- Once a wide‑eyed rookie last year, Jacob Misiorowski has exploded into a Cy Young frontrunner — leading qualified starters in ERA, strikeouts, WHIP and opponents’ batting average.
- He’s back at Dodger Stadium to face Ohtani, Freeman and the champs — still awed by the moment but brimming with confidence after a big postseason showing.
- Offseason changes — nearly 30 pounds of strength, fewer walks and new pitches (cutter and slider) — have turned him from a pure flamethrower into a more complete, scary matchup.
The news, distilled into what matters.
- High-priced closer Edwin Díaz has struggled lately — he blew a save Thursday after earlier allowing a walk-off, and his outings since returning from elbow surgery have been rough.
- Manager Dave Roberts is frustrated and reluctant to "play carousel," saying the bullpen slump has cost games and there aren't many pitchers who've been throwing well.
- Relievers Tanner Scott and Alex Vesia have been bright spots — Scott in particular has filled in with 16 saves and strong strikeout numbers, making them likely options moving forward.
- Taiwan's parliament finally approved this year's budget after a record delay, cutting T$48 billion from the original T$3.034 trillion proposal.
- Crucially, T$63.4 billion earmarked for a key drone programme passed intact as part of efforts to modernise the military and deter China.
- The opposition-approved package covered most spending (the KMT said 98.4%), prompting the president to call for calmer, more professional budget review — and next year's defence budget is set to rise about 16%.
- INDYCAR’s debut in Markham was delayed after the street circuit wasn’t finished, so Friday’s sessions were scrapped and practice/qualifying were rescheduled for Saturday.
- Organizers and INDYCAR apologized to fans and acknowledged logistical challenges, while noting strong spectator turnout despite the setback.
- Drivers remained upbeat—excited about the new, all-new-asphalt layout and wide overtaking spots, calling the track “wicked” and one of the nicest street circuits.
- Colin Cowherd says Caleb Williams will win 2026 MVP in Year 2 of Ben Johnson’s offense.
- He predicts Justin Herbert and the Chargers will finally go deep in the playoffs after getting a much-improved offensive line and coordinator.
- Cowherd also thinks Jalen Hurts will thrive without A.J. Brown, spreading the ball more and boosting his efficiency.
- Pentagon temporarily grounds all Apache helicopters after a crash near Fort Hood, Texas that killed two service members.
- The pause is a safety measure while investigators review the cause, maintenance and training — a reminder of risks faced by military aviators.
- NBC’s Gordon Lubold explains the decision; it prompts questions about effects on operations, local communities and aviation safety.
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