Deadspin | Blues rebound from 3-goal deficit, top playoff-bound Penguins Apr 14, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Ben Kindel (81) controls the puck while under pressure from St. Louis Blues left wing Dylan Holloway (81) during the first period at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Connor Hamilton-Imagn Images Jimmy Snuggerud had two goals and two assists to help the St. Louis Blues rally for a 7-5 win against the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday night. Dylan Holloway had two goals and an assist, Logan Mailloux had a goal and an assist, Jake Neighbours had two assists and Jordan Binnington made 18 saves for the Blues (36-33-12, 84 points), who rallied from a three-goal deficit to win their third in a row. Avery Hayes scored two goals, Anthony Mantha had a goal and an assist and Kevin Hayes had two assists in the regular-season finale for Pittsburgh. Stuart Skinner made 17 saves through two periods before Arturs Silovs made seven saves in the third for the Penguins (41-25-16, 98 points), who had already clinched second place in the Metropolitan Division. Rutger McGroarty scored on a one-timer from the inside edge of the left circle off a faceoff win by Kevin Hayes to give the Penguins a 1-0 lead at 10:14 of the first period. Avery Hayes forced a turnover at the St. Louis blue line and scored on a breakaway for a 2-0 lead at 16:40. The Penguins forced another turnover as the Blues were trying to exit their zone and Mantha scored from the left hashmarks to make it 3-0 at 17:23. St. Louis got on the scoreboard at 18:44 of the first when Snuggerud scored off a feed from below the goal line from Robert Thomas to cut it to 3-1. Elmer Soderblom re-established a three-goal cushion when he got behind the defense and waited out Skinner as he dragged the puck in front and scored to make it 4-1 at 2:58 of the second. The Blues answered with three straight goals in the period to tie it entering the third. Oskar Sundqvist scored a rebound off a rush to make it 4-2 at 4:51. Mailloux scored from the high slot to cut it to 4-3 at 10:37, and Snuggerud put in a rebound while on a power play to tie it at 15:49. Holloway was left wide open in the slot and he gave the Blues their first lead, 5-4, at 4:11 of the third period. Pavel Buchnevich scored on a breakaway 43 seconds later to make it 6-4, but Avery Hayes tallied his own rebound just after a power play expired to cut it to 6-5 at 12:20. Holloway sealed it with an empty-net goal for a 7-5 lead with 1:43 left. The Blues conclude their season on Thursday against the Utah Mammoth in Salt Lake City. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Blues #rebound #3goal #deficit #top #playoffbound #Penguins

Deadspin | Blues rebound from 3-goal deficit, top playoff-bound Penguins
Apr 14, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Ben Kindel (81) controls the puck while under pressure from St. Louis Blues left wing Dylan Holloway (81) during the first period at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Connor Hamilton-Imagn Images

Jimmy Snuggerud had two goals and two assists to help the St. Louis Blues rally for a 7-5 win against the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday night.

Dylan Holloway had two goals and an assist, Logan Mailloux had a goal and an assist, Jake Neighbours had two assists and Jordan Binnington made 18 saves for the Blues (36-33-12, 84 points), who rallied from a three-goal deficit to win their third in a row.

Avery Hayes scored two goals, Anthony Mantha had a goal and an assist and Kevin Hayes had two assists in the regular-season finale for Pittsburgh.

Stuart Skinner made 17 saves through two periods before Arturs Silovs made seven saves in the third for the Penguins (41-25-16, 98 points), who had already clinched second place in the Metropolitan Division.

Rutger McGroarty scored on a one-timer from the inside edge of the left circle off a faceoff win by Kevin Hayes to give the Penguins a 1-0 lead at 10:14 of the first period.

Avery Hayes forced a turnover at the St. Louis blue line and scored on a breakaway for a 2-0 lead at 16:40.

The Penguins forced another turnover as the Blues were trying to exit their zone and Mantha scored from the left hashmarks to make it 3-0 at 17:23.

St. Louis got on the scoreboard at 18:44 of the first when Snuggerud scored off a feed from below the goal line from Robert Thomas to cut it to 3-1.

Elmer Soderblom re-established a three-goal cushion when he got behind the defense and waited out Skinner as he dragged the puck in front and scored to make it 4-1 at 2:58 of the second.

The Blues answered with three straight goals in the period to tie it entering the third.

Oskar Sundqvist scored a rebound off a rush to make it 4-2 at 4:51.

Mailloux scored from the high slot to cut it to 4-3 at 10:37, and Snuggerud put in a rebound while on a power play to tie it at 15:49.

Holloway was left wide open in the slot and he gave the Blues their first lead, 5-4, at 4:11 of the third period.

Pavel Buchnevich scored on a breakaway 43 seconds later to make it 6-4, but Avery Hayes tallied his own rebound just after a power play expired to cut it to 6-5 at 12:20.

Holloway sealed it with an empty-net goal for a 7-5 lead with 1:43 left.

The Blues conclude their season on Thursday against the Utah Mammoth in Salt Lake City.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Blues #rebound #3goal #deficit #top #playoffbound #Penguins

Sports news April 15, 2026

Apr 14, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Ben Kindel (81) controls the puck while under pressure from St. Louis Blues left wing Dylan Holloway (81) during the first period at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Connor Hamilton-Imagn Images

Jimmy Snuggerud had two goals and two assists to help the St. Louis Blues rally for a 7-5 win against the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday night.

Dylan Holloway had two goals and an assist, Logan Mailloux had a goal and an assist, Jake Neighbours had two assists and Jordan Binnington made 18 saves for the Blues (36-33-12, 84 points), who rallied from a three-goal deficit to win their third in a row.

Avery Hayes scored two goals, Anthony Mantha had a goal and an assist and Kevin Hayes had two assists in the regular-season finale for Pittsburgh.

Stuart Skinner made 17 saves through two periods before Arturs Silovs made seven saves in the third for the Penguins (41-25-16, 98 points), who had already clinched second place in the Metropolitan Division.

Rutger McGroarty scored on a one-timer from the inside edge of the left circle off a faceoff win by Kevin Hayes to give the Penguins a 1-0 lead at 10:14 of the first period.

Avery Hayes forced a turnover at the St. Louis blue line and scored on a breakaway for a 2-0 lead at 16:40.

The Penguins forced another turnover as the Blues were trying to exit their zone and Mantha scored from the left hashmarks to make it 3-0 at 17:23.

St. Louis got on the scoreboard at 18:44 of the first when Snuggerud scored off a feed from below the goal line from Robert Thomas to cut it to 3-1.

Elmer Soderblom re-established a three-goal cushion when he got behind the defense and waited out Skinner as he dragged the puck in front and scored to make it 4-1 at 2:58 of the second.

The Blues answered with three straight goals in the period to tie it entering the third.

Oskar Sundqvist scored a rebound off a rush to make it 4-2 at 4:51.

Mailloux scored from the high slot to cut it to 4-3 at 10:37, and Snuggerud put in a rebound while on a power play to tie it at 15:49.

Holloway was left wide open in the slot and he gave the Blues their first lead, 5-4, at 4:11 of the third period.

Pavel Buchnevich scored on a breakaway 43 seconds later to make it 6-4, but Avery Hayes tallied his own rebound just after a power play expired to cut it to 6-5 at 12:20.

Holloway sealed it with an empty-net goal for a 7-5 lead with 1:43 left.

The Blues conclude their season on Thursday against the Utah Mammoth in Salt Lake City.

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Blues #rebound #3goal #deficit #top #playoffbound #Penguins

Liverpool vs PSG: Slot laments missed chances, VAR decision around contentious penalty <div id="content-body-70864110" itemprop="articleBody">Liverpool manager Arne Slot said his side’s Champions League exit again laid bare a season-long struggle to turn chances into goals, after being eliminated by Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) following a 0-2 home defeat on Tuesday that sealed a 0-4 loss on aggregate.Despite enjoying 53 per cent possession and having 21 attempts ⁠to PSG’s 12 and eight corners to the visiting side’s two, it was PSG which found the net as Ousmane Dembele struck twice in the second half ‌to confirm the defending champion’s place in the semifinals.“Unfortunately, it’s one of the many examples of this season where we ‌weren’t able to score from the many chances we had,” Slot ‌said.“Again, ⁠we were so far underperforming in terms of xG (expected goals ⁠of 1.94), and that is just an ongoing thing with us throughout the whole season.”Slot also pointed to a contentious VAR decision that saw a penalty given for a foul on Alexis Mac Allister ‌overturned and a potentially serious injury to France forward Hugo Ekitike, adding to Liverpool’s sense of disappointment on the night.“Another intervention of the VAR which was not in our favour, and that’s also ‌not for the first time this season,” he said.“Then of course we are very disappointed, because I think there were parts in the second half where you could just feel ⁠that if we can score now, this is going to become a special night.”Slot handed a first start to Alexander Isak since the Sweden ‌international suffered a broken leg in December and said the striker’s return underlined what his team have missed.“He was twice close to a goal, and that’s why you play a striker of his level,” the Dutch coach said. “If I thought he wasn’t ready, I wouldn’t have played him.”Slot said Isak’s absence had been a factor in Liverpool’s difficulties in ‌front of goal this season, but he remained optimistic about the future.“The future looks very bright for this team, for this club, because we’ve shown we can compete with the champions of Europe ⁠and be the dominant team in our stadium,” he said.“Not many teams can ⁠be dominant against Paris Saint-Germain and generate so many chances, as we did. But, yeah, chances is one thing, scoring ‌is a second.”Liverpool, which is fifth in the Premier League as it tries to qualify for next season’s Champions League, visits rival Everton for the first time at its new stadium on Sunday.Published on Apr 15, 2026</div> #Liverpool #PSG #Slot #laments #missed #chances #VAR #decision #contentious #penalty

Queensland defers decision in blow to Big Bash League privatisation plan <div id="content-body-70864204" itemprop="articleBody">Cricket Australia’s (CA) hopes of opening the Big Bash League (BBL) to private investment have hit a major roadblock after member state Queensland deferred its decision on backing a plan ‌to sell stakes in the nation’s domestic T20 franchises.Queensland Cricket, which hosts Brisbane Heat, said on Wednesday it ⁠had made no final decision following a board meeting and would seek further information from CA.CA had set Wednesday as a deadline for the nation’s six ‌member states to indicate their support to proceed with a plan which would involve selling off 49 per cent stakes ‌in most teams and 100 per cent of one team each in ‌Victoria ⁠and New South Wales.CA declined to comment when contacted ⁠by Reuters about Queensland’s deferral.New South Wales’ (NSW) support for the proposal is also far from assured.Cricket NSW boss Lee Germon said last month that alternative proposals needed to be considered.“We may well ‌end up at the first proposal which is selling all the clubs, but we need to do the due diligence,” he said.“We want to invest in BBL. We want to lift it. ‌We want to have the best players playing it.“Are there alternative ways we can do that without necessarily going straight to selling the clubs?”The privatisation push has been ⁠driven by CA Chairman Mike Baird and CEO Todd Greenberg following a review by Boston Consulting Group last year.CA is hoping to raise ‌up to AUD 600 million from the sale to future-proof the sport, boost its finances and improve Australia’s competitiveness in T20 cricket.CA reported a net deficit of AUD 11.3 million for the 2024-25 financial year despite a jump in revenue from hosting the lucrative Border-Gavaskar series against powerhouse India.Australia crashed out of the group stage at ‌the recent T20 World Cup won by India, triggering acrimony on the home front.Despite the potential for a major capital boost, influential cricket figures in Australia remain wary of private money.Former Test ⁠captain and talent development boss Greg Chappell said the BBL was a ⁠success and selling it off could mean a damaging loss of control for the game’s local custodians.“Australian cricket has ‌long benefited from maintaining its autonomy,” he wrote in a column published in the Sydney Morning Herald.“Surrendering even part of that independence could have far-reaching consequences.”Published on Apr 15, 2026</div> #Queensland #defers #decision #blow #Big #Bash #League #privatisation #plan

Next week, the 2026 MLB All-Star Game gets underway at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.

But before this generation’s stars take the field, the next generation will take the stage in the City of Brotherly Love.

The 2026 MLB Draft gets underway on Saturday, and over 600 prospects will hear their names called during the 20 rounds that unfold, beginning with the Chicago White Sox at No. 1 overall. To get you ready, we have a mock draft to help set the stage.

For more on how the first round works, we have you covered here with this piece from Thursday. And a note on methodology: This is a “what I think will happen” mock draft, and not a “what I would do” mock draft. Mostly because I would draft Georgia catcher Daniel Jackson with every pick in that scenario. But there is still some “what I would do” sprinkled in …

Here are the picks, with some thoughts after.

Pick	Team	Player	Position	School
1	Chicago White Sox	Roch Cholowsky	SS	UCLA
2	Tampa Bay Rays	Grady Emerson	SS	Fort Worth Christian HS (TX)
3	Minnesota Twins	Vahn Lackey	C	Georgia Tech
4	San Francisco Giants	Drew Burress	OF	Georgia Tech
5	Pittsburgh Pirates	Eric Booth Jr.	OF	Oak Grove HS (MS)
6	Kansas City Royals	Jackson Flora	RHP	UC Santa Barbara
7	Baltimore Orioles	Justin Lebron	SS	Alabama
8	Athletics	Ryder Helfrick	C	Arkansas
9	Atlanta Braves	Jacob Lombard	SS	Gulliver Prep HS (FL)
10	Colorado Rockies	Tyler Bell	SS	Kentucky
11	Washington Nationals	Ace Reese	3B	Mississippi State
12	Los Angeles Angels	Christopher Hacopian	2B	Texas A&M
13	St. Louis Cardinals	Derek Curiel	OF	LSU
14	Miami Marlins	Gio Rojas	LHP	Stoneman Douglas HS (FL)
15	Arizona Diamondbacks	Trevor Condon	OF	Etowah HS (GA)
16	Texas Rangers	Mason Edwards	LHP	USC
17	Houston Astros	Daniel Jackson	C	Georgia
18	Cincinnati Reds	AJ Gracia	OF	Virginia
19	Cleveland Guardians	Jared Grindlinger	OF/LHP	Huntington Beach HS (CA)
20	Boston Red Sox	Cameron Flukey	RHP	Coastal Carolina
21	San Diego Padres	Zion Rose	OF	Louisville
22	Detroit Tigers	Hunter Dietz	LHP	Arkansas
23	Chicago Cubs	Liam Peterson	RHP	Florida
24	Seattle Mariners	Tegan Kuhns	RHP	Tennessee
25	Milwaukee Brewers	Sawyer Strosnider	OF	TCU
26	Atlanta Braves	Carson Bolemon	LHP	Southside Christian HS (SC)
27	New York Mets	Cole Carlon	LHP	Arizona State
28	Houston Astros	Brody Bumila	LHP	Bishop Feehan HS (MA)
29	San Francisco Giants	Cameron Borthwick	RHP	South Walton HS (FL)
30	Kansas City Royals	Aiden Ruiz	SS	The Stony Brook School (NY)
31	Arizona Diamondbacks	Logan Schmidt	LHP	Ganesha HS (CA)
32	St. Louis Cardinals	Bo Lowrance	3B	Christ Church Episcopal HS (SC)
33	Tampa Bay Rays	Aiden Robbins	OF	Texas
34	Pittsburgh Pirates	Cade Townsend	RHP	Mississippi
35	New York Yankees	Logan Reddemann	RHP	UCLA
36	Philadelphia Phillies	Taj Marchand	SS	James Island HS (SC)
37	Colorado Rockies	Jack Radel	RHP	Notre Dame

If you want to get a little deeper into this class, read on.

Let’s dive into the top ten selections a bit more.

1. Chicago White Sox: Roch Cholowsky, SS, UCLA

It is by no means a done deal, but UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky remains the consensus top player in the class. And with the White Sox trying to sign him out of high school, the pairing between player and team fits. But there is a lot to like about Texas high school shortstop Grady Emerson, as well as Georgia Tech’s Vahn Lackey, who stand out as the top three players in the class. Chicago likely goes with Cholowsky, who might have the highest floor of the three, but Emerson might have the highest ceiling.

2. Tampa Bay Rays: Grady Emerson, SS, Fort Worth Christian HS (TX)

If Cholowsky indeed comes off the board first, Tampa Bay runs to the podium for Emerson. The high school shortstop has a silky smooth swing from the left side of the plate, is coming off another monster season where he slashed .532/.648/1.013, and was just the second high school player in the past 48 years to be named a semifinalist for the Golden Spikes Award, joining Bobby Witt Jr. on that short list.

3. Minnesota Twins: Vahn Lackey, C, Georgia Tech

The Minnesota Twins sit in a decent spot, as they would be happy to take Vahn Lackey, who slashed .397/.519/.722 as part of Georgia Tech’s monster offense this season.

4. San Francisco Giants: Drew Burress, OF, Georgia Tech

This might be the first departure from consensus, as a bit of “what I would do” works its way into this mock draft. But in addition to Lackey, outfielder Drew Burress was a huge part of the Georgia Tech offense this past season. He slashed .358/.473/.675, while belting 16 home runs to break Jason Varitek’s school record of 57 career home runs, as Burress hit 60 during his time in college. The San Francisco Giants have been linked to several bats in this class, but Burress’ power stands out.

5. Pittsburgh Pirates: Eric Booth Jr., OF, Oak Grove HS (MS)

Mississippi outfielder Eric Booth Jr. is something of a consensus pick for the Pirates, and Pittsburgh dipped into the Mississippi prep waters recently with some success with Konnor Griffin. Eric Booth Jr. is considered the top prep outfielder in the 2026 MLB Draft class, hit .467 as a junior in 2025, and followed that with a .481/.699/.922 slash line this past year:

6. Kansas City Royals: Jackson Flora, RHP, UC Santa Barbara

It’s time for the first pitcher to come off the board, and it is UC Santa Barbara right-hander Jackson Flora. Flora set a new school record with 133 strikeouts this season, as he finished with a 12-0 record, an ERA of 1.06, and a WHIP of just 0.853. Flora features high-level velocity — his fastball rests in the upper 90s and hits triple digits regularly — but he can mix in two different sliders, as well as two different changeups.

Here’s a look at that fastball:

And now let’s mix in some of that breaking stuff:

If Flora is off the board, high school arm Gio Rojas could be a pick for Kansas City here.

7. Baltimore Orioles: Justin Lebron, SS, Alabama

Here is another selection where the college influence creeps into my mind. Consensus is mixed on Alabama shortstop Justin Lebron, who could come off the board anywhere from No. 8 to the late teens.

So I concede I might be higher on him than consensus, but the tools are there and the shortstop was critical to Alabama’s run to Omaha this season. According to multiple reports the Orioles are looking at college bats with this pick, and Lebron makes a great deal of sense.

8. Athletics: Ryder Helfrick, C, Arkansas

As noted by other outlets, the Athletics are looking at college bats, and Ryder Helfrick sliding to this spot would offer a nice combination of positional value and power at the plate. Helfrick slashed .305/.420/.616 for the Razorbacks in 2025 along with 15 home runs, and followed that with a .283/.417/.562 slash line in 2026 along with 18 big flies.

Plus, there is a track record of success with the wood bat, as he slashed .261/.323/.837 for Brewster on the Cape during the summer of 2024, along with 11 home runs.

9. Atlanta Braves: Jacob Lombard, SS, Gulliver Prep HS (FL)

This might be a bit low for Jacob Lombard, who is coming off boards earlier than this in other industry mock drafts. But with the board falling like this, the Braves would be happy to see Lombard available. The Florida infielder carries some “swing-and-miss” risk, particularly against upper-level velocity, but he offers an intriguing mix of power at the plate and speed on the bases.

10. Colorado Rockies: Tyler Bell, SS, Kentucky

The Colorado Rockies are another team linked to college bats in the 2026 MLB Draft, and Kentucky infielder Tyler Bell certainly fits the bill. Bell slashed an impressive .343/.510/.608 for the Wildcats this past season, with nine home runs.

The switch-hitter also has power from both sides of the plate. Here is a home run against West Virginia in the College World Series Regionals:

And here is a blast from the right side of the plate against Tennessee earlier this season:

That will work at Coors Field someday.

#MLB #mock #draft #Updated #projection #White #Sox #choosing #elite #players">

MLB mock draft 2026: Updated projection with White Sox choosing between 3 elite players Next week, the 2026 MLB All-Star Game gets underway at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.But before this generation’s stars take the field, the next generation will take the stage in the City of Brotherly Love.The 2026 MLB Draft gets underway on Saturday, and over 600 prospects will hear their names called during the 20 rounds that unfold, beginning with the Chicago White Sox at No. 1 overall. To get you ready, we have a mock draft to help set the stage.For more on how the first round works, we have you covered here with this piece from Thursday. And a note on methodology: This is a “what I think will happen” mock draft, and not a “what I would do” mock draft. Mostly because I would draft Georgia catcher Daniel Jackson with every pick in that scenario. But there is still some “what I would do” sprinkled in …Here are the picks, with some thoughts after.PickTeamPlayerPositionSchool1Chicago White SoxRoch CholowskySSUCLA2Tampa Bay RaysGrady EmersonSSFort Worth Christian HS (TX)3Minnesota TwinsVahn LackeyCGeorgia Tech4San Francisco GiantsDrew BurressOFGeorgia Tech5Pittsburgh PiratesEric Booth Jr.OFOak Grove HS (MS)6Kansas City RoyalsJackson FloraRHPUC Santa Barbara7Baltimore OriolesJustin LebronSSAlabama8AthleticsRyder HelfrickCArkansas9Atlanta BravesJacob LombardSSGulliver Prep HS (FL)10Colorado RockiesTyler BellSSKentucky11Washington NationalsAce Reese3BMississippi State12Los Angeles AngelsChristopher Hacopian2BTexas A&M13St. Louis CardinalsDerek CurielOFLSU14Miami MarlinsGio RojasLHPStoneman Douglas HS (FL)15Arizona DiamondbacksTrevor CondonOFEtowah HS (GA)16Texas RangersMason EdwardsLHPUSC17Houston AstrosDaniel JacksonCGeorgia18Cincinnati RedsAJ GraciaOFVirginia19Cleveland GuardiansJared GrindlingerOF/LHPHuntington Beach HS (CA)20Boston Red SoxCameron FlukeyRHPCoastal Carolina21San Diego PadresZion RoseOFLouisville22Detroit TigersHunter DietzLHPArkansas23Chicago CubsLiam PetersonRHPFlorida24Seattle MarinersTegan KuhnsRHPTennessee25Milwaukee BrewersSawyer StrosniderOFTCU26Atlanta BravesCarson BolemonLHPSouthside Christian HS (SC)27New York MetsCole CarlonLHPArizona State28Houston AstrosBrody BumilaLHPBishop Feehan HS (MA)29San Francisco GiantsCameron BorthwickRHPSouth Walton HS (FL)30Kansas City RoyalsAiden RuizSSThe Stony Brook School (NY)31Arizona DiamondbacksLogan SchmidtLHPGanesha HS (CA)32St. Louis CardinalsBo Lowrance3BChrist Church Episcopal HS (SC)33Tampa Bay RaysAiden RobbinsOFTexas34Pittsburgh PiratesCade TownsendRHPMississippi35New York YankeesLogan ReddemannRHPUCLA36Philadelphia PhilliesTaj MarchandSSJames Island HS (SC)37Colorado RockiesJack RadelRHPNotre DameIf you want to get a little deeper into this class, read on.Let’s dive into the top ten selections a bit more.1. Chicago White Sox: Roch Cholowsky, SS, UCLAIt is by no means a done deal, but UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky remains the consensus top player in the class. And with the White Sox trying to sign him out of high school, the pairing between player and team fits. But there is a lot to like about Texas high school shortstop Grady Emerson, as well as Georgia Tech’s Vahn Lackey, who stand out as the top three players in the class. Chicago likely goes with Cholowsky, who might have the highest floor of the three, but Emerson might have the highest ceiling.2. Tampa Bay Rays: Grady Emerson, SS, Fort Worth Christian HS (TX)If Cholowsky indeed comes off the board first, Tampa Bay runs to the podium for Emerson. The high school shortstop has a silky smooth swing from the left side of the plate, is coming off another monster season where he slashed .532/.648/1.013, and was just the second high school player in the past 48 years to be named a semifinalist for the Golden Spikes Award, joining Bobby Witt Jr. on that short list.3. Minnesota Twins: Vahn Lackey, C, Georgia TechThe Minnesota Twins sit in a decent spot, as they would be happy to take Vahn Lackey, who slashed .397/.519/.722 as part of Georgia Tech’s monster offense this season.4. San Francisco Giants: Drew Burress, OF, Georgia TechThis might be the first departure from consensus, as a bit of “what I would do” works its way into this mock draft. But in addition to Lackey, outfielder Drew Burress was a huge part of the Georgia Tech offense this past season. He slashed .358/.473/.675, while belting 16 home runs to break Jason Varitek’s school record of 57 career home runs, as Burress hit 60 during his time in college. The San Francisco Giants have been linked to several bats in this class, but Burress’ power stands out.5. Pittsburgh Pirates: Eric Booth Jr., OF, Oak Grove HS (MS)Mississippi outfielder Eric Booth Jr. is something of a consensus pick for the Pirates, and Pittsburgh dipped into the Mississippi prep waters recently with some success with Konnor Griffin. Eric Booth Jr. is considered the top prep outfielder in the 2026 MLB Draft class, hit .467 as a junior in 2025, and followed that with a .481/.699/.922 slash line this past year:6. Kansas City Royals: Jackson Flora, RHP, UC Santa BarbaraIt’s time for the first pitcher to come off the board, and it is UC Santa Barbara right-hander Jackson Flora. Flora set a new school record with 133 strikeouts this season, as he finished with a 12-0 record, an ERA of 1.06, and a WHIP of just 0.853. Flora features high-level velocity — his fastball rests in the upper 90s and hits triple digits regularly — but he can mix in two different sliders, as well as two different changeups.Here’s a look at that fastball:And now let’s mix in some of that breaking stuff:If Flora is off the board, high school arm Gio Rojas could be a pick for Kansas City here.7. Baltimore Orioles: Justin Lebron, SS, AlabamaHere is another selection where the college influence creeps into my mind. Consensus is mixed on Alabama shortstop Justin Lebron, who could come off the board anywhere from No. 8 to the late teens.So I concede I might be higher on him than consensus, but the tools are there and the shortstop was critical to Alabama’s run to Omaha this season. According to multiple reports the Orioles are looking at college bats with this pick, and Lebron makes a great deal of sense.8. Athletics: Ryder Helfrick, C, ArkansasAs noted by other outlets, the Athletics are looking at college bats, and Ryder Helfrick sliding to this spot would offer a nice combination of positional value and power at the plate. Helfrick slashed .305/.420/.616 for the Razorbacks in 2025 along with 15 home runs, and followed that with a .283/.417/.562 slash line in 2026 along with 18 big flies.Plus, there is a track record of success with the wood bat, as he slashed .261/.323/.837 for Brewster on the Cape during the summer of 2024, along with 11 home runs.9. Atlanta Braves: Jacob Lombard, SS, Gulliver Prep HS (FL)This might be a bit low for Jacob Lombard, who is coming off boards earlier than this in other industry mock drafts. But with the board falling like this, the Braves would be happy to see Lombard available. The Florida infielder carries some “swing-and-miss” risk, particularly against upper-level velocity, but he offers an intriguing mix of power at the plate and speed on the bases.10. Colorado Rockies: Tyler Bell, SS, KentuckyThe Colorado Rockies are another team linked to college bats in the 2026 MLB Draft, and Kentucky infielder Tyler Bell certainly fits the bill. Bell slashed an impressive .343/.510/.608 for the Wildcats this past season, with nine home runs.The switch-hitter also has power from both sides of the plate. Here is a home run against West Virginia in the College World Series Regionals:And here is a blast from the right side of the plate against Tennessee earlier this season:That will work at Coors Field someday. #MLB #mock #draft #Updated #projection #White #Sox #choosing #elite #players

mwasimuddin125 0

Next week, the 2026 MLB All-Star Game gets underway at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.
But before this generation’s stars take the field, the next generation will take the stage in the City of Brotherly Love.
The 2026 MLB Draft gets underway on Saturday, and over 600 prospects will hear their names called during the 20 rounds that unfold, beginning with the Chicago White Sox at No. 1 overall. To get you ready, we have a mock draft to help set the stage.
For more on how the first round works, we have you covered here with this piece from Thursday. And a note on methodology: This is a “what I think will happen” mock draft, and not a “what I would do” mock draft. Mostly because I would draft Georgia catcher Daniel Jackson with every pick in that scenario. But there is still some “what I would do” sprinkled in …
Here are the picks, with some thoughts after.
Pick
Team
Player
Position
School
1 Chicago White Sox Roch Cholowsky SS UCLA
2 Tampa Bay Rays Grady Emerson SS Fort Worth Christian HS (TX)
3 Minnesota Twins Vahn Lackey C Georgia Tech
4 San Francisco Giants Drew Burress OF Georgia Tech
5 Pittsburgh Pirates Eric Booth Jr. OF Oak Grove HS (MS)
6 Kansas City Royals Jackson Flora RHP UC Santa Barbara
7 Baltimore Orioles Justin Lebron SS Alabama
8 Athletics Ryder Helfrick C Arkansas
9 Atlanta Braves Jacob Lombard SS Gulliver Prep HS (FL)
10 Colorado Rockies Tyler Bell SS Kentucky
11 Washington Nationals Ace Reese 3B Mississippi State
12 Los Angeles Angels Christopher Hacopian 2B Texas A&M
13 St. Louis Cardinals Derek Curiel OF LSU
14 Miami Marlins Gio Rojas LHP Stoneman Douglas HS (FL)
15 Arizona Diamondbacks Trevor Condon OF Etowah HS (GA)
16 Texas Rangers Mason Edwards LHP USC
17 Houston Astros Daniel Jackson C Georgia
18 Cincinnati Reds AJ Gracia OF Virginia
19 Cleveland Guardians Jared Grindlinger OF/LHP Huntington Beach HS (CA)
20 Boston Red Sox Cameron Flukey RHP Coastal Carolina
21 San Diego Padres Zion Rose OF Louisville
22 Detroit Tigers Hunter Dietz LHP Arkansas
23 Chicago Cubs Liam Peterson RHP Florida
24 Seattle Mariners Tegan Kuhns RHP Tennessee
25 Milwaukee Brewers Sawyer Strosnider OF TCU
26 Atlanta Braves Carson Bolemon LHP Southside Christian HS (SC)
27 New York Mets Cole Carlon LHP Arizona State
28 Houston Astros Brody Bumila LHP Bishop Feehan HS (MA)
29 San Francisco Giants Cameron Borthwick RHP South Walton HS (FL)
30 Kansas City Royals Aiden Ruiz SS The Stony Brook School (NY)
31 Arizona Diamondbacks Logan Schmidt LHP Ganesha HS (CA)
32 St. Louis Cardinals Bo Lowrance 3B Christ Church Episcopal HS (SC)
33 Tampa Bay Rays Aiden Robbins OF Texas
34 Pittsburgh Pirates Cade Townsend RHP Mississippi
35 New York Yankees Logan Reddemann RHP UCLA
36 Philadelphia Phillies Taj Marchand SS James Island HS (SC)
37 Colorado Rockies Jack Radel RHP Notre Dame
If you want to get a little deeper into this class, read on.
Let’s dive into the top ten selections a bit more.
1. Chicago White Sox: Roch Cholowsky, SS, UCLA
It is by no means a done deal, but UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky remains the consensus top player in the class. And with the White Sox trying to sign him out of high school, the pairing between player and team fits. But there is a lot to like about Texas high school shortstop Grady Emerson, as well as Georgia Tech’s Vahn Lackey, who stand out as the top three players in the class. Chicago likely goes with Cholowsky, who might have the highest floor of the three, but Emerson might have the highest ceiling.
2. Tampa Bay Rays: Grady Emerson, SS, Fort Worth Christian HS (TX)
If Cholowsky indeed comes off the board first, Tampa Bay runs to the podium for Emerson. The high school shortstop has a silky smooth swing from the left side of the plate, is coming off another monster season where he slashed .532/.648/1.013, and was just the second high school player in the past 48 years to be named a semifinalist for the Golden Spikes Award, joining Bobby Witt Jr. on that short list.
3. Minnesota Twins: Vahn Lackey, C, Georgia Tech
The Minnesota Twins sit in a decent spot, as they would be happy to take Vahn Lackey, who slashed .397/.519/.722 as part of Georgia Tech’s monster offense this season.
4. San Francisco Giants: Drew Burress, OF, Georgia Tech
This might be the first departure from consensus, as a bit of “what I would do” works its way into this mock draft. But in addition to Lackey, outfielder Drew Burress was a huge part of the Georgia Tech offense this past season. He slashed .358/.473/.675, while belting 16 home runs to break Jason Varitek’s school record of 57 career home runs, as Burress hit 60 during his time in college. The San Francisco Giants have been linked to several bats in this class, but Burress’ power stands out.
5. Pittsburgh Pirates: Eric Booth Jr., OF, Oak Grove HS (MS)
Mississippi outfielder Eric Booth Jr. is something of a consensus pick for the Pirates, and Pittsburgh dipped into the Mississippi prep waters recently with some success with Konnor Griffin. Eric Booth Jr. is considered the top prep outfielder in the 2026 MLB Draft class, hit .467 as a junior in 2025, and followed that with a .481/.699/.922 slash line this past year:
6. Kansas City Royals: Jackson Flora, RHP, UC Santa Barbara
It’s time for the first pitcher to come off the board, and it is UC Santa Barbara right-hander Jackson Flora. Flora set a new school record with 133 strikeouts this season, as he finished with a 12-0 record, an ERA of 1.06, and a WHIP of just 0.853. Flora features high-level velocity — his fastball rests in the upper 90s and hits triple digits regularly — but he can mix in two different sliders, as well as two different changeups.
Here’s a look at that fastball:
And now let’s mix in some of that breaking stuff:
If Flora is off the board, high school arm Gio Rojas could be a pick for Kansas City here.
7. Baltimore Orioles: Justin Lebron, SS, Alabama
Here is another selection where the college influence creeps into my mind. Consensus is mixed on Alabama shortstop Justin Lebron, who could come off the board anywhere from No. 8 to the late teens.
So I concede I might be higher on him than consensus, but the tools are there and the shortstop was critical to Alabama’s run to Omaha this season. According to multiple reports the Orioles are looking at college bats with this pick, and Lebron makes a great deal of sense.
8. Athletics: Ryder Helfrick, C, Arkansas
As noted by other outlets, the Athletics are looking at college bats, and Ryder Helfrick sliding to this spot would offer a nice combination of positional value and power at the plate. Helfrick slashed .305/.420/.616 for the Razorbacks in 2025 along with 15 home runs, and followed that with a .283/.417/.562 slash line in 2026 along with 18 big flies.
Plus, there is a track record of success with the wood bat, as he slashed .261/.323/.837 for Brewster on the Cape during the summer of 2024, along with 11 home runs.
9. Atlanta Braves: Jacob Lombard, SS, Gulliver Prep HS (FL)
This might be a bit low for Jacob Lombard, who is coming off boards earlier than this in other industry mock drafts. But with the board falling like this, the Braves would be happy to see Lombard available. The Florida infielder carries some “swing-and-miss” risk, particularly against upper-level velocity, but he offers an intriguing mix of power at the plate and speed on the bases.
10. Colorado Rockies: Tyler Bell, SS, Kentucky
The Colorado Rockies are another team linked to college bats in the 2026 MLB Draft, and Kentucky infielder Tyler Bell certainly fits the bill. Bell slashed an impressive .343/.510/.608 for the Wildcats this past season, with nine home runs.
The switch-hitter also has power from both sides of the plate. Here is a home run against West Virginia in the College World Series Regionals:
And here is a blast from the right side of the plate against Tennessee earlier this season:
That will work at Coors Field someday.

#MLB #mock #draft #Updated #projection #White #Sox #choosing #elite #players">MLB mock draft 2026: Updated projection with White Sox choosing between 3 elite players

Next week, the 2026 MLB All-Star Game gets underway at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.

But before this generation’s stars take the field, the next generation will take the stage in the City of Brotherly Love.

Here are the picks, with some thoughts after.

Pick	Team	Player	Position	School
1	Chicago White Sox	Roch Cholowsky	SS	UCLA
2	Tampa Bay Rays	Grady Emerson	SS	Fort Worth Christian HS (TX)
3	Minnesota Twins	Vahn Lackey	C	Georgia Tech
4	San Francisco Giants	Drew Burress	OF	Georgia Tech
5	Pittsburgh Pirates	Eric Booth Jr.	OF	Oak Grove HS (MS)
6	Kansas City Royals	Jackson Flora	RHP	UC Santa Barbara
7	Baltimore Orioles	Justin Lebron	SS	Alabama
8	Athletics	Ryder Helfrick	C	Arkansas
9	Atlanta Braves	Jacob Lombard	SS	Gulliver Prep HS (FL)
10	Colorado Rockies	Tyler Bell	SS	Kentucky
11	Washington Nationals	Ace Reese	3B	Mississippi State
12	Los Angeles Angels	Christopher Hacopian	2B	Texas A&M
13	St. Louis Cardinals	Derek Curiel	OF	LSU
14	Miami Marlins	Gio Rojas	LHP	Stoneman Douglas HS (FL)
15	Arizona Diamondbacks	Trevor Condon	OF	Etowah HS (GA)
16	Texas Rangers	Mason Edwards	LHP	USC
17	Houston Astros	Daniel Jackson	C	Georgia
18	Cincinnati Reds	AJ Gracia	OF	Virginia
19	Cleveland Guardians	Jared Grindlinger	OF/LHP	Huntington Beach HS (CA)
20	Boston Red Sox	Cameron Flukey	RHP	Coastal Carolina
21	San Diego Padres	Zion Rose	OF	Louisville
22	Detroit Tigers	Hunter Dietz	LHP	Arkansas
23	Chicago Cubs	Liam Peterson	RHP	Florida
24	Seattle Mariners	Tegan Kuhns	RHP	Tennessee
25	Milwaukee Brewers	Sawyer Strosnider	OF	TCU
26	Atlanta Braves	Carson Bolemon	LHP	Southside Christian HS (SC)
27	New York Mets	Cole Carlon	LHP	Arizona State
28	Houston Astros	Brody Bumila	LHP	Bishop Feehan HS (MA)
29	San Francisco Giants	Cameron Borthwick	RHP	South Walton HS (FL)
30	Kansas City Royals	Aiden Ruiz	SS	The Stony Brook School (NY)
31	Arizona Diamondbacks	Logan Schmidt	LHP	Ganesha HS (CA)
32	St. Louis Cardinals	Bo Lowrance	3B	Christ Church Episcopal HS (SC)
33	Tampa Bay Rays	Aiden Robbins	OF	Texas
34	Pittsburgh Pirates	Cade Townsend	RHP	Mississippi
35	New York Yankees	Logan Reddemann	RHP	UCLA
36	Philadelphia Phillies	Taj Marchand	SS	James Island HS (SC)
37	Colorado Rockies	Jack Radel	RHP	Notre Dame

If you want to get a little deeper into this class, read on.

Let’s dive into the top ten selections a bit more.

1. Chicago White Sox: Roch Cholowsky, SS, UCLA

2. Tampa Bay Rays: Grady Emerson, SS, Fort Worth Christian HS (TX)

3. Minnesota Twins: Vahn Lackey, C, Georgia Tech

The Minnesota Twins sit in a decent spot, as they would be happy to take Vahn Lackey, who slashed .397/.519/.722 as part of Georgia Tech’s monster offense this season.

4. San Francisco Giants: Drew Burress, OF, Georgia Tech

5. Pittsburgh Pirates: Eric Booth Jr., OF, Oak Grove HS (MS)

6. Kansas City Royals: Jackson Flora, RHP, UC Santa Barbara

Here’s a look at that fastball:

And now let’s mix in some of that breaking stuff:

If Flora is off the board, high school arm Gio Rojas could be a pick for Kansas City here.

7. Baltimore Orioles: Justin Lebron, SS, Alabama

Here is another selection where the college influence creeps into my mind. Consensus is mixed on Alabama shortstop Justin Lebron, who could come off the board anywhere from No. 8 to the late teens.

8. Athletics: Ryder Helfrick, C, Arkansas

Plus, there is a track record of success with the wood bat, as he slashed .261/.323/.837 for Brewster on the Cape during the summer of 2024, along with 11 home runs.

9. Atlanta Braves: Jacob Lombard, SS, Gulliver Prep HS (FL)

10. Colorado Rockies: Tyler Bell, SS, Kentucky

The switch-hitter also has power from both sides of the plate. Here is a home run against West Virginia in the College World Series Regionals:

And here is a blast from the right side of the plate against Tennessee earlier this season:

That will work at Coors Field someday.

#MLB #mock #draft #Updated #projection #White #Sox #choosing #elite #players

Jannik Sinner retained his Wimbledon title by beating Alexander Zverev 6-7(7), 7-6(2), 6-3, 6-4 in the final on Sunday to claim ‌his fifth Grand Slam crown and extend his dominance over the German to 10 ⁠straight victories.

The win placed Sinner in rare company as the 10th man in the professional era to successfully defend the ‌title, strengthening his credentials as one of the dominant players of his generation while he ‌chases down big rival Carlos Alcaraz’s seven majors.

Both ‌finalists ⁠slugged it out for 12 games in ⁠a high-octane first set on a warm and windy afternoon, before Zverev moved up a gear and hit a powerful forehand winner to clinch a gripping ‌tiebreak, yelling and crouching down in celebration.

The clean ball-striking continued but Zverev began to show signs of frustration late in the second set, where a ‌much more animated Sinner gained the upper hand in the tiebreak and went on to level the contest at one set apiece.

Zverev brought ⁠up his first break point midway through the third set after more than 2-1/2 hours, but slipped and ‌fell to the ground after being wrong-footed by a Sinner drop shot. With Zverev screaming out in agony, the Centre Court crowd gasped when he rolled onto his back clutching his right knee.

The second seed dusted himself off and carried on but was ‌left seething when Sinner pounced in the next game to break for a 5-3 lead, slamming his racket to the floor, and soon found himself trailing ⁠the Italian two-sets-to-one after nearly three hours of battle.

Sinner ⁠broke again for a 4-3 advantage in the fourth set as Zverev’s level briefly dipped, and ‌the 24-year-old held firm in an entertaining spell to complete the victory and then collapsed to the threadbare turf in celebration.

Published on Jul 13, 2026

#Jannik #Sinner #defeats #Alexander #Zverev #win #consecutive #Wimbledon #title">

Jannik Sinner defeats Alexander Zverev to win second consecutive Wimbledon title Jannik Sinner retained his Wimbledon title by beating Alexander Zverev 6-7(7), 7-6(2), 6-3, 6-4 in the final on Sunday to claim ‌his fifth Grand Slam crown and extend his dominance over the German to 10 ⁠straight victories.The win placed Sinner in rare company as the 10th man in the professional era to successfully defend the ‌title, strengthening his credentials as one of the dominant players of his generation while he ‌chases down big rival Carlos Alcaraz’s seven majors.Both ‌finalists ⁠slugged it out for 12 games in ⁠a high-octane first set on a warm and windy afternoon, before Zverev moved up a gear and hit a powerful forehand winner to clinch a gripping ‌tiebreak, yelling and crouching down in celebration.The clean ball-striking continued but Zverev began to show signs of frustration late in the second set, where a ‌much more animated Sinner gained the upper hand in the tiebreak and went on to level the contest at one set apiece.Zverev brought ⁠up his first break point midway through the third set after more than 2-1/2 hours, but slipped and ‌fell to the ground after being wrong-footed by a Sinner drop shot. With Zverev screaming out in agony, the Centre Court crowd gasped when he rolled onto his back clutching his right knee.The second seed dusted himself off and carried on but was ‌left seething when Sinner pounced in the next game to break for a 5-3 lead, slamming his racket to the floor, and soon found himself trailing ⁠the Italian two-sets-to-one after nearly three hours of battle.Sinner ⁠broke again for a 4-3 advantage in the fourth set as Zverev’s level briefly dipped, and ‌the 24-year-old held firm in an entertaining spell to complete the victory and then collapsed to the threadbare turf in celebration.Published on Jul 13, 2026 #Jannik #Sinner #defeats #Alexander #Zverev #win #consecutive #Wimbledon #title

mwasimuddin125 0

Jannik Sinner retained his Wimbledon title by beating Alexander Zverev 6-7(7), 7-6(2), 6-3, 6-4 in the final on Sunday to claim ‌his fifth Grand Slam crown and extend his dominance over the German to 10 ⁠straight victories.
The win placed Sinner in rare company as the 10th man in the professional era to successfully defend the ‌title, strengthening his credentials as one of the dominant players of his generation while he ‌chases down big rival Carlos Alcaraz’s seven majors.
Both ‌finalists ⁠slugged it out for 12 games in ⁠a high-octane first set on a warm and windy afternoon, before Zverev moved up a gear and hit a powerful forehand winner to clinch a gripping ‌tiebreak, yelling and crouching down in celebration.
The clean ball-striking continued but Zverev began to show signs of frustration late in the second set, where a ‌much more animated Sinner gained the upper hand in the tiebreak and went on to level the contest at one set apiece.
Zverev brought ⁠up his first break point midway through the third set after more than 2-1/2 hours, but slipped and ‌fell to the ground after being wrong-footed by a Sinner drop shot. With Zverev screaming out in agony, the Centre Court crowd gasped when he rolled onto his back clutching his right knee.
The second seed dusted himself off and carried on but was ‌left seething when Sinner pounced in the next game to break for a 5-3 lead, slamming his racket to the floor, and soon found himself trailing ⁠the Italian two-sets-to-one after nearly three hours of battle.
Sinner ⁠broke again for a 4-3 advantage in the fourth set as Zverev’s level briefly dipped, and ‌the 24-year-old held firm in an entertaining spell to complete the victory and then collapsed to the threadbare turf in celebration.
Published on Jul 13, 2026

#Jannik #Sinner #defeats #Alexander #Zverev #win #consecutive #Wimbledon #title">Jannik Sinner defeats Alexander Zverev to win second consecutive Wimbledon title

Published on Jul 13, 2026

#Jannik #Sinner #defeats #Alexander #Zverev #win #consecutive #Wimbledon #title

Deadspin | Giants’ Trevor McDonald works to put summertime blues behind him vs. Rockies Jun 26, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; San Francisco Giants pitcher Trevor McDonald (72) throws to an Atlanta Braves batter during the top of the first inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Justine Willard-Imagn Images Trevor McDonald has had a rough rookie season with the San Francisco Giants, and the summer has been especially cruel. McDonald, who had four career appearances entering the 2026 season, will try to bounce back from a disastrous start in his most recent outing when the Giants host the Colorado Rockies on Sunday afternoon in the final game before the All-Star break. The month started with promise for McDonald (3-7, 5.46 ERA). The right-hander had lost six of seven starts — including four of five in June — but got the win on July 1 when he allowed one hit and no walks over scoreless six innings of a 6-4 defeat of the Arizona Diamondbacks. But just six days later, it all fell apart for McDonald. In a home game Tuesday against the Toronto Blue Jays, he surrendered eight runs and 11 hits in only 2 1/3 innings, taking the loss in the 9-3 game. It was the first time since 1998 that a Giants pitcher had given up at least 11 hits in 2 1/3 since Mark Gardner against the Montreal Expos in 1998. “I felt I was getting some soft contact and some early contact and them being a team that likes to swing and be on the attack, they found the holes,” McDonald said. Giants manager Tony Vitello did not fully agree. “There wasn’t a lot of hard contact, but there also was really comfortable swings,” Vitello said postgame. “They were kind of sitting on that deal there. Sinker was middle a lot, if you were going to criticize anything there. Kind of piled up on him a little too quick.” McDonald has faced the Rockies just once, and it invokes a good memory. It was Sept. 26, 2025, when he struck out 10 and allowed three unearned runs on four hits in seven innings against visiting Colorado. He did not walk a batter in a 6-3 win. McDonald will try to follow an outstanding effort by Tyler Mahle on Saturday in the Giants’ 4-2 victory. Mahle gave up a run on five hits in seven innings with three walks and four strikeouts. Despite the win, Vitello was ejected by plate umpire Lance Barksdale in the third inning after the Rockies’ Mickey Moniak was placed back at the plate after it appeared he had struck out. Colorado has lost three of its past four games and enters Sunday with a struggling pitcher of its own, but he is showing small signs of improvement. That’s veteran Michael Lorenzen (3-9, 6.46 ERA), who got his first win in eight decisions in an 8-5 triumph against the Minnesota Twins on June 27. Since then, he hasn’t gotten a decision in two starts, both of which the Rockies won. In two July games, Lorenzen has given up four earned runs on nine hits in 10 2/3 innings. He has struck out six and walked nine, and his season strikeout-to-walk ratio is 2.06. Lorenzen has plenty of experience against the Giants, facing them 12 times (six starts) in 12 seasons. He is 0-2 with a 6.68 ERA in those games. His most recent start against San Francisco came May 29, and he took a no-decision in a 8-6 win. He gave up three runs on five hits and two walks in 3 2/3 innings. The Rockies lost the series opener 8-2 on Thursday, then won on Friday, coming from behind for a 4-3 victory thanks to a ninth-inning rally. “That’s just how we play. We stay in ballgames,” rookie infielder Kyle Karros said. “We try to pick each other up.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Giants #Trevor #McDonald #works #put #summertime #blues #Rockies

#Deadspin #Giants #Trevor #McDonald #works #put #summertime #blues #Rockies">

mwasimuddin125 0

Jun 26, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; San Francisco Giants pitcher Trevor McDonald (72) throws to an Atlanta Braves batter during the top of the first inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Justine Willard-Imagn Images

Trevor McDonald has had a rough rookie season with the San Francisco Giants, and the summer has been especially cruel.

McDonald, who had four career appearances entering the 2026 season, will try to bounce back from a disastrous start in his most recent outing when the Giants host the Colorado Rockies on Sunday afternoon in the final game before the All-Star break.

The month started with promise for McDonald (3-7, 5.46 ERA). The right-hander had lost six of seven starts — including four of five in June — but got the win on July 1 when he allowed one hit and no walks over scoreless six innings of a 6-4 defeat of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

But just six days later, it all fell apart for McDonald. In a home game Tuesday against the Toronto Blue Jays, he surrendered eight runs and 11 hits in only 2 1/3 innings, taking the loss in the 9-3 game.

It was the first time since 1998 that a Giants pitcher had given up at least 11 hits in 2 1/3 since Mark Gardner against the Montreal Expos in 1998.

“I felt I was getting some soft contact and some early contact and them being a team that likes to swing and be on the attack, they found the holes,” McDonald said.

Giants manager Tony Vitello did not fully agree.

“There wasn’t a lot of hard contact, but there also was really comfortable swings,” Vitello said postgame. “They were kind of sitting on that deal there. Sinker was middle a lot, if you were going to criticize anything there. Kind of piled up on him a little too quick.”

McDonald has faced the Rockies just once, and it invokes a good memory. It was Sept. 26, 2025, when he struck out 10 and allowed three unearned runs on four hits in seven innings against visiting Colorado. He did not walk a batter in a 6-3 win.

McDonald will try to follow an outstanding effort by Tyler Mahle on Saturday in the Giants’ 4-2 victory. Mahle gave up a run on five hits in seven innings with three walks and four strikeouts.

Despite the win, Vitello was ejected by plate umpire Lance Barksdale in the third inning after the Rockies’ Mickey Moniak was placed back at the plate after it appeared he had struck out.

Colorado has lost three of its past four games and enters Sunday with a struggling pitcher of its own, but he is showing small signs of improvement.

That’s veteran Michael Lorenzen (3-9, 6.46 ERA), who got his first win in eight decisions in an 8-5 triumph against the Minnesota Twins on June 27. Since then, he hasn’t gotten a decision in two starts, both of which the Rockies won.

In two July games, Lorenzen has given up four earned runs on nine hits in 10 2/3 innings. He has struck out six and walked nine, and his season strikeout-to-walk ratio is 2.06.

Lorenzen has plenty of experience against the Giants, facing them 12 times (six starts) in 12 seasons. He is 0-2 with a 6.68 ERA in those games.

His most recent start against San Francisco came May 29, and he took a no-decision in a 8-6 win. He gave up three runs on five hits and two walks in 3 2/3 innings.

The Rockies lost the series opener 8-2 on Thursday, then won on Friday, coming from behind for a 4-3 victory thanks to a ninth-inning rally.

“That’s just how we play. We stay in ballgames,” rookie infielder Kyle Karros said. “We try to pick each other up.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Giants #Trevor #McDonald #works #put #summertime #blues #Rockies">Deadspin | Giants’ Trevor McDonald works to put summertime blues behind him vs. Rockies

Jun 26, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; San Francisco Giants pitcher Trevor McDonald (72) throws to an Atlanta Braves batter during the top of the first inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Justine Willard-Imagn Images

Trevor McDonald has had a rough rookie season with the San Francisco Giants, and the summer has been especially cruel.

McDonald, who had four career appearances entering the 2026 season, will try to bounce back from a disastrous start in his most recent outing when the Giants host the Colorado Rockies on Sunday afternoon in the final game before the All-Star break.

The month started with promise for McDonald (3-7, 5.46 ERA). The right-hander had lost six of seven starts — including four of five in June — but got the win on July 1 when he allowed one hit and no walks over scoreless six innings of a 6-4 defeat of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

But just six days later, it all fell apart for McDonald. In a home game Tuesday against the Toronto Blue Jays, he surrendered eight runs and 11 hits in only 2 1/3 innings, taking the loss in the 9-3 game.

It was the first time since 1998 that a Giants pitcher had given up at least 11 hits in 2 1/3 since Mark Gardner against the Montreal Expos in 1998.

“I felt I was getting some soft contact and some early contact and them being a team that likes to swing and be on the attack, they found the holes,” McDonald said.

Giants manager Tony Vitello did not fully agree.

“There wasn’t a lot of hard contact, but there also was really comfortable swings,” Vitello said postgame. “They were kind of sitting on that deal there. Sinker was middle a lot, if you were going to criticize anything there. Kind of piled up on him a little too quick.”

McDonald has faced the Rockies just once, and it invokes a good memory. It was Sept. 26, 2025, when he struck out 10 and allowed three unearned runs on four hits in seven innings against visiting Colorado. He did not walk a batter in a 6-3 win.

McDonald will try to follow an outstanding effort by Tyler Mahle on Saturday in the Giants’ 4-2 victory. Mahle gave up a run on five hits in seven innings with three walks and four strikeouts.

Despite the win, Vitello was ejected by plate umpire Lance Barksdale in the third inning after the Rockies’ Mickey Moniak was placed back at the plate after it appeared he had struck out.

Colorado has lost three of its past four games and enters Sunday with a struggling pitcher of its own, but he is showing small signs of improvement.

That’s veteran Michael Lorenzen (3-9, 6.46 ERA), who got his first win in eight decisions in an 8-5 triumph against the Minnesota Twins on June 27. Since then, he hasn’t gotten a decision in two starts, both of which the Rockies won.

In two July games, Lorenzen has given up four earned runs on nine hits in 10 2/3 innings. He has struck out six and walked nine, and his season strikeout-to-walk ratio is 2.06.

Lorenzen has plenty of experience against the Giants, facing them 12 times (six starts) in 12 seasons. He is 0-2 with a 6.68 ERA in those games.

His most recent start against San Francisco came May 29, and he took a no-decision in a 8-6 win. He gave up three runs on five hits and two walks in 3 2/3 innings.

The Rockies lost the series opener 8-2 on Thursday, then won on Friday, coming from behind for a 4-3 victory thanks to a ninth-inning rally.

“That’s just how we play. We stay in ballgames,” rookie infielder Kyle Karros said. “We try to pick each other up.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Giants #Trevor #McDonald #works #put #summertime #blues #Rockies

Related Posts

Pick

Team

Player

Position

School

1. Chicago White Sox: Roch Cholowsky, SS, UCLA

2. Tampa Bay Rays: Grady Emerson, SS, Fort Worth Christian HS (TX)

3. Minnesota Twins: Vahn Lackey, C, Georgia Tech

4. San Francisco Giants: Drew Burress, OF, Georgia Tech

5. Pittsburgh Pirates: Eric Booth Jr., OF, Oak Grove HS (MS)

6. Kansas City Royals: Jackson Flora, RHP, UC Santa Barbara

7. Baltimore Orioles: Justin Lebron, SS, Alabama

8. Athletics: Ryder Helfrick, C, Arkansas

9. Atlanta Braves: Jacob Lombard, SS, Gulliver Prep HS (FL)

10. Colorado Rockies: Tyler Bell, SS, Kentucky

Pick

Team

Player

Position

School

1. Chicago White Sox: Roch Cholowsky, SS, UCLA

2. Tampa Bay Rays: Grady Emerson, SS, Fort Worth Christian HS (TX)

3. Minnesota Twins: Vahn Lackey, C, Georgia Tech

4. San Francisco Giants: Drew Burress, OF, Georgia Tech

5. Pittsburgh Pirates: Eric Booth Jr., OF, Oak Grove HS (MS)

6. Kansas City Royals: Jackson Flora, RHP, UC Santa Barbara

7. Baltimore Orioles: Justin Lebron, SS, Alabama

8. Athletics: Ryder Helfrick, C, Arkansas

9. Atlanta Braves: Jacob Lombard, SS, Gulliver Prep HS (FL)

10. Colorado Rockies: Tyler Bell, SS, Kentucky

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