Deadspin | Slumping Ducks determined to ‘figure it out’ vs. Predators Apr 4, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Anaheim Ducks center Mikael Granlund (64) talks with ref during the second period against the Calgary Flames at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Corinne Votaw-Imagn Images A five-game losing skid knocked the Anaheim Ducks from top spot in the Pacific Division and left them looking for answers as they prepare to host the Nashville Predators on Tuesday. The Ducks (41-31-5, 87 points) were in the driver’s seat before a swoon that was extended with a 5-3 loss on Saturday to the Calgary Flames. Instead of holding the upper hand in the final sprint to a division title, the Ducks sit second in the division, tied with the Edmonton Oilers (39-29-9, 87 points) but trailing due to the tiebreaker. Anaheim also is one point ahead of the third-place Vegas Golden Knights (35-26-16, 87 points). All three clubs have five games remaining in the regular season. “We’ve got to figure it out now,” Ducks forward Leo Carlsson said of his team’s situation. “I know that we’re a good team, too. Just got to figure it out.” The Ducks are in a strong position to clinch a berth in the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time in eight years, and their solid season has them looking for more. But instead of punching their ticket and pulling away in the battle for a division title, they have been hindered by porous defensive play at the wrong time of the season. Anaheim has surrendered 24 goals in its five-game skid. Against the Flames, the Ducks were victimized by a handful of breakaway chances allowed. “We’re missing a lot of different guys, that not necessarily are the scorers, but they were guys that were playing a real solid team game,” coach Joel Quenneville said. “That’s one thing we’ve got to tighten up, no matter who’s in the lineup.” The Ducks may receive one player back. Defenseman Pavel Mintyukov (lower body), who has missed four of the past five games due to injury, practiced on Monday. The Predators arrive in Anaheim also after being knocked out of a desired position in the Western Conference. . Nashville (36-31-10, 82 points) suffered a 3-2 shootout loss at the hands of the Los Angeles Kings (32-26-19, 83 points) on Monday, flipping the teams’ positions in the wild-card race with five games left. The Kings now hold the second wild card, with the Predators on the outside. Lurking one point back are the San Jose Sharks (37-32-7, 81 points), who have a game in hand with six games remaining. The only thing that is certain is that Anaheim and Nashville both need to bank as many points as possible. “It’s going to be another fun game,” Nashville coach Andrew Brunette told the team’s website. “They’re probably pretty angry (with where) they’re at the last few games. It will be another playoff-type game, and I expect our group to be ready to go.” Predators captain Roman Josi said the Ducks are a challenge. “Anaheim is obviously one of those young, really fast teams and having a great season,” he said. “Every game is a playoff game. They’re fighting for their spot in their standings. We’re fighting for a playoff spot.” Nashville forward Steven Stamkos scored for a third consecutive game and eight times in nine outings, which gives him 39 on the season. The Ducks have won four straight meetings and six of the past seven clashes against the Predators. The teams meet again in Anaheim on April 16, the regular-season finale for both. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Slumping #Ducks #determined #figure #Predators

Deadspin | Reynaldo Lopez bids to change Braves’ fortunes vs. Angels Mar 28, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Reynaldo Lopez (40) throws against the Kansas City Royals in the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Mady Mertens-Imagn Images After a rare clunker from Chris Sale, the Atlanta Braves will turn to Reynaldo Lopez to try to snap the team’s three-game losing streak on Tuesday night against the Los Angeles Angels in Anaheim, Calif. Lopez (1-0, 1.64 ERA) struggled with velocity during spring training after missing most of the 2025 season with a shoulder injury. The right-hander, however, has eased any concerns about the shoulder in his first two starts, allowing just two earned runs and seven hits in 11 innings in his team’s wins over Kansas City and Arizona. Lopez’s fastball was clocked in the 87-88 mph range in spring training, but he has increased that velocity by almost 10 mph in the regular season. The 2024 All-Star told MLB.com one of the reasons for the big difference was that he was working through some mechanical issues during the spring. “When you’re trying to fix something, you don’t throw as hard. That’s how you get hurt,” Lopez said. “It was rather simple. I think it was the left shoulder and the left hip just opening up a little early. So my focal point was just try and stay closed.” So far, so good. Lopez will face an Angels team that has a three-game winning streak and has had his number in the past. Lopez is 0-4 with a 5.79 ERA in 10 career appearances, including four starts, against Los Angeles. The Angels recorded a 6-2 win in Monday’s series opener, chasing an unusually wild Sale in the fifth inning. Zach Neto hit Sale’s first pitch of the game for a home run, and Jo Adell clubbed a two-run shot in the fifth to give Los Angeles a 6-1 lead. The Angels also scored three times in the fourth inning, parlaying two walks, two hit batsmen and two singles into three runs. Sale walked Logan O’Hoppe with the bases loaded to force in one run and also hit Yoan Moncada to force in another. That was more than enough for Los Angeles starter Jose Soriano, who struck out 10 while allowing one run on three hits over eight innings in another dominant performance. “Yeah, that was pretty insane,” Angels manager Kurt Suzuki said. “That’s a great lineup over there. They’re not punching out this year, and for Sori to come in and do that, it just speaks about the stuff and the execution.” “It’s some the best stuff you’ll see in this league,” Braves manager Walt Weiss said. “You hate giving credit to opposing pitchers, but sometimes you have to. That was big-time stuff right there.” Left-hander Yusei Kikuchi (0-1, 6.52 ERA), who has a 5.59 ERA without a decision in two career starts against Atlanta, will start on Tuesday for the Angels. Kikuchi comes in off a 6-2 loss to the Cubs at Wrigley Field last Wednesday, when he allowed five earned runs on six hits and four walks in 5 1/3 innings. Kikuchi, who also picked up a no-decision in a 6-2 win at Houston on March 27, will make his first home start of the season. The 2025 All-Star was much more effective at Anaheim Stadium last season, compiling a 6-3 record and 2.93 ERA in 16 starts compared with a 1-8 record and 5.04 ERA in 17 road starts. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Reynaldo #Lopez #bids #change #Braves #fortunes #Angels

#Deadspin #Reynaldo #Lopez #bids #change #Braves #fortunes #Angels">

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Mar 28, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Reynaldo Lopez (40) throws against the Kansas City Royals in the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Mady Mertens-Imagn Images

After a rare clunker from Chris Sale, the Atlanta Braves will turn to Reynaldo Lopez to try to snap the team’s three-game losing streak on Tuesday night against the Los Angeles Angels in Anaheim, Calif.

Lopez (1-0, 1.64 ERA) struggled with velocity during spring training after missing most of the 2025 season with a shoulder injury. The right-hander, however, has eased any concerns about the shoulder in his first two starts, allowing just two earned runs and seven hits in 11 innings in his team’s wins over Kansas City and Arizona.

Lopez’s fastball was clocked in the 87-88 mph range in spring training, but he has increased that velocity by almost 10 mph in the regular season. The 2024 All-Star told MLB.com one of the reasons for the big difference was that he was working through some mechanical issues during the spring.

“When you’re trying to fix something, you don’t throw as hard. That’s how you get hurt,” Lopez said. “It was rather simple. I think it was the left shoulder and the left hip just opening up a little early. So my focal point was just try and stay closed.”

So far, so good.

Lopez will face an Angels team that has a three-game winning streak and has had his number in the past. Lopez is 0-4 with a 5.79 ERA in 10 career appearances, including four starts, against Los Angeles.

The Angels recorded a 6-2 win in Monday’s series opener, chasing an unusually wild Sale in the fifth inning.

Zach Neto hit Sale’s first pitch of the game for a home run, and Jo Adell clubbed a two-run shot in the fifth to give Los Angeles a 6-1 lead. The Angels also scored three times in the fourth inning, parlaying two walks, two hit batsmen and two singles into three runs. Sale walked Logan O’Hoppe with the bases loaded to force in one run and also hit Yoan Moncada to force in another.

That was more than enough for Los Angeles starter Jose Soriano, who struck out 10 while allowing one run on three hits over eight innings in another dominant performance.

“Yeah, that was pretty insane,” Angels manager Kurt Suzuki said. “That’s a great lineup over there. They’re not punching out this year, and for Sori to come in and do that, it just speaks about the stuff and the execution.”

“It’s some the best stuff you’ll see in this league,” Braves manager Walt Weiss said. “You hate giving credit to opposing pitchers, but sometimes you have to. That was big-time stuff right there.”

Left-hander Yusei Kikuchi (0-1, 6.52 ERA), who has a 5.59 ERA without a decision in two career starts against Atlanta, will start on Tuesday for the Angels.

Kikuchi comes in off a 6-2 loss to the Cubs at Wrigley Field last Wednesday, when he allowed five earned runs on six hits and four walks in 5 1/3 innings.

Kikuchi, who also picked up a no-decision in a 6-2 win at Houston on March 27, will make his first home start of the season. The 2025 All-Star was much more effective at Anaheim Stadium last season, compiling a 6-3 record and 2.93 ERA in 16 starts compared with a 1-8 record and 5.04 ERA in 17 road starts.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Reynaldo #Lopez #bids #change #Braves #fortunes #Angels">Deadspin | Reynaldo Lopez bids to change Braves’ fortunes vs. Angels

Mar 28, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Reynaldo Lopez (40) throws against the Kansas City Royals in the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Mady Mertens-Imagn Images

After a rare clunker from Chris Sale, the Atlanta Braves will turn to Reynaldo Lopez to try to snap the team’s three-game losing streak on Tuesday night against the Los Angeles Angels in Anaheim, Calif.

Lopez (1-0, 1.64 ERA) struggled with velocity during spring training after missing most of the 2025 season with a shoulder injury. The right-hander, however, has eased any concerns about the shoulder in his first two starts, allowing just two earned runs and seven hits in 11 innings in his team’s wins over Kansas City and Arizona.

Lopez’s fastball was clocked in the 87-88 mph range in spring training, but he has increased that velocity by almost 10 mph in the regular season. The 2024 All-Star told MLB.com one of the reasons for the big difference was that he was working through some mechanical issues during the spring.

“When you’re trying to fix something, you don’t throw as hard. That’s how you get hurt,” Lopez said. “It was rather simple. I think it was the left shoulder and the left hip just opening up a little early. So my focal point was just try and stay closed.”

So far, so good.

Lopez will face an Angels team that has a three-game winning streak and has had his number in the past. Lopez is 0-4 with a 5.79 ERA in 10 career appearances, including four starts, against Los Angeles.

The Angels recorded a 6-2 win in Monday’s series opener, chasing an unusually wild Sale in the fifth inning.

Zach Neto hit Sale’s first pitch of the game for a home run, and Jo Adell clubbed a two-run shot in the fifth to give Los Angeles a 6-1 lead. The Angels also scored three times in the fourth inning, parlaying two walks, two hit batsmen and two singles into three runs. Sale walked Logan O’Hoppe with the bases loaded to force in one run and also hit Yoan Moncada to force in another.

That was more than enough for Los Angeles starter Jose Soriano, who struck out 10 while allowing one run on three hits over eight innings in another dominant performance.

“Yeah, that was pretty insane,” Angels manager Kurt Suzuki said. “That’s a great lineup over there. They’re not punching out this year, and for Sori to come in and do that, it just speaks about the stuff and the execution.”

“It’s some the best stuff you’ll see in this league,” Braves manager Walt Weiss said. “You hate giving credit to opposing pitchers, but sometimes you have to. That was big-time stuff right there.”

Left-hander Yusei Kikuchi (0-1, 6.52 ERA), who has a 5.59 ERA without a decision in two career starts against Atlanta, will start on Tuesday for the Angels.

Kikuchi comes in off a 6-2 loss to the Cubs at Wrigley Field last Wednesday, when he allowed five earned runs on six hits and four walks in 5 1/3 innings.

Kikuchi, who also picked up a no-decision in a 6-2 win at Houston on March 27, will make his first home start of the season. The 2025 All-Star was much more effective at Anaheim Stadium last season, compiling a 6-3 record and 2.93 ERA in 16 starts compared with a 1-8 record and 5.04 ERA in 17 road starts.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Reynaldo #Lopez #bids #change #Braves #fortunes #Angels

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