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Deadspin | 2026 NFL Draft: Best available on Day 2 Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy (DB20) speaks to media members during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images Round 1 of the NFL Draft came and went on Friday, starting the slide for prospects who were once viewed as first-rounders. Here’s a look at the best players still available as we head into Round 2 of the draft: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee — McCoy missed the entire 2025 season due to a torn right ACL, and his drop isn’t surprising given the news that there was still some work to do in the healing process. McCoy still being on the board means that, on Day 2 of the draft, a team will get a high-level player in terms of pure football talent. McCoy’s best reps from the 2024 season would have cemented him as a top 10 player had they occurred this year, but with the time away from the sport, McCoy slid. Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee — It wasn’t just an injured Tennessee secondary player who fell, as even a healthy one is still on the board. Hood being available in Round 2 is legitimately surprising, as his burst and physicality made him an obvious candidate for an early selection, not to mention his clean bill of health. You have to wonder if McCoy’s injury is hurting Hood’s stock. It will be interesting to keep track of what ultimately wins out, health or ability. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo — While two safeties came off the board in Round 1 (somewhat of a rarity), McNeil-Warren was not one of them. Perhaps it was to do with his Group of 5 background, or because his man-coverage ability still needed some cleanup. His zone instincts and impressive athleticism should make McNeil-Warren one of the first players to come off the board in Day 2, turning the Toledo defensive back into an early starter for a team. Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M — Most of the edge rushers selected on Thursday came with standard measurements, outside of Rueben Bain Jr., who slid to No. 15. Howell is likely still on the board because of his arm length, measured between 30 and 31 inches, depending on who you ask. If a team is willing to take a chance on an unorthodox player, it will get one of this draft’s most prolific speed rushers with a habit of converting pressures into sacks. Howell also does strong work dropping into coverage, so he should be chosen pretty early in Round 2. Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State — Four Ohio State players heard their names called Thursday night, but McDonald was not one of them. Teams may not have seen a lot of creativity with McDonald, who profiled primarily as a run-stopping nose tackle. While that evaluation could leave you believing McDonald had limited value, if a team needs an anchor in the defensive front, McDonald will hear his name called earlier in Round 2. Here’s a secret: His pass-rush reps aren’t so bad either. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #NFL #Draft #Day

Deadspin | 2026 NFL Draft: Best available on Day 2
Deadspin | 2026 NFL Draft: Best available on Day 2 Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy (DB20) speaks to media members during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images Round 1 of the NFL Draft came and went on Friday, starting the slide for prospects who were once viewed as first-rounders. Here’s a look at the best players still available as we head into Round 2 of the draft: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee — McCoy missed the entire 2025 season due to a torn right ACL, and his drop isn’t surprising given the news that there was still some work to do in the healing process. McCoy still being on the board means that, on Day 2 of the draft, a team will get a high-level player in terms of pure football talent. McCoy’s best reps from the 2024 season would have cemented him as a top 10 player had they occurred this year, but with the time away from the sport, McCoy slid. Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee — It wasn’t just an injured Tennessee secondary player who fell, as even a healthy one is still on the board. Hood being available in Round 2 is legitimately surprising, as his burst and physicality made him an obvious candidate for an early selection, not to mention his clean bill of health. You have to wonder if McCoy’s injury is hurting Hood’s stock. It will be interesting to keep track of what ultimately wins out, health or ability. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo — While two safeties came off the board in Round 1 (somewhat of a rarity), McNeil-Warren was not one of them. Perhaps it was to do with his Group of 5 background, or because his man-coverage ability still needed some cleanup. His zone instincts and impressive athleticism should make McNeil-Warren one of the first players to come off the board in Day 2, turning the Toledo defensive back into an early starter for a team. Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M — Most of the edge rushers selected on Thursday came with standard measurements, outside of Rueben Bain Jr., who slid to No. 15. Howell is likely still on the board because of his arm length, measured between 30 and 31 inches, depending on who you ask. If a team is willing to take a chance on an unorthodox player, it will get one of this draft’s most prolific speed rushers with a habit of converting pressures into sacks. Howell also does strong work dropping into coverage, so he should be chosen pretty early in Round 2. Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State — Four Ohio State players heard their names called Thursday night, but McDonald was not one of them. Teams may not have seen a lot of creativity with McDonald, who profiled primarily as a run-stopping nose tackle. While that evaluation could leave you believing McDonald had limited value, if a team needs an anchor in the defensive front, McDonald will hear his name called earlier in Round 2. Here’s a secret: His pass-rush reps aren’t so bad either. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #NFL #Draft #DayFeb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy (DB20) speaks to media members during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images

Round 1 of the NFL Draft came and went on Friday, starting the slide for prospects who were once viewed as first-rounders. Here’s a look at the best players still available as we head into Round 2 of the draft:

Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee — McCoy missed the entire 2025 season due to a torn right ACL, and his drop isn’t surprising given the news that there was still some work to do in the healing process. McCoy still being on the board means that, on Day 2 of the draft, a team will get a high-level player in terms of pure football talent. McCoy’s best reps from the 2024 season would have cemented him as a top 10 player had they occurred this year, but with the time away from the sport, McCoy slid.

Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee — It wasn’t just an injured Tennessee secondary player who fell, as even a healthy one is still on the board. Hood being available in Round 2 is legitimately surprising, as his burst and physicality made him an obvious candidate for an early selection, not to mention his clean bill of health. You have to wonder if McCoy’s injury is hurting Hood’s stock. It will be interesting to keep track of what ultimately wins out, health or ability.


Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo — While two safeties came off the board in Round 1 (somewhat of a rarity), McNeil-Warren was not one of them. Perhaps it was to do with his Group of 5 background, or because his man-coverage ability still needed some cleanup. His zone instincts and impressive athleticism should make McNeil-Warren one of the first players to come off the board in Day 2, turning the Toledo defensive back into an early starter for a team.

Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M — Most of the edge rushers selected on Thursday came with standard measurements, outside of Rueben Bain Jr., who slid to No. 15. Howell is likely still on the board because of his arm length, measured between 30 and 31 inches, depending on who you ask. If a team is willing to take a chance on an unorthodox player, it will get one of this draft’s most prolific speed rushers with a habit of converting pressures into sacks. Howell also does strong work dropping into coverage, so he should be chosen pretty early in Round 2.

Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State — Four Ohio State players heard their names called Thursday night, but McDonald was not one of them. Teams may not have seen a lot of creativity with McDonald, who profiled primarily as a run-stopping nose tackle. While that evaluation could leave you believing McDonald had limited value, if a team needs an anchor in the defensive front, McDonald will hear his name called earlier in Round 2. Here’s a secret: His pass-rush reps aren’t so bad either.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #NFL #Draft #Day

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Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy (DB20) speaks to media members during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images

Round 1 of the NFL Draft came and went on Friday, starting the slide for prospects who were once viewed as first-rounders. Here’s a look at the best players still available as we head into Round 2 of the draft:

Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee — McCoy missed the entire 2025 season due to a torn right ACL, and his drop isn’t surprising given the news that there was still some work to do in the healing process. McCoy still being on the board means that, on Day 2 of the draft, a team will get a high-level player in terms of pure football talent. McCoy’s best reps from the 2024 season would have cemented him as a top 10 player had they occurred this year, but with the time away from the sport, McCoy slid.

Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee — It wasn’t just an injured Tennessee secondary player who fell, as even a healthy one is still on the board. Hood being available in Round 2 is legitimately surprising, as his burst and physicality made him an obvious candidate for an early selection, not to mention his clean bill of health. You have to wonder if McCoy’s injury is hurting Hood’s stock. It will be interesting to keep track of what ultimately wins out, health or ability.

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo — While two safeties came off the board in Round 1 (somewhat of a rarity), McNeil-Warren was not one of them. Perhaps it was to do with his Group of 5 background, or because his man-coverage ability still needed some cleanup. His zone instincts and impressive athleticism should make McNeil-Warren one of the first players to come off the board in Day 2, turning the Toledo defensive back into an early starter for a team.

Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M — Most of the edge rushers selected on Thursday came with standard measurements, outside of Rueben Bain Jr., who slid to No. 15. Howell is likely still on the board because of his arm length, measured between 30 and 31 inches, depending on who you ask. If a team is willing to take a chance on an unorthodox player, it will get one of this draft’s most prolific speed rushers with a habit of converting pressures into sacks. Howell also does strong work dropping into coverage, so he should be chosen pretty early in Round 2.

Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State — Four Ohio State players heard their names called Thursday night, but McDonald was not one of them. Teams may not have seen a lot of creativity with McDonald, who profiled primarily as a run-stopping nose tackle. While that evaluation could leave you believing McDonald had limited value, if a team needs an anchor in the defensive front, McDonald will hear his name called earlier in Round 2. Here’s a secret: His pass-rush reps aren’t so bad either.

–Field Level Media

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IPL 2026: MI coach Jayawardene clarifies concussion substitution of Shardul for Santner <div id="content-body-70900424" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Mitchell Santner clutching his shoulder after completing a stunning catch to dismiss Kartik Sharma in the 17th over of Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) innings was there for all to see.</p><p>But when news emerged that Shardul Thakur had replaced Mitchell Santner as a concussion substitute during Mumbai Indians’ (MI) chase, it raised more than a few eyebrows.</p><p>MI’s head coach Mahela Jayawardene was quick to clarify the sequence of events, stressing that the injury was not limited to the shoulder.</p><p>“I think he hit his head first, neck, obviously the shoulder as well. He went for a scan because once he got back he felt dizziness, so he was lying down. Yes, the icing was there for the shoulder, but he felt that he wasn’t stable,” Jayawardene said after his side was annihilated at home by CSK.</p><p>“So we took him for a scan in that situation, so we requested (a concussion sub). Obviously it’s at the match referee’s and umpire’s discretion, so they allowed Shardul.”</p><p>According to playing conditions, a concussion substitute is permitted only as a like-for-like replacement if a player suffers a head injury during the course of a match.</p><p>Santner, who also leads New Zealand in T20Is, had been seen on screen with an ice pack on his shoulder, prompting speculation. Jayawardene’s explanation, however, underlined that the primary concern was the head impact and subsequent dizziness.</p><p>Adding a touch of humour to the situation, Jayawardene quipped about the perceived like-for-like nature of the replacement.</p><p>“Mitch will be disappointed that his batting power is matched to Shardul Thakur, but it is what it is,” he said. “But hopefully it’s not too bad. Once he comes back, we will have a look at it.”</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 24, 2026</p></div> #IPL #coach #Jayawardene #clarifies #concussion #substitution #Shardul #Santner

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Deadspin | Timberwolves shut down Nuggets, claim series advantage Apr 23, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) talks with guard Ayo Dosunmu (13) during a free throw by the Denver Nuggets in the first quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images Jaden McDaniels led a spirited defensive effort, reserve Ayo Dosunmu delivered a team-high 25 points and the Minnesota Timberwolves held the Denver Nuggets to a season-low shooting percentage en route to a 113-96 victory in Game 3 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series on Thursday in Minneapolis. The Timberwolves hold a 2-1 edge in the best-of-seven set that continues Saturday night in Minneapolis. McDaniels finished with 20 points and 10 rebounds while Anthony Edwards chipped in 17 points for the sixth-seeded Timberwolves, who scored 14 of the game’s first 18 points and never looked back. Hounded much of the night by McDaniels, Jamal Murray shot just 5-for-17, missed all five of his 3-point attempts and totaled just 16 points for the Nuggets, who shot just 34.1% overall. Nikola Jokic was the game’s leading scorer with 27 points and leading rebounder with 15, but went just 7-for-26 from the field and missed eight of his 10 attempts from beyond the arc. The Nuggets’ season low for field-goal percentage in the regular season was 40.2%, which it posted three times. Denver’s 25.0% accuracy on 3-point tries, 8-for-32, was its fourth lowest of the season. After both teams reached triple figures in scoring in the first two games and McDaniels labeled all of the Nuggets defensively challenged, Minnesota set a defensive tone right from the opening tip of its first home game in the series. The Timberwolves’ defense was particularly impressive in the first half, limiting the Nuggets to 39 points and 3-for-15 success (20.0%) from behind the arc. Denver had only four points in the game’s first seven minutes, during which Minnesota built its first double-digit lead at 14-4. McDaniels had a three-point play on a dunk and two other interior hoops while singlehandedly outscoring the visitors 7-4 over the run. Minnesota went on to lead 25-11 by quarter’s end before going up by as many as 23 in the second period. The closest the Nuggets got in the second half was 12, that coming in the final two minutes. Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert snatched a team-high 12 rebounds to go with 10 points. Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo chipped in with 15 points apiece, with DiVincenzo adding a game-high seven assists. Tim Hardaway Jr. logged 11 points and Zeke Nnaji 10 off the bench for the Nuggets, who played without Aaron Gordon (tight left calf) and Peyton Watson (strained left hamstring). Denver was held under 100 points just twice during the regular season. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Timberwolves #shut #Nuggets #claim #series #advantageApr 23, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) talks with guard Ayo Dosunmu (13) during a free throw by the Denver Nuggets in the first quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images

Jaden McDaniels led a spirited defensive effort, reserve Ayo Dosunmu delivered a team-high 25 points and the Minnesota Timberwolves held the Denver Nuggets to a season-low shooting percentage en route to a 113-96 victory in Game 3 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series on Thursday in Minneapolis.

The Timberwolves hold a 2-1 edge in the best-of-seven set that continues Saturday night in Minneapolis.

McDaniels finished with 20 points and 10 rebounds while Anthony Edwards chipped in 17 points for the sixth-seeded Timberwolves, who scored 14 of the game’s first 18 points and never looked back.

Hounded much of the night by McDaniels, Jamal Murray shot just 5-for-17, missed all five of his 3-point attempts and totaled just 16 points for the Nuggets, who shot just 34.1% overall. Nikola Jokic was the game’s leading scorer with 27 points and leading rebounder with 15, but went just 7-for-26 from the field and missed eight of his 10 attempts from beyond the arc.

The Nuggets’ season low for field-goal percentage in the regular season was 40.2%, which it posted three times. Denver’s 25.0% accuracy on 3-point tries, 8-for-32, was its fourth lowest of the season.


After both teams reached triple figures in scoring in the first two games and McDaniels labeled all of the Nuggets defensively challenged, Minnesota set a defensive tone right from the opening tip of its first home game in the series. The Timberwolves’ defense was particularly impressive in the first half, limiting the Nuggets to 39 points and 3-for-15 success (20.0%) from behind the arc.

Denver had only four points in the game’s first seven minutes, during which Minnesota built its first double-digit lead at 14-4. McDaniels had a three-point play on a dunk and two other interior hoops while singlehandedly outscoring the visitors 7-4 over the run.

Minnesota went on to lead 25-11 by quarter’s end before going up by as many as 23 in the second period. The closest the Nuggets got in the second half was 12, that coming in the final two minutes.

Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert snatched a team-high 12 rebounds to go with 10 points. Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo chipped in with 15 points apiece, with DiVincenzo adding a game-high seven assists.

Tim Hardaway Jr. logged 11 points and Zeke Nnaji 10 off the bench for the Nuggets, who played without Aaron Gordon (tight left calf) and Peyton Watson (strained left hamstring). Denver was held under 100 points just twice during the regular season.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Timberwolves #shut #Nuggets #claim #series #advantage">Deadspin | Timberwolves shut down Nuggets, claim series advantage Apr 23, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) talks with guard Ayo Dosunmu (13) during a free throw by the Denver Nuggets in the first quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images Jaden McDaniels led a spirited defensive effort, reserve Ayo Dosunmu delivered a team-high 25 points and the Minnesota Timberwolves held the Denver Nuggets to a season-low shooting percentage en route to a 113-96 victory in Game 3 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series on Thursday in Minneapolis. The Timberwolves hold a 2-1 edge in the best-of-seven set that continues Saturday night in Minneapolis. McDaniels finished with 20 points and 10 rebounds while Anthony Edwards chipped in 17 points for the sixth-seeded Timberwolves, who scored 14 of the game’s first 18 points and never looked back. Hounded much of the night by McDaniels, Jamal Murray shot just 5-for-17, missed all five of his 3-point attempts and totaled just 16 points for the Nuggets, who shot just 34.1% overall. Nikola Jokic was the game’s leading scorer with 27 points and leading rebounder with 15, but went just 7-for-26 from the field and missed eight of his 10 attempts from beyond the arc. The Nuggets’ season low for field-goal percentage in the regular season was 40.2%, which it posted three times. Denver’s 25.0% accuracy on 3-point tries, 8-for-32, was its fourth lowest of the season. After both teams reached triple figures in scoring in the first two games and McDaniels labeled all of the Nuggets defensively challenged, Minnesota set a defensive tone right from the opening tip of its first home game in the series. The Timberwolves’ defense was particularly impressive in the first half, limiting the Nuggets to 39 points and 3-for-15 success (20.0%) from behind the arc. Denver had only four points in the game’s first seven minutes, during which Minnesota built its first double-digit lead at 14-4. McDaniels had a three-point play on a dunk and two other interior hoops while singlehandedly outscoring the visitors 7-4 over the run. Minnesota went on to lead 25-11 by quarter’s end before going up by as many as 23 in the second period. The closest the Nuggets got in the second half was 12, that coming in the final two minutes. Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert snatched a team-high 12 rebounds to go with 10 points. Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo chipped in with 15 points apiece, with DiVincenzo adding a game-high seven assists. Tim Hardaway Jr. logged 11 points and Zeke Nnaji 10 off the bench for the Nuggets, who played without Aaron Gordon (tight left calf) and Peyton Watson (strained left hamstring). Denver was held under 100 points just twice during the regular season. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Timberwolves #shut #Nuggets #claim #series #advantage

Manchester United interim head coach Michael Carrick said the rapid ​turnover of managers in the Premier League ‌will not affect how he approaches ​the job and he ⁠remains focused on the bigger picture at the club rather than his own future.

Liam Rosenior’s ‌departure from Chelsea on Wednesday marked the 10th managerial casualty ‌in England’s top flight this season.

Carrick, ‌who ⁠took over at United in ⁠January following the sacking of Ruben Amorim, said there was a balance to be struck ​between short-term success ‌and building for the future.

“There are two sides to it,” the 44-year-old told reporters on Thursday.

“There are instant results ‌and the next game being ​important, but there’s definitely a responsibility, our thinking of what the ⁠future looks like and the bigger picture.

“There are all sorts of what-ifs ‌in this world. Half full, half empty? I like to live my life in a positive way. I don’t think of what could go wrong, that doesn’t come into it. It’s ‌what can be achieved. What success looks ​like.”

United has impressed under Carrick, winning eight and drawing two of ⁠its 12 matches to sit third in ⁠the league. Six points from its remaining five games would secure ‌Champions League qualification after a two-year absence.

United next faces Brentford on ​Monday.

Published on Apr 24, 2026

#Carrick #keen #balance #shortterm #success #building #future">Carrick keen to balance short-term success with building for the future Manchester United interim head coach Michael Carrick said the rapid ​turnover of managers in the Premier League ‌will not affect how he approaches ​the job and he ⁠remains focused on the bigger picture at the club rather than his own future.Liam Rosenior’s ‌departure from Chelsea on Wednesday marked the 10th managerial casualty ‌in England’s top flight this season.Carrick, ‌who ⁠took over at United in ⁠January following the sacking of Ruben Amorim, said there was a balance to be struck ​between short-term success ‌and building for the future.“There are two sides to it,” the 44-year-old told reporters on Thursday.“There are instant results ‌and the next game being ​important, but there’s definitely a responsibility, our thinking of what the ⁠future looks like and the bigger picture.“There are all sorts of what-ifs ‌in this world. Half full, half empty? I like to live my life in a positive way. I don’t think of what could go wrong, that doesn’t come into it. It’s ‌what can be achieved. What success looks ​like.”United has impressed under Carrick, winning eight and drawing two of ⁠its 12 matches to sit third in ⁠the league. Six points from its remaining five games would secure ‌Champions League qualification after a two-year absence.United next faces Brentford on ​Monday.Published on Apr 24, 2026 #Carrick #keen #balance #shortterm #success #building #future

Deadspin | Reds, Tigers riding high heading into weekend series Apr 19, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly de la Cruz (44) hits the final out of the in the ninth inning to Minnesota Twins first baseman Kody Clemens (2) at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images Off to their best 25-game start to a season in two decades, the Cincinnati Reds host the Detroit Tigers in an interleague series opener on Friday night. Coming off a road trip that saw them sweep three games against the Minnesota Twins and take two of three from the Tampa Bay Rays, the Reds have won 16 of their first 25 games for the first time since beginning 17-8 in 2006. Winners in seven of their past nine, the Reds averaged 5.5 runs per game across the road trip — an impressive figure for a club that ranks just 24th in the majors in scoring (97 total runs). Cincinnati has relied on consistent production from Elly De La Cruz and Sal Stewart, who are among the players tied for second in the National League with eight home runs apiece. Now, the Reds will look to spread the wealth across the lineup. Offseason trade acquisition Dane Myers is one player hoping to stay hot as the team returns home. The former Miami Marlins center fielder homered, walked three times and scored four runs in the Reds’ latest victory, a 12-6 triumph over the Rays on Tuesday. “It feels good,” Myers said of playing for a winning team. “Like I said in the spring, I think this team has what it takes to play meaningful ballgames deep into the season. If we stay the course, I think that will happen.” On the mound for the Reds in the series opener on Friday, Andrew Abbott (0-2, 5.84 ERA) will look to find his way out of an early-season rut. An All-Star last year, Abbott has compiled a 7.71 ERA in four April starts. Last time out, the 26-year-old left-hander gave up four runs (three earned) across 4 2/3 frames in a no-decision against Minnesota on Saturday. The Reds won 5-4. Making his 81st career start, Abbott will face the Tigers for the first time. Detroit’s flight to Cincinnati figured to be an enjoyable one, as the Tigers took two of three at home against the Milwaukee Brewers to begin the week. The Tigers have won 10 of their past 13 games, including a 5-4 victory on Thursday thanks to Spencer Torkelson’s walk-off home run. “That’s what it’s all about,” Torkelson said. “You’ve just got to be ready for the moment.” Following a 31-homer season in 2025, Torkelson launched his first two home runs of the year over the past two days. Detroit entered the game tied for 13th in the American League with just 19 homers before slugging three on Thursday. Framber Valdez (2-1, 3.30 ERA) is slated to make his sixth start in a Detroit uniform on Friday. After inking a three-year, 5 million deal with the Tigers in February, Valdez has allowed one earned run or nine in four of his first five starts. The two-time All-Star surrendered one run on three hits in six innings on Sunday in a 6-2 win over the Boston Red Sox. The 32-year-old left-hander is matching up with the Reds for the first time in his career. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Reds #Tigers #riding #high #heading #weekend #seriesApr 19, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly de la Cruz (44) hits the final out of the in the ninth inning to Minnesota Twins first baseman Kody Clemens (2) at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

Off to their best 25-game start to a season in two decades, the Cincinnati Reds host the Detroit Tigers in an interleague series opener on Friday night.

Coming off a road trip that saw them sweep three games against the Minnesota Twins and take two of three from the Tampa Bay Rays, the Reds have won 16 of their first 25 games for the first time since beginning 17-8 in 2006.

Winners in seven of their past nine, the Reds averaged 5.5 runs per game across the road trip — an impressive figure for a club that ranks just 24th in the majors in scoring (97 total runs).

Cincinnati has relied on consistent production from Elly De La Cruz and Sal Stewart, who are among the players tied for second in the National League with eight home runs apiece. Now, the Reds will look to spread the wealth across the lineup. Offseason trade acquisition Dane Myers is one player hoping to stay hot as the team returns home.

The former Miami Marlins center fielder homered, walked three times and scored four runs in the Reds’ latest victory, a 12-6 triumph over the Rays on Tuesday.

“It feels good,” Myers said of playing for a winning team. “Like I said in the spring, I think this team has what it takes to play meaningful ballgames deep into the season. If we stay the course, I think that will happen.”

On the mound for the Reds in the series opener on Friday, Andrew Abbott (0-2, 5.84 ERA) will look to find his way out of an early-season rut. An All-Star last year, Abbott has compiled a 7.71 ERA in four April starts. Last time out, the 26-year-old left-hander gave up four runs (three earned) across 4 2/3 frames in a no-decision against Minnesota on Saturday. The Reds won 5-4.


Making his 81st career start, Abbott will face the Tigers for the first time.

Detroit’s flight to Cincinnati figured to be an enjoyable one, as the Tigers took two of three at home against the Milwaukee Brewers to begin the week. The Tigers have won 10 of their past 13 games, including a 5-4 victory on Thursday thanks to Spencer Torkelson’s walk-off home run.

“That’s what it’s all about,” Torkelson said. “You’ve just got to be ready for the moment.”

Following a 31-homer season in 2025, Torkelson launched his first two home runs of the year over the past two days.

Detroit entered the game tied for 13th in the American League with just 19 homers before slugging three on Thursday.

Framber Valdez (2-1, 3.30 ERA) is slated to make his sixth start in a Detroit uniform on Friday. After inking a three-year, $115 million deal with the Tigers in February, Valdez has allowed one earned run or nine in four of his first five starts.

The two-time All-Star surrendered one run on three hits in six innings on Sunday in a 6-2 win over the Boston Red Sox. The 32-year-old left-hander is matching up with the Reds for the first time in his career.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Reds #Tigers #riding #high #heading #weekend #series">Deadspin | Reds, Tigers riding high heading into weekend series Apr 19, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly de la Cruz (44) hits the final out of the in the ninth inning to Minnesota Twins first baseman Kody Clemens (2) at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images Off to their best 25-game start to a season in two decades, the Cincinnati Reds host the Detroit Tigers in an interleague series opener on Friday night. Coming off a road trip that saw them sweep three games against the Minnesota Twins and take two of three from the Tampa Bay Rays, the Reds have won 16 of their first 25 games for the first time since beginning 17-8 in 2006. Winners in seven of their past nine, the Reds averaged 5.5 runs per game across the road trip — an impressive figure for a club that ranks just 24th in the majors in scoring (97 total runs). Cincinnati has relied on consistent production from Elly De La Cruz and Sal Stewart, who are among the players tied for second in the National League with eight home runs apiece. Now, the Reds will look to spread the wealth across the lineup. Offseason trade acquisition Dane Myers is one player hoping to stay hot as the team returns home. The former Miami Marlins center fielder homered, walked three times and scored four runs in the Reds’ latest victory, a 12-6 triumph over the Rays on Tuesday. “It feels good,” Myers said of playing for a winning team. “Like I said in the spring, I think this team has what it takes to play meaningful ballgames deep into the season. If we stay the course, I think that will happen.” On the mound for the Reds in the series opener on Friday, Andrew Abbott (0-2, 5.84 ERA) will look to find his way out of an early-season rut. An All-Star last year, Abbott has compiled a 7.71 ERA in four April starts. Last time out, the 26-year-old left-hander gave up four runs (three earned) across 4 2/3 frames in a no-decision against Minnesota on Saturday. The Reds won 5-4. Making his 81st career start, Abbott will face the Tigers for the first time. Detroit’s flight to Cincinnati figured to be an enjoyable one, as the Tigers took two of three at home against the Milwaukee Brewers to begin the week. The Tigers have won 10 of their past 13 games, including a 5-4 victory on Thursday thanks to Spencer Torkelson’s walk-off home run. “That’s what it’s all about,” Torkelson said. “You’ve just got to be ready for the moment.” Following a 31-homer season in 2025, Torkelson launched his first two home runs of the year over the past two days. Detroit entered the game tied for 13th in the American League with just 19 homers before slugging three on Thursday. Framber Valdez (2-1, 3.30 ERA) is slated to make his sixth start in a Detroit uniform on Friday. After inking a three-year, 5 million deal with the Tigers in February, Valdez has allowed one earned run or nine in four of his first five starts. The two-time All-Star surrendered one run on three hits in six innings on Sunday in a 6-2 win over the Boston Red Sox. The 32-year-old left-hander is matching up with the Reds for the first time in his career. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Reds #Tigers #riding #high #heading #weekend #series

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