Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer left Monday’s 14-2 defeat to the Los Angeles Dodgers after two innings with right forearm tendinitis.
The three-time Cy Young Award winner allowed two runs and two hits before departing his abbreviated start.
The 41-year-old saw a notable drop in velocity, with his fastball averaging 92.1 mph compared to 93.4 mph during his previous outing against Colorado.
Despite the early exit, manager John Schneider expressed confidence that the veteran right-hander will be able to make his next scheduled start.
Rotation woes deepen for Toronto
Scherzer’s potential injury represents another major concern for a Toronto pitching staff already devastated by early-season fitness issues.
The Canadian franchise currently has four starting pitchers languishing on the injured list.
Right-handers Jose Berrios, Shane Bieber and Trey Yesavage are all yet to pitch this season as they recover from elbow and shoulder problems.
Cody Ponce also joined the casualties last week after injuring his knee while fielding an infield grounder during his first major league appearance since 2021.
Reinforcements called upon
Left-hander Josh Fleming, newly promoted from Triple-A Buffalo, was forced to take over from the ailing starter in the third inning against Los Angeles.
The Dodgers offense capitalised heavily on Toronto’s pitching struggles, sparked by a first-inning Teoscar Hernandez home run.
In response to their mounting rotation crisis, the Blue Jays signed 36-year-old veteran Patrick Corbin to a one-year contract last Friday.
The newly acquired left-hander recently began his preparation by allowing a single run over five innings for Single-A Dunedin.
San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama was ruled out of Monday’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers after suffering a bruised left rib.
The injury occurred when the 22-year-old collided with 76ers forward Paul George near the halfway line during the second quarter.
Despite briefly returning to the bench after initial treatment in the locker room, the Frenchman asked to be substituted again just before half-time.
Post-season award eligibility on the line
Medical staff officially ruled the towering centre out for the remainder of the contest after he failed to emerge with his team-mates for the third quarter.
The early exit leaves the NBA Defensive Player of the Year favourite perilously close to missing the league’s threshold for post-season accolades.
Because he played 15 minutes and 40 seconds, the appearance burns one of two allowed exceptions to the NBA’s strict 20-minute minimum rule.
He must now play at least 20 minutes in one of San Antonio’s final three regular-season fixtures to maintain his eligibility for awards, which also includes a strong push for MVP honours.
A dominant run interrupted
Before departing, the third-year veteran had already amassed an impressive 17 points, five rebounds, and three blocks in highly limited action.
The physical setback halts a spectacular run of form that saw him record at least 30 points, 15 rebounds, and three blocks in his previous three outings.
That phenomenal streak tied for the second-longest in NBA history, trailing only Shaquille O’Neal’s four-game run in 1999.
Prior to Monday’s tip-off, the transcendent talent was leading the Texas franchise across all major statistical categories, averaging 24.9 points, 11.6 rebounds, and an unparalleled 3.1 blocks per game.
The New Jersey Devils have dismissed general manager Tom Fitzgerald after five years in charge as the franchise prepares to miss the NHL playoffs.
Co-owner David Blitzer announced the departure on Monday following an abrupt late-season change of direction.
The 56-year-old had overseen hockey operations since January 2020 and was responsible for assembling the core of the current roster.
A critical off-season ahead
In a statement, Blitzer acknowledged the mutual decision for the former NHL forward to leave the organisation.
“Tom and I had a thoughtful conversation today and agreed it was time to move in a new direction. Tom changed the trajectory of our team here, including setting a franchise record for points in a season and helping make New Jersey a hockey destination.”
The co-owner also addressed the supporters directly, admitting the hierarchy shared their profound frustration regarding recent results.
“This is a critical off-season for our franchise, and we will explore all avenues that best position the Devils to compete for a Stanley Cup once again.”
Mounting criticism and contract disputes
Despite early successes, the former executive faced mounting pressure over questionable roster management decisions in recent campaigns.
He drew significant criticism for handing out contracts featuring restrictive no-trade clauses to several underperforming players.
The premature contract extension of goaltender Jacob Markstrom also alienated sections of the passionate fanbase.
New Jersey currently sit well outside the post-season qualification spots, extending a disappointing run of form that ultimately cost the general manager his job.
The franchise will now begin an extensive search for a new leader to revive their Stanley Cup ambitions.
Coventry City require just four points to secure a return to the Premier League after a hard-fought goalless draw against Hull City at the MKM Stadium on Easter Monday.
Frank Lampard’s side produced an underwhelming performance but capitalised on slip-ups from promotion rivals Millwall and Middlesbrough.
The vital away point preserves a commanding 12-point advantage at the summit of the Championship table with only five fixtures remaining.
A victory over already-relegated Sheffield Wednesday in their next match could be enough to seal top-flight status for the first time in 25 years.
Tigers dominate but lack cutting edge
The hosts enjoyed the better of the early exchanges as Liam Millar tormented the visiting defence down the left flank.
Goalkeeper Carl Rushworth endured a nervous start, surviving a fumble in the penalty area thanks to a desperate block from Liam Kitching to deny Joe Egan.
Forward Joe Gelhardt also threatened from distance, curling an ambitious 25-yard strike safely over the crossbar.
Lampard’s leaders grind out vital point
The Sky Blues gradually weathered the early storm by utilizing their physical presence to disrupt the rhythm of the home side.
Victor Torp provided a rare attacking spark for the league leaders, dragging a shot wide before forcing a smart low save from Ivor Pandur.
Despite Hull pressing again after the interval through headers from Gelhardt and Oli McBurnie, the visitors stood firm to record a crucial clean sheet.
The frustrating result leaves the fifth-placed Yorkshire club trailing the automatic promotion places by four points.
Golfers at the 90th Masters have expressed their support for Tiger Woods as the 15-time major champion reportedly enters a rehabilitation facility following his recent DUI arrest in Florida.
The 50-year-old is absent from Augusta National this week after pleading not guilty to charges of misdemeanor driving under the influence with property damage.
Authorities confirmed the golf legend was in possession of hydrocodone when his vehicle clipped a trailer in Hobe Sound on March 27.
Day criticises driving decision but offers sympathy
Australian player Jason Day revealed his mixed emotions regarding his childhood hero’s current legal and personal situation.
“The only thing that I don’t understand is that it’s a little bit selfish of him to drive and put other people in harm’s way.”
However, the former world number one quickly noted the human element of addiction and the immense physical toll the American has endured throughout his career.
“He’s not immune to it just because he can hit a golf ball really well.”
Physical toll leads to European treatment
The five-time tournament winner recently told a sheriff’s deputy that he suffers from an ankle that seizes up while walking.
This physical decline follows a grueling medical history that includes seven back operations and more than twenty surgeries on his right leg.
A judge granted a legal motion last week allowing the injured star to travel outside the United States for comprehensive inpatient care.
His private jet has since landed in Switzerland, fuelling widespread speculation that he has checked into a specialised European treatment centre.
Living under the microscope
Day acknowledged the immense public pressure that comes with being arguably the most famous golfer in sporting history.
“It must be hard to be who he is and have everyone look kind of down on him.”
The 36-year-old concluded by expressing hope that his long-time idol will successfully complete his recovery programme and find peace away from the course.
The Chicago Bulls have sacked executive vice-president Arturas Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley following a deeply disappointing NBA season.
The front-office duo depart after overseeing a prolonged period of underachievement, culminating in a dismal 29-49 record.
This latest slump leaves the Illinois franchise languishing in 12th place in the Eastern Conference standings.
It marks the fourth consecutive season the six-time NBA champions have failed to qualify for the post-season playoffs.
Early promise gives way to injury and decline
The team had initially enjoyed a blistering start to the current campaign, winning six of their opening seven games for the first time since the Michael Jordan era.
However, mounting injury problems quickly derailed their progress and exposed a severe lack of squad depth.
This physical toll resulted in the side enduring four separate losing streaks of at least five matches over the course of the year.
Across their tenure, the dismissed executives managed just one winning season and a solitary playoff appearance, which ended in a swift 2022 first-round exit against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Deadline day gamble fails to pay off
In a desperate bid to revitalise the squad, the hierarchy dramatically overhauled the roster at the recent trade deadline.
They shipped out seven players, including fan favourites Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu, in a move the former vice-president claimed would “get out of the middle”.
Yet the sweeping roster changes neither improved their draft lottery odds nor secured viable long-term prospects for the rebuilding project.
Further controversy arose when recent acquisition Jaden Ivey was released last week following a series of alarming social media outbursts.
Reinsdorf promises a new direction
Franchise owner Michael Reinsdorf acknowledged the deep frustrations of the fanbase while announcing the leadership change on Monday.
“These decisions are never easy, especially when they involve people we respect both personally and professionally.”
Michael Reinsdorf, Chicago Bulls Owner
The owner stressed that the sweeping administrative changes were strictly made to position the team for sustained future success.
“I want our fans to know that I hear you and understand your frustration. I am fully committed to getting this right.”
The New York Mets have placed star outfielder Juan Soto on the injured list for an estimated two to three weeks after he sustained a right calf strain against the San Francisco Giants.
The 27-year-old suffered the minor injury while advancing from first to third base during the opening inning of Friday’s victory.
He was subsequently removed from the contest following a force-out at home plate.
Rare spell on the sidelines for durable outfielder
This marks only the second non-COVID injured list stint of the four-time All-Star’s career.
His previous absence occurred in May 2021 when he missed a fortnight with a strained left shoulder while representing the Washington Nationals.
Following an MRI scan on Saturday, the left fielder revealed the discomfort mirrored a previous leg issue from July 2022.
Mets adjust roster and schedule
Before the setback, the Dominican international had enjoyed a prolific start to his second season in New York, recording an impressive .928 OPS over eight games.
Jared Young assumed left-field duties over the weekend as the National League franchise secured a series victory over the Giants.
Tyrone Taylor and Brett Baty provide alternative defensive options during the absentee’s recovery period.
To provide immediate cover, infielder Ronny Mauricio has been recalled from Triple-A affiliate Syracuse.
Meanwhile, the team has altered the start times for their upcoming home fixtures against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Citi Field to combat anticipated cold and windy weather.
Sporting Lisbon head coach Rui Borges hopes Viktor Gyokeres will not face a hostile reception when the Arsenal striker returns to the Estadio Jose Alvalade for Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final.
The Sweden international will line up against his former employers in the opening leg of the European tie.
He scored a remarkable 97 times across 102 appearances for the Portuguese club before sealing a £64m transfer to north London last summer.
A deserved acknowledgement
There is anticipation that the 27-year-old could face a difficult atmosphere from the home support upon his comeback.
Borges insisted the lucrative summer transfer was the correct outcome for all parties involved.
He is a great player, and I am sure he will be welcomed by everyone because he marked the history of Sporting, and he deserves this acknowledgement.
He wanted to take that step in his career and we respect that.
Players will change, but the club stays the same, and Sporting will go on winning.
Finding form in north London
The prolific attacker initially struggled to hit the ground running at Emirates Stadium.
However, the Swede has since found his rhythm, registering 17 goals for Mikel Arteta’s side this term.
His latest strike came as a substitute during a recent FA Cup defeat to Southampton.
I believe in the initial stage he had to adapt, given the style of play, and how Arsenal plays.
But he is still a great forward and now he is back to what he does well which is scoring goals.
Arsenal arrive as a wounded beast
The Premier League contenders arrive in Portugal following consecutive domestic defeats.
Their shock FA Cup exit on the south coast followed a Carabao Cup final humbling at the hands of Manchester City.
Despite the recent dip in form, the Sporting boss dismissed suggestions that this is an ideal time to face the English side.
They will be like a wounded beast tomorrow.
They will be more focused, more willing to show their collective and individual capacity.
Borges acknowledged the significant challenge ahead but backed his motivated squad to achieve something unprecedented against their visitors.