Baseball writes its own scripts.
Justin Verlander made his first start for the Tigers in 9 years today.
So what could go wrong?
How about a Kristian Campbell 2-run homer before he'd gotten an out.
Get me rewrite!
Aaron Boone has led his league in ejections 5 years in a row. He now has made ejection history that even Bobby Cox never made
But is his streak in jeopardy now that ABS is in the house?
“No, no, no, no, no. He’s leading the league. That’s what he does"
www.nytimes.com/athletic/708...
“I don't like to get ejected. He seems like he likes it.”
New column:
Can Aaron Boone keep his historic streak going of leading his league in manager ejections now that ABS is here?
He says no. His fellow managers have other ideas
www.nytimes.com/athletic/708...
What's cooler than a spring training rainbow! 🌈
“I don't like to get ejected. He seems like he likes it.”
New column:
Can Aaron Boone keep his historic streak going of leading his league in manager ejections now that ABS is here?
He says no. His fellow managers have other ideas
www.nytimes.com/athletic/708...
“He’s earned the right to yell at me.”
New column:
The Blue Jays didn’t “need” Max Scherzer 2.0. So why is he back in Toronto?
Let’s talk about the magic of Mad Max
www.nytimes.com/athletic/708...
“I mean, it’s unbelievable.”
It’s the must read baseball story of the day from Tyler.
Incredible to learn what went into the series of bold managerial moves by Dave Roberts that won his team a World Series.
“He’s earned the right to yell at me.”
New column:
The Blue Jays didn’t “need” Max Scherzer 2.0. So why is he back in Toronto?
Let’s talk about the magic of Mad Max
www.nytimes.com/athletic/708...
Max Scherzer's daughter wrote a heartfelt letter to the Blue Jays - and put a stamp on it.
I wrote about why her parents never sent it.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/708...
He's back!
Max Scherzer sighting in Blue Jays camp today.
Official announcement not expected until tomorrow
Some guys in uniform just sign a baseball when they're asked to sign a baseball.
But if a kid asks Aaron Boone to sign a baseball, he gets a whole conversation..:
About baseball!
"I’ll remember it for the rest of my life”
I'm unlocking today's column on Life After Game 7 for the Blue Jays so it's free for all to read
These guys poured their hearts out, talking about the emotions stirred by that game.
Great to tell their story!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/707...
"I’ll remember it for the rest of my life”
I'm unlocking today's column on Life After Game 7 for the Blue Jays so it's free for all to read
These guys poured their hearts out, talking about the emotions stirred by that game.
Great to tell their story!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/707...
“I've never been in a room full of grown men who were all crying.”
New from me:
It’s possible the Blue Jays could be even better in ‘26 than they were in their magical run to the World Series.
But first they had to cope with the shock of losing Game 7
www.nytimes.com/athletic/707...
“I've never been in a room full of grown men who were all crying.”
New from me:
It’s possible the Blue Jays could be even better in ‘26 than they were in their magical run to the World Series.
But first they had to cope with the shock of losing Game 7
www.nytimes.com/athletic/707...
"Boys, it's launch day."
-Tom Burgoyne, best friend of the Phanatic
Big day in Clearwater! It's the 2026 debut of the legendary Hot Dog Launcher
31 seasons of propelling hot dogs through the sky.
What a time to be alive
"I still have a lot to prove to myself."
Bryce Harper opens up to @mattgelb.bsky.social
This is the must-read story of the day
www.nytimes.com/athletic/706...
"I still have a lot to prove to myself."
Bryce Harper opens up to @mattgelb.bsky.social
This is the must-read story of the day
www.nytimes.com/athletic/706...
New from me:
The robot umps are here!
Here’s what to watch for this spring, including this fascinating question:
What should an umpire say if the catcher asks, “Where was that pitch?”
www.nytimes.com/athletic/706...
The Blue Jays now have a second baseman named Carlos Mendoza ...
In a game being managed (in the other dugout) by a guy named ...
Carlos Mendoza.
Baseball!
Big moment here in Dunedin. Kazuma Okamoto just launched his first (spring) HR as a Blue Jay.
431 feet to CF, off the batter’s eye.
There was some wind involved, but that’s not important now.
This man has a sweet swing.
New from me:
The robot umps are here!
Here’s what to watch for this spring, including this fascinating question:
What should an umpire say if the catcher asks, “Where was that pitch?”
www.nytimes.com/athletic/706...
ICYMI Here's where to find my whole spring-preview series:
Who's feeling the heat? www.nytimes.com/athletic/705...
Traded this spring? www.nytimes.com/athletic/704...
Best/worst subtractions www.nytimes.com/athletic/705...
The whole survey! www.nytimes.com/athletic/704...
We almost had today’s Blue Jays-Phillies game end on a robot-off!
Jays catcher Aaron Parker challenged this 1-2 pitch to Dante Nori that was called a ball.
So it would have been game over if it had even right. But…
Just a bit outside!
ABS challenge alert!
The Phillies' first challenge of the ABS era is one you'll never see in the actual season
2 outs, nobody on, bottom of the first
The catcher, Rafael Marchan, challenges a 1-and-0 ball-2 call ... and gets it wrong
So one challenge left, 8 innings to go!
Fun fact:
The next Saturday without a baseball game will be in November
Feel warmer yet?
Who’s feeling the heat entering 2026?
Let’s just say Bryce Harper and the Phillies come to mind.
In the last installment of my annual spring preview survey, the voters weighed in on what players, front offices and managers are under the most pressure.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/705...
Christopher Sanchez, ace
Who’s feeling the heat entering 2026?
Let’s just say Bryce Harper and the Phillies come to mind.
In the last installment of my annual spring preview survey, the voters weighed in on what players, front offices and managers are under the most pressure.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/705...
Kazuma Okamoto, third baseman, Toronto Blue Jays
First impression: soft hands over there
