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Jermod McCoy finally hears his name called in the NFL Draft  Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy’s long wait is over.Considered a top-15 talent in the 2026 NFL Draft, medical concerns over a knee injury suffered ahead of the season saw the talented cornerback slide out of the first round, and then out of the second day entirely. When the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft began McCoy was still available, and some were wondering if his slide would continue.The Las Vegas Raiders put an end to that, moving up one spot at the start of the fourth round to make McCoy their newest cornerback.Again, based on the film McCoy put down during the 2024 season at Tennessee, he is one of the top players in this class. Take this example, an interception against Alabama in the end zone:I love everything about this play. One of McCoy’s strengths, in my viewing, is his patience in press coverage situations. He does not panic when a receiver tries to stress his leverage, but rather he waits … and then strikes. That is exactly what he does here, timing his jam to perfection before getting his eyes to the football.Here is another example, which comes on a 4th-and-2 situation against Florida. McCoy is aligned at the bottom of the screen:He is giving the wide receiver this slant route, and again he does not panic when the receiver cuts inside of him. That’s when he gets his jam on the WR, gets his eyes to the quarterback, and then gets his hand to the football.Another slant route with McCoy aligned at the bottom of the screen:Again, no panic here. The receiver gets him to open up to the sideline when McCoy’s outside leverage is threatened, but he stays calm, gets to the receiver’s hip, and closes on the throw for another pass breakup.Take note of the ball skills on this interception against Vanderbilt:It is plays like this that made McCoy one of the top-graded players on any board.Now, the medical concerns are serious. Between the ACL surgery that ended his 2025 season before it began, to the recent reports that he might need a second surgery to repair a “bone plug” that was put into his knee, there is a risk here for the Raiders.But to get him at the top of the fourth round? That is tremendous value for Las Vegas. And with the Raiders going through a rebuild, the organization can take its time with McCoy, and even make 2026 a redshirt season for him so he can get back to 100%.Because as far as talent goes? He’s one of the best in the class.  #Jermod #McCoy #finally #hears #called #NFL #Draft

Jermod McCoy finally hears his name called in the NFL Draft

Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy’s long wait is over.

Considered a top-15 talent in the 2026 NFL Draft, medical concerns over a knee injury suffered ahead of the season saw the talented cornerback slide out of the first round, and then out of the second day entirely. When the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft began McCoy was still available, and some were wondering if his slide would continue.

The Las Vegas Raiders put an end to that, moving up one spot at the start of the fourth round to make McCoy their newest cornerback.

Again, based on the film McCoy put down during the 2024 season at Tennessee, he is one of the top players in this class. Take this example, an interception against Alabama in the end zone:

I love everything about this play. One of McCoy’s strengths, in my viewing, is his patience in press coverage situations. He does not panic when a receiver tries to stress his leverage, but rather he waits … and then strikes. That is exactly what he does here, timing his jam to perfection before getting his eyes to the football.

Here is another example, which comes on a 4th-and-2 situation against Florida. McCoy is aligned at the bottom of the screen:

He is giving the wide receiver this slant route, and again he does not panic when the receiver cuts inside of him. That’s when he gets his jam on the WR, gets his eyes to the quarterback, and then gets his hand to the football.

Another slant route with McCoy aligned at the bottom of the screen:

Again, no panic here. The receiver gets him to open up to the sideline when McCoy’s outside leverage is threatened, but he stays calm, gets to the receiver’s hip, and closes on the throw for another pass breakup.

Take note of the ball skills on this interception against Vanderbilt:

It is plays like this that made McCoy one of the top-graded players on any board.

Now, the medical concerns are serious. Between the ACL surgery that ended his 2025 season before it began, to the recent reports that he might need a second surgery to repair a “bone plug” that was put into his knee, there is a risk here for the Raiders.

But to get him at the top of the fourth round? That is tremendous value for Las Vegas. And with the Raiders going through a rebuild, the organization can take its time with McCoy, and even make 2026 a redshirt season for him so he can get back to 100%.

Because as far as talent goes? He’s one of the best in the class.

#Jermod #McCoy #finally #hears #called #NFL #Draft

Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy’s long wait is over.

Considered a top-15 talent in the 2026 NFL Draft, medical concerns over a knee injury suffered ahead of the season saw the talented cornerback slide out of the first round, and then out of the second day entirely. When the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft began McCoy was still available, and some were wondering if his slide would continue.

The Las Vegas Raiders put an end to that, moving up one spot at the start of the fourth round to make McCoy their newest cornerback.

Again, based on the film McCoy put down during the 2024 season at Tennessee, he is one of the top players in this class. Take this example, an interception against Alabama in the end zone:

I love everything about this play. One of McCoy’s strengths, in my viewing, is his patience in press coverage situations. He does not panic when a receiver tries to stress his leverage, but rather he waits … and then strikes. That is exactly what he does here, timing his jam to perfection before getting his eyes to the football.

Here is another example, which comes on a 4th-and-2 situation against Florida. McCoy is aligned at the bottom of the screen:

He is giving the wide receiver this slant route, and again he does not panic when the receiver cuts inside of him. That’s when he gets his jam on the WR, gets his eyes to the quarterback, and then gets his hand to the football.

Another slant route with McCoy aligned at the bottom of the screen:

Again, no panic here. The receiver gets him to open up to the sideline when McCoy’s outside leverage is threatened, but he stays calm, gets to the receiver’s hip, and closes on the throw for another pass breakup.

Take note of the ball skills on this interception against Vanderbilt:

It is plays like this that made McCoy one of the top-graded players on any board.

Now, the medical concerns are serious. Between the ACL surgery that ended his 2025 season before it began, to the recent reports that he might need a second surgery to repair a “bone plug” that was put into his knee, there is a risk here for the Raiders.

But to get him at the top of the fourth round? That is tremendous value for Las Vegas. And with the Raiders going through a rebuild, the organization can take its time with McCoy, and even make 2026 a redshirt season for him so he can get back to 100%.

Because as far as talent goes? He’s one of the best in the class.

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#Jermod #McCoy #finally #hears #called #NFL #Draft

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BWF approves 3×15 scoring system; badminton to adopt new format from 2027 <div id="content-body-70905677" itemprop="articleBody"><p>The Badminton World Federation’s (BWF) long-discussed move from the 3×21 rally-point format to a 3×15 scoring system was approved by its members at the 87th BWF Annual General Meeting in Horsens, Denmark. The change will come into effect on January 4, 2027.</p><p>Matches will continue to follow the best-of-three-games format, but each game will now be played to 15 points instead of 21.</p><p>“We are building a sport that speaks to the next generation, while continuing to invest in the long-term future of our players,” said BWF president Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul.</p><p>At 14-14, a player or pair will need to establish a two-point advantage to seal the game.</p><p>The proposed format had already been tested in 2025 at selected Grade 3 tournaments, the National Championships and the BWF World Junior Championships.</p><p>Earlier this year, in February, the BWF Council formally placed the proposal for voting, citing data which it believed showed that the revised format struck the right balance between the demands of the sport and the entertainment value for spectators.</p><p>The governing body said the new scoring structure was intended to ease the physical load on players, reduce the likelihood of injuries and provide more time for recovery.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 25, 2026</p></div> #BWF #approves #3×15 #scoring #system #badminton #adopt #format

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Deadspin | Jacob Misiorowski, Brewers bid to halt slide in clash vs. Pirates <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-900/28767048.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28767048.jpg" alt="MLB: Milwaukee Brewers at Miami Marlins" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 19, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Jacob Misiorowski (32) throws against the Miami Marlins during the first inning at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>The Milwaukee Brewers will turn to hard-throwing Jacob Misiorowski as they look to snap a three-game skid when they host the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday night.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Misiorowski (1-2, 3.04 ERA) will oppose fellow right-hander Mitch Keller (2-1, 2.79).</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Paul Skenes and two relievers combined on a one-hitter to pace the Pirates to a 6-0 victory in the series opener Friday. Skenes, the reigning National League Cy Young Award winner, took a perfect game into seventh inning before allowing a two-out single to Jake Bauers.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Konnor Griffin celebrated his 20th birthday with his first career homer, two singles and three RBIs as Pittsburgh snapped an eight-game losing streak to Milwaukee.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Misiorowski struck out nine in five innings his last time out but took the loss in a 5-3 defeat at Miami on Sunday. He allowed three runs (one earned) on four hits with three walks. </p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>Misiorowski has 42 strikeouts in 26 2/3 innings this season, and opponents are batting just .177 against him. He is 2-0 with an 0.75 ERA in two career starts against the Pirates, allowing just one run in 12 innings with 16 strikeouts.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>The Brewers, missing much of their power with Jackson Chourio, Andrew Vaughn and Christian Yelich all injured, have just one homer in their last nine games. Milwaukee lost 5-4 on Thursday at Detroit, which started Tarik Skubal before the Brewers faced a Cy Young winner, Skenes, in consecutive games.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-8"> <p>“The two guys were really, really top notch, especially when you’ve got a decimated lineup,” Brewers manager Pat Murphy said Friday. “We’ve got three of our top hitters out. You take three hitters out of any lineup and face those guys, it’ll be tough.”</p> </section> <section id="section-9"> <p>Milwaukee is playing an NL Central rival for the first time this season. Each team in the division is above .500. Pittsburgh has not lost back-to-back games since falling in the first two games of the season.</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>“The division is strong,” Pirates manager Don Kelly said after Friday’s win. “Teams are playing really well, and again, we have to continue to do what we do. Come show up every day and compete like that regardless of what happens. We’ll enjoy this one for a little bit tonight, but we’ve got to get ready for tomorrow.”</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>Keller is coming off a solid outing, allowing two runs on five hits in seven innings of a 6-3 victory over Tampa Bay on Sunday. He has allowed nine runs in 29 innings in his five starts this season, but five runs came in a four-inning outing in a 5-4 loss to Washington on April 14. </p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>Keller has struggled against the Brewers over his career, going 1-7 with a 5.31 ERA in 12 starts against them. He was 0-2 with a 4.96 ERA last season in three starts vs. Milwaukee, allowing nine runs on 20 hits in 16 1/3 innings.</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>Pittsburgh’s Nick Gonzales had an RBI single Friday to extend his hitting streak to five games, batting .421 (8-for-19) over that span. </p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>Teammate Spencer Horwitz also had an RBI single in the series opener. In 16 career games vs. Milwaukee, he is hitting .311 with five doubles, a homer and seven RBIs.</p> </section><section id="section-15"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Jacob #Misiorowski #Brewers #bid #halt #slide #clash #Pirates

Deadspin | Quinn Hughes open to contract extension with Wild  May 11, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes (43) skates with the puck against the Colorado Avalanche during the second period in game four of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images   Quinn Hughes made a tremendous impact during his half season in Minnesota, and the standout defenseman is interested in a contract extension with the Wild.  The older brother of New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes made headlines when he was traded from the Vancouver Canucks to the Wild on Dec. 12, 2025.  A captain with the Canucks, Quinn Hughes did not disappoint in Minnesota, amassing 53 points (five goals, 48 assists) in 48 games. He also led the NHL in ice-time average in the regular season (27:44 per game).  Hughes continued his production in the postseason, putting up 15 points (four goals, 11 assists) in 11 games and a plus-10 rating. He led Minnesota to a first-round upset of second-seeded Dallas before the Colorado Avalanche ousted the Wild in five games.  “I really like it here. I would definitely be open to re-signing. We’ll see what (general manager) Billy (Guerin) wants to do,” Hughes said Friday. “We’re 36 hours removed (from elimination). I’m not sure I’m ready to get into details, what they would look like.”  Hughes will be entering the final season of his six-year, .1 million deal, but can sign an extension with Minnesota on July 1.   All three Hughes’ brothers (Luke is a defenseman with the Devils) are represented by agent Pat Brisson. Jack is signed through 2030 and there has been speculation that Quinn would sign a three-year deal so both brothers could sign with the same team in advance of the 2030-31 season.  “Between brothers, there’s so many conversations. But we haven’t had any specific (conversations) about this,” Brisson said. “Those are possibilities. I’m not going to deny the fact.”  Hughes plans on remaining in Minnesota for at least part of the summer as he decompresses from a year with three teams, including his stint as a member of the gold-medal winning United States Olympic ice hockey squad.  “I think I can say that I really like it here,” Hughes said of Minnesota. “I love the team. I love the city and the fans. Just being in that locker room, it’s a special group. It’s an amazing state, so passionate about hockey.  “From a mental aspect, a lot has happened this year. I never let myself process it or let my hair down a little bit,” he said. “It’ll be nice to just go home, process the whole year and get some rest.”  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Quinn #Hughes #open #contract #extension #WildMay 11, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes (43) skates with the puck against the Colorado Avalanche during the second period in game four of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Quinn Hughes made a tremendous impact during his half season in Minnesota, and the standout defenseman is interested in a contract extension with the Wild.

The older brother of New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes made headlines when he was traded from the Vancouver Canucks to the Wild on Dec. 12, 2025.

A captain with the Canucks, Quinn Hughes did not disappoint in Minnesota, amassing 53 points (five goals, 48 assists) in 48 games. He also led the NHL in ice-time average in the regular season (27:44 per game).

Hughes continued his production in the postseason, putting up 15 points (four goals, 11 assists) in 11 games and a plus-10 rating. He led Minnesota to a first-round upset of second-seeded Dallas before the Colorado Avalanche ousted the Wild in five games.

“I really like it here. I would definitely be open to re-signing. We’ll see what (general manager) Billy (Guerin) wants to do,” Hughes said Friday. “We’re 36 hours removed (from elimination). I’m not sure I’m ready to get into details, what they would look like.”


Hughes will be entering the final season of his six-year, $47.1 million deal, but can sign an extension with Minnesota on July 1.

All three Hughes’ brothers (Luke is a defenseman with the Devils) are represented by agent Pat Brisson. Jack is signed through 2030 and there has been speculation that Quinn would sign a three-year deal so both brothers could sign with the same team in advance of the 2030-31 season.

“Between brothers, there’s so many conversations. But we haven’t had any specific (conversations) about this,” Brisson said. “Those are possibilities. I’m not going to deny the fact.”

Hughes plans on remaining in Minnesota for at least part of the summer as he decompresses from a year with three teams, including his stint as a member of the gold-medal winning United States Olympic ice hockey squad.

“I think I can say that I really like it here,” Hughes said of Minnesota. “I love the team. I love the city and the fans. Just being in that locker room, it’s a special group. It’s an amazing state, so passionate about hockey.

“From a mental aspect, a lot has happened this year. I never let myself process it or let my hair down a little bit,” he said. “It’ll be nice to just go home, process the whole year and get some rest.”


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Quinn #Hughes #open #contract #extension #Wild">Deadspin | Quinn Hughes open to contract extension with Wild  May 11, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes (43) skates with the puck against the Colorado Avalanche during the second period in game four of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images   Quinn Hughes made a tremendous impact during his half season in Minnesota, and the standout defenseman is interested in a contract extension with the Wild.  The older brother of New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes made headlines when he was traded from the Vancouver Canucks to the Wild on Dec. 12, 2025.  A captain with the Canucks, Quinn Hughes did not disappoint in Minnesota, amassing 53 points (five goals, 48 assists) in 48 games. He also led the NHL in ice-time average in the regular season (27:44 per game).  Hughes continued his production in the postseason, putting up 15 points (four goals, 11 assists) in 11 games and a plus-10 rating. He led Minnesota to a first-round upset of second-seeded Dallas before the Colorado Avalanche ousted the Wild in five games.  “I really like it here. I would definitely be open to re-signing. We’ll see what (general manager) Billy (Guerin) wants to do,” Hughes said Friday. “We’re 36 hours removed (from elimination). I’m not sure I’m ready to get into details, what they would look like.”  Hughes will be entering the final season of his six-year, .1 million deal, but can sign an extension with Minnesota on July 1.   All three Hughes’ brothers (Luke is a defenseman with the Devils) are represented by agent Pat Brisson. Jack is signed through 2030 and there has been speculation that Quinn would sign a three-year deal so both brothers could sign with the same team in advance of the 2030-31 season.  “Between brothers, there’s so many conversations. But we haven’t had any specific (conversations) about this,” Brisson said. “Those are possibilities. I’m not going to deny the fact.”  Hughes plans on remaining in Minnesota for at least part of the summer as he decompresses from a year with three teams, including his stint as a member of the gold-medal winning United States Olympic ice hockey squad.  “I think I can say that I really like it here,” Hughes said of Minnesota. “I love the team. I love the city and the fans. Just being in that locker room, it’s a special group. It’s an amazing state, so passionate about hockey.  “From a mental aspect, a lot has happened this year. I never let myself process it or let my hair down a little bit,” he said. “It’ll be nice to just go home, process the whole year and get some rest.”  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Quinn #Hughes #open #contract #extension #Wild

The lengthy MLB season provides a sample size that’s meant to favor averages over abnormalities. Hot- and cold-streaks blend together as weeks become months. But the weight of those games can also fall victim to entropy as months become years. The long summers are tests of endurance and commitment as much as talent. The San Diego Padres finished just three games behind the Dodgers in the 2025 division race, and the Toronto Blue Jays pushed them to seven games and extra innings last November.

The thin line between dynasty and disappointment will be carved out over the next 120 games. FanDuel has odds on the NL West Division winner, which is an opportunity to prognosticate on the predictive ability of the first 40 games, and which performances will propel their team to a division title.

The Dodgers (-900) are heavy favorites to remain atop the division, with a deep roster that’s built to weather a long season. But their offense is still struggling midway through May. Shohei Ohtani is enduring his first cold streak, going hitless between starting pitching assignments for the first time in his career. Andy Pages (9 HRs, 35 RBI) and Max Muncy (11 HRs, .917 OPS) have been pacing an offense that’s welcoming back Mookie Betts this week. They’ve been able to afford patience with their bats because Ohtani, Justin Wrobleski, Tyler Glasnow, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto are anchoring an elite starting rotation.

The Padres (+800) have caught the Dodgers in the standings despite a slow start from their offense, ranking 25th in wRC+. Michael King (2.76 ERA) and Randy Vasquez (3.05 ERA) have held together a starting rotation that suffered key injuries early, including to projected Opening Day starter Nick Pivetti. Xander Bogaerts has kept the offense afloat while Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, and Jackson Merrill are working back to their expected averages.

The Diamondbacks (+3000) have had a slow start, but the betting lines still see potential in their young talent that made a run to the World Series in 2023. Corbin Carroll is building back up to his all-world production after a broken hand, and they recently promoted top prospect Ryan Waldschmidt. It’s not any of the young guys but 34-year-old Ildemaro Vargas who’s been leading the offense thus far, posting a .331 average with 7 HRs and 28 RBI.

The Giants (+5000) have a top-10 payroll and a brand new manager getting his first taste of the MLB. Rafael Devers has been a disappointment, but Luis Arraez has been a bright spot, along with Landen Roupp and Logan Webb on the mound.

The Rockies (+30000) are just 9 games back from first place now, but the lines expect that number to grow closer toward last season’s line, when they finished 50 games back.

#West #odds #Padres #payout #huge #close #division #race #Dodgers">NL West odds: Padres payout would be huge in close division race with Dodgers  The last time the Los Angeles Dodgers didn’t win the NL West Division was 2021, the year after winning the World Series. The Dodgers have now won the last two World Series, and they’ve backfilled their roster churn by upgrading to star players through free agency and their own stellar farm system.The lengthy MLB season provides a sample size that’s meant to favor averages over abnormalities. Hot- and cold-streaks blend together as weeks become months. But the weight of those games can also fall victim to entropy as months become years. The long summers are tests of endurance and commitment as much as talent. The San Diego Padres finished just three games behind the Dodgers in the 2025 division race, and the Toronto Blue Jays pushed them to seven games and extra innings last November.The thin line between dynasty and disappointment will be carved out over the next 120 games. FanDuel has odds on the NL West Division winner, which is an opportunity to prognosticate on the predictive ability of the first 40 games, and which performances will propel their team to a division title.The Dodgers (-900) are heavy favorites to remain atop the division, with a deep roster that’s built to weather a long season. But their offense is still struggling midway through May. Shohei Ohtani is enduring his first cold streak, going hitless between starting pitching assignments for the first time in his career. Andy Pages (9 HRs, 35 RBI) and Max Muncy (11 HRs, .917 OPS) have been pacing an offense that’s welcoming back Mookie Betts this week. They’ve been able to afford patience with their bats because Ohtani, Justin Wrobleski, Tyler Glasnow, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto are anchoring an elite starting rotation.The Padres (+800) have caught the Dodgers in the standings despite a slow start from their offense, ranking 25th in wRC+. Michael King (2.76 ERA) and Randy Vasquez (3.05 ERA) have held together a starting rotation that suffered key injuries early, including to projected Opening Day starter Nick Pivetti. Xander Bogaerts has kept the offense afloat while Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, and Jackson Merrill are working back to their expected averages.The Diamondbacks (+3000) have had a slow start, but the betting lines still see potential in their young talent that made a run to the World Series in 2023. Corbin Carroll is building back up to his all-world production after a broken hand, and they recently promoted top prospect Ryan Waldschmidt. It’s not any of the young guys but 34-year-old Ildemaro Vargas who’s been leading the offense thus far, posting a .331 average with 7 HRs and 28 RBI.The Giants (+5000) have a top-10 payroll and a brand new manager getting his first taste of the MLB. Rafael Devers has been a disappointment, but Luis Arraez has been a bright spot, along with Landen Roupp and Logan Webb on the mound.The Rockies (+30000) are just 9 games back from first place now, but the lines expect that number to grow closer toward last season’s line, when they finished 50 games back.  #West #odds #Padres #payout #huge #close #division #race #Dodgers

NL West Division winner, which is an opportunity to prognosticate on the predictive ability of the first 40 games, and which performances will propel their team to a division title.

The Dodgers (-900) are heavy favorites to remain atop the division, with a deep roster that’s built to weather a long season. But their offense is still struggling midway through May. Shohei Ohtani is enduring his first cold streak, going hitless between starting pitching assignments for the first time in his career. Andy Pages (9 HRs, 35 RBI) and Max Muncy (11 HRs, .917 OPS) have been pacing an offense that’s welcoming back Mookie Betts this week. They’ve been able to afford patience with their bats because Ohtani, Justin Wrobleski, Tyler Glasnow, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto are anchoring an elite starting rotation.

The Padres (+800) have caught the Dodgers in the standings despite a slow start from their offense, ranking 25th in wRC+. Michael King (2.76 ERA) and Randy Vasquez (3.05 ERA) have held together a starting rotation that suffered key injuries early, including to projected Opening Day starter Nick Pivetti. Xander Bogaerts has kept the offense afloat while Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, and Jackson Merrill are working back to their expected averages.

The Diamondbacks (+3000) have had a slow start, but the betting lines still see potential in their young talent that made a run to the World Series in 2023. Corbin Carroll is building back up to his all-world production after a broken hand, and they recently promoted top prospect Ryan Waldschmidt. It’s not any of the young guys but 34-year-old Ildemaro Vargas who’s been leading the offense thus far, posting a .331 average with 7 HRs and 28 RBI.

The Giants (+5000) have a top-10 payroll and a brand new manager getting his first taste of the MLB. Rafael Devers has been a disappointment, but Luis Arraez has been a bright spot, along with Landen Roupp and Logan Webb on the mound.

The Rockies (+30000) are just 9 games back from first place now, but the lines expect that number to grow closer toward last season’s line, when they finished 50 games back.

#West #odds #Padres #payout #huge #close #division #race #Dodgers">NL West odds: Padres payout would be huge in close division race with Dodgers

The last time the Los Angeles Dodgers didn’t win the NL West Division was 2021, the year after winning the World Series. The Dodgers have now won the last two World Series, and they’ve backfilled their roster churn by upgrading to star players through free agency and their own stellar farm system.

The lengthy MLB season provides a sample size that’s meant to favor averages over abnormalities. Hot- and cold-streaks blend together as weeks become months. But the weight of those games can also fall victim to entropy as months become years. The long summers are tests of endurance and commitment as much as talent. The San Diego Padres finished just three games behind the Dodgers in the 2025 division race, and the Toronto Blue Jays pushed them to seven games and extra innings last November.

The thin line between dynasty and disappointment will be carved out over the next 120 games. FanDuel has odds on the NL West Division winner, which is an opportunity to prognosticate on the predictive ability of the first 40 games, and which performances will propel their team to a division title.

The Dodgers (-900) are heavy favorites to remain atop the division, with a deep roster that’s built to weather a long season. But their offense is still struggling midway through May. Shohei Ohtani is enduring his first cold streak, going hitless between starting pitching assignments for the first time in his career. Andy Pages (9 HRs, 35 RBI) and Max Muncy (11 HRs, .917 OPS) have been pacing an offense that’s welcoming back Mookie Betts this week. They’ve been able to afford patience with their bats because Ohtani, Justin Wrobleski, Tyler Glasnow, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto are anchoring an elite starting rotation.

The Padres (+800) have caught the Dodgers in the standings despite a slow start from their offense, ranking 25th in wRC+. Michael King (2.76 ERA) and Randy Vasquez (3.05 ERA) have held together a starting rotation that suffered key injuries early, including to projected Opening Day starter Nick Pivetti. Xander Bogaerts has kept the offense afloat while Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, and Jackson Merrill are working back to their expected averages.

The Diamondbacks (+3000) have had a slow start, but the betting lines still see potential in their young talent that made a run to the World Series in 2023. Corbin Carroll is building back up to his all-world production after a broken hand, and they recently promoted top prospect Ryan Waldschmidt. It’s not any of the young guys but 34-year-old Ildemaro Vargas who’s been leading the offense thus far, posting a .331 average with 7 HRs and 28 RBI.

The Giants (+5000) have a top-10 payroll and a brand new manager getting his first taste of the MLB. Rafael Devers has been a disappointment, but Luis Arraez has been a bright spot, along with Landen Roupp and Logan Webb on the mound.

The Rockies (+30000) are just 9 games back from first place now, but the lines expect that number to grow closer toward last season’s line, when they finished 50 games back.

#West #odds #Padres #payout #huge #close #division #race #Dodgers

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