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Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers — Italy, Ukraine begin campaign on a winning note Italy moved to the brink of another Billie Jean King Cup Finals appearance as Jasmine Paolini and ​Elisabetta Cocciaretto gave the defending champion a commanding 2-0 lead over Japan in their qualifier ‌in Velletri on Friday.Cocciaretto set the tone with a solid 7-5, 6-2 victory over Moyuka Uchijima, edging a tight opening set ⁠before building momentum and using her power to pull clear in the second despite a brief fightback by the Japanese player.Jasmine Paolini then delighted the crowd with a composed ‌6-3, 6-1 win against Himeno Sakatsume, the World No. 8 lifting her level to claim a seventh straight Billie Jean King ‌Cup singles win and leave Italy one step from qualification.TOP-RANKED PLAYERS WINTop-ranked ‌players ⁠Elina Svitolina, Belinda Bencic and Linda Noskova were among the ⁠winners for their respective countries on a day that saw several surprising results.Ukraine’s World No. 7 Svitolina sailed past Poland’s Katarzyna Kawa 6-2, 6-1, while her partner Marta Kostyuk defeated Magda ​Linette as they took a 2-0 ‌lead in Gliwice.World No. 14 Noskova of the Czech Republic cancelled out Swiss Bencic’s thrilling opening victory to help the 11-times champions level the tie at 1-1 in Biel.Noskova beat Viktorija Golubic 6-1, 6-4 after Bencic ‌overcame Marie Bouzkova 6-3, 6-7 (4), 6-4 in a marathon encounter that topped ​three hours.FINE START FOR BRITAINBritain also made a strong start in Melbourne, taking a 2-0 lead over Australia after impressive ⁠wins from 17-year-old debutant Mika Stojsavljevic and Harriet Dart on the opening day.Stojsavljevic produced a fearless display to beat Australia’s top-ranked player Talia Gibson 7-6(4), 7-5 while ‌Dart defeated Kimberly Birrell 4-6, 6-3, 6-3.In Astana, Canada and Kazakhstan were locked at 1-1 after Bianca Andreescu marked her return to the competition by beating local teenager Sonja Zhiyenbayeva 6-4, 7-6(4).Yulia Putintseva had earlier given the hosts the lead with a hard-fought 6-3, 7-5 win over Kayla Cross.Spain’s Kaitlin Quevedo and Slovenia’s Veronika Erjavec picked up victories for their respective teams as ‌the two nations finished the day in Portoroz tied at 1-1.The 20-year-old Quevedo won on ​her debut when Tamara Zidansek retired injured at the start of the third set.Belgium raced into a 2-0 lead as Hanne ⁠Vandewinkel stunned higher-ranked American Iva Jovic 7-6(3), 6-3 before Elise Mertens defeated McCartney Kessler, ⁠who retired with a lower back injury at 3-3 in the decider after a close battle.Seven nations from the qualifiers advance to ‌the finals, scheduled to take place between September 22 and 27 in Shenzhen, alongside hosts China, while the losing teams move into the 2026 ​playoffs later in November.Published on Apr 11, 2026 #Billie #Jean #King #Cup #qualifiers #Italy #Ukraine #campaign #winning #note

Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers — Italy, Ukraine begin campaign on a winning note

Italy moved to the brink of another Billie Jean King Cup Finals appearance as Jasmine Paolini and ​Elisabetta Cocciaretto gave the defending champion a commanding 2-0 lead over Japan in their qualifier ‌in Velletri on Friday.

Cocciaretto set the tone with a solid 7-5, 6-2 victory over Moyuka Uchijima, edging a tight opening set ⁠before building momentum and using her power to pull clear in the second despite a brief fightback by the Japanese player.

Jasmine Paolini then delighted the crowd with a composed ‌6-3, 6-1 win against Himeno Sakatsume, the World No. 8 lifting her level to claim a seventh straight Billie Jean King ‌Cup singles win and leave Italy one step from qualification.

TOP-RANKED PLAYERS WIN

Top-ranked ‌players ⁠Elina Svitolina, Belinda Bencic and Linda Noskova were among the ⁠winners for their respective countries on a day that saw several surprising results.

Ukraine’s World No. 7 Svitolina sailed past Poland’s Katarzyna Kawa 6-2, 6-1, while her partner Marta Kostyuk defeated Magda ​Linette as they took a 2-0 ‌lead in Gliwice.

World No. 14 Noskova of the Czech Republic cancelled out Swiss Bencic’s thrilling opening victory to help the 11-times champions level the tie at 1-1 in Biel.

Noskova beat Viktorija Golubic 6-1, 6-4 after Bencic ‌overcame Marie Bouzkova 6-3, 6-7 (4), 6-4 in a marathon encounter that topped ​three hours.

FINE START FOR BRITAIN

Britain also made a strong start in Melbourne, taking a 2-0 lead over Australia after impressive ⁠wins from 17-year-old debutant Mika Stojsavljevic and Harriet Dart on the opening day.

Stojsavljevic produced a fearless display to beat Australia’s top-ranked player Talia Gibson 7-6(4), 7-5 while ‌Dart defeated Kimberly Birrell 4-6, 6-3, 6-3.

In Astana, Canada and Kazakhstan were locked at 1-1 after Bianca Andreescu marked her return to the competition by beating local teenager Sonja Zhiyenbayeva 6-4, 7-6(4).

Yulia Putintseva had earlier given the hosts the lead with a hard-fought 6-3, 7-5 win over Kayla Cross.

Spain’s Kaitlin Quevedo and Slovenia’s Veronika Erjavec picked up victories for their respective teams as ‌the two nations finished the day in Portoroz tied at 1-1.

The 20-year-old Quevedo won on ​her debut when Tamara Zidansek retired injured at the start of the third set.

Belgium raced into a 2-0 lead as Hanne ⁠Vandewinkel stunned higher-ranked American Iva Jovic 7-6(3), 6-3 before Elise Mertens defeated McCartney Kessler, ⁠who retired with a lower back injury at 3-3 in the decider after a close battle.

Seven nations from the qualifiers advance to ‌the finals, scheduled to take place between September 22 and 27 in Shenzhen, alongside hosts China, while the losing teams move into the 2026 ​playoffs later in November.

Published on Apr 11, 2026

#Billie #Jean #King #Cup #qualifiers #Italy #Ukraine #campaign #winning #note

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Italy moved to the brink of another Billie Jean King Cup Finals appearance as Jasmine Paolini and ​Elisabetta Cocciaretto gave the defending champion a commanding 2-0 lead over Japan in their qualifier ‌in Velletri on Friday.

Cocciaretto set the tone with a solid 7-5, 6-2 victory over Moyuka Uchijima, edging a tight opening set ⁠before building momentum and using her power to pull clear in the second despite a brief fightback by the Japanese player.

Jasmine Paolini then delighted the crowd with a composed ‌6-3, 6-1 win against Himeno Sakatsume, the World No. 8 lifting her level to claim a seventh straight Billie Jean King ‌Cup singles win and leave Italy one step from qualification.

TOP-RANKED PLAYERS WIN

Top-ranked ‌players ⁠Elina Svitolina, Belinda Bencic and Linda Noskova were among the ⁠winners for their respective countries on a day that saw several surprising results.

Ukraine’s World No. 7 Svitolina sailed past Poland’s Katarzyna Kawa 6-2, 6-1, while her partner Marta Kostyuk defeated Magda ​Linette as they took a 2-0 ‌lead in Gliwice.

World No. 14 Noskova of the Czech Republic cancelled out Swiss Bencic’s thrilling opening victory to help the 11-times champions level the tie at 1-1 in Biel.

Noskova beat Viktorija Golubic 6-1, 6-4 after Bencic ‌overcame Marie Bouzkova 6-3, 6-7 (4), 6-4 in a marathon encounter that topped ​three hours.

FINE START FOR BRITAIN

Britain also made a strong start in Melbourne, taking a 2-0 lead over Australia after impressive ⁠wins from 17-year-old debutant Mika Stojsavljevic and Harriet Dart on the opening day.

Stojsavljevic produced a fearless display to beat Australia’s top-ranked player Talia Gibson 7-6(4), 7-5 while ‌Dart defeated Kimberly Birrell 4-6, 6-3, 6-3.

In Astana, Canada and Kazakhstan were locked at 1-1 after Bianca Andreescu marked her return to the competition by beating local teenager Sonja Zhiyenbayeva 6-4, 7-6(4).

Yulia Putintseva had earlier given the hosts the lead with a hard-fought 6-3, 7-5 win over Kayla Cross.

Spain’s Kaitlin Quevedo and Slovenia’s Veronika Erjavec picked up victories for their respective teams as ‌the two nations finished the day in Portoroz tied at 1-1.

The 20-year-old Quevedo won on ​her debut when Tamara Zidansek retired injured at the start of the third set.

Belgium raced into a 2-0 lead as Hanne ⁠Vandewinkel stunned higher-ranked American Iva Jovic 7-6(3), 6-3 before Elise Mertens defeated McCartney Kessler, ⁠who retired with a lower back injury at 3-3 in the decider after a close battle.

Seven nations from the qualifiers advance to ‌the finals, scheduled to take place between September 22 and 27 in Shenzhen, alongside hosts China, while the losing teams move into the 2026 ​playoffs later in November.

Published on Apr 11, 2026

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Deadspin | Five Athletics’ hurlers combine to blank Mets <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-900/28703170.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28703170.jpg" alt="MLB: Athletics at New York Mets" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 10, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers (23) hits an RBI single against the New York Mets during the third inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>A quintet of pitchers combined on a six-hit shutout Friday night for the visiting Athletics, who continued surging with a 4-0 win over the slumping New York Mets.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Shea Langeliers laced a third-inning run-scoring single in the third before Jeff McNeil (single) and Denzel Clarke (two-run single) added RBI hits in the ninth for the Athletics, who have posted two straight shutouts and won four of their last five following a 2-6 start.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Jacob Wilson went 3-for-4 while McNeil, who played for the Mets from 2018-25, added two hits.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Six players had one hit apiece for the Mets, who have dropped their last three games by a combined 18-3 immediately after outscoring the opposition 28-8 during a four-game winning streak.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Clay Holmes (2-1) gave up one run on five hits and three walks while striking out three before leaving with one out in the sixth inning due to a left hamstring injury.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-6"> <p>J.T. Ginn, making his first start this year, allowed one hit — a bunt single by Jared Young — and one walk while striking out four over four scoreless innings.</p> </section> <section id="section-7"> <p>Mark Leiter Jr. tossed a one-hit fifth and Jack Perkins (1-0) was credited with the win after giving up three hits over 2 1/3 innings. Scott Barlow and Elvis Alvarado combined to get the final five outs.</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>The Athletics carved out a run in the third, when Carlos Cortes led off with a single, moved to second on Lawrence Butler’s one-out walk, took third when Butler was forced on Nick Kurtz’s grounder before trotting home on Langeliers’ single.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>The Mets had their best threat in the sixth, when Francisco Lindor and Bo Bichette led off with singles. But Lindor, who went to third on Bichette’s hit, was thrown out trying to get back to the bag on Jared Young’s grounder to first. Luis Robert Jr. followed by bouncing into a 6-4-3 double play.</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>Wilson singled leading off the ninth, went to second on Carson Benge’s error and scored on McNeil’s hit. Pinch-runner Zack Gelof moved to third on Max Muncy’s double and both players scored on Clarke’s single.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Athletics #hurlers #combine #blank #Mets

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Deadspin | Jalen Duren, Pistons relegate Hornets to East’s play-in tournament <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-900/28703077.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28703077.jpg" alt="NBA: Detroit Pistons at Charlotte Hornets" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 10, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Sion James (4) is fouled by Detroit Pistons guard/forward Ausar Thompson (9) at the rim during the second quarter at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Jalen Duren scored 20 points on 8-for-11 shooting from the field and the Detroit Pistons rode a strong stretch early the fourth quarter to a 118-110 win over the host Charlotte Hornets on Friday.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Duncan Robinson racked up 19 points, Cade Cunningham had 14 points, Ronald Holland II posted 13 points and Ausar Thompson added 12 points for the Pistons (59-22), who have won five of their past six games. Detroit had already locked up first place in the Eastern Conference.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>The outcome means the Hornets (43-38) will be in the East’s play-in tournament. The loss eliminated any chance that they could advance directly to the playoff bracket.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>LaMelo Ball’s 27 points, including six 3-point baskets, led the Hornets, while Brandon Miller had 22 points. Coby White, after missing the team’s Tuesday game night because of groin soreness, scored 11 points off the bench, while Miles Bridges and Kon Knueppel each finished with 10 points.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>This was the first meeting between the teams since a February brawl in Charlotte that resulted in multiple ejections and suspensions. There was a dust-up between Robinson and Miller less than two minutes into the Friday game after Miller dunked and there was contact afterward upon his landing. Both players were assessed a technical foul.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-6"> <p>It was a tight game for the most part through three quarters. The Pistons led 93-90 before starting the fourth with a 15-2 run that Charlotte couldn’t overcome in its home finale. Duren scored six points and Huerter added five during the key surge.</p> </section> <section id="section-7"> <p>Cunningham played in his second game since missing three weeks of action with a collapsed lung. He provided seven assists to go with his 7-for-13 shooting, though he was 0-for-3 on 3-point attempts in his 28-minute outing.</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>Detroit shot 50.6% from the field and benefited from Duren’s game-high nine rebounds.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>The Hornets attempted more than half of their 88 overall shots from beyond the 3-point arc, going 13-for-47 (27.7%). They committed 16 turnovers.</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>The Hornets finished with a 21-20 record in home games.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Jalen #Duren #Pistons #relegate #Hornets #Easts #playin #tournament

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Ayush Shetty’s impressive campaign at the Badminton Asia Championships 2026 continued on Saturday as he stunned defending champion and World No. 1 Kunlavut Vitidsarn, becoming only the second Indian ever to reach the men’s singles final at the continental event.

Dinesh Khanna had won gold at the 1965 edition. Since then, Khanna (1969), Suresh Goel (1965), Prakash Padukone (1976), Pullela Gopichand (2000), Anup Sridhar (2007) and H. S. Prannoy (2018) have all won bronze medals.

World No. 25 Ayush upset Thailand’s Vitidsarn 10-21, 21-19, 21-17 in an hour and 15 minutes in Ningbo, China, to reach the summit clash where he’ll face either second-seeded Chinese Shi Yu Qi or Chou Tien Chen, the fourth-seeded player from Chinese Taipei.

ALSO READ | Who is Ayush Shetty, the Indian who beat World No. 1 at Badminton Asia Championships 2026

It was the second meeting between Ayush and Vitidsarn. They had previously faced each other during last year’s Arctic Open where the Thai shuttler had triumphed 21-15, 21-16. Paris Olympics silver medallist Vitidsarn seemed to be on track to repeat that result in Ningbo as he dominated the Indian player to clinch the first game easily.

However, Ayush turned the tide as he strengthened his defence and kept a fair distance between him and Vitidsarn from the beginning. He led 11-4 at the mid-game interval and soon, earned six games points. But the 24-year-old Thai shuttler, a former World Champion, reeled off five points on the trot.

On the sixth attempt, Ayush finally got the job done with a down-the-line jump smash to take the second game.

In the decider, Ayush took a four-point lead going into the mid-game interval. He converted the second of his four match points to complete a famour win.

READ | Badminton world body to test out synthetic feather shuttlecocks

It has been a memorable week for Ayush, who had won the BWF World Junior Championships bronze medal in 2023. He began his campaign with an upset win over China’s Li Shi Feng, World No. 7, in straight games. He followed it up with a convincing 21-16, 21-12 victory over Chinese Taipei’s Chi Yu Jen, World No. 20.

In the quarterfinals, the reigning U.S. Open Champion defeated World No. 4 Jonatan Christie of Indonesia 23-21, 21-17.

Published on Apr 11, 2026

#Badminton #Asia #Championships #Ayush #shocks #World #Vitidsarn #Indian #reach #mens #singles #final">Badminton Asia Championships 2026: Ayush shocks World No. 1 Vitidsarn, becomes second Indian ever to reach men’s singles final Ayush Shetty’s impressive campaign at the Badminton Asia Championships 2026 continued on Saturday as he stunned defending champion and World No. 1 Kunlavut Vitidsarn, becoming only the second Indian ever to reach the men’s singles final at the continental event.Dinesh Khanna had won gold at the 1965 edition. Since then, Khanna (1969), Suresh Goel (1965), Prakash Padukone (1976), Pullela Gopichand (2000), Anup Sridhar (2007) and H. S. Prannoy (2018) have all won bronze medals.World No. 25 Ayush upset Thailand’s Vitidsarn 10-21, 21-19, 21-17 in an hour and 15 minutes in Ningbo, China, to reach the summit clash where he’ll face either second-seeded Chinese Shi Yu Qi or Chou Tien Chen, the fourth-seeded player from Chinese Taipei.ALSO READ | Who is Ayush Shetty, the Indian who beat World No. 1 at Badminton Asia Championships 2026It was the second meeting between Ayush and Vitidsarn. They had previously faced each other during last year’s Arctic Open where the Thai shuttler had triumphed 21-15, 21-16. Paris Olympics silver medallist Vitidsarn seemed to be on track to repeat that result in Ningbo as he dominated the Indian player to clinch the first game easily.However, Ayush turned the tide as he strengthened his defence and kept a fair distance between him and Vitidsarn from the beginning. He led 11-4 at the mid-game interval and soon, earned six games points. But the 24-year-old Thai shuttler, a former World Champion, reeled off five points on the trot.On the sixth attempt, Ayush finally got the job done with a down-the-line jump smash to take the second game.In the decider, Ayush took a four-point lead going into the mid-game interval. He converted the second of his four match points to complete a famour win.READ | Badminton world body to test out synthetic feather shuttlecocksIt has been a memorable week for Ayush, who had won the BWF World Junior Championships bronze medal in 2023. He began his campaign with an upset win over China’s Li Shi Feng, World No. 7, in straight games. He followed it up with a convincing 21-16, 21-12 victory over Chinese Taipei’s Chi Yu Jen, World No. 20.In the quarterfinals, the reigning U.S. Open Champion defeated World No. 4 Jonatan Christie of Indonesia 23-21, 21-17.Published on Apr 11, 2026 #Badminton #Asia #Championships #Ayush #shocks #World #Vitidsarn #Indian #reach #mens #singles #final

Who is Ayush Shetty, the Indian who beat World No. 1 at Badminton Asia Championships 2026

It was the second meeting between Ayush and Vitidsarn. They had previously faced each other during last year’s Arctic Open where the Thai shuttler had triumphed 21-15, 21-16. Paris Olympics silver medallist Vitidsarn seemed to be on track to repeat that result in Ningbo as he dominated the Indian player to clinch the first game easily.

However, Ayush turned the tide as he strengthened his defence and kept a fair distance between him and Vitidsarn from the beginning. He led 11-4 at the mid-game interval and soon, earned six games points. But the 24-year-old Thai shuttler, a former World Champion, reeled off five points on the trot.

On the sixth attempt, Ayush finally got the job done with a down-the-line jump smash to take the second game.

In the decider, Ayush took a four-point lead going into the mid-game interval. He converted the second of his four match points to complete a famour win.

READ | Badminton world body to test out synthetic feather shuttlecocks

It has been a memorable week for Ayush, who had won the BWF World Junior Championships bronze medal in 2023. He began his campaign with an upset win over China’s Li Shi Feng, World No. 7, in straight games. He followed it up with a convincing 21-16, 21-12 victory over Chinese Taipei’s Chi Yu Jen, World No. 20.

In the quarterfinals, the reigning U.S. Open Champion defeated World No. 4 Jonatan Christie of Indonesia 23-21, 21-17.

Published on Apr 11, 2026

#Badminton #Asia #Championships #Ayush #shocks #World #Vitidsarn #Indian #reach #mens #singles #final">Badminton Asia Championships 2026: Ayush shocks World No. 1 Vitidsarn, becomes second Indian ever to reach men’s singles final

Ayush Shetty’s impressive campaign at the Badminton Asia Championships 2026 continued on Saturday as he stunned defending champion and World No. 1 Kunlavut Vitidsarn, becoming only the second Indian ever to reach the men’s singles final at the continental event.

Dinesh Khanna had won gold at the 1965 edition. Since then, Khanna (1969), Suresh Goel (1965), Prakash Padukone (1976), Pullela Gopichand (2000), Anup Sridhar (2007) and H. S. Prannoy (2018) have all won bronze medals.

World No. 25 Ayush upset Thailand’s Vitidsarn 10-21, 21-19, 21-17 in an hour and 15 minutes in Ningbo, China, to reach the summit clash where he’ll face either second-seeded Chinese Shi Yu Qi or Chou Tien Chen, the fourth-seeded player from Chinese Taipei.

ALSO READ | Who is Ayush Shetty, the Indian who beat World No. 1 at Badminton Asia Championships 2026

It was the second meeting between Ayush and Vitidsarn. They had previously faced each other during last year’s Arctic Open where the Thai shuttler had triumphed 21-15, 21-16. Paris Olympics silver medallist Vitidsarn seemed to be on track to repeat that result in Ningbo as he dominated the Indian player to clinch the first game easily.

However, Ayush turned the tide as he strengthened his defence and kept a fair distance between him and Vitidsarn from the beginning. He led 11-4 at the mid-game interval and soon, earned six games points. But the 24-year-old Thai shuttler, a former World Champion, reeled off five points on the trot.

On the sixth attempt, Ayush finally got the job done with a down-the-line jump smash to take the second game.

In the decider, Ayush took a four-point lead going into the mid-game interval. He converted the second of his four match points to complete a famour win.

READ | Badminton world body to test out synthetic feather shuttlecocks

It has been a memorable week for Ayush, who had won the BWF World Junior Championships bronze medal in 2023. He began his campaign with an upset win over China’s Li Shi Feng, World No. 7, in straight games. He followed it up with a convincing 21-16, 21-12 victory over Chinese Taipei’s Chi Yu Jen, World No. 20.

In the quarterfinals, the reigning U.S. Open Champion defeated World No. 4 Jonatan Christie of Indonesia 23-21, 21-17.

Published on Apr 11, 2026

#Badminton #Asia #Championships #Ayush #shocks #World #Vitidsarn #Indian #reach #mens #singles #final
Deadspin | Astros place SP Cristian Javier and OF Jake Meyers on IL Apr 8, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Cristian Javier (53) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images The Houston Astros lost another member of their starting rotation when they placed right-hander Cristian Javier (right shoulder strain) on the 15-day injured list on Friday before opening a three-game series in Seattle. In addition, the Astros placed outfielder Jake Meyers (oblique strain) on the 10-day IL. Earlier this week, Houston ace right-hander Hunter Brown was shut down from throwing and placed on the 15-day IL with a right shoulder strain. That move was retroactive to April 2. To replace Javier and Meyers, the Astros recalled right-hander J.P. France and outfielder Taylor Trammell from Triple-A Sugar Land. Righty Ronel Blanco was transferred to the 60-day injured list. Javier, a seven-year member of the Astros, was removed after one inning with shoulder tightness on Wednesday in Colorado. He has allowed 13 earned runs in 9 1/3 innings this season (12.54 ERA) while walking nine batters and fanning four. The Dominican Republic native was a breakout star for Houston’s 2022 World Series champions. He posting a 2.54 ERA in 25 regular-season starts, then went 2-0 with a 0.71 ERA in three postseason appearances. He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2024 and has only appeared in 18 games since. Meyers was removed in the middle of an at-bat in the top of the second inning in the same game on Wednesday due to lower back tightness. He was hitting .243 with a home run and four RBIs in 12 games. Meyers is in his sixth year with the club and hit a career-high .292 with 16 stolen bases in 2025. France was an important part of the Astros’ rotation in 2023, when he started 23 games and posted an 11-6 record and 3.83 ERA. After needing shoulder surgery in 2024, France returned last season and pitched in two games out of the bullpen. Trammell debuted with Seattle in 2021 and has played with the Mariners (2021-23), Los Angeles Dodgers (2024) and New York Yankees (2024). He came to Houston in 2025 and hit .197 in a career-high 52 games. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Astros #place #Cristian #Javier #Jake #MeyersApr 8, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Cristian Javier (53) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

The Houston Astros lost another member of their starting rotation when they placed right-hander Cristian Javier (right shoulder strain) on the 15-day injured list on Friday before opening a three-game series in Seattle.

In addition, the Astros placed outfielder Jake Meyers (oblique strain) on the 10-day IL.

Earlier this week, Houston ace right-hander Hunter Brown was shut down from throwing and placed on the 15-day IL with a right shoulder strain. That move was retroactive to April 2.

To replace Javier and Meyers, the Astros recalled right-hander J.P. France and outfielder Taylor Trammell from Triple-A Sugar Land. Righty Ronel Blanco was transferred to the 60-day injured list.


Javier, a seven-year member of the Astros, was removed after one inning with shoulder tightness on Wednesday in Colorado. He has allowed 13 earned runs in 9 1/3 innings this season (12.54 ERA) while walking nine batters and fanning four.

The Dominican Republic native was a breakout star for Houston’s 2022 World Series champions. He posting a 2.54 ERA in 25 regular-season starts, then went 2-0 with a 0.71 ERA in three postseason appearances. He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2024 and has only appeared in 18 games since.

Meyers was removed in the middle of an at-bat in the top of the second inning in the same game on Wednesday due to lower back tightness. He was hitting .243 with a home run and four RBIs in 12 games. Meyers is in his sixth year with the club and hit a career-high .292 with 16 stolen bases in 2025.

France was an important part of the Astros’ rotation in 2023, when he started 23 games and posted an 11-6 record and 3.83 ERA. After needing shoulder surgery in 2024, France returned last season and pitched in two games out of the bullpen.

Trammell debuted with Seattle in 2021 and has played with the Mariners (2021-23), Los Angeles Dodgers (2024) and New York Yankees (2024). He came to Houston in 2025 and hit .197 in a career-high 52 games.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Astros #place #Cristian #Javier #Jake #Meyers">Deadspin | Astros place SP Cristian Javier and OF Jake Meyers on IL Apr 8, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Cristian Javier (53) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images The Houston Astros lost another member of their starting rotation when they placed right-hander Cristian Javier (right shoulder strain) on the 15-day injured list on Friday before opening a three-game series in Seattle. In addition, the Astros placed outfielder Jake Meyers (oblique strain) on the 10-day IL. Earlier this week, Houston ace right-hander Hunter Brown was shut down from throwing and placed on the 15-day IL with a right shoulder strain. That move was retroactive to April 2. To replace Javier and Meyers, the Astros recalled right-hander J.P. France and outfielder Taylor Trammell from Triple-A Sugar Land. Righty Ronel Blanco was transferred to the 60-day injured list. Javier, a seven-year member of the Astros, was removed after one inning with shoulder tightness on Wednesday in Colorado. He has allowed 13 earned runs in 9 1/3 innings this season (12.54 ERA) while walking nine batters and fanning four. The Dominican Republic native was a breakout star for Houston’s 2022 World Series champions. He posting a 2.54 ERA in 25 regular-season starts, then went 2-0 with a 0.71 ERA in three postseason appearances. He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2024 and has only appeared in 18 games since. Meyers was removed in the middle of an at-bat in the top of the second inning in the same game on Wednesday due to lower back tightness. He was hitting .243 with a home run and four RBIs in 12 games. Meyers is in his sixth year with the club and hit a career-high .292 with 16 stolen bases in 2025. France was an important part of the Astros’ rotation in 2023, when he started 23 games and posted an 11-6 record and 3.83 ERA. After needing shoulder surgery in 2024, France returned last season and pitched in two games out of the bullpen. Trammell debuted with Seattle in 2021 and has played with the Mariners (2021-23), Los Angeles Dodgers (2024) and New York Yankees (2024). He came to Houston in 2025 and hit .197 in a career-high 52 games. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Astros #place #Cristian #Javier #Jake #Meyers

Indian youngster Ayush Shetty continued to make a mark on the global scale as he beat World No. 1 Kunlavut Vitidsarn to enter the Badminton Asia Championships final in Ningbo, China, on Saturday.

The 20-year-old stunned World No. 4 Jonathan Christie to secure a medal, which will be India’s first at the Badminton Asia Championships since Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy’s men’s doubles gold in 2023.

Who is Ayush Shetty?

Ayush, who hails from Karnataka, made headlines in 2023 when he won the bronze medal at the BWF World Junior Championships.

Training at the Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy (PPBA) in Bengaluru, his reflexes and movement have prompted many to call him the next big thing in Indian badminton.

Last year, he won his first major title, the US Open title, beating Brian Yang 21-18, 21-13 in the final, becoming the first Indian to win a BWF World Tour title in 2025.

“Ayush’s initial target was to be a top-25 player by the end of the year. With this kind of performance, this is definitely within his reach. In the long term, Ayush is a world top-10 player for sure. He has a very bright future,” Sagar Chopda, PPBA head coach, had earlier told Sportstar.

How has Ayush Shetty performed at the Badminton Asia Championships?

At the Asia Championships, Ayush opened his campaign with a stunning win over World No. 7 Li Shi Feng before beating Chi Yu Jen of Chinese Taipei to qualify for the quarterfinals.

In the quarters, the Indian youngsters pulled off another upset, beating World No. 4 Jonathan Christie to enter the final four.

Ayush’s results at Badminton Asia Championships:

  • Ayush Shetty — 21-13, 21-16 — Li Shi Feng — Round of 32
  • Ayush Shetty — 21-16, 21-12 — Chi Yu Jen — Round of 16
  • Ayush Shetty — 23-21, 21-17 — Jonatan Christie — Quarterfinals
  • Ayush Shetty — 10-21, 21-19, 21, 17 — Kunlavut Vitidsarn — Semifinal

Published on Apr 11, 2026

#Ayush #Shetty #Indian #beat #World #Badminton #Asia #Championships">Who is Ayush Shetty, the Indian who beat World No. 1 at Badminton Asia Championships 2026 Indian youngster Ayush Shetty continued to make a mark on the global scale as he beat World No. 1 Kunlavut Vitidsarn to enter the Badminton Asia Championships final in Ningbo, China, on Saturday.The 20-year-old stunned World No. 4 Jonathan Christie to secure a medal, which will be India’s first at the Badminton Asia Championships since Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy’s men’s doubles gold in 2023.Who is Ayush Shetty?Ayush, who hails from Karnataka, made headlines in 2023 when he won the bronze medal at the BWF World Junior Championships.Training at the Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy (PPBA) in Bengaluru, his reflexes and movement have prompted many to call him the next big thing in Indian badminton.Last year, he won his first major title, the US Open title, beating Brian Yang 21-18, 21-13 in the final, becoming the first Indian to win a BWF World Tour title in 2025.“Ayush’s initial target was to be a top-25 player by the end of the year. With this kind of performance, this is definitely within his reach. In the long term, Ayush is a world top-10 player for sure. He has a very bright future,” Sagar Chopda, PPBA head coach, had earlier told Sportstar.How has Ayush Shetty performed at the Badminton Asia Championships?At the Asia Championships, Ayush opened his campaign with a stunning win over World No. 7 Li Shi Feng before beating Chi Yu Jen of Chinese Taipei to qualify for the quarterfinals.In the quarters, the Indian youngsters pulled off another upset, beating World No. 4 Jonathan Christie to enter the final four.Ayush’s results at Badminton Asia Championships: Ayush Shetty — 21-13, 21-16 — Li Shi Feng — Round of 32 Ayush Shetty — 21-16, 21-12 — Chi Yu Jen — Round of 16 Ayush Shetty — 23-21, 21-17 — Jonatan Christie — Quarterfinals Ayush Shetty — 10-21, 21-19, 21, 17 — Kunlavut Vitidsarn — Semifinal Published on Apr 11, 2026 #Ayush #Shetty #Indian #beat #World #Badminton #Asia #Championships

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