Latest news with #All-Star-worthy
New York Post
03-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Post
Liberty's Jonquel Jones ‘pissed' she wasn't named All-Star starter
We've got you covered on the Liberty beat Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Madeline Kenney about all things Liberty and WNBA. tRY IT NOW Liberty center Jonquel Jones didn't sugarcoat her disappointment when it came to the fact a sprained ankle derailed her All-Star-worthy start. 'I'm pissed,' she said after practice Wednesday. 'I'm not even gonna lie about it, I'm really upset about it.' Advertisement Jones has been named an All-Star in five of the past seven seasons, including 2024. Earning a sixth All-Star nod was the 'one personal goal' Jones had for herself this season. The 2024 WNBA Finals MVP was on track to make her All-Star aspirations a reality. Advertisement In her first nine games, Jones averaged 15.3 points and 11.3 rebounds while shooting 48.5 percent from the field and 44.4 percent from deep. Jones initially sprained her right ankle June 5 in Washington. In her second game back, she aggravated the ankle injury when she landed on another player's foot after going up for a shot. Earlier this week, Jones learned she wasn't named a starter for the 2025 WNBA All-Star game. She's keeping her fingers crossed that she may be named one of the 12 reserves, which are determined by the league's head coaches. Advertisement Liberty star Jonquel Jones, who is out again with an ankle injury, said she was 'pissed' about not being named an All-Star starter. John Jones-Imagn Images Though there's no minimum games played requirement to be named an All-Star, Jones knows her being sidelined may impact her chances. 'We'll see when it comes [out] but I'm definitely upset about it,' Jones said. 'Obviously I was playing well enough to be an All-Star again and it's something that I expect of myself every year as well. So we'll see. But if it happens that I'm not, then I'm definitely going to be very upset.' Being left out of the main event of All-Star weekend — scheduled for July 18-19 in Indianapolis — is just one of the challenges Jones has had to come to grips with since reinjuring her ankle in the Liberty's June 19 loss against the Mercury. Advertisement Jones has had no choice but to watch from the sidelines as the Liberty struggled on their 10-day road trip, going 1-3. Jonquel Jones, who is out with an ankle injury again, goes up for a shot during the Liberty's loss to the Mercury on June 19, 2025. NBAE via Getty Images 'It's been hard to see it,' Jones said. 'It's been difficult. … But I think there are some things that we can control as a team to help us just look better out there and kind of help us be closer to winning.' The Liberty play their next eight games in Brooklyn and aren't scheduled to hit the road again until their July 28 game in Dallas. Jones said the lengthy home stand should be good for her recovery considering swelling has been one of her biggest issues with the sprain. She also welcomed the chance for some normalcy, despite the setback. 'I can see my dogs every day and they make me happy,' Jones said. 'I can do my regular walks and stuff like that and just kind of get into that routine of just when I'm showing up to the gym, when I'm doing rehab, when I'm doing conditioning and all that stuff.' Jones can also host 'Love Island' watch parties with her teammates in her Brooklyn apartment. Advertisement The Liberty announced June 21 that Jones would miss four to six weeks. About two weeks into her rehab process, Jones said she doesn't have a target date to return to play. But she did say she's feeling better. 'I'm in a good spot,' she said. 'Just making sure that I'm as close to 100 percent as possible before I get back on the court and yeah, just take it from there.'
Boston Globe
17-06-2025
- Sport
- Boston Globe
Bay State natives Shane Smith and Mike Vasil look like two Rule 5 hits for the rebuilding White Sox
There sure was. Smith, who grew up in Danvers and attended Governor's Academy, has turned into a pleasant surprise for the last-place White Sox after he was selected by the team in the Rule 5 draft. The White Sox also have Mike Vasil, another 25-year-old Rule 5 right-hander from Wellesley and BC Highwho was claimed off waivers from the Rays in March. Advertisement The Rule 5 draft provides an opportunity for players left off big league team's 40-man rosters after several minor league seasons. Teams pay $100,000 to select a player in the major league portion. The players must stay on the active 26-man major league roster all season or else clear waivers and be offered back to their original organization for $50,000. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Between 10 and 20 players are selected in the big league Rule 5 draft most seasons, but most don't actually stick with their new clubs. Even fewer develop into All-Star-worthy contributors. Hall of Fame outfielder Roberto Clemente and two-time Cy Young Award winner Johan Santana are two of the most famous Rule 5 success stories. So far, it looks as if Smith and Vasil are going to stick with the rebuilding White Sox — quite an accomplishment for an organization from one Rule 5 draft. Smith has a 2.37 ERA in 68⅓ innings over 13 starts, and Vasil has a 1.99 ERA in 45⅓ innings over 20 appearances, all but two in relief. Advertisement 'Obviously Mike and I are, I think, putting our best foot forward as of now,' Smith said. 'The biggest thing we can do is just keep it going, keep doing the same stuff.' Related : Smith or Vasil very well could represent the last-place White Sox at next month's All-Star Game in Atlanta. Dan Uggla with the Marlins in 2006 is the only player to be named an All-Star in the season after he was selected in the Rule 5 draft, according to Sportradar. Being a Rule 5 player is a unique situation in that first year, but Vasil said he doesn't think about it very often. 'I've spent my whole life trying to get here,' he said. 'So I think it's already hard enough, don't put more pressure on yourself.' The 6-foot-5-inch Vasil was selected by the Mets in the eighth round of the 2021 amateur draft out of the University of Virginia. He was picked by the Phillies in the Rule 5 draft in December and then traded that same day to the Rays for cash. The White Sox are Vasil's fourth organization since the end of last season. 'It's a lot,' he said. 'But I think for me, at the same time, I guess you could say you feel wanted by a lot of different teams.' The White Sox moved Wellesley native Mike Vasil from the bullpen into the rotation earlier this month. LM Otero/Associated Press Vasil began the season in Chicago's bullpen, recording a 1.89 ERA in his first 18 appearances. He got his first career win when he pitched 2⅓ scoreless innings against the Astros on May 4 and his first save when he got three outs at Cincinnati on May 14. Advertisement But Vasil's six-pitch arsenal — highlighted by an effective sinker and sweeper — makes him a strong candidate for the rotation. He pitched four shutout innings in his second start at Texas on Saturday. 'Not something that's unfamiliar for me,' he said of starting. 'I started all my minor league career, so in terms of routine I probably know this one a little bit better than my relief one right now.' Smith went right into Chicago's rotation during spring training — an unusual spot for a Rule 5 player. Since 2016, Luis Perdomo, Brad Keller, and Mitch Spence are the only pitchers who made at least 20 starts in the majors in the season after they were selected in the big league phase of the Rule 5 draft. Keller began the 2018 season in the Royals' bullpen before moving into the rotation in late May. He finished his rookie year with a 9-6 record and a 3.08 ERA in 20 starts and 21 relief appearances. 'I think you definitely pull for all the Rule 5 guys because I feel like, not to say this in a bad way, but Rule 5 guys kind of get a bad rap, right?' said Keller, a key reliever for the Cubs. 'It's like they're like nobody's got a chance. That's not true. Some organizations are in different situations where they can't protect guys that they want to.' Smith had been in Milwaukee's organization since he signed with the Brewers as an undrafted free agent in 2021, just weeks after he had Tommy John surgery. He had a 3.05 ERA in 32 appearances over two minor league stops last season, finishing the year with Triple A Nashville. Advertisement Smith has a big four-seam fastball that gets into the high 90s, to go along with a good slider and curveball. But the biggest key to his success this year has been the development of a nasty changeup that really came together in the offseason after years of work. Fortunate timing for Smith and the White Sox. 'For a guy that hasn't really pitched above Double A, he had some innings in Triple A, but to come here and pitch the way that he does, it just speaks to his ability and his confidence and also speaks to the group of players and staff here to support him,' White Sox general manager Chris Getz said. 'Shane is doing really well and we expect him to have a really productive, healthy season for us.'
NBC Sports
16-06-2025
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Shane Smith and Mike Vasil look like two Rule 5 hits for the rebuilding Chicago White Sox
CHICAGO — Shane Smith pitched a total of 10 1/3 innings during his college career at Wake Forest. He had a shoulder operation as a freshman, and his sophomore year was shut down by the COVID-19 pandemic. Then he had elbow surgery. At that point, even Smith began to wonder if baseball was going to work out for him. 'My dream of playing professional baseball, to say it didn't waver would probably be lying,' he said. 'But I knew there was an avenue somehow.' There sure was. Smith has turned into a pleasant surprise for the last-place Chicago White Sox after he was selected by the team in the Rule 5 draft. The White Sox also have Mike Vasil, another 25-year-old Rule 5 right-hander who was claimed off waivers from Tampa Bay in March. The Rule 5 draft provides an opportunity for players left off big league team's 40-man rosters after several minor league seasons. Teams pay $100,000 to select a player in the major league portion. The players must stay on the active 26-man major league roster all season or else clear waivers and be offered back to their original organization for $50,000. Between 10 and 20 players are selected in the big league Rule 5 draft most seasons, but most don't actually stick with their new clubs. Even fewer develop into All-Star-worthy contributors. Hall of Fame outfielder Roberto Clemente and two-time Cy Young Award winner Johan Santana are two of the most famous Rule 5 success stories. So far, it looks as if Smith and Vasil are going to stick with the rebuilding White Sox — quite an accomplishment for an organization from one Rule 5 draft. Smith has a 2.37 ERA in 68 1/3 innings over 13 starts, and Vasil has a 1.99 ERA in 45 1/3 innings over 20 appearances, all but two in relief. 'Obviously Mike and I are, I think, putting our best foot forward as of now,' Smith said. 'The biggest thing we can do is just keep it going, keep doing the same stuff.' Smith or Vasil very well could represent the last-place White Sox at the All-Star Game in Atlanta. Dan Uggla with the Florida Marlins in 2006 is the only player to be named an All-Star in the season after he was selected in the Rule 5 draft, according to Sportradar. Being a Rule 5 player is a unique situation in that first year, but Vasil said he doesn't think about it very often. 'I've spent my whole life trying to get here,' he said. 'So I think it's already hard enough, don't put more pressure on yourself.' The 6-foot-5 Vasil was selected by the New York Mets in the eighth round of the 2021 amateur draft out of the University of Virginia. He was picked by Philadelphia in the Rule 5 draft in December and then traded that same day to the Rays for cash. The White Sox are Vasil's fourth organization since the end of last season. 'It's a lot,' he said. 'But I think for me, at the same time, I guess you could say you feel wanted by a lot of different teams.' Vasil began the season in Chicago's bullpen, recording a 1.89 ERA in his first 18 appearances. He got his first career win when he pitched 2 1/3 scoreless innings against Houston on May 4 and his first save when he got three outs at Cincinnati on May 14. But Vasil's six-pitch arsenal — highlighted by an effective sinker and sweeper — makes him a strong candidate for the rotation. He pitched four shutout innings in his second start at Texas. 'Not something that's unfamiliar for me,' he said of starting. 'I started all my minor league career, so in terms of routine I probably know this one a little bit better than my relief one right now.' Smith went right into Chicago's rotation during spring training — an unusual spot for a Rule 5 player. Since 2016, Luis Perdomo, Brad Keller and Mitch Spence are the only pitchers who made at least 20 starts in the majors in the season after they were selected in the big league phase of the Rule 5 draft. Keller began the 2018 season in Kansas City's bullpen before moving into the rotation in late May. He finished his rookie year with a 9-6 record and a 3.08 ERA in 20 starts and 21 relief appearances. 'I think you definitely pull for all the Rule 5 guys because I feel like, not to say this in a bad way, but Rule 5 guys kind of get a bad rap, right?' said Keller, a key reliever for the Chicago Cubs. 'It's like they're like nobody's got a chance. That's not true. Some organizations are in different situations where they can't protect guys that they want to.' Smith had been in Milwaukee's organization since he signed with the Brewers as an undrafted free agent in 2021, just weeks after he had Tommy John surgery. He had a 3.05 ERA in 32 appearances over two minor league stops last season, finishing the year with Triple-A Nashville. Smith has a big four-seam fastball that gets into the high 90s, to go along with a good slider and curveball. But the biggest key to his success this year has been the development of a nasty changeup that really came together in the offseason after years of work. Fortunate timing for Smith and the White Sox. 'For a guy that hasn't really pitched above Double-A, he had some innings in Triple-A, but to come here and pitch the way that he does, it just speaks to his ability and his confidence and also speaks to the group of players and staff here to support him,' general manager Chris Getz said. 'Shane is doing really well and we expect him to have a really productive, healthy season for us.'
San Francisco Chronicle
16-06-2025
- Sport
- San Francisco Chronicle
Smith and Vasil look like two Rule 5 hits for the rebuilding Chicago White Sox
CHICAGO (AP) — Shane Smith pitched a total of 10 1/3 innings during his college career at Wake Forest. He had a shoulder operation as a freshman, and his sophomore year was shut down by the COVID-19 pandemic. Then he had elbow surgery. At that point, even Smith began to wonder if baseball was going to work out for him. 'My dream of playing professional baseball, to say it didn't waver would probably be lying,' he said. 'But I knew there was an avenue somehow.' There sure was. Smith has turned into a pleasant surprise for the last-place Chicago White Sox after he was selected by the team in the Rule 5 draft. The White Sox also have Mike Vasil, another 25-year-old Rule 5 right-hander who was claimed off waivers from Tampa Bay in March. The Rule 5 draft provides an opportunity for players left off big league team's 40-man rosters after several minor league seasons. Teams pay $100,000 to select a player in the major league portion. The players must stay on the active 26-man major league roster all season or else clear waivers and be offered back to their original organization for $50,000. Between 10 and 20 players are selected in the big league Rule 5 draft most seasons, but most don't actually stick with their new clubs. Even fewer develop into All-Star-worthy contributors. Hall of Fame outfielder Roberto Clemente and two-time Cy Young Award winner Johan Santana are two of the most famous Rule 5 success stories. So far, it looks as if Smith and Vasil are going to stick with the rebuilding White Sox — quite an accomplishment for an organization from one Rule 5 draft. Smith has a 2.37 ERA in 68 1/3 innings over 13 starts, and Vasil has a 1.99 ERA in 45 1/3 innings over 20 appearances, all but two in relief. 'Obviously Mike and I are, I think, putting our best foot forward as of now,' Smith said. 'The biggest thing we can do is just keep it going, keep doing the same stuff.' Smith or Vasil very well could represent the last-place White Sox at next month's All-Star Game in Atlanta. Dan Uggla with the Florida Marlins in 2006 is the only player to be named an All-Star in the season after he was selected in the Rule 5 draft, according to Sportradar. Being a Rule 5 player is a unique situation in that first year, but Vasil said he doesn't think about it very often. 'I've spent my whole life trying to get here,' he said. 'So I think it's already hard enough, don't put more pressure on yourself.' The 6-foot-5 Vasil was selected by the New York Mets in the eighth round of the 2021 amateur draft out of the University of Virginia. He was picked by Philadelphia in the Rule 5 draft in December and then traded that same day to the Rays for cash. The White Sox are Vasil's fourth organization since the end of last season. 'It's a lot,' he said. 'But I think for me, at the same time, I guess you could say you feel wanted by a lot of different teams.' Vasil began the season in Chicago's bullpen, recording a 1.89 ERA in his first 18 appearances. He got his first career win when he pitched 2 1/3 scoreless innings against Houston on May 4 and his first save when he got three outs at Cincinnati on May 14. But Vasil's six-pitch arsenal — highlighted by an effective sinker and sweeper — makes him a strong candidate for the rotation. He pitched four shutout innings in his second start at Texas on Saturday. 'Not something that's unfamiliar for me,' he said of starting. 'I started all my minor league career, so in terms of routine I probably know this one a little bit better than my relief one right now.' Smith went right into Chicago's rotation during spring training — an unusual spot for a Rule 5 player. Since 2016, Luis Perdomo, Brad Keller and Mitch Spence are the only pitchers who made at least 20 starts in the majors in the season after they were selected in the big league phase of the Rule 5 draft. Keller began the 2018 season in Kansas City's bullpen before moving into the rotation in late May. He finished his rookie year with a 9-6 record and a 3.08 ERA in 20 starts and 21 relief appearances. 'I think you definitely pull for all the Rule 5 guys because I feel like, not to say this in a bad way, but Rule 5 guys kind of get a bad rap, right?" said Keller, a key reliever for the Chicago Cubs. "It's like they're like nobody's got a chance. That's not true. Some organizations are in different situations where they can't protect guys that they want to.' Smith had been in Milwaukee's organization since he signed with the Brewers as an undrafted free agent in 2021, just weeks after he had Tommy John surgery. He had a 3.05 ERA in 32 appearances over two minor league stops last season, finishing the year with Triple-A Nashville. Smith has a big four-seam fastball that gets into the high 90s, to go along with a good slider and curveball. But the biggest key to his success this year has been the development of a nasty changeup that really came together in the offseason after years of work. Fortunate timing for Smith and the White Sox. 'For a guy that hasn't really pitched above Double-A, he had some innings in Triple-A, but to come here and pitch the way that he does, it just speaks to his ability and his confidence and also speaks to the group of players and staff here to support him,' general manager Chris Getz said. "Shane is doing really well and we expect him to have a really productive, healthy season for us.' ___
Winnipeg Free Press
16-06-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Smith and Vasil look like two Rule 5 hits for the rebuilding Chicago White Sox
CHICAGO (AP) — Shane Smith pitched a total of 10 1/3 innings during his college career at Wake Forest. He had a shoulder operation as a freshman, and his sophomore year was shut down by the COVID-19 pandemic. Then he had elbow surgery. At that point, even Smith began to wonder if baseball was going to work out for him. 'My dream of playing professional baseball, to say it didn't waver would probably be lying,' he said. 'But I knew there was an avenue somehow.' There sure was. Smith has turned into a pleasant surprise for the last-place Chicago White Sox after he was selected by the team in the Rule 5 draft. The White Sox also have Mike Vasil, another 25-year-old Rule 5 right-hander who was claimed off waivers from Tampa Bay in March. The Rule 5 draft provides an opportunity for players left off big league team's 40-man rosters after several minor league seasons. Teams pay $100,000 to select a player in the major league portion. The players must stay on the active 26-man major league roster all season or else clear waivers and be offered back to their original organization for $50,000. Between 10 and 20 players are selected in the big league Rule 5 draft most seasons, but most don't actually stick with their new clubs. Even fewer develop into All-Star-worthy contributors. Hall of Fame outfielder Roberto Clemente and two-time Cy Young Award winner Johan Santana are two of the most famous Rule 5 success stories. So far, it looks as if Smith and Vasil are going to stick with the rebuilding White Sox — quite an accomplishment for an organization from one Rule 5 draft. Smith has a 2.37 ERA in 68 1/3 innings over 13 starts, and Vasil has a 1.99 ERA in 45 1/3 innings over 20 appearances, all but two in relief. 'Obviously Mike and I are, I think, putting our best foot forward as of now,' Smith said. 'The biggest thing we can do is just keep it going, keep doing the same stuff.' Smith or Vasil very well could represent the last-place White Sox at next month's All-Star Game in Atlanta. Dan Uggla with the Florida Marlins in 2006 is the only player to be named an All-Star in the season after he was selected in the Rule 5 draft, according to Sportradar. Being a Rule 5 player is a unique situation in that first year, but Vasil said he doesn't think about it very often. 'I've spent my whole life trying to get here,' he said. 'So I think it's already hard enough, don't put more pressure on yourself.' The 6-foot-5 Vasil was selected by the New York Mets in the eighth round of the 2021 amateur draft out of the University of Virginia. He was picked by Philadelphia in the Rule 5 draft in December and then traded that same day to the Rays for cash. The White Sox are Vasil's fourth organization since the end of last season. 'It's a lot,' he said. 'But I think for me, at the same time, I guess you could say you feel wanted by a lot of different teams.' Vasil began the season in Chicago's bullpen, recording a 1.89 ERA in his first 18 appearances. He got his first career win when he pitched 2 1/3 scoreless innings against Houston on May 4 and his first save when he got three outs at Cincinnati on May 14. But Vasil's six-pitch arsenal — highlighted by an effective sinker and sweeper — makes him a strong candidate for the rotation. He pitched four shutout innings in his second start at Texas on Saturday. 'Not something that's unfamiliar for me,' he said of starting. 'I started all my minor league career, so in terms of routine I probably know this one a little bit better than my relief one right now.' Smith went right into Chicago's rotation during spring training — an unusual spot for a Rule 5 player. Since 2016, Luis Perdomo, Brad Keller and Mitch Spence are the only pitchers who made at least 20 starts in the majors in the season after they were selected in the big league phase of the Rule 5 draft. Keller began the 2018 season in Kansas City's bullpen before moving into the rotation in late May. He finished his rookie year with a 9-6 record and a 3.08 ERA in 20 starts and 21 relief appearances. 'I think you definitely pull for all the Rule 5 guys because I feel like, not to say this in a bad way, but Rule 5 guys kind of get a bad rap, right?' said Keller, a key reliever for the Chicago Cubs. 'It's like they're like nobody's got a chance. That's not true. Some organizations are in different situations where they can't protect guys that they want to.' Smith had been in Milwaukee's organization since he signed with the Brewers as an undrafted free agent in 2021, just weeks after he had Tommy John surgery. He had a 3.05 ERA in 32 appearances over two minor league stops last season, finishing the year with Triple-A Nashville. Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. Smith has a big four-seam fastball that gets into the high 90s, to go along with a good slider and curveball. But the biggest key to his success this year has been the development of a nasty changeup that really came together in the offseason after years of work. Fortunate timing for Smith and the White Sox. 'For a guy that hasn't really pitched above Double-A, he had some innings in Triple-A, but to come here and pitch the way that he does, it just speaks to his ability and his confidence and also speaks to the group of players and staff here to support him,' general manager Chris Getz said. 'Shane is doing really well and we expect him to have a really productive, healthy season for us.' ___ More AP baseball:
