GLENDALE, Ariz. — Something will look different about Shohei Ohtani when he goes back to pitching in games and it won’t just be the Dodgers uniform. During his first two bullpen sessions this spring, Ohtani has thrown primarily out of the windup. During his days pitching for the Angels, Ohtani almost exclusively pitched out of the stretch. “Traditionally, I’ve been throwing … [Read more...] about Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani exploring options with pitching mechanics
Ducks analysis: Top questions at the midseason break
The Ducks coasted into the break by winning six of seven games and demonstrating a palpable confidence resulting from one of their best stretches yet under second-year coach Greg Cronin. While there may be not a clear signal that recent gains will prove sustainable, the Ducks have scored more and done almost all their damage at even strength, all without losing any luster from … [Read more...] about Ducks analysis: Top questions at the midseason break
Angels view Yusei Kikuchi as Opening Day starter and leader
TEMPE, Ariz. — When Ron Washington casually mentioned Thursday morning that left-hander Yusei Kikuchi was going to be the Angels’ Opening Day starter, he didn’t seem to think that was much of a revelation. Washington, in fact, said he hadn’t even told Kikuchi. “It’s obvious,” the Angels manager said. “We just signed him to a big contract. We didn’t bring him here to be our No. … [Read more...] about Angels view Yusei Kikuchi as Opening Day starter and leader
Lakers looking to develop ‘ideal rotation’ as group rounds into form
LOS ANGELES — The NBA’s All-Star break, and the rest that came along with it, provided the Lakers with something heading into Wednesday that they haven’t had for most of the season: an opportunity to have a rotation with nearly their full roster available. With LeBron James upgraded from questionable to available for Wednesday’s game against the Charlotte Hornets at Crypto.com … [Read more...] about Lakers looking to develop ‘ideal rotation’ as group rounds into form
Lakers return from All-Star break with frustrating loss to Hornets
LOS ANGELES — If the Lakers looked like a team ready for the All-Star break in their Feb. 12 road loss to the Utah Jazz, then Wednesday’s 100-97 loss to the Charlotte Hornets at Crypto.com Arena showed what can happen when a team is away from the court for an extended period. Because from the onset, the Lakers and Hornets played with a sloppiness of teams that looked like they … [Read more...] about Lakers return from All-Star break with frustrating loss to Hornets