The Los Angeles Dodgers could be without one of their more important bats for the stretch run.   ...

<p>The Los Angeles Dodgers could be without one of their more important bats for the stretch run. </p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/4472" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4472">Teoscar Hernández</a> was removed in the first inning of Friday's game after taking a pitch off his left foot. The Dodgers initially announced the injury as a "contusion," though manager Dave Roberts believes the injury could result in a stint on the injured list.</p><p>"Not great," Roberts <a href="https://twitter.com/ShotimeLAD/status/1832278736752013317">told reporters</a> when asked how Hernández was doing. "X-ray was negative. We're going to get some scans tomorrow just to kind of dig in a little bit more - get some more information. He's as tough as they come and could barely move his foot. I don't see how it's not gonna be an IL, but I'm sure we're gonna give it a couple days to see how he comes out."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Teoscar Hernandez left the game after taking this pitch to the ankle <a href="https://t.co/HdvDHmjvGk">pic.twitter.com/HdvDHmjvGk</a></p>— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) <a href="https://twitter.com/TalkinBaseball_/status/1832244462736584890?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 7, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Hernández is enjoying an excellent first season in Los Angeles. He entered the night hitting .266/.330/.488 with 28 home runs and 87 RBIs in 137 games.</p><p>Los Angeles has dealt with an overwhelming amount of injuries this season. The team currently has 11 pitchers on the IL.</p>

LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 06: Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Teoscar Hernandez (37) holds his foot after being hit by a pitch during the MLB game between the Cleveland Guardians and the Los Angeles Dodgers on September 6, 2024 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, CA.

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Roberts: Teoscar 'not great' after taking pitch off foot 

Lando Norris is on pole at the Temple of Speed.  McLaren locked out the front row ahead of the It...

<p>Lando Norris is on pole at the Temple of Speed.</p><p>McLaren locked out the front row ahead of the Italian Grand Prix with Oscar Piastri qualifying second. It marks back-to-back races in which Norris will start from pole position. </p><p>"Another pole, which is amazing," Norris said. "It's so close, there's a lot of very quick drivers behind me and quick cars, so I'm not expecting an easy race tomorrow."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Championship leader Max Verstappen struggled throughout the session and will start Sunday's race from seventh. </p><p>"It's very difficult to drive and find a balance in it," Verstappen said of the car. "It's not very drivable at the moment." </p><p>He added: "The last few races have not been great. We have to really try and turn it around and become more competitive." </p><p>Norris sits 70 points behind Verstappen in the drivers' standings, while McLaren is 30 points back of Red Bull in the constructors' standings. </p><p>"We need to address (our issues) quickly," Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said. "We've seen the McLarens make a significant step the last few races, and we're now behind Ferrari and Mercedes as well."</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Italian GP Qualifying" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-n2p8o" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/n2p8o/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="960" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Verstappen, who has started from pole just once in the last nine races, has won each of the last two Italian Grand Prix.</p><p>Lewis Hamilton will start sixth - his best qualifying position at the circuit since 2021 - but believes it was a missed opportunity. </p><p>"Furious," Hamilton said of his performance. "I could have been pole. I think I could have at least been on the front row but just didn't do the job in the end. ... No one to blame but myself. Qualifying has been my weakness for a minute now, and I can't figure it out."</p><p>Franco Colapinto qualified 18th in his Williams debut. The 21-year-old Argentine replaced Logan Sargeant for the remainder of the season after the Dutch GP.</p><p>Sunday's race gets underway at 9 a.m. ET. </p>

McLaren's British driver Lando Norris celebrates his pole position after the qualifying session, ahead of the Italian Formula One Grand Prix at Autodromo Nazionale Monza circuit, in Monza on August 31, 2024.

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Norris lands pole for Italian GP, Verstappen qualifies 7th

McLaren has come out of Formula 1's summer break looking great.   Lando Norris claimed pole posit...

<p>McLaren has come out of Formula 1's summer break looking great. </p><p>Lando Norris claimed pole position Saturday ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix with a blistering lap of 1:09.673. It's his fourth career pole.</p><p>"Amazing day. Nice to be back and start with a pole," Norris said. "I'm excited for tomorrow, I'm sure it's gonna be tough." </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>After winning the first and only race of his career in Miami this May, Norris finished second four times in eight races.</p><p>Max Verstappen, who won the last three races at Zandvoort, will start second, while Oscar Piastri will open on the second row in third.</p><p>"The whole qualifying, we just lacked a bit of pace," Verstappen said. "I'm happy with second - after yesterday as well - this is a good result.</p><p>"We'll give it a good go (Sunday), but when you're more than three-tenths behind in qualifying, you need to be realistic."</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Dutch GP Qualifying" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-H7gnf" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/H7gnf/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="960" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Alex Albon qualified eighth but was later <a href="https://x.com/fia/status/1827406697825976475">disqualified</a> from the session after the floor of his car was found to be outside the regulatory volume.</p><p>Lewis Hamilton, who won two of the final three races prior to the summer break, was eliminated in Q2. The Mercedes driver will start 14th; he received a three-place penalty for impeding Sergio Perez but gained back a position with Albon's disqualification.</p><p>Sunday's Dutch GP gets underway at 9 a.m. ET. </p>

ZANDVOORT, NETHERLANDS - AUGUST 24: Pole position qualifier Lando Norris of Great Britain and McLaren reacts after qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Netherlands at Circuit Zandvoort on August 24, 2024 in Zandvoort, Netherlands.

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Norris lands pole for Dutch GP ahead of Verstappen

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. seemingly adds another dollar to his next contract with every swing lately....

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8267" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8267">Vladimir Guerrero Jr.</a> seemingly adds another dollar to his next contract with every swing lately.</p><p>The Toronto Blue Jays star first baseman is one of MLB's hottest hitters, slashing .472/.538/.966 with 10 home runs and a league-leading 1.504 OPS in 24 games across the last 30 days.</p><p>Guerrero certainly looks to be turning into the prince that was promised, and he couldn't have picked a better time.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 25-year-old has one more year of arbitration eligibility this winter before hitting free agency at the end of the 2025 season. Should Guerrero reach the open market, he'll be one of the most desired position players, if not the most desired, available.</p><p>The Blue Jays are expected to try to prevent Guerrero from wearing a different uniform. However, reaching a new deal won't be easy even though both parties have said they want to extend the relationship.</p><p>And despite general manager Ross Atkins and president Mark Shapiro saying they aim to compete for a championship in 2025, Toronto occupies the AL East basement this season and could be heading into a potential rebuild - or a retool if you prefer more optimistic language. The Blue Jays will need to be comfortable offering Guerrero a contract that'll shatter the franchise-record six-year, $150-million deal it gave George Springer in 2021. The team will also likely have to pick between extending Guerrero or fellow homegrown star Bo Bichette, who's in the midst of a career-worst campaign.</p><p>The Blue Jays need to decide where they stand on Guerrero before settling anything else this offseason - and there's an extensive list of things to do. Letting him play out next season without an extension in place seems like asking for trouble, especially if the club gets off to a slow start. If Toronto is out of contention near the trade deadline and Guerrero is unsigned, trading him becomes the best way to manage the asset.</p><p>So, what's a reasonable framework for Guerrero's next deal?</p><p>ESPN's Jeff Passan said last week on "<a href="https://twitter.com/FAN590/status/1822022156999331925">Blair and Barker</a>" that a first baseman wouldn't get a $300-plus million contract next offseason. But he walked that statement back several days later after speaking with a few people who believe $300 million for Guerrero is "more the floor than the ceiling."</p><p>First base isn't the premier position for big contracts, but Guerrero is well-positioned to shatter the richest deal ever handed out at the position.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Richest 1B contracts MLB history" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-jG1mq" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/jG1mq/8/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="538" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Not only is Guerrero extremely talented, but he's also hitting free agency at age 26. Pujols, Cabrera, and Freeman were all in their 30s when they signed their deals. The closest comparable in age is Olson, who signed in 2022 well under market value rather than hit free agency. Olson grew up in Atlanta and owned a home in the area prior to being acquired from Oakland, and the circumstances reportedly led to him signing his deal with the Braves.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/740914/cropped_GettyImages-1160899371.jpg?ts=1723504673" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/740914/w220xh124_GettyImages-1160899371.jpg?ts=1723504673 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/740914/w320xh180_GettyImages-1160899371.jpg?ts=1723504673 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/740914/w640xh360_GettyImages-1160899371.jpg?ts=1723504673 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/740914/w768xh432_GettyImages-1160899371.jpg?ts=1723504673 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/740914/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1160899371.jpg?ts=1723504673 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Gregory Shamus / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Guerrero could wait to see what <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8674" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8674">Pete Alonso</a> signs for this winter to get a better feel for the market. Alonso will enter his age-30 season next year but is one of MLB's premier power hitters. He has 217 career home runs to go with a .858 OPS. Alonso, however, has yet to match his 2019 rookie production of 53 homers and a career-best .941 OPS. He hasn't posted an OPS higher than .869 since.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-OPZEh" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/OPZEh/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="117" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>With Guerrero expected to set the record for first basemen, where will his contract fall among the all-time richest deals?</p><p>Shohei Ohtani's $700-million pact is in a different stratosphere, even if the total dollars are a bit deceptive considering he's deferring $680 million. The Blue Jays were in on Ohtani right up until he chose the Los Angeles Dodgers - we all remember the plane fiasco - so ownership is clearly willing to spend big for the right player. You have to believe Guerrero is well aware of that.</p><p>The sweet spot for Guerrero's next deal likely falls somewhere between Bryce Harper's 13-year, $330-million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies - which seems like a steal at this point - and Rafael Devers' 10-year, $313.5-million extension signed with the Boston Red Sox.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Richest position player contracts" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-WfYtW" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/WfYtW/4/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="820" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Devers' deal is probably Guerrero's best comparison and will likely be what his agency tries to match or even eclipse when it comes time to negotiate.</p><p>Devers is a homegrown star for the Red Sox. He won a World Series with the club and was looked upon as being the anchor of the next great Boston teams as the club entered a retooling. Prior to his final year of team control at age 26, Devers inked a 10-year, $313.5-million extension that included his $17.5-million salary in his final arbitration year. The Red Sox weren't willing to play out the final season of his contract and allow him to test free agency. It was the longest and richest guaranteed deal for the franchise.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/740915/cropped_GettyImages-1709874903.jpg?ts=1723504741" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/740915/w220xh124_GettyImages-1709874903.jpg?ts=1723504741 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/740915/w320xh180_GettyImages-1709874903.jpg?ts=1723504741 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/740915/w640xh360_GettyImages-1709874903.jpg?ts=1723504741 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/740915/w768xh432_GettyImages-1709874903.jpg?ts=1723504741 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/740915/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1709874903.jpg?ts=1723504741 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Winslow Townson / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Guerrero will be the same age Devers was when he entered his final year of team control, and the pair have similar offensive production. Devers plays a more valuable position at third base and has become an adequate defender despite some early defensive troubles. Still, both Guerrero's and Devers' value come from their bats.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-cGNVY" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/cGNVY/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="161" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>With Devers' offensive profile as the baseline, Guerrero can also argue the importance of his marketability. He ranked <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-has-most-popular-jersey-at-2024-all-star-break">17th out of all MLB players</a> in jersey sales at the All-Star break, has several Canadian endorsement deals, and has been the biggest draw for fans in what's otherwise been a lost season. Guerrero was also born in Canada. And while he won't be representing the national team, something about that resonates with the fan base - in a city that has far too often watched its star players head south when given the opportunity.</p><p>These additional factors give Guerrero leverage when trying to sell his value to the franchise. He's not just going to get paid for his on-field contributions. He's much more than that.</p><p>There will likely be no shortage of suitors should Guerrero reach free agency. The New York Yankees, Baltimore Orioles, Houston Astros, Texas Rangers, Los Angeles Angels, Chicago Cubs, New York Mets, and San Francisco Giants could all have a need for the position and be a fit for him. Someone will pay. We just have to wait and see how much.</p>

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JULY 30: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. #27 of the Toronto Blue Jays reacts during the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on July 30, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland.

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What will Guerrero's next contract look like?

TORONTO - Erik Neander didn't anticipate getting much sleep in July.  The Rays' president of base...

<p>TORONTO - Erik Neander didn't anticipate getting much sleep in July.</p><p>The Rays' president of baseball operations has been working nonstop, lighting fire to Tampa Bay's roster ahead of Tuesday's trade deadline.</p><p>"There's some draft hangover, recovering from that, but the calendar's not going to wait for you," Neander told theScore in Toronto last week. "This time of year, you're kind of on overdrive. It's a time of year where these really significant decisions are made for every organization, and we relish and appreciate the responsibility that comes with that."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Neander's made significant decision after significant decision lately.</p><p>This season hasn't gone as Tampa Bay hoped. Injuries wiped out almost its entire starting rotation, leaving the club well back in the AL East. It's selling at this deadline.</p><p>"(The trade deadline is) a lot more fun when you have a stranglehold on the division," Neander admitted.</p><p>Though 2024 hasn't gone to plan, there's no denying the fact Tampa Bay's been one of the most successful teams in the last five years. Despite operating with one of MLB's lowest payrolls, the Rays reached the postseason in each of the last five seasons, even advancing to the 2020 World Series. They never ranked higher than 23rd in payroll in that time.</p><p>Neander's built success by blurring the lines between buying and selling. No player's ever untouchable, and the constant roster churn allows the organization to remain competitive on a forever-tight budget.</p><p>Never rebuilding, but always tinkering.</p><p>"We make a lot of trades," Neander said. </p><p>The 41-year-old speaks the truth.</p><p>Days after my conversation with Neander, he shook up the deadline, trading Randy Arozarena, Zach Eflin, Isaac Paredes, and Jason Adam in separate moves.</p><p>Tampa Bay's deadline strategy is obvious: take advantage of a market devoid of top-level talent. The Rays cut close to $40 million in future payroll over the weekend while acquiring 11 players they hope will turn into future building blocks, like others before them.</p><p>"Trades (or the) draft - it doesn't matter where players come from," Neander said. "We have an incredible staff here."</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Tampa Bay's 2024 trade deadline" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-xwXyU" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/xwXyU/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="416" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>The Rays never want to be stuck in the middle, and would rather maximize a player's value in a trade than risk waiting too long to move him. They're honest with where they're at - the 2024 roster wasn't going to win a World Series.</p><p>However, despite the team's success, there's an argument to be made that constantly trading away established players can cause tension within the organization. It's easy to forget players are people, and continuously trading away impact players can lead to a lost clubhouse. But speaking with some of the Rays' longest-tenured players, there's an understanding. There's buy-in that there's a method to the madness.</p><p>"When we traded (Willy) Adames, there were tears," Rays second baseman Brandon Lowe admitted to me. "Everybody was upset to see a guy like that go. We traded (Austin) Meadows, (Blake) Snell, (Tyler) Glasnow. Every single time, you're upset to see guys go because you develop a certain brotherhood, but you never question the talent we're getting back in return."</p><h3>'He's earned every bit of our respect'</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/738543/cropped_GettyImages-1201565256.jpg?ts=1722098119" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/738543/w220xh124_GettyImages-1201565256.jpg?ts=1722098119 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/738543/w320xh180_GettyImages-1201565256.jpg?ts=1722098119 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/738543/w640xh360_GettyImages-1201565256.jpg?ts=1722098119 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/738543/w768xh432_GettyImages-1201565256.jpg?ts=1722098119 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/738543/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1201565256.jpg?ts=1722098119 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Mary DeCicco / Major League Baseball / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Under Neander, the Rays have become somewhat of a bogeyman around baseball when it comes to trades. But 2019's top MLB executive is self-deprecating when asked about his success.</p><p>"I feel like one of our greatest gifts might be everyone forgetting about the trades that we'd like to have back," Neander joked. "Some have worked out well for us. Some have not worked out well for us. And many have been mutually beneficial to the needs of two clubs. Really, that's the goal."</p><p>Brandon Lowe's seen turnover like no one else in Tampa Bay. Drafted in the third round by the Rays in 2015, he's spent his entire seven-year MLB career with the organization and watched countless core members and close friends be shipped out and replaced with the next wave of talent.</p><p>"I mean, at a certain point in my career - it might have been my second year in the big leagues - I stopped worrying about what the trade was and who we got," Lowe said. "I was always sad to see a guy go.</p><p>"(Neander) deserves and has earned a certain amount of respect. What he's done with the organization, what he continues to do, he's earned every bit of (it)."</p><p>The trade to acquire Arozarena perfectly encapsulates who the Rays are and what's made them so successful in the Neander era. Arozarena was acquired in 2020 from the Cardinals and became a Rookie of the Year, All-Star, and ALCS MVP during his five seasons in Tampa Bay. The Rays' front office identified Arozarena - St. Louis' 10th-ranked prospect at the time - as a player who'd excel despite not even being the headliner of the trade (José Martínez).</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Rays land Arozarena in 2020" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-399qZ" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/399qZ/2/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="262" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>There are countless other examples.</p><p>Tampa Bay received Glasnow, Meadows, and Shane Baz for Chris Archer at the 2018 trade deadline. Glasnow and Meadows were key contributors before the Rays flipped them again. Glasnow was traded last winter to the Dodgers for Ryan Pepiot and Jonny DeLuca. Meadows was moved to Detroit in 2022 for Paredes.</p><p>"Honestly, I think I take it for granted at this point, where you just expect whoever comes in is going to perform," reliever Pete Fairbanks said. "There's obviously a method to the trades that our front office goes after and it's on (the players) to give the new guys a comfortable place to be themselves and let those traits flourish."</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Rays deal Archer for 3 players" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-XvhRJ" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/XvhRJ/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="213" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>"You can play Monday morning GM or whatever you want to call it, and there's moves sometimes that maybe we raised our eyebrows at, but at the end of the day, the proof is in the pudding," reliever Jason Adam told me last week - days before he was traded to San Diego. "They've shown to be very successful at what they do.</p><p>"We were bummed to lose Glasnow, but (the reaction) was universal, like: 'I can't wait to see what Pepiot is,' because they don't make a trade they think is a bad trade. They're pretty good at evaluating it. They've earned our benefit of the doubt."</p><p>Adam was traded for a three-prospect package, headlined by pitcher and 2022 first-round pick Dylan Lesko. It'll be years before the deal can truly be evaluated, but it's already unsurprisingly being heralded as another Tampa Bay success: </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Today the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Padres?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Padres</a> reportedly acquired RHP Jason Adam ($6.0M surplus trade value) from the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rays?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rays</a> in exchange for RHP Dylan Lesko ($9.7M), OF Homer Bush Jr. ($2.2M) and C J.D. Gonzalez ($2.2M).<br><br>The deal is rejected by our model as an overpay by San Diego.</p>— Baseball Trade Values (@BaseballValues) <a href="https://twitter.com/BaseballValues/status/1817575213166629116?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Neander's 2022 Meadows trade was the most shocking deal of his tenure - and one of his best. Meadows was an All-Star in two of his three full Rays seasons and was coming off a 27-home run campaign. Paredes had two home runs across 57 games over two seasons with the Tigers.</p><p>"I always look at the Meadows and Isaac trade," Lowe said. "Meadows is one of my best friends. My wife and his wife are really close. So, I mean, us trading him, personally, I lost a brother. And then you look at the numbers and everything. (Meadows) had 100 RBIs; we must really see something in this Isaac guy. And now you look at what Isaac's done, and he's delivered in spades. It's incredible."</p><p>Paredes saw his Rays life come full circle Sunday. He went from an underachieving unknown in Detroit to an All-Star in Tampa Bay, and was then flipped for a premium when his stock was at its peak.</p><h3>'The most exciting call for me'</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/738490/cropped_GettyImages-2157314290.jpg?ts=1722042425" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/738490/w220xh124_GettyImages-2157314290.jpg?ts=1722042425 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/738490/w320xh180_GettyImages-2157314290.jpg?ts=1722042425 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/738490/w640xh360_GettyImages-2157314290.jpg?ts=1722042425 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/738490/w768xh432_GettyImages-2157314290.jpg?ts=1722042425 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/738490/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2157314290.jpg?ts=1722042425 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Todd Kirkland / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>I can tell it means a lot to Neander when I relay what Lowe and Adam said about trusting the front office. Running a major-league club means making tough decisions that disrupt lives, uproot families, and change careers. The magnitude of Neander's choices isn't lost on him.</p><p>"It means a lot in the sense that we respect that this is all about the players," Neander said. "First and foremost, they're the priority, and I have an endless amount of respect for the requirements of their job.</p><p>"You can simultaneously pour yourself into supporting the players you have, while also acknowledge that at any time, there are decisions that could impact them and their families - that's really difficult. But I think I just own it. That's the job that I have. That's my job description. There's tough decisions or requirements of my job and I just never really shied away from. Treat people with respect, treat them honestly."</p><p>Neander believes those morals play a part in what's made the Rays so successful. He also credits his coaching staff and player-development group for helping players "find their confidence."</p><p>Fairbanks was acquired from Texas in 2019 and became one of MLB's best relievers in Tampa Bay. He credits a number of factors: transparency, openness, a clear plan, and the organization's pitching philosophy.</p><p>"They find people that fit what they believe in," Fairbanks said. </p><p>Adam was attracted to that pitching philosophy. After playing for three different clubs in four years and struggling as a reliever, the Rays' interest in him in 2022 was monumental.</p><p>"I was an up-and-down guy, had good stretches, and had really bad stretches," Adam said. "When they called, it was the most exciting call for me. They have really good pitching, so they must see something, they must have something they think could help benefit me. So it was a huge factor in me (signing)."</p><p>Adam shared a funny story about the Tampa Bay way. He said the club didn't explicitly tell him to stop throwing his curveball when he was acquired, but he noticed his curveball was missing when he was shown how his arsenal was to be deployed as a Ray. </p><p>"It was like, 'We'll talk about <em>that</em> later.' And we (never did). I think we joked about it for the first time earlier this season." </p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/738759/cropped_GettyImages-1229136073.jpg?ts=1722254595" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/738759/w220xh124_GettyImages-1229136073.jpg?ts=1722254595 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/738759/w320xh180_GettyImages-1229136073.jpg?ts=1722254595 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/738759/w640xh360_GettyImages-1229136073.jpg?ts=1722254595 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/738759/w768xh432_GettyImages-1229136073.jpg?ts=1722254595 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/738759/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1229136073.jpg?ts=1722254595 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Alex Trautwig / Major League Baseball / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Rays are again entering another new era thanks to all the trades Neander's made over the last several days, with more likely coming before Tuesday's deadline. While it's certainly frustrating for Rays fans to again watch some of their favorites depart, new faces will take advantage of opportunities - it's the Rays' way. </p><p>Doubt their process at your peril. Players don't. </p><p>"There was a ton of excitement coming in," DeLuca said about being traded for Glasnow, "because I knew this organization: a lot of guys get opportunities here, especially young guys. There's comfort (knowing) I'm going to get a shot.</p><p>"This organization is renowned for letting players be themselves, and (getting) the best out of (them)."</p>

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The Rays' Way: Trades, more trades, and some trades after that

The Tampa Bay Rays continue to remake their roster this deadline.   Tampa Bay traded right-handed...

<p>The Tampa Bay Rays continue to remake their roster this deadline. </p><p>Tampa Bay traded right-handed reliever <a href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/4322">Jason Adam</a> to the San Diego Padres for right-hander Dylan Lesko, outfielder Homer Bush Jr., and catcher J.D. Gonzalez. </p><p>Adam has emerged as an elite reliever with the Rays. The 32-year-old owns a 2.49 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, and 50 strikeouts in 47 innings. He has a 2.30 ERA, 0.88 WHIP, and 10.6 K/9 over 164 2/3 innings in three seasons in Tampa Bay.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>He's earning $2.7 million this season and is arbitration eligible in 2025 and '26.</p><p>It's the third major trade for the Rays ahead of the deadline. The club also sent <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9644" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9644">Randy Arozarena</a> to the Seattle Mariners, and Zach Eflin to the Baltimore Orioles.</p><p>"This was an extremely tough morning saying goodbye to Jason, who has meant so much to our organization on and off the field, but we are very excited to see these three guys we obtained from San Diego grow in our system," Rays president of baseball operations Erik Neander said, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/TBTimes_Rays/status/1817614629482168825">Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times</a>. </p><p>Lesko is the No. 5 prospect in the Padres' system, according to <a href="https://www.baseballamerica.com/teams/2017-san-diego-padres/prospects/?season=2024">Baseball America</a>. The 20-year-old, who was the 15th pick in the 2022 draft, owns a 6.46 ERA and 1.54 WHIP in 69 2/3 innings in High-A this season.</p><p>Gonzalez, the No. 8 prospect, is an 18-year-old who was selected in the third round of the 2023 draft. He's appeared in 48 games in Single-A, hitting .205/.322/.230 with four doubles and 55 strikeouts.</p><p>Bush is the No. 12-ranked prospect in the system. The 22-year-old is hitting .272/.362/.347 with 4 home runs and 43 stolen bases in 86 games in High-A.</p>

ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - MARCH 29: Jason Adam #47 of the Tampa Bay Rays delivers a pitch to the Toronto Blue Jays in the ninth inning at Tropicana Field on March 29, 2024 in St Petersburg, Florida.

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Rays trade Jason Adam to Padres in 4-player deal

The Toronto Blue Jays traded reliever Nate Pearson to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for outfielder...

<p>The Toronto Blue Jays traded reliever <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9616" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9616">Nate Pearson</a> to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for outfielder Yohendrick Pinango and shortstop Josh Rivera, the teams announced.</p><p>Pearson, who turns 28 next month, posted a 5.63 ERA, 4.62 FIP, and 1.55 WHIP along with 51 strikeouts and a 11.5 K/9 rate in 41 relief appearances this season.</p><p>A 2017 first-round pick of the Blue Jays, Pearson was once considered the organization's top pitching prospect and was earmarked as a future staff ace. He was a key contributor to Toronto's 2020 playoff berth as a rookie and struck out five without allowing a run during that year's wild-card series.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>However, a slew of injuries followed and halted his progress as a starter. Pearson missed all of 2022 due to a combination of illness and elbow injuries before returning last year as a reliever.</p><p>Pearson is earning $800,000 this season and has two years of arbitration eligibility remaining. His acquisition falls in line with Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer's deadline <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3042160" href="https://thescore.com/news/3042160">strategy</a> of looking to acquire players who will help the team compete in 2025 and beyond.</p><p>Pearson's fastball has long been his trademark and was the reason behind his high prospect rankings. It's still one of his best pitches, ranking in the 95th percentile while averaging nearly 98 mph, although opponents are hitting .342 against it this season. He's found more success with the slider, his second-most common offering, in 2024.</p><p>Pinango, 22, was ranked as the Cubs' No. 17 prospect by <a href="https://www.baseballamerica.com/teams/2005-chicago-cubs/prospects/">Baseball America</a> prior to the trade. The Venezuelan outfielder is hitting .263/.363/.434 with nine home runs, 40 RBIs, and 10 stolen bases across 84 games split between High-A South Bend and Double-A Tennessee. He started the year on a tear but slumped after being promoted to Double-A in mid-May.</p><p>Pinango will become Rule 5 Draft-eligible this winter, meaning the Blue Jays will have to add him to their 40-man roster in November.</p><p>Rivera, the Cubs' third-round pick in 2023, owns a .169/.277/.260 slash line with four homers and 16 RBIs in 68 games at Double-A this season. The 23-year-old has played exclusively at shortstop this year after splitting time at three infield spots last summer.</p><p>Toronto recalled right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/16543" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/16543">Ryan Burr</a> from Triple-A Buffalo to take Pearson's spot in the bullpen. The club also transferred closer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/8362" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/8362">Jordan Romano</a> to the 60-day injured list.</p><p>The Cubs designated right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9670" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/9670">Jesus Tinoco</a> for assignment to make room for Pearson on their 40-man roster.</p>

TORONTO, ON - JUNE 18: Nate Pearson #24 of Toronto Blue Jays pitches to the Boston Red Sox during the seventh inning in their MLB game at the Rogers Centre on June 18, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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Blue Jays trade Pearson to Cubs

The Toronto Blue Jays' miserable 2024 season continues to get worse.   Manager John Schneider ann...

<p>The Toronto Blue Jays' miserable 2024 season continues to get worse. </p><p>Manager John Schneider announced Saturday that top pitching prospect <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/15715" href="https://thescore.com/mlb/players/15715">Ricky Tiedemann</a> will undergo Tommy John surgery July 30, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/ShiDavidi/status/1817237584877138097">Sportsnet's Shi Davidi</a>.</p><p>Tiedemann had been dealing with forearm tightness and ulnar nerve inflammation while pitching in the minors this season and recently underwent second and third opinions on how to treat his injuries.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 21-year-old posted a 6.00 ERA over nine innings with Triple-A Buffalo this season. </p><p>The Blue Jays reside in the AL East basement, and things in the minor leagues haven't gone much better this season. In addition to Tiedemann needing elbow surgery, the organization's No. 2 prospect, Orelvis Martinez, was suspended 80 games, while No. 4 prospect Brandon Barriera underwent a hybrid Tommy John surgery and internal brace procedure in April.</p><p>Tiedemann was a potential option to help Toronto's rotation in the final months of the season but now likely won't be available until 2026.</p>

SURPRISE, AZ - OCTOBER 03: Ricky Tiedemann #34 of the Surprise Saguaros pitches during the game between the Peoria Javelinas and the Surprise Saguaros at Surprise Stadium on Tuesday, October 3, 2023 in Surprise, Arizona.

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Blue Jays' Tiedemann to undergo Tommy John surgery

Red Bull's Max Verstappen posted the fastest lap in qualifying Saturday ahead of the Belgian GP b...

<p>Red Bull's Max Verstappen posted the fastest lap in qualifying Saturday ahead of the Belgian GP but will start 11th due to a 10-place grid penalty for taking a new power unit.</p><p>"This was the best I could do today," Verstappen said. "I don't know how quick we will be, but I'm hoping we'll be in the mix."</p><p>Ferrari's Charles Leclerc was the benefactor of Verstappen's penalty and will start at the front of the grid Sunday at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I did not expect that this weekend," Leclerc said. "Now we need to focus on tomorrow." </p><p>Verstappen also posted the fastest lap at Spa in 2023 and 2022 but lost both poles because of a grid penalties. </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Belgian GP qualifying" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-Pizp1" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Pizp1/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="897" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>After narrowly sneaking into Q3, Sergio Perez put together a great performance on used tires to qualify third. He will start at the front of the grid.</p><p>Yuki Tsunoda will start at the back of the grid due to bringing in multiple new components.</p>

Red Bull Racing's Dutch driver Max Verstappen (L) shakes hands with Ferrari's Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc after the qualifying session ahead of the Formula One Belgian Grand Prix at the Spa-Francorchamps Circuit in Spa on July 27, 2024.

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Leclerc inherits Belgian GP pole after Verstappen penalty

The Houston Astros have climbed out of an enormous hole in just 25 games.  Houston beat the Seatt...

<p>The Houston Astros have climbed out of an enormous hole in just 25 games.</p><p>Houston beat the Seattle Mariners 4-2 on Saturday to take sole possession of first place in the AL West. The two teams entered the game in a tie for the top spot. </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">RAKE MEYERS GIVES US THE LEAD!!! <a href="https://t.co/gHSf0Hr0pX">pic.twitter.com/gHSf0Hr0pX</a></p>— Houston Astros (@astros) <a href="https://twitter.com/astros/status/1814867979777061175?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"It's awesome to hear but I think it's the same thing as month one or month two being down 10, 12 games. I think we've adopted the same mindset of, we've just got to keep winning the game at hand and playing together, and we're a great team when we do that," Astros outfielder Jake Meyers <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/2941429" href="https://www.thescore.com/news/2941429">said</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Mariners were 44-31 on June 18 and held a 10-game lead over the Astros. Seattle's posted an 8-17 record since, while Houston's gone 19-6.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="AL West standings" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-sDtgd" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/sDtgd/2/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="333" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>The Astros have won three consecutive AL West titles and six of the last seven. The Mariners, who now sit 2.5 games back of the final wild-card spot, haven't won the division since 2001.</p><p>Seattle's odds to win the division sat at 86.3% on June 18, according to FanGraphs. They dropped to 41.7% entering play Saturday.</p><p>"This club is going through a lot of things. It happens through the course of a season," Mariners manager Scott Servais said. "We've got guys who are struggling right now to get some traction and get it going, and they know it. They feel it. And the team in the other dugout across the way is playing very good baseball right now."</p>

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JULY 20: Yainer Diaz #21 of the Houston Astros hugs Jeremy Pena #3 after hitting a solo home run during the eighth inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on July 20, 2024 in Seattle, Washington.

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Astros erase 10-game deficit to take sole possession of AL West

Welcome to theScore's MLB midseason report cards, in which we look at where each AL team stands f...

<p><em>Welcome to theScore's MLB midseason report cards, in which we look at where each AL team stands following the first half of the campaign. NL report cards will be published Thursday. </em></p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-bGOOg" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/bGOOg/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="90" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>To the skeptics who thought the Orioles would regress after a 101-win season: Winning is the new standard in Baltimore. Gunnar Henderson has played like an MVP candidate atop a powerful lineup that leads baseball with 149 home runs. The pitching staff has also done its part, ranking in the top 10 in ERA, FIP, and fWAR. Baltimore is a piece or two away from making the first of many deep postseason runs with its new core.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-ZoiqL" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/ZoiqL/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="110" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>The Red Sox haven't let long-term injuries to Lucas Giolito, Triston Casas, Garrett Whitlock, Vaughn Grissom, or Trevor Story slow them down. Boston enters the break occupying the final wild-card spot at 53-42 and sits just 4.5 games back in the division. The Red Sox look to be coming out on the other side of their rebuild after finishing last in the AL East in back-to-back seasons. Homegrown players Tanner Houck and Jarren Duran are All-Stars, the starting pitching has been excellent, and the offense has been an exciting blend of power and speed. Alex Cora has managed the hell out of his team in what could be his final year under contract.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-qJeHY" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/qJeHY/2/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="110" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>The White Sox are squarely in 2003 Tigers territory - the team that lost an AL-record 119 games. Chicago already has a 14-game losing streak, a minus-177 run differential, and a .276 win percentage to its name this season. The White Sox undoubtedly have the look and feel of an all-time bad team. They came into the season expecting to be bad, and the front office does deserve some credit for moving Garrett Crochet to the rotation and signing Erick Fedde. Both players should be moved at the deadline to stockpile more assets for the future.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-mSPtQ" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/mSPtQ/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="90" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>The Guardians sit atop the AL Central as baseball's biggest surprise team. The lineup has been unexpectedly potent thanks to huge leaps by first-time All-Stars Josh Naylor (22 home runs) and Steven Kwan (159 OPS+). Cleveland's relievers have also been dominant: Emmanuel Clase and Co. lead MLB bullpens with a 2.62 ERA and 3.17 FIP. This team has been dynamic, exciting, and undoubtedly one of the first half's best stories.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-JsRGo" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/JsRGo/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="90" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Detroit is showing signs of life, winning eight of its last 10 games before the break. But the club still likely isn't as far along as it'd hoped to be at this point. While the Tigers own what would be their best winning percentage (.492) since 2016, they're still well out of the playoff race and will likely once again be forced to sell at the deadline. While Tarik Skubal is a Cy Young candidate, recent first overall picks Casey Mize and Spencer Torkelson haven't been the franchise-changers the front office hoped for. Mize owns a 4.23 ERA over 16 starts, while Torkelson was demoted to Triple-A.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-PvLeI" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/PvLeI/2/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="90" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Houston's empire is bound to fall eventually, but it appears it's not ready to crumble yet. Despite unrelenting injuries across the roster, the Astros managed to climb out from a 10-game hole in the division and sit just one back of the Mariners for the top spot in the AL West. GM Dana Brown raised some eyebrows earlier in the season when he said he wouldn't sell at the deadline despite the team's struggles, and we all should've known better than to doubt him. There's still lots of work to be done, but with the team getting healthier and Alex Bregman waking up from an early-season malaise, Houston remains a threat.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-EVqqG" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/EVqqG/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="110" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>The Royals' front office surprised many last winter with its free-agent spending spree. The bulk of those moves have paid off. Kansas City only needs to go 5-60 to surpass last year's win total as the club is looking to make the biggest year-to-year improvement of any team this season. Bobby Witt Jr. is a superstar, while Salvador Perez continues to build on a potential Hall of Fame career. Meanwhile, Seth Lugo and his 2.48 ERA might be one of the best offseason signings.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-Ge0xn" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Ge0xn/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="110" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Mike Trout started the season with 10 home runs in 29 games but has been sidelined since April 29 after undergoing meniscus surgery. Even with Trout's production, the club got off to an 11-18 start and has gone 30-37 in his absence. Losing Shohei Ohtani may have netted the Angels right-hander Ryan Johnson in the draft Sunday, but the organization still set itself back even more years by opting to buy at the deadline instead of trading away the eventual MVP a year ago. Barring a miracle second half, the Angels are looking at a ninth straight losing season.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-k2rcE" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/k2rcE/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="90" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Despite a tendency to get red-hot or go ice-cold, Minnesota has posted a winning record every month this season. Carlos Correa has rediscovered his All-Star form in his second year with the Twins, while Jose Miranda has emerged to lead a strong supporting cast. Playoff baseball appears well within reach for a second straight year, especially if Royce Lewis can stay healthy when he returns from the IL after the break.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-V47Nr" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/V47Nr/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="110" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>The Yankees looked like world-beaters at the end of May. They've since limped into the All-Star break trailing the Orioles in the AL East amid a truly dismal stretch. Make no mistake: New York is still a World Series-caliber team anchored by two of baseball's premier sluggers. Aaron Judge and Juan Soto have already combined for 57 home runs and 11.8 fWAR, but the Yankees will need others to step up to win title No. 28.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-tPtof" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/tPtof/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="90" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>The A's final season in Oakland has been just as non-competitive as everyone expected. The pitching staff has been abysmal, ranking third worst in ERA (4.46) and dead last in fWAR (4.6). Flame-throwing closer Mason Miller has at least provided optimism for the future as either a long-term piece or a tradable asset. All-Star snub Brent Rooker has followed up a breakout 2023 campaign with an even better 2024, giving Oakland at least one legitimate bat to build around.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-ls4MJ" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/ls4MJ/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="90" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>The Mariners continue to play a Jekyll and Hyde act with an excellent starting rotation and a downright horrendous offense. Seattle's pitchers rank near the top of every statistical category, while its hitters have posted the lowest batting average (.219) and highest strikeout rate (28.1%) in all of baseball while scoring the fourth-fewest runs. The road to winning the AL West for the first time since 2001 starts with Julio Rodríguez having a monster second half after he slumped to a .690 OPS in the first.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-mp5HD" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/mp5HD/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="110" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Whatever magic Tampa Bay normally uses to play better than the sum of its parts appears to be running out. A down year from Randy Arozarena (.202/.309/.362) is one of the many reasons why the Rays have only scored 3.9 runs per game, tied for 27th in MLB. These offensive woes, combined with a below-average starting rotation, have led Tampa Bay to post an uncharacteristically poor 12-18 record against AL East foes. </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-CX0ah" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/CX0ah/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="90" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>The Rangers have looked like a shell of last year's World Series-winning team for much of this season. Regression from Marcus Semien and Adolis García, along with the struggles of Evan Carter, has robbed the offense of its Texas-sized punch, while the rotation has once again been decimated by injuries. Fortunately for the Rangers, the AL West remains wide-open - a five-game deficit is hardly insurmountable with plenty of intra-division contests yet to be played.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-PRtqP" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/PRtqP/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="110" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Toronto's underwhelming offseason has translated into truly disappointing on-field results. The team's decision to bet on internal improvement backfired into regression - both in terms of performance and health. Bo Bichette (70 OPS+) and Kevin Gausman (4.50 ERA) have played well below their usual standards, while injuries to Jordan Romano and Yimi García have gutted what was supposed to be a strong bullpen. The Blue Jays should unquestionably be deadline sellers.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/27788278/related

American League report cards at the halfway mark

TORONTO - Tyler Glasnow loved his first experience with the automatic ball-strike system.  The Do...

<p>TORONTO - Tyler Glasnow loved his first experience with the automatic ball-strike system.</p><p>The Dodgers right-hander got a firsthand glimpse of the ABS challenge system currently being tested in the minor leagues during a rehab assignment with Triple-A Durham last season.</p><p>"I thought it was so cool," Glasnow told theScore. "I think it's just more like entertainment value. That was, like, the loudest the crowd got - when there was a challenge."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>ABS, also known as "robot umps," uses the Hawk-Eye tracking system - similar to tennis - to accurately call balls and strikes. Umpires wear an earpiece and are instructed of the call in real time.</p><p>"I've seen a couple of the minor-league games with the challenge system," Yankees star Aaron Judge said. "It's pretty cool how they can do that.</p><p>"I've been to the US Open a couple times and have seen that system."</p><p>For those reluctant to embrace a fully automated zone, the challenge system is viewed as a compromise. An umpire still stands behind the plate making their own calls on balls and strikes. Players, however, have the ability to challenge a call in real time. Teams are issued three challenges per game, and they retain their challenge if they're proven correct. If a batter, pitcher, or catcher believes the umpire made an incorrect call, they'll signal they want to challenge. The challenge call must come right away, and only from players involved in the plate appearance. The ball-tracking technology flashes on the scoreboard almost immediately, giving a ruling.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Interesting turn of events here in Sacramento as Marco Luciano got rung up on a called third strike. He called for the ABS challenge, the review was done within 10 seconds, and was called a ball by the slimmest of margins. <br><br>I want the ABS challenge system in MLB. <a href="https://t.co/2jXbGCym69">pic.twitter.com/2jXbGCym69</a></p>— Giant Prospective (@giantprospectiv) <a href="https://twitter.com/giantprospectiv/status/1774263992007148003?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"Everyone was locked in. It was so fast - five seconds," Glasnow said.</p><p>"I also think it would be more beneficial to the umpires than they would think. It could be the one time in the game where they can be like, 'I told you so.'"</p><p>Every six-game Triple-A series this season splits between full ABS and the challenge system. </p><p>Orioles ace Corbin Burnes sits on the competition committee and says there's been much talk in the Baltimore clubhouse about ABS' potential future implementation. He believes the challenge system is by far the preferred option among players.</p><p>"I don't think there's a place in our game for full ABS," Burnes told theScore. "A lot of guys like the human element of it. There's gamesmanship behind the plate with the catchers stealing strikes, and a lot of guys have a lot of value to a team with that type of skill set.</p><p>"The challenge system is probably something that I think we can benefit from. You don't need a robot ump for every pitch in the game. It's more about the big pitches that can change the course of the game, change an at-bat."</p><p>A perfect example of what the challenge system could prevent happened last week in San Diego. Padres infielder Jake Cronenworth was called out to end the game on a strike-three call that was off the plate. Had the challenge system been in place, Cronenworth could have used it to keep the plate appearance alive (provided he had a challenge to use).</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">That's a TOUGH way to end a baseball game <a href="https://t.co/2QSl1DMbXv">pic.twitter.com/2QSl1DMbXv</a></p>— Dillard Barnhart (@BarnHasSpoken2) <a href="https://twitter.com/BarnHasSpoken2/status/1798936223115047402?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/631925/cropped_Screenshot_2024-06-07_at_11.06.24_AM.jpg?ts=1717772814" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/631925/w220xh124_Screenshot_2024-06-07_at_11.06.24_AM.jpg?ts=1717772814 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/631925/w320xh180_Screenshot_2024-06-07_at_11.06.24_AM.jpg?ts=1717772814 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/631925/w640xh360_Screenshot_2024-06-07_at_11.06.24_AM.jpg?ts=1717772814 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/631925/w768xh432_Screenshot_2024-06-07_at_11.06.24_AM.jpg?ts=1717772814 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/631925/w1080xh607_Screenshot_2024-06-07_at_11.06.24_AM.jpg?ts=1717772814 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Baseball Savant</span></figcaption></figure><p>Burnes doesn't believe ABS is close to coming to MLB, despite two years of testing. He references Rob Manfred's May comments, when the commissioner said it's unlikely MLB incorporates ABS by 2025. Manfred cited "technical issues," and while there's been some progress, he believes more work is needed before it's MLB ready.</p><p>"I think it'd be the best way to go about it," Twins shortstop Carlos Correa said of the challenge system. "A lot of people talk about the robot umpires and all that, (but) I think the human factor still is important to the game. We all make mistakes; players, umpires, everybody. I think if you can correct those with a challenge system, I think that would be fine. We need to figure out how the logistics will work with that. It sounds like it's working in Triple-A."</p><h3>'It doesn't play any favorites'</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/631860/cropped_GettyImages-1599683465.jpg?ts=1717717880" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/631860/w220xh124_GettyImages-1599683465.jpg?ts=1717717880 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/631860/w320xh180_GettyImages-1599683465.jpg?ts=1717717880 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/631860/w640xh360_GettyImages-1599683465.jpg?ts=1717717880 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/631860/w768xh432_GettyImages-1599683465.jpg?ts=1717717880 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/631860/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1599683465.jpg?ts=1717717880 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jason Miller / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>You won't find someone more supportive of the ABS system than Blue Jay Davis Schneider.</p><p>"Oh, I love it," Schneider told theScore. "As a hitter, it's the best, because you get the true outcome of what (the pitch) should be.</p><p>"I believe it should be here, the challenge system at least, because it doesn't play any favorites. If you think you got a call right, challenge it."</p><p>Like the current challenge system in MLB with calls on the bases, there's strategy that can be used. Players can be cautious about using a challenge early in a game for fear they might lose it, often preferring to keep them for higher-leverage situations, when the outcome of the plate appearance weighs heavier on the game's result.</p><p>"You kind of have to pick and choose when, because you don't want to waste one early and then have that come back and bite you," Schneider said.</p><p>Blue Jays right-hander Alek Manoah got his first experience with ABS earlier this season while rehabbing in Florida. He admitted to being completely caught off guard by the challenge system.</p><p>"Those kids were challenging every call and I was like, 'What the heck is going on?'" Manoah said. "It was weird. It's kind of like a video game. It's really not like baseball.</p><p>"You only get three challenges, so it's tricky. You don't want to sit there and challenge every call. Luckily, I won the first two (I used), but that would have been super selfish of me if I would have lost the first two in the first inning. Those are things I thought about after the fact. In the moment, I know that's a strike - 'challenge.' But if I would have been wrong, you say, 'Shoot, now we're down to one with eight innings left.'"</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">After the four consecutive walks, Alek Manoah strikes out a batter, generates a sac fly, and then strikes out another batter.<br><br>He also got to use the challenge system! <a href="https://t.co/jGYfaTn2Ya">pic.twitter.com/jGYfaTn2Ya</a></p>— Ryley Delaney (@Ryley_L_D) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ryley_L_D/status/1777008061208486060?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Burnes says he doesn't know where the ideal place to experiment with new rules is. The Arizona Fall League provides too small a sample size. The minor leagues, at least, allows testing to be done in an extended way, including when games are meaningful. MLB and MiLB players playing under different rules can create issues for some minor leaguers when they make the jump to the big leagues, though.</p><p>"There's a lot of things that we caution with the rules committee when we're on the phone calls," Burnes said. "It's like, you're running the tests for MLB in the minor leagues."</p><p>Going from a "perfect" strike zone in the minors to the human element of MLB with varying zones has caused some younger players to struggle to adapt.</p><p>"They come up from Triple-A and they're like, 'Wow, this feels like a completely different game,' just because of how small the zone is down there," Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. told theScore. "It's kind of a bigger change than they think."</p><p>"Last year, coming from ABS to (MLB), you realize how many mistakes umpires do make, in the zone and out of the zone," Schneider said.</p><p>Toronto prospect Addison Barger posted a 1.021 OPS and 21% strikeout rates in the minors prior to being called up in April. He went 1-for-18 with six strikeouts in five MLB games before being sent back down.</p><p>"(The strike zone) is the biggest adjustment," Barger said. "I don't know if you're learning that strike zone again, but maybe just take a little more chances on the pitches that are the fringy pitches, that may be a ball in Triple-A - they're probably strikes here. It made me be a little more aggressive in the zone, and outside the zone a little bit. You can't be as passive on the pitches on the corners."</p><p>It's not uncommon for young hitters to struggle once they reach the majors. This season's sample is small, and it's tough to compare different rookie classes because there's such a disproportionate amount of talent, but rookies are putting up a lower overall average, OBP, slugging, and wRC+ in 2024 than the previous two seasons (through June 10):</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="MLB Rookie hitters" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-NF2Vw" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/NF2Vw/3/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="180" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>"I think (ABS is) contributing to a bigger separation when you come to the big leagues," Burnes said. "When I was coming up, the jump to the big leagues was still pretty big, and that was 2018. Now, talking to guys, talking to coaches, it's just such a big jump. I think a lot of that is guys in Triple-A before were swinging to get to the big leagues. Now, guys aren't swinging, and they get to the big leagues and are forced to swing, and they're not ready."</p><p>Despite benefiting from ABS, Manoah believes the relationship between players and umpires can also be negatively affected by the challenge system. While Manoah wants accuracy, he doesn't want an umpire to feel like they're being shown up.</p><p>"The one that I challenged that I didn't get right, when I came off at the end of the inning, the umpire kind of made a joke with me: 'Hey man, I might not be able to get the up and down but I know the corner,'" Manoah said. "That tells me the umpires do take it personal. You know, especially when we challenge and win, it shows they messed up the call and everyone sees it."</p><p>Schneider agrees that showing up an umpire is one of the negative aspects of the challenge system, but feels that the correct call trumps all; umpires shouldn't take it personally.</p><p>"It shows really how sometimes bad the umpires are, so that aspect kind of sucks," Schneider said. "If an umpire gets a really bad call, it kind of puts them in a bad spot. (You're not trying to show them up), you're trying to get the call right. But, like, sometimes it's <em>really</em> bad. That aspect kind of sucks, but umpires should be held accountable."</p><h3>
<strong>'</strong>Media box is the issue'</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/631866/cropped_Screenshot_2024-06-06_at_8.51.15_PM.jpg?ts=1717721593" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/631866/w220xh124_Screenshot_2024-06-06_at_8.51.15_PM.jpg?ts=1717721593 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/631866/w320xh180_Screenshot_2024-06-06_at_8.51.15_PM.jpg?ts=1717721593 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/631866/w640xh360_Screenshot_2024-06-06_at_8.51.15_PM.jpg?ts=1717721593 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/631866/w768xh432_Screenshot_2024-06-06_at_8.51.15_PM.jpg?ts=1717721593 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/631866/w1080xh607_Screenshot_2024-06-06_at_8.51.15_PM.jpg?ts=1717721593 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">SportsNet</span></figcaption></figure><p>Burnes thinks issues with umpires for the most part have been overblown, and that problems with the strike zone are more pronounced due to the implementation of the strike-zone box on TV broadcasts.</p><p>"The media box is the issue," Burnes said. "Social media has blown it up and made it a bigger issue.</p><p>"I think as technology has advanced with social media, and these media networks putting strike zones up that are incorrect, the easiest thing to do is for (broadcasters) to not put a box up there, and (complaints) slowly start to go away."</p><p>"It's not (accurate)," Freddie Freeman, one of baseball's best hitters, said of broadcast K-zones.</p><p>"I think for the most part, umpires are more right than players, like 60-40," Glasnow said.</p><p>The ABS strike zone in Triple-A this season is 17 inches wide with "a two-dimensional rectangle at the midpoint of the plate. The top and bottom of the strike zone will be set at 53.5% and 27% of the batter's height." MLB continues to tinker with the shape of the zone in order to prevent it from being manipulated by hitters and pitchers. </p><p>When speaking with players who haven't used the ABS system, most of the questions are about the technology and how it all comes together.</p><p>"I just don't know how they're gonna gauge what the bottom is, what the top is. How are they going to make the strike zone?" Judge asked.</p><p>"I don't see how they could really hone in on that system in a big-league game," Freeman said. </p><p>"I don't like the automatic strike zone, with the sense (that if) a ball barely hits it, then it's a strike. I don't think that's right," Yankees outfielder Alex Verdugo said. "I think it should be 40-50% of the ball crossing that line."</p><p>Max Scherzer said in April that the electronic strike zone should be used as a way to score umpires, with those scoring the lowest sent to the minors. Verdugo agrees that some type of scoring system would be the best way to hold umpires accountable while still allowing them to call their own game.</p><p>"There should be some type of grading system or something that happens with umpires to where it maybe tightens up that buffer zone, so whatever mistakes are more cleaned up," Verdugo said.</p><p>MLB's made a number of changes over the last several years under Manfred, and many have improved the on-field product. The expanded playoff field, pitch clock, and shift regulations were all met with some pushback but ended up enhancing the game.</p><p>Change is hard, though, and it's understandable that some players are reluctant to continue to agree to more alterations. Overall, however, most players are keeping an open mind.</p><p>"Whatever benefits the players. Whatever helps grow this game," Judge said.</p><p>"When I'm retired 10 years from now and I'm watching the game on TV, I might be like, 'That's kinda cool.' Until you deal with it, (it's hard to really know)," Freeman said of ABS.</p><p>"I think (ABS) eventually will come but there (are) still a lot of flaws," Burnes said. "Will it be here by 2026? I would say no. I would say it's probably maybe a year or so after that. It'll get there, but until you're 100% (accuracy), we don't want to see it. "</p>

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The robots are coming and MLBers prefer a challenge

It's easy to say June 1 is way too early to look at the MLB standings, but wins in April and May ...

<p>It's easy to say June 1 is way too early to look at the MLB standings, but wins in April and May count the same as August and September.</p><p>Teams that play themselves into an early hole have a difficult time digging out. Since MLB expanded the postseason field in 2022, nine of the 12 AL clubs to qualify for the postseason held playoff spots heading into June.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="2023 season" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-r4yuO" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/r4yuO/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="435" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>The Blue Jays were the only team outside the AL playoff picture on May 31, 2023, to qualify for last postseason, and they only grabbed the final spot. Toronto was 3.5 games out of a playoff position heading into June and jumped over the Seattle Mariners, Los Angeles Angels, and New York Yankees to qualify. Toronto went 60-46 over the final four months, while the Yankees, decimated by injuries, went 48-56 to finish seven games back.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="2022 season" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-bxGw4" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/bxGw4/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="479" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>The Cleveland Guardians sat 3.5 games back of a playoff spot May 31, 2022, while the Seattle Mariners' early poor play had them 5.5 games out. Cleveland would erase a six-game deficit to the Minnesota Twins to capture the AL Central, while Seattle's 69-44 (.627) run landed the club the second wild-card spot.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="AL wild card standings" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-viCy0" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/viCy0/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="490" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Seven teams are within 7.5 games for the final AL wild-card spot heading into June. The Baltimore Orioles and Kansas City Royals have created a bit of separation already, so we'll exclude them from this exercise. Four of the clubs outside the playoff picture were in the postseason last year, including the reigning World Series champion Texas Rangers. Here's a look at the teams' current playoff odds and why each might, or might not, reach the postseason. Division and playoff odds provided by <a href="https://www.fangraphs.com/standings/playoff-odds">FanGraphs</a>. </p><h3>Minnesota Twins</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-jZ5mt" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/jZ5mt/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="120" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><strong>Record:</strong> 32-25<br><strong>Division odds: </strong>30.8%<br><strong>Playoff odds: </strong>71.2%</p><p><strong>Reason for optimism:</strong> Despite numerous injuries, the Twins rank 12th in MLB in OPS<strong> </strong>and have already rattled off a 12-game winning streak. That doesn't happen by fluke. Joe Ryan looks to be a legit ace and the lineup features plenty of versatility that will cause problems for opposing teams when at full strength. The bullpen also features an elite tandem of Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax.</p><p><strong>Reason for pessimism:</strong> Will the team ever get to full strength? Health continues to be a concern as Carlos Correa, Byron Buxton, and Royce Lewis have all hit the injured list this season. The Kansas City Royals and Guardians look much more legit than in previous years, making it unlikely the AL Central crown will be claimed with 87 wins again. Pablo López has really struggled with consistency. That 12-winning streak mentioned above was followed by a seven-game losing streak 10 days later, so there's the potential for more volatility.</p><h3>Boston Red Sox</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-pE5Cf" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/pE5Cf/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="125" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><strong>Record:</strong> 29-29<br><strong>Division odds: </strong>0.4%<br><strong>Playoff odds: </strong>13.4%</p><p><strong>Reason for optimism: </strong>The Red Sox have stayed in the fight despite unrelenting injuries to key players. Rafael Devers continues to provide excellent production, while the young offense is athletic enough to score runs in different ways. The pitching staff has been transformed under Andrew Bailey, and even with some expected regression, it should still be good enough to keep the team competitive, especially with an improved defense.</p><p><strong>Reason for pessimism: </strong>Boston cannot afford to lose any other key players to injury. The club has the second-hardest schedule remaining this season and is 9-19 against teams .500 or better. They've really struggled at Fenway Park (12-16), too. With the Red Sox going through another transition year, it doesn't feel like chief baseball officer Craig Breslow will part with any prospects at the trade deadline, so the club will likely opt to sell off players on expiring deals.</p><h3>Detroit Tigers</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-a9g54" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/a9g54/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="120" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><strong>Record:</strong> 28-29<br><strong>Division odds:</strong> 3.4%<br><strong>Playoff odds: </strong>18.5%</p><p><strong>Reason for optimism: </strong>The starting pitching has been excellent. Reese Olson is enjoying a breakout season, Jack Flaherty's been an incredible signing, and Tarik Skubal might be the early AL Cy Young favorite. There are some solid offensive pieces if the club can get them all going at the same time. Detroit's already 3-0 against the White Sox and will get to play them 10 more times, which could serve as a major advantage over the AL East and West teams also chasing a wild-card spot.</p><p><strong>Reason for pessimism:</strong> For once, playing in the AL Central isn't really an advantage outside of Chicago, making the division likely out of reach. Detroit is looking up at three teams and already sits 10 back<strong> </strong>of the Guardians and six behind the Royals. Spencer Torkelson has hit just four homers and Javier Báez continues to be an offensive liability. It feels like the club is still a few key players away from really going on an extended run.</p><h3>Tampa Bay Rays</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-zem39" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/zem39/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="120" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><strong>Record:</strong> 28-30<br><strong>Division odds:</strong> 0.7%<br><strong>Playoff odds: </strong>22.7%</p><p><strong>Reason for optimism: </strong>The Rays always seem to find a way - even when it seems like they're finally taking a step back. Tampa Bay ranks 25th in OPS and 23rd in ERA but still has managed to go 9-14 against teams without losing records. Kevin Cash always seems to get the best out of his club, and struggling hitters Yandy Díaz and Randy Arozarena should eventually turn it around.</p><p><strong>Reason for pessimism:</strong> Tampa Bay has the hardest remaining schedule, and that's a tough task for even the deepest clubs. With four key starting pitchers on the IL, maybe this is a bridge year to 2025 when the arms get healthy again. Even if Díaz and Arozarena get going, there seems to be a lot of holes in this lineup. These Rays aren't the fundamentally sound team of previous years, leading to plenty of self-inflicted issues that have been hard to overcome.</p><h3>Toronto Blue Jays</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-Ck1bh" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Ck1bh/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="120" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><strong>Record:</strong> 27-29<br><strong>Division odds:</strong> 0.8%<br><strong>Playoff odds:</strong> 22.3%</p><p><strong>Reason for optimism: </strong>There's enough individual talent on this roster to feel like the Blue Jays could make a run if they ever snap out of this malaise. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette have picked it up after slow starts, and the rotation remains very strong. This front office has been aggressive at the deadline in this competitive window, and ownership has put in considerable financial resources into the roster and stadium, so the team should be motivated to add if close to a playoff spot near the deadline.</p><p><strong>Reason for pessimism:</strong> It won't be easy to dig out of this hole. The division is essentially out of reach, and the Blue Jays have already dropped their season series with the Royals, meaning they lose that important tiebreaker. They might be fighting with these seven teams for one spot. The offense remains extremely frustrating to watch, and they really need struggling veterans Justin Turner and George Springer to turn it around quick. Toronto has so many players set to hit free agency in the next two seasons and an underwhelming farm system, so maybe the front office views this as the time to retool for 2025.</p><h3>Texas Rangers</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-E2fL4" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/E2fL4/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="120" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><strong>Record:</strong> 27-30<br><strong>Division odds: </strong>12.8%<br><strong>Playoff odds:</strong> 19.6%</p><p><strong>Reason for optimism: </strong>Texas slogged through the first half of last season before turning it on in the final months en route to its first World Series title. Corey Seager is starting to heat up, and we've seen how terrifying an offensive club the Rangers can be when things are clicking. Despite numerous injuries, the team is only four games back in the division. Texas owns a top-10 farm system, so it should have the pieces for deadline additions.</p><p><strong>Reason for pessimism: </strong>Injuries have plagued the club - especially the pitching staff - but Max Scherzer and Jacob deGrom are expected to return at some point. However, given their injury history, how much can the club really expect from either this season? The bullpen is a major problem, posting the second-worst ERA in MLB. The team was able to address it ahead of last postseason, but there's a lot of heavy lifting to be done this year.</p><h3>Houston Astros</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-h3BdK" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/h3BdK/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="120" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><strong>Record:</strong> 25-33<br><strong>Division odds: </strong>24.1%<br><strong>Playoff odds: </strong>35.4%</p><p><strong>Reason for optimism: </strong>How could you doubt this core? The Astros have made seven straight ALCS appearances and have reached the World Series in two of the last three years. Kyle Tucker is having an MVP-type season, Jose Altuve remains one of the game's best second basemen, and Yordan Alvarez is still sitting in the middle of the order. Despite the rough start, Houston's only 6.5 games back in the division and has the third-easiest schedule remaining.</p><p><strong>Reason for pessimism:</strong> The gap is sizeable and six teams are ahead of them. The pitching staff continues to deal with injuries, and the bulk of the depth arms filling in are getting thrashed. The rotation ranks 26th in MLB in ERA. Cristian Javier was placed on the IL twice in May, and it may not be wise to rely on Justin Verlander to carry the club at age 41. With a depleted farm system, Astros GM Dana Brown might see this season as an opportunity to sell despite previous proclamations that the team would not go in that direction. Still, Houston would need to really fall out, as the years of control with this core are shrinking.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/27454198/related

Never too early: Breaking down the AL wild-card race

Max Verstappen secured a historic qualifying result at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix on Saturday....

<p>Max Verstappen secured a historic qualifying result at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix on Saturday. </p><p>Verstappen earned an eighth consecutive pole, matching Ayrton Senna's all-time F1 record.</p><p>"It's very special," Verstappen said. "It's 30 years since he passed away at this track, so very pleased to get pole here. In a way, it's a nice memory to him, he was an incredible Formula 1 driver, especially in qualifying laps."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">EIGHT IN A ROW! 🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇<br><br>Max Verstappen equals Ayrton Senna’s all-time consecutive poles record <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ImolaGP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ImolaGP</a> <a href="https://t.co/TFZxmM6i2o">pic.twitter.com/TFZxmM6i2o</a></p>— Formula 1 (@F1) <a href="https://twitter.com/F1/status/1791852127045734886?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The Red Bull driver struggled during practice Friday but was once again at his best when it mattered.</p><p>"Really difficult weekend so far, so incredibly happy to be on pole here," Verstappen said. "I didn't expect that, but we made some changes before qualifying so I was able to push a bit harder."</p><p>McLaren's Oscar Piastri, racing in Imola for the first time in his F1 career, finished second. However, he still start fifth for Sunday's race after receiving a three-place grid penalty for impeding Haas driver Kevin Magnussen.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Emilia-Romagna GP qualifying" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-hyebX" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/hyebX/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="770" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Sergio Perez was bounced in Q2 and will start 11th.</p><p>"If we're able to get into the points and minimize the damage (Sunday) that would be important," Perez said.</p><p>Fernando Alonso ran off in Q1 and will start at the back of the grid.</p><p>Verstappen won the last two races at Imola in 2022 and 2021. There was no race last season due to flooding in the region. </p>

IMOLA, ITALY - MAY 18: Pole position qualifier Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing celebrates in parc ferme during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Emilia-Romagna at Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari Circuit on May 18, 2024 in Imola, Italy.

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Verstappen top qualifier at Imola, ties Senna with 8th straight pole

The Toronto Blue Jays traded right-hander Mitch White to the San Francisco Giants for cash consid...

<p>The Toronto Blue Jays traded right-hander <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///mlb/players/9017" href="https://www.thescore.com/mlb/players/9017">Mitch White</a> to the San Francisco Giants for cash considerations Saturday.</p><p>Toronto had designated White for assignment earlier in the week.</p><p>The Blue Jays acquired White and Alex De Jesus in August 2022 from the Los Angeles Dodgers for Moises Brito and Nick Frasso.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>White made 24 appearances (eight starts) across parts of three seasons in Toronto, posting a 7.26 ERA, 1.69 WHIP, and 50 strikeouts over 65 2/3 innings.</p><p>The 29-year-old pitched 10 innings of relief for the club this campaign, allowing six runs and four walks while striking out six.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"></figure>

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 06: Mitch White #45 of the Toronto Blue Jays pitches during the third inning of the game against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on April 06, 2024 in New York City.

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Blue Jays trade Mitch White to Giants 

Well, that was fun. The first week of the 2024 MLB season is officially in the books, and there w...

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What we loved from each MLB team in Week 1

Ahead of the real thing, we simulated the 2024 season on MLB The Show to see how this year plays ...

<p>Ahead of the real thing, we simulated the 2024 season on MLB The Show to see how this year plays out. As with all of our sims, remember, it's a video game, so don't hate us if you don't like the results.</p><p>Here's how the virtual season went down.</p><p><em>Note: Rosters based on Opening Day projections.</em></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="AL East" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-Qyg1J" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Qyg1J/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="309" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><strong>Orioles</strong>: Gunnar Henderson builds off his AL Rookie of the Year-winning season by accruing 28 home runs and 99 RBIs. Baltimore wins back-to-back AL East titles for the first time since the 1970s.</p><p><strong>Yankees</strong>: Aaron Judge and Juan Soto combine for 88 home runs to lead New York back into the postseason. </p><p><strong>Rays</strong>: Zach Eflin anchors the rotation with 20 wins and a 3.49 ERA as Tampa Bay sneaks into the final wild-card spot.</p><p><strong>Blue Jays</strong>: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. tallies a career-high 51 home runs and 123 RBIs - looks like he got the cover athlete bump - and Bo Bichette adds 36 homers and 101 RBIs of his own. However, the rest of Toronto's lineup can't produce enough to make a postseason push.</p><p><strong>Red Sox</strong>: Rafael Devers and Triston Casas launch 75 home runs, but no starter posts a sub-4.00 ERA. Boston spends a third straight year in the basement.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="AL Central" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-UiD70" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/UiD70/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="276" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><strong>Twins: </strong>Led by Pablo López and Joe Ryan, Minnesota's pitchers post the lowest ERA and most strikeouts in the AL. The Twins lock up a second straight division title and the second-most wins in the AL.</p><p><strong>Guardians:</strong> Shane Bieber posts a 2.26 ERA across 213 innings, but Cleveland is let down by its offense, which finishes 22nd in runs scored and 27th in homers.</p><p><strong>Royals: </strong>Cole Ragans and Bobby Witt Jr. lead Kansas City to its highest winning percentage since 2017.</p><p><strong>Tigers: </strong>It's a breakout season for Tarik Skubal. The left-hander leads Detroit with 217 strikeouts over 203 innings to go with a 2.87 ERA and 1.11 WHIP.</p><p><strong>White Sox:</strong> Chicago sets a franchise record with 112 losses and finishes 45 games out of first. </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="AL West" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-Czn8P" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/Czn8P/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="325" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><strong>Astros:</strong> Alex Bregman and Yordan Alvarez finish one-two for the AL batting title and are two of six players on the club to hit at least 25 homers. Houston clinches its fourth straight AL West title and second 106-win season in three years.</p><p><strong>Rangers:</strong> An elite offense carries the reigning World Series champions back to the playoffs. Texas ranks fourth in home runs led by Corey Seager's 43.</p><p><strong>Mariners: </strong>George Kirby, Luis Castillo, and Logan Gilbert all post sub-3.50 ERAs, and Julio Rodríguez has a 40-20 season, but Seattle misses the playoffs in back-to-back years.</p><p><strong>Angels: </strong>Life without Shohei Ohtani rolls on with Los Angeles failing to make the postseason for a 10th straight year. Mike Trout hits 40 home runs for the fourth time in his career.</p><p><strong>Athletics: </strong>Oakland finishes last in the division but avoids 100 losses. Brent Rooker builds off his breakout 2023 by hitting a career-high 35 homers.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="NL East" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-0YL5w" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/0YL5w/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="309" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><strong>Braves: </strong>Atlanta wins a franchise-record 108 games. Matt Olson clubs 54 homers, Ronald Acuña Jr. finishes with a 40-30 season, and Spencer Strider leads the majors in strikeouts.</p><p><strong>Phillies:</strong> Philadelphia also sets a franchise record for wins, but it isn't enough to dethrone Atlanta - at least in the division. Kyle Schwarber blasts a team-high 43 home runs.</p><p><strong>Mets: </strong>J.D. Martinez and Pete Alonso combine for 77 homers. However, New York's pitching staff sinks the club, finishing 21st in ERA.</p><p><strong>Nationals:</strong> Washington loses 91 games in back-to-back seasons as the rebuild stalls. CJ Abrams and Keibert Ruiz combine for just 20 home runs, and neither player posts an OPS over .700.</p><p><strong>Marlins: </strong>Miami returns to the basement despite Jake Burger's best effort. The slugger blasts a team- and career-high 39 homers.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="NL Central" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-UzXb5" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/UzXb5/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="292" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><strong>Cardinals: </strong>St. Louis goes from worst to first to win its second division crown in three years. The Cardinals finish with the same record as the Cubs but win the tiebreaker. Sonny Gray is money well spent, posting a 2.69 ERA across 200 innings.</p><p><strong>Cubs: </strong>Cody Bellinger proves 2023 was no fluke, totaling 29 home runs, 100 RBIs, and 20 stolen bases.</p><p><strong>Reds: </strong>It's a weird year for pitching in Cincinnati. The club ranks first in strikeouts but 24th in ERA. The Reds finish 19-33 within the division, derailing any shot at the postseason.</p><p><strong>Brewers: </strong>Milwaukee posts its worst winning percentage since 2015. Willy Adames hits a career-high 32 homers in his final year before free agency. </p><p><strong>Pirates: </strong>Pittsburgh finishes last for a fourth time in six seasons. Ke'Bryan Hayes and Oneil Cruz both post 20-20 campaigns.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="NL West" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-7CP1A" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/7CP1A/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="325" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p><strong>Dodgers: </strong>Ohtani's first year at Chavez Ravine is incredible. He hits an MLB-leading 63 home runs with 152 RBIs. Freddie Freeman mashes 30 homers, and Mookie Betts finishes with a 30-20 season.</p><p><strong>D-Backs:</strong> Corbin Carroll follows up his NL Rookie of the Year-winning season with a 26-homer, 44-stolen base campaign. He also claims the NL batting title.</p><p><strong>Giants: </strong>Offseason additions Matt Chapman and Jorge Soler do little to boost the offense, combining for just 39 homers. Blake Snell posts a 3.95 ERA with 206 strikeouts in 191 innings for his new club.</p><p><strong>Padres: </strong>San Diego misses the playoffs for the second straight year. Dylan Cease really struggles, posting a 5.34 ERA across 172 innings.</p><p><strong>Rockies:</strong> Nolan Jones' team-leading 27 homers is one of the few highlights for the 104-loss club. It's a third straight last-place finish for Colorado. </p><h3>Playoffs </h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/622205/cropped_image0__7_.jpg?ts=1711502752" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/622205/w220xh124_image0__7_.jpg?ts=1711502752 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/622205/w320xh180_image0__7_.jpg?ts=1711502752 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/622205/w640xh360_image0__7_.jpg?ts=1711502752 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/622205/w768xh432_image0__7_.jpg?ts=1711502752 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/622205/w1080xh607_image0__7_.jpg?ts=1711502752 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">MLB The Show 24/PS5</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>AL wild card</strong><br><br>No. 5 Yankees vs. No. 4 Rangers <strong>(2-0 NYY)</strong><br>No. 6 Rays vs. No. 3 Orioles <strong>(2-1 TB)</strong></p><p><strong>NL wild card</strong></p><p>No. 5 Cubs vs. No. 4 Phillies <strong>(2-1 PHI)</strong><br>No. 6 D-Backs vs. No. 3 Cardinals <strong>(2-1 STL)</strong></p><p><strong>ALDS</strong></p><p>No. 5 Yankees vs. No. 1 Astros <strong>(3-2 NYY)</strong><br>No. 6 Rays vs. No. 2 Twins<strong> (3-1 MIN) </strong></p><p><strong>NLDS</strong></p><p>Phillies vs. Braves <strong>(PHI 3-2)</strong><br>Cardinals vs. Dodgers <strong>(LAD 3-0)</strong></p><p><strong>ALCS</strong></p><p>Yankees vs. Twins<strong> (MIN 4-3)</strong></p><p><strong>NLCS</strong></p><p>Phillies vs. Dodgers<strong> (4-2 PHI)</strong></p><p><strong>World Series 🏆</strong><br><br>Phillies vs. Twins <strong>(PHI 4-1)</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/622203/cropped_image1__6_.jpg?ts=1711502663" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/622203/w220xh124_image1__6_.jpg?ts=1711502663 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/622203/w320xh180_image1__6_.jpg?ts=1711502663 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/622203/w640xh360_image1__6_.jpg?ts=1711502663 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/622203/w768xh432_image1__6_.jpg?ts=1711502663 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/622203/w1080xh607_image1__6_.jpg?ts=1711502663 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">MLB The Show 24/PS5</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Phillies take down the Braves in the postseason once again before knocking off the Dodgers to reach the World Series. From there, it's easy work for Bryce Harper and Co., as Philadelphia beats an underdog Minnesota team in five games to win its first World Series since 2008.</p><h3>Major awards</h3><p><strong>AL MVP</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/622171/cropped_image0__5_.jpg?ts=1711487597" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/622171/w220xh124_image0__5_.jpg?ts=1711487597 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/622171/w320xh180_image0__5_.jpg?ts=1711487597 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/622171/w640xh360_image0__5_.jpg?ts=1711487597 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/622171/w768xh432_image0__5_.jpg?ts=1711487597 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/622171/w1080xh607_image0__5_.jpg?ts=1711487597 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">MLB The Show 24</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>R</th>
<th>HR</th>
<th>RBI</th>
<th>SB</th>
<th>OPS</th>
<th>WAR</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>154</td>
<td>103</td>
<td>51</td>
<td>123</td>
<td>7</td>
<td>1.020</td>
<td>5.4</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><strong>NL MVP</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/622317/cropped_image0__8_.jpg?ts=1711576280" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/622317/w220xh124_image0__8_.jpg?ts=1711576280 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/622317/w320xh180_image0__8_.jpg?ts=1711576280 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/622317/w640xh360_image0__8_.jpg?ts=1711576280 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/622317/w768xh432_image0__8_.jpg?ts=1711576280 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/622317/w1080xh607_image0__8_.jpg?ts=1711576280 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">MLB The Show 24/PS5</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>R</th>
<th>HR</th>
<th>RBI</th>
<th>SB</th>
<th>OPS</th>
<th>WAR</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>162</td>
<td>142</td>
<td>63</td>
<td>152</td>
<td>18</td>
<td>1.078</td>
<td>8.9</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>Note: Shohei Ohtani did not pitch during sim. </em></p><p><strong>AL Cy Young</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/622172/cropped_image0__6_.jpg?ts=1711488044" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/622172/w220xh124_image0__6_.jpg?ts=1711488044 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/622172/w320xh180_image0__6_.jpg?ts=1711488044 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/622172/w640xh360_image0__6_.jpg?ts=1711488044 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/622172/w768xh432_image0__6_.jpg?ts=1711488044 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/622172/w1080xh607_image0__6_.jpg?ts=1711488044 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">MLB The Show 24/PS5</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>IP</th>
<th>K</th>
<th>ERA</th>
<th>WHIP</th>
<th>WAR</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>225</td>
<td>208</td>
<td>3.20</td>
<td>1.05</td>
<td>4.2</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><strong>NL Cy Young</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/622175/cropped_image2__1_.jpg?ts=1711488173" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/622175/w220xh124_image2__1_.jpg?ts=1711488173 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/622175/w320xh180_image2__1_.jpg?ts=1711488173 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/622175/w640xh360_image2__1_.jpg?ts=1711488173 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/622175/w768xh432_image2__1_.jpg?ts=1711488173 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/622175/w1080xh607_image2__1_.jpg?ts=1711488173 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">MLB The Show 24/PS5</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>IP</th>
<th>K</th>
<th>ERA</th>
<th>WHIP</th>
<th>WAR</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>215</td>
<td>240</td>
<td>3.18</td>
<td>1.17</td>
<td>5.6</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><strong>AL Rookie of the Year</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/622176/cropped_image3__3_.jpg?ts=1711488227" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/622176/w220xh124_image3__3_.jpg?ts=1711488227 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/622176/w320xh180_image3__3_.jpg?ts=1711488227 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/622176/w640xh360_image3__3_.jpg?ts=1711488227 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/622176/w768xh432_image3__3_.jpg?ts=1711488227 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/622176/w1080xh607_image3__3_.jpg?ts=1711488227 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">MLB The Show 24/PS5</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>R</th>
<th>HR</th>
<th>RBI</th>
<th>OPS</th>
<th>WAR</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>135</td>
<td>85</td>
<td>16</td>
<td>65</td>
<td>.904</td>
<td>5.9</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><strong>NL Rookie of the Year</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/622177/cropped_image4__1_.jpg?ts=1711488296" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/622177/w220xh124_image4__1_.jpg?ts=1711488296 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/622177/w320xh180_image4__1_.jpg?ts=1711488296 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/622177/w640xh360_image4__1_.jpg?ts=1711488296 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/622177/w768xh432_image4__1_.jpg?ts=1711488296 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/622177/w1080xh607_image4__1_.jpg?ts=1711488296 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">MLB The Show 24/PS5</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>GP</th>
<th>HR</th>
<th>RBI</th>
<th>SB</th>
<th>OPS</th>
<th>WAR</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>147</td>
<td>24</td>
<td>76</td>
<td>28</td>
<td>.831</td>
<td>5.6</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure>

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No appendix, no problem for the Smooth Operator.   Ferrari's Carlos Sainz claimed the Australian ...

<p>No appendix, no problem for the Smooth Operator. </p><p>Ferrari's Carlos Sainz claimed the Australian Grand Prix on Sunday in his return to the car, just two weeks after undergoing emergency surgery that forced him to miss the Saudi Arabian GP. </p><p>"Life sometimes is crazy," Sainz said after the race. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>He joked: "I would recommend all the drivers to take their (appendix) out this winter"</p><p>It's the third win of Sainz's career, and first since the 2023 Singapore GP last September. </p><p>The race finished under a virtual safety car after Mercedes' George Russell suffered a crash on the penultimate lap.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Big impact for George Russell 😮<br><br>Good to see the Mercedes man walk away unscathed from this crash 👍<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusGP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusGP</a> <a href="https://t.co/Jsq6RZ1UBS">pic.twitter.com/Jsq6RZ1UBS</a></p>— Formula 1 (@F1) <a href="https://twitter.com/F1/status/1771795980867743858?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Ferrari's Charles Leclerc finished second, while McLaren's Lando Norris claimed third. </p><p>It's a second straight podium for Leclerc, who finished third in Saudi Arabia. </p><p>"First and second (for Ferrari) didn't happen since Bahrain 2022," Leclerc said. </p><p>Norris now holds the F1 record with 14 podium finishes without recording a win. </p><p>"It's nice to be back on the podium again," he said.</p><p>Max Verstappen's rear brake caught fire on Lap 4, forcing him to retire the car. The Red Bull driver won the first two races of the season and nine straight dating back to last year. It's his first retirement since the 2022 Australian GP.</p><p>It's also the first time Red Bull failed to win in the last 10 races. </p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">A fiery end to Max Verstappen's race 🔥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusGP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusGP</a> <a href="https://t.co/Gu6PWdqFTj">pic.twitter.com/Gu6PWdqFTj</a></p>— Formula 1 (@F1) <a href="https://twitter.com/F1/status/1771805901826965635?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton suffered engine failure on Lap 17, causing his first retirement of the season. It's the first time both Hamilton and Verstappen failed to finish a race since 2021 in Italy, when the two were involved in a crash.</p><p>Meanwhile, Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso was demoted from sixth to eighth after receiving a 20-second penalty and three penalty points for contributing to Russell's crash.</p>

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 24: Race winner Carlos Sainz of Spain and Ferrari celebrates on the podium during the F1 Grand Prix of Australia at Albert Park Circuit on March 24, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia.

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Sainz wins Australian GP, Verstappen suffers DNF

Max Verstappen's perfect season rolls on.  The Red Bull driver secured pole position for the Aust...

<p>Max Verstappen's perfect season rolls on.</p><p>The Red Bull driver secured pole position for the Australian Grand Prix on Saturday, marking the third straight race to start the year in which he's aced qualifying.</p><p>Verstappen converted pole position into a win at Albert Park last season for the first victory of his F1 career at the circuit.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">VERSTAPPEN DOES IT AGAIN!<br><br>He wins pole for the 2nd year in a row for the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSGP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSGP</a> as he breaks into the 1:15 bracket. Sainz comes back from appendix surgery to lineup P2 tomorrow.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1</a> <a href="https://t.co/N1FltzhwG8">pic.twitter.com/N1FltzhwG8</a></p>— TSN (@TSN_Sports) <a href="https://twitter.com/TSN_Sports/status/1771417353953181985?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Carlos Sainz qualified second in his return. The Ferrari driver missed the Saudi Arabian GP after undergoing emergency surgery for appendicitis.</p><p>"It's been a tough couple of weeks - a lot of days in bed waiting to see if I could be here today," Sainz said. "To make it to this weekend, and then obviously to put it on the front row after leading through qualifying, I was almost not believing it.</p><p>"I'm not gonna lie, I'm not in my most comfortable state when I am driving out there, but I can get it done."</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe title="Australian GP Qualifying" aria-label="Table" id="datawrapper-chart-ZZhQE" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/ZZhQE/1/" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="width: 0; min-width: 100% !important; border: none;" height="799" data-external="1"></iframe><script type="text/javascript">!function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r<e.length;r++)if(e[r].contentWindow===a.source){var i=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";e[r].style.height=i}}}))}();
</script></figure><p>Sergio Perez was assessed a three-place grid penalty for impeding Nico Hulkenberg. The Red Bull driver will begin Sunday's race in sixth.</p><p>Lewis Hamilton was knocked out in Q2. The eight-time pole-sitter at the Australian GP posted his worst qualifying at the circuit since 2010.</p><p>Daniel Ricciardo had his final lap time deleted and failed to get out of Q1 in his home race. The Australian hasn't advanced to Q3 in any of the three races this season. Meanwhile, fellow Aussie Oscar Piastri starts sixth, two spots behind McLaren teammate Lando Norris.</p>

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 23: Pole position qualifier Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing celebrates in parc ferme during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Australia at Albert Park Circuit on March 23, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia.

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Verstappen lands pole for Australian GP ahead of Sainz

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Brandon Wile

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Simon Sharkey-Gotlieb

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