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Fifteen years after turning the 2009 postseason into his own personal home run derby, Jayson Werth is ready to make hay at a different derby.
Werth is the co-owner of Dornoch, a horse on a three-race winning streak who looks primed to qualify for and compete in this May’s Kentucky Derby. Dornoch just picked up 50 more qualifying points at the Fountain of Youth Stakes on Saturday in Hallandale Beach, Fla., moving to second in qualifying points — with the top-20 punching their ticket to Churchill Downs.
Saturday’s win was actually the second of the day for Werth, whose other horse, R Calli Kim, won his race — called The Very One — earlier in the day.
But for Werth, the star of the show is Dornoch. And for Phillies fans looking for a reason to get into The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports this year, now is as good a time as ever: You’ll literally have a horse in the race.
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ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported on Tuesday that newly signed Lucas Giolito may need surgery to repair a partial UCL tear and flexor strain, which might force him out of the entire 2024 season. Enter Nick Pivetta as the possible de facto Opening Day starter for the Boston Red Sox.
If not outstanding, Pivetta’s Red Sox career has at least been consistent, with his three seasons ranging from 142 2/3 to 179 2/3 innings and his ERA from 4.04 to 4.56. If the nod goes to Pivetta instead of Brayan Bello, it would be his first career Opening Day start. He’s thrice pitched in the second game of the season, including twice for the Phillies — no-decision wins over the Braves in 2018 and 2019.
