest at avoiding the free pass, but that’s a huge bump from his 9.5% career level. There’s a bit of a mitigating circumstance here however as Ragans took a comebacker to the thumb in Cleveland on April 8 and tried to stay in the game but lost all command and had to leave in the first inning. He didn’t miss a start, but walked four and then eight (!) in his next two outings, so I have to wonder whether the thumb still impacted his delivery.

No way to know, but in his last outing he was spectacular, striking out 11 vs. no walks in six innings vs. the Los Angeles Angels.

Bryan Woo has overall better numbers with a 3.86 ERA and 1.06 WHIP. But it’s a bit of a dip from his 2.94 ERA 0.94 WHIP breakout last year. His K% has dipped from 27.1% to 19.1% and it’s hard to explain why. His velo is actually up a shade and his Stuff and Location scores remain similarly excellent. The St. Louis Cardinals torched Woo for four homers, nine hits and seven earned runs in just three innings in his last outing.

One game does not make a trend, but these two could not enter the game on more divergent paths. Plus the Seattle Mariners have looked pretty lousy vs. lefties this season, slashing just .204/.291/.332 with an 81 wRC+. So give me the Royals here and we’ll stick with the F5 to make it mostly a play on the SP matchup.

Royals F5 (+130 BetMGM)

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: betting

Blue Jays at Twins

Twins F5 -0.5 (+116 FanDuel)

OK, quite the difference here as we have two non-aces going; Patrick Corbin for the Toronto Blue Jays vs. Simeon Woods-Richardson for the Minnesota Twins. Corbin has looked a bit better on the surface, 3.72 ERA and 1.24 WHIP through four starts and 19.1 IP, vs. a 6.30 ERA and 1.70 WHIP for SWR. But at least one of the ERA estimators actually think SWR is a bit less bad, 4.80 xERA vs. 5.87 xERA for Corbin.

One thing that’s almost a guarantee is that SWR will need his fielders to help him out as he has just an 11% K% and the Jays are the second toughest team for righties to strike out at 19.4% K%. I’m not expecting all that much from him, really just that he can keep up with Corbin, who’s really here to eat some innings for the Jays and keep the game within range.

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: betting

#Friday #1st #MLB #Betting #Picks #Top #Predictions #Todays #Games #Deadspin.com

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