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IPL 2026: In Kohli’s backyard, RCB holds all the aces against host DC Delhi Capitals’ (DC) performance against Punjab Kings on Saturday in the Indian Premier League (IPL) had the fluctuations of a volatile stock market.So wildly did it oscillate from the sublime to the ridiculous, as an exemplary batting effort to amass 264 for two — DC’s highest total in IPL history — was followed by a horror show with the ball and in the field. While the bowling appeared rudderless on a pitch that played better than expected, the malaise of dropped catches spread like wildfire, allowing Shreyas Iyer and Prabhsimran Singh to make merry with half-centuries.Dispiriting as that was, Axar Patel’s men have little time to contemplate, given that they run into another formidable opponent in Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Monday.READ | Krunal changing the landscape of finger-spin in IPL: RCB’s KarthikBesides Royal Challengers oozing with confidence after five wins from seven matches, Capitals’ task is compounded by the likelihood of the defending champion enjoying a lion’s share of the support. Virat Kohli, the one constant in RCB’s ever-evolving set-up, may no longer be living here, but residents of the national capital continue to exhibit fierce loyalty to a superstar whose formative years can be traced to the by-lanes of west Delhi.More importantly, the 37-year-old is showing no sign of slowing down in white-ball cricket. Despite prolonged breaks from competitive cricket following his Test retirement last year, his impact for the southern franchise hasn’t dimmed in the slightest — 328 runs in seven innings at a strike rate of 163.18 is proof. Delhi Capitals’ disappointing outing against Punjab was summed up by Karun Nair’s two drop catches of Shreyas Iyer. | Photo Credit: RV MOORTHY Delhi Capitals’ disappointing outing against Punjab was summed up by Karun Nair’s two drop catches of Shreyas Iyer. | Photo Credit: RV MOORTHY The former skipper will be given company by Jacob Bethell at the top of the order. With Phil Salt yet to recover from injury, Bethell, who was drafted in for the last game, will get another chance to step up.Other than that, RCB’s combination looks well-settled. The same cannot be said of Capitals, who are in desperate need of a win to shrug off Saturday’s erratic display.Published on Apr 26, 2026 #IPL #Kohlis #backyard #RCB #holds #aces #host

IPL 2026: In Kohli’s backyard, RCB holds all the aces against host DC

Delhi Capitals’ (DC) performance against Punjab Kings on Saturday in the Indian Premier League (IPL) had the fluctuations of a volatile stock market.

So wildly did it oscillate from the sublime to the ridiculous, as an exemplary batting effort to amass 264 for two — DC’s highest total in IPL history — was followed by a horror show with the ball and in the field. While the bowling appeared rudderless on a pitch that played better than expected, the malaise of dropped catches spread like wildfire, allowing Shreyas Iyer and Prabhsimran Singh to make merry with half-centuries.

Dispiriting as that was, Axar Patel’s men have little time to contemplate, given that they run into another formidable opponent in Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Monday.

READ | Krunal changing the landscape of finger-spin in IPL: RCB’s Karthik

Besides Royal Challengers oozing with confidence after five wins from seven matches, Capitals’ task is compounded by the likelihood of the defending champion enjoying a lion’s share of the support. Virat Kohli, the one constant in RCB’s ever-evolving set-up, may no longer be living here, but residents of the national capital continue to exhibit fierce loyalty to a superstar whose formative years can be traced to the by-lanes of west Delhi.

More importantly, the 37-year-old is showing no sign of slowing down in white-ball cricket. Despite prolonged breaks from competitive cricket following his Test retirement last year, his impact for the southern franchise hasn’t dimmed in the slightest — 328 runs in seven innings at a strike rate of 163.18 is proof.

IPL 2026: In Kohli’s backyard, RCB holds all the aces against host DC Delhi Capitals’ (DC) performance against Punjab Kings on Saturday in the Indian Premier League (IPL) had the fluctuations of a volatile stock market.So wildly did it oscillate from the sublime to the ridiculous, as an exemplary batting effort to amass 264 for two — DC’s highest total in IPL history — was followed by a horror show with the ball and in the field. While the bowling appeared rudderless on a pitch that played better than expected, the malaise of dropped catches spread like wildfire, allowing Shreyas Iyer and Prabhsimran Singh to make merry with half-centuries.Dispiriting as that was, Axar Patel’s men have little time to contemplate, given that they run into another formidable opponent in Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Monday.READ | Krunal changing the landscape of finger-spin in IPL: RCB’s KarthikBesides Royal Challengers oozing with confidence after five wins from seven matches, Capitals’ task is compounded by the likelihood of the defending champion enjoying a lion’s share of the support. Virat Kohli, the one constant in RCB’s ever-evolving set-up, may no longer be living here, but residents of the national capital continue to exhibit fierce loyalty to a superstar whose formative years can be traced to the by-lanes of west Delhi.More importantly, the 37-year-old is showing no sign of slowing down in white-ball cricket. Despite prolonged breaks from competitive cricket following his Test retirement last year, his impact for the southern franchise hasn’t dimmed in the slightest — 328 runs in seven innings at a strike rate of 163.18 is proof. Delhi Capitals’ disappointing outing against Punjab was summed up by Karun Nair’s two drop catches of Shreyas Iyer. | Photo Credit: RV MOORTHY Delhi Capitals’ disappointing outing against Punjab was summed up by Karun Nair’s two drop catches of Shreyas Iyer. | Photo Credit: RV MOORTHY The former skipper will be given company by Jacob Bethell at the top of the order. With Phil Salt yet to recover from injury, Bethell, who was drafted in for the last game, will get another chance to step up.Other than that, RCB’s combination looks well-settled. The same cannot be said of Capitals, who are in desperate need of a win to shrug off Saturday’s erratic display.Published on Apr 26, 2026 #IPL #Kohlis #backyard #RCB #holds #aces #host

Delhi Capitals’ disappointing outing against Punjab was summed up by Karun Nair’s two drop catches of Shreyas Iyer. | Photo Credit: RV MOORTHY

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Delhi Capitals’ disappointing outing against Punjab was summed up by Karun Nair’s two drop catches of Shreyas Iyer. | Photo Credit: RV MOORTHY

The former skipper will be given company by Jacob Bethell at the top of the order. With Phil Salt yet to recover from injury, Bethell, who was drafted in for the last game, will get another chance to step up.

Other than that, RCB’s combination looks well-settled. The same cannot be said of Capitals, who are in desperate need of a win to shrug off Saturday’s erratic display.

Published on Apr 26, 2026

#IPL #Kohlis #backyard #RCB #holds #aces #host

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Delhi Capitals’ (DC) performance against Punjab Kings on Saturday in the Indian Premier League (IPL) had the fluctuations of a volatile stock market.

So wildly did it oscillate from the sublime to the ridiculous, as an exemplary batting effort to amass 264 for two — DC’s highest total in IPL history — was followed by a horror show with the ball and in the field. While the bowling appeared rudderless on a pitch that played better than expected, the malaise of dropped catches spread like wildfire, allowing Shreyas Iyer and Prabhsimran Singh to make merry with half-centuries.

Dispiriting as that was, Axar Patel’s men have little time to contemplate, given that they run into another formidable opponent in Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Monday.

READ | Krunal changing the landscape of finger-spin in IPL: RCB’s Karthik

Besides Royal Challengers oozing with confidence after five wins from seven matches, Capitals’ task is compounded by the likelihood of the defending champion enjoying a lion’s share of the support. Virat Kohli, the one constant in RCB’s ever-evolving set-up, may no longer be living here, but residents of the national capital continue to exhibit fierce loyalty to a superstar whose formative years can be traced to the by-lanes of west Delhi.

More importantly, the 37-year-old is showing no sign of slowing down in white-ball cricket. Despite prolonged breaks from competitive cricket following his Test retirement last year, his impact for the southern franchise hasn’t dimmed in the slightest — 328 runs in seven innings at a strike rate of 163.18 is proof.

Delhi Capitals’ disappointing outing against Punjab was summed up by Karun Nair’s two drop catches of Shreyas Iyer.
| Photo Credit:
RV MOORTHY

lightbox-info

Delhi Capitals’ disappointing outing against Punjab was summed up by Karun Nair’s two drop catches of Shreyas Iyer.
| Photo Credit:
RV MOORTHY

The former skipper will be given company by Jacob Bethell at the top of the order. With Phil Salt yet to recover from injury, Bethell, who was drafted in for the last game, will get another chance to step up.

Other than that, RCB’s combination looks well-settled. The same cannot be said of Capitals, who are in desperate need of a win to shrug off Saturday’s erratic display.

Published on Apr 26, 2026

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Deadspin | Josh Jung, Rangers shoot for series win vs. Athletics <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28781572.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28781572.jpg" alt="MLB: Pittsburgh Pirates at Texas Rangers" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 21, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers third baseman Josh Jung (6) throws out Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Nick Yorke (not pictured) at first base during the ninth inning at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Josh Jung is having an April to remember for the Texas Rangers, who will face the Athletics in the rubber match of a three-game series on Sunday afternoon in Arlington, Texas.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Jung continued his hot streak with a go-ahead, two-run homer in the sixth inning of Saturday’s 4-3 victory. The win moved Texas one game over .500 and into a tie for first place in the American League West with the Athletics.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>After going 0-for-17 in March, Jung is batting .371 with four homers and 14 RBIs in 20 April games. He said after Saturday’s contest that he remains focused on improving his approach at the plate.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>“I think I could (improve) every night,” Jung said. “There’s a couple of at-bats I wish I could have back. But that (homer) was in a big spot. Over this little stretch I’ve been on, I’ve been able to execute. Every day is a battle to get in there and execute. You get four or five at-bats, and how many can you win.”</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Sunday’s pitching matchup will feature a pair of right-handers as the Rangers’ Kumar Rocker (1-1, 3.48 ERA) faces J.T. Ginn (0-0, 3.74).</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>Rocker retired 13 consecutive hitters at one point and allowed one run across six innings in a 5-1 home win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>“One of the best parts was, after the first inning, he put up five zeros,” Texas manager Skip Schumaker said. “To keep us in the game and then provide the innings after that, and just kind of shut the momentum down on their side, was a huge step for him.”</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>Rocker owns a 19-to-8 strikeout-to-walk ratio in four starts this season covering 20 2/3 innings.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-9"> <p>Shea Langeliers is 3-for-6 against Rocker, who is 0-2 with an 8.18 ERA in three career starts vs. the Athletics.</p> </section> <section id="section-10"> <p>Ginn allowed three runs over 5 1/3 innings in a no-decision against the Seattle Mariners on Monday. The A’s won 6-4.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>“It was a solid outing for J.T.,” Athletics manager Mark Kotsay said. “Any time a young guy goes out and gives up some (early) contact, it’s easy for things to kind of unwind. But I was impressed by how he finished. His sinker had a lot of life.”</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>Jung has two homers in eight at-bats against Ginn, who is 1-1 with a 4.62 ERA in five career starts vs. Texas.</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>The Athletics are looking to bounce back after losing Saturday despite out-hitting the Rangers 7-5.</p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>“We came out and took some great at-bats,” Kotsay said. “Sometimes you’ve got to tip your cap to the other starter, who gave them five good innings and kept us at three runs. Offensively, we just didn’t add onto the lead and give ourselves any margin for error.”</p> </section><section id="section-15"> <p>Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz tied a franchise record by drawing a walk in his 15th consecutive game.</p> </section><section id="section-16"> <p>Kotsay is monitoring the status of designated hitter Brent Rooker, who has not played since April 9 because of a right oblique strain and is nearing a return to the lineup. Kotsay said Rooker might not need a rehab assignment and could rejoin the team in the next few days.</p> </section><section id="section-17"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Josh #Jung #Rangers #shoot #series #win #Athletics

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Red Sox Fire Alex Cora: What It Means for Boston’s Future | Deadspin.com <div id="section-1"> <p>One blowout victory wasn’t going to fix all of the problems the Boston Red Sox were having, though it still could serve as a springboard to better times after <a href="https://deadspin.com/mlb-playoff-teams-off-to-shocking-slow-starts-in-2026/" target="_blank">they started the season</a> 10-17.</p><p>On the other hand, maybe “springboard” is a poor choice of words, considering the Red Sox front office used a catapult Saturday on manager Alex Cora and several of his coaches after a 17-1 victory against the Baltimore Orioles.</p><p>It certainly was funny timing for the front office to can the skipper, given the offense finally breaking out after a dreadful start, not to mention a strong performance by ace left-hander Garrett Crochet, who also had begun inconsistently. Of all days to do it. Sportsradar reported that it was the first time since 1887 that an <a href="https://deadspin.com/which-mlb-manager-will-be-fired-first-four-managers-on-the-hot-seat-already/" target="_blank">MLB team fired the manager</a> the same day their team won by at least 16 runs. Hey, maybe next time don’t score so much. It only draws attention.</p><p>But the Red Sox must have been thinking about changing managers for a while. Cora, who led the Red Sox to a World Series championship as a rookie manager in 2018, was fired after failing to reproduce his initial success. Boston went as far as Game 6 of the ALCS in 2021, but never finished higher than second place in the AL East after Cora’s first season. The Red Sox currently are working on their third last-place finish since since 2022.</p><p>Cora is often regarded as one of the best managers in the league when anyone takes a poll of players. Some media types have been trying to land Cora his next job, with the Philadelphia Phillies or New York Mets. Still, his reputation took a hit ever since he sat out the 2020 season as punishment for his involvement in the Houston Astros cheating scandal, when he was bench coach.</p><p>Cora bears some responsibility for the Red Sox underachieving, as any manager would, though the organization’s dysfunction reaches well beyond the dugout. Craig Breslow has been the general manager <a href="https://www.masslive.com/redsox/2026/04/former-red-sox-outfielder-says-team-should-have-fired-craig-breslow.html" target="_blank">since October 2023</a>, meaning he’s responsible for a .500 season in 2024, the 89 wins and AL Wild Card berth in ’25, and what’s happened so far this season. Definitely a mixed bag.</p><p>But the same goes for owner John Henry, who has been in charge for the organization’s entire golden era, which includes titles in 2004, 2007, 2013, and ’18. Those trophies alone should cement him as a local hero, but somehow they don’t. Henry has been criticized for appearing to lose interest in the Red Sox occasionally, preferring instead to dabble in Premier League Soccer, the NHL, NASCAR, music halls and whatever else that isn’t baseball. Many fans would prefer that he sell the baseball team.</p><p>Red Sox payroll the past five seasons averages 12th or 13th in MLB. That’s in contrast to them having 17 payrolls in the top five or better in the 20 seasons before that. Henry definitely doesn’t put into the Red Sox what he used to, and it shows in the standings. No less damning, it just seems like few organizations do less with more than the Red Sox.</p><p>Cora told the media he feels “happy” now that the ax has fallen, which feeds into outsider perceptions of organizational dysfunction being the bigger issue. It is possible the Red Sox golden era has ended, which means even the best managerial candidates will find themselves at the mercy of how focused ownership can stay on baseball.</p> </div> #Red #Sox #Fire #Alex #Cora #Means #Bostons #Future #Deadspin.com

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Deadspin | Dodgers, Cubs close series with potential pitching duel Apr 13, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Justin Wrobleski (70) throws a pitch against the New York Mets during the first inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images A resurgent Los Angeles Dodgers’ offense will take on the visiting Chicago Cubs in the rubber match of a three-game series on Sunday afternoon. The Dodgers snapped the Cubs’ 10-game winning streak with a 12-4 win on Saturday night. Teoscar Hernandez was 2-for-3 with two runs and two RBIs as Los Angeles racked up 14 hits. Hitless in his previous three games, Hernandez lined a two-RBI single up the middle in a six-run fourth inning. “I haven’t been on base for the last couple games, but it is OK, everyone goes through that,” he said. “Hopefully I can keep up doing that and be consistent with it.” Shohei Ohtani also snapped an 0-for-12 skid over his previous three games when he led off the game with an opposite-field single. Andy Pages, Hyeseong Kim and Alex Freeland posted two-hit games as the Dodgers scored in double digits for a major league-leading fifth time this season. The Cubs have scored in double figures in four games. Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts said Max Muncy will be out on Sunday. The Dodgers third baseman felt sick yet still hit his ninth home run of the season, a two-run shot in the third. “Muncy wasn’t feeling well,” Roberts said. “We talked and said to him, give us what you got, three at-bats. That’s what we did and felt good about getting him three at-bats. Max will be down tomorrow and be back in there on Monday.” Left-hander Justin Wrobleski (3-0, 1.88 ERA) is slated to start for the Dodgers. He covered seven innings in his most recent start and earned the decision in a 12-3 road win over the Colorado Rockies on Monday, yielding one run on eight hits with three strikeouts. In his past three starts — all wins– he has allowed only two runs in a combined 20 innings. He never has faced the Cubs. “At the end of the day I am going out there and doing the same thing every time,” Wrobleski said. “That’s trying to fill the zone, create contact and see what happens.” Chicago’s scheduled starter is Shota Imanaga (2-1, 2.17), who earned the win when he surrendered one run on three hits over seven innings in his last start, a 7-4 home win against the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday. The lefty is 1-0 with a 1.64 ERA on the road this season. In four career starts against Los Angeles, Imanaga has a 1-0 record with a 3.48 ERA. “I come to the field every day, whether it’s a start day or not, with the same responsibility,” Imanaga said. “I know if someone gets injured I can help cover them. We have a very tight circle with full support.” He has a stellar defense in the field — the Cubs are ranked No. 1 on FanGraphs with 17 defensive runs saved — and knows he can pitch to contact. “It helps with my confidence as well, knowing that behind me, the Cubs’ defense is the best of all 30 teams,” Imanaga said. “If I can control and avoid damage and extra-base hits, I know they are going to get outs. So it’s a big confidence booster.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Dodgers #Cubs #close #series #potential #pitching #duelApr 13, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Justin Wrobleski (70) throws a pitch against the New York Mets during the first inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

A resurgent Los Angeles Dodgers’ offense will take on the visiting Chicago Cubs in the rubber match of a three-game series on Sunday afternoon.

The Dodgers snapped the Cubs’ 10-game winning streak with a 12-4 win on Saturday night.

Teoscar Hernandez was 2-for-3 with two runs and two RBIs as Los Angeles racked up 14 hits. Hitless in his previous three games, Hernandez lined a two-RBI single up the middle in a six-run fourth inning.

“I haven’t been on base for the last couple games, but it is OK, everyone goes through that,” he said. “Hopefully I can keep up doing that and be consistent with it.”

Shohei Ohtani also snapped an 0-for-12 skid over his previous three games when he led off the game with an opposite-field single.

Andy Pages, Hyeseong Kim and Alex Freeland posted two-hit games as the Dodgers scored in double digits for a major league-leading fifth time this season. The Cubs have scored in double figures in four games.

Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts said Max Muncy will be out on Sunday. The Dodgers third baseman felt sick yet still hit his ninth home run of the season, a two-run shot in the third.

“Muncy wasn’t feeling well,” Roberts said. “We talked and said to him, give us what you got, three at-bats. That’s what we did and felt good about getting him three at-bats. Max will be down tomorrow and be back in there on Monday.”


Left-hander Justin Wrobleski (3-0, 1.88 ERA) is slated to start for the Dodgers. He covered seven innings in his most recent start and earned the decision in a 12-3 road win over the Colorado Rockies on Monday, yielding one run on eight hits with three strikeouts.

In his past three starts — all wins– he has allowed only two runs in a combined 20 innings. He never has faced the Cubs.

“At the end of the day I am going out there and doing the same thing every time,” Wrobleski said. “That’s trying to fill the zone, create contact and see what happens.”

Chicago’s scheduled starter is Shota Imanaga (2-1, 2.17), who earned the win when he surrendered one run on three hits over seven innings in his last start, a 7-4 home win against the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday.

The lefty is 1-0 with a 1.64 ERA on the road this season. In four career starts against Los Angeles, Imanaga has a 1-0 record with a 3.48 ERA.

“I come to the field every day, whether it’s a start day or not, with the same responsibility,” Imanaga said. “I know if someone gets injured I can help cover them. We have a very tight circle with full support.”

He has a stellar defense in the field — the Cubs are ranked No. 1 on FanGraphs with 17 defensive runs saved — and knows he can pitch to contact.

“It helps with my confidence as well, knowing that behind me, the Cubs’ defense is the best of all 30 teams,” Imanaga said. “If I can control and avoid damage and extra-base hits, I know they are going to get outs. So it’s a big confidence booster.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Dodgers #Cubs #close #series #potential #pitching #duel">Deadspin | Dodgers, Cubs close series with potential pitching duel Apr 13, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Justin Wrobleski (70) throws a pitch against the New York Mets during the first inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images A resurgent Los Angeles Dodgers’ offense will take on the visiting Chicago Cubs in the rubber match of a three-game series on Sunday afternoon. The Dodgers snapped the Cubs’ 10-game winning streak with a 12-4 win on Saturday night. Teoscar Hernandez was 2-for-3 with two runs and two RBIs as Los Angeles racked up 14 hits. Hitless in his previous three games, Hernandez lined a two-RBI single up the middle in a six-run fourth inning. “I haven’t been on base for the last couple games, but it is OK, everyone goes through that,” he said. “Hopefully I can keep up doing that and be consistent with it.” Shohei Ohtani also snapped an 0-for-12 skid over his previous three games when he led off the game with an opposite-field single. Andy Pages, Hyeseong Kim and Alex Freeland posted two-hit games as the Dodgers scored in double digits for a major league-leading fifth time this season. The Cubs have scored in double figures in four games. Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts said Max Muncy will be out on Sunday. The Dodgers third baseman felt sick yet still hit his ninth home run of the season, a two-run shot in the third. “Muncy wasn’t feeling well,” Roberts said. “We talked and said to him, give us what you got, three at-bats. That’s what we did and felt good about getting him three at-bats. Max will be down tomorrow and be back in there on Monday.” Left-hander Justin Wrobleski (3-0, 1.88 ERA) is slated to start for the Dodgers. He covered seven innings in his most recent start and earned the decision in a 12-3 road win over the Colorado Rockies on Monday, yielding one run on eight hits with three strikeouts. In his past three starts — all wins– he has allowed only two runs in a combined 20 innings. He never has faced the Cubs. “At the end of the day I am going out there and doing the same thing every time,” Wrobleski said. “That’s trying to fill the zone, create contact and see what happens.” Chicago’s scheduled starter is Shota Imanaga (2-1, 2.17), who earned the win when he surrendered one run on three hits over seven innings in his last start, a 7-4 home win against the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday. The lefty is 1-0 with a 1.64 ERA on the road this season. In four career starts against Los Angeles, Imanaga has a 1-0 record with a 3.48 ERA. “I come to the field every day, whether it’s a start day or not, with the same responsibility,” Imanaga said. “I know if someone gets injured I can help cover them. We have a very tight circle with full support.” He has a stellar defense in the field — the Cubs are ranked No. 1 on FanGraphs with 17 defensive runs saved — and knows he can pitch to contact. “It helps with my confidence as well, knowing that behind me, the Cubs’ defense is the best of all 30 teams,” Imanaga said. “If I can control and avoid damage and extra-base hits, I know they are going to get outs. So it’s a big confidence booster.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Dodgers #Cubs #close #series #potential #pitching #duel

Olympics and World championships medallist weightlifter Mirabai Chanu is set to miss the Asian Championships, to be held at Gandhinagar from May 12 to 17, due to a shoulder issue, according to reliable sources.

Mirabai had picked up the shoulder issue during the National Championships at Modinagar earlier this year. Even though she is on the path of recovery, there is strong apprehension that pushing her to cut weight for three competitions in five months to compete in 48kg may take a toll on the elite athlete.

Skipping the home Asian Championships will save Mirabai, who will turn 32 on August 8, some hardships in a packed calendar, studded with other important events such as the Commonwealth Games (where she will seek to win her third consecutive gold) and the Asian Games (where she is yet to open her account).

After the Asian Games, the ace lifter may aim at switching to 53kg for the World Championships, which is the first qualifying event for the 2028 Olympics, in October.

Published on Apr 26, 2026

#Mirabai #Chanu #Asian #Weightlifting #Championships">Mirabai Chanu likely to miss Asian Weightlifting Championships Olympics and World championships medallist weightlifter Mirabai Chanu is set to miss the Asian Championships, to be held at Gandhinagar from May 12 to 17, due to a shoulder issue, according to reliable sources.Mirabai had picked up the shoulder issue during the National Championships at Modinagar earlier this year. Even though she is on the path of recovery, there is strong apprehension that pushing her to cut weight for three competitions in five months to compete in 48kg may take a toll on the elite athlete.Skipping the home Asian Championships will save Mirabai, who will turn 32 on August 8, some hardships in a packed calendar, studded with other important events such as the Commonwealth Games (where she will seek to win her third consecutive gold) and the Asian Games (where she is yet to open her account).After the Asian Games, the ace lifter may aim at switching to 53kg for the World Championships, which is the first qualifying event for the 2028 Olympics, in October.Published on Apr 26, 2026 #Mirabai #Chanu #Asian #Weightlifting #Championships

Deadspin | Royals call on stellar veteran RHP Seth Lugo vs. Angels Apr 9, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Seth Lugo (67) throws a pitch in the first inning against the Chicago White Sox at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images The Kansas City Royals will go for their first series sweep of the season when they host the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday night. The Royals rapped out 14 hits and benefited from 10 walks in a 12-1 rout of the Angels on Saturday. Kansas City right-hander Seth Lugo (1-1, 1.15 ERA) will oppose left-hander Reid Detmers (1-2, 4.08) in the series finale — a rare nationally televised game for these teams. Lugo will look to continue his stellar start to 2026. The 36-year-old has allowed two earned runs or less in each of his five starts and has pitched into the seventh inning four times. Last time out, he tossed seven shutout innings Monday in a no-decision against the Baltimore Orioles. He left with a 1-0 lead after allowing one hit, striking out seven and walking four, but the bullpen couldn’t hold the lead. Baltimore won 7-5 in 12 innings. “There were a couple of guys that I know they could hit a good breaker that’s sharp like that,” Lugo said of his strategy against the Orioles. “So I took some off for them. But the other guys are the opposite. So I added some more velocity for those guys.” Lugo is 2-0 with a 1.61 ERA in four games (three starts) against the Angels. Both wins came in 2024. Detmers has alternated good and not-so-good starts thus far. After allowing one run in seven innings to beat the New York Yankees 7-1 on April 14, he was touched for four runs on five his in six innings of a 5-2 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays last Monday. He struck out five and walked two. Detmers is 0-1 with a 6.62 ERA in five games (three starts) against the Royals. On Saturday, Kansas City’s Salvador Perez had three hits, including a home run. Cole Ragans pitched six strong innings and the Royals pulled away late, scoring three runs in the seventh and four in the eighth as the Angels resorted to position player Adam Frazier pitching in the eighth inning. Nick Loftin had two hits and drove in four runs for the Royals, and Bobby Witt, Jr., Michael Massey and Kyle Isbel had two hits each. “We all know what these guys are capable of,” Ragans said. “Watching them put in the work day-in and day-out, it’s just a matter of time. It’s an unbelievable group of guys and so much fun to watch.” Ragans also was fun to watch Saturday, as he allowed one run on five hits and struck out 11 without a walk. The Royals will look to win a season-high three straight games for just the second time this season. Jo Adell homered and Vaughn Grissom had three hits and is 6-for-12 in his past three games for the Angels, who have lost six of their past seven games. They have scored two runs or less in five of the losses. On Saturday, the Angels were 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position and left seven men on base. “It’s one of those things,” manager Kurt Suzuki said. “When it gets rolling for the other team, it gets rolling, and it just seems like you can’t do anything right. One game. Just move on to the next.” Los Angeles catcher Logan O’Hoppe departed the game after the seventh inning with left wrist irritation after taking a foul tip off the wrist. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Royals #call #stellar #veteran #RHP #Seth #Lugo #AngelsApr 9, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Seth Lugo (67) throws a pitch in the first inning against the Chicago White Sox at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images

The Kansas City Royals will go for their first series sweep of the season when they host the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday night.

The Royals rapped out 14 hits and benefited from 10 walks in a 12-1 rout of the Angels on Saturday.

Kansas City right-hander Seth Lugo (1-1, 1.15 ERA) will oppose left-hander Reid Detmers (1-2, 4.08) in the series finale — a rare nationally televised game for these teams.

Lugo will look to continue his stellar start to 2026. The 36-year-old has allowed two earned runs or less in each of his five starts and has pitched into the seventh inning four times.

Last time out, he tossed seven shutout innings Monday in a no-decision against the Baltimore Orioles. He left with a 1-0 lead after allowing one hit, striking out seven and walking four, but the bullpen couldn’t hold the lead. Baltimore won 7-5 in 12 innings.

“There were a couple of guys that I know they could hit a good breaker that’s sharp like that,” Lugo said of his strategy against the Orioles. “So I took some off for them. But the other guys are the opposite. So I added some more velocity for those guys.”

Lugo is 2-0 with a 1.61 ERA in four games (three starts) against the Angels. Both wins came in 2024.

Detmers has alternated good and not-so-good starts thus far. After allowing one run in seven innings to beat the New York Yankees 7-1 on April 14, he was touched for four runs on five his in six innings of a 5-2 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays last Monday. He struck out five and walked two.

Detmers is 0-1 with a 6.62 ERA in five games (three starts) against the Royals.


On Saturday, Kansas City’s Salvador Perez had three hits, including a home run. Cole Ragans pitched six strong innings and the Royals pulled away late, scoring three runs in the seventh and four in the eighth as the Angels resorted to position player Adam Frazier pitching in the eighth inning.

Nick Loftin had two hits and drove in four runs for the Royals, and Bobby Witt, Jr., Michael Massey and Kyle Isbel had two hits each.

“We all know what these guys are capable of,” Ragans said. “Watching them put in the work day-in and day-out, it’s just a matter of time. It’s an unbelievable group of guys and so much fun to watch.”

Ragans also was fun to watch Saturday, as he allowed one run on five hits and struck out 11 without a walk.

The Royals will look to win a season-high three straight games for just the second time this season.

Jo Adell homered and Vaughn Grissom had three hits and is 6-for-12 in his past three games for the Angels, who have lost six of their past seven games. They have scored two runs or less in five of the losses.

On Saturday, the Angels were 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position and left seven men on base.

“It’s one of those things,” manager Kurt Suzuki said. “When it gets rolling for the other team, it gets rolling, and it just seems like you can’t do anything right. One game. Just move on to the next.”

Los Angeles catcher Logan O’Hoppe departed the game after the seventh inning with left wrist irritation after taking a foul tip off the wrist.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Royals #call #stellar #veteran #RHP #Seth #Lugo #Angels">Deadspin | Royals call on stellar veteran RHP Seth Lugo vs. Angels Apr 9, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Seth Lugo (67) throws a pitch in the first inning against the Chicago White Sox at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images The Kansas City Royals will go for their first series sweep of the season when they host the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday night. The Royals rapped out 14 hits and benefited from 10 walks in a 12-1 rout of the Angels on Saturday. Kansas City right-hander Seth Lugo (1-1, 1.15 ERA) will oppose left-hander Reid Detmers (1-2, 4.08) in the series finale — a rare nationally televised game for these teams. Lugo will look to continue his stellar start to 2026. The 36-year-old has allowed two earned runs or less in each of his five starts and has pitched into the seventh inning four times. Last time out, he tossed seven shutout innings Monday in a no-decision against the Baltimore Orioles. He left with a 1-0 lead after allowing one hit, striking out seven and walking four, but the bullpen couldn’t hold the lead. Baltimore won 7-5 in 12 innings. “There were a couple of guys that I know they could hit a good breaker that’s sharp like that,” Lugo said of his strategy against the Orioles. “So I took some off for them. But the other guys are the opposite. So I added some more velocity for those guys.” Lugo is 2-0 with a 1.61 ERA in four games (three starts) against the Angels. Both wins came in 2024. Detmers has alternated good and not-so-good starts thus far. After allowing one run in seven innings to beat the New York Yankees 7-1 on April 14, he was touched for four runs on five his in six innings of a 5-2 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays last Monday. He struck out five and walked two. Detmers is 0-1 with a 6.62 ERA in five games (three starts) against the Royals. On Saturday, Kansas City’s Salvador Perez had three hits, including a home run. Cole Ragans pitched six strong innings and the Royals pulled away late, scoring three runs in the seventh and four in the eighth as the Angels resorted to position player Adam Frazier pitching in the eighth inning. Nick Loftin had two hits and drove in four runs for the Royals, and Bobby Witt, Jr., Michael Massey and Kyle Isbel had two hits each. “We all know what these guys are capable of,” Ragans said. “Watching them put in the work day-in and day-out, it’s just a matter of time. It’s an unbelievable group of guys and so much fun to watch.” Ragans also was fun to watch Saturday, as he allowed one run on five hits and struck out 11 without a walk. The Royals will look to win a season-high three straight games for just the second time this season. Jo Adell homered and Vaughn Grissom had three hits and is 6-for-12 in his past three games for the Angels, who have lost six of their past seven games. They have scored two runs or less in five of the losses. On Saturday, the Angels were 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position and left seven men on base. “It’s one of those things,” manager Kurt Suzuki said. “When it gets rolling for the other team, it gets rolling, and it just seems like you can’t do anything right. One game. Just move on to the next.” Los Angeles catcher Logan O’Hoppe departed the game after the seventh inning with left wrist irritation after taking a foul tip off the wrist. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Royals #call #stellar #veteran #RHP #Seth #Lugo #Angels

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