By Dane Miller, SuperWest Sports
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Dane Miller’s Week 17 Best-in-West Hoops Power Rankings
Several teams in the West are squarely on the Bubble.
From Santa Clara in the WCC to UCLA in the Big Ten, there will be plenty of nerves come Selection Sunday.
New Mexico and San Diego State are battling for what could be the lone at-large bid in the Mountain West while California is fighting for its spot in the ACC.
With only five teams in the region expected to be locks, the final week of the regular season is pivotal.
Here’s how I view the Top 10 College Basketball Teams in the West with two weeks to go until Selection Sunday.
1. Arizona (14-2, 27-2)
Tommy Lloyd is one victory away from winning the Big 12 outright.
The Cats got their revenge against Kansas on Saturday after coming from behind to beat Baylor earlier in the week. Koa Peat looked good in his return, setting the stage for a run in March.
Arguably a lock for the 1-seed in the West, Arizona can probably seal its position with a win over Iowa State on Monday.
2. Gonzaga (16-2, 28-3)
How deep does Gonzaga go in the NCAA Tournament? The Zags have made the Sweet 16 nine straight times.
But all dynasties eventually come to an end. Whether or not this is the year the streak ends remains to be seen.
Over the weekend, Gonzaga lost to Saint Mary’s and gave the Gaels a share of the WCC Regular Season Championship as a result. Even so, Mark Few deserves the benefit of the doubt.
3. BYU (8-8, 20-9)
There is no other high-major program in a worse downward trend than BYU. From getting embarrassed by UCF to losing against West Virginia, the Cougars are falling apart.
A Sweet 16 no longer seems viable. Now, a loss in the First Round wouldn’t be a shock.
It’s unclear where BYU would be seeded at this point, but a 7-seed or 8-seed seems about right.
4. Utah State (14-4, 24-5)
Sitting atop the Mountain West standings, Utah State is the expected auto-bid from the league.
But all it takes is one or two games to flip the narrative. The Aggies can’t slip up at UNLV this week and then need to handle New Mexico in Logan to finish the year.
If all goes according to plan, Utah State should avoid the dreaded 8-seed versus 9-seed matchup.
5. Saint Mary’s (16-2, 27-4)
The Gaels arguably secured an invitation to the Big Dance with the victory over Gonzaga.
There is still the WCC Tournament to deal with. But even a loss to say, Santa Clara, probably wouldn’t knock Saint Mary’s out of the field.
Now, seeding becomes the primary question. Is this the year Randy Bennett’s team finally breaks through to the Sweet 16?
6. UCLA (11-7, 19-10)
With an unexpected loss to Minnesota, the Bruins are in a somewhat uncomfortable position.
However, the Selection Committee loves to put Power Conference teams into the field these days, and the Big Ten carries clout.
If UCLA beats Nebraska this week, they could lock in an at-large bid, assuming the Bruins take care of USC in the regular season finale.
7. New Mexico (13-5, 22-7)
Beating San Diego State mitigated the damage from losing to Nevada earlier in the week.
If the Selection Show were held today, New Mexico might be one of the Last Four In. But the Mountain West is in an unfavorable position.
It’s unlikely that the league gets multiple at-large bids. That leaves UNM fighting with San Diego State for the lone invitation.
8. San Diego State (13-5, 19-9)
Losing three of their last four games, the Aztecs are on the outside looking in.
If not for the run to the National Championship Game a few years ago, San Diego State might not even be considered for the final at-large spots.
But the program has enough clout with the Selection Committee to stay in consideration. This week’s games against Boise State and UNLV are must-wins.
9. Santa Clara (15-3, 24-7)
The Broncos have work to do. The margin of defeat against Saint Mary’s last week was damaging.
Now, Santa Clara might need to make the WCC Championship Game to secure an at-large bid. The bracket is favorable, though, setting the stage for a rematch with the Gaels in Semifinals.
Every contest from here on out is essentially an NCAA Tournament elimination game.
10. California (8-8, 20-9)
It’s hard to understate how bad the loss to Pittsburgh was. That’s a defeat that just can’t happen at this point in the year. And not by 16 in Berkeley.
The only saving grace is the ACC’s reputation. The league will advocate hard for its members and has an effective media propaganda arm.
At the same time, Cal’s lack of recent success in the NCAA Tournament hurts it chances. The Selection Committee might prefer a bigger brand when it comes down to it.
Miller covers College Basketball and College Football as well as Formula 1 racing as a Senior Writer and Assistant Editor for SuperWest Sports.
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Club Bolivar host Deportivo La Guaira at the Estadio Hernando Siles on Tuesday for their second game of the CONMEBOL Copa Libertadores group stages. El Más Grande began their campaign with a 1-0 loss to Independiente Rivadavia on 8 April as Carlos Lampe’s second-minute own goal was enough to down them.
Adding insult to injury was a red card for Jesus Sagredo in the 72nd minute, as the defender will now be sidelined for matchday two.
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Flavio Robatto’s side picked themselves up over the weekend to beat Academia del Balompie Boliviano in the Bolivian Primera Division to make it two wins from two in the new season.
The La Paz outfit will be hoping to carry that momentum into the Copa Libertadores stage to pick up their first win and get their campaign up and running.
Deportivo also failed to win their opening match of the group stages, drawing 0-0 with Fluminense, who endured a frustrating game despite dominating the proceedings. The Brazilian giants had 61% of possession, mustered 14 shots, of which seven were on target, but couldn’t find the back of the net even once.
Their Venezuelan rivals spent much of the time on the back foot and were fortunate due to some wasteful finishing from their mighty hosts.
Bolivar vs Deportivo La Guaira Head-To-Head and Key Numbers
- This marks the first official meeting between Bolivar and Deportivo La Guaira.
- Club Bolivar have faced a Venezuelan side on eight occasions, never losing. They’ve won six times and drawn twice (both against Minervae).
- Meanwhile, Deportivo La Guaira face a Bolivian side for the first time.
- Bolivar’s Jesus Segredo will be suspended from the clash after getting sent off on matchday one.
- Since the beginning of Apertura in February 2026, Deportivo La Guaira are unbeaten in 12 games in all competitions, winning six.
Bolivar vs Deportivo La Guaira Prediction
Deportivo have been a tough nut to crack this season, with no side being able to get the better of them.
Their stoic defense has made up for their lack of goals in 2026. Bolivar have the home advantage but may end up with a draw here.
Prediction: Bolivar 1-1 Deportivo La Guaira
Bolivar vs Deportivo La Guaira Betting Tips
Tip 1 – Result: Draw
Tip 2 – Goals over/under 2.5: Under 2.5 goals
Tip 3 – Both teams to score: Yes
Edited by Peter Pedroncelli
Neymar in Santos’ match against Cruzeiro at Estadio Urbano Caldeira, Santos, Brazil, on Dec. 7, 2025. Brazil star Neymar still has time to recover from recent injuries and return to form well enough to play in this summer’s FIFA World Cup, according to Brazil’s coach Carlo Ancelotti.
“He is capable of getting back to 100%,” Ancelotti told L’Equipe in response to questions about Neymar. “He is being assessed by the CBF (Brazil’s Football Confederation) and by me, and he still has two months to show that he has what it takes to play in the next World Cup.”
A fixture on the Brazilian national team starting in 2013, Neymar hasn’t played for his country since 2023 when he began dealing with left knee issues. He had minor surgery on the knee on Dec. 22, and over the international break in early April, he reportedly underwent platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment to further aid in his recovery.
“After his knee injury (in December), Neymar has made a good recovery,” Ancelotti said. “He’s scoring goals. He needs to keep going down this path and improve his fitness. He’s on the right track.”
The 34-year-old who has scored more goals for Brazil than anyone else (79) has openly discussed his desire to be on Brazil’s World Cup team this summer for the tournament in North America.
He is currently the captain of Santos in Serie A, Brazil’s top soccer league, where his contract expires at the end of the calendar year. He formerly was one of the world’s best attacking players during his time with Barcelona (2013-17) and Paris Saint-Germain (2017-23), playing alongside Lionel Messi with both clubs.
An ankle injury slowed Neymar before his departure from Paris Saint-Germain, leading to a stint with Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, where his brief tenure was halted by a torn anterior cruciate ligament. He returned to action in January 2025 when he made the move to Santos.
In five games for Santos this season, Neymar has three goals and two assists. He had missed the previous two games for Santos but played all 90 minutes in Saturday’s 1-0 league win over Atletico Mineiro. “Neymar is improving with every game,” Santos coach Cuca said after Saturday’s match, per ESPN. “He’s been staying behind to train. His movement on the ball is much better and he’s likely to get even better. It’s risky to play him for the full 90 minutes; we’ll see if he can handle it, and we’ll work towards him playing on Tuesday.”
Last season, his first year playing professionally in his home nation, he tallied eight goals and one assist in 20 games (17 starts).
“Neymar has made, and continues to make, history in Brazilian football,” Ancelotti said. “He is a great talent and it’s only natural that people think he can help us win the next World Cup.”
However, Neymar has not been included on any of Ancelotti’s squads since the Italian took over the team last June. “I’ve said this several times, and it’s very clear: I’ll call up the players who are physically ready,” Ancelotti said.
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Daniil Medvedev is known for having on-court outbursts, and his latest resulted in a fine for his actions at the Monte Carlo Masters last week.
The former world number one men’s singles star was assessed a $7,000 fine by the ATP Tour on Monday for smashing his racket seven times during a blowout loss to Matteo Berrettini.
Medvedev, who ranks 10th in the world, was hit with an unsportsmanlike conduct violation by the chair umpire during the tennis match after what transpired early in the second set of his match against Berrettini on Wednesday.
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Russia’s Daniil Medvedev smashes his racket during a round of 32 match against Italy’s Matteo Berrettini at the Monte Carlo ATP Masters Series Tournament in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France, on April 8, 2026. (Valery Hache/AFP via Getty Images)
Berrettini was dominating Medvedev to the point where he didn’t win a single game in the 6-0, 6-0 loss. The match lasted just 49 minutes, and the crowd in Monte Carlo was egging him on as he had quite the outburst.
“I wouldn’t expect to win like that and it doesn’t happen that often,” Berrettini, a 2021 Wimbledon finalist, said after what’s considered a double-bagel loss for Medvedev. “It was definitely one of the best performances of my life.”
RUSSIAN TENNIS STAR ANDREY RUBLEV SOUNDS OFF ON US OPEN FINE FOR PROFANITY DURING MATCH
The 30-year-old hit a forehand into the net to fall behind 2-0 in the second set after just losing swiftly in the first. He couldn’t contain his anger with his game, as he slammed his racket near the baseline, and then proceeded to throw it toward the end of the court.
As Medvedev walked over to pick up the racket, he decided his equipment didn’t have enough. He continued to smash it until it was unrecognizable of its original shape.
Daniil Medvedev competes against Matteo Berrettini during day five of the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters at Monte-Carlo Country Club in Monte-Carlo, Monaco, on April 8, 2026. (Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Medvedev threw the racket away as the crowd sent out their sarcastic cheers and continued with the match.
It’s not the best look to be known for outbursts on the court, but Medvedev’s temper has been showcased in Grand Slams as well as ATP Tour matches.
Last year alone, he was hit with much larger fines for his actions in the Australian Open and U.S. Open, being hit with $76,000 and $42,500 fines, respectively, for what occurred on the world stage.
Russia’s Daniil Medvedev reacts during his round of 32 match against Italy’s Matteo Berrettini at the Monte Carlo Masters in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France, on April 8, 2026. (Manon Cruz/Reuters)
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In this match, Medvedev also had five double-faults, while winning only 17 points. This was also his first match on clay this season.
Fox news’ Paulina Dedaj and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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Nashville SC called a brawl inside Geodis Park involving fans at a soccer game between Club America and Nashville SC on April 7, “an isolated incident.”
Video circulating on social media shows several skirmishes of fans pushing, shoving and throwing punches and drinks.
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The 0-0 tie was the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinal series.
Apr 7, 2026; Nashville, TN, USA; Nashville SC fans taunt Club America players as they warm up for their Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinal match at Geodis Park. Mandatory Credit: Alan Poizner-Imagn Images
The Nashville Police Department did not report any arrests from the brawl as of April 13.
Nashville SC issued the following statement about the fight.
“Nashville SC and GEODIS Park, in close collaboration with Concacaf, are committed to providing a safe, family-friendly environment for all matches and events at our stadium.
“This was an isolated incident that was addressed by the stadium’s security team and is being handled in accordance with stadium policy and Concacaf’s Safety and Security Guidelines.”
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Nashville SC did not comment any further.
Nashville SC is scheduled to go into the second leg against Club América in Mexico City on April 14.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville SC calls brawl at Geodis Park ’an isolated incident’
The Ghana Football Association has officially appointed Carlos Queiroz as the new head coach of Ghana’s senior national team.
The announcement was made on Monday, 13 April 2026, with the 73-year-old Portuguese tactician taking over from Otto Addo, who was relieved of his duties weeks earlier.
Queiroz is expected to lead the Black Stars at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which kicks off on 11 June, as Ghana aims to make an impact on the global stage.
The GFA is placing strong faith in the vast experience of the former Real Madrid manager, who has handled several national teams across the world. Over the years, Queiroz has coached countries including South Africa national football team, Portugal national football team, Iran national football team, Egypt national football team, Oman national football team, Japan national football team and Qatar national football team.
Among his achievements, the Portuguese manager guided South Africa to qualification for the 2002 FIFA World Cup and led Portugal to the knockout stages of the 2010 edition.
With his wealth of international and tournament experience, Queiroz is now tasked with steering Ghana through the World Cup and restoring the team’s competitive edge on the global stage.
Sports
Who Is Sakib Hussain? SRH Pacer Who Now Has The Joint-Best Bowling Figures By An Indian On IPL Debut
Fans at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad expected a run-fest in the Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals IPL 2026 contest on Monday. Instead, they returned home after witnessing a terrific performance by two debutant pacers – Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) beat Rajasthan Royals (RR) by 57 runs in Hyderabad on Monday, and much of the credit went to their pace duo. Put in to bat first, SRH posted 216/6, largely powered by skipper Ishan Kishan (91 off 44 balls, including eight fours and six sixes) and supported by cameos from Heinrich Klaasen (40 off 26 balls, with one four and three sixes) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (28 off 13 balls, with four boundaries).
During the chase of 217, RR’s top order was ripped apart in the first over by debutant Praful Hinge (4/34 in four overs), leaving the visitors reeling at 9/5. Donovan Ferreira (69 off 44 balls, with seven fours and three sixes) and Ravindra Jadeja (45 off 32 balls, with five fours) stitched together a century partnership for net run-rate purposes, but RR were eventually bundled out for 159, with Sakib Hussain providing late support with figures of 4/24.
According to iplt20.com, “Sakib Hussain is a right-arm seamer who made his T20 debut for Bihar in the 2022/23 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Just 17 years old then, he registered figures of 4 for 20 in two overs in his second game. Despite limited opportunities, Hussain has continued to push his case for higher honours and picked up his maiden five-wicket haul in the 2025/26 Ranji Trophy – returning 6/41 against Arunachal Pradesh. Hussain’s grind has not gone unnoticed by IPL scouts, and he was first signed by Kolkata Knight Riders for IPL 2024.”
Best Bowling Figures on IPL Debut
6/12 – Alzarri Joseph (MI) vs SRH, Hyderabad, 2019
5/17 – Andrew Tye (GL) vs RPS, Rajkot, 2017
4/11 – Shoaib Akhtar (KKR) vs DC, Kolkata, 2008
4/26 – Kevon Cooper (RR) vs PBKS, Jaipur, 2012
4/24 – Ashwani Kumar (MI) vs KKR, Mumbai WS, 2025
4/24 – Sakib Hussain (SRH) vs RR, Hyderabad, 2026
4/33 – David Wiese (RCB) vs MI, Bengaluru, 2015
4/34 – Praful Hinge (SRH) vs RR, Hyderabad, 2026
With this win, RR’s four-match winning streak came to an end, while SRH registered their second victory of the season alongside three losses. Rajasthan Royals, despite the defeat, continue to sit atop the points table, while SRH climbed to fourth place.
During the 217-run chase, Praful Hinge sent shockwaves through the RR camp by dismissing Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for a golden duck and removing Dhruv Jurel (0) and Lhuan-dre Pretorius (0) in the same over, reducing RR to 1/3 in the first over.
In the next over, Sakib Hussain dismissed Yashasvi Jaiswal for just one run, and in the third, Praful returned to clean up RR skipper Riyan Parag for a six-ball four, sinking RR to 9/5 in just three overs.
Jadeja and Ferreira attempted to salvage the innings, taking RR to 40/5 by the end of the powerplay. Two successive boundaries from Ferreira brought up the 50-run mark in the seventh over.
At the halfway stage, RR were 70/5, with Jadeja (27*) and Ferreira (31*) unbeaten. Ferreira brought up his half-century in 31 balls as RR crossed 100 in the 13th over.
The 118-run stand was broken by Sakib, who bowled Ferreira for 69 off 44 balls. Jadeja followed soon after, dismissed by Eshan Malinga for 45 off 32 balls. Sakib then removed Jofra Archer (2) and Ravi Bishnoi (0), as RR were bowled out for 159 in 19 overs.
With ANI inputs
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The business end of the UEFA Champions League season is in full swing as action resumes this week, all eight quarterfinalists still able to picture a spot in the semifinals after closely-contested first leg matches last week.
Barcelona and Liverpool carry the more sizable deficits from the first leg, both sides losing 2-0 to Atletico Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, respectively last week and in need of a significant turnaround to book a spot in the last four. Barcelona will do so without Pau Cubarsi after his red card in the first leg, a classic contrast of styles set for the Metropolitano Stadium as Hansi Flick’s side seem set to resume their attack-first approach while Atleti attempt to keep them at bay.
On Wednesday, Bayern Munich will look to build upon their one-goal advantage over Real Madrid while Arsenal hope to do the same against Sporting Lisbon. The concurrent first legs of these ties painted a fascinating picture about Bayern’s credentials as champions and the Gunners’ potential shortcomings, the second legs likely to add to that narrative one way or another.
With semifinal berths on the line, here’s what you need to know before tuning in.
How to watch
Paramount+ will have every minute of Champions League action this week, as well as all pre- and post-match coverage while CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports Golazo Network will air select portions of the broadcast. Coverage begins each day with the UEFA Champions League Today pre-match show (simulcast on CBS Sports Golazo Network on Wednesday) and all four matches will air exclusively on Paramount+, which will offer a curated multicast option to watch multiple matches at once. Coverage continues with the UEFA Champions League Today post-match show on Paramount+ and CBS Sports Network, as well as new editions of The Champions Club on CBS Sports Golazo Network and YouTube.
Champions League bracket
Quarterfinals second leg schedule
All times U.S./Eastern
Champions League scenarios
Atletico Madrid vs. Barcelona
- First leg score: Barcelona 0, Atletico Madrid 2
- Atletico Madrid advance with: a win or draw
- Barcelona advance with: a three-goal win
- The game goes to extra time if: Barcelona have a two-goal lead after 90 minutes
Liverpool vs. Paris Saint-Germain
- First leg score: Paris Saint-Germain 2, Liverpool 2
- Liverpool advance with: a three-goal win
- Paris Saint-Germain advance with: a win or draw
- The game goes to extra time if: Liverpool have a two-goal lead after 90 minutes
Bayern Munich vs. Real Madrid
- First leg score: Real Madrid 1, Bayern Munich 2
- Bayern Munich advance with: a win or draw
- Real Madrid advance with: a two-goal win
- The game goes to extra time if: Real Madrid have a one-goal lead after 90 minutes
Arsenal vs. Sporting Lisbon
- First leg score: Sporting Lisbon 0, Arsenal 1
- Arsenal advance with: a win or draw
- Sporting Lisbon advance with: a two-goal win
- The game goes to extra time if: Sporting Lisbon have a one-goal lead after 90 minutes
Monday, 13 April marked five years since Northern Ireland qualified for the Euro 2022 finals.
It was a historic night at Seaview as Northern Ireland beat both Ukraine and the odds to qualify for a first major tournament, which would take place the following year in England.
Of the 23 players who went to Southampton, only nine are still involved for the current World Cup campaign.
That number will hit double figures when influential captain and key striker Simone Magill returns after expecting her first child later in the spring, but a lot has changed for Northern Ireland.
In terms of average age, the squad has dropped from 26.7 to 25.2, while the average caps has also fallen from 42.3 to 28.4.
Not only has Kenny Shiels’ tenure ended, but so has that of his successor, Tanya Oxtoby, and Tuesday’s game with Malta will mark the first game in charge for Michael McArdle as boss.
Rebecca McKenna has been a constant over the past half decade, and at the age of 25 she is on the verge of winning her 60th cap against Malta in 2027 World Cup qualifying.
The Birmingham City defender has seen it all in that time, and she says while she doesn’t think “there’s any real comparisons” between the generations, she feels the current youthful group are as “special” as the Euro 2022 history-makers.
“Qualifying for the Euros five years ago, I think that’s just made us hungrier,” McKenna, who turned 25 on Monday, told BBC Sport NI.
“That was a special moment and for that group and we deserved to be there.
“I think the group we have now is just as special and I think all the girls who are here, deserve to be here.”
;)
Rory McIlroy doesn’t follow the script. It’s why we can’t get enough
After surviving a rollercoaster weekend at Augusta National to capture another green jacket, McIlroy found another question. This one, he believes, he has the answer to after last year’s search for meaning: Will this win lead to a similar rut?
“I said at the start of the weekend here, I felt like the grand slam was the destination, and I realized it wasn’t. I’m on this journey.” McIlroy said. “I feel like this win is just — I don’t want to say a stop on the journey, but yeah, it’s just a part of the journey. I still have things I want to achieve. But I still want to enjoy it as well.
“I’ve waited so long to win the Masters, and all of a sudden I win two in a row. So I still want to enjoy it. I’ve got a couple of weeks off before I go back to play competitive golf, but I don’t think I’ll go through that lull of motivation or the sort of things that I was feeling last year, post-winning this tournament.”
One scene Sunday evening at Augusta National suggests that this time McIlroy won’t find himself listless in the emerald radiance of his latest achievement.
When he won last year, Rory McIlroy folded onto the perfectly manicured 18th green at Augusta National, put his head in his hands and began to sob. The tears freely flowing, he let out a primal scream signaling only relief that he had finally slayed the dragon, that his long battle with himself and this tournament was over. Relief that after that Sunday, the mental agony of the weight of time and expectation was over. Overcome with the realization that his dreams had finally arrived, McIlroy sobbed uncontrollably as he made his way back to the clubhouse, hugging friends and family along the way. It was a blur.
On Sunday, as McIlroy readied to tap in for a closing bogey to beat Scottie Scheffler by one stroke, the tears started to arrive again, but everything else about this moment was different.
This time, McIlroy didn’t collapse. His head didn’t drop in disbelief that the long journey had ended. Instead, he lifted his head immediately to the sky and let another scream, not one of catharsis but one of pure jubilation. A huge smile stretched across his face and he laughed as he hugged caddie Harry Diamond. As he walked to the clubhouse after hugging his wife, daughter, parents and some friends, Rory McIlroy lifted both of his arms in the air and soaked in a moment of pure, unadulterated joy.
This time, Rory McIlroy’s system wasn’t in shock. He wasn’t shedding anything. There was no recalibration needed. The ghosts have long gone.
Sports
Astros place shortstop Jeremy Peña, pitcher Tatsuya Imai on injured list amid 7-game losing streak
Injury woes continue for the Houston Astros, exacerbating a 6-10 start that currently has them sharing the worst record in Major League Baseball. The Astros have lost seven consecutive games going into Monday’s matchup with the Seattle Mariners.
Shortstop Jeremy Peña was placed on the 10-day injured list with a Grade 1 right hamstring strain. Pitcher Tatsuya Imai is joining several starting pitchers on the IL with right arm fatigue.
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Peña left Saturday’s 8-7 loss to the Mariners in the fourth inning with what was described as tightness at the back of his right knee. He underwent an imaging exam on Sunday to determine the severity of the injury and a mild strain was discovered.
Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena was off to a slow start due to a fractured right ring finger during the spring. (Photo by Jack Compton/Getty Images)
(Jack Compton via Getty Images)
After batting 1-for-3 on Saturday, Peña’s triple-slash line is .256/.304/.349 with four extra-base hits in 46 plate appearances. Though it’s early in the season and Peña has only played in 10 games, those numbers are a notable decline from the .304 batting average and .840 OPS he posted last year.
However, his preparations during the spring were sidetracked by a fractured right ring finger that prevented him from playing for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic.
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The 28-year-old was also limited to 125 games last season with a fractured rib (sustained when he was hit by a pitch) and left oblique injuries.
Tatsuya Imai is third Astros starting pitcher to go on IL
The Astros feared that an IL stint for Imai was imminent when he was sent back to Houston on Saturday to evaluate what the team called “right arm fatigue.”
Houston has already placed starting pitchers Hunter Brown and Cristian Javier on the injured list, both with strained right shoulders. Brown is expected to be out until May, while Javier will be re-evaluated in two weeks. Going back to Friday, the Astros play 13 straight games without a day off, putting more pressure on an undermanned pitching staff.
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Imai faced the Mariners on Friday for his third start of the season but lasted only one-third of an inning. Pitching against eight batters, the right-hander allowed three runs on one hit and four walks in an eventual 9-6 defeat. He threw only 17 of his 37 pitches for strikes in the performance.
Following the game, Imai complained of the hard mound at T-Mobile Park and the cooler weather than he was accustomed to pitching in Japan. The temperature was 64 degrees at first pitch in Seattle.
In his three starts, the 27-year-old has walked 11 batters in 8 1/3 innings, adding 13 strikeouts. He’s allowed seven runs on seven hits, resulting in a 7.27 ERA. The Astros were hoping for better production from a pitcher signed to a three-year contract that could pay him up to $63 million.
However, Imai showed what he was capable of in his second start, throwing 5 2/3 scoreless innings against the Athletics with nine strikeouts.
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During his eight seasons pitching for the Seibu Lions in Nippon Professional Baseball, Imai compiled a 3.15 ERA and 58-45 record in 159 appearances with a strikeout rate of 8.5 per nine innings. But his walk rate of 4.4 hinted at the concerns that have manifested thus far in his MLB career.
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