Deadspin | Dustin May’s best outing of season leads Cardinals past Red Sox  Apr 10, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA;  St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Jordan Walker (18) heads to third base and then home in the fifth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Vizer-Imagn Images   Dustin May pitched six solid innings as the St. Louis Cardinals edged the visiting Boston Red Sox 3-2 on Friday in the opener of a three-game weekend series.  Jordan Walker went 2-for-4 with a run to help lead St. Louis, which had an 8-5 advantage in hits and won its third straight game. Ramon Urias crossed the plate twice, and Jose Fermin knocked in the decisive run in the fifth inning.  May (1-2), who entered the game with a 15.95 ERA through two starts, allowed two runs (one earned) on four hits and no walks. He struck out four.  Riley O’Brien pitched a 1-2-3 ninth to post his fourth save out of the Cardinals’ bullpen, which allowed just one hit across three scoreless innings.  Wilyer Abreu went 2-for-4 and Trevor Story drove in a run and stole home for the Red Sox, whose two-game winning streak ended.  In the St. Louis second inning, Ramon Urias ripped a leadoff double off Ceddanne Rafaela’s glove in deep center field, and the Cardinals loaded the bases with no outs. Boston starter Connelly Early limited the damage to just a single run, which scored on Victor Scott II’s sacrifice fly.  Early ended the inning with a strikeout, just as he did in each of his four full frames. The southpaw threw 86 pitches in his 4 1/3-inning stint, striking out five while allowing one run on five hits and two walks.   After May set the Red Sox down in order for his first 1-2-3 inning of the season in the third, the Red Sox moved in front with a two-run fourth.  Masataka Yoshida led off with a line single to right, and after Abreu’s one-out hit, Story plated the tying run on a fielder’s-choice grounder. Story advanced to second on a throwing error on the play, and he moved to third on Marcelo Mayer’s single before sliding home safely on a successful double steal.  Early departed after retiring the leadoff batter in the fifth, but the next three batters reached against Zack Kelly. St. Louis got a game-tying RBI single to left from Thomas Saggese, who entered the game after Masyn Winn got hit by a pitch. A wild pitch from Kelly moved put two runners into scoring position, and Fermin’s sacrifice fly made it a 3-2 lead.  Kelly (0-1) yielded two runs in two-thirds of an inning.  May retired the last seven hitters he faced before reliever Ryne Stanek continued that trend in the seventh. Rafaela opened the eighth with a double inside the right field line, and Boston had runners on the corners with one out, but JoJo Romero stranded them.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Dustin #Mays #outing #season #leads #Cardinals #Red #Sox

Deadspin | Dustin May’s best outing of season leads Cardinals past Red Sox
Deadspin | Dustin May’s best outing of season leads Cardinals past Red Sox  Apr 10, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA;  St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Jordan Walker (18) heads to third base and then home in the fifth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Vizer-Imagn Images   Dustin May pitched six solid innings as the St. Louis Cardinals edged the visiting Boston Red Sox 3-2 on Friday in the opener of a three-game weekend series.  Jordan Walker went 2-for-4 with a run to help lead St. Louis, which had an 8-5 advantage in hits and won its third straight game. Ramon Urias crossed the plate twice, and Jose Fermin knocked in the decisive run in the fifth inning.  May (1-2), who entered the game with a 15.95 ERA through two starts, allowed two runs (one earned) on four hits and no walks. He struck out four.  Riley O’Brien pitched a 1-2-3 ninth to post his fourth save out of the Cardinals’ bullpen, which allowed just one hit across three scoreless innings.  Wilyer Abreu went 2-for-4 and Trevor Story drove in a run and stole home for the Red Sox, whose two-game winning streak ended.  In the St. Louis second inning, Ramon Urias ripped a leadoff double off Ceddanne Rafaela’s glove in deep center field, and the Cardinals loaded the bases with no outs. Boston starter Connelly Early limited the damage to just a single run, which scored on Victor Scott II’s sacrifice fly.  Early ended the inning with a strikeout, just as he did in each of his four full frames. The southpaw threw 86 pitches in his 4 1/3-inning stint, striking out five while allowing one run on five hits and two walks.   After May set the Red Sox down in order for his first 1-2-3 inning of the season in the third, the Red Sox moved in front with a two-run fourth.  Masataka Yoshida led off with a line single to right, and after Abreu’s one-out hit, Story plated the tying run on a fielder’s-choice grounder. Story advanced to second on a throwing error on the play, and he moved to third on Marcelo Mayer’s single before sliding home safely on a successful double steal.  Early departed after retiring the leadoff batter in the fifth, but the next three batters reached against Zack Kelly. St. Louis got a game-tying RBI single to left from Thomas Saggese, who entered the game after Masyn Winn got hit by a pitch. A wild pitch from Kelly moved put two runners into scoring position, and Fermin’s sacrifice fly made it a 3-2 lead.  Kelly (0-1) yielded two runs in two-thirds of an inning.  May retired the last seven hitters he faced before reliever Ryne Stanek continued that trend in the seventh. Rafaela opened the eighth with a double inside the right field line, and Boston had runners on the corners with one out, but JoJo Romero stranded them.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Dustin #Mays #outing #season #leads #Cardinals #Red #SoxApr 10, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Jordan Walker (18) heads to third base and then home in the fifth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Vizer-Imagn Images

Dustin May pitched six solid innings as the St. Louis Cardinals edged the visiting Boston Red Sox 3-2 on Friday in the opener of a three-game weekend series.

Jordan Walker went 2-for-4 with a run to help lead St. Louis, which had an 8-5 advantage in hits and won its third straight game. Ramon Urias crossed the plate twice, and Jose Fermin knocked in the decisive run in the fifth inning.

May (1-2), who entered the game with a 15.95 ERA through two starts, allowed two runs (one earned) on four hits and no walks. He struck out four.

Riley O’Brien pitched a 1-2-3 ninth to post his fourth save out of the Cardinals’ bullpen, which allowed just one hit across three scoreless innings.

Wilyer Abreu went 2-for-4 and Trevor Story drove in a run and stole home for the Red Sox, whose two-game winning streak ended.

In the St. Louis second inning, Ramon Urias ripped a leadoff double off Ceddanne Rafaela’s glove in deep center field, and the Cardinals loaded the bases with no outs. Boston starter Connelly Early limited the damage to just a single run, which scored on Victor Scott II’s sacrifice fly.


Early ended the inning with a strikeout, just as he did in each of his four full frames. The southpaw threw 86 pitches in his 4 1/3-inning stint, striking out five while allowing one run on five hits and two walks.

After May set the Red Sox down in order for his first 1-2-3 inning of the season in the third, the Red Sox moved in front with a two-run fourth.

Masataka Yoshida led off with a line single to right, and after Abreu’s one-out hit, Story plated the tying run on a fielder’s-choice grounder. Story advanced to second on a throwing error on the play, and he moved to third on Marcelo Mayer’s single before sliding home safely on a successful double steal.

Early departed after retiring the leadoff batter in the fifth, but the next three batters reached against Zack Kelly. St. Louis got a game-tying RBI single to left from Thomas Saggese, who entered the game after Masyn Winn got hit by a pitch. A wild pitch from Kelly moved put two runners into scoring position, and Fermin’s sacrifice fly made it a 3-2 lead.

Kelly (0-1) yielded two runs in two-thirds of an inning.

May retired the last seven hitters he faced before reliever Ryne Stanek continued that trend in the seventh. Rafaela opened the eighth with a double inside the right field line, and Boston had runners on the corners with one out, but JoJo Romero stranded them.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Dustin #Mays #outing #season #leads #Cardinals #Red #Sox

Apr 10, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Jordan Walker (18) heads to third base and then home in the fifth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Vizer-Imagn Images

Dustin May pitched six solid innings as the St. Louis Cardinals edged the visiting Boston Red Sox 3-2 on Friday in the opener of a three-game weekend series.

Jordan Walker went 2-for-4 with a run to help lead St. Louis, which had an 8-5 advantage in hits and won its third straight game. Ramon Urias crossed the plate twice, and Jose Fermin knocked in the decisive run in the fifth inning.

May (1-2), who entered the game with a 15.95 ERA through two starts, allowed two runs (one earned) on four hits and no walks. He struck out four.

Riley O’Brien pitched a 1-2-3 ninth to post his fourth save out of the Cardinals’ bullpen, which allowed just one hit across three scoreless innings.

Wilyer Abreu went 2-for-4 and Trevor Story drove in a run and stole home for the Red Sox, whose two-game winning streak ended.

In the St. Louis second inning, Ramon Urias ripped a leadoff double off Ceddanne Rafaela’s glove in deep center field, and the Cardinals loaded the bases with no outs. Boston starter Connelly Early limited the damage to just a single run, which scored on Victor Scott II’s sacrifice fly.

Early ended the inning with a strikeout, just as he did in each of his four full frames. The southpaw threw 86 pitches in his 4 1/3-inning stint, striking out five while allowing one run on five hits and two walks.

After May set the Red Sox down in order for his first 1-2-3 inning of the season in the third, the Red Sox moved in front with a two-run fourth.

Masataka Yoshida led off with a line single to right, and after Abreu’s one-out hit, Story plated the tying run on a fielder’s-choice grounder. Story advanced to second on a throwing error on the play, and he moved to third on Marcelo Mayer’s single before sliding home safely on a successful double steal.

Early departed after retiring the leadoff batter in the fifth, but the next three batters reached against Zack Kelly. St. Louis got a game-tying RBI single to left from Thomas Saggese, who entered the game after Masyn Winn got hit by a pitch. A wild pitch from Kelly moved put two runners into scoring position, and Fermin’s sacrifice fly made it a 3-2 lead.

Kelly (0-1) yielded two runs in two-thirds of an inning.

May retired the last seven hitters he faced before reliever Ryne Stanek continued that trend in the seventh. Rafaela opened the eighth with a double inside the right field line, and Boston had runners on the corners with one out, but JoJo Romero stranded them.

–Field Level Media

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PBKS vs SRH, IPL 2026: Punjab Kings’ batters overpower Sunrisers Hyderabad to continue unbeaten run <div id="content-body-70851327" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Just hours after the Artemis II crew splashed down from their historic journey around the moon, a few willow-wielders took guard at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium as if they were determined to send some cricket balls back into the lunar orbit.</p><p>A mammoth 442 runs were plundered by the Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad batters, at the end of which PBKS triumphed by six wickets.</p><p>While Abhishek Sharma’s 28-ball 74 (5×4, 8×6) proved the launchpad for SRH’s 219 for six, Priyansh Arya (57, 20b, 5×4, 5×6), Prabhsimran Singh (51, 25b, 4×4, 4×6) and Shreyas Iyer (69 n.o., 33b, 5×4, 5×6) ensured PBKS remained unbeaten in IPL 2026.</p><p>SRH left-arm wrist-spinner Shivang Kumar bowled with gumption (three for 33) and priced out the PBKS top-order, but the damage had been done before he was introduced in the seventh over.</p><p>While Abhishek’s half-century came off 18 balls, Priyansh’s came two deliveries faster. It took the SRH openers 3.4 overs to breach the 50-run mark; their counterparts did it in 3.3.</p><p>The blistering start made the rest of the run chase a formality as skipper Shreyas took the side home with seven deliveries to spare.</p><p><b>ALSO READ: <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/ipl/lucknow-super-giants-vs-gujarat-titans-ipl-2026-lsg-v-gt-match-preview-ekana/article70850769.ece" target="_self">IPL 2026: Resurgent Lucknow Super Giants looks for a win at home against Gujarat Titans</a></b></p><p>Earlier, Arshdeep Singh’s 10-ball second over went for 24 runs, as Abhishek punished anything in his arc with elan.</p><p>Part-time bowler Shashank Singh proved to be the unlikely circuit-breaker after the 105-run PowerPlay.</p><p>The gentle medium-pacer repaid the faith shown by Shreyas by having Travis Head (38, 23b, 5×4, 1×6) and Abhishek caught in the deep.</p><p>After being 120 for no loss in eight overs, the SRH innings decelerated.</p><p>Arshdeep’s 14th over saw two contrasting fielding efforts. While Marcus Stoinis dropped Heinrich Klaasen at long-off, Marco Jansen ran to his right and plucked the ball out of thin air with his outstretched right hand to send back Ishan Kishan.</p><p>The nonchalance of the whole exercise saw Arshdeep cover his mouth and sit down in disbelief, though the crowd’s reaction was to stand up and applaud.</p><p>Later, Klaasen tossed his bat in the air out of frustration after his scratchy innings (39, 33b, 1×4, 1×6). Perhaps he knew that his knock would come back to haunt his team.</p><p>The PBKS willow-wielders made sure of it.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 11, 2026</p></div> #PBKS #SRH #IPL #Punjab #Kings #batters #overpower #Sunrisers #Hyderabad #continue #unbeaten #run

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IPL 2026 — Sanju Samson hits first fifty for Chennai Super Kings <div id="content-body-70851488" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Sanju Samson on Saturday scored his maiden half century for five-time champion Chennai Super Kings during the side’s IPL 2026 match against Delhi Capitals at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium.</p><p>The 31-year-old was traded in by CSK from Rajasthan Royals ahead of the season, in place of Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran.</p><p>Samson picked boundaries against Mukesh Kumar, Auqib Nabi, Lungi Ngidi, T. Natarajan and Axar Patel as he raced away to a 26-ball half century.</p><p>This was the 27th fifty for Samson in the IPL. He had scored 19 for RR and another seven for Delhi Capitals. Samson also has three centuries under his belt.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 11, 2026</p></div> #IPL #Sanju #Samson #hits #fifty #Chennai #Super #Kings

MLB Playoff Teams Off to Shocking Slow Starts in 2026 | Deadspin.com  Oct 16, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27) hits a solo home run against the Seattle Mariners in the seventh inning during game four of the ALCS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images   Welcome to the upside down, where four Major League Baseball teams that made the playoffs in 2025 find themselves in last place heading into action Friday.The postseason underachievers include the Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers and Seattle Mariners in the American League, along with the Chicago Cubs in the National League. Also off to a sluggish start are the reigning AL champion Toronto Blue Jays, who aren’t in last place but do have a -22 run differential.The division races are subject to some volatility, given that we’re not quite two weeks into the regular-season schedule. The sample is small. But, as the saying goes: Just because you’re paranoid, it doesn’t mean they’re not out to get you. Some of these slacking teams have real reason to worry their disappointing starts have staying power.Feelin’ Blue JaysThe Jays not only own the ugly run differential, but they already have some serious injuries to overcome. Even before Opening Day, right-handers José Berríos, Shane Bieber and Trey Yesavage were absent from the starting rotation. Yesavage is working his way back with optimism, but the other two bring lingering doubts. The Jays also lost Cody Ponce to knee surgery because of a sprained ACL.Also: Catcher Alejandro Kirk broke his left thumb on a foul tip. Outfielder Addison Barger sprained his ankle. Great gosh almighty, it’s not even mid-April.No, Cubs, No Jun 24, 2025; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Chicago Cubs left fielder Seiya Suzuki (27) reacts as he runs the bases after hitting a three run home run against the St. Louis Cardinals during the third inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images   The Cubs are set to receive good news Friday with the anticipated return of slugger Seiya Suzuki, who injured his knee on an awkward slide in the World Baseball Classic in March. Suzuki’s return should take some pressure off Pete Crow-Armstrong to break out of his early season slump (which actually goes back to August).The Cubs have some serious pitching woes. Three-fifths of the starting rotation is on the shelf, though left-hander Justin Steele has started to face live hitters in his return from elbow surgery. Less-happy news includes recent injuries to left-hander Matthew Boyd (biceps strain) and season-ending UCL surgery for right-hander Cade Horton.Tigers stuck in cageThe Tigers don’t have a lot of obvious reasons for concern, but their slump and collapse in 2025 wasn’t 100% logical either. This group can just get out of whack for a couple of weeks at a time. Overall, they haven’t played that badly so far, and come in with a -1 run differential. They’ve also only played three home games. The WBC business might have knocked Tarik Skubal off his ideal prep schedule.Something to keep in mind for the long haul: Injuries have picked away at the Tigers pitching depth, with Justin Verlander joining Reese Olson and Troy Melton on the injured list.Sawx need a good warshing  Boston Red Sox pitcher Connelly Early (71) throws a pitch in the second inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Boston Red Sox at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, March 29, 2026. The game was scoreless after three innings.   The Red Sox always seem to be looking for ways to disappoint. They have not played poor defense so far, so they got that going for ’em. Other than that, it’s spotty. He surely will start to hit soon, but whatever is going on with Roman Anthony’s throwing arm bears watching. It looks like the top of the rotation is starting to take shape with Garrett Crochet and Sonny Gray stepping forward, but Ranger Suárez and Brayan Bello have been disastrous.They’re not scoring a lot of runs, they’re not hitting a lot of home runs (as many projected). Aroldis Chapman’s velocity is down (he is 38 years old, after all), and the bullpen depth looks shaky for either performance or injury reasons. The Red Sox looked like an oddly constructed team during Spring Training and now they have a disappointing record to reflect it.Don’t get rattled, SeattleThe Mariners have the worst record and the fewest actual concerns of any of these teams. Cal Raleigh, Josh Naylor and Julio Rodrígez are all slumping, but it won’t last. They’re 1-5 in one-run games, a stat that’s sure to improve. They’re sixth in starting pitcher ERA, which is the expected strength of the team anyway. They’re also playing better defense than they did in ’25. They’re about to rattle off 20 wins in 28 games, or something.   #MLB #Playoff #Teams #Shocking #Slow #Starts #Deadspin.comOct 16, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27) hits a solo home run against the Seattle Mariners in the seventh inning during game four of the ALCS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images

Welcome to the upside down, where four Major League Baseball teams that made the playoffs in 2025 find themselves in last place heading into action Friday.

The postseason underachievers include the Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers and Seattle Mariners in the American League, along with the Chicago Cubs in the National League. Also off to a sluggish start are the reigning AL champion Toronto Blue Jays, who aren’t in last place but do have a -22 run differential.

The division races are subject to some volatility, given that we’re not quite two weeks into the regular-season schedule. The sample is small. But, as the saying goes: Just because you’re paranoid, it doesn’t mean they’re not out to get you. Some of these slacking teams have real reason to worry their disappointing starts have staying power.

Feelin’ Blue Jays

The Jays not only own the ugly run differential, but they already have some serious injuries to overcome. Even before Opening Day, right-handers José Berríos, Shane Bieber and Trey Yesavage were absent from the starting rotation. Yesavage is working his way back with optimism, but the other two bring lingering doubts. The Jays also lost Cody Ponce to knee surgery because of a sprained ACL.

Also: Catcher Alejandro Kirk broke his left thumb on a foul tip. Outfielder Addison Barger sprained his ankle. Great gosh almighty, it’s not even mid-April.

No, Cubs, No

Jun 24, 2025; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Chicago Cubs left fielder Seiya Suzuki (27) reacts as he runs the bases after hitting a three run home run against the St. Louis Cardinals during the third inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn ImagesJun 24, 2025; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Chicago Cubs left fielder Seiya Suzuki (27) reacts as he runs the bases after hitting a three run home run against the St. Louis Cardinals during the third inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

The Cubs are set to receive good news Friday with the anticipated return of slugger Seiya Suzuki, who injured his knee on an awkward slide in the World Baseball Classic in March. Suzuki’s return should take some pressure off Pete Crow-Armstrong to break out of his early season slump (which actually goes back to August).

The Cubs have some serious pitching woes. Three-fifths of the starting rotation is on the shelf, though left-hander Justin Steele has started to face live hitters in his return from elbow surgery. Less-happy news includes recent injuries to left-hander Matthew Boyd (biceps strain) and season-ending UCL surgery for right-hander Cade Horton.

Tigers stuck in cage

The Tigers don’t have a lot of obvious reasons for concern, but their slump and collapse in 2025 wasn’t 100% logical either. This group can just get out of whack for a couple of weeks at a time. Overall, they haven’t played that badly so far, and come in with a -1 run differential. They’ve also only played three home games. The WBC business might have knocked Tarik Skubal off his ideal prep schedule.

Something to keep in mind for the long haul: Injuries have picked away at the Tigers pitching depth, with Justin Verlander joining Reese Olson and Troy Melton on the injured list.

Sawx need a good warshing

Boston Red Sox pitcher Connelly Early (71) throws a pitch in the second inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Boston Red Sox at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, March 29, 2026. The game was scoreless after three innings.Boston Red Sox pitcher Connelly Early (71) throws a pitch in the second inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Boston Red Sox at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, March 29, 2026. The game was scoreless after three innings.

The Red Sox always seem to be looking for ways to disappoint. They have not played poor defense so far, so they got that going for ’em. Other than that, it’s spotty. He surely will start to hit soon, but whatever is going on with Roman Anthony’s throwing arm bears watching. It looks like the top of the rotation is starting to take shape with Garrett Crochet and Sonny Gray stepping forward, but Ranger Suárez and Brayan Bello have been disastrous.

They’re not scoring a lot of runs, they’re not hitting a lot of home runs (as many projected). Aroldis Chapman’s velocity is down (he is 38 years old, after all), and the bullpen depth looks shaky for either performance or injury reasons. The Red Sox looked like an oddly constructed team during Spring Training and now they have a disappointing record to reflect it.

Don’t get rattled, Seattle

The Mariners have the worst record and the fewest actual concerns of any of these teams. 

Cal Raleigh, Josh Naylor and Julio Rodrígez are all slumping, but it won’t last. They’re 1-5 in one-run games, a stat that’s sure to improve. They’re sixth in starting pitcher ERA, which is the expected strength of the team anyway. They’re also playing better defense than they did in ’25. They’re about to rattle off 20 wins in 28 games, or something.

#MLB #Playoff #Teams #Shocking #Slow #Starts #Deadspin.com">MLB Playoff Teams Off to Shocking Slow Starts in 2026 | Deadspin.com  Oct 16, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27) hits a solo home run against the Seattle Mariners in the seventh inning during game four of the ALCS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images   Welcome to the upside down, where four Major League Baseball teams that made the playoffs in 2025 find themselves in last place heading into action Friday.The postseason underachievers include the Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers and Seattle Mariners in the American League, along with the Chicago Cubs in the National League. Also off to a sluggish start are the reigning AL champion Toronto Blue Jays, who aren’t in last place but do have a -22 run differential.The division races are subject to some volatility, given that we’re not quite two weeks into the regular-season schedule. The sample is small. But, as the saying goes: Just because you’re paranoid, it doesn’t mean they’re not out to get you. Some of these slacking teams have real reason to worry their disappointing starts have staying power.Feelin’ Blue JaysThe Jays not only own the ugly run differential, but they already have some serious injuries to overcome. Even before Opening Day, right-handers José Berríos, Shane Bieber and Trey Yesavage were absent from the starting rotation. Yesavage is working his way back with optimism, but the other two bring lingering doubts. The Jays also lost Cody Ponce to knee surgery because of a sprained ACL.Also: Catcher Alejandro Kirk broke his left thumb on a foul tip. Outfielder Addison Barger sprained his ankle. Great gosh almighty, it’s not even mid-April.No, Cubs, No Jun 24, 2025; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Chicago Cubs left fielder Seiya Suzuki (27) reacts as he runs the bases after hitting a three run home run against the St. Louis Cardinals during the third inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images   The Cubs are set to receive good news Friday with the anticipated return of slugger Seiya Suzuki, who injured his knee on an awkward slide in the World Baseball Classic in March. Suzuki’s return should take some pressure off Pete Crow-Armstrong to break out of his early season slump (which actually goes back to August).The Cubs have some serious pitching woes. Three-fifths of the starting rotation is on the shelf, though left-hander Justin Steele has started to face live hitters in his return from elbow surgery. Less-happy news includes recent injuries to left-hander Matthew Boyd (biceps strain) and season-ending UCL surgery for right-hander Cade Horton.Tigers stuck in cageThe Tigers don’t have a lot of obvious reasons for concern, but their slump and collapse in 2025 wasn’t 100% logical either. This group can just get out of whack for a couple of weeks at a time. Overall, they haven’t played that badly so far, and come in with a -1 run differential. They’ve also only played three home games. The WBC business might have knocked Tarik Skubal off his ideal prep schedule.Something to keep in mind for the long haul: Injuries have picked away at the Tigers pitching depth, with Justin Verlander joining Reese Olson and Troy Melton on the injured list.Sawx need a good warshing  Boston Red Sox pitcher Connelly Early (71) throws a pitch in the second inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Boston Red Sox at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, March 29, 2026. The game was scoreless after three innings.   The Red Sox always seem to be looking for ways to disappoint. They have not played poor defense so far, so they got that going for ’em. Other than that, it’s spotty. He surely will start to hit soon, but whatever is going on with Roman Anthony’s throwing arm bears watching. It looks like the top of the rotation is starting to take shape with Garrett Crochet and Sonny Gray stepping forward, but Ranger Suárez and Brayan Bello have been disastrous.They’re not scoring a lot of runs, they’re not hitting a lot of home runs (as many projected). Aroldis Chapman’s velocity is down (he is 38 years old, after all), and the bullpen depth looks shaky for either performance or injury reasons. The Red Sox looked like an oddly constructed team during Spring Training and now they have a disappointing record to reflect it.Don’t get rattled, SeattleThe Mariners have the worst record and the fewest actual concerns of any of these teams. Cal Raleigh, Josh Naylor and Julio Rodrígez are all slumping, but it won’t last. They’re 1-5 in one-run games, a stat that’s sure to improve. They’re sixth in starting pitcher ERA, which is the expected strength of the team anyway. They’re also playing better defense than they did in ’25. They’re about to rattle off 20 wins in 28 games, or something.   #MLB #Playoff #Teams #Shocking #Slow #Starts #Deadspin.com

they’re not out to get you. Some of these slacking teams have real reason to worry their disappointing starts have staying power.

Feelin’ Blue Jays

The Jays not only own the ugly run differential, but they already have some serious injuries to overcome. Even before Opening Day, right-handers José Berríos, Shane Bieber and Trey Yesavage were absent from the starting rotation. Yesavage is working his way back with optimism, but the other two bring lingering doubts. The Jays also lost Cody Ponce to knee surgery because of a sprained ACL.

Also: Catcher Alejandro Kirk broke his left thumb on a foul tip. Outfielder Addison Barger sprained his ankle. Great gosh almighty, it’s not even mid-April.

No, Cubs, No

Jun 24, 2025; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Chicago Cubs left fielder Seiya Suzuki (27) reacts as he runs the bases after hitting a three run home run against the St. Louis Cardinals during the third inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn ImagesJun 24, 2025; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Chicago Cubs left fielder Seiya Suzuki (27) reacts as he runs the bases after hitting a three run home run against the St. Louis Cardinals during the third inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

The Cubs are set to receive good news Friday with the anticipated return of slugger Seiya Suzuki, who injured his knee on an awkward slide in the World Baseball Classic in March. Suzuki’s return should take some pressure off Pete Crow-Armstrong to break out of his early season slump (which actually goes back to August).

The Cubs have some serious pitching woes. Three-fifths of the starting rotation is on the shelf, though left-hander Justin Steele has started to face live hitters in his return from elbow surgery. Less-happy news includes recent injuries to left-hander Matthew Boyd (biceps strain) and season-ending UCL surgery for right-hander Cade Horton.

Tigers stuck in cage

The Tigers don’t have a lot of obvious reasons for concern, but their slump and collapse in 2025 wasn’t 100% logical either. This group can just get out of whack for a couple of weeks at a time. Overall, they haven’t played that badly so far, and come in with a -1 run differential. They’ve also only played three home games. The WBC business might have knocked Tarik Skubal off his ideal prep schedule.

Something to keep in mind for the long haul: Injuries have picked away at the Tigers pitching depth, with Justin Verlander joining Reese Olson and Troy Melton on the injured list.

Sawx need a good warshing

Boston Red Sox pitcher Connelly Early (71) throws a pitch in the second inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Boston Red Sox at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, March 29, 2026. The game was scoreless after three innings.Boston Red Sox pitcher Connelly Early (71) throws a pitch in the second inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Boston Red Sox at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, March 29, 2026. The game was scoreless after three innings.

The Red Sox always seem to be looking for ways to disappoint. They have not played poor defense so far, so they got that going for ’em. Other than that, it’s spotty. He surely will start to hit soon, but whatever is going on with Roman Anthony’s throwing arm bears watching. It looks like the top of the rotation is starting to take shape with Garrett Crochet and Sonny Gray stepping forward, but Ranger Suárez and Brayan Bello have been disastrous.

They’re not scoring a lot of runs, they’re not hitting a lot of home runs (as many projected). Aroldis Chapman’s velocity is down (he is 38 years old, after all), and the bullpen depth looks shaky for either performance or injury reasons. The Red Sox looked like an oddly constructed team during Spring Training and now they have a disappointing record to reflect it.

Don’t get rattled, Seattle

The Mariners have the worst record and the fewest actual concerns of any of these teams. 

Cal Raleigh, Josh Naylor and Julio Rodrígez are all slumping, but it won’t last. They’re 1-5 in one-run games, a stat that’s sure to improve. They’re sixth in starting pitcher ERA, which is the expected strength of the team anyway. They’re also playing better defense than they did in ’25. They’re about to rattle off 20 wins in 28 games, or something.

#MLB #Playoff #Teams #Shocking #Slow #Starts #Deadspin.com">MLB Playoff Teams Off to Shocking Slow Starts in 2026 | Deadspin.com
MLB Playoff Teams Off to Shocking Slow Starts in 2026 | Deadspin.com  Oct 16, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27) hits a solo home run against the Seattle Mariners in the seventh inning during game four of the ALCS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images   Welcome to the upside down, where four Major League Baseball teams that made the playoffs in 2025 find themselves in last place heading into action Friday.The postseason underachievers include the Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers and Seattle Mariners in the American League, along with the Chicago Cubs in the National League. Also off to a sluggish start are the reigning AL champion Toronto Blue Jays, who aren’t in last place but do have a -22 run differential.The division races are subject to some volatility, given that we’re not quite two weeks into the regular-season schedule. The sample is small. But, as the saying goes: Just because you’re paranoid, it doesn’t mean they’re not out to get you. Some of these slacking teams have real reason to worry their disappointing starts have staying power.Feelin’ Blue JaysThe Jays not only own the ugly run differential, but they already have some serious injuries to overcome. Even before Opening Day, right-handers José Berríos, Shane Bieber and Trey Yesavage were absent from the starting rotation. Yesavage is working his way back with optimism, but the other two bring lingering doubts. The Jays also lost Cody Ponce to knee surgery because of a sprained ACL.Also: Catcher Alejandro Kirk broke his left thumb on a foul tip. Outfielder Addison Barger sprained his ankle. Great gosh almighty, it’s not even mid-April.No, Cubs, No Jun 24, 2025; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Chicago Cubs left fielder Seiya Suzuki (27) reacts as he runs the bases after hitting a three run home run against the St. Louis Cardinals during the third inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images   The Cubs are set to receive good news Friday with the anticipated return of slugger Seiya Suzuki, who injured his knee on an awkward slide in the World Baseball Classic in March. Suzuki’s return should take some pressure off Pete Crow-Armstrong to break out of his early season slump (which actually goes back to August).The Cubs have some serious pitching woes. Three-fifths of the starting rotation is on the shelf, though left-hander Justin Steele has started to face live hitters in his return from elbow surgery. Less-happy news includes recent injuries to left-hander Matthew Boyd (biceps strain) and season-ending UCL surgery for right-hander Cade Horton.Tigers stuck in cageThe Tigers don’t have a lot of obvious reasons for concern, but their slump and collapse in 2025 wasn’t 100% logical either. This group can just get out of whack for a couple of weeks at a time. Overall, they haven’t played that badly so far, and come in with a -1 run differential. They’ve also only played three home games. The WBC business might have knocked Tarik Skubal off his ideal prep schedule.Something to keep in mind for the long haul: Injuries have picked away at the Tigers pitching depth, with Justin Verlander joining Reese Olson and Troy Melton on the injured list.Sawx need a good warshing  Boston Red Sox pitcher Connelly Early (71) throws a pitch in the second inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Boston Red Sox at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, March 29, 2026. The game was scoreless after three innings.   The Red Sox always seem to be looking for ways to disappoint. They have not played poor defense so far, so they got that going for ’em. Other than that, it’s spotty. He surely will start to hit soon, but whatever is going on with Roman Anthony’s throwing arm bears watching. It looks like the top of the rotation is starting to take shape with Garrett Crochet and Sonny Gray stepping forward, but Ranger Suárez and Brayan Bello have been disastrous.They’re not scoring a lot of runs, they’re not hitting a lot of home runs (as many projected). Aroldis Chapman’s velocity is down (he is 38 years old, after all), and the bullpen depth looks shaky for either performance or injury reasons. The Red Sox looked like an oddly constructed team during Spring Training and now they have a disappointing record to reflect it.Don’t get rattled, SeattleThe Mariners have the worst record and the fewest actual concerns of any of these teams. Cal Raleigh, Josh Naylor and Julio Rodrígez are all slumping, but it won’t last. They’re 1-5 in one-run games, a stat that’s sure to improve. They’re sixth in starting pitcher ERA, which is the expected strength of the team anyway. They’re also playing better defense than they did in ’25. They’re about to rattle off 20 wins in 28 games, or something.   #MLB #Playoff #Teams #Shocking #Slow #Starts #Deadspin.comOct 16, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27) hits a solo home run against the Seattle Mariners in the seventh inning during game four of the ALCS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images

Welcome to the upside down, where four Major League Baseball teams that made the playoffs in 2025 find themselves in last place heading into action Friday.

The postseason underachievers include the Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers and Seattle Mariners in the American League, along with the Chicago Cubs in the National League. Also off to a sluggish start are the reigning AL champion Toronto Blue Jays, who aren’t in last place but do have a -22 run differential.

The division races are subject to some volatility, given that we’re not quite two weeks into the regular-season schedule. The sample is small. But, as the saying goes: Just because you’re paranoid, it doesn’t mean they’re not out to get you. Some of these slacking teams have real reason to worry their disappointing starts have staying power.

Feelin’ Blue Jays

The Jays not only own the ugly run differential, but they already have some serious injuries to overcome. Even before Opening Day, right-handers José Berríos, Shane Bieber and Trey Yesavage were absent from the starting rotation. Yesavage is working his way back with optimism, but the other two bring lingering doubts. The Jays also lost Cody Ponce to knee surgery because of a sprained ACL.

Also: Catcher Alejandro Kirk broke his left thumb on a foul tip. Outfielder Addison Barger sprained his ankle. Great gosh almighty, it’s not even mid-April.

No, Cubs, No

Jun 24, 2025; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Chicago Cubs left fielder Seiya Suzuki (27) reacts as he runs the bases after hitting a three run home run against the St. Louis Cardinals during the third inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn ImagesJun 24, 2025; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Chicago Cubs left fielder Seiya Suzuki (27) reacts as he runs the bases after hitting a three run home run against the St. Louis Cardinals during the third inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

The Cubs are set to receive good news Friday with the anticipated return of slugger Seiya Suzuki, who injured his knee on an awkward slide in the World Baseball Classic in March. Suzuki’s return should take some pressure off Pete Crow-Armstrong to break out of his early season slump (which actually goes back to August).

The Cubs have some serious pitching woes. Three-fifths of the starting rotation is on the shelf, though left-hander Justin Steele has started to face live hitters in his return from elbow surgery. Less-happy news includes recent injuries to left-hander Matthew Boyd (biceps strain) and season-ending UCL surgery for right-hander Cade Horton.

Tigers stuck in cage

The Tigers don’t have a lot of obvious reasons for concern, but their slump and collapse in 2025 wasn’t 100% logical either. This group can just get out of whack for a couple of weeks at a time. Overall, they haven’t played that badly so far, and come in with a -1 run differential. They’ve also only played three home games. The WBC business might have knocked Tarik Skubal off his ideal prep schedule.

Something to keep in mind for the long haul: Injuries have picked away at the Tigers pitching depth, with Justin Verlander joining Reese Olson and Troy Melton on the injured list.

Sawx need a good warshing

Boston Red Sox pitcher Connelly Early (71) throws a pitch in the second inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Boston Red Sox at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, March 29, 2026. The game was scoreless after three innings.Boston Red Sox pitcher Connelly Early (71) throws a pitch in the second inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Boston Red Sox at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, March 29, 2026. The game was scoreless after three innings.

The Red Sox always seem to be looking for ways to disappoint. They have not played poor defense so far, so they got that going for ’em. Other than that, it’s spotty. He surely will start to hit soon, but whatever is going on with Roman Anthony’s throwing arm bears watching. It looks like the top of the rotation is starting to take shape with Garrett Crochet and Sonny Gray stepping forward, but Ranger Suárez and Brayan Bello have been disastrous.

They’re not scoring a lot of runs, they’re not hitting a lot of home runs (as many projected). Aroldis Chapman’s velocity is down (he is 38 years old, after all), and the bullpen depth looks shaky for either performance or injury reasons. The Red Sox looked like an oddly constructed team during Spring Training and now they have a disappointing record to reflect it.

Don’t get rattled, Seattle

The Mariners have the worst record and the fewest actual concerns of any of these teams. 

Cal Raleigh, Josh Naylor and Julio Rodrígez are all slumping, but it won’t last. They’re 1-5 in one-run games, a stat that’s sure to improve. They’re sixth in starting pitcher ERA, which is the expected strength of the team anyway. They’re also playing better defense than they did in ’25. They’re about to rattle off 20 wins in 28 games, or something.

#MLB #Playoff #Teams #Shocking #Slow #Starts #Deadspin.com

Chennai: Chennai Super Kings’ Ayush Mhatre plays a shot during an Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 T20 cricket match between Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Saturday, April 11, 2026. (PTI Photo/R Senthilkumar) (PTI04_11_2026_000621B) | Photo Credit: PTI

#CSK #IPL #Ayush #Mhatre #retired #scoring #halfcentury">CSK vs DC IPL 2026: Ayush Mhatre retired out after scoring half-century  Chennai: Chennai Super Kings’ Ayush Mhatre plays a shot during an Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 T20 cricket match between Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Saturday, April 11, 2026. (PTI Photo/R Senthilkumar) (PTI04_11_2026_000621B)
                                                   | Photo Credit: PTI
                                              
                  Chennai: Chennai Super Kings’ Ayush Mhatre plays a shot during an Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 T20 cricket match between Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Saturday, April 11, 2026. (PTI Photo/R Senthilkumar) (PTI04_11_2026_000621B)
                                                   | Photo Credit: PTI
                                            #CSK #IPL #Ayush #Mhatre #retired #scoring #halfcentury

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