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Deadspin | Japan’s Kei Nishikori retiring from tennis after 2026 season  Aug 8, 2025; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Kei Nishikori (JPN) serves against Camilo Ugo Carabelli (ARG) during the Cincinnati Open at the Lindner Family Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images   Kei Nishikori, once ranked as high as No. 4 in the world, will retire from tennis at the end of the 2026 season.  The 36-year-old Japanese trailblazer made the announcement Thursday via social media.  “Since I was a child, I have been passionate about tennis and I have continued to pursue it with only one dream in my heart: ‘I want to compete on the world stage.’ Reaching the ATP Tour, playing at the highest level of competition, and maintaining a presence in the Top 10 is something I am extremely proud of,” he posted to X. “Whether in victory or defeat, the special atmosphere I felt in packed arenas is irreplaceable.”  Nishikori was the first Japanese man to be ranked in the top 10 in the world.  He has won 12 titles, 451 tour matches and just over $26 million on the ATP Tour.  It was March 2, 2015, when Nishikori was ranked No. 4 amid tennis’ brightest stars. That week, Novak Djokovic was No. 1, followed by Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. After Nishikori, at No. 5, was Andy Murray.   Those four opponents combined to win 69 Grand Slam titles. Nishikori never won one, with his best result coming in 2014 when he defeated Djokovic to reach the U.S. Open final, which he lost to Marin Cilic of Croatia.  Nishikori has competed this season in ATP Challenger events. His most recent ATP Tour event came in 2025 at Cincinnati.  “My love for tennis and my belief that I could become a stronger player always brought me back to the court. I feel that all of these experiences have enriched and shaped my life. I am deeply grateful [for] my family and to everyone who has supported me at all times,” Nishikori wrote. “To be honest, I still wish I could continue my playing career. Even so, looking back on everything up to this point, I can proudly say that I gave it my all.   “I am truly happy to have walked this path. I will cherish every moment of the remaining matches and fight to the very end.”  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Japans #Kei #Nishikori #retiring #tennis #season

Deadspin | Japan’s Kei Nishikori retiring from tennis after 2026 season
Deadspin | Japan’s Kei Nishikori retiring from tennis after 2026 season  Aug 8, 2025; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Kei Nishikori (JPN) serves against Camilo Ugo Carabelli (ARG) during the Cincinnati Open at the Lindner Family Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images   Kei Nishikori, once ranked as high as No. 4 in the world, will retire from tennis at the end of the 2026 season.  The 36-year-old Japanese trailblazer made the announcement Thursday via social media.  “Since I was a child, I have been passionate about tennis and I have continued to pursue it with only one dream in my heart: ‘I want to compete on the world stage.’ Reaching the ATP Tour, playing at the highest level of competition, and maintaining a presence in the Top 10 is something I am extremely proud of,” he posted to X. “Whether in victory or defeat, the special atmosphere I felt in packed arenas is irreplaceable.”  Nishikori was the first Japanese man to be ranked in the top 10 in the world.  He has won 12 titles, 451 tour matches and just over $26 million on the ATP Tour.  It was March 2, 2015, when Nishikori was ranked No. 4 amid tennis’ brightest stars. That week, Novak Djokovic was No. 1, followed by Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. After Nishikori, at No. 5, was Andy Murray.   Those four opponents combined to win 69 Grand Slam titles. Nishikori never won one, with his best result coming in 2014 when he defeated Djokovic to reach the U.S. Open final, which he lost to Marin Cilic of Croatia.  Nishikori has competed this season in ATP Challenger events. His most recent ATP Tour event came in 2025 at Cincinnati.  “My love for tennis and my belief that I could become a stronger player always brought me back to the court. I feel that all of these experiences have enriched and shaped my life. I am deeply grateful [for] my family and to everyone who has supported me at all times,” Nishikori wrote. “To be honest, I still wish I could continue my playing career. Even so, looking back on everything up to this point, I can proudly say that I gave it my all.   “I am truly happy to have walked this path. I will cherish every moment of the remaining matches and fight to the very end.”  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Japans #Kei #Nishikori #retiring #tennis #seasonAug 8, 2025; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Kei Nishikori (JPN) serves against Camilo Ugo Carabelli (ARG) during the Cincinnati Open at the Lindner Family Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images

Kei Nishikori, once ranked as high as No. 4 in the world, will retire from tennis at the end of the 2026 season.

The 36-year-old Japanese trailblazer made the announcement Thursday via social media.

“Since I was a child, I have been passionate about tennis and I have continued to pursue it with only one dream in my heart: ‘I want to compete on the world stage.’ Reaching the ATP Tour, playing at the highest level of competition, and maintaining a presence in the Top 10 is something I am extremely proud of,” he posted to X. “Whether in victory or defeat, the special atmosphere I felt in packed arenas is irreplaceable.”

Nishikori was the first Japanese man to be ranked in the top 10 in the world.

He has won 12 titles, 451 tour matches and just over $26 million on the ATP Tour.


It was March 2, 2015, when Nishikori was ranked No. 4 amid tennis’ brightest stars. That week, Novak Djokovic was No. 1, followed by Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. After Nishikori, at No. 5, was Andy Murray.

Those four opponents combined to win 69 Grand Slam titles. Nishikori never won one, with his best result coming in 2014 when he defeated Djokovic to reach the U.S. Open final, which he lost to Marin Cilic of Croatia.

Nishikori has competed this season in ATP Challenger events. His most recent ATP Tour event came in 2025 at Cincinnati.

“My love for tennis and my belief that I could become a stronger player always brought me back to the court. I feel that all of these experiences have enriched and shaped my life. I am deeply grateful [for] my family and to everyone who has supported me at all times,” Nishikori wrote. “To be honest, I still wish I could continue my playing career. Even so, looking back on everything up to this point, I can proudly say that I gave it my all.

“I am truly happy to have walked this path. I will cherish every moment of the remaining matches and fight to the very end.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Japans #Kei #Nishikori #retiring #tennis #season

Aug 8, 2025; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Kei Nishikori (JPN) serves against Camilo Ugo Carabelli (ARG) during the Cincinnati Open at the Lindner Family Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images

Kei Nishikori, once ranked as high as No. 4 in the world, will retire from tennis at the end of the 2026 season.

The 36-year-old Japanese trailblazer made the announcement Thursday via social media.

“Since I was a child, I have been passionate about tennis and I have continued to pursue it with only one dream in my heart: ‘I want to compete on the world stage.’ Reaching the ATP Tour, playing at the highest level of competition, and maintaining a presence in the Top 10 is something I am extremely proud of,” he posted to X. “Whether in victory or defeat, the special atmosphere I felt in packed arenas is irreplaceable.”

Nishikori was the first Japanese man to be ranked in the top 10 in the world.

He has won 12 titles, 451 tour matches and just over $26 million on the ATP Tour.

It was March 2, 2015, when Nishikori was ranked No. 4 amid tennis’ brightest stars. That week, Novak Djokovic was No. 1, followed by Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. After Nishikori, at No. 5, was Andy Murray.

Those four opponents combined to win 69 Grand Slam titles. Nishikori never won one, with his best result coming in 2014 when he defeated Djokovic to reach the U.S. Open final, which he lost to Marin Cilic of Croatia.

Nishikori has competed this season in ATP Challenger events. His most recent ATP Tour event came in 2025 at Cincinnati.

“My love for tennis and my belief that I could become a stronger player always brought me back to the court. I feel that all of these experiences have enriched and shaped my life. I am deeply grateful [for] my family and to everyone who has supported me at all times,” Nishikori wrote. “To be honest, I still wish I could continue my playing career. Even so, looking back on everything up to this point, I can proudly say that I gave it my all.

“I am truly happy to have walked this path. I will cherish every moment of the remaining matches and fight to the very end.”

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Japans #Kei #Nishikori #retiring #tennis #season

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Friday May 1st MLB Betting Picks: Top Predictions for Today’s Games | Deadspin.com <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-0 py-0 pb-4 undefined"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-1200/1777647516638" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-1200/1777647516638" alt="Apr 2, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Cole Ragans (55) pitches during the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 2, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Cole Ragans (55) pitches during the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>May has arrived!</p><p>Let’s hope that means unfettered nice weather here in the Northeast as <a href="https://deadspin.com/mlb-picks-today-astros-vs-orioles-and-dodgers-vs-marlins-best-bets/" target="_blank">my Wednesday pick</a> got rained out. And how about we see that in the Midwest, too. Here are today’s MLB Picks.</p><p>Season Record 15-12-1, +0.52 Units</p><h2 id="royals-at-mariners" class=" uppercase break-words">Royals at Mariners</h2><p>We have a matchup of two aces off to kind of bumpy starts representing two teams that are not exactly fast out of the gate.</p><p>Cole Ragans has an ugly 5.00 ERA and 1.48 WHIP for the Kansas City Royals thus far, mostly thanks to his uncharacteristically high 15.7% BB%. He’s never been the greatest at avoiding the free pass, but that’s a huge bump from his 9.5% career level. There’s a bit of a mitigating circumstance here however as Ragans took a comebacker to the thumb in Cleveland on April 8 and tried to stay in the game but lost all command and had to leave in the first inning. He didn’t miss a start, but walked four and then eight (!) in his next two outings, so I have to wonder whether the thumb still impacted his delivery.</p><p>No way to know, but in his last outing he was spectacular, striking out 11 vs. no walks in six innings vs. the Los Angeles Angels.</p><p>Bryan Woo has overall better numbers with a 3.86 ERA and 1.06 WHIP. But it’s a bit of a dip from his 2.94 ERA 0.94 WHIP breakout last year. His K% has dipped from 27.1% to 19.1% and it’s hard to explain why. His velo is actually up a shade and his Stuff and Location scores remain similarly excellent. The St. Louis Cardinals torched Woo for four homers, nine hits and seven earned runs in just three innings in his last outing.</p><p>One game does not make a trend, but these two could not enter the game on more divergent paths. Plus the Seattle Mariners have looked pretty lousy vs. lefties this season, slashing just .204/.291/.332 with an 81 wRC+. So give me the Royals here and we’ll stick with the F5 to make it mostly a play on the SP matchup.</p><p><strong>Royals F5 (+130 BetMGM)</strong></p> </section><p><span class="inline-block mr-3 uppercase shrink-0 font-bold">Our Current Best Offers</span></p><p>Channel debug: <span class="font-semibold text-gray-700">betting</span></p> <section id="section-3"> <h2 id="blue-jays-at-twins" class=" uppercase break-words">Blue Jays at Twins</h2><p><strong>Twins F5 -0.5 (+116 FanDuel)</strong></p><p>OK, quite the difference here as we have two non-aces going; Patrick Corbin for the Toronto Blue Jays vs. Simeon Woods-Richardson for the Minnesota Twins. <a href="https://jaysjournal.com/patrick-corbin-playing-the-eric-lauer-role-for-the-2026-blue-jays" target="_blank">Corbin has looked a bit better on the surface</a>, 3.72 ERA and 1.24 WHIP through four starts and 19.1 IP, vs. a 6.30 ERA and 1.70 WHIP for SWR. But at least one of the ERA estimators actually think SWR is a bit less bad, 4.80 xERA vs. 5.87 xERA for Corbin.</p><p>One thing that’s almost a guarantee is that SWR will need his fielders to help him out as he has just an 11% K% and the Jays are the second toughest team for righties to strike out at 19.4% K%. I’m not expecting all that much from him, really just that he can keep up with Corbin, who’s really here to eat some innings <a href="https://deadspin.com/mlb-playoff-teams-off-to-shocking-slow-starts-in-2026/" target="_blank">for the Jays</a> and keep the game within range.</p> </section><p><span class="inline-block mr-3 uppercase shrink-0 font-bold">Our Current Best Offers</span></p><p>Channel debug: <span class="font-semibold text-gray-700">betting</span></p> </div> #Friday #1st #MLB #Betting #Picks #Top #Predictions #Todays #Games #Deadspin.com

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मई में दिखेंगे सूरज के तीखे तेवर, दो दिन बाद पारा फिर पकड़ेगा रफ्तार

Nine MLB Stars off To Concerning Starts Heading Into Memorial Day | Deadspin.com  Apr 11, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado (13) celebrates after hitting a two-run home run during the third inning against the Colorado Rockies at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images   Memorial Day, which is the unofficial first major mile marker of the Major League Baseball season, arrives next Monday — which is May 25, the earliest possible date for the final Monday of May.Of course, the Major League Baseball season started earlier than ever this year, so Memorial Day remains a pivotal point for everyone — especially those who are struggling. Here’s a look at nine players for whom it’s no longer too early to get worried.—Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr., Padres 3B & 2B/RF: A 2-for-1 deal here for the Padres, who are in the thick of the National League West race with the Los Angeles Dodgers despite their franchise players batting a combined .209 with seven homers — all by Machado — and 37 RBIs. The slow start for Machado, whose .178 average is the fifth-lowest amongst qualified batters, is a reminder he’s going on 34 and hasn’t posted an .800 OPS since 2022. And Tatis possessing a .590 OPS — the 11th-lowest in the game — is a reminder his post-PED bust OPS of .781 is nearly 200 points lower than his pre-PED bust OPS of .965. Oh and Machado is signed through 2033 and Tatis through 2034. Gulp.—Gunnar Henderson, Baltimore Orioles SS, and Trea Turner, Philadelphia Phillies SS: It’s not good when the AL and NL leaders in at-bats (209 for Henderson, 201 for Turner) are both posting an on-base percentage below .300. Henderson (10 homers, 24 RBIs) is providing some pop, but he’s got 14 walks and 63 strikeouts after entering the season with a strikeout-to-walk ratio of a little more than 2:1. Plate judgment has never been a strength of Turner, who has walked more than 45 times just once in nine full seasons, but the defending NL batting champ is hitting just .236, which would be his lowest mark since a 27-game cameo as a rookie in 2015. May 21, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; New York Mets shortstop Bo Bichette (19) hits a two RBI single against the Washington Nationals during the third inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn Images   —Bo Bichette, New York Mets 3B/SS: Of course one of the game’s most consistent and clutch hitters forgets how to hit and hit in the clutch upon joining the Mets. Bichette, who took to third base pretty well before shifting back to shortstop following injuries to Francisco Lindor and Ronny Mauricio, is batting just .225 overall and .200 with runners in scoring position, well below his career marks of .290 and .322, respectively. His three homers in back-to-back games Monday and Tuesday were two more than he had in his first 46 games combined.—Matt Chapman, San Francisco Giants 3B: The Giants, whose 173 runs are the fewest in the majors, have no shortage of disappointments in their lineup. But nobody’s struggles are as jarring as those being endured by Chapman, who has one homer, 13 extra-base hits and a .312 slugging percentage in 186 at-bats after averaging 23 homers, 54 extra-base hits and a .458 slugging percentage per season over his first nine years.  May 22, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Seattle Mariners pitcher Logan Gilbert (36) pitches during the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images   —Logan Gilbert, Seattle Mariners P: Gilbert entered this season with a 3.58 ERA while allowing an average of one homer every 7.5 innings over his first five seasons. But he has a 4.45 ERA in 11 starts this year while surrendering 11 roundtrippers, tied for the most in the AL. The Mariners have no shortage of quality starting pitchers, but they need something close to a peak Gilbert to make another run at that elusive first pennant.—Aaron Nola, Philadelphia Phillies P: Nola was one of baseball’s most reliable pitchers from 2015 through 2024, when he ranked amongst the top five in wins (fifth with 104), strikeouts (third with 1,779) and innings pitched (fourth with 1,621 1/3) while posting a 3.70 ERA. But the mileage might have caught up to Nola, who posted a 6.01 ERA while being limited to 17 starts due to ankle and rib injuries last year and has a 6.04 ERA this year, the second-worst amongst qualified starters.—Framber Valdez, Detroit Tigers P: The Tigers thought they were getting one of baseball’s best No. 2 starters when they signed Valdez, who led baseball with 68 wins and ranked fifth with 902 1/3 innings pitched while posting a 3.20 ERA from 2021 through 2025. But Valdez is 2-3 with a 4.58 ERA for Detroit, which is without ace Tarik Skubal and tied for last place in the AL Central. Valdez also got suspended five games for throwing at Trevor Story, which raised familiar questions about his maturity level.   #MLB #Stars #Starts #Heading #Memorial #Day #Deadspin.comApr 11, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado (13) celebrates after hitting a two-run home run during the third inning against the Colorado Rockies at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images

Memorial Day, which is the unofficial first major mile marker of the Major League Baseball season, arrives next Monday — which is May 25, the earliest possible date for the final Monday of May.

Of course, the Major League Baseball season started earlier than ever this year, so Memorial Day remains a pivotal point for everyone — especially those who are struggling. Here’s a look at nine players for whom it’s no longer too early to get worried.

Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr., Padres 3B & 2B/RF: A 2-for-1 deal here for the Padres, who are in the thick of the National League West race with the Los Angeles Dodgers despite their franchise players batting a combined .209 with seven homers — all by Machado — and 37 RBIs. The slow start for Machado, whose .178 average is the fifth-lowest amongst qualified batters, is a reminder he’s going on 34 and hasn’t posted an .800 OPS since 2022. And Tatis possessing a .590 OPS — the 11th-lowest in the game — is a reminder his post-PED bust OPS of .781 is nearly 200 points lower than his pre-PED bust OPS of .965. Oh and Machado is signed through 2033 and Tatis through 2034. Gulp.

Gunnar Henderson, Baltimore Orioles SS, and Trea Turner, Philadelphia Phillies SS: It’s not good when the AL and NL leaders in at-bats (209 for Henderson, 201 for Turner) are both posting an on-base percentage below .300. Henderson (10 homers, 24 RBIs) is providing some pop, but he’s got 14 walks and 63 strikeouts after entering the season with a strikeout-to-walk ratio of a little more than 2:1. Plate judgment has never been a strength of Turner, who has walked more than 45 times just once in nine full seasons, but the defending NL batting champ is hitting just .236, which would be his lowest mark since a 27-game cameo as a rookie in 2015.

May 21, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; New York Mets shortstop Bo Bichette (19) hits a two RBI single against the Washington Nationals during the third inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn ImagesMay 21, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; New York Mets shortstop Bo Bichette (19) hits a two RBI single against the Washington Nationals during the third inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn Images

Bo Bichette, New York Mets 3B/SS: Of course one of the game’s most consistent and clutch hitters forgets how to hit and hit in the clutch upon joining the Mets. Bichette, who took to third base pretty well before shifting back to shortstop following injuries to Francisco Lindor and Ronny Mauricio, is batting just .225 overall and .200 with runners in scoring position, well below his career marks of .290 and .322, respectively. His three homers in back-to-back games Monday and Tuesday were two more than he had in his first 46 games combined.

Matt Chapman, San Francisco Giants 3B: The Giants, whose 173 runs are the fewest in the majors, have no shortage of disappointments in their lineup. But nobody’s struggles are as jarring as those being endured by Chapman, who has one homer, 13 extra-base hits and a .312 slugging percentage in 186 at-bats after averaging 23 homers, 54 extra-base hits and a .458 slugging percentage per season over his first nine years.

May 22, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Seattle Mariners pitcher Logan Gilbert (36) pitches during the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn ImagesMay 22, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Seattle Mariners pitcher Logan Gilbert (36) pitches during the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Logan Gilbert, Seattle Mariners P: Gilbert entered this season with a 3.58 ERA while allowing an average of one homer every 7.5 innings over his first five seasons. But he has a 4.45 ERA in 11 starts this year while surrendering 11 roundtrippers, tied for the most in the AL. The Mariners have no shortage of quality starting pitchers, but they need something close to a peak Gilbert to make another run at that elusive first pennant.

Aaron Nola, Philadelphia Phillies P: Nola was one of baseball’s most reliable pitchers from 2015 through 2024, when he ranked amongst the top five in wins (fifth with 104), strikeouts (third with 1,779) and innings pitched (fourth with 1,621 1/3) while posting a 3.70 ERA. But the mileage might have caught up to Nola, who posted a 6.01 ERA while being limited to 17 starts due to ankle and rib injuries last year and has a 6.04 ERA this year, the second-worst amongst qualified starters.

Framber Valdez, Detroit Tigers P: The Tigers thought they were getting one of baseball’s best No. 2 starters when they signed Valdez, who led baseball with 68 wins and ranked fifth with 902 1/3 innings pitched while posting a 3.20 ERA from 2021 through 2025. But Valdez is 2-3 with a 4.58 ERA for Detroit, which is without ace Tarik Skubal and tied for last place in the AL Central. Valdez also got suspended five games for throwing at Trevor Story, which raised familiar questions about his maturity level.

#MLB #Stars #Starts #Heading #Memorial #Day #Deadspin.com">Nine MLB Stars off To Concerning Starts Heading Into Memorial Day | Deadspin.com  Apr 11, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado (13) celebrates after hitting a two-run home run during the third inning against the Colorado Rockies at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images   Memorial Day, which is the unofficial first major mile marker of the Major League Baseball season, arrives next Monday — which is May 25, the earliest possible date for the final Monday of May.Of course, the Major League Baseball season started earlier than ever this year, so Memorial Day remains a pivotal point for everyone — especially those who are struggling. Here’s a look at nine players for whom it’s no longer too early to get worried.—Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr., Padres 3B & 2B/RF: A 2-for-1 deal here for the Padres, who are in the thick of the National League West race with the Los Angeles Dodgers despite their franchise players batting a combined .209 with seven homers — all by Machado — and 37 RBIs. The slow start for Machado, whose .178 average is the fifth-lowest amongst qualified batters, is a reminder he’s going on 34 and hasn’t posted an .800 OPS since 2022. And Tatis possessing a .590 OPS — the 11th-lowest in the game — is a reminder his post-PED bust OPS of .781 is nearly 200 points lower than his pre-PED bust OPS of .965. Oh and Machado is signed through 2033 and Tatis through 2034. Gulp.—Gunnar Henderson, Baltimore Orioles SS, and Trea Turner, Philadelphia Phillies SS: It’s not good when the AL and NL leaders in at-bats (209 for Henderson, 201 for Turner) are both posting an on-base percentage below .300. Henderson (10 homers, 24 RBIs) is providing some pop, but he’s got 14 walks and 63 strikeouts after entering the season with a strikeout-to-walk ratio of a little more than 2:1. Plate judgment has never been a strength of Turner, who has walked more than 45 times just once in nine full seasons, but the defending NL batting champ is hitting just .236, which would be his lowest mark since a 27-game cameo as a rookie in 2015. May 21, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; New York Mets shortstop Bo Bichette (19) hits a two RBI single against the Washington Nationals during the third inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn Images   —Bo Bichette, New York Mets 3B/SS: Of course one of the game’s most consistent and clutch hitters forgets how to hit and hit in the clutch upon joining the Mets. Bichette, who took to third base pretty well before shifting back to shortstop following injuries to Francisco Lindor and Ronny Mauricio, is batting just .225 overall and .200 with runners in scoring position, well below his career marks of .290 and .322, respectively. His three homers in back-to-back games Monday and Tuesday were two more than he had in his first 46 games combined.—Matt Chapman, San Francisco Giants 3B: The Giants, whose 173 runs are the fewest in the majors, have no shortage of disappointments in their lineup. But nobody’s struggles are as jarring as those being endured by Chapman, who has one homer, 13 extra-base hits and a .312 slugging percentage in 186 at-bats after averaging 23 homers, 54 extra-base hits and a .458 slugging percentage per season over his first nine years.  May 22, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Seattle Mariners pitcher Logan Gilbert (36) pitches during the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images   —Logan Gilbert, Seattle Mariners P: Gilbert entered this season with a 3.58 ERA while allowing an average of one homer every 7.5 innings over his first five seasons. But he has a 4.45 ERA in 11 starts this year while surrendering 11 roundtrippers, tied for the most in the AL. The Mariners have no shortage of quality starting pitchers, but they need something close to a peak Gilbert to make another run at that elusive first pennant.—Aaron Nola, Philadelphia Phillies P: Nola was one of baseball’s most reliable pitchers from 2015 through 2024, when he ranked amongst the top five in wins (fifth with 104), strikeouts (third with 1,779) and innings pitched (fourth with 1,621 1/3) while posting a 3.70 ERA. But the mileage might have caught up to Nola, who posted a 6.01 ERA while being limited to 17 starts due to ankle and rib injuries last year and has a 6.04 ERA this year, the second-worst amongst qualified starters.—Framber Valdez, Detroit Tigers P: The Tigers thought they were getting one of baseball’s best No. 2 starters when they signed Valdez, who led baseball with 68 wins and ranked fifth with 902 1/3 innings pitched while posting a 3.20 ERA from 2021 through 2025. But Valdez is 2-3 with a 4.58 ERA for Detroit, which is without ace Tarik Skubal and tied for last place in the AL Central. Valdez also got suspended five games for throwing at Trevor Story, which raised familiar questions about his maturity level.   #MLB #Stars #Starts #Heading #Memorial #Day #Deadspin.com

with the Los Angeles Dodgers despite their franchise players batting a combined .209 with seven homers — all by Machado — and 37 RBIs. The slow start for Machado, whose .178 average is the fifth-lowest amongst qualified batters, is a reminder he’s going on 34 and hasn’t posted an .800 OPS since 2022. And Tatis possessing a .590 OPS — the 11th-lowest in the game — is a reminder his post-PED bust OPS of .781 is nearly 200 points lower than his pre-PED bust OPS of .965. Oh and Machado is signed through 2033 and Tatis through 2034. Gulp.

Gunnar Henderson, Baltimore Orioles SS, and Trea Turner, Philadelphia Phillies SS: It’s not good when the AL and NL leaders in at-bats (209 for Henderson, 201 for Turner) are both posting an on-base percentage below .300. Henderson (10 homers, 24 RBIs) is providing some pop, but he’s got 14 walks and 63 strikeouts after entering the season with a strikeout-to-walk ratio of a little more than 2:1. Plate judgment has never been a strength of Turner, who has walked more than 45 times just once in nine full seasons, but the defending NL batting champ is hitting just .236, which would be his lowest mark since a 27-game cameo as a rookie in 2015.

May 21, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; New York Mets shortstop Bo Bichette (19) hits a two RBI single against the Washington Nationals during the third inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn ImagesMay 21, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; New York Mets shortstop Bo Bichette (19) hits a two RBI single against the Washington Nationals during the third inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn Images

Bo Bichette, New York Mets 3B/SS: Of course one of the game’s most consistent and clutch hitters forgets how to hit and hit in the clutch upon joining the Mets. Bichette, who took to third base pretty well before shifting back to shortstop following injuries to Francisco Lindor and Ronny Mauricio, is batting just .225 overall and .200 with runners in scoring position, well below his career marks of .290 and .322, respectively. His three homers in back-to-back games Monday and Tuesday were two more than he had in his first 46 games combined.

Matt Chapman, San Francisco Giants 3B: The Giants, whose 173 runs are the fewest in the majors, have no shortage of disappointments in their lineup. But nobody’s struggles are as jarring as those being endured by Chapman, who has one homer, 13 extra-base hits and a .312 slugging percentage in 186 at-bats after averaging 23 homers, 54 extra-base hits and a .458 slugging percentage per season over his first nine years.

May 22, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Seattle Mariners pitcher Logan Gilbert (36) pitches during the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn ImagesMay 22, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Seattle Mariners pitcher Logan Gilbert (36) pitches during the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Logan Gilbert, Seattle Mariners P: Gilbert entered this season with a 3.58 ERA while allowing an average of one homer every 7.5 innings over his first five seasons. But he has a 4.45 ERA in 11 starts this year while surrendering 11 roundtrippers, tied for the most in the AL. The Mariners have no shortage of quality starting pitchers, but they need something close to a peak Gilbert to make another run at that elusive first pennant.

Aaron Nola, Philadelphia Phillies P: Nola was one of baseball’s most reliable pitchers from 2015 through 2024, when he ranked amongst the top five in wins (fifth with 104), strikeouts (third with 1,779) and innings pitched (fourth with 1,621 1/3) while posting a 3.70 ERA. But the mileage might have caught up to Nola, who posted a 6.01 ERA while being limited to 17 starts due to ankle and rib injuries last year and has a 6.04 ERA this year, the second-worst amongst qualified starters.

Framber Valdez, Detroit Tigers P: The Tigers thought they were getting one of baseball’s best No. 2 starters when they signed Valdez, who led baseball with 68 wins and ranked fifth with 902 1/3 innings pitched while posting a 3.20 ERA from 2021 through 2025. But Valdez is 2-3 with a 4.58 ERA for Detroit, which is without ace Tarik Skubal and tied for last place in the AL Central. Valdez also got suspended five games for throwing at Trevor Story, which raised familiar questions about his maturity level.

#MLB #Stars #Starts #Heading #Memorial #Day #Deadspin.com">Nine MLB Stars off To Concerning Starts Heading Into Memorial Day | Deadspin.com
Nine MLB Stars off To Concerning Starts Heading Into Memorial Day | Deadspin.com  Apr 11, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado (13) celebrates after hitting a two-run home run during the third inning against the Colorado Rockies at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images   Memorial Day, which is the unofficial first major mile marker of the Major League Baseball season, arrives next Monday — which is May 25, the earliest possible date for the final Monday of May.Of course, the Major League Baseball season started earlier than ever this year, so Memorial Day remains a pivotal point for everyone — especially those who are struggling. Here’s a look at nine players for whom it’s no longer too early to get worried.—Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr., Padres 3B & 2B/RF: A 2-for-1 deal here for the Padres, who are in the thick of the National League West race with the Los Angeles Dodgers despite their franchise players batting a combined .209 with seven homers — all by Machado — and 37 RBIs. The slow start for Machado, whose .178 average is the fifth-lowest amongst qualified batters, is a reminder he’s going on 34 and hasn’t posted an .800 OPS since 2022. And Tatis possessing a .590 OPS — the 11th-lowest in the game — is a reminder his post-PED bust OPS of .781 is nearly 200 points lower than his pre-PED bust OPS of .965. Oh and Machado is signed through 2033 and Tatis through 2034. Gulp.—Gunnar Henderson, Baltimore Orioles SS, and Trea Turner, Philadelphia Phillies SS: It’s not good when the AL and NL leaders in at-bats (209 for Henderson, 201 for Turner) are both posting an on-base percentage below .300. Henderson (10 homers, 24 RBIs) is providing some pop, but he’s got 14 walks and 63 strikeouts after entering the season with a strikeout-to-walk ratio of a little more than 2:1. Plate judgment has never been a strength of Turner, who has walked more than 45 times just once in nine full seasons, but the defending NL batting champ is hitting just .236, which would be his lowest mark since a 27-game cameo as a rookie in 2015. May 21, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; New York Mets shortstop Bo Bichette (19) hits a two RBI single against the Washington Nationals during the third inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn Images   —Bo Bichette, New York Mets 3B/SS: Of course one of the game’s most consistent and clutch hitters forgets how to hit and hit in the clutch upon joining the Mets. Bichette, who took to third base pretty well before shifting back to shortstop following injuries to Francisco Lindor and Ronny Mauricio, is batting just .225 overall and .200 with runners in scoring position, well below his career marks of .290 and .322, respectively. His three homers in back-to-back games Monday and Tuesday were two more than he had in his first 46 games combined.—Matt Chapman, San Francisco Giants 3B: The Giants, whose 173 runs are the fewest in the majors, have no shortage of disappointments in their lineup. But nobody’s struggles are as jarring as those being endured by Chapman, who has one homer, 13 extra-base hits and a .312 slugging percentage in 186 at-bats after averaging 23 homers, 54 extra-base hits and a .458 slugging percentage per season over his first nine years.  May 22, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Seattle Mariners pitcher Logan Gilbert (36) pitches during the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images   —Logan Gilbert, Seattle Mariners P: Gilbert entered this season with a 3.58 ERA while allowing an average of one homer every 7.5 innings over his first five seasons. But he has a 4.45 ERA in 11 starts this year while surrendering 11 roundtrippers, tied for the most in the AL. The Mariners have no shortage of quality starting pitchers, but they need something close to a peak Gilbert to make another run at that elusive first pennant.—Aaron Nola, Philadelphia Phillies P: Nola was one of baseball’s most reliable pitchers from 2015 through 2024, when he ranked amongst the top five in wins (fifth with 104), strikeouts (third with 1,779) and innings pitched (fourth with 1,621 1/3) while posting a 3.70 ERA. But the mileage might have caught up to Nola, who posted a 6.01 ERA while being limited to 17 starts due to ankle and rib injuries last year and has a 6.04 ERA this year, the second-worst amongst qualified starters.—Framber Valdez, Detroit Tigers P: The Tigers thought they were getting one of baseball’s best No. 2 starters when they signed Valdez, who led baseball with 68 wins and ranked fifth with 902 1/3 innings pitched while posting a 3.20 ERA from 2021 through 2025. But Valdez is 2-3 with a 4.58 ERA for Detroit, which is without ace Tarik Skubal and tied for last place in the AL Central. Valdez also got suspended five games for throwing at Trevor Story, which raised familiar questions about his maturity level.   #MLB #Stars #Starts #Heading #Memorial #Day #Deadspin.comApr 11, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado (13) celebrates after hitting a two-run home run during the third inning against the Colorado Rockies at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images

Memorial Day, which is the unofficial first major mile marker of the Major League Baseball season, arrives next Monday — which is May 25, the earliest possible date for the final Monday of May.

Of course, the Major League Baseball season started earlier than ever this year, so Memorial Day remains a pivotal point for everyone — especially those who are struggling. Here’s a look at nine players for whom it’s no longer too early to get worried.

Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr., Padres 3B & 2B/RF: A 2-for-1 deal here for the Padres, who are in the thick of the National League West race with the Los Angeles Dodgers despite their franchise players batting a combined .209 with seven homers — all by Machado — and 37 RBIs. The slow start for Machado, whose .178 average is the fifth-lowest amongst qualified batters, is a reminder he’s going on 34 and hasn’t posted an .800 OPS since 2022. And Tatis possessing a .590 OPS — the 11th-lowest in the game — is a reminder his post-PED bust OPS of .781 is nearly 200 points lower than his pre-PED bust OPS of .965. Oh and Machado is signed through 2033 and Tatis through 2034. Gulp.

Gunnar Henderson, Baltimore Orioles SS, and Trea Turner, Philadelphia Phillies SS: It’s not good when the AL and NL leaders in at-bats (209 for Henderson, 201 for Turner) are both posting an on-base percentage below .300. Henderson (10 homers, 24 RBIs) is providing some pop, but he’s got 14 walks and 63 strikeouts after entering the season with a strikeout-to-walk ratio of a little more than 2:1. Plate judgment has never been a strength of Turner, who has walked more than 45 times just once in nine full seasons, but the defending NL batting champ is hitting just .236, which would be his lowest mark since a 27-game cameo as a rookie in 2015.

May 21, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; New York Mets shortstop Bo Bichette (19) hits a two RBI single against the Washington Nationals during the third inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn ImagesMay 21, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; New York Mets shortstop Bo Bichette (19) hits a two RBI single against the Washington Nationals during the third inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn Images

Bo Bichette, New York Mets 3B/SS: Of course one of the game’s most consistent and clutch hitters forgets how to hit and hit in the clutch upon joining the Mets. Bichette, who took to third base pretty well before shifting back to shortstop following injuries to Francisco Lindor and Ronny Mauricio, is batting just .225 overall and .200 with runners in scoring position, well below his career marks of .290 and .322, respectively. His three homers in back-to-back games Monday and Tuesday were two more than he had in his first 46 games combined.

Matt Chapman, San Francisco Giants 3B: The Giants, whose 173 runs are the fewest in the majors, have no shortage of disappointments in their lineup. But nobody’s struggles are as jarring as those being endured by Chapman, who has one homer, 13 extra-base hits and a .312 slugging percentage in 186 at-bats after averaging 23 homers, 54 extra-base hits and a .458 slugging percentage per season over his first nine years.

May 22, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Seattle Mariners pitcher Logan Gilbert (36) pitches during the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn ImagesMay 22, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Seattle Mariners pitcher Logan Gilbert (36) pitches during the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Logan Gilbert, Seattle Mariners P: Gilbert entered this season with a 3.58 ERA while allowing an average of one homer every 7.5 innings over his first five seasons. But he has a 4.45 ERA in 11 starts this year while surrendering 11 roundtrippers, tied for the most in the AL. The Mariners have no shortage of quality starting pitchers, but they need something close to a peak Gilbert to make another run at that elusive first pennant.

Aaron Nola, Philadelphia Phillies P: Nola was one of baseball’s most reliable pitchers from 2015 through 2024, when he ranked amongst the top five in wins (fifth with 104), strikeouts (third with 1,779) and innings pitched (fourth with 1,621 1/3) while posting a 3.70 ERA. But the mileage might have caught up to Nola, who posted a 6.01 ERA while being limited to 17 starts due to ankle and rib injuries last year and has a 6.04 ERA this year, the second-worst amongst qualified starters.

Framber Valdez, Detroit Tigers P: The Tigers thought they were getting one of baseball’s best No. 2 starters when they signed Valdez, who led baseball with 68 wins and ranked fifth with 902 1/3 innings pitched while posting a 3.20 ERA from 2021 through 2025. But Valdez is 2-3 with a 4.58 ERA for Detroit, which is without ace Tarik Skubal and tied for last place in the AL Central. Valdez also got suspended five games for throwing at Trevor Story, which raised familiar questions about his maturity level.

#MLB #Stars #Starts #Heading #Memorial #Day #Deadspin.com
LSG vs PBKS IPL 2026, LIVE Score: Punjab Kings 125/2 (12); Prabhsimran brings up half-century  Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh(w), Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer(c), Suryansh Shedge, Marcus Stoinis, Shashank Singh, Azmatullah Omarzai, Harpreet Brar, Lockie Ferguson, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Xavier Bartlett, Vishnu Vinod, Musheer Khan, Praveen Dubey, Ben Dwarshuis, Marco Jansen, Mitchell Owen, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Yash Thakur, Nehal Wadhera, Harnoor Singh, Pyla Avinash, Vishal Nishad  #LSG #PBKS #IPL #LIVE #Score #Punjab #Kings #Prabhsimran #brings #halfcentury

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