NHL Rank: Counting down the top 100 players for 2023-24
There has never been a better time to be a hockey fan, with legendary players such as Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin still playing at a high level, in-their-prime superstars like Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews generating highlight-reel fodder on a nightly basis, and a rising crop of tantalizing youngsters such as Connor Bedard and Matty Beniers.
So how are we expected to rank them?
We asked an ESPN panel of more than 50 broadcasters, analysts, reporters and editors to rate players based on how good they will be in the 2023-24 season compared to their peers. Emphasis was placed on their value for this upcoming season, which explains why players that are currently out injured (but expected to return) might be lower than if they were completely healthy.
The New Jersey Devils and Tampa Bay Lightning lead the charge with six players each in the top 100, while the Anaheim Ducks and Philadelphia Flyers failed to get anyone on our list. Positionally, centers continue to dominate, with 34 of 100 slots and six of the top 10. Defensemen accounted for 28 of 100 spots, while nine goalies made the top 100 (and only one in the top 25). As for the wings, left wings win this round, with 18 in the top 100 compared to 11 right wings.
Write-ups are courtesy of ESPN reporters Ryan S. Clark, Kristen Shilton and Greg Wyshynski.
Subscribe to ESPN+ | Stream the NHL on ESPN
ESPN broadcast schedule
2022-23 rank: 98
Age: 29
While his profile has receded as the Sharks have in the standings, Hertl is still a high-level power forward in the West. — Wyshynski
2022-23 rank: 55
Age: 32
A perennial Selke Trophy candidate, O’Reilly is looking to make his mark on a Predators team that fell three points shy of the final wild-card spot. — Clark
2022-23 rank: NR
Age: 20
A Calder Trophy finalist and member of the NHL’s All-Rookie Team for 2022-23, the No. 1 pick of the 2021 draft just inked a seven-year contract extension that begins with the 2024-25 season. — Clark
2022-23 rank: NR
Age: 35
When you average out the play of “Regular-Season Bob” (.901 save percentage, 3.07 goals-against average) with “Playoff Bob” (.915, 2.78) you get a goaltender worthy of being in the top 100. — Wyshynski
2022-23 rank: 79
Age: 29
While he had a bit of defensive regression last season, Rielly remains one of the league’s better offensive defensemen, skating for a team with Stanley Cup aspirations. — Wyshynski
2022-23 rank: 53
Age: 30
Miller has put contract uncertainty behind him and is settled back into Vancouver, where he’s gathered back-to-back 30-plus goal seasons and started this season off with a four-point effort to boot. — Shilton
2022-23 rank: 64
Age: 33
Carlson’s value to the Capitals’ might best be understood in how much the team struggled without him last season — Washington’s play sunk after losing their top defender to injury, and having him back now will be a needed boost. — Shilton
2022-23 rank: 80
Age: 33
Tavares remains an effective top-six center who is quietly averaging a point-per-game each season. Last season he produced an unheralded 36-goal campaign to eclipse the 30-plus goal mark for the first time since 2018-19. — Shilton
2022-23 rank: 73
Age: 33
Though he falls in the rankings here, Doughty had the second-most points of his illustrious career last season. A key piece as the Kings push for another Cup. — Clark
2022-23 rank: 50
Age: 26
If not for the lower-body injury that sidelined him for two months, Barzal would have scored more than 70 points for the second time in his career. — Clark
2022-23 rank: 74
Age: 29
Trouba packs a punch from the blue line, both with his steady two-way contributions and the throwback physical nature of his game that continues to divide NHL fans. — Shilton
2022-23 rank: 37
Age: 24
Thomas’ greatest strengths are his smarts on the ice and how instinctive he is with and without the puck. These are quite valuable traits in the franchise’s prized two-way centerman. — Shilton
2022-23 rank: NR
Age: 18
The thing about ranking the Blackhawks’ rookie phenom here? There’s an equal chance it could be seen as too high or too low by season’s end. What’s clear already: Bedard’s shot and offensive creativity should have him mentioned among the NHL’s brightest stars in short order. — Wyshynski
2022-23 rank: NR
Age: 29
A newcomer to the rankings, Montour used last season to show that he can handle what comes with being a top-four defenseman on a Cup contender, finishing with 73 points in 80 games. Offseason shoulder surgery will delay the start of his 2023-24 season by a couple months. — Clark
2022-23 rank: 54
Age: 33
Kadri’s first season in Calgary was productive (including his fifth time scoring 20-plus goals), but he and the Flames are hoping for a breakthrough this season after missing the playoffs in 2022-23. — Clark
2022-23 rank: HM
Age: 22
The artist known as “Goal Caufield” is coming off injury and has a chance to hit the 30-goal mark — a feat he could have achieved last season if completely healthy. — Clark
2022-23 rank: 95
Age: 33
Aside from winning his second Stanley Cup, Pietrangelo tied his career-best mark in points last season (54). — Clark
2022-23 rank: 47
Age: 25
Injuries have frustrated Laine lately, but when healthy, the Blue Jackets’ star winger is a highly effective contributor with the size, speed and shot to drive Columbus’ offense. — Shilton
2022-23 rank: 70
Age: 26
Boeser has an excellent shot and nose for the net that could lead him toward a career-best season, especially if that four-goal outing on opening night is indicative of similar performances to come. — Shilton
2022-23 rank: NR
Age: 25
Bratt has broken out as a marvelous scorer in his own right. But paired with teammate Jack Hughes? That’s serious trouble for the rest of the league. — Shilton
2022-23 rank: 49
Age: 27
Demko’s terrific athleticism and composure have always stood out, and with consistency to match he could stay perennially ranked among the NHL’s most effective netminders. — Shilton
2022-23 rank: 69
Age: 29
Slavin remains one of the most trusted defensemen in the league, forming one of the league’s premier partnerships alongside Brent Burns. — Clark
2022-23 rank: 38
Age: 22
How Seider performs in his third season could be central to how the revamped Red Wings fare this season. — Clark
2022-23 rank: NR
Age: 22
Boldy rightfully turned heads in his first full NHL season, with a 31-goal showing that highlighted a highly effective emerging talent with terrific hands and vision. — Shilton
2022-23 rank: 52
Age: 25
Kyrou often comes through in the clutch for St. Louis, setting up timely goals — or scoring them himself — with an enviable speed and agility. — Shilton
2022-23 rank: 59
Age: 29
Signing Toews to a seven-year extension will keep him teamed up with Cale Makar, as they’ve formed one of the best pairings in the league. — Clark
2022-23 rank: 67
Age: 39
The second-oldest player in the NHL gave the Stars the type of venerable two-way presence that further legitimized their window of contention. — Clark
2022-23 rank: NR
Age: 25
Dubois is a big, rangy center who fills that top-nine role as well as he does the net with a consistent 20-plus goal output. — Shilton
2022-23 rank: 72
Age: 30
Scheifele has been a dependable point-per-game producer and high-skilled top-six piece for Winnipeg his entire career — hence the organization investing seven more years in him to keep their impactful center in-house. — Shilton
2022-23 rank: 56
Age: 29
Guentzel made a quick recovery from offseason ankle surgery to start the season for Pittsburgh, who need every ounce of Guentzel’s scoring touch and playmaking ability to be at their best. — Shilton
2022-23 rank: 15
Age: 30
Huberdeau had a rough first season in Calgary — with a humbling slide in point total to prove it — but under the Flames’ new regime, he has potential to reignite his offensive spark. — Shilton
2022-23 rank: 35
Age: 26
Connor recovered from a slow start to record his fifth season of more than 30 goals for the Jets. — Clark
2022-23 rank: NR
Age: 30
All RNH did in 2022-23 was notch his first 100-point season — and score more points last season than he did the previous two seasons combined. — Clark
2022-23 rank: NR
Age: 20
The reigning Calder Trophy winner is the face of an upstart Kraken franchise trying to show last year’s playoff appearance was no accident. — Clark
2022-23 rank: 36
Age: 25
A change could do DeBrincat good after the high-flying winger saw his numbers drop slightly last season in Ottawa — but he’s off a strong start already in his first campaign leading the Red Wings’ offense — Shilton
2022-23 rank: NR
Age: 31
Toffoli led the Flames with 34 goals last season and joined a high-octane Devils offense via trade in the offseason. — Wyshynski
2022-23 rank: 39
Age: 26
Lineup absences have clouded Werenski’s reputation, because otherwise he’s played at an elite level throughout his eight-year NHL career. — Wyshynski
2022-23 rank: NR
Age: 28
His breakout season saw him become a first-time NHL All-Star who finished in the top five of Norris Trophy voting. — Clark
2022-23 rank: 76
Age: 28
Underrated no more, Lindholm has firmly established himself as a preeminent two-way center who anchors the Flames’ offense while raising the teammates around him. — Shilton
2022-23 rank: NR
Age: 38
Burns is as known for his point totals and shot generation as he is for his hirsute face and menagerie of pets. — Wyshynski
2022-23 rank: 58
Age: 24
If Hughes can harness what he did under Rick Tocchet for a full season, it could prove big as the Canucks make a push to get back into the playoff mix. — Clark
2022-23 rank: HM
Age: 32
A six-time 20-goal scorer, the reigning Conn Smythe Trophy winner is one of the many reasons the Golden Knights could make it two in a row. — Clark
2022-23 rank: NR
Age: 27
Meier is a sharpshooting forward with the physical edge and all-around ability to be a problem on the ice — unless, of course, you’re on his side. New Jersey should rely on him for 30-plus goals a season for the foreseeable future. — Shilton
2022-23 rank: 10
Age: 29
For all that he has accomplished, it’s possible his two-month absence to start the season could further underscore his importance to the Bolts. When healthy, still one of the world’s most dominant goaltenders. — Clark
2022-23 rank: 92
Age: 36
Letang has faithfully — and successfully — patrolled Pittsburgh’s blue line for nearly two decades and can still find ways to thrive in a consistent top-four role. — Shilton
2022-23 rank: NR
Age: 25
Breaking out to score 37 goals and 86 points pushed Keller into the top 100 — and helps foster the idea that the Coyotes could be turning a corner back to contention. — Clark
2022-23 rank: 48
Age: 27
Larkin is continuously growing into a more complete 200-foot skater, with a heightened focus on defense to complement his impressive offensive stats. — Shilton
2022-23 rank: 75
Age: 25
The Lightning lean on Sergachev to play important minutes in any situation, and the blueliner delivers on both sides of the puck, doubling his offensive totals last season while maintaining a high level of defensive play. — Shilton
2022-23 rank: 97
Age: 29
Jones remains a mobile puck-mover with the vision and booming shot to threaten from the blue line. Chicago relies on him to carry a heavy load, and he’s continued to provide steady returns. — Shilton
2022-23 rank: 29
Age: 28
No goalie faced more shots than Saros last season, and his efforts nearly dragged the Predators to the playoffs. — Clark
2022-23 rank: 27
Age: 29
What could a healthy Forsberg accomplish in a goal-friendly system like the one he now has with new coach Andrew Brunette? His career high is 84 points, scored in 69 games in 2021-22. — Clark
2022-23 rank: 63
Age: 30
There’s a potency to Hamilton’s offensive game that’s unrivaled by many of his peers. The defender’s stickhandling and powerful shot make him a threat in every on-ice situation — Shilton
2022-23 rank: 99
Age: 25
Chychrun excels in small spaces on the ice, forcing opponents to the outside and disrupting chances off the rush. A series of injuries have made availability an issue, but when he’s in, Chychrun makes his presence felt. — Shilton
2022-23 rank: NR
Age: 30
Ullmark was the league’s darling in net last season, pacing all goalies in most statistical categories and winning his first Vezina Trophy after backstopping Boston to a record-breaking regular-season finish. — Shilton
2022-23 rank: 57
Age: 27
Fiala combines explosiveness with composure, with a shiftiness making him difficult to defend. It’s no wonder he’s clocked more than a point per game in consecutive seasons with the Kings. — Shilton
2022-23 rank: 91
Age: 36
L.A.’s captain is only getting better with age. He’s one of the league’s premier two-way centers, leading by example for the Kings’ crop of rising young stars. — Shilton
2022-23 rank: 87
Age: 25
The tallest player (at 6-foot-6) to ever score 40 goals and 90 points in a single season is expected to come up big again for a team seeking its first playoff berth in more than a decade. — Clark
2022-23 rank: NR
Age: 29
Lindholm was the breakout star of Boston’s blue line last season, producing career-best numbers as a mobile puck-mover who can be a sneaky-good asset in the Bruins’ transition game. — Shilton
2022-23 rank: 16
Age: 30
Zibanejad is an instinctive forward who thrills as both scorer and playmaker. Now entering his 30s, Zibanejad’s numbers continue going up — which is great news for New York’s present and future prospects. — Shilton
2022-23 rank: NR
Age: 33
Karlsson’s jaw-dropping 101-point performance in San Jose last season put him firmly back under the league’s spotlight and earned the veteran an unexpected Norris Trophy. Now with the Penguins, it’s time to chase a Stanley Cup. — Shilton
2022-23 rank: 89
Age: 27
Nylander hit 40 goals for the first time last season and had a strong showing in the playoffs (10 points in 11 games). It was a reminder of how good Nylander’s offense can be when the winger is consistent with the all-around details of his game. — Shilton
2022-23 rank: 33
Age: 30
Things can only be looking up for Gaudreau in Columbus after a tough first season. The veteran scored at a high level, dropping in 21 goals and 74 points that showed that even under bleak circumstances, Gaudreau can be an offensive spark. — Shilton
2022-23 rank: 42
Age: 31
Regular season or playoffs, Stone is the two-way constant who is trying to captain the Golden Knights to back-to-back championships. — Clark
2022-23 rank: 17
Age: 38
Ovi moved into second on the NHL’s all-time goals list, and he finished with higher than a point-per-game average as well. Will he catch Wayne Gretzky this season? — Clark
2022-23 rank: NR
Age: 26
Everything Hintz pulled off last season (75 points in the regular season, followed by 24 in 19 playoff games) has created the expectation that he could be the next star to ascend in Dallas. — Clark
2022-23 rank: 43
Age: 35
Marchand’s consistency as a bona fide top-six producer for Boston is more important than ever with Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci having retired. The Bruins’ new captain hasn’t lost his feisty edge, either, and he pairs it with impressive offensive totals. That’s no easy feat in a league that continuously seems to value youth over everything. — Shilton
2022-23 rank: 88
Age: 24
Last season allowed Oettinger to showcase what makes him valuable to the Stars, as one of the handful of goalies who can play nightly in this era of tandems. — Clark
2022-23 rank: 20
Age: 33
The longtime Lightning captain has hardly entered the twilight of his career, as the past two seasons have been among his best. Stamkos is as competitive and smart as they come on the ice, and those are lasting traits to keep him on pace with the Bolts’ high-flying forward group. — Shilton
2022-23 rank: 18
Age: 31
Panarin wields equal talent as scorer and playmaker, with a pass-first flair that pays major dividends for his teammates. He’s an undeniable driver of the Rangers’ offense and seems poised to possibly hit the 100-point mark this season for the first time in his career. — Shilton
2022-23 rank: NR
Age: 24
Hischier raised the bar last season with a breakout performance that included eclipsing 30 goals for the first time and establishing himself as one of the league’s finest two-way centers. If Hischier keeps that up, the crescendo of Selke Trophy buzz building around him will keep getting louder. — Shilton
2022-23 rank: 82
Age: 28
Don’t let last season’s breakout fool you; Sorokin was no overnight success on Long Island. The netminder had been underrated until he served up a top-three SV% among regular starters (.924) in 2022-23 and carried New York on his back into the postseason. — Shilton
2022-23 rank: 28
Age: 24
Last season showed the offensive side of his game. Could this be the season Heiskanen makes a push for the Norris Trophy? — Clark
2022-23 rank: 11
Age: 27
Shesterkin’s performances have validated him as one of the best goalies in the game, and he’s one of the main reasons the Rangers have legitimate title aspirations. — Clark
2022-23 rank: 14
Age: 33
Another all-around defenseman who has been among the NHL’s best. Seeing how he’ll perform in this new era of the Predators will be fascinating. — Clark
2022-23 rank: 68
Age: 23
Dahlin is as dynamic from the blue line as any forward, with the skating, stickhandling and shooting ability to prove it. The 23-year-old is fresh off a career-best season in which he averaged nearly a point per game while showing off the defensive traits that earned him Norris Trophy buzz. — Shilton
2022-23 rank: 34
Age: 25
Having a do-everything, puck-moving defenseman has become pretty much a necessity in today’s NHL. That’s what makes McAvoy so valuable to the Bruins’ success both now and in the future. — Clark
2022-23 rank: 26
Age: 27
Tampa Bay is literally not the same team without Point. He’s the Lightning’s jack-of-all-trades, a potent scoring threat at 5-on-5 and special teams, with a strong defensive foundation he uses to generate even more offensive opportunities for himself and others. — Shilton
2022-23 rank: 13
Age: 36
Whether or not the Penguins have aged out of Stanley Cup contention, Crosby remains one of the NHL’s best point producers as he enters the twilight years of a legendary career. — Wyshynski
2022-23 rank: 22
Age: 26
Aho provides the sort of consistent two-way presence that practically makes him the embodiment of the Hurricanes. It’s something the Canes will seek to tap into once again in a season that has them as a top Stanley Cup contender. — Clark
2022-23 rank: 85
Age: 21
Stutzle has the breakneck speed, skating ability and the scoring touch of a burgeoning offensive star. His dominant 90-point season in 2022-23 just scratched the surface of where Stutzle’s all-around skill set came take him (and the Senators). — Shilton
2022-23 rank: 12
Age: 26
Marner dazzles like few playmakers can. Still more confident passing than shooting, Marner has put together consecutive seasons of nearly 100 points, with a maturing defensive game to match his offensive prowess. — Shilton
2022-23 rank: 31
Age: 24
There’s an electric energy and obvious confidence that elevates Tkachuk above the competition. He’s already a perennial 30-plus goal scorer with a solid two-way foundation, and his high character is an asset Ottawa will continue to appreciate from its young captain. — Shilton
2022-23 rank: 8
Age: 32
Could this season be the most important of Hedman’s career? He is seemingly always on the ice for critical minutes, and will continue to prove crucial as the Lightning seek to navigate life without Andrei Vasilevskiy for the first two months of the season. — Clark
2022-23 rank: 7
Age: 26
Kaprizov is a goal-scoring menace who is more than capable of creating challenges when he distributes. He is among the game’s best wingers and a pivotal figure in the Wild’s bid to reach the playoffs once again. — Clark
2022-23 rank: 32
Age: 24
Opening the season with a four-point game shows why he has been compared to aliens since the moment he debuted. It’s another example of what has made Pettersson a franchise cornerstone for a team trying to change its fortunes. — Clark
2022-23 rank: 9
Age: 28
It’s possible the “he’s underrated” talk could still exist. But what Barkov did last season by serving as the two-way anchor who captained the Panthers to the Stanley Cup Final has made him harder to ignore. — Clark
2022-23 rank: 46
Age: 30
Hellebuyck has handled a heavier load than any goaltender in the league in recent seasons, and done it so well the Jets extended their workhorse on a seven-year pact to keep him from going elsewhere. Considering the 30-year-old Hellebuyck tied for the second-most wins last season (37) with an exemplary .920 save percentage, that looks like a safe bet for now. — Shilton
2022-23 rank: 23
Age: 25
Fox has finished in the top five in Norris Trophy voting the past five seasons, while being the sort of multidimensional defenseman who is a problem for opponents. He’s a critical component of the Rangers’ championship push. — Clark
2022-23 rank: 30
Age: 24
A second 40-goal campaign was just the start for Robertson, who also scored 100 points for the first time. Those individual accomplishments set the stage for him and the Stars to reach the conference finals, showing they can be the next big threat in the West. — Clark
2022-23 rank: 19
Age: 25
Tkachuk bested his own best self last season to produce a second consecutive 40-plus goal effort and a career-high 109 points. The Panthers’ firecracker used that skill to will his team to a playoff berth — and was a driving force in Florida’s unexpected ride to the Stanley Cup Final. And Tkachuk was a Hart Trophy finalist to boot. So, what will he do for an encore? Suffice it to say, Tkachuk is more than some simple pest. He’s a bona fide star. — Shilton
2022-23 rank: 21
Age: 27
An elite scorer already, Pastrnak had 61 goals last season, bested only by McDavid’s 64. Pastrnak continuing his progression into one of the NHL’s most dangerous finishers would aid a Bruins team seeking more production following the departures of Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci, among others. — Clark
2022-23 rank: 25
Age: 27
Eichel came into his own with Vegas last season and it no doubt contributed to the Golden Knights’ Stanley Cup victory. After years of waiting for a taste of the postseason, Eichel averaged over a point per game on Vegas’ run and laid to rest any notion that following a hard disk surgery and rehab process he wouldn’t be a top-tier player again. If anything, Eichel could have more to give. — Shilton
2022-23 rank: 5
Age: 30
Take away the 30 goals he scored last season and his 83 assists would have still put him among the top 25 in points. Last season just reinforced what makes Kucherov one of the game’s most dangerous players, and arguably the scariest winger in the NHL. It’s something the Lightning will continue to count on to open the season now that Andrei Vasilevskiy is recovering from back surgery. — Clark
2022-23 rank: 24
Age: 27
The discussion around Denver the past few years regarding Rantanen was that his shot was just as treacherous as his ability to create. It was just a matter of when he would be able to showcase both. He did in 2022-23, and the result was a 55-goal, 50-assist season, a feat he’ll push for again as the Avs have their eyes on another title. — Clark
2022-23 rank: 6
Age: 28
Draisaitl’s perennial stance among NHL leaders in goals and point production continue to prove that he’s more than just McDavid’s wing man. He has carved out a starring role in his own right, including his 52 goals and 128 points last season. And Draisaitl is an inspiring leader apart from just scoring ability — he excelled for Edmonton in last year’s postseason while skating on a fractured ankle. — Shilton
2022-23 rank: 3
Age: 26
Matthews opened his season with a hat trick performance that put him past the 300-goal mark in only 482 career games. The Leafs’ top center has one of the league’s best shots, is strong at both ends of the ice and keeps evolving in his craft, for example by taking on a penalty-killing role. — Shilton
2022-23 rank: 44
Age: 22
Perhaps no player to make the top-100 list from last season did more to boost his standing in the NHL than Hughes. His fourth season saw him nearly double his point total from the prior campaign, and he was a major reason the Devils reached the postseason. The conversation around the best centers in the NHL has been dominated recently by players such as Matthews, Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon. Could it be time for that discussion to have another entrant? — Clark
2022-23 rank: 4
Age: 28
A perennial threat to score 100 points, MacKinnon finally reached the century club last season when he finished with a career-high 111 in 71 games. MacKinnon’s combination of creativity, power and speed is what has made him one of the NHL’s most dangerous players who is also one of the main reasons why the Avalanche are seeking to add a second Stanley Cup in three seasons. — Clark
2022-23 rank: 2
Age: 24
Makar can use his intelligence, speed and stick to either escape situations or to find ways to make opponents uncomfortable on either end of the ice. While his offensive exploits are what attracts the most attention, there’s more to Makar than just points. Last season, Makar became a more complete defenseman, playing on both special teams and leading the NHL in average ice time. — Clark
2022-23 rank: 1
Age: 26
He is imminent danger personified. Anytime McDavid has the puck — or even when he doesn’t — he’s always a threat to do something. He can create for others or for himself in a number of different situations. This is why he remains the No. 1 player in the game, less than 150 points away from 1,000 in his career and turning 27 this year. — Clark
Honorable mentions
Chris Kreider, LW, New York Rangers
Alex Tuch, RW, Buffalo Sabres
Trevor Zegras, C, Anaheim Ducks
Troy Terry, C, Anaheim Ducks
Noah Dobson, D, New York Islanders
Bo Horvat, C, New York Islanders
Carter Verhaeghe, C, Florida Panthers
Adam Fantilli, C, Columbus Blue Jackets
Logan Cooley, C, Arizona Coyotes
Adrian Kempe, C, Los Angeles Kings
-
Jorge Castillo, ESPN Staff Writer
NEW YORK — Gerrit Cole‘s first start of the 2024 season went about as well as he and the Yankees could have hoped last week. His second outing Tuesday night against the Mets didn’t.
Cole was blasted over four innings, yielding six runs on seven hits in the Yankees’ 9-7 loss at Citi Field. He gave up four home runs, walked four and didn’t record a strikeout. It was the second time Cole didn’t register a strikeout in his career and the second time he allowed at least four home runs.
“Just disappointing,” Cole said. “Didn’t really give us a good chance to win tonight. Didn’t execute enough pitches. Just kind of dug us a hole.”
Two positives offered a silver lining: Cole threw 72 pitches, more than in any of his three rehab starts in the minors or his season debut, and the right-hander said he was healthy despite his fastball velocity decreasing after the first inning.
Cole’s fastball was 97 to 99 mph for the first time in 2024 in that first frame, an encouraging burst three months removed from being shut down with nerve irritation and edema in his right elbow. His first fastball in the second inning, however, was a 91.5 mph offering that Mark Vientos cracked for a home run. Cole didn’t throw a pitch harder than 95.5 mph for the remainder of his outing.
After the game, Cole insisted the drop-off was by design and that he was healthy. He explained he intentionally dialed back the velocity after issuing three walks and throwing 28 pitches as the Mets jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first inning because he believed the strategy would give him the best chance to work efficiently and avoid an early exit with a 75-pitch limit.
“It’s a bit like driving a car,” Cole, 33, said. “Too much clutch or too little clutch can slip you out of gear a little bit. So, obviously, it came out really tremendous in the first and had to make a lot of pitches. But the reality is we just weren’t in the strike zone enough. The objective is to try to get as deep in the ballgame as you can.”
Cole issued just one walk over his final three innings, but he couldn’t put hitters away. He induced just five whiffs while the Mets fouled off 11 pitches. Six balls hit into play traveled at least 101.5 mph. Vientos barreled two of those hard-hit balls for home runs — both on fastballs after Cole said he chose to shave velocity off the pitch.
“He’s still working back,” Yankees center fielder Aaron Judge said. “That’s our ace. That’s our guy. And I want him out there every single five days. Games like this happen, and you just got to move on and learn from it. He’ll be fine.”
Cole is slated to next pitch Sunday in Toronto against the Blue Jays, barring a change to the Yankees’ rotation.
“My execution was poor, so I never really gave myself a chance to learn anything,” Cole said. “To get a foul ball or to get a mishit, it ended up in damage. This league is really hard. I certainly had the stuff tonight to give us a chance, and I just pitched poorly.”
CHICAGO — Halfway through his first season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Shohei Ohtani looks quite comfortable with his new surroundings.
The Japanese slugger has been a sweet-swinging Hollywood blockbuster so far.
The Dodgers are on top of the NL West with a 50-31 record, and Ohtani has played a major role in their strong start. The two-time AL MVP is batting a career-high .320 with 24 homers, 60 RBIs and a 1.032 OPS in 78 games.
“It’s really about getting to know the guys,” Ohtani said Tuesday night through an interpreter. “You know I had my first impression, but really getting to know who the people are and the organization.
“As I stated before, I decided to sign with this team and wanted to do the best that I can to fit in. So I think overall, looking back, it’s been a really good first half.”
Ohtani, who turns 30 on July 5, agreed to a record-shattering $700 million, 10-year contract in December. The two-way sensation isn’t pitching this year while he recovers from elbow surgery, and it looks as if putting more of his focus on hitting is helping him at the plate.
“The reality is the workload has been a lot less,” Ohtani said. “So I can’t deny that. But at the same time, as a hitter, I’ve been getting better and overall I think I’ve been growing as a hitter, too.”
Ohtani hit a leadoff homer during Tuesday night’s 4-3 victory over the Chicago White Sox, extending his RBI streak to a career-high nine consecutive games — matching a franchise record. He walked and scored in the third inning, and then hit a tiebreaking RBI single in the fourth.
Ohtani moved into the leadoff spot after Mookie Betts was sidelined by a broken left hand. He is batting .419 (13-for-31) with five homers and 14 RBIs in eight games since Betts got hurt.
“I don’t know what more we can really say about him,” Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman said. “I think we’ve said everything we can since he entered this league, about what an amazing player he is. But when you come over here, you just never know how first year’s going to go on any team.
“Sometimes you just got to step back and just appreciate a player like this.”
Ohtani drove a hanging curveball from Chris Flexen into the visitor’s bullpen in right-center for his NL-best 24th homer. White Sox right fielder Tommy Pham tried to make a leaping grab on the play, but was unable to bring it in.
Ohtani got so caught up in tracking the ball that he carried his bat as he jogged up the line. After discarding his lumber, he went back to touch first base because he was concerned that he missed the bag the first time around.
“Just wasn’t quite sure that I stepped on the bag,” he said.
It was Ohtani’s second leadoff homer of the season and No. 8 for his career. He is the first player to drive in at least one run in nine consecutive games for the Dodgers since Hall of Fame catcher Roy Campanella in 1955.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Ohtani is being more selective at the plate, and it’s paying off.
“When you do that,” Roberts said, “you earn pitches in the strike zone, and when he does that, a lot of special things happen.”
-
Jorge Castillo, ESPN Staff Writer
NEW YORK — The New York Mets, streaking in June following a turbulent May, will be without two key contributors for considerable time after closer Edwin Díaz chose not to appeal his 10-game suspension for violating prohibitions on foreign substances and right fielder Starling Marte was placed on the injured list with a right knee bone bruise Tuesday.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said Marte, whose IL stint is retroactive to Sunday, will not return to the team for at least a month. The club called up veteran outfielder Ben Gamel to take Marte’s place on the roster.
While the Mets could replace Marte, their bullpen will be a man down without Díaz for the next 10 games. Díaz was ejected before throwing a pitch Sunday in a win over the Chicago Cubs. He was issued the ban Monday and decided not to appeal the decision Tuesday, leaving the Mets relief corps shorthanded as they began a two-game Subway Series with the New York Yankees at Citi Field.
“We want to move on from it,” Mendoza said when asked why Díaz didn’t appeal the suspension. “We don’t want this cloud to be hanging over the team for too long. And we decided it was best.”
On Sunday, Díaz said he used the same legal concoction he’s always used to better grip the baseball: rosin, sweat and dirt. But crew chief Vic Carapazza said the sticky, discolored substance the umpires discovered “definitely wasn’t rosin and sweat.”
Major League Baseball has suspended eight pitchers for foreign substances since it started cracking down on them during the 2021 season. Three have been Mets: Max Scherzer and Drew Smith last year, and Díaz on Sunday.
Mendoza indicated the team planned on making changes to avoid another violation.
“You hate to see it,” Mendoza said. “And as far as doing anything different, from day one, we’ve been very specific and very direct. You hate to see it. I obviously don’t want to get into the details of what we’re going to be doing moving forward, but, obviously, the rules are the rules. Talking to Edwin, obviously, I got his back. I truly believe what he was telling us.”
The suspension was the next chapter in a miserable return to the mound for Díaz, who missed the 2023 season with a torn knee ligament. The 30-year-old right-hander has a 4.70 ERA in 24 appearances and has blown 4-of-11 save opportunities.
Mendoza said he will “mix and match” with the closer role, depending on availability and matchups. The bigger challenge will be navigating a stretch starting Friday of eight games in eight days with an undermanned pitching staff.
“I’m pretty sure we’re going to have to reshuffle some things here, but we just got to take it one game at a time,” Mendoza said. “See where you’re at bullpen-wise and then go from there. The good thing is we got depth. We got people with options and we’ll get through it.”
Marte, meanwhile, is slashing .278/.328/.416 with seven home runs in 66 games this season. Mendoza said Marte, 35, first started feeling knee discomfort during the team’s three-game series in Washington at the beginning of the month. As a result, Mendoza said, the club was careful with Marte’s usage, but “something didn’t look right” after his first at-bat Saturday against the Cubs, so he was pulled.
Mendoza named DJ Stewart, Tyrone Taylor, Jeff McNeil and Gamel as options to play right field in Marte’s absence. Stewart started in right field Sunday. Taylor got the start Tuesday.
-
Sports2 years ago‘Storybook stuff’: Inside the night Bryce Harper sent the Phillies to the World Series
-
Sports3 months agoStory injured on diving stop, exits Red Sox game
-
Sports1 year agoMLB Rank 2023: Ranking baseball’s top 100 players
-
Environment1 year agoJapan and South Korea have a lot at stake in a free and open South China Sea
-
Sports8 months agoGame 1 of WS least-watched in recorded history
-
Sports3 years ago
Team Europe easily wins 4th straight Laver Cup
-
Environment1 year agoGame-changing Lectric XPedition launched as affordable electric cargo bike
-
Environment1 year agoTesla advances Powerwall pilot project with German electric company