Twin Shake-Up: McDonald Brothers Hit NCAA Transfer Portal from Virginia Tech

Twin Departure Shakes Virginia Tech Football: McDonald Brothers Enter Transfer Portal

Virginia Tech football is facing another shakeup as twin brothers Jayden and Jorden McDonald, standout defenders from nearby Salem High School, have officially entered the NCAA transfer portal. The spring window for transfers just opened this week, and the Hokies are already seeing a flurry of movement—losing not just three redshirt players earlier in the week but now two homegrown talents who’ve been part of the program for years.

Jayden McDonald, a redshirt senior linebacker, made his announcement public on social media Thursday. The 6-foot-4, 232-pound defender has one year of eligibility remaining and has been a steady contributor during his time in Blacksburg. Over four seasons, he appeared in 25 games, logging 50 tackles, including four for loss and a single sack. Known for his athleticism and leadership, Jayden’s departure will leave a notable gap in the linebacker rotation.

His twin brother Jorden McDonald, a redshirt senior defensive end, also has one year left to play. The 6-foot-4, 248-pound pass rusher has been a consistent presence on the defensive line, appearing in 32 games for the Hokies. While his stat line is less flashy—11 tackles, three for loss, and 1.5 sacks—Jorden has provided valuable depth and versatility across multiple defensive fronts.

Their decision to transfer comes as a surprise to many, especially given their roots just down the road at Salem High School—a local powerhouse that has long fed talent to Virginia Tech. The McDonalds were seen as foundational pieces, and their exits raise questions about roster depth and the coaching staff’s plans moving forward.

Almost immediately after entering the portal, both brothers received offers from William & Mary, indicating that interest in the experienced defenders will be strong. Their veteran presence, size, and familiarity with Power Five football make them intriguing pickups for programs looking to shore up their defenses.

With the portal window now wide open, the McDonald twins’ departure is a reminder of how quickly college rosters can shift—and how even local stars can seek a fresh start elsewhere. For Virginia Tech, the focus now turns to filling the void left behind and keeping other potential departures at bay.

7 Alarming Problems Haunting the Phillies After Brutal New York Mets Sweep

The Philadelphia Phillies’ early 2025 season has taken a concerning turn, echoing the same problems that ended their 2024 playoff run. Following a disappointing sweep by the New York Mets, the team’s record sits at a shaky 13-12—and the warning signs are hard to ignore. Here are seven glaring issues threatening to derail the Phillies’ campaign.

1. Bullpen Breakdown
Philadelphia’s bullpen has been one of the worst in baseball. They rank 29th in ERA (5.56), 25th in WHIP (1.53), and last in opponent batting average (.283). They’ve also blown a league-high seven saves. Free-agent signee Jordan Romano has struggled mightily with a 13.50 ERA, while fellow relievers Orion Kerkering, Joe Ross, Carlos Hernandez, and Jose Ruiz have all underperformed.

2. Bases-Loaded Blues
The offense has been frustratingly ineffective with runners in scoring position, especially with the bases loaded. The team has gone just 4-for-26 (.154) in those scenarios, ranking 25th in MLB. Their overall .251 average with runners in scoring position is mediocre, reflecting a larger issue with clutch hitting.

3. Realmuto’s Decline
Veteran catcher J.T. Realmuto is posting disappointing numbers: a .233 average, .309 OBP, and only one home run. With an OPS+ of 82 and no clear successor behind the plate, his future with the team is uncertain as he approaches free agency.

4. Turner’s Mega-Deal Looking Risky
Trea Turner, signed to an 11-year, $300 million deal, is underperforming again. He has just one home run, a .684 OPS, and a strikeout rate over 30%. While once seen as the final piece of a championship puzzle, his recent struggles are raising serious concerns.

5. Bohm’s Power Drought
Alec Bohm has shown flashes of form but remains ineffective overall, with no home runs, a .508 OPS, and a league-leading five double plays. His post-All-Star break slump from last season seems to have continued into 2025.

6. Marsh’s Vanishing Act
Before landing on the IL, Brandon Marsh was hitting just .095 in April. Despite being trusted as the everyday center fielder, his offensive collapse has left a hole in the lineup.

7. Nola’s Regression
Once a reliable ace, Aaron Nola is no longer the stabilizing force the Phillies need. His diminished performance adds pressure to an already struggling rotation.

If these issues persist, Philadelphia’s postseason hopes could be in serious jeopardy.

Dave Dombrowski Opens Up About Phillies’ Failed Attempt to Keep All-Star Jeff Hoffman as Bullpen Struggles

Dombrowski Reveals Phillies’ Failed Pursuit of Jeff Hoffman as Bullpen Woes Deepen

The Philadelphia Phillies bullpen has been a major headache for the team in the opening month of the season, leaving fans scratching their heads over the decision not to retain All-Star reliever Jeff Hoffman. Hoffman, who has been dominant for the Toronto Blue Jays this season, signed a three-year, $33 million contract with the Jays, while the Phillies have struggled with a lackluster relief corps.

As of late April, the Phillies’ bullpen ranks among the worst in MLB, sitting 25th in WHIP (1.53), 29th in ERA (5.56), and last in batting average allowed at .283. The unit has already blown seven saves, the most in the league. In an effort to shore up the bullpen, the Phillies signed Jordan Romano, a former All-Star closer, who was non-tendered by the Blue Jays after an injury-plagued 2024 season. However, Romano’s acquisition has been nothing short of disastrous. In 10 appearances, he carries a troubling 13.50 ERA, giving up 13 earned runs in just 8⅔ innings.

Meanwhile, Hoffman has been thriving with Toronto. Through 10 games, he’s posted a stellar 1.59 ERA, striking out 16 batters in 11⅓ innings, and collecting five saves. His performance has only amplified the questions surrounding the Phillies’ decision to let him go.

In a candid conversation with reporters before a loss to the New York Mets, Phillies President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski addressed the failed pursuit of Hoffman. Dombrowski explained that the team made a very aggressive effort to re-sign the reliever but ultimately came up short due to financial differences.

“We tried to sign Hoffman very aggressively,” Dombrowski said. “They turned down our offer. At the time, he was still looking for more dollars, and then we had to make a decision on Romano or somebody else. We just didn’t feel that we were going to match the dollars that he was looking to get.”

Dombrowski also revealed that the difference between the Phillies’ offer and Hoffman’s eventual deal with the Blue Jays wasn’t substantial, but Hoffman’s camp was seeking a more lucrative contract at the time.

With Hoffman excelling in Toronto and the Phillies bullpen struggling to find consistency, the question on every fan’s mind remains: Did Philadelphia make a costly mistake in letting Hoffman walk?

Cracking the Code: How the Padres Can Revive Their Struggling Offense

Reviving the Padres’ Offense: Key Adjustments to Turn Things Around

The San Diego Padres have kicked off the 2025 season in remarkable fashion, currently holding the second-best record in MLB. Fernando Tatis Jr. is making a strong case for MVP, the bullpen has been dominant, and the starting rotation has held up well despite missing ace Yu Darvish. On the surface, it’s shaping up to be one of the most promising starts in franchise history.

However, there’s one glaring issue that has emerged during their recent 2-4 road trip—offense. The Padres have been struggling to score, averaging a mere 2.5 runs per game. While Tatis, Manny Machado, and Gavin Sheets are carrying the load at the top of the order, the rest of the lineup has faltered, raising concerns about whether the Padres can sustain their hot start. But before fans start hitting the panic button, there are several factors that could help unlock this offense and get it back on track.

Injuries Are Taking a Toll

The most obvious culprit behind the Padres’ offensive woes is a string of key injuries. Jackson Merrill, Luis Arraez, and Jake Cronenworth are all currently sidelined, and all three are expected to return within a month. These aren’t just depth pieces—Merrill is a future star, Arraez is a three-time batting champion, and Cronenworth is a two-time All-Star. When you lose a third of your starting lineup, it’s bound to impact offensive production. Once these players return, the Padres’ lineup will regain its depth, and the questions about their offensive depth will likely fade.

It’s Time to Move On From Struggling Veterans

Another factor contributing to the Padres’ offensive struggles is the underperformance of certain veterans. Yuli Gurriel, now 40 years old, has been abysmal with a 9 OPS+, and hasn’t posted a strong offensive season since 2021. Similarly, Jason Heyward, currently on the injured list, has posted a .190 average and a .540 OPS. While both provide leadership in the clubhouse, their offensive contributions have been minimal, and the Padres may be better off seeking fresh talent in their place.

Young Talent Could Be the Spark

The Padres have two young players who are more than capable of stepping up—Tirso Ornelas and Luis Campusano. Ornelas, recently called up to platoon in left field, hasn’t had a hit yet in limited at-bats, but he’s coming off an impressive AAA season and a strong Spring Training. Campusano is absolutely crushing it in AAA, boasting a 1.157 OPS, and has shown promise in his previous major league stints. Both could inject much-needed life into the lineup and provide a spark in left field and DH.

Bottom Line: Patience is Key

At the end of the day, the Padres’ offensive struggles are largely tied to injuries and underperforming veterans. Once Merrill, Arraez, and Cronenworth return, the offense will have a much deeper, more potent look. In the meantime, giving the young guys a shot in the lineup could provide the boost the Padres need. If that doesn’t pan out, free agents like David Peralta or J.D. Martinez are still available to plug the gaps.

Virginia Tech Football: Another WVU Offensive Lineman Joins the Hokies

In an exciting turn of events, the Virginia Tech Hokies have once again bolstered their offensive line, securing yet another transfer from West Virginia. This time, it’s offensive lineman Gavin Crawford, who is making the move to Blacksburg, marking the Hokies’ fourth addition from WVU in recent months.

Crawford’s commitment comes just one day after the Hokies added defensive tackle Kody Huisman from North Dakota State, signaling a concerted effort by head coach Brent Pry and offensive line coach Matt Moore to fortify the trenches ahead of the 2025 season. A 2025 recruit, Crawford spent the spring semester in Morgantown and now looks to make his mark with Virginia Tech.

Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing in at 300 pounds, Crawford brings with him a solid foundation as a three-star recruit from Our Lady of Good Counsel High School in Olney, Maryland. His high school program has long been a pipeline for Moore, who knows the area well and has recruited it successfully over the years. With four years of eligibility remaining, Crawford adds a much-needed layer of depth to the Hokies’ offensive line, which is undergoing a major overhaul this season.

Crawford joins fellow former Mountaineers Tomas Rimac, Kyle Altuner, and Lucas Austin in making the jump to Virginia Tech under Coach Moore’s guidance. As the Hokies prepare to replace all five of their starting offensive linemen next season, the new recruits will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the line. Rimac, a former All-Big 12 selection, is expected to start, while Altuner is the frontrunner to anchor the center position. Meanwhile, Crawford and Austin will provide crucial depth, and Brody Meadows—who was a part-time starter—could secure one of the starting guard spots.

The Hokies have also faced a few departures, notably losing left tackle Xavier Chaplin to Auburn via the transfer portal. Despite these losses, Coach Moore isn’t done yet. There are whispers that he may look to add even more former WVU offensive linemen before the spring transfer window closes, continuing to reshape the roster for the 2025 season.

With the Hokies’ offensive line undergoing a complete rebuild, the addition of Crawford and other transfer players like Rimac and Altuner could be just what Virginia Tech needs to bring stability and strength to the trenches. Welcome to the Hokies, Gavin! This could be the start of something special.

D-backs Manager Reflects on “Burning” A.J. Puk, Urges Improvement

D-backs Manager Reflects on A.J. Puk’s Injury, Admits Missteps in Bullpen Management

The Arizona Diamondbacks’ bullpen management saga has taken another dramatic turn, as the team faces yet another injury concern with reliever A.J. Puk. The towering left-hander, who has been a crucial part of the bullpen this season, was placed on the Injured List on April 19 with elbow inflammation. As of now, the full extent of the damage remains unclear, as Puk awaits multiple opinions on his MRI scans. While Manager Torey Lovullo has been tight-lipped about specific details, he has acknowledged that Puk will “miss some time.”

In an interview with Arizona Sports 98.7, D-backs’ Vice President and Assistant GM Amiel Sawdaye hinted that the injury may not be as severe as initially feared, though Lovullo refrained from offering definitive updates, saying only that they were “still waiting for information.”

As the situation unfolds, Lovullo has taken responsibility for the injury, reflecting on his bullpen management decisions. On the surface, Puk’s workload didn’t seem excessive: by April 17, he had pitched in eight games, totaling 156 pitches. He had only appeared in back-to-back games twice—on April 1-2 and April 16-17—so his usage did not immediately raise red flags. However, Lovullo admitted that he may have “burned” Puk, a term he used to describe a situation where a pitcher warms up, gets loose, but isn’t used in the game right away.

“I might have burned him—got him hot and then didn’t get him into a game right away,” Lovullo explained. “So, I’ve got to be better about making decisions on when to get guys into games.” He stressed that part of his philosophy is to avoid getting pitchers up too early, to prevent them from getting too hot without being called into action. Ideally, when a pitcher starts warming up, Lovullo wants it to be with a high likelihood they’ll get into the game.

The complexity of bullpen management is evident in these situations, where timing is everything. Lovullo shared a story of Puk being called to warm up, but then not being used in the game, prompting the reliever to speak up: “If I’m up and hot, put me in the game.”

This nuanced decision-making can sometimes lead to a pitcher being thrust into a game in a less-than-ideal situation, which could be criticized. One such instance occurred in Miami when the D-backs were leading 4-1, but the game quickly shifted to 6-1. Lovullo decided to bring in Puk, even though the situation was far from high leverage. The next day, Puk was called upon again to close out the game, securing a save despite the score being 6-4.

However, the aftermath was concerning. Puk woke up the next morning with a stiff elbow and was unavailable to pitch in Chicago. While the full impact of his workload remains uncertain, it’s clear that the strain on his arm could have been a factor in his injury.

Virginia Tech Bolsters Defensive Line with NDSU DT Transfer

Virginia Tech Football Gains Valuable Depth with NDSU DT Kody Huisman Transfer

In a significant move for their defensive line, the Virginia Tech Hokies have added a veteran presence through the NCAA transfer portal. After seeing several players enter the portal following spring practice — most of them lower on the depth chart — the Hokies finally made their first portal addition. On Wednesday, North Dakota State defensive tackle Kody Huisman announced he would be spending his final college season in Blacksburg, bringing much-needed experience and depth to the Hokies’ defensive front.

Huisman, a native of Pella, Iowa, began his collegiate career at NDSU in 2021, redshirting in his first year. Over the next three seasons, he appeared in all 46 of the Bison’s games, largely in a rotational role. However, during the 2023 season, he earned a starting position and turned heads, earning honorable mention All-Missouri Valley Football Conference honors. Over his career, he played a crucial part in two national championships with North Dakota State, showcasing his ability to perform on the biggest stage.

During his time at NDSU, Huisman racked up 73 total tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks — solid numbers for a player often rotating in and out of the lineup. His versatility and experience in high-stakes games make him a valuable asset for Virginia Tech as they look to strengthen their defensive line heading into the 2024 season.

The addition of Huisman provides depth at defensive tackle for the Hokies, who return players like Kemari Copeland, Kelvin Gilliam Jr., Gerard Johnson, Andrew Hanchuk, and Emmett Laws. With the departure of All-ACC defensive tackle Aeneas Peebles — who is expected to hear his name called in this weekend’s 2025 NFL Draft — the Hokies were in need of a reliable and experienced player to bolster their defensive front.

For the Hokies, this is more than just a depth addition; it’s a strategic move to keep the defensive line formidable in the tough ACC and beyond. With the season just around the corner, the Hokies will be counting on Huisman to step in and make an immediate impact.

Welcome to Blacksburg, Kody. The Hokie Nation is excited to see what you bring to the field!

Exclusive Insight: Auburn’s Butch Thompson on Facing Mississippi State

Exclusive: Auburn Head Coach Butch Thompson Talks Mississippi State Showdown — A Return to Familiar Ground

When Auburn head coach Butch Thompson speaks about Mississippi State, there’s more than just a competitive fire behind his words — there’s a deep-rooted connection. Before leading the Tigers, Thompson was a pivotal figure in Starkville, serving as Mississippi State’s pitching coach from 2009 to 2015. He helped develop elite arms that played for a national championship in 2013. In Starkville, he’s still affectionately known as just “Butch” — no formalities required.

Now, as Auburn prepares to host Mississippi State for a crucial SEC series, Thompson is ready to lead his Tigers into battle against a program that played a defining role in his coaching journey.

“This is always a meaningful series for me, personally,” Thompson shared in an exclusive conversation. “But it’s all about the players now. We’ve got a tough stretch ahead, and Mississippi State is a team you can’t take lightly.”

Born in Aberdeen, Mississippi, and a standout at Amory High School and Itawamba Community College, Thompson’s Mississippi roots run deep. After capping off his playing days as a pitcher at Birmingham-Southern, he transitioned into coaching and has since built a reputation as one of college baseball’s most respected minds.

When he took over at Auburn in 2015 — during an unusually late coaching search following Sunny Golloway’s firing — it marked the beginning of a new era. It took time, but by 2017 the Tigers were back in the postseason. In 2019, Thompson guided Auburn to the College World Series, only to have their run end in heartbreaking fashion — via a walk-off single by Mississippi State.

Since then, Auburn has remained a contender, returning to Omaha in 2022 and fielding another competitive squad in 2023. This season has been a rollercoaster — a sweep of LSU followed by being swept by Texas — but at 28-13 overall and .500 in SEC play (9-9), the Tigers are still firmly in the hunt.

As Mississippi State rolls into town, Thompson expects three tightly contested games between two proud programs.

“Every weekend in the SEC is a battle,” he said. “But this one means a little more — for our team, for me personally, and for the fans.”

Here’s what Coach Butch Thompson had to say about his team’s progress, the series ahead, and what it means to face his old squad in a high-stakes showdown.

Fever Phenom Caitlin Clark Receives High Praise And Award In View from WWE Superstar

“Jordanesque”: WWE Superstar Seth Rollins Gives Caitlin Clark Iconic Praise

Indiana Fever sensation Caitlin Clark has captivated basketball fans across the country with her dazzling play and record-breaking performances — but now, she’s getting admiration from a surprising corner of the sports world. WWE superstar and fellow Iowan Seth Rollins recently delivered one of the highest compliments yet, comparing Clark’s impact to that of basketball legend Michael Jordan.

Appearing on Outta Pocket with RGIII, the WrestleMania 41 Night 1 headliner couldn’t hold back his enthusiasm when the topic of Clark came up.

“I love Caitlin Clark, man. I love Caitlin Clark,” Rollins said with a smile. “I don’t want to get blasphemous here, but I mean, it’s Jordanesque.”

That single word — Jordanesque — carries a lot of weight. Rollins went on to explain exactly why he believes Clark is worthy of such a legendary comparison. It’s not just her ability to take over a game or bury deep three-pointers with ease; it’s the way she’s transformed the landscape of women’s basketball.

“She’s changed the game,” Rollins said. “She’s so unassuming. You look at her and you don’t expect what she’s about to do — then she goes out there and dominates.”

Clark’s meteoric rise has already had a measurable impact, drawing record-breaking viewership for college games, packing arenas, and shining a spotlight on the WNBA as she prepares for her rookie season with the Indiana Fever. But for Rollins, her influence goes beyond the hardwood.

“What she’s done for women’s sports is incredible,” he added. “Not just the WNBA — all of women’s sports. She’s started conversations, debates, rivalries. People are talking. Who’s the face of the league? Is it her? Is it Angel Reese? Is Paige Bueckers next? That kind of buzz is powerful.”

Clark has never been short on fans or attention, but hearing such iconic praise from a fellow Iowan and global wrestling star underscores how far her reach has grown. From the hardwood to the squared circle, Caitlin Clark is proving that she’s not just changing the game — she’s becoming a cultural phenomenon.

And if Seth Rollins says it’s Jordanesque? You better believe the world is watching.

Seattle Stays Rolling: Mariners Handle Red Sox Ace, Win Fifth Straight Series

Woo Shines as Mariners Edge Red Sox, Capture Fifth Straight Series Victory

The Seattle Mariners wrapped up a successful road trip in thrilling fashion on Thursday, edging the Boston Red Sox 4-3 at Fenway Park. Powered by a gritty performance from Bryan Woo and timely offense, Seattle secured its fifth consecutive series win — continuing an impressive surge that’s quickly turning heads around the league.

After dropping the series opener, the Mariners bounced back yet again — a trend that defined their three-city road swing through Cincinnati, Toronto, and Boston. In each of those matchups, Seattle responded to a Game 1 loss with back-to-back wins, showcasing resilience, depth, and a knack for clutch play.

Now sitting at 14-11, the Mariners have won 10 of their last 13 games and will ride that momentum home as they prepare to face the Miami Marlins in a weekend series at T-Mobile Park.

The tone was set early on Thursday against Red Sox ace Garrett Crochet, the former White Sox All-Star who arrived in Boston via a high-profile offseason trade. With two outs in the first inning, Seattle made Crochet work. Randy Arozarena battled back from an 0-2 count to draw a tough nine-pitch walk, followed by Mitch Garver ripping a two-run double off the Green Monster to give the Mariners an early lead.

Seattle’s offense kept the pressure on in the second. Singles from Ben Williamson and J.P. Crawford, along with a walk by Leo Rivas, loaded the bases with no outs. Dylan Moore drove in a run with a sac fly, and Julio Rodríguez added another with a groundout, making it a 4-1 game before the Red Sox could catch their breath.

Meanwhile, Bryan Woo continued to impress on the mound. Aside from two run-scoring hits by Boston’s Alex Bregman — including a solo homer — Woo was dominant. Over six innings, he scattered three hits, walked one, and struck out eight, pushing his season ERA down to 3.09. He now has four quality starts in five outings and sports a WHIP of 0.97 with 30 strikeouts across 32 innings.

With pitching clicking and the offense heating up, Seattle is beginning to look like a team ready to make serious noise in the AL West. Five series wins in a row — and counting.