Section

Baseball

Latest Slidescroller coverage in Baseball.

Deven Sheerin Drafted by Phillies After LSU Close‑Game Success

Deven Sheerin, a former LSU baseball reliever, was selected by the Philadelphia Phillies in the fourth round of the 2026 MLB Draft after a standout college career marked by record‑setting strikeouts, a torn ACL, and a fastball that reaches 100 mph.

Jul 12, 2026

Creativity and Strategy in Modern Baseball: Tigers’ Skubal and Dingler Lead the Way

Detroit Tigers right‑hander Tarik Skubal has been vocal about the spark that teammate Dillon Dingler brings to the clubhouse, especially during spring training sessions where Dingler’s pitch‑calling creativity stands out. Dingler, a catcher with a keen eye for hitters’ tendencies, explains that his game‑calling philosophy hinges on adaptability — tailoring each sequence to exploit a batter’s strengths while keeping the opposition guessing. In his latest outing against the Oakland Athletics, Skubal showcased a razor‑sharp changeup that not only baffled hitters but also underscored his command of secondary pitches, a factor that has become a cornerstone of his recent success. The performance coincided with a strong start from rookie infielder Joshua Kuroda‑Grauer, who has quickly earned a reputation for simplicity and relentless work ethic in the Athletics’ farm system. The piece also revisits a lesser‑known statistic: only three pitchers in baseball history have started five All‑Star games — Lefty Gomez, Don Drysdale, and Robin Roberts — highlighting a lineage of excellence that modern players continue to chase. On the international stage, the KBO’s Samsung Lions secured the services of veteran left‑hander Chris Paddack for the remainder of the season, a move that could reshape the league’s competitive balance. Baseball history will also be front and center at the upcoming SABR convention, where Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, is slated to deliver a keynote address celebrating the sport’s diverse heritage. The recent passing of former Minnesota Twins star Darrell Jackson, left‑hander Al Holland, and right‑hander Phil Regan serves as a reminder of the game’s evolving narrative and the indelible marks left by its pioneers. Japanese phenoms Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Masataka Yoshida continue to dominate discussions, with Yamamoto praised for his consistency and athleticism, while Yoshida’s clutch hitting and solid bat‑to‑ball skills have made him a reliable presence in high‑pressure moments. Comparisons abound for players like Kensuke Kondoh, whose power swing mirrors Yoshida’s, and Haruto Takahashi, whose NPB performances for the Hanshin Tigers have drawn attention from scouts worldwide. Across the Pacific, Forrest Whitley’s strikeout prowess for the Tokyo Yomiuri Giants, Carson McCusker’s contributions to the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles, and Riley Thompson’s KBO leading strikeout rate illustrate the depth of talent emerging from foreign leagues. Domestic prospects such as Seth Beer in the Mexican League, Curtis Mead’s potential highlighted by Blake Butera, and Alex Binelas’s steady output for the Reading Fightin Phils further enrich the talent pipeline. Minor league leaders like Manuel Pena, who tops home‑run charts, and Connor Oliver’s consistent performances for the Pittsburgh Pirates’ affiliates underscore the depth of development programs that feed the major leagues.

Jul 12, 2026

Kansas Stars Shine in 2026 MLB Draft

Day one of the 2026 MLB Draft saw Kansas standouts Tyson LeBlanc and Dominic Voegele selected by the Detroit Tigers and Baltimore Orioles, highlighting a program that has become a prolific pipeline for professional baseball talent.

Jul 12, 2026

Tar Heels Lead the Way in 2026 MLB Draft Prospects

A look at the emerging talents from the University of North Carolina Tar Heels as the 2026 MLB Draft kicks off, highlighting key players and the challenges of projecting professional success.

Jul 12, 2026

Texas baseball prospects walk away from 2026 MLB Draft

Three Texas players — Cooper Webb, Trey Rangel and Phinn Beaird — removed their names from the draft after being selected on the first day, while top recruit Grady Emerson fell to the Tampa Bay Rays, illustrating the growing tension between signing bonuses and collegiate commitments.

Jul 12, 2026

Ole Miss Stars Shine in 2026 MLB Draft

Two Ole Miss pitchers, Taylor Rabe and Cade Townsend, were selected in the first round of the 2026 MLB Draft, underscoring the university’s reputation for developing elite arms.

Jul 12, 2026

West Virginia’s Draft Prospects Eye Day Two Selections

Five West Virginia players — Kyle Casteel, Ian Korn, Armani Guzman, Paul Schoenfeld and Sean Smith — are projected to be among the most compelling selections on day two of the 2026 MLB Draft, each bringing a distinct skill set that could shape their professional futures.

Jul 12, 2026