Deadspin | Padres’ Fernando Tatis Jr seeks first homer, wins in series vs. White Sox Apr 28, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres second baseman Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) reacts after a ball call during the fifth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images It’s safe to say that no one had San Diego Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr. getting to May 1 without a homer on his stat sheet. But that’s the case as Tatis and San Diego gear up for the first game on Friday of a three-game weekend series against the visiting Chicago White Sox. It would be ironic if Tatis finally went deep against the organization that originally found him before trading him in June 2016 for the veteran right-hander James Shields, a one-time All-Star who went 4-12 that season with Chicago and 16-35 there to close out his career. Since making his major league debut with the Padres in 2019, Tatis has slugged 152 homers, winning a home run title with 42 in 2021. The three-time All-Star has swiped 132 bases, including a career-high 32 last year, and has become a platinum Gold Glove right fielder after starting his career as a plus defender at shortstop. However, he’s yet to perform his patented home run trot this year, even though his recent swings — he’s swatted a spate of balls well over 100 mph — suggest he might find the bleachers sooner instead of later. “I’m doing everything — hitting early, doing batting practice, after (games),” Tatis said. “It still doesn’t turn around. I don’t know … trying to figure it out.” Tatis is batting .250 with 13 RBI and eight steals in 10 attempts. He’s one of a handful of San Diego hitters still looking for their best form. Center fielder Jackson Merrill, a career .271 hitter, is down to .200 this season after managing only one hit in the team’s series loss to the Chicago Cubs. Second baseman Jake Cronenworth, a career .244 hitter, is batting a shocking .146. But the team has pitched well enough, including Friday night’s starter, right-hander German Marquez (3-1, 4.38 ERA). He’s coming off a 6-4 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday in Mexico City, allowing four runs on six hits over six innings with a walk and two strikeouts. Marquez is 1-2 with a 4.74 ERA in three career starts against the White Sox. Noah Schultz (1-1, 3.52) takes the ball for Chicago. The rookie lefty last worked on Saturday, fanning eight and permitting just four hits and two runs over six innings while walking four in a no-decision against Washington. The 6-foot-10, 240-pound Schultz has allowed only eight hits in 15 1/3 innings and fanned 18 but walked nine. Schultz is one reason why the White Sox are finally trending in the right direction after three long years. Chicago polished off a three-game home sweep of the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday with a 3-2, 10-inning win on Colson Montgomery’s game-winning single. The White Sox finished April at 13-13, their first full month of .500 baseball since June 2023 (13-13). The 2026 run included a sweep of defending American League champion Toronto and a series win at Arizona. “After a tough first couple of series, it feels like we’ve found different ways to win some of these close ballgames that maybe last year we wouldn’t have won,” said second-year manager Will Venable. “They’re coming to the ballpark focused and energized.” The addition of rookie third baseman Munetaka Murakami from Japan has given the team a hammer in the middle of the order. Murakami is batting only .236 but has belted 12 homers to tie Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees for the MLB lead. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Padres #Fernando #Tatis #seeks #homer #wins #series #White #Sox

Deadspin | Padres’ Fernando Tatis Jr seeks first homer, wins in series vs. White Sox
Apr 28, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres second baseman Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) reacts after a ball call during the fifth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images

It’s safe to say that no one had San Diego Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr. getting to May 1 without a homer on his stat sheet.

But that’s the case as Tatis and San Diego gear up for the first game on Friday of a three-game weekend series against the visiting Chicago White Sox.

It would be ironic if Tatis finally went deep against the organization that originally found him before trading him in June 2016 for the veteran right-hander James Shields, a one-time All-Star who went 4-12 that season with Chicago and 16-35 there to close out his career.

Since making his major league debut with the Padres in 2019, Tatis has slugged 152 homers, winning a home run title with 42 in 2021. The three-time All-Star has swiped 132 bases, including a career-high 32 last year, and has become a platinum Gold Glove right fielder after starting his career as a plus defender at shortstop.

However, he’s yet to perform his patented home run trot this year, even though his recent swings — he’s swatted a spate of balls well over 100 mph — suggest he might find the bleachers sooner instead of later.

“I’m doing everything — hitting early, doing batting practice, after (games),” Tatis said. “It still doesn’t turn around. I don’t know … trying to figure it out.”

Tatis is batting .250 with 13 RBI and eight steals in 10 attempts. He’s one of a handful of San Diego hitters still looking for their best form. Center fielder Jackson Merrill, a career .271 hitter, is down to .200 this season after managing only one hit in the team’s series loss to the Chicago Cubs. Second baseman Jake Cronenworth, a career .244 hitter, is batting a shocking .146.

But the team has pitched well enough, including Friday night’s starter, right-hander German Marquez (3-1, 4.38 ERA). He’s coming off a 6-4 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday in Mexico City, allowing four runs on six hits over six innings with a walk and two strikeouts.

Marquez is 1-2 with a 4.74 ERA in three career starts against the White Sox.

Noah Schultz (1-1, 3.52) takes the ball for Chicago. The rookie lefty last worked on Saturday, fanning eight and permitting just four hits and two runs over six innings while walking four in a no-decision against Washington. The 6-foot-10, 240-pound Schultz has allowed only eight hits in 15 1/3 innings and fanned 18 but walked nine.

Schultz is one reason why the White Sox are finally trending in the right direction after three long years. Chicago polished off a three-game home sweep of the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday with a 3-2, 10-inning win on Colson Montgomery’s game-winning single.

The White Sox finished April at 13-13, their first full month of .500 baseball since June 2023 (13-13). The 2026 run included a sweep of defending American League champion Toronto and a series win at Arizona.

“After a tough first couple of series, it feels like we’ve found different ways to win some of these close ballgames that maybe last year we wouldn’t have won,” said second-year manager Will Venable. “They’re coming to the ballpark focused and energized.”

The addition of rookie third baseman Munetaka Murakami from Japan has given the team a hammer in the middle of the order. Murakami is batting only .236 but has belted 12 homers to tie Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees for the MLB lead.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Padres #Fernando #Tatis #seeks #homer #wins #series #White #Sox

Sports news May 1, 2026

Apr 28, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres second baseman Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) reacts after a ball call during the fifth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images

It’s safe to say that no one had San Diego Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr. getting to May 1 without a homer on his stat sheet.

But that’s the case as Tatis and San Diego gear up for the first game on Friday of a three-game weekend series against the visiting Chicago White Sox.

It would be ironic if Tatis finally went deep against the organization that originally found him before trading him in June 2016 for the veteran right-hander James Shields, a one-time All-Star who went 4-12 that season with Chicago and 16-35 there to close out his career.

Since making his major league debut with the Padres in 2019, Tatis has slugged 152 homers, winning a home run title with 42 in 2021. The three-time All-Star has swiped 132 bases, including a career-high 32 last year, and has become a platinum Gold Glove right fielder after starting his career as a plus defender at shortstop.

However, he’s yet to perform his patented home run trot this year, even though his recent swings — he’s swatted a spate of balls well over 100 mph — suggest he might find the bleachers sooner instead of later.

“I’m doing everything — hitting early, doing batting practice, after (games),” Tatis said. “It still doesn’t turn around. I don’t know … trying to figure it out.”

Tatis is batting .250 with 13 RBI and eight steals in 10 attempts. He’s one of a handful of San Diego hitters still looking for their best form. Center fielder Jackson Merrill, a career .271 hitter, is down to .200 this season after managing only one hit in the team’s series loss to the Chicago Cubs. Second baseman Jake Cronenworth, a career .244 hitter, is batting a shocking .146.

But the team has pitched well enough, including Friday night’s starter, right-hander German Marquez (3-1, 4.38 ERA). He’s coming off a 6-4 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday in Mexico City, allowing four runs on six hits over six innings with a walk and two strikeouts.

Marquez is 1-2 with a 4.74 ERA in three career starts against the White Sox.

Noah Schultz (1-1, 3.52) takes the ball for Chicago. The rookie lefty last worked on Saturday, fanning eight and permitting just four hits and two runs over six innings while walking four in a no-decision against Washington. The 6-foot-10, 240-pound Schultz has allowed only eight hits in 15 1/3 innings and fanned 18 but walked nine.

Schultz is one reason why the White Sox are finally trending in the right direction after three long years. Chicago polished off a three-game home sweep of the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday with a 3-2, 10-inning win on Colson Montgomery’s game-winning single.

The White Sox finished April at 13-13, their first full month of .500 baseball since June 2023 (13-13). The 2026 run included a sweep of defending American League champion Toronto and a series win at Arizona.

“After a tough first couple of series, it feels like we’ve found different ways to win some of these close ballgames that maybe last year we wouldn’t have won,” said second-year manager Will Venable. “They’re coming to the ballpark focused and energized.”

The addition of rookie third baseman Munetaka Murakami from Japan has given the team a hammer in the middle of the order. Murakami is batting only .236 but has belted 12 homers to tie Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees for the MLB lead.

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Padres #Fernando #Tatis #seeks #homer #wins #series #White #Sox

Olympic bronze medallist Alysha Newman suspended for missing doping tests <div id="content-body-70929133" itemprop="articleBody">Olympic bronze medallist pole vaulter Alysha Newman has been suspended for 20 months for whereabouts failures in relation to anti-doping testing, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) announced on Friday.“The AIU has banned Alysha Newman (Canada) for 20 months from 3 December 2025 for Whereabouts Failures. DQ results from 23 August 2025,” the anti-doping body posted on social media.ALSO READ | <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/athletics/elaine-thompson-herah-jamaica-world-relays-2026-return-from-injury-commonwealth-games/article70928521.ece" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Thompson-Herah happy to be back in competition after missing Paris 2024 due to injury</a>The 31-year-old Canadian, who won bronze in the pole vault at the Paris Games, had been provisionally suspended on February 3 for three whereabouts failures over 12 months – on February 27, 2025 and on August 17 and 23 of the same year.She has not competed since the Diamond League meeting in Rabat last May.Published on May 01, 2026</div> #Olympic #bronze #medallist #Alysha #Newman #suspended #missing #doping #tests

Carrick hopeful of Cunha return as Manchester United hosts Liverpool in Champions League race <div id="content-body-70929351" itemprop="articleBody">Manchester United boss Michael Carrick is hopeful Matheus Cunha will be fit to return when his side hosts Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday in one of football’s fiercest rivalries, with both teams chasing Champions League qualification.United, third in the Premier League, needs two more points to secure a top-five finish and a return to Europe’s elite competition next season, while fourth-placed Liverpool is looking to strengthen its own Champions League position in a congested race.Carrick said Cunha had returned to light training after a recent setback.“We are in good shape really,” Carrick told reporters on Friday. “Matheus has done a little bit of work, so we are hopeful. With Luke [Shaw], we aren’t sure if he will be ready but we are hopeful. Matthijs [de Ligt] is still a little bit further, he won’t be involved in the game.“Other than that, we are in good shape.”The possible return of Cunha, who missed Monday’s 2-1 win over Brentford with a hip flexor injury, would be a timely boost for United in a fixture Carrick said retains its intensity regardless of league position.“It’s certainly always been one of my favourite games, without a doubt. It is a standout game,” he said.“Because of the history, the ups and downs this match-up has produced in the past, the entertainment and the emotion, all of those things make it a really special game.”United has climbed steadily since Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim midway through the campaign, putting itself in position to finish above holder Liverpool and secure Champions League football with games to spare.“It shows the improvements of the group, we are getting stronger,” Carrick said. “We come into this game in such a good position off the back of good results and trying to achieve what we want.“But it is a one-off game. The league position is what it is but Sunday’s a whole different ball game.”Carrick has also restored academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo to the heart of the side, with the midfielder recently signing a new five-year deal after being marginalised earlier in the season under Amorim.ALSO READ: <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/jose-mourinho-no-contact-with-real-madrid-manager-head-coach-la-liga-perez-alvaro-arbeloa-football-news/article70928791.ece" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Jose Mourinho says no contact has been made with Real Madrid</a>“He epitomises this football club,” Carrick said. “He is a young player who has come through the academy, is living and breathing the club, and has come through with real talent.“The natural thing for him was to sign a new contract so everyone is over the moon with it, including me because I think he deserves it.”Mainoo has started 12 of Carrick’s 13 league matches in charge, missing one game due to injury, underlining his renewed importance as United looks to finish strongly.Despite the league stakes, Carrick stressed the wider significance of a fixture that has shaped English football for decades.“When I think about this game, the first thing that comes to mind is that air of competition really, irrespective of league positions over the years,” he said. “That emotion of the players and supporters has never changed.“Two incredible football clubs … to have such an impact over such a period of time is quite special and we all appreciate that.”United has 61 points from 34 games, 12 behind leader Arsenal, while Liverpool is three points behind United and level on points with fifth-placed Aston Villa.Published on May 01, 2026</div> #Carrick #hopeful #Cunha #return #Manchester #United #hosts #Liverpool #Champions #League #race

World Athletics president Sebastian Coe told AFP that the International Olympic Committee’s decision in March to introduce testing for gender to determine eligibility to compete in the female category, preventing transgender women from competing, is a “very important development for the Olympic movement”.

The screening will mean Olympic women’s sports from the 2028 Los Angeles Games will be limited to biological females, which would also rule out those with differences in sexual development (DSD).

WA had already announced last July it was introducing the SRY gene test.

“You know, I didn’t come into World Athletics for a popularity contest, I came in to do what I think is the right thing,” said Coe ahead of the World Athletics Relays being hosted in Gaborone, Botswana.

“I’m delighted that the world is beginning to see it the way we did, but I think it’s a very important development for the Olympic movement, and I celebrate that,” he added.

The announcement by the IOC of the reintroduction of the testing for the SRY gene did not meet with universal approval, with French Sports Minister Marina Ferrari saying it was “a step backwards”.

ALSO READ | Olympic bronze medallist Alysha Newman suspended for missing doping tests

Andrew Sinclair, the scientist who discovered the gene, had said even ahead of the decision, the idea that biological sex is entirely defined by chromosomes is “overly simplistic”.

IOC president Kirsty Coventry, who succeeded Thomas Bach last year, had made resolving the thorny issue a priority after the 2024 Paris Games were rocked by a gender row involving women boxers Imane Khelif of Algeria and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting.

Khelif and Lin were excluded from the International Boxing Association’s 2023 world championships after the IBA said they had failed eligibility tests.

However, the IOC allowed them both to compete at the Paris Games, saying they had been victims of “a sudden and arbitrary decision by the IBA”.

Both boxers went on to win gold medals. Coe praised Coventry for taking the bull by the horns and coming up with a blanket policy to cover all Olympic sports.

“I’m delighted that the new president, Kirsty, has really, in her first few months as president, gone out of her way to protect the female category,” said the 69-year-old Englishman.

“If you don’t, then you don’t have women’s sport, and Kirsty, of all people, is going to protect women’s sport, so we are 100 per cent behind that position at World Athletics, it’s a position we took many years ago,” he added.

Published on May 01, 2026

#World #Athletics #president #Sebastian #Coe #hails #IOC #gender #testing #decision">

mwasimuddin125 0

World Athletics president Sebastian Coe told AFP that the International Olympic Committee’s decision in March to introduce testing for gender to determine eligibility to compete in the female category, preventing transgender women from competing, is a “very important development for the Olympic movement”.
The screening will mean Olympic women’s sports from the 2028 Los Angeles Games will be limited to biological females, which would also rule out those with differences in sexual development (DSD).
WA had already announced last July it was introducing the SRY gene test.
“You know, I didn’t come into World Athletics for a popularity contest, I came in to do what I think is the right thing,” said Coe ahead of the World Athletics Relays being hosted in Gaborone, Botswana.
“I’m delighted that the world is beginning to see it the way we did, but I think it’s a very important development for the Olympic movement, and I celebrate that,” he added.
The announcement by the IOC of the reintroduction of the testing for the SRY gene did not meet with universal approval, with French Sports Minister Marina Ferrari saying it was “a step backwards”.
ALSO READ | Olympic bronze medallist Alysha Newman suspended for missing doping tests
Andrew Sinclair, the scientist who discovered the gene, had said even ahead of the decision, the idea that biological sex is entirely defined by chromosomes is “overly simplistic”.
IOC president Kirsty Coventry, who succeeded Thomas Bach last year, had made resolving the thorny issue a priority after the 2024 Paris Games were rocked by a gender row involving women boxers Imane Khelif of Algeria and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting.
Khelif and Lin were excluded from the International Boxing Association’s 2023 world championships after the IBA said they had failed eligibility tests.
However, the IOC allowed them both to compete at the Paris Games, saying they had been victims of “a sudden and arbitrary decision by the IBA”.
Both boxers went on to win gold medals. Coe praised Coventry for taking the bull by the horns and coming up with a blanket policy to cover all Olympic sports.
“I’m delighted that the new president, Kirsty, has really, in her first few months as president, gone out of her way to protect the female category,” said the 69-year-old Englishman.
“If you don’t, then you don’t have women’s sport, and Kirsty, of all people, is going to protect women’s sport, so we are 100 per cent behind that position at World Athletics, it’s a position we took many years ago,” he added.
Published on May 01, 2026

#World #Athletics #president #Sebastian #Coe #hails #IOC #gender #testing #decision">World Athletics president Sebastian Coe hails IOC gender testing decision

The screening will mean Olympic women’s sports from the 2028 Los Angeles Games will be limited to biological females, which would also rule out those with differences in sexual development (DSD).

WA had already announced last July it was introducing the SRY gene test.

“I’m delighted that the world is beginning to see it the way we did, but I think it’s a very important development for the Olympic movement, and I celebrate that,” he added.

ALSO READ | Olympic bronze medallist Alysha Newman suspended for missing doping tests

Andrew Sinclair, the scientist who discovered the gene, had said even ahead of the decision, the idea that biological sex is entirely defined by chromosomes is “overly simplistic”.

Khelif and Lin were excluded from the International Boxing Association’s 2023 world championships after the IBA said they had failed eligibility tests.

However, the IOC allowed them both to compete at the Paris Games, saying they had been victims of “a sudden and arbitrary decision by the IBA”.

Both boxers went on to win gold medals. Coe praised Coventry for taking the bull by the horns and coming up with a blanket policy to cover all Olympic sports.

“I’m delighted that the new president, Kirsty, has really, in her first few months as president, gone out of her way to protect the female category,” said the 69-year-old Englishman.

Published on May 01, 2026

#World #Athletics #president #Sebastian #Coe #hails #IOC #gender #testing #decision

Top MLB Surprises So Far: Hitters and Pitchers Exceeding Expectations | Deadspin.com Feb 20, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Dalton Rushing against the Chicago Cubs during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images It’s officially May, which means it’s tougher to use the small sample size explanation for players who have gotten off to surprisingly fast starts. Here’s our lineup and pitching staff comprised of pleasant surprises.C: Dalton Rushing, Los Angeles DodgersAs a former second-round pick of the Death Star Dodgers, Rushing is almost disqualified as a surprise. But seven homers in 46 at-bats — three more than he had in 142 at-bats as a rookie last year — as the backup to Will Smith, a potential Hall of Fame-bound catcher, supersedes his draft/prospect status.1B: Ildemaro Vargas, Arizona DiamondbacksVargas, a career .249 hitter entering the season, has a hit in all 25 games in which he’s played — 15 games longer than his previous longest streak and tied with Joe Torre for the third-longest season-opening hitting streak of the last 90 years. Vargas has also seen time at six positions. He should be the captain of this team. 2B: Jeremiah Jackson, Baltimore OriolesJackson’s strikeout-to-walk ratio (22/2 in 96 plate appearances) may make a full breakout unlikely. But with five homers and a .748 OPS, the former second-round pick of the Los Angeles Angels as an 18-year-old in 2018 is doing a terrific job filling in for the injured Jackson Holliday.3B: Amed Rosario, New York YankeesRyan McMahon is finally stirring at the plate and still offers plus-defense, so Rosario’s early burst (four homers, 13 RBIs and an .828 OPS) will probably go down as the highlight of his season. But he’s another example of Brian Cashman’s ability to find useful short-term solutions.SS: Mauricio Dubon, Atlanta BravesWith two utilityman Gold Gloves on his mantle, Dubon is well-known for his defensive prowess at a variety of positions. But he’s provided some unexpected offense — his .743 OPS would be the highest of his career — while holding down short as Ha-Seong Kim recovers from a finger injury.OF: Carlos Cortes (Not The Sacramento Athletics), Troy Johnston (Colorado Rockies), Leody Tavares (Baltimore Orioles) Apr 20, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Baltimore Orioles center fielder Leody Taveras (30) celebrates with team mates after hitting a grand slam in the twelfth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images Anyone hitting .400, even in just 65 at-bats, is worth noting — especially Cortes, a 28-year-old who hit .254 in 648 minor league games. The Rockies look like a functional big league team thanks to savvy pickups like Johnston, a waiver wire claim who is also 28 and hitting .315 in his first extended big league action, Tavares was a two-time top 100 prospect in the late 2010s who has forced his way into a near-everyday role with the Orioles thanks to an .820 OPS that is nearly 300 points higher than last year’s mark.DH: Dominic Smith, Atlanta BravesSmith has four homers in 64 at-bats — one fewer than he had in 204 at-bats last year — while drawing 18 starts at DH as Atlanta waits for Sean Murphy to return. His first round-tripper, a walk-off grand slam hit fewer than two weeks after Smith’s Mom died, might be the most moving homer of the season. Rotation: Bryce Elder (Atlanta Braves), Davis Martin (Chicago White Sox), Landen Roupp (San Francisco Giants), Jose Soriano (Los Angeles Angels), Michael Soroka (Arizona Diamondbacks)These five pitchers are 21-4 with a 1.90 ERA after going 35-47 with a 4.43 ERA last year. Each hurler is between 26 and 29 years old, so there’s plenty of reason to believe this year’s improvements — and in the case of Soroka, good health following a pair of seasons lost to Achilles injuries — are sustainable over the long haul.Closer: Bryan Baker, Tampa Bay RaysBaker is 31 and pitching in a late-inning role for the Rays, who change closers like the rest of us change socks. But closers are falling apart all over the place, so Baker’s seven saves — three more than he had entering the season — make him our ninth-inning guy by default. #Top #MLB #Surprises #Hitters #Pitchers #Exceeding #Expectations #Deadspin.com

Apr 20, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Baltimore Orioles center fielder Leody Taveras (30) celebrates with team mates after hitting a grand slam in the twelfth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images

#Top #MLB #Surprises #Hitters #Pitchers #Exceeding #Expectations #Deadspin.com">

mwasimuddin125 0

Feb 20, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Dalton Rushing against the Chicago Cubs during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

It’s officially May, which means it’s tougher to use the small sample size explanation for players who have gotten off to surprisingly fast starts.
Here’s our lineup and pitching staff comprised of pleasant surprises.
C: Dalton Rushing, Los Angeles Dodgers
As a former second-round pick of the Death Star Dodgers, Rushing is almost disqualified as a surprise. But seven homers in 46 at-bats — three more than he had in 142 at-bats as a rookie last year — as the backup to Will Smith, a potential Hall of Fame-bound catcher, supersedes his draft/prospect status.
1B: Ildemaro Vargas, Arizona Diamondbacks
Vargas, a career .249 hitter entering the season, has a hit in all 25 games in which he’s played — 15 games longer than his previous longest streak and tied with Joe Torre for the third-longest season-opening hitting streak of the last 90 years. Vargas has also seen time at six positions. He should be the captain of this team.

2B: Jeremiah Jackson, Baltimore Orioles
Jackson’s strikeout-to-walk ratio (22/2 in 96 plate appearances) may make a full breakout unlikely. But with five homers and a .748 OPS, the former second-round pick of the Los Angeles Angels as an 18-year-old in 2018 is doing a terrific job filling in for the injured Jackson Holliday.
3B: Amed Rosario, New York Yankees
Ryan McMahon is finally stirring at the plate and still offers plus-defense, so Rosario’s early burst (four homers, 13 RBIs and an .828 OPS) will probably go down as the highlight of his season. But he’s another example of Brian Cashman’s ability to find useful short-term solutions.
SS: Mauricio Dubon, Atlanta Braves
With two utilityman Gold Gloves on his mantle, Dubon is well-known for his defensive prowess at a variety of positions. But he’s provided some unexpected offense — his .743 OPS would be the highest of his career — while holding down short as Ha-Seong Kim recovers from a finger injury.
OF: Carlos Cortes (Not The Sacramento Athletics), Troy Johnston (Colorado Rockies), Leody Tavares (Baltimore Orioles)

Apr 20, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Baltimore Orioles center fielder Leody Taveras (30) celebrates with team mates after hitting a grand slam in the twelfth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Anyone hitting .400, even in just 65 at-bats, is worth noting — especially Cortes, a 28-year-old who hit .254 in 648 minor league games. The Rockies look like a functional big league team thanks to savvy pickups like Johnston, a waiver wire claim who is also 28 and hitting .315 in his first extended big league action, Tavares was a two-time top 100 prospect in the late 2010s who has forced his way into a near-everyday role with the Orioles thanks to an .820 OPS that is nearly 300 points higher than last year’s mark.
DH: Dominic Smith, Atlanta Braves
Smith has four homers in 64 at-bats — one fewer than he had in 204 at-bats last year — while drawing 18 starts at DH as Atlanta waits for Sean Murphy to return. His first round-tripper, a walk-off grand slam hit fewer than two weeks after Smith’s Mom died, might be the most moving homer of the season.

Rotation: Bryce Elder (Atlanta Braves), Davis Martin (Chicago White Sox), Landen Roupp (San Francisco Giants), Jose Soriano (Los Angeles Angels), Michael Soroka (Arizona Diamondbacks)
These five pitchers are 21-4 with a 1.90 ERA after going 35-47 with a 4.43 ERA last year. Each hurler is between 26 and 29 years old, so there’s plenty of reason to believe this year’s improvements — and in the case of Soroka, good health following a pair of seasons lost to Achilles injuries — are sustainable over the long haul.
Closer: Bryan Baker, Tampa Bay Rays
Baker is 31 and pitching in a late-inning role for the Rays, who change closers like the rest of us change socks. But closers are falling apart all over the place, so Baker’s seven saves — three more than he had entering the season — make him our ninth-inning guy by default.

#Top #MLB #Surprises #Hitters #Pitchers #Exceeding #Expectations #Deadspin.com">Top MLB Surprises So Far: Hitters and Pitchers Exceeding Expectations | Deadspin.com

Feb 20, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Dalton Rushing against the Chicago Cubs during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

It’s officially May, which means it’s tougher to use the small sample size explanation for players who have gotten off to surprisingly fast starts.

Here’s our lineup and pitching staff comprised of pleasant surprises.

C: Dalton Rushing, Los Angeles Dodgers

As a former second-round pick of the Death Star Dodgers, Rushing is almost disqualified as a surprise. But seven homers in 46 at-bats — three more than he had in 142 at-bats as a rookie last year — as the backup to Will Smith, a potential Hall of Fame-bound catcher, supersedes his draft/prospect status.

1B: Ildemaro Vargas, Arizona Diamondbacks

Vargas, a career .249 hitter entering the season, has a hit in all 25 games in which he’s played — 15 games longer than his previous longest streak and tied with Joe Torre for the third-longest season-opening hitting streak of the last 90 years. Vargas has also seen time at six positions. He should be the captain of this team.

2B: Jeremiah Jackson, Baltimore Orioles

Jackson’s strikeout-to-walk ratio (22/2 in 96 plate appearances) may make a full breakout unlikely. But with five homers and a .748 OPS, the former second-round pick of the Los Angeles Angels as an 18-year-old in 2018 is doing a terrific job filling in for the injured Jackson Holliday.

3B: Amed Rosario, New York Yankees

Ryan McMahon is finally stirring at the plate and still offers plus-defense, so Rosario’s early burst (four homers, 13 RBIs and an .828 OPS) will probably go down as the highlight of his season. But he’s another example of Brian Cashman’s ability to find useful short-term solutions.

SS: Mauricio Dubon, Atlanta Braves

With two utilityman Gold Gloves on his mantle, Dubon is well-known for his defensive prowess at a variety of positions. But he’s provided some unexpected offense — his .743 OPS would be the highest of his career — while holding down short as Ha-Seong Kim recovers from a finger injury.

OF: Carlos Cortes (Not The Sacramento Athletics), Troy Johnston (Colorado Rockies), Leody Tavares (Baltimore Orioles)

Apr 20, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Baltimore Orioles center fielder Leody Taveras (30) celebrates with team mates after hitting a grand slam in the twelfth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Anyone hitting .400, even in just 65 at-bats, is worth noting — especially Cortes, a 28-year-old who hit .254 in 648 minor league games. The Rockies look like a functional big league team thanks to savvy pickups like Johnston, a waiver wire claim who is also 28 and hitting .315 in his first extended big league action, Tavares was a two-time top 100 prospect in the late 2010s who has forced his way into a near-everyday role with the Orioles thanks to an .820 OPS that is nearly 300 points higher than last year’s mark.

DH: Dominic Smith, Atlanta Braves

Smith has four homers in 64 at-bats — one fewer than he had in 204 at-bats last year — while drawing 18 starts at DH as Atlanta waits for Sean Murphy to return. His first round-tripper, a walk-off grand slam hit fewer than two weeks after Smith’s Mom died, might be the most moving homer of the season.

Rotation: Bryce Elder (Atlanta Braves), Davis Martin (Chicago White Sox), Landen Roupp (San Francisco Giants), Jose Soriano (Los Angeles Angels), Michael Soroka (Arizona Diamondbacks)

These five pitchers are 21-4 with a 1.90 ERA after going 35-47 with a 4.43 ERA last year. Each hurler is between 26 and 29 years old, so there’s plenty of reason to believe this year’s improvements — and in the case of Soroka, good health following a pair of seasons lost to Achilles injuries — are sustainable over the long haul.

Closer: Bryan Baker, Tampa Bay Rays

Baker is 31 and pitching in a late-inning role for the Rays, who change closers like the rest of us change socks. But closers are falling apart all over the place, so Baker’s seven saves — three more than he had entering the season — make him our ninth-inning guy by default.

#Top #MLB #Surprises #Hitters #Pitchers #Exceeding #Expectations #Deadspin.com

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner beat Arthur Fils 6-2, 6-4 to reach the Madrid Open final on Friday.

The Italian won his 22nd straight match to book a place in Sunday’s final, where he will aim to win a record fifth consecutive Masters 1000 title.

With his chief rival Carlos Alcaraz out injured, Sinner is the firm favourite to triumph at the Caja Magica and add to his recent titles at Indian Wells, Miami and Monte-Carlo.

The 24-year-old will face second seed Alexander Zverev or promising Belgian Alexander Blockx in the final.

Beating Sinner right now seems a near-impossible task, and the four-time Grand Slam champion started superbly against Barcelona Open winner Fils, who has impressed since returning from injury in February.

The Italian broke in the third game when Fils went long to lead 2-1.

Sinner broke again in the fifth game, with Fils, ranked 25th in the world, unable to cope with his power from the baseline.

ALSO READ: Japan’s Nishikori, who reached 2014 US Open final, to retire at end of season

The Frenchman has not yet reached a Masters 1000 final and, with Sinner in excellent form, it quickly became clear he would have to wait a little longer.

Sinner wrapped up the first set on serve after Fils found some resistance to prevent a third break.

The second set was far closer, with Fils growing in confidence.

The 21-year-old saved two break points to take a 3-2 lead and then put pressure on Sinner’s next service game, although the Italian produced two aces to hold.

Sinner broke with a down-the-line backhand winner at the end of an excellent rally to take a 5-4 lead, before serving out the match.

Published on May 01, 2026

#Sinner #reaches #Madrid #Open #final #straightsets #win #Arthur #Fils">

Sinner reaches Madrid Open final with straight-sets win over Arthur Fils World No. 1 Jannik Sinner beat Arthur Fils 6-2, 6-4 to reach the Madrid Open final on Friday.The Italian won his 22nd straight match to book a place in Sunday’s final, where he will aim to win a record fifth consecutive Masters 1000 title.With his chief rival Carlos Alcaraz out injured, Sinner is the firm favourite to triumph at the Caja Magica and add to his recent titles at Indian Wells, Miami and Monte-Carlo.The 24-year-old will face second seed Alexander Zverev or promising Belgian Alexander Blockx in the final.Beating Sinner right now seems a near-impossible task, and the four-time Grand Slam champion started superbly against Barcelona Open winner Fils, who has impressed since returning from injury in February.The Italian broke in the third game when Fils went long to lead 2-1.Sinner broke again in the fifth game, with Fils, ranked 25th in the world, unable to cope with his power from the baseline.ALSO READ: Japan’s Nishikori, who reached 2014 US Open final, to retire at end of seasonThe Frenchman has not yet reached a Masters 1000 final and, with Sinner in excellent form, it quickly became clear he would have to wait a little longer.Sinner wrapped up the first set on serve after Fils found some resistance to prevent a third break.The second set was far closer, with Fils growing in confidence.The 21-year-old saved two break points to take a 3-2 lead and then put pressure on Sinner’s next service game, although the Italian produced two aces to hold.Sinner broke with a down-the-line backhand winner at the end of an excellent rally to take a 5-4 lead, before serving out the match.Published on May 01, 2026 #Sinner #reaches #Madrid #Open #final #straightsets #win #Arthur #Fils

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World No. 1 Jannik Sinner beat Arthur Fils 6-2, 6-4 to reach the Madrid Open final on Friday.
The Italian won his 22nd straight match to book a place in Sunday’s final, where he will aim to win a record fifth consecutive Masters 1000 title.
With his chief rival Carlos Alcaraz out injured, Sinner is the firm favourite to triumph at the Caja Magica and add to his recent titles at Indian Wells, Miami and Monte-Carlo.
The 24-year-old will face second seed Alexander Zverev or promising Belgian Alexander Blockx in the final.
Beating Sinner right now seems a near-impossible task, and the four-time Grand Slam champion started superbly against Barcelona Open winner Fils, who has impressed since returning from injury in February.
The Italian broke in the third game when Fils went long to lead 2-1.
Sinner broke again in the fifth game, with Fils, ranked 25th in the world, unable to cope with his power from the baseline.
ALSO READ: Japan’s Nishikori, who reached 2014 US Open final, to retire at end of season
The Frenchman has not yet reached a Masters 1000 final and, with Sinner in excellent form, it quickly became clear he would have to wait a little longer.
Sinner wrapped up the first set on serve after Fils found some resistance to prevent a third break.
The second set was far closer, with Fils growing in confidence.
The 21-year-old saved two break points to take a 3-2 lead and then put pressure on Sinner’s next service game, although the Italian produced two aces to hold.
Sinner broke with a down-the-line backhand winner at the end of an excellent rally to take a 5-4 lead, before serving out the match.
Published on May 01, 2026

#Sinner #reaches #Madrid #Open #final #straightsets #win #Arthur #Fils">Sinner reaches Madrid Open final with straight-sets win over Arthur Fils

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner beat Arthur Fils 6-2, 6-4 to reach the Madrid Open final on Friday.

The Italian won his 22nd straight match to book a place in Sunday’s final, where he will aim to win a record fifth consecutive Masters 1000 title.

With his chief rival Carlos Alcaraz out injured, Sinner is the firm favourite to triumph at the Caja Magica and add to his recent titles at Indian Wells, Miami and Monte-Carlo.

The 24-year-old will face second seed Alexander Zverev or promising Belgian Alexander Blockx in the final.

The Italian broke in the third game when Fils went long to lead 2-1.

Sinner broke again in the fifth game, with Fils, ranked 25th in the world, unable to cope with his power from the baseline.

ALSO READ: Japan’s Nishikori, who reached 2014 US Open final, to retire at end of season

The Frenchman has not yet reached a Masters 1000 final and, with Sinner in excellent form, it quickly became clear he would have to wait a little longer.

Sinner wrapped up the first set on serve after Fils found some resistance to prevent a third break.

The second set was far closer, with Fils growing in confidence.

The 21-year-old saved two break points to take a 3-2 lead and then put pressure on Sinner’s next service game, although the Italian produced two aces to hold.

Sinner broke with a down-the-line backhand winner at the end of an excellent rally to take a 5-4 lead, before serving out the match.

Published on May 01, 2026

#Sinner #reaches #Madrid #Open #final #straightsets #win #Arthur #Fils

Related Posts

C: Dalton Rushing, Los Angeles Dodgers

1B: Ildemaro Vargas, Arizona Diamondbacks

2B: Jeremiah Jackson, Baltimore Orioles

3B: Amed Rosario, New York Yankees

SS: Mauricio Dubon, Atlanta Braves

OF: Carlos Cortes (Not The Sacramento Athletics), Troy Johnston (Colorado Rockies), Leody Tavares (Baltimore Orioles)

DH: Dominic Smith, Atlanta Braves

Rotation: Bryce Elder (Atlanta Braves), Davis Martin (Chicago White Sox), Landen Roupp (San Francisco Giants), Jose Soriano (Los Angeles Angels), Michael Soroka (Arizona Diamondbacks)

Closer: Bryan Baker, Tampa Bay Rays

C: Dalton Rushing, Los Angeles Dodgers

1B: Ildemaro Vargas, Arizona Diamondbacks

2B: Jeremiah Jackson, Baltimore Orioles

3B: Amed Rosario, New York Yankees

SS: Mauricio Dubon, Atlanta Braves

OF: Carlos Cortes (Not The Sacramento Athletics), Troy Johnston (Colorado Rockies), Leody Tavares (Baltimore Orioles)

DH: Dominic Smith, Atlanta Braves

Rotation: Bryce Elder (Atlanta Braves), Davis Martin (Chicago White Sox), Landen Roupp (San Francisco Giants), Jose Soriano (Los Angeles Angels), Michael Soroka (Arizona Diamondbacks)

Closer: Bryan Baker, Tampa Bay Rays

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