×
ITTF World Team Championships: Yashaswini holds nerve in decider as India women beat Ukraine in Group 6 thriller India’s women’s table tennis team rose to the occasion in a high-stakes group match, edging Ukraine 3-2 in a pulsating contest to keep its ITTF World Team Championships Finals qualification hopes on track on Wednesday.The win also placed India in a strong position to top Group 6.The tie began tensely, with World No. 49 Manika Batra put under pressure by the experienced Tetyana Bilenko. After dropping the second game, Manika showed her composure to win 11-9, 7-11, 11-6, 11-5 and give India an early lead.Ukraine hit back through World No. 51 Margaryta Pesotska, who beat Yashaswini Ghorpade in a five-game contest. Ghorpade fought back after losing the first two games, including a dominant 11-1 win in the third, but Pesotska held her nerve in the decider to level the tie at 1-1.India regained control through Diya Chitale, who produced an assured performance against Veronika Matiunina. The young paddler won 11-6, 11-8, 11-6, combining sharp placement with relentless tempo to put India 2-1 ahead.ALSO READ | Madrid Open: Baptiste stuns World No. 1 Sabalenka, knocks her out in quarterfinalWith the tie hanging in the balance, Pesotska beat Manika 11-9, 5-11, 11-8, 11-6 to force a decisive fifth match.Ghorpade then showed remarkable resilience under pressure, beating Tetyana 11-7, 11-9, 9-11, 11-7 to seal the tie for India.The win places India in a commanding position in the group. It will take on Rwanda in its last group fixture on Thursday, a match that could confirm its passage into the main draw as group topper.In the men’s section, India will take on Slovakia later in the day before wrapping up its Group 7 campaign against Guatemala on Thursday.Published on Apr 29, 2026 #ITTF #World #Team #Championships #Yashaswini #holds #nerve #decider #India #women #beat #Ukraine #Group #thriller

ITTF World Team Championships: Yashaswini holds nerve in decider as India women beat Ukraine in Group 6 thriller

India’s women’s table tennis team rose to the occasion in a high-stakes group match, edging Ukraine 3-2 in a pulsating contest to keep its ITTF World Team Championships Finals qualification hopes on track on Wednesday.

The win also placed India in a strong position to top Group 6.

The tie began tensely, with World No. 49 Manika Batra put under pressure by the experienced Tetyana Bilenko. After dropping the second game, Manika showed her composure to win 11-9, 7-11, 11-6, 11-5 and give India an early lead.

Ukraine hit back through World No. 51 Margaryta Pesotska, who beat Yashaswini Ghorpade in a five-game contest. Ghorpade fought back after losing the first two games, including a dominant 11-1 win in the third, but Pesotska held her nerve in the decider to level the tie at 1-1.

India regained control through Diya Chitale, who produced an assured performance against Veronika Matiunina. The young paddler won 11-6, 11-8, 11-6, combining sharp placement with relentless tempo to put India 2-1 ahead.

ALSO READ | Madrid Open: Baptiste stuns World No. 1 Sabalenka, knocks her out in quarterfinal

With the tie hanging in the balance, Pesotska beat Manika 11-9, 5-11, 11-8, 11-6 to force a decisive fifth match.

Ghorpade then showed remarkable resilience under pressure, beating Tetyana 11-7, 11-9, 9-11, 11-7 to seal the tie for India.

The win places India in a commanding position in the group. It will take on Rwanda in its last group fixture on Thursday, a match that could confirm its passage into the main draw as group topper.

In the men’s section, India will take on Slovakia later in the day before wrapping up its Group 7 campaign against Guatemala on Thursday.

Published on Apr 29, 2026

#ITTF #World #Team #Championships #Yashaswini #holds #nerve #decider #India #women #beat #Ukraine #Group #thriller

Sports news , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

India’s women’s table tennis team rose to the occasion in a high-stakes group match, edging Ukraine 3-2 in a pulsating contest to keep its ITTF World Team Championships Finals qualification hopes on track on Wednesday.

The win also placed India in a strong position to top Group 6.

The tie began tensely, with World No. 49 Manika Batra put under pressure by the experienced Tetyana Bilenko. After dropping the second game, Manika showed her composure to win 11-9, 7-11, 11-6, 11-5 and give India an early lead.

Ukraine hit back through World No. 51 Margaryta Pesotska, who beat Yashaswini Ghorpade in a five-game contest. Ghorpade fought back after losing the first two games, including a dominant 11-1 win in the third, but Pesotska held her nerve in the decider to level the tie at 1-1.

India regained control through Diya Chitale, who produced an assured performance against Veronika Matiunina. The young paddler won 11-6, 11-8, 11-6, combining sharp placement with relentless tempo to put India 2-1 ahead.

ALSO READ | Madrid Open: Baptiste stuns World No. 1 Sabalenka, knocks her out in quarterfinal

With the tie hanging in the balance, Pesotska beat Manika 11-9, 5-11, 11-8, 11-6 to force a decisive fifth match.

Ghorpade then showed remarkable resilience under pressure, beating Tetyana 11-7, 11-9, 9-11, 11-7 to seal the tie for India.

The win places India in a commanding position in the group. It will take on Rwanda in its last group fixture on Thursday, a match that could confirm its passage into the main draw as group topper.

In the men’s section, India will take on Slovakia later in the day before wrapping up its Group 7 campaign against Guatemala on Thursday.

Published on Apr 29, 2026

Source link
#ITTF #World #Team #Championships #Yashaswini #holds #nerve #decider #India #women #beat #Ukraine #Group #thriller

Tag
Previous post

Farage reported to parliament’s standards watchdog over undeclared £5m donation – UK politics live

Next post

6 NFL Draft team fits that are so good, rookies can become instant stars <div id="zephr-anchor"><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">With the NFL Draft behind us, it’s time to start getting excited about some of the rookies set to hit the league, and a huge part of their success will be based on fit. Time and time again, we’ve seen elite talent fail to reach their ceiling because they landed in a bad situation, while players who flew under the radar in the pre-draft process become superstars due to finding an ideal home for their talents.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">In this 2026 draft class there were a handful of early picks that are truly eye-catching when it comes to their potential to be a serious factor as soon as they hit the league.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p><h4 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">Arvell Reese, LB, New York Giants — 1st round, 5th overall</h4></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">It might seem like a copout to throw the top player on our big board on this list, but it really can’t be overstated how perfect a fit Reese will be on the Giants. The best trait Reese brings to the pros is his unbelievable scheme flexibility, which translates to chaos in the NFL. Essentially he’s a player that can be moved all around the formation into basically any position in the front seven and find a way to make an impact.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The only thing that can hamper a player like this is a lack of talent around them. If a chaotic linebacker like this finds himself being the only threat on the field then it becomes easy for a team to bracket them and neutralize that ability. This simply is not possible when it comes to the New York Giants. Opposing offenses have to account for Brian Burns on every down, then worry about a rotation of Abdul Carter and Kayvon Thibodeaux coming off the edge. With two solid pass rushers in on snaps it creates the ultimate canvas for Reese to wreak havoc.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Sprinkle in the fact that you have John Harbaugh running the show, and we could see a new-generation version of Terrell Suggs — or something even more effective that we can’t even fully comprehend.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p><h4 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">Makai Lemon, WR, USC, Philadelphia Eagles — 1st round, 20th overall</h4></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">When the dust settles, I think the Dallas Cowboys are going to seriously regret getting two fourth-round picks in exchange for giving the Eagles their future top weapon in Makai Lemon.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Obviously, the writing is on the wall for A.J. Brown’s time in Philly, but this is an extremely rare case where I look at this team and think they’re going to be absolutely fine — potentially even scarier when Lemon gets up to NFL speed. That’s not a knock on Brown, but more a realization that a change in receiver skillsets can be additive to the Eagles’ passing offense.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">It goes without saying that DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown have been great, but it’s been more duplicative than anything. Both have similar skill sets, with crisp route running and amazing hands, but neither is really a YAC beast. Smith and Brown averaged around 3.0 yards after the catch last season, which is fine when you’re consistent — but Lemon is an absolute YAC MONSTER. He is going to be able to line up in the slot, split out wide, or operate out of trips and give this team another level to its passing offense.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">What we’re going to see is another layer of the Eagles’ passing game get opened up because of Lemon, and I think he’s landing in the perfect spot to really make noise.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p><h4 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">Peter Woods, DT, Clemson — Kansas City Chiefs, 1st round, 25th overall</h4></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">This is just an absolutely filthy fit, which could give us a defensive front unlike anything else in the NFL. The biggest reason Woods went from being a Top 10 prospect when the college season began, to falling to 25th was due to questions about his individual motor and the ability to be the centerpiece of a defensive line — a necessity when you’re a top pick in the draft.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Now he lands on a Steve Spagnuolo defense where Chris Jones will be lined up next to him where the All Pro DT will be eating those doubles and be the focal point, so Woods is in a position to get downfield and penetrate. That’s a ludicrous boon to a young defensive player, and it’s my expectation that he will benefit the same way George Karlaftis did off the edge.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Perhaps more importantly, the fit gives Woods a veteran in Jones who can help mold his game. Both have that sudden “quick win” element to their play, with a violent first step — and while Woods’ arms don’t meet the NFL ideal on length, that can be helped if he’s a sponge and learns technique from Jones next to him.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Ultimately, I think the defensive front with two sudden defensive tackles operating out of a 4-3 front might be something we haven’t seen in the NFL since the early 2000s with Pat and Kevin Williams on the Minnesota Vikings.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p><h4 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">Aveion Terrell, CB, Clemson — Atlanta Falcons, 2nd round, 48th overall</h4></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">It’s rare to find an example where a player both slides in the NFL Draft and finds their perfect fit. Aveion Terrell was tailor-made for the Falcons’ defense, and he has the absolute best person to nurture him in the league: His brother.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">It’s not just that both A.J. Terrell and Aveion Terrell now play cornerback for the same team, but that they have extremely similar skillsets. Both are very fluid athletes with fantastic technique and outstanding instincts when it comes to tracking and locating receivers. Aveion is slightly smaller than his brother, but makes up for his lack of ability in jump ball situations with being a better open-field tackler, and more aggressive in run support.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">This means what we have in Atlanta is a highly skilled rookie corner who now gets to learn about the transition to the pros from a family member with a vested interest in seeing him succeed. There won’t be the concern of one replacing the other, because they are complementary corners where A.J. will be expected to play cover the No. 1, while Aveion has the ability to roam inside out a little more.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">It’s just impossible to see how this fit will fail. It’s going to be so much fun to watch.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p><h4 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">Lee Hunter, NT, Texas Tech — Carolina Panthers, 2nd round, 49th overall</h4></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">The Carolina Panthers put mammoth work into overhauling their woeful defense this season with two huge signings in EDGE Jaelan Phillips, and MLB Devin Lloyd. The only missing piece to the puzzle was a stud nose tackle to eat up space, and now the Panthers have their guy.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Hunter is such a good fit in this Panthers defense lining up in their odd front with Derrick Brown. Brown is already one of the most dominant defensive tackles in the NFL, who doesn’t often get his flowers because it was too easy to pull the center over on a double. Hunter will ensure that can’t happen anymore. His ability to dent the pocket with his power and drive the center back into the quarterback’s lap will have a domino effect on the entire Panthers defense. Without that ability to push interior linemen out of the double teams will need to pick whether they need to deal with Phillips off the edge, or Brown off the interior.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">It might not stack the stats for Hunter, but he is going to be an absolute difference maker. This applies to clogging running lanes as well, which will then open up Lloyd to get to the point of attack and wrap up plays. This is going to be such a good fit for the Panthers, and one that could pay huge dividends.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p><h4 class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup">Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU — Kansas City Chiefs, 7th round, 249th overall</h4></p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Closing out our best fits lets talk about the biggest wild card in all this and that’s Garrett Nussmeier. Prior to the draft I said that Nussmeier was going to be one of the best steals in this class, and that was operating under the assumption he was going to be a third round pick — not in the friggin’ seventh.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">If you haven’t followed this story, yes, Nussmeier needs back surgery — but it’s to remove a cyst that was pressing on a nerve. It basically killed his year at LSU and led to the collapse in his performance. He will be full healed and ready to go by training camp, which means we all see where this one is headed.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">With Patrick Mahomes on the sideline to start the season and only Justin Fields ahead of him on the depth chart there’s a very real chance a healthy Nussmeier could come in and steal the starting job. He’ll be operating in an offense with good weapons and astounding offensive minds to play to his strengths, with a real chance he can shine for a couple of months until Mahomes is back.</p></div><div class="duet--article--article-body-component"><p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1">Fast-forward to next year, and someone is missing on a QB. Are they going to look to the second or third tier in 2027, or potentially send a decent pick to the Chiefs for Nussmeier on a bargain-basement deal, assuming he proves it in Mahomes’ absence.. Honestly, it’s a better landing spot than any quarterback got outside of the first round, and I think there’s a very real chance we enter next season with Nussmeier starting <em>somewhere</em> in the NFL as a result.</p></div></div> #NFL #Draft #team #fits #good #rookies #instant #stars

Related Posts

A hamstring injury to Paris St. Germain’s Achraf Hakimi is expected to rule him out of the UEFA Champions League semifinal second leg against Bayern Munich next week, according to reports.

Hakimi went down injured late in the thrilling 5-4 win at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday but played out the full 90 minutes.

However, test results have revealed the right back suffered a hamstring tear, according to RMC Sport.

READ | PSG wins 5-4 in record-breaking UCL semifinal

The PSG vice-captain has played just 31 times for the club and missed close to two months of action due to an ankle injury in November.

In a match that will go down as an instant classic, PSG came from a goal down to lead 5-2 with two goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ousmane Dembele ‌before Bayern struck twice in three minutes just before the hour to improve its chances for next week’s return leg in Munich.

Published on Apr 29, 2026

#PSGs #Hakimi #UEFA #Champions #League #semifinal #leg #due #injury #Reports">PSG’s Hakimi to miss UEFA Champions League semifinal second leg due to injury – Reports A hamstring injury to Paris St. Germain’s Achraf Hakimi is expected to rule him out of the UEFA Champions League semifinal second leg against Bayern Munich next week, according to reports.Hakimi went down injured late in the thrilling 5-4 win at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday but played out the full 90 minutes.However, test results have revealed the right back suffered a hamstring tear, according to RMC Sport.READ | PSG wins 5-4 in record-breaking UCL semifinalThe PSG vice-captain has played just 31 times for the club and missed close to two months of action due to an ankle injury in November.In a match that will go down as an instant classic, PSG came from a goal down to lead 5-2 with two goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ousmane Dembele ‌before Bayern struck twice in three minutes just before the hour to improve its chances for next week’s return leg in Munich.Published on Apr 29, 2026 #PSGs #Hakimi #UEFA #Champions #League #semifinal #leg #due #injury #Reports

PSG wins 5-4 in record-breaking UCL semifinal

The PSG vice-captain has played just 31 times for the club and missed close to two months of action due to an ankle injury in November.

In a match that will go down as an instant classic, PSG came from a goal down to lead 5-2 with two goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ousmane Dembele ‌before Bayern struck twice in three minutes just before the hour to improve its chances for next week’s return leg in Munich.

Published on Apr 29, 2026

#PSGs #Hakimi #UEFA #Champions #League #semifinal #leg #due #injury #Reports">PSG’s Hakimi to miss UEFA Champions League semifinal second leg due to injury – Reports

A hamstring injury to Paris St. Germain’s Achraf Hakimi is expected to rule him out of the UEFA Champions League semifinal second leg against Bayern Munich next week, according to reports.

Hakimi went down injured late in the thrilling 5-4 win at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday but played out the full 90 minutes.

However, test results have revealed the right back suffered a hamstring tear, according to RMC Sport.

READ | PSG wins 5-4 in record-breaking UCL semifinal

The PSG vice-captain has played just 31 times for the club and missed close to two months of action due to an ankle injury in November.

In a match that will go down as an instant classic, PSG came from a goal down to lead 5-2 with two goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ousmane Dembele ‌before Bayern struck twice in three minutes just before the hour to improve its chances for next week’s return leg in Munich.

Published on Apr 29, 2026

#PSGs #Hakimi #UEFA #Champions #League #semifinal #leg #due #injury #Reports
Deadspin | Yankees RHP Elmer Rodriguez to make MLB debut against Rangers Mar 10, 2026; Clearwater, Florida, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Elmer Rodriguez (76) throws in the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies during spring training at BayCare Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images The New York Yankees are excited about Elmer Rodriguez’s major league debut on Wednesday afternoon. They also are enthusiastic about the prospect of capping a nearly perfect road trip with another win. Rodriguez, a 22-year-old right-hander, will be on the mound when the Yankees finish a nine-game journey Wednesday against the Texas Rangers in Arlington, Texas. The Yankees are 7-1 on the trip after hanging on for a 3-2 victory over the Rangers on Tuesday night. Aaron Judge homered for the third straight game and ninth time in 16 games, and David Bednar survived a shaky ninth by getting a double play to cap a stellar night defensively. Judge has nine of his 12 homers this season in the past 16 games and tied Chicago White Sox rookie Munetaka Murakami for the major league lead. Austin Wells homered and Cody Bellinger hit an RBI double as the Yankees became the third team in the majors with 20 wins, joining the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers. “A lot of good things to help us finish off that game, so an opportunity to finish off a great road trip tomorrow,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Tuesday. New York is 10-1 over its past 11 games after getting scoreless outings from Max Fried and Cam Schlittler in the opening two games of the Texas series. Those outings lowered New York’s team ERA to 3.11, and Rodriguez will join the rotation for at least two turns. In four starts for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, he is 1-2 but also posted a 1.27 ERA and an 0.89 WHIP. In 21 1/3 innings, he has struck out 20 and walked seven. “He’s impressive,” Boone said. “I’ve really been impressed with a lot of our young guys that are kind of knocking on the door, Elmer included in that, about to be big-leaguers. Feel like they have a chance to be longtime big-leaguers. As well as being a talented pitcher, he seems to have a really good way and makeup about him that should serve him well.” Texas hopes its offense can support a strong outing from right-hander Nathan Eovaldi (2-4, 5.79 ERA) on Wednesday. The Rangers did not score while Jack Leiter and Jacob deGrom were on the mound in the first two games as they mustered seven combined hits off Schlittler and Fried before making late rallies. On Tuesday, Danny Jansen hit an RBI triple, and Josh Jung had an RBI single. Corey Seager ended the game by hitting into a double play with two runners on base and is hitting .189 over 24 games in April. Texas also went 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position and is 3-for-24 in that situation over its past three games. “The last inning we did a really good job; we had the right guys up at the right time,” Texas manager Skip Schumaker said of his team, which scored its two runs Tuesday in the ninth inning. “I thought we made a run at it towards the end. Just couldn’t cash in.” Eovaldi went 0-2 with an 11.42 ERA in his first two starts and 2-0 with a 1.38 ERA in his next two. He has been tagged for eight earned runs in 11 innings during defeats to the Athletics and Seattle Mariners in his two most recent outings. Eovaldi is 6-6 with a 3.22 ERA in 24 career appearances (21 starts) against the Yankees, with whom he made 51 appearances and had a 23-11 combined record in 2015 and 2016. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Yankees #RHP #Elmer #Rodriguez #MLB #debut #RangersMar 10, 2026; Clearwater, Florida, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Elmer Rodriguez (76) throws in the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies during spring training at BayCare Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images

The New York Yankees are excited about Elmer Rodriguez’s major league debut on Wednesday afternoon.

They also are enthusiastic about the prospect of capping a nearly perfect road trip with another win.

Rodriguez, a 22-year-old right-hander, will be on the mound when the Yankees finish a nine-game journey Wednesday against the Texas Rangers in Arlington, Texas.

The Yankees are 7-1 on the trip after hanging on for a 3-2 victory over the Rangers on Tuesday night. Aaron Judge homered for the third straight game and ninth time in 16 games, and David Bednar survived a shaky ninth by getting a double play to cap a stellar night defensively.

Judge has nine of his 12 homers this season in the past 16 games and tied Chicago White Sox rookie Munetaka Murakami for the major league lead. Austin Wells homered and Cody Bellinger hit an RBI double as the Yankees became the third team in the majors with 20 wins, joining the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers.

“A lot of good things to help us finish off that game, so an opportunity to finish off a great road trip tomorrow,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Tuesday.

New York is 10-1 over its past 11 games after getting scoreless outings from Max Fried and Cam Schlittler in the opening two games of the Texas series. Those outings lowered New York’s team ERA to 3.11, and Rodriguez will join the rotation for at least two turns.


In four starts for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, he is 1-2 but also posted a 1.27 ERA and an 0.89 WHIP. In 21 1/3 innings, he has struck out 20 and walked seven.

“He’s impressive,” Boone said. “I’ve really been impressed with a lot of our young guys that are kind of knocking on the door, Elmer included in that, about to be big-leaguers. Feel like they have a chance to be longtime big-leaguers. As well as being a talented pitcher, he seems to have a really good way and makeup about him that should serve him well.”

Texas hopes its offense can support a strong outing from right-hander Nathan Eovaldi (2-4, 5.79 ERA) on Wednesday. The Rangers did not score while Jack Leiter and Jacob deGrom were on the mound in the first two games as they mustered seven combined hits off Schlittler and Fried before making late rallies.

On Tuesday, Danny Jansen hit an RBI triple, and Josh Jung had an RBI single. Corey Seager ended the game by hitting into a double play with two runners on base and is hitting .189 over 24 games in April.

Texas also went 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position and is 3-for-24 in that situation over its past three games.

“The last inning we did a really good job; we had the right guys up at the right time,” Texas manager Skip Schumaker said of his team, which scored its two runs Tuesday in the ninth inning. “I thought we made a run at it towards the end. Just couldn’t cash in.”

Eovaldi went 0-2 with an 11.42 ERA in his first two starts and 2-0 with a 1.38 ERA in his next two. He has been tagged for eight earned runs in 11 innings during defeats to the Athletics and Seattle Mariners in his two most recent outings.

Eovaldi is 6-6 with a 3.22 ERA in 24 career appearances (21 starts) against the Yankees, with whom he made 51 appearances and had a 23-11 combined record in 2015 and 2016.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Yankees #RHP #Elmer #Rodriguez #MLB #debut #Rangers">Deadspin | Yankees RHP Elmer Rodriguez to make MLB debut against Rangers Mar 10, 2026; Clearwater, Florida, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Elmer Rodriguez (76) throws in the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies during spring training at BayCare Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images The New York Yankees are excited about Elmer Rodriguez’s major league debut on Wednesday afternoon. They also are enthusiastic about the prospect of capping a nearly perfect road trip with another win. Rodriguez, a 22-year-old right-hander, will be on the mound when the Yankees finish a nine-game journey Wednesday against the Texas Rangers in Arlington, Texas. The Yankees are 7-1 on the trip after hanging on for a 3-2 victory over the Rangers on Tuesday night. Aaron Judge homered for the third straight game and ninth time in 16 games, and David Bednar survived a shaky ninth by getting a double play to cap a stellar night defensively. Judge has nine of his 12 homers this season in the past 16 games and tied Chicago White Sox rookie Munetaka Murakami for the major league lead. Austin Wells homered and Cody Bellinger hit an RBI double as the Yankees became the third team in the majors with 20 wins, joining the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers. “A lot of good things to help us finish off that game, so an opportunity to finish off a great road trip tomorrow,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Tuesday. New York is 10-1 over its past 11 games after getting scoreless outings from Max Fried and Cam Schlittler in the opening two games of the Texas series. Those outings lowered New York’s team ERA to 3.11, and Rodriguez will join the rotation for at least two turns. In four starts for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, he is 1-2 but also posted a 1.27 ERA and an 0.89 WHIP. In 21 1/3 innings, he has struck out 20 and walked seven. “He’s impressive,” Boone said. “I’ve really been impressed with a lot of our young guys that are kind of knocking on the door, Elmer included in that, about to be big-leaguers. Feel like they have a chance to be longtime big-leaguers. As well as being a talented pitcher, he seems to have a really good way and makeup about him that should serve him well.” Texas hopes its offense can support a strong outing from right-hander Nathan Eovaldi (2-4, 5.79 ERA) on Wednesday. The Rangers did not score while Jack Leiter and Jacob deGrom were on the mound in the first two games as they mustered seven combined hits off Schlittler and Fried before making late rallies. On Tuesday, Danny Jansen hit an RBI triple, and Josh Jung had an RBI single. Corey Seager ended the game by hitting into a double play with two runners on base and is hitting .189 over 24 games in April. Texas also went 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position and is 3-for-24 in that situation over its past three games. “The last inning we did a really good job; we had the right guys up at the right time,” Texas manager Skip Schumaker said of his team, which scored its two runs Tuesday in the ninth inning. “I thought we made a run at it towards the end. Just couldn’t cash in.” Eovaldi went 0-2 with an 11.42 ERA in his first two starts and 2-0 with a 1.38 ERA in his next two. He has been tagged for eight earned runs in 11 innings during defeats to the Athletics and Seattle Mariners in his two most recent outings. Eovaldi is 6-6 with a 3.22 ERA in 24 career appearances (21 starts) against the Yankees, with whom he made 51 appearances and had a 23-11 combined record in 2015 and 2016. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Yankees #RHP #Elmer #Rodriguez #MLB #debut #Rangers

With the entire football world believing that Cleveland needed to use their two first-round picks on an offensive tackle and a wide receiver, the Browns did just that, sliding back a few spots and still drafting Utah’s Spencer Fano, and then adding Texas A&M wide receiver KC Concepcion near the end of the first round. Cleveland was not done making picks that fans and analysts loved, as the team added Washington WR Denzel Boston and Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren on Day 2.

Of course, there is one rather important outstanding matter, and there is news on that front.

Who will be under center for the Browns this season?

According to a new report, none other than veteran Deshaun Watson has the “inside track” to the starting quarterback job in Cleveland as the offseason begins. Mary Kay Cabot at Cleveland.com wrote Wednesday morning that Watson “emerged from the Browns voluntary minicamp last week with an edge over Shedeur Sanders in the two-man quarterback competition — and has the inside track to be named the Browns QB1.“

For those who might be wondering yes, this is the same Deshaun Watson that last played in 2024, only made seven starts that season, and saw his year cut short due to an Achilles’ rupture. And the same Watson that during that season posted an Adjusted Net Yards per Attempt of just 3.7, and led the Browns to a 1-6 record. It’s also the same Watson who faced a series of sexual assault allegations in recent years.

And yet … there is a reason he might be their best option. Courtesy of RBSDM, here is a look at Quarterback Efficiency — a metric examining both Expected Points Added per Pass and Completion Percentage Over Expected — for all quarterbacks with 100 or more passing attempts a year ago.

See if you can spot the two Browns passers who fit that category last year: Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel:

Yes, right in the bottom left is where you find the two Cleveland rookies from last season, exactly where you do not want to be on this graphic.

So while the Browns might have “won” the 2026 NFL Draft, what lies ahead is much less certain.

Especially at quarterback.

#Deshaun #Watson #Shedeur #Sanders #Browns #starting #favorite #report">Deshaun Watson over Shedeur Sanders? The Browns have a starting QB favorite, per report In the minds of analysts and fans alike, the Cleveland Browns were one of the teams that nailed the 2026 NFL Draft.With the entire football world believing that Cleveland needed to use their two first-round picks on an offensive tackle and a wide receiver, the Browns did just that, sliding back a few spots and still drafting Utah’s Spencer Fano, and then adding Texas A&M wide receiver KC Concepcion near the end of the first round. Cleveland was not done making picks that fans and analysts loved, as the team added Washington WR Denzel Boston and Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren on Day 2.Of course, there is one rather important outstanding matter, and there is news on that front.Who will be under center for the Browns this season?According to a new report, none other than veteran Deshaun Watson has the “inside track” to the starting quarterback job in Cleveland as the offseason begins. Mary Kay Cabot at Cleveland.com wrote Wednesday morning that Watson “emerged from the Browns voluntary minicamp last week with an edge over Shedeur Sanders in the two-man quarterback competition — and has the inside track to be named the Browns QB1.“For those who might be wondering yes, this is the same Deshaun Watson that last played in 2024, only made seven starts that season, and saw his year cut short due to an Achilles’ rupture. And the same Watson that during that season posted an Adjusted Net Yards per Attempt of just 3.7, and led the Browns to a 1-6 record. It’s also the same Watson who faced a series of sexual assault allegations in recent years.And yet … there is a reason he might be their best option. Courtesy of RBSDM, here is a look at Quarterback Efficiency — a metric examining both Expected Points Added per Pass and Completion Percentage Over Expected — for all quarterbacks with 100 or more passing attempts a year ago.See if you can spot the two Browns passers who fit that category last year: Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel:Yes, right in the bottom left is where you find the two Cleveland rookies from last season, exactly where you do not want to be on this graphic.So while the Browns might have “won” the 2026 NFL Draft, what lies ahead is much less certain.Especially at quarterback. #Deshaun #Watson #Shedeur #Sanders #Browns #starting #favorite #report

fans alike, the Cleveland Browns were one of the teams that nailed the 2026 NFL Draft.

With the entire football world believing that Cleveland needed to use their two first-round picks on an offensive tackle and a wide receiver, the Browns did just that, sliding back a few spots and still drafting Utah’s Spencer Fano, and then adding Texas A&M wide receiver KC Concepcion near the end of the first round. Cleveland was not done making picks that fans and analysts loved, as the team added Washington WR Denzel Boston and Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren on Day 2.

Of course, there is one rather important outstanding matter, and there is news on that front.

Who will be under center for the Browns this season?

According to a new report, none other than veteran Deshaun Watson has the “inside track” to the starting quarterback job in Cleveland as the offseason begins. Mary Kay Cabot at Cleveland.com wrote Wednesday morning that Watson “emerged from the Browns voluntary minicamp last week with an edge over Shedeur Sanders in the two-man quarterback competition — and has the inside track to be named the Browns QB1.“

For those who might be wondering yes, this is the same Deshaun Watson that last played in 2024, only made seven starts that season, and saw his year cut short due to an Achilles’ rupture. And the same Watson that during that season posted an Adjusted Net Yards per Attempt of just 3.7, and led the Browns to a 1-6 record. It’s also the same Watson who faced a series of sexual assault allegations in recent years.

And yet … there is a reason he might be their best option. Courtesy of RBSDM, here is a look at Quarterback Efficiency — a metric examining both Expected Points Added per Pass and Completion Percentage Over Expected — for all quarterbacks with 100 or more passing attempts a year ago.

See if you can spot the two Browns passers who fit that category last year: Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel:

Yes, right in the bottom left is where you find the two Cleveland rookies from last season, exactly where you do not want to be on this graphic.

So while the Browns might have “won” the 2026 NFL Draft, what lies ahead is much less certain.

Especially at quarterback.

#Deshaun #Watson #Shedeur #Sanders #Browns #starting #favorite #report">Deshaun Watson over Shedeur Sanders? The Browns have a starting QB favorite, per report

In the minds of analysts and fans alike, the Cleveland Browns were one of the teams that nailed the 2026 NFL Draft.

With the entire football world believing that Cleveland needed to use their two first-round picks on an offensive tackle and a wide receiver, the Browns did just that, sliding back a few spots and still drafting Utah’s Spencer Fano, and then adding Texas A&M wide receiver KC Concepcion near the end of the first round. Cleveland was not done making picks that fans and analysts loved, as the team added Washington WR Denzel Boston and Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren on Day 2.

Of course, there is one rather important outstanding matter, and there is news on that front.

Who will be under center for the Browns this season?

According to a new report, none other than veteran Deshaun Watson has the “inside track” to the starting quarterback job in Cleveland as the offseason begins. Mary Kay Cabot at Cleveland.com wrote Wednesday morning that Watson “emerged from the Browns voluntary minicamp last week with an edge over Shedeur Sanders in the two-man quarterback competition — and has the inside track to be named the Browns QB1.“

For those who might be wondering yes, this is the same Deshaun Watson that last played in 2024, only made seven starts that season, and saw his year cut short due to an Achilles’ rupture. And the same Watson that during that season posted an Adjusted Net Yards per Attempt of just 3.7, and led the Browns to a 1-6 record. It’s also the same Watson who faced a series of sexual assault allegations in recent years.

And yet … there is a reason he might be their best option. Courtesy of RBSDM, here is a look at Quarterback Efficiency — a metric examining both Expected Points Added per Pass and Completion Percentage Over Expected — for all quarterbacks with 100 or more passing attempts a year ago.

See if you can spot the two Browns passers who fit that category last year: Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel:

Yes, right in the bottom left is where you find the two Cleveland rookies from last season, exactly where you do not want to be on this graphic.

So while the Browns might have “won” the 2026 NFL Draft, what lies ahead is much less certain.

Especially at quarterback.

#Deshaun #Watson #Shedeur #Sanders #Browns #starting #favorite #report

Post Comment