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Deadspin | Behind Mitch Keller, Pirates chase series win vs. Padres  Apr 3, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;  Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Mitch Keller (23) delivers a pitch against the Baltimore Orioles during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images   Mitch Keller will try to continue the Pittsburgh Pirates’ strong start while fellow right-hander Michael King will bid to get the visiting San Diego Padres back on track when the teams play the decisive contest of a three-game series on Wednesday afternoon.  Keller (1-0, 1.50 ERA) will seek his second victory of the season, a total he did not hit last year until his 17th start.   King (0-1, 3.38) will look to bounce back after taking his first loss last Friday at Boston.  Keller, who went 6-15 with a 4.19 ERA last season, often pitched well enough to win more starts than he did. He put together 17 quality starts in his 32 outings, but he often was the victim of a lack of run support.  Keller traditionally has struggled against the Padres, going 2-5 with a 5.84 ERA in seven career starts. But he has back-to-back quality starts to open this season. And it could be a different story if the Pirates’ season-opening trend of hitting and producing runs continues.  In Keller’s most recent outing last Friday at home against Baltimore, he gave up two runs on six hits and four walks while striking out four. An early four-run second inning was enough of a cushion for Pittsburgh to secure Keller the victory in a 5-4 game.  “Just attacking the zone and we got ahead,” Keller said after the start. “The sinker was good and we got some double plays. But there was some bad too … walks. You don’t want to have those leadoff walks and have them make something out of nothing.”  The Pirates are averaging 4.7 runs through their first 11 games after averaging 3.6 per game last season. They broke a 15-inning scoreless streak in the fifth inning of Tuesday’s 7-1 win over the Padres and tacked on five runs in the eighth.   King will try to silence those bats after giving up four runs on seven hits over 5 2/3 innings in a 5-2 loss to the Red Sox on Friday. It was a downturn following his season-opening start against the Tigers on March 27, when he allowed one unearned run on one hit in five innings. He had a no-decision in the Padres’ 5-2 loss.  King is 1-0 with a 2.45 ERA in two career starts against the Pirates. He will be tasked with giving San Diego’s offense a chance to bounce back after it was held to three hits on Tuesday.  The low output followed a stretch of two games in which San Diego totaled 13 runs and appeared to be breaking out of its early-season offensive doldrums.  The Padres have 38 runs this season, tied for the sixth fewest in the majors.  One bright spot in Tuesday’s defeat was the solo home run by Xander Bogaerts off Pirates ace Paul Skenes. It was Bogaerts’ first home run this year and his sixth hit in his past 11 at-bats after mustering only four in his first 32.   “When we ended spring training, we felt really good about how he was swinging the bat,” Padres manager Craig Stammen said. “He looked like the Xander Bogaerts we expected to see. For a couple of games, he got off a bit, and now he’s back. That bodes well for him for the rest of the season.”  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Mitch #Keller #Pirates #chase #series #win #Padres

Deadspin | Behind Mitch Keller, Pirates chase series win vs. Padres
Deadspin | Behind Mitch Keller, Pirates chase series win vs. Padres  Apr 3, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;  Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Mitch Keller (23) delivers a pitch against the Baltimore Orioles during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images   Mitch Keller will try to continue the Pittsburgh Pirates’ strong start while fellow right-hander Michael King will bid to get the visiting San Diego Padres back on track when the teams play the decisive contest of a three-game series on Wednesday afternoon.  Keller (1-0, 1.50 ERA) will seek his second victory of the season, a total he did not hit last year until his 17th start.   King (0-1, 3.38) will look to bounce back after taking his first loss last Friday at Boston.  Keller, who went 6-15 with a 4.19 ERA last season, often pitched well enough to win more starts than he did. He put together 17 quality starts in his 32 outings, but he often was the victim of a lack of run support.  Keller traditionally has struggled against the Padres, going 2-5 with a 5.84 ERA in seven career starts. But he has back-to-back quality starts to open this season. And it could be a different story if the Pirates’ season-opening trend of hitting and producing runs continues.  In Keller’s most recent outing last Friday at home against Baltimore, he gave up two runs on six hits and four walks while striking out four. An early four-run second inning was enough of a cushion for Pittsburgh to secure Keller the victory in a 5-4 game.  “Just attacking the zone and we got ahead,” Keller said after the start. “The sinker was good and we got some double plays. But there was some bad too … walks. You don’t want to have those leadoff walks and have them make something out of nothing.”  The Pirates are averaging 4.7 runs through their first 11 games after averaging 3.6 per game last season. They broke a 15-inning scoreless streak in the fifth inning of Tuesday’s 7-1 win over the Padres and tacked on five runs in the eighth.   King will try to silence those bats after giving up four runs on seven hits over 5 2/3 innings in a 5-2 loss to the Red Sox on Friday. It was a downturn following his season-opening start against the Tigers on March 27, when he allowed one unearned run on one hit in five innings. He had a no-decision in the Padres’ 5-2 loss.  King is 1-0 with a 2.45 ERA in two career starts against the Pirates. He will be tasked with giving San Diego’s offense a chance to bounce back after it was held to three hits on Tuesday.  The low output followed a stretch of two games in which San Diego totaled 13 runs and appeared to be breaking out of its early-season offensive doldrums.  The Padres have 38 runs this season, tied for the sixth fewest in the majors.  One bright spot in Tuesday’s defeat was the solo home run by Xander Bogaerts off Pirates ace Paul Skenes. It was Bogaerts’ first home run this year and his sixth hit in his past 11 at-bats after mustering only four in his first 32.   “When we ended spring training, we felt really good about how he was swinging the bat,” Padres manager Craig Stammen said. “He looked like the Xander Bogaerts we expected to see. For a couple of games, he got off a bit, and now he’s back. That bodes well for him for the rest of the season.”  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Mitch #Keller #Pirates #chase #series #win #PadresApr 3, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Mitch Keller (23) delivers a pitch against the Baltimore Orioles during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Mitch Keller will try to continue the Pittsburgh Pirates’ strong start while fellow right-hander Michael King will bid to get the visiting San Diego Padres back on track when the teams play the decisive contest of a three-game series on Wednesday afternoon.

Keller (1-0, 1.50 ERA) will seek his second victory of the season, a total he did not hit last year until his 17th start.

King (0-1, 3.38) will look to bounce back after taking his first loss last Friday at Boston.

Keller, who went 6-15 with a 4.19 ERA last season, often pitched well enough to win more starts than he did. He put together 17 quality starts in his 32 outings, but he often was the victim of a lack of run support.

Keller traditionally has struggled against the Padres, going 2-5 with a 5.84 ERA in seven career starts. But he has back-to-back quality starts to open this season. And it could be a different story if the Pirates’ season-opening trend of hitting and producing runs continues.

In Keller’s most recent outing last Friday at home against Baltimore, he gave up two runs on six hits and four walks while striking out four. An early four-run second inning was enough of a cushion for Pittsburgh to secure Keller the victory in a 5-4 game.

“Just attacking the zone and we got ahead,” Keller said after the start. “The sinker was good and we got some double plays. But there was some bad too … walks. You don’t want to have those leadoff walks and have them make something out of nothing.”


The Pirates are averaging 4.7 runs through their first 11 games after averaging 3.6 per game last season. They broke a 15-inning scoreless streak in the fifth inning of Tuesday’s 7-1 win over the Padres and tacked on five runs in the eighth.

King will try to silence those bats after giving up four runs on seven hits over 5 2/3 innings in a 5-2 loss to the Red Sox on Friday. It was a downturn following his season-opening start against the Tigers on March 27, when he allowed one unearned run on one hit in five innings. He had a no-decision in the Padres’ 5-2 loss.

King is 1-0 with a 2.45 ERA in two career starts against the Pirates. He will be tasked with giving San Diego’s offense a chance to bounce back after it was held to three hits on Tuesday.

The low output followed a stretch of two games in which San Diego totaled 13 runs and appeared to be breaking out of its early-season offensive doldrums.

The Padres have 38 runs this season, tied for the sixth fewest in the majors.

One bright spot in Tuesday’s defeat was the solo home run by Xander Bogaerts off Pirates ace Paul Skenes. It was Bogaerts’ first home run this year and his sixth hit in his past 11 at-bats after mustering only four in his first 32.

“When we ended spring training, we felt really good about how he was swinging the bat,” Padres manager Craig Stammen said. “He looked like the Xander Bogaerts we expected to see. For a couple of games, he got off a bit, and now he’s back. That bodes well for him for the rest of the season.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Mitch #Keller #Pirates #chase #series #win #Padres

Apr 3, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Mitch Keller (23) delivers a pitch against the Baltimore Orioles during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Mitch Keller will try to continue the Pittsburgh Pirates’ strong start while fellow right-hander Michael King will bid to get the visiting San Diego Padres back on track when the teams play the decisive contest of a three-game series on Wednesday afternoon.

Keller (1-0, 1.50 ERA) will seek his second victory of the season, a total he did not hit last year until his 17th start.

King (0-1, 3.38) will look to bounce back after taking his first loss last Friday at Boston.

Keller, who went 6-15 with a 4.19 ERA last season, often pitched well enough to win more starts than he did. He put together 17 quality starts in his 32 outings, but he often was the victim of a lack of run support.

Keller traditionally has struggled against the Padres, going 2-5 with a 5.84 ERA in seven career starts. But he has back-to-back quality starts to open this season. And it could be a different story if the Pirates’ season-opening trend of hitting and producing runs continues.

In Keller’s most recent outing last Friday at home against Baltimore, he gave up two runs on six hits and four walks while striking out four. An early four-run second inning was enough of a cushion for Pittsburgh to secure Keller the victory in a 5-4 game.

“Just attacking the zone and we got ahead,” Keller said after the start. “The sinker was good and we got some double plays. But there was some bad too … walks. You don’t want to have those leadoff walks and have them make something out of nothing.”

The Pirates are averaging 4.7 runs through their first 11 games after averaging 3.6 per game last season. They broke a 15-inning scoreless streak in the fifth inning of Tuesday’s 7-1 win over the Padres and tacked on five runs in the eighth.

King will try to silence those bats after giving up four runs on seven hits over 5 2/3 innings in a 5-2 loss to the Red Sox on Friday. It was a downturn following his season-opening start against the Tigers on March 27, when he allowed one unearned run on one hit in five innings. He had a no-decision in the Padres’ 5-2 loss.

King is 1-0 with a 2.45 ERA in two career starts against the Pirates. He will be tasked with giving San Diego’s offense a chance to bounce back after it was held to three hits on Tuesday.

The low output followed a stretch of two games in which San Diego totaled 13 runs and appeared to be breaking out of its early-season offensive doldrums.

The Padres have 38 runs this season, tied for the sixth fewest in the majors.

One bright spot in Tuesday’s defeat was the solo home run by Xander Bogaerts off Pirates ace Paul Skenes. It was Bogaerts’ first home run this year and his sixth hit in his past 11 at-bats after mustering only four in his first 32.

“When we ended spring training, we felt really good about how he was swinging the bat,” Padres manager Craig Stammen said. “He looked like the Xander Bogaerts we expected to see. For a couple of games, he got off a bit, and now he’s back. That bodes well for him for the rest of the season.”

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Mitch #Keller #Pirates #chase #series #win #Padres

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WNBA free agency 2026: Tracking every move as it happens <div id="zephr-anchor"><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The WNBA season is right around the corner, and free agency is finally here. The free agency negotiation period starts on Wednesday, April 8th, and teams can begin signing free agents to new contracts on Saturday, April 11.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Before this, qualifying offers and core player designations were sent out on April 6th and 7th.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1"><strong>Reserved players</strong> are players who are out of contract with three years of service or fewer. If they receive a Reserved qualifying offer, those players are subject to that team’s exclusive negotiating rights. If the club declines to offer the player a contract, they become unrestricted free agents.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1"><strong>Restricted free agents</strong> are players with at least four years of service whose contract has expired, and who receive a qualifying offer from their previous team. Those players can negotiate with other teams, but their original team can match any offer.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">A <strong>Core Designation</strong> is the WNBA’s version of a franchise tag. An organization can have one veteran free agent whom they have cored on their roster — and thus offered a fully guaranteed one-year deal worth the supermax. If a player receives a Core Designation, they can only sign or negotiate a contract with that team during the free agency period.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p><h4 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup"><strong>April 8: Negotiations begin </strong></h4></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1"><em>This page will be updated as information is shared. </em></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p><h4 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup"><strong>April 7: Angel Reese traded, teams extend qualifying offers </strong></h4></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The Chicago Sky trade Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream in exchange for the Dream’s first-round picks in 2027 and 2028. As part of the trade, Atlanta also receives the right to swap second-round picks with Chicago in 2028.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The Toronto Tempo extended a Reserved qualifying offer to Maria Kliundikova.<a href="https://www.wnba.com/player/1627700"/></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The Toronto Tempo extended a Reserved qualifying offer to Julie Allemand.<a href="https://www.wnba.com/player/1631263"/></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The Toronto Tempo extended a Reserved qualifying offer to Nikolina Milić.<a href="https://www.wnba.com/player/1631021"/></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The Atlanta Dream extended a Reserved qualifying offer to Sika Koné.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1"><a href="https://www.wnba.com/player/1631032"/>The Atlanta Dream extended a Reserved qualifying offer to Lorela Cubaj.<a href="https://www.wnba.com/player/1629524"/></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The Portland Fire extended a Core qualifying offer to Bridget Carleton</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1"><a href="https://www.wnba.com/player/1631135"/>The Connecticut Sun extended a Restricted qualifying offer to Olivia Nelson-Ododa.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1"><a href="https://www.wnba.com/player/1642841"/>The Connecticut Sun extended a Reserved qualifying offer to Mamignan Touré.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1"><a href="https://www.wnba.com/player/1631019"/>The Las Vegas Aces extended a Restricted qualifying offer to NaLyssa Smith.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1"><a href="https://www.wnba.com/player/1631006"/>The Las Vegas Aces extended a Restricted qualifying offer to Kierstan Bell.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1"><a href="https://www.wnba.com/player/1629477"/>The New York Liberty extended a Core qualifying offer to Sabrina Ionescu.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1"><a href="https://www.wnba.com/player/1642307"/>The Seattle Storm extended a Reserved qualifying offer to Mackenzie Holmes.<a href="https://www.wnba.com/player/1631007"/></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The Golden State Valkyries extended a Restricted qualifying offer to Veronica Burton.<a href="https://www.wnba.com/player/1631083"/></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The Portland Fire extended a Reserved qualifying offer to Emily Engstler.<a href="https://www.wnba.com/player/1642822"/></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The Golden State Valkyries extended a Reserved qualifying offer to Kaitlyn Chen.<a href="https://www.wnba.com/player/1631064"/></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The Portland Fire extended a Reserved qualifying offer to Chloe Bibby.<a href="https://www.wnba.com/player/1629481"/></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The Dallas Wings extended a Core qualifying offer to Arike Ogunbowale.<a href="https://www.wnba.com/player/1630387"/></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The Golden State Valkyries extended a Reserved qualifying offer to Iliana Rupert.<a href="https://www.wnba.com/player/1629496"/></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The Seattle Storm extended a Core qualifying offer to Ezi Magbegor.<a href="https://www.wnba.com/player/1631022"/></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The Washington Mystics extended a Restricted qualifying offer to Shakira Austin<a href="https://www.wnba.com/player/1642810"/></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The Washington Mystics extended a Reserved qualifying offer to Madison Scott.<a href="https://www.wnba.com/player/1628277"/></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The Atlanta Dream extended a Core qualifying offer to Allisha Gray.<a href="https://www.wnba.com/player/1630043"/></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The Washington Mystics extended a Reserved qualifying offer to Bernadett Határ.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><div id="april-6-qualifying-offers" class="_12tz1yh3 _12tz1yh0 duet--article--standard-heading ls9zuh1"><h4 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">April 6: Qualifying offers<a href="https://www.wnba.com/player/1641650"/></h4></div></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The Portland Fire extended a Reserved qualifying offer to Haley Jones.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1"><a href="https://www.wnba.com/player/1630471"/>The Portland Fire extended a Reserved qualifying offer to Maya Caldwell.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1"><a href="https://www.wnba.com/player/1642767"/>The Golden State Valkyries extended a Reserved qualifying offer to Janelle Salaün.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1"><a href="https://www.wnba.com/player/1628508"/>The Golden State Valkyries extended a Reserved qualifying offer to Cecilia Zandalasini.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1"><a href="https://www.wnba.com/player/1630442"/>The Phoenix Mercury extended a Reserved qualifying offer to Natasha Mack.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1"><a href="https://www.wnba.com/player/1642777"/>The Phoenix Mercury extended a Reserved qualifying offer to Monique Akoa Makani.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1"><a href="https://www.wnba.com/player/1629497"/>The Toronto Tempo extended a Core qualifying offer to Marina Mabrey.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1"><a href="https://www.wnba.com/player/1628957"/>The Phoenix Mercury extended a Reserved qualifying offer to Kathryn Westbeld.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1"><a href="https://www.wnba.com/player/1630461"/>The Phoenix Mercury extended a Reserved qualifying offer to Kiana Williams.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1"><a href="https://www.wnba.com/player/1629490"/>The Toronto Tempo extended a Reserved qualifying offer to Kitija Laksa.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1"><a href="https://www.wnba.com/player/1630134"/>The Portland Fire extended a Restricted qualifying offer to Sug Sutton.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1"><a href="https://www.wnba.com/player/1631118"/>The Toronto Tempo extended a Reserved qualifying offer to Lexi Held.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1"><a href="https://www.wnba.com/player/1631009"/>The Atlanta Dream extended a Restricted qualifying offer to Rhyne Howard.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1"><a href="https://www.wnba.com/player/1631044"/>The Atlanta Dream extended a Restricted qualifying offer to Naz Hillmon.<a href="https://www.wnba.com/player/1641658"/></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The Dallas Wings extended a Reserved qualifying offer to Grace Berger.<a href="https://www.wnba.com/player/1629574"/></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The Dallas Wings extended a Reserved qualifying offer to Li Yueru.<a href="https://www.wnba.com/player/1630143"/></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The Portland Fire extended a Reserved qualifying offer to Luisa Geiselsöder.<a href="https://www.wnba.com/player/1642293"/></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The Los Angeles Sparks extended a Reserved qualifying offer to Alissa Pili.<a href="https://www.wnba.com/player/1628276"/></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The Los Angeles Sparks extended a Core qualifying offer to Kelsey Plum.<a href="https://www.wnba.com/player/1642210"/></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The Los Angeles Sparks extended a Reserved qualifying offer to Julie Vanloo.<a href="https://www.wnba.com/player/1630996"/></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The Los Angeles Sparks extended a Reserved qualifying offer to Rae Burrell.<a href="https://www.wnba.com/player/1642320"/></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The Minnesota Lynx extended a Reserved qualifying offer to Jaylyn Sherrod.<a href="https://www.wnba.com/player/1629483"/></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The Minnesota Lynx extended a Core qualifying offer to Napheesa Collier.</p></div></div> #WNBA #free #agency #Tracking #move

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#Jalen #Brunson #injury #Knicks #star #returns #NBA #Finals #hurting #knee">Jalen Brunson injury: Knicks star returns to NBA Finals after hurting knee  Jalen Brunson limped off the floor in Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs after an opposing player fell on his knee. Brunson headed to the locker room in what amounts to the worst case scenario for the Knicks.Update: Brunson returned to the game with under eight minutes left in the second quarter. He quickly hurt his ankle after returning. He stayed in the game even after the ankle injury and scored on the next Knicks’ possession.Brunson was injured when teammate Landry Shamet pushed over Spurs forward Harrison Barnes on a made three-pointer by Julian Champagnie. Barnes fell on Brunson’s right knee, and the star guard immediately signaled that he needed to come out of the game. San Antonio ended the first quarter on a 20-5 run.Watch the play where Brunson was injured here:Here’s Brunson walking to the locker room:Brunson has been the Knicks’ biggest star during this NBA Finals run. New York absolutely needs him to be at his best to win this series, and this is a terrible start. Here’s hoping Brunson can return.Brunson is back now, and we’ll continue to update you on his status as the game goes on.We’ll update this story as it develops.  #Jalen #Brunson #injury #Knicks #star #returns #NBA #Finals #hurting #knee

The Democratic Republic of Congo warmed up for ​their first World Cup appearance in more ‌than half a century with a ​0-0 draw against Denmark on ⁠Wednesday.

The clash in Belgium, where the Congolese have been preparing for the World Cup, could ‌be their only preparatory match after a planned friendly against Chile ‌in Spain on Monday was ‌cancelled ⁠by local authorities.

The mayor of La ⁠Linea de la Concepcion took the decision even though the Congolese team have been preparing ​for the tournament in ‌Belgium and almost all of their players and staff are based in Europe.

Denmark, which narrowly missed out on ‌World Cup qualification after a penalty ​shootout loss to the Czech Republic in the European playoffs in ⁠March, twice hit the woodwork with Joakim Maehle striking the post with a ‌curling shot in the 33rd minute and captain Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg catching the corner of the crossbar with a long-range effort early in the second half.

Congolese striker Cedric Bakambu had a chance ‌on the break in the 24th minute but ​he hit his effort straight at Denmark goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen, who ⁠made another sharp save to deny Joris ⁠Kayembe with the last shot of the match.

At the World Cup, ‌DR Congo opens its Group K campaign against Portugal on June 17.

DR Congo vs Denmark player ratings:

DR Congo: Dimitry Bertaud (7.5/10), Gédéon Kalulu (6.9/10), Chancel Mbemba (7.4/10), Henoc Inonga (7.1/10), Arthur Masuaku (7.0/10), Charles Pickel (6.7/10), Samuel Moutoussamy (6.8/10), Théo Bongonda (6.5/10), Gaël Kakuta (6.6/10), Yoane Wissa (6.9/10), Cédric Bakambu (6.3/10)

Subs: Joris Kayembe (6.4/10), Meschak Elia (6.1/10), Fiston Mayele (5.9/10), Noah Sadiki (6.0/10)

Denmark: Filip Jörgensen (7.4/10), Alexander Bah (7.1/10), Joachim Andersen (7.3/10), Jannik Vestergaard (7.2/10), Joakim Mæhle (7.6/10), Pierre-Emile Højbjerg (7.8/10), Morten Hjulmand (6.9/10), Christian Eriksen (7.0/10), Adam Daghim (6.5/10), Rasmus Højlund (6.2/10), Jonas Wind (6.6/10)

Subs: Gustav Isaksen (6.2/10), Morten Frendrup (6.0/10), Victor Kristiansen (6.1/10), Yussuf Poulsen (5.9/10)

(With inputs from Agencies)

Published on Jun 04, 2026

#FIFA #World #Cup #warmups #Congo #Denmark #player #ratings #report #Leopards #held #draw">FIFA World Cup 2026 warm-ups: DR Congo vs Denmark player ratings, report, Leopards held to a draw  The Democratic Republic of Congo warmed up for ​their first World Cup appearance in more ‌than half a century with a ​0-0 draw against Denmark on ⁠Wednesday.The clash in Belgium, where the Congolese have been preparing for the World Cup, could ‌be their only preparatory match after a planned friendly against Chile ‌in Spain on Monday was ‌cancelled ⁠by local authorities.The mayor of La ⁠Linea de la Concepcion took the decision even though the Congolese team have been preparing ​for the tournament in ‌Belgium and almost all of their players and staff are based in Europe.Denmark, which narrowly missed out on ‌World Cup qualification after a penalty ​shootout loss to the Czech Republic in the European playoffs in ⁠March, twice hit the woodwork with Joakim Maehle striking the post with a ‌curling shot in the 33rd minute and captain Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg catching the corner of the crossbar with a long-range effort early in the second half.Congolese striker Cedric Bakambu had a chance ‌on the break in the 24th minute but ​he hit his effort straight at Denmark goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen, who ⁠made another sharp save to deny Joris ⁠Kayembe with the last shot of the match.At the World Cup, ‌DR Congo opens its Group K campaign against Portugal on June 17.DR Congo vs Denmark player ratings:DR Congo: Dimitry Bertaud (7.5/10), Gédéon Kalulu (6.9/10), Chancel Mbemba (7.4/10), Henoc Inonga (7.1/10), Arthur Masuaku (7.0/10), Charles Pickel (6.7/10), Samuel Moutoussamy (6.8/10), Théo Bongonda (6.5/10), Gaël Kakuta (6.6/10), Yoane Wissa (6.9/10), Cédric Bakambu (6.3/10)Subs: Joris Kayembe (6.4/10), Meschak Elia (6.1/10), Fiston Mayele (5.9/10), Noah Sadiki (6.0/10)Denmark: Filip Jörgensen (7.4/10), Alexander Bah (7.1/10), Joachim Andersen (7.3/10), Jannik Vestergaard (7.2/10), Joakim Mæhle (7.6/10), Pierre-Emile Højbjerg (7.8/10), Morten Hjulmand (6.9/10), Christian Eriksen (7.0/10), Adam Daghim (6.5/10), Rasmus Højlund (6.2/10), Jonas Wind (6.6/10)Subs: Gustav Isaksen (6.2/10), Morten Frendrup (6.0/10), Victor Kristiansen (6.1/10), Yussuf Poulsen (5.9/10)(With inputs from Agencies)Published on Jun 04, 2026  #FIFA #World #Cup #warmups #Congo #Denmark #player #ratings #report #Leopards #held #draw

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