After getting intentionally walked three times for the first time in his career, Judge and his New York Yankees will find out Wednesday whether the Los Angeles Angels will handle him the same way.
The teams’ scheduled game on Tuesday was rained out, so the Yankees head into their second doubleheader of the season with seven wins in eight games following a 10-23 skid.
Judge hit his major-league-best 40th and 41st homers in the first two games of a three-game series against Toronto before drawing three intentional free passes on Sunday, when the Yankees earned a 4-3 victory on DJ LeMahieu’s single in the 10th inning. Judge is hitting .485 (16-for-33) with six homers in his past nine games but also has 12 walks, including four intentional free passes in the past two contests.
“You want (Judge) at the plate,” said Juan Soto, who homered on Sunday and is batting .386 (32-for-83) over his past 20 games. “I’m doing my best to put him up and you see them pass him over. It just really makes me mad. I don’t like that. I want them to challenge him and see what he can really do.
“It is what it is. It’s part of the game. They’re trying to win, too, so you respect that.”
The Angels head into their first doubleheader of the year with 12 wins in their past 21 games. Ten of those wins were by three runs or fewer, including the past two over the New York Mets.
After Zach Neto hit a go-ahead three-run homer on Saturday in a 5-4 win, Los Angeles survived committing three errors in a 3-2 victory on Sunday.
Angels relievers Jose Marte, Mike Baumann and Roansy Contreras allowed two hits over four scoreless innings, while Matt Thaiss and Kevin Pillar had sacrifice flies.
“They did a tremendous job,” manager Ron Washington said of his relievers. “Before the game, I stopped all three and asked them if they were ready to finish the game. But it worked out.”
Angels third baseman Anthony Rendon was activated on Tuesday after being out with lower back tightness, and Taylor Ward was placed on the paternity list. The team also announced that infielder Luis Rengifo underwent season-ending right wrist surgery. Rengifo last played on Friday.
Yankees right-hander Luis Gil (11-5, 3.20 ERA), who is 2-0 with a 2.76 ERA in his past three outings, will open the doubleheader. Gil last started on July 29 in Philadelphia, when he allowed three runs on five hits in 5 1/3 innings during a 14-4 win.
Gil’s return to his earlier season form is coming after he went 0-4 with a 9.37 ERA in four starts from June 20 to July 7. On May 29, Gil allowed one run on two hits and notched nine strikeouts in eight innings during a 2-1 road win against the Angels.
Los Angeles right-hander Davis Daniel (1-2, 4.91 ERA) will oppose Gil. He has sandwiched two strong outings around two losses.
Daniel began his second major league stint of the season on July 31, when he allowed one run on five hits over five innings in a no-decision vs. the Colorado Rockies.
New York’s Will Warren (0-0, 6.75 ERA) will make his second career start in the nightcap on Wednesday. Warren made his major league debut on July 30 in Philadelphia after Gerrit Cole was scratched, and he allowed four runs on four hits in 5 1/3 innings.
For the Angels in the second game Wednesday, Carson Fulmer (0-2, 3.69 ERA) will make the start. He allowed two runs on three hits in six innings in a no-decision vs. the Rockies on Thursday.
Fulmer’s only previous outing against the Yankees was a scoreless 1 1/3-inning relief appearance for the Baltimore Orioles on Sept. 11, 2020.
This article first appeared on Field Level Media and was syndicated with permission.
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The 2024 season has been a real ordeal for the Chicago White Sox. With the latest loss to the Oakland Athletics on Monday, which added to a disastrous 5
-1 record, the team has reached a dismal 27-88 record. That means the White Sox have lost 21 consecutive games, matching the worst losing streak in the American League since the Baltimore Orioles in 1988. A dismal moment in franchise history that has left fans questioning the performance of players who have left the team. White Sox losing streak is certainly alarming. Since their last win on July 10, the White Sox have lost 21 games and have been held to one run or less 32 times. With the team at its worst since the Cleveland Spiders of the National League in 1899, who finished with a 20-134 record, the situation is becoming critical. What is clear is that this is not about a lack of talent.
The same players who couldn’t help the White Sox win one day have shined for other teams the next. Let’s dig into this. Ex-White Sox players after being traded One of the main concerns for White Sox fans is the surprising performance of several players who have left the team. To understand this, we need to look at some of the recent trades made at the last MLB trade deadline.
Hitters who shine on other teams: 1. Paul DeJong Destination: Kansas City Royals. Performance: In six games, he is batting .286 with 2 runs scored, a home run and 2 RBIs. By comparison, his average with the White Sox was .267 with 5 home runs and an OPS under .750. 2. Eloy Jimenez Destination: Baltimore Orioles. Performance: With only 3 games played, he has a .556 average, with four hits in nine innings, as well as a double and 2 towers plus a game where he hit three hits. While in Chicago, he averaged .240 and his slugging was just .345. 3. Tommy Pham Destination: St. Louis Cardinals. Performance: In seven games, Tommy Pahm has eight hits in 25 innings, hitting .320 with seven RBIs.
His production was down significantly from when he left the White Sox, when he averaged .267. Pitchers find success 1. Michael Kopech Destination: Los Angeles Dodgers. Performance: Despite a 4.44 ERA with 2 wins and 8 losses with the White Sox, he shined in his relief role with the Dodgers, holding batters in check with one hit allowed and 5 strikeouts in three innings. 2. Erick Fedde Destination: St. Louis Cardinals. Performance: Although he was beaten in his debut, he showed a good volume of pitches and ability to strike out batters, suggesting that he still has significant upside. Discouraging Future With a record that could peak at 38-124 (
according to forecasts), the White Sox are facing a grim reality. What will it take to turn things around? Fans are demanding answers and an overhaul of the roster. It will take a unified effort from management, coaching staff, and players to solve this crisis. The Chicago White Sox are going through one of the worst stretches in their history. Their 21-game losing streak is a reminder of the depth of the crisis they are in. As their former players shine for other teams, the question remains: why? The answer may be crucial to rebuilding a team that once contended for a championship. One thing is certain: White Sox fans deserve a better future.
The New York Knicks have yet to replace Isaiah Hartenstein after losing him to the Oklahoma City Thunder in free agency.
They will likely take their time scouring the trade market before pushing for a new backup big man, or they could wait until the buyout market heats up in January and February. If the Knicks are willing to take a dice roll, The Athletic’s John Hollinger believes Robert Williams of the Portland Trail Blazers could be a strong fit in Tom Thibodeau’s system. “The other guy who theoretically checks all the boxes is Robert Williams III in Portland,” Hollinger wrote on Aug. 5. “Again, that’s another one where the Knicks probably want to let the season play out and see if he can stay in the lineup for more than a week or two consecutively.”
Williams has struggled with health throughout his career, missing all but six games of last season due to another round of knee surgery. As such, trading for him and the remaining balance of his $48 million deal is a risky move. Nevertheless, when Williams is healthy, he’s one of the most impactful rim-runners in the NBA. He’s a borderline Defensive Player of the Year candidate and among the most explosive lob threats in the NBA. He would instantly anchor New York’s second unit on both sides of the ball. He’s also one of the most underrated passers in the entire NBA.
The Trail Blazers have a surplus of big men. Deandre Ayton and the recently drafted Donovan Clingan project to get the majority of available minutes. Therefore, if Williams can prove his health in a limited role, he could be the ideal “buy-low” prospect the Knicks are looking for. Still, Williams’ salary could be an issue. He’s set to earn $12.5 million in the upcoming season and $13.3 the following year. New York would have to send out a similar level of salary to avoid flirting with the luxury-tax line and the aprons associated with it. Williams could solve multiple problems for New York’s bench unit; the question is whether they’re willing to take a risk on his ability to stay healthy.
The 2024 NFL season is rapidly approaching, which means fantasy football drafts are about to ramp up. The wide receiver position has never been more important in fantasy than it is today. While it’s imperative to attack the position early in drafts, there are still plenty of talented wideouts available outside of the first two rounds. With that in mind, here are three wide receivers you shouldn’t leave your 12-team ESPN PPR fantasy draft without.
Jaylen Waddle, Miami Dolphins The 25-year-old was one of the most disappointing selections in fantasy drafts last season. Even though the Dolphins boasted the second-highest scoring offense in the NFL, Waddle, who caught 72 passes for 1,014 yards and four touchdowns, finished as the WR34 overall after being drafted as a top-12 wideout. However, missing three games due to injuries and Miami’s emergence of one of the league’s top rushing attacks played a significant role in Waddle’s lackluster fantasy output. While he still won’t be the No. 1 option in the Dolphins passing game, Waddle’s fantasy outlook for 2024 is extremely promising, especially for a player being drafted in the fourth round on ESPN.
On the surface, Waddle’s 2023 stats indicate he regressed considerably from 2022, though his per-game stats and underlying metrics suggest there shouldn’t be much cause for concern. On a points-per-game basis, Waddle finished as the WR21 last season (14.2 PPR ppg), which isn’t a dramatic decline from the 15.2 PPR points per game he averaged in 2022 when he finished as the WR8 overall. Additionally, Waddle ranked eighth among wideouts in yards per route run in 2023 with a career-high 2.52, according to Pro Football Focus.
The Dolphins should remain one of the NFL’s top passing offenses in 2024, and they could get into more shootouts after losing star DT Christian Wilkins in free agency, boosting their offensive players’ fantasy values. As one of the focal points of an elite passing offense, expect Waddle to bounce back in the touchdown department this season and, in turn, have a similar fantasy finish to his 2022 season. Tank Dell, Houston Texans Quarterback C.J. Stroud’s sensational 2023 rookie season made the Texans offense a surprise fantasy goldmine, producing breakout stars Nico Collins and Dell.
After acquiring four-time Pro Bowler Stefon Diggs earlier this offseason, Houston’s offense should be even more explosive in 2024, but its now crowded receiving corps presents a dilemma in fantasy drafts. If you want to draft a piece of the Texans offense this season, prepare to pay a premium. As per ESPN’s draft rankings, Collins is ranked as the WR15 and No. 26 overall player in fantasy, whereas Diggs is coming off the board as the WR25 and No. 46 overall player. With the upgrades made to the receiving corps, it’s hard to imagine Collins replicating his 1,297-yard, eight-touchdown 2023 season in 2024 and living up to his fantasy price tag.
Not to mention, it’s unclear where the 30-year-old Diggs will find himself in the pecking order for targets or if he can rebound from the disappointing finish to last season. As a result, Dell — ESPN’s WR28 — is the best Texans wideout to target from a value perspective. Dell, a third-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, showed why Stroud asked Houston to select him, catching 47 passes for 709 yards and seven touchdowns in 11 games as a rookie. From a points-per-game standpoint, Dell finished as the WR19 in PPR scoring formats. He might not have the same massive spike weeks he had last season, but Dell should still have several outings with at least 20 PPR points, making him an ideal WR2 or FLEX in fantasy.
Rashee Rice, Kansas City Chiefs Rice’s legal issues have forced him to fall dramatically down fantasy draft boards. The SMU product is facing eight charges due to his involvement in a multi-car accident in March. Rice was also a suspect in an assault that took place at a Dallas nightclub in May, though no charges were filed. In all likelihood, Rice will receive a multi-game suspension, but that doesn’t mean it will come this season. Last month, Chiefs HC Andy Reid told reporters that he hadn’t “heard anything” regarding a potential Rice suspension. Considering the first civil suit against Rice will begin trial on Dec. 9 (h/t KMBC 9 News), it’s possible Rice won’t be disciplined by the NFL until 2025.
We saw a similar situation unfold with Saints running back Alvin Kamara, who was suspended for the first three games of last season due to his February 2022 battery arrest. Unless his situation changes before your fantasy draft, Rice, who was the WR4 overall from Week 12 to the end of last season, should be a target in the late seventh round. While Rice faces competition for targets from new additions Marquise Brown and Xavier Worthy, he should still be the top wideout on an offense with the potential to be the NFL’s best.
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ new quarterbacks have captured attention all offseason, and their performances at training camp are providing fans with a clearer picture of what to expect. Among the key players is Justin Fields, who has been making a strong impression.
The Steelers also signed veteran quarterback Russell Wilson to a one-year deal at the veteran minimum this offseason. Wilson has faced some challenges with his health, having been limited in practice due to a sore calf he sustained while pushing a sled during the conditioning test on the first day of camp. This injury caused him to miss several sessions, but he has since returned to practice and is gradually getting live reps.
Despite this setback, Wilson has expressed optimism about his recovery, stating after the Friday Night Lights practice that he is nearing full health. Steelers fans are eager to see Wilson fully fit and working with the starters. In the meantime, reports suggest that Fields is making a notable impact and generating excitement. Wilson is determined to get back on the field and secure the starting position for Week 1. After Friday night’s practice, Wilson took a moment to address the media, sharing his admiration for the Steeler Nation brand and emphasizing his enthusiasm for contributing to the team’s success. “It’s a worldwide brand in terms of Steeler Nation.
The Pittsburgh Steelers every time I go to Mexico or go international, I have played in London quite a bit — it’s everywhere all around the world, the black and gold. That’s what the Rooney’s have done and the great head coaches, obviously including [Mike] Tomlin.” Wilson is excited about his new chapter with the Steelers. He began his NFL career with a bang, making nine Pro Bowls and winning a Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks. Following his success in Seattle, Wilson was traded to the Denver Broncos and a lucrative five-year deal worth $242 million.
The Broncos had high expectations for Wilson, hoping he would lead them back to Super Bowl contention. Unfortunately, his tenure in Denver was disappointing; he won just 11 games over two seasons, and his performance quickly became a subject of scrutiny. Despite this, Wilson is confident that he still has a lot to offer and is eager to prove that he wasn’t the problem in Denver. One aspect of his new role that Wilson particularly cherishes is the involvement of his children in training camp.
During an interview, one of his kids playfully interacted with him, and his son, Future, has been actively participating as an equipment manager and ball boy. Wilson was asked if this was the most his children have ever been involved, and he expressed his gratitude for their active presence and support during this exciting time. ”
Yeah, I mean this is definitely the most. They have come to practice before, but the way the Steelers do it, they do a great job of allowing the families to be involved… It’s cool just for our kids to be involved and learn from us. Future is waking up on his own, going to breakfast on his own. He’s there early everyday. He’s there late at night. Wanting to do extra work. He wants extra hours. He’s learning how to work and do it the right way from the best organization.”
Wilson has cherished having his kids around more than ever at camp, and he’s deeply grateful to the Steelers for allowing his family to be so involved. This level of access and involvement is something he didn’t experience in Denver or Seattle. Steelers’ QB Battle Is Starting To Get Hot As for the quarterback competition, Wilson currently holds the advantage. Many believe he is the frontrunner for the starting position in Week 1. Although Fields has gained some momentum during Wilson’s absence and limited participation, the battle is intensifying. The Steelers are set to have their strongest quarterback since Ben Roethlisberger. While it may not match the glory of the Roethlisberger era, the improvement from the 2023 season is expected to be significant.