Latest news with #McCullough
Miami Herald
14 hours ago
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Marlins play their best ‘brand of baseball' in tight 2-1 loss to Padres
It's the second half of the season, and for a team still fighting to reach the .500 mark, there's 'a lot of sense of urgency with every game,' Miami Marlins manager Clayton McCullough said. So, dropping Monday's series opener 2-1 to the San Diego Padres at loanDepot park certainly stung. But it was hard for the Marlins to find much fault in their performance. The result wasn't what they wanted — but the 'brand of baseball,' as McCullough likes to say, was the kind that's fueled their recent surge. Starter Eury Pérez allowed only two earned runs in five innings pitched — both in the second inning. Josh Simpson and Tyler Phillips each tossed two shutout innings in relief. 'They threw great,' McCullough said. 'Both those guys had a couple of really efficient innings to keep us in a position where we had a chance to come back and potentially win.' Kyle Stowers swatted his 22nd home run of the season — an MLB-best 12th since June 22. He now has eight homers in July, putting him four shy of Giancarlo Stanton's club record set in 2017. And the Marlins' offense, which otherwise didn't score, banged out nine hits. 'I liked what we did offensively today,' McCullough said. 'We scattered some hits. … Offensively, our approach was very sound. Unfortunately, the [double-play] ball Gus hits to third [in the third inning] was right on the screws. That's how things go. 'If we continue to take at-bats of that quality and that nature, that puts you in a good position to be able to create innings and score runs.' In the third inning, Jesús Sánchez was doubled off second after Agustín Ramírez lined a hard-hit ball to third baseman Manny Machado off starter Randy Vásquez. Then in the eighth, Sánchez grounded into a double play after Xavier Edwards led off with an infield single. The Padres grabbed the lead in the second inning when Jackson Merrill singled to right, scoring Xander Bogaerts, who had led off with a double to center. Martin Maldonado followed with an RBI double down the left-field line to make it 2-0. That was all Pérez gave up while striking out five and walking two. He threw 87 pitches, 52 for strikes. 'This is the first time I've faced this lineup and this is an incredible lineup — they're very talented,' Pérez said via team interpreter Luis Dorante Jr. 'So you've got to compete all the time and try your best, try to work around the zone and try to get as few pitches as you can to get the outs.' 'Just another solid outing,' McCullough said. 'I thought he really made some nice adjustments the last few innings. Had a good heater again, and I was really happy with the breaking ball and secondary stuff he threw tonight. His ability to utilize his entire repertoire tonight, especially as the outing wore on, is a great sign.' ▪ During Sandy Alcantara's on-field bullpen session pregame in preparation for Wednesday's start, McCullough stood in the batter's box without taking a swing. 'It looks a lot faster than it used to in my younger days,' McCullough quipped. 'I did not want to take a hack and risk straining my oblique. And the embarrassment of swinging and missing.' On a more serious note, McCullough explained his presence in the box. 'I do that sometimes,' he said. 'You get a bit of a visual, provide a different level of feedback, just see how it's coming in and also get in there and chat with [catcher] Nick [Fortes] as it's going on [about] what he's seeing. Instead of standing back behind there, get in and see what it looks like coming forward.' ▪ Outfielder Derek Hill, who injured his finger in the batting cage Saturday, was not in the lineup again, but came in to pinch-run for Liam Hicks in the ninth.
Miami Herald
3 days ago
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Cal Quantrill delivers six shutout innings as Marlins down Royals 3-1
Cal Quantrill spent the All-Star break in Ontario, Canada, relaxing by the lake and retreating from the Florida summer humidity. But when the right-hander returned to the mound Saturday afternoon for the Marlins' second game of their home series versus the Kansas City Royals, it was all business. Coming into the 3-1 win, Quantrill carried uneven numbers: a 5.36 ERA over 19 starts, with 68 strikeouts and 24 walks. But beneath the surface, he believed his performance told a better story. 'I think my pitching's been better than the line shows,' he said Friday. 'Now it's time for a fresh start.' And he delivered exactly that. Quantrill turned in six shutout innings, leaning heavily on the sharp execution of his cutter and slider — a refined one-two punch that Manager Clayton McCullough later called 'his weapons.' His efficiency was striking. He exited after just 69 pitches, having scattered two hits, walked none and struck out three. But more than that, he controlled the game's rhythm with poise and precision, mixing his pitches to keep the Royals' hitters off-balance. Quantrill's first big defensive moment didn't even come from the mound, but from his awareness: a third-inning pickoff that erased Tyler Tolbert just after the Royals outfielder had reached on a line-drive single. 'A bonus pick is always a win as a right-handed pitcher,' he noted. And the Marlins' defense had his back the rest of the way — including a back-to-the-wall, 367-foot grab in center by Dane Myers to preserve the shutout in the top of the third. 'There were some nice defensive plays behind Cal,' McCullough said postgame. 'And Cal kept filling it up — [it] was a really great outing [with] great efficiency.' But with six MLB seasons under his belt, Quantrill isn't just chasing strikeouts. 'There's times to go and try and get [a strikeout], and there's times to take the outs that are given to you,' he said. 'Early in my career, I think I chased the swing-and-miss too much. I think I do a better job of that now.' For most of the game, it was a duel on the mound, but the Marlins' bats sparked late. In the eighth, with the score tied 1-1, Graham Pauley reached via walk. After giving up a strike due to a pitch clock violation, Xavier Edwards delivered a crisp, line-drive double to left — 'crisp' being McCullough's word for it — and ignited the go-ahead rally. With Jesús Sánchez intentionally walked to load the bases, Otto Lopez stepped in and cleared the tension with a 370-foot double to left-center, bringing home both Pauley and Edwards. The hit brought Lopez's RBI count for the game to three. 'Otto has been in a really good place for a while now,' McCullough added. 'It goes back to his high-contact ability [and] his improved plate discipline.' With the win, Miami improves to five games under .500 and will look to sweep the Royals on Sunday as they continue to chip away at the standings. THIS AND THAT: No. 7 MLB Draft Pick Aiva Arquette visited loanDepot park on Saturday afternoon. Quantrill's father, Paul, also played for the Marlins in 2005. They are the third father-son duo to ever appear on the Marlins' Janson Junk will take the mound Sunday in the series finale in what will be his second career start versus the Kansas City Royals. He earned his first career victory his start against the Royals on July 27, 2022.
Axios
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Axios
Inside Sarah Spain's new book — and her favorite spots in Chicago
Chicago sports journalist Sarah Spain has turned one of her most popular ESPN articles into a book. The big picture: " Runs in the Family: An Incredible True Story of Football, Fatherhood, and Belonging" with Deland McCullough is based on the story of McCullough's life after he unsealed his adoption records to reveal family secrets. What they're saying: Spain says she heard McCullough's story through a friend and immediately wanted to help tell it. "Any story that can give you chills and make you tear up with just a five-minute summary is very, very special," Spain tells Axios. Zoom in: Spain also hosts the daily " Good Game" podcast on iHeartMedia, which is the only daily women's sports show. Spain took some time out of her busy schedule to tell us about her ... busy schedule! Here's her perfect day in Chicago. 🥛Breakfast:"If I'm within a mile or two of Left Coast in Lincoln Park, I have to stop. I'll start with a Mornin' Buzz smoothie — a delicious mix of espresso, cold brew, banana, peanut butter, dates and other delights, followed by the Montecito Hash." 🏋️♀️ Morning activity: "I love starting my day with some sort of exercise. Injuries from my college years as a heptathlete have limited my workout options, so I was thrilled to be introduced to Inferno Hot Pilates at the 105F studios. It's a HIIT-style class using pilates principles but on a mat." 🥗 Lunch:"I'm a sucker for a great salad and one of my favorites is at Antique Taco in Wicker Park. It's a kale-based salad with red pepper, fruit, spicy peanuts and cranberries, queso fresco and tortilla strips." "They've also got my favorite vegetarian taco in the city, too. Their Potato and Poblano taco, with crispy potato skins on top. So good." 🦮 Afternoon activity: "I've got three amazing rescue dogs, Fletch, Banks and Indy, so I love taking them for walks around the neighborhood. On warm days, I love walking our youngest pup, Indy, all the way to Humboldt Park." "If the Cubs are playing and the sun is out, I head to Murphy's Bleachers for a beer on the patio before heading into Wrigley Field, and on not-so-beautiful days, I'll catch a Chicago Sky day game at Wintrust Arena." 🍽️ Dinner:"I find there are too many amazing restaurants in Chicago to have a "go-to" for dinner. That being said, the vibes at Aba, Cabra, 3 Arts Club Cafe, Armitage Alehouse, and Fioretta make them all worthy of return trips. And a night home is often "catered" by my delivery go-tos, Thai from Silli Kori or Indian from Vajra."
Miami Herald
6 days ago
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Where things stand: Miami Marlins trade rumors
July is a busy month for baseball — the midway point of the regular season, the All Star Game, the MLB Draft, and to wrap it all up, the trade deadline. While the Miami Marlins front office has until the end of the month to solidify their roster movement, speculations about who could join or leave the team are already flying. Ath the All-Star Break, the Marlins are third in the National League East and 44-51. They have been on an upward trajectory during the last month, including an eight-game winning streak at the beginning of July. For manager Clayton McCullough, that progress was still the focus. heading into the mid-season break. 'We have a lot of work to do,' McCullough said on July 6 after the team's 2-1 series loss to the Milwaukee Brewers. 'It's been exciting, the run we've been on, and hopefully we can continue to play that brand of baseball that yields more wins than not, and that is where our focus will continue to be with the 26 we have, and trying to do our best to prepare them and go win that day's game.' Yet, if the playoffs were to begin today, the Fish would be nowhere close to contention, even for a wild card spot. They're still seven games below .500 and 7.5 games off a playoff berth. So now the Marlins must decide whehter to buy or sell at the deadline. One name that has continuously circulated in discussions about who the Marlins might deal is right-handed pitcher Sandy Alcántara. The former Cy Young Award winner has posted a 7.22 ERA this season — one of the worst in the league — as he works his way back from the Tommy John surgery from October 2023. While he's still searching for consistency on the mound, Alcántara continues to climb the Marlins' franchise leaderboards. He currently ranks second in strikeouts in club history and has shown glimpses of the dominance that once made him Miami's ace. 'Look, the guy's not dead,' McCullough said of Alcántara's tumultuous season thus far. 'He has an outing where he gives up some runs and the world is caving in. Is Sandy frustrated? Yes, but he's gonna be fine.' There are a few key factors at play in determining whether Alcántara will finish the season with the Marlins. First, his contract: he's owed $38.3 million over the next two seasons, a manageable number for many teams — but one that, paired with his rocky 2025 performance, could still raise concerns. On the other hand, his track record and flashes of promise this year have intrigued clubs in the playoff hunt seeking a frontline starter. One thing the Marlins front office needs to consider, however, is that moving Alcántara could have ripple effects beyond the rotation. Alcántara shares a close personal and professional bond with 22-year-old Marlins breakout pitcherEury Pérez. Both are natives to the Dominican Republic. Both are represented by the same agent and their lockers are side-by-side in the Marlins' clubhouse. Given that Alcántara has taken on the role of mentor and older brother for Pérez, trading him would remove a crucial support system. Disrupting that relationship could set back Pérez's development at a time when the Marlins are banking on him to be a foundational player in thefuture. Still, Alcántara's name remains on the radar of multiple contending teams. ESPN's Jeff Passan predicts a potential landing spot in Chicago, where the Cubs — armed with a strong offense — could use Alcántara to stabilize their rotation and deepen a playoff push. Other postseason hopefuls like the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers, the New York Yankees, and the Boston Red Sox (now firmly in wild card contention) may also join the conversation. The Dodgers, Yankees and Red Sox rank second, third, and twelfth in payroll, respectively — meaning Alcántara's contract likely wouldn't scare them off. Despite the growing interest, the Marlins still hold all the cards. With Alcántara under team control through 2027 on a team-friendly deal, Miami has no urgency to sell low. They can afford to wait — and should they choose to hold onto their longtime ace, it wouldn't just preserve their leverage. It might also protect the future of their next one. Other Marlins players in conversation include right-handed starting pitcher Edward Cabrera, who is in the midst of a breakout season. He's pitching with more confidence on the mound, boasting a solid 3.61 ERA, with a 1.26 WHIP and 86 strikeouts in 82 innings, through July. 'We just continue to see a more refined version of him as a pitcher,' McCullough said earlier this month of Cabrera's performance. While Cabrera has stabilized Miami's rotation, he has also emerged as one of the most intriguing trade candidates. Teams like the Cubs and the New York Mets have reportedly shown interest in the emerging ace; however, Cabrera's exit from last Friday's game versus the Orioles due to right-elbow discomfort could complicate things. While his MRI revealed no structural damage, meaning he will probably avoid an IL stint, this doesn't help his trade value. Another pitcher with a circle of trade rumors is Janson Junk, who most recently held the Baltimore Orioles scoreless on five hits through seven innings in the Fish's July 12 shutout. Junk's versatility as a starter or reliever ups his trade value, making him a valuable asset. This season Junk is 4-1 with a save. He has 2.68 ERA and a 0.99 WHIP. He has appeared in 10 games this season, with five of them starts and has 38 strikeouts in 50 1/3 innings. At 29 years old, Junk might not fit into Miami's long-term rebuild with up-and-coming talent such as Pérez, making him a real possibility as a pre-August trade. Finally, two offensive sluggers could also be on the trade negotiations table given their production so far this season. Right fielder Jesus Sanchez entered the midseason break with a .259 batting average, the best in his major-league career, and All-Star left fielder Kyle Stowers leads the team with a .293 average. The Cincinnati Reds, San Diego Padres, and Minnesota Twins all have been rumored to have expressed interest in Sanchez, while Stowers' status as an All Star puts him into trade contention, as well. Stowers would likely have a high asking price, even at 27. He has received everyday playing time this season and excelled. He's the reigning National League Player of the Week. With 19 home runs and 54 RBI over 346 plate appearances this season, Stowers is a real asset to the Marlins right now. While his price tag could be quite high, it's unlikely the Marlins will trade away their leading offensive man. With that said, with this team and this front office, anything goes — for Stowers, for Alcántara, and the whole Marlins roster.
Time of India
7 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Doctor shares shocking reason at US Senate hearing on why heart attacks have become so common in people under 40
Until a few years ago, heart attacks were something many associated with people in their 60s or older. But things are changing, and not for the better. More and more young adults, some as young as their late 20s or early 30s, are now falling victim to heart attacks. Recently, a prominent US-based cardiologist, Dr Peter McCullough, shared disturbing findings that shed light on this alarming trend. At a US Senate hearing held on May 21, 2024, Dr McCullough, alongside other top experts, revealed critical insights into what might be fueling this early onset of heart disease. What followed was a deeply unsettling, evidence-based discussion that called attention to some uncomfortable truths. What the headlines say: 'Lifestyle choices are to blame' It's common to hear that poor lifestyle habits, like junk food, lack of exercise, smoking, and alcohol, are behind the spike in heart attacks among younger individuals. While these certainly play a role, Dr McCullough emphasised that something deeper and more systemic may be at work. There's growing clinical concern that external medical interventions, such as repeated exposure to mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines, may also contribute to cardiac stress in certain people, especially young men. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Đây có thể là thời điểm tốt nhất để giao dịch vàng trong 5 năm qua IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo This doesn't discount lifestyle factors but suggests that the risk picture might be more complex than previously believed. The hidden role of Myocarditis in young hearts Dr McCullough and his peers raised a critical point: a condition called myocarditis, inflammation of the heart muscle, has been underreported and downplayed. While mild cases may resolve, in some individuals, myocarditis may progress silently and cause severe damage, increasing the chances of a sudden cardiac event. A major autopsy-based study presented during the Senate hearing linked 74% of unexpected post-vaccine deaths to complications from myocarditis. These cases weren't always detected during routine clinical checks. What's more chilling is that many of the affected individuals were young and otherwise healthy. Watch for chest discomfort, shortness of breath, sweating, or pain in the jaw, back, or arms. In others, look for signs like clutching the chest or sudden collapse. Women and diabetics may show subtle signs like nausea or fatigue. The overlap between COVID, vaccines, and cardiac stress There's a tendency to attribute sudden deaths or strokes in young people to long COVID, stress, or even gym workouts. However, experts like Dr McCullough argue that the overlap of COVID infection plus repeated vaccine boosters might be causing an immune overreaction in certain individuals. When an mRNA vaccine is followed by a COVID-19 infection, it may amplify inflammatory responses in the body, especially around the heart. This "double-hit" effect can go unnoticed but may increase the risk of cardiac complications, including rhythm disturbances and blood clots. This isn't a call to reject vaccines or ignore medical advice. It's time to focus on both prevention and informed decision-making. That includes monitoring for early symptoms of heart strain (like chest discomfort, palpitations, or shortness of breath), prioritising cardiac check-ups in young adults with unexplained fatigue, and understanding that heart health today requires more than the traditional advice of 'eat better and move more. '
