Yankees fans should believe Ben Rice’s breakout is for real this season originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

While the Major League Baseball season is only just underway, some clear storylines are forming for the year.

Advertisement

For the New York Yankees, the biggest storyline is the breakout of Ben Rice. He was already great last season, but he’s taking his play to a new level in 2026.

Amid such a breakout, MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch is calling for Yankees fans to believe this breakout is for real, and that Rice is a future All-Star, and a lefty-hitting counterpart to Aaron Judge on the right side of the plate.

Yankees fans should believe in Ben Rice’s breakout

“Yankees: Ben Rice is a future All-Star,” Hoch writes. “The next step in Rice’s development will come with increased opportunities against left-handed pitching.”

Advertisement

Rice had a .255 batting average and an .836 OPS across 138 games last season. It was a great year, but there was room for improvement.

And he’s shown exactly that so far in 2026. While it’s only been 20 games, with limited playing time against lefty pitching, Rice has dominated this season.

He is currently hitting .339 with a ridiculous 1.242 OPS to begin the season. While not a super-long sample-size, Rice’s production has been extensive enough to believe in.

More: Shohei Ohtani deemed more valuable than Aaron Judge in recent ESPN discussion piece

He already has seven homers and 17 RBIs with six doubles this season, and could be headed towards an elite season for the Yankees.

Advertisement

But, there is one issue: his chances against left-handed pitching. Aaron Boone has held Rice back from getting reps against lefties, and while those chances are sure to come at some point, Yankees fans are running out of patience.

Rice, the 27-year-old slugger, looks to be a future All-Star even if he’s not playing every game as a starter. He’s one of the best hitters in baseball this season, and his breakout is one Yankees fans should believe in. Rice is actually this good.

More MLB news:

Manchester City were the better team against Arsenal but still had to work to make that count on the scoresheet

18:44, 19 Apr 2026

Arsenal are desperately trying to end the Manchester City era of dominance in the Premier League. In the biggest game of the season, even an error wasn’t enough for them.

Gianluigi Donnarumma’s clanger had the potential to be the defining moment in a title race that has become more gripping than anybody imagined a few weeks ago. Moments after David Raya called for calm heads in the wake of Arsenal going a goal down at the Etihad inside 16 minutes, City’s No.1 lost his and his clearance was charged down by Kai Havertz straight into the City net.

There was an irony given all the conversation around Kepa Arrizabalaga and goalkeeping No.2s after the Carabao Cup final, but also a pattern for City’s season. All the forward steps they have taken towards the top of the Premier League table have not been enough for them to actually reach the summit before they have suffered another setback: nearly but not quite.

Click here to find out the latest Manchester City news in our daily newsletter

When Rayan Cherki danced his way through the Arsenal defence to score the opening goal of the game, it looked like City were once again the unstoppable force in April that barge all title contenders to one side. Then the Donnarumma error came seconds later and the whole stadium went into shock, Guardiola running back towards his seat in the dugout with his hands on his head to get a second look at the horror that had unfolded.

Arsenal, whose inclusion of Martin Odegaard in the XI was a surprise boost for them, were more aggressive and more attacking than their performances in recent weeks have been. In a first half littered with errors, City had the better of it but Arsenal were hardly spectators.

Then, as the game opened up and stretched in the second half, the visitors sensed their opportunity. Donnarumma saved well from Havertz, then moments later Eberechi Eze’s shot hit the inside of the left-hand post and spun past the other one and away from danger.

As the game ticked past an hour enter Donnarumma again, this time starting an attack with a positive throw forward for Nico O’Reilly. City’s matchwinner from the cup final sprung forward, exchanged passed with Jeremy Doku and then put the ball across the box where Erling Haaland held off Gabriel and lashed it into the bottom corner.

The Norwegian should have scored before then, but he was also putting in a monstrous shift against Gabriel and the Arsenal backline that referee Anthony Taylor was happy to let go unchecked. It wasn’t the worst strategy, although how Gabriel escaped a red card for throwing his head forward to Haaland’s was beyond anyone in the stadium with sense.

Haaland, like O’Reilly and Donnarumma, had his moment and made it count and a terrific rearguard effort kept out Arsenal for the rest of the game and seven long added minutes. Bernardo Silva and Rodri are unrivalled in these big games and Silva was straight to Donnarumma at full-time before celebrating with the South Stand in his first game since announcing he is leaving.

This afternoon was the high point for this new team as they overcame the pressure and the setbacks in the game, building on their Carabao Cup win to produce an even bigger victory. And in claiming a huge three points, they give more hope to the idea that their climax this season may come with more silverware.

Despite rumblings that the future of LIV Golf is in limbo due to funding and other issues, the company says the Indianapolis tournament scheduled for August at The Club at Chatham Hills in Westfield is “full steam ahead.”

Reports that LIV executives held an emergency meeting in New York earlier were inaccurate, LIV said in an e-mail to IndyStar.

Advertisement

Officials from the breakaway tour – a competitor to the PGA Tour, featuring players such as Bryson DeChambeau, John Rahm and Phil Mickelson – were summoned to an emergency meeting in New York, according to a report in The Telegraph, it was reported Wednesday. The meeting came amid speculation fueled by social media Tuesday night that the circuit could be on the verge of shutting down operations.

A day later, LIV Golf executives and players were in Mexico City for a four-day tournament that ends Sunday. CEO Scott O’Neil spoke on Thursday about the financial speculation on the league.

“This notion of secret meetings and, you know, getting summoned to New York. I live in New York, so it’s easy to summon myself there,” O’Neil told LIV Golf commentator Arlo White. “But it’s a lot of reaching and grabbing for headlines.”

Advertisement

O’Neil went on to say, “For us, we’re business as usual, but if you want to ask me if this business is tough, I would say absolutely. If you ask me if we were managed very tightly, I would say absolutely. Can this be challenging? Absolutely. And that’s what we signed up for. … we signed up for this adventure and it is the ride of a lifetime. Or should I say round of a lifetime.”

O’Neil addressed the LIV Golf media reports, saying “we’re kind of used to it” as a new league battling the PGA Tour, but that this week it was amplified.

“You know, having been in private equity now for over a dozen years, this is the process you go through. And sometimes it’s not smooth and sometimes it’s not easy,” he said. “But I can tell you, given the momentum of this business, we’re really excited about where we are and the position where we are.”

In its email to IndyStar, LIV provided financial details of the league:

Advertisement

• From 2024–25, LIV Golf grew more than 100% in revenue. In 2026, ticket sales are up 130 percent year over year

• LIV sold more than 115,000 tickets for Adelaide and more than 100,000 in South Africa. Sponsorships are up 40 percent year-over-year, according to LIV

• Through five events, the league is pacing $100 million ahead of last year’s revenue, the league reported

Tickets for LIV Golf Indianapolis 2026 are available at LIVGolf.com/schedule/indianapolis-2026, including three-day grounds passes and Club 54 Hospitality Tickets.

Follow IndyStar sports reporter Dana Benbow on X: @DanaBenbow. Reach her via email: dbenbow@indystar.com.  

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: LIV Golf shutting down rumors: Indianapolis event still on schedule

Liverpool Transfer Update: Paul Joyce Confirms Interest in Yan Diomande

Liverpool are advancing plans for a significant attacking reshuffle this summer, with Paul Joyce reporting that the club are actively assessing options to reinforce their forward line. The development follows confirmation that Mohamed Salah will depart at the end of the season, leaving a sizeable gap in both goals and leadership.

Advertisement

Under the guidance of Arne Slot, Liverpool are preparing for a new era after securing the Premier League title in the 2024/25 campaign. Replacing Salah remains a complex task, yet recruitment work has intensified in recent weeks as the club seek to maintain their competitive edge.

Yan Diomande emerges as key target

One name gaining prominence is Yan Diomande, a highly rated 19 year old currently on the radar of several elite clubs. According to Paul Joyce, Liverpool have included Diomande on a shortlist of attacking reinforcements, with internal discussions progressing.

Diomande’s versatility stands out, he is comfortable operating on either flank and offers a two footed attacking threat. His profile aligns with Liverpool’s evolving recruitment strategy, focusing on young, high ceiling talent capable of immediate impact and long term development.

Photo: IMAGO

Advertisement

RB Leipzig are expected to demand a fee in the region of £85 million, a figure that reflects both the player’s potential and the growing competition for his signature. Liverpool’s interest has been longstanding, with sources indicating they are among the most advanced English clubs in the pursuit.

Recruitment strategy shaped by injuries

Liverpool’s transfer approach has also been influenced by the injury to Hugo Ekitike, who is set for an extended spell on the sidelines. As a result, the club are now targeting two attacking additions rather than one.

Alternative options under consideration include Anthony Gordon, Iliman Ndiaye and Harry Wilson, each offering different qualities across the frontline. However, Diomande remains a priority target as Liverpool weigh up their next move.

Advertisement

Reports suggest that initial contact has already been made with Diomande’s representatives, signalling intent from Liverpool as they look to position themselves strongly in negotiations.

Wider transfer plans for Liverpool

Beyond attacking reinforcements, Liverpool are expected to address other areas of the squad. Midfield remains under review, with links involving Eduardo Camavinga and Alexis Mac Allister continuing to surface.

Defensively, Liverpool are monitoring centre back options, including Nico Schlotterbeck and Maxence Lacroix. With younger players being integrated, the need for experience at the back has been identified as a priority.

Advertisement

Interest in Diomande also faces competition from Manchester United and Arsenal, adding further complexity to the situation. The player is understood to be willing to delay a final decision until after the World Cup, which could extend negotiations into later stages of the window.

Liverpool’s recruitment drive is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing in Europe, with Paul Joyce highlighting Yan Diomande as a central figure in their summer plans.

Manchester City player ratings for their Premier League game with Arsenal that saw Pep Guardiola’s side win 2-1

Manchester City gained a crucial victory in the Premier League title race with a 2-1 win over Arsenal at the Etihad. The Blues beat the league leaders in a pulsating afternoon that saw both sides try to land the decisive blow.

Rayan Cherki danced through the Arsenal defence to give City an early lead in a goal that the hosts hoped would open the floodgates. However, Gianluigi Donnarumma was caught in possession seconds later to gift Arsenal an equaliser.

City huffed and puffed but could not find another way through until the 65th minute when Nico O’Reilly’s cross found Erling Haaland in what proved to be the winning goal. Here are the player ratings from the Manchester Evening News for the City players.

Click here to find out the latest Manchester City news in our daily newsletter

Donnarumma: A horrible error that could have cost City dearly, but he recovered, made some good saves and played a part in the winner. 6

Nunes: Was targeted aerially and had some nervy moments but also did well for Cherki’s goal and kept pushing up. 7

Khusanov: A monster at the back, mopping up everything that came in his and working well with Rodri and Guehi. 8

Guehi: Nearly played City into trouble in the second half and also earned a booking, but he got plenty right. 7

O’Reilly: One of the best players in the league in this form and he was decisive again when the team needed it. 9

Silva: Absolutely everywhere again, stopping dangerous Arsenal attacks and popping up in their box to help the City attack. 8

Rodri: Essential to protecting the defence and also launched some wonderful crossfield balls to start City attacks. 8

Semenyo: Got into lots of dangerous positions but it wasn’t his afternoon with that final ball or shot never paying off. 6

Cherki: What a goal to open the scoring, showing how he can balance his art with clinical play. Arsenal were never comfortable with him. 8

Doku: Got City out of trouble several times and also played them into it. His partnership with O’Reilly is really strong. 7

Haaland: He should have scored more than one but when you see the effort he put in against the defence in addition to the winning goal it is an excellent display. 8

Substitutes

Foden (for Cherki, 85)

Semenyo (for Doku, 87)

Gonzalez (for Rodri, 87)

Ake (for Semenyo 90)

Not used: Trafford, Stones, Ait-Nouri, Gonzalez, Reijnders, Savinho, Marmoush

You are not far away from learning who the Minnesota Vikings draft in Round 1 this offseason. The club has the 18th pick and will render a verdict on Thursday night. So to make sure you’re prepared, it’s time to peek at the leading contenders to turn purple that night.

Seven names. One pick. Thursday is here.

Ranked in ascending order (No. 1 = Vikings’ most likely draft pick), here’s the list.

The Prospects Most Firmly in Play for Minnesota at No. 18

The long offseason journey is close to a grand reveal.

7. Colton Hood (CB, Tennessee)

Turning 21 this year, Hood could be the answer to Minnesota’s decade-long search for a successful rookie cornerback drafted to effectively fill the position. Ranked No. 35 on the Consensus Big Board, Hood aligns with the Vikings’ history of drafting in this range, as seen with Donovan Jackson at No. 39.

His ability to play outside cornerback makes him a particularly valuable prospect, with the potential to contribute as a starter immediately.

6. Kayden McDonald (DL, Ohio State)

If Minnesota considers trading back 5–12 spots, McDonald is a stable, reliable option. A true run-stopping nose tackle, he could fill the void in the defense left by the departures of Linval Joseph and Dalvin Tomlinson. McDonald is a “safe” pick.

At No. 31 on the CBB, trading with a team like Miami at No. 30 could yield additional Day 2 draft capital while still allowing the Vikings to secure McDonald.

SB Nation‘s Michael Peterson on McDonald and the Vikings’ fit: “With the way the Vikings want to play defense under Brian Flores, they’ll need big bodies to plug up as many holes as possible so as not to get burnt by well-timed runs into some of their pressure packages.”

“McDonald is the best at doing just that while still having the strength to push the pocket when needed. He likely won’t be a three-down player immediately at the next level, but I can easily foresee him being able to re-work his body, transform some of the bad weight into better mass, and become an all-around menace in the middle.”

5. Kenyon Sadiq (TE, Oregon)

With T.J. Hockenson’s contract potentially extending through the 2027 free agency period, Sadiq’s long-term fit becomes particularly appealing.

If Sadiq is the highest-rated player available at No. 18, the timing aligns well for a future-oriented selection. At 21 years old, Sadiq offers a combination of pass-catching and blocking abilities and meets all the necessary physical requirements.

4. Jermod McCoy (CB, Tennessee)

McCoy is projected to be selected before Minnesota’s pick, making his acquisition less likely. Widely regarded as the CB2 in this draft class behind LSU’s Mansoor Delane, he is generating Top 15 buzz.

The 20-year-old McCoy, currently recovering from a torn ACL that will sideline him for the 2025 season at Tennessee, specializes in outside cornerback duties, similar to Hood.

3. Peter Woods (DT, Clemson)

The departures of Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, who collectively accounted for over 1,300 defensive snaps last season, create a significant void on the defensive line, typically necessitating addressing the position in the draft.

If Minnesota remains at No. 18 and seeks to bolster the interior, Woods emerges as a logical and impactful choice.

2. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (S, Toledo)

A strategic trade down could create an opportunity to select McNeil-Warren while simultaneously acquiring additional premium draft capital.

With safety projected to become a pressing need if Harrison Smith retires, McNeil-Warren offers a combination of size, range, and a proven ability to generate turnovers. While the selection of safeties in Round 1 is often debated, his overall profile makes a compelling case.

SI.com‘s Justin Melo wrote about McNeil-Warren to Minnesota this week, “Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman is among the more commonly mocked players to the Minnesota Vikings at No. 18 overall. Does McNeil-Warren not warrant consideration here?”

“We’re not convinced Thieneman is the consensus No. 2 safety on every draft board. The Vikings are almost certainly in the market at the position, with 14-year mainstay Harrison Smith available in free agency. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores preaches physicality and violence in the defensive backfield, and McNeil-Warren would fit his scheme like a glove.”

1. Dillon Thieneman (S, Oregon)

Those who closely follow mock drafts have frequently seen Thieneman linked to Minnesota. Parallels to Harrison Smith continue to emerge, and the timing aligns well with Smith’s career trajectory. Smith might retire; he might be back for one more season. Nobody knows.

Initially viewed as a Round 2 prospect, a strong Combine performance has elevated his stock, and the connection between Thieneman and Minnesota continues to gain momentum.

If you ask the general population who will end up with the Vikings on Thursday night, most will say Thieneman.

Paige made her shocking return to WWE at WrestleMania 42 Night 1. She joined forces with Brie Bella to compete in the Fatal 4-Way Match for the Women’s Tag Team Championships. To everyone’s surprise, The Anti-Diva went on to win the titles at The Grandest Stage of Them All to make her return even more memorable.

Nikki Bella was in the corner of Paige and Brie Bella the entire time during the match. She acted as a big supporter for the duo through and through, and they were spotted having a celebration following the match. The former AEW star, along with The Bellas, also appeared on the WrestleMania Post Show, where Nikki talked about her return. However, the former Divas Champion accidentally botched a live interview.

While discussing Paige’s comeback at the 16:39 mark of the post-show interview, Nikki Bella unintentionally referred to her as Saraya. Well, it needs to be noted that it is the Briton’s real name, and she used that during her AEW run. Therefore, it was a botch to call her by that label in the Stamford-based promotion. However, as a true professional, Bella quickly corrected herself without creating much of a difference.

“Both at the same time, the only person who will still make it feel special and like family is Saraya, Paige,” said Bella.

Check out the video below:

Well, the former AEW star’s return has managed to make a lot of headlines all over the globe. It will be interesting to see how things will unfold for her in the Stamford-based promotion from here on out.

Paige makes history with her return at WrestleMania 42

Paige’s comeback was a historic moment for her in the world of professional wrestling. It was her first WWE appearance in a long time, and fans were quickly taken on a nostalgia ride with her iconic theme song. But that was not the only thing that happened last night. With that return and the women’s tag team title win, The Anti Diva has achieved a unique feat in pro-wrestling.

With that title win with Brie Bella, the 33-year-old star has become the only pro-wrestler to win a championship at All In and WrestleMania. Saraya became the AEW Women’s World Champion at All In: London in 2023 at the famous Wembley Stadium. All In is the biggest show produced by All Elite Wrestling; meanwhile, WrestleMania is the biggest show by WWE.

Now, as the new women’s tag team champion, Saraya has got a huge target on her back. It will be exciting to witness who will be the first challengers for her and Brie Bella on Monday Night RAW next week.