Mateo’s Hoop Diary: Las Vegas Aces get back over .500, defeating the Atlanta Dream

/1 Comment/in /by

Allisha Gray racked up numbers on the catch and dribble, but it was a futile effort because the Aces strangled her teammates’ games like a python coiling its prey. On top of that, A’ja Wilson downed mid-range jumpers and driving layups regularly to the tune of 24 digits on 50% shooting, with 12 rebounds and five offerings, pushing the Aces to a 12-11 record. 

 

Gray and Jordin Canada rattled off five triples  in the first quarter, helping the Dream take off on a 27-20 lead. The Aces were down nine first-quarter rebounds, too, but after getting challenged by coach Becky Hammon to defend and crash, Las Vegas took over the glass.

 

As the Dream cooled down, Las Vegas kept powering up in the next frame as they shut down Brionna Jones by collapsing into the lane on her moves, taking away her airspace, and swiping at her dribble. They were able to help more since Atlanta was missing Rhyne Howard’s shot creation and permitted just 31.6% of attempts to fall. On the other side, Dana Evans lashed coverages with pick-and-pop jumpers and a trick shot, plus Wilson scored on screen rolls. 

 

The Aces held a 45-39 lead at halftime and came out of the break, feasting on Atlanta’s bad passes and blowing up actions for Gray and Canada. Wilson raised the edge grew to 14 points with her jumper over Jones and two trips to the line before the end of the frame, but they ended it only up eight.

 

Then the hosts buried them by contesting promptly on their 3-point attempts, and pouring in six baskets of their own. 

 

The Aces won 87-72, making it their third straight. They scored 24 points off turnovers and 12 via second chances.

 

Coach Becky Hammon said, “Obviously coming out of the All-Star break, [we] wanted to make sure everybody came back and we’re all on the same page. That constant pursuit of excellence, not perfection, that’s been the message.”

 

Wilson wore bandage wraps on her right hand and wrist following the game. She’s still recovering from a hard fall that caused her to leave the Aces loss in New York on July 8 and didn’t practice on Monday. She gave props to her frontline teammates NaLyssa Smith and Megan Gustafson for sealing Jones and Brittney Griner and said, “We probably sustained their punches and their runs better than we ever have with any other team.”

 

  



Sebastian Fundora was a better version of himself in the second win against Tim Tszyu

/0 Comments/in , /by

Sebastian Fundora’s imposing performance, keeping his WBC super welterweight title in the rematch against Tim Tszyu on Saturday, highlighted how pain can break the fiercest warriors, forcing them to surrender. 

Part two featured five fewer rounds than the epic bloodbath in their first encounter on March 30, 2024, which Fundora won. Both fighters were covered in crimson that night as Fundora’s nose leaked profusely from connected power punches and Tszyu’s hairline sopped from an accidental elbow, blinding him as he endured a hail of bullets. 

On Saturday, Fundora’s game plan was tight, using his extended height at 6-foot-6 and reach to nail the challenger with jabs and a buckshot-like left hand that also floored Tszyu in round one. 

Tszyu had doubted his rival’s toughness at the pre-fight presser because he didn’t get up from Brian Mendoza’s unforgiving left hook, and Tszyu had stood up thrice* in his three-round TKO loss to Bakhram Murtazaliev. He also said to Fundora “you’re not Superman.”

Tszyu fought as bravely as he did the first time, but most of his significant strikes were outweighed by Fundora’s jab and cruel mallet disguised as a left hand. Eventually, the challenger broke the guard, connecting on the nose, causing it to leak, and inflicted bombs in the seventh round.

They were like two bulls with their horns locked together as Tszyu delivered 16 power punches, and Fundora landed 27, per CompuBox.    

Then Tszyu refused to leave the corner. In a sport that could kill you, there should be less shame about the choices made like this one. 

Yet, His Excellency, Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of the General Entertainment Authority and owner of Ring Magazine, didn’t see it that way because they weren’t covered in gore. He posted a callous message on X(formerly Twitter) before deleting that read, “I said to you from the beginning, Tim Tszyu does not deserve to be on a Riyadh Season or Ring Magazine card. He can be useful as a sparring partner for a champion in Riyadh Season.”

Tszyu was getting tagged too often to think straight, and had the fight gone on, Fundora would have likely decapitated him and questions of being an A-level fighter would still be there. Yet, there is no doubt that both of them solidified themselves as warriors in the first fight; just one of them is nearing the end of the road, and the other is speeding off towards more championship fights.

 

 

 

Oleksandr Usyk remains the boss, vaporizing Daniel Dubois in undisputed heavyweight championship clash

/0 Comments/in , /by

Oleksandr Usyk made mincemeat of Daniel Dubois’ massive, marbled body, finishing him in round five, claiming undisputed status as heavyweight champion once more. His first clash with Dubois was a masterful showing, but he was superior 693 days later on rival territory at Wembley Stadium in London. 

 

Dubois tried hunting, but Usyk’s footwork plus jabs and counter left-handed strikes destroyed his confidence. 

 

The British challenger had trouble establishing his jab. His only good weapon was the hard right missile, but he telegraphed them and connected few and far between. 

 

Round three was Dubois’ top moment of the fight as he took over the center of the ring and his menacing punches landed, but he got blasted with a retaliatory left hand and ended the period getting outboxed.

 

Dubois’ most significant connection was a shot to the belt line, but Usyk overshadowed him in the fourth, eluding most of the mallet-forced blows and sneaking in 13 of his own jabs and power punches.

 

Usyk initially got stalked in the fifth, but he stood his ground then pursued with jabs, hooks and a straight left hand. Dubois was forced into a bullet storm and was dropped with a sickle-like right hand. He survived the count, but the end looked like a mouse dropped inside a serpent’s cage. Usyk followed up, dazing Dubois with a right hook and vaporizing him with another from the left. 

 

In his interview inside the ring, Usyk (24-0) thanked Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary, his team, and the fans at Wembley. He said he wants to rest for two to three months, but when asked about his next opponent, he said maybe Tyson Fury, Derek Chisora, Anthony Joshua, or Joseph Parker. Of those mentioned, he has beat Fury and Joshua twice and Chisora once. 

 

Jake Paul also used the opportunity to face-off with Usyk in the ring after his win, diminishing the moment for the champion.

 

Dubois was interviewed next. He said he gave his best and vowed to return.



The Five Most Intriguing Training Camp Stories

/4 Comments/in , /by

The Miami Dolphins’ rookies have reported to camp and everyone else is soon to follow (7/22). Afte a disappointing 2024 season where the Dolphins missed the playoffs for the first time under head coach Mike McDaniel the Miami Dolphins look to return to their 2023 form. Whether it’s the health of a room, the cohesiveness of a new unit the Dolphins have a lot of intriguing stories to pay attention as they approach week one in Indianapolis.

    1. Who Stands out at Corner and Whom Do they Sign? At the top of everyone’s list is how will the Dolphins cornerback room look. The Miami Dolphins parted ways with both Kendall Fuller and Jalen Ramsey leaving their one with just one proven starter in Kader Kohou. The good news for the Dolphins is that there are still a solid amount of options available at corner. But as for the room it will be interesting to see who stands out and its also possible to find out as they have to go against an elite tandem of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.
    2. When Will Jonah Savaiinaea Sign and How will the New Unit Mesh? The Miami Dolphins finally made additions on their offensive line, adding guard James Daniels via free agency and drafting Jonah Savaiinaea. But their second-round pick has yet to sign a contract amongst a league wide holdout from the rookie second rounders who are looking to get their contracts covered, on a fully guaranteed basis. For the Dolphins there is a pressing need to end this hold out and end it soon as they are very close to seeing Liam Eichenberg back on the field. As for the rest of the unit, the health of Austin Jackson will be monitored, the development of Patrick Paul, and the overall cohesiveness of the unit in Mike McDaniel’s scheme.
    3. Chubb and Phillips.  The Dolphins front seven has a chance to be one of the best in the entire National Football League, Chop Robinson, Zach Sieler, Kenneth Grant, Bradley Chubb, Jaelan Phillips, Tyrell Dodson, K.J Britt, Jordyn Brooks, and Willi Gay Jr. is one great group. So, the focus turns to two formidable pass rushers who have been hit with the injury bug in years past. How will Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb come out, how long until it is expected for them to return, how do they stand out as leaders as the veterans and long tenured men on this defense. These are all questions that will unfold as camp begin and ultimately hold exciting weight.
    4. Darren Waller and the Tight Ends.  At 1A and 1B of worst position groups on this football team, tight end and cornerback roll hand in hand and it’s not a good thing. Quite similarly to the offensive line of last year, I have a feeling that we as fans and media are much more concerned than Miami is with these two groups, but luckily tight end is not nearly as big of an issue. With Waller I’m interested to see how bought in he is, can we get any glimpse of the Waller we saw with the Raiders? If so it’s a home run of an acquisition. For Julian Hill, I expect him to have a “good” camp, the coaches like him, his peers like him, and other than the penalties he really is a solid player in the eyes of the org. Pharoah Brown was acquired via free agency, and he looks to fill that Durham Smythe role at tight end, and then the room is rounded out with Tanner Conner Jalin Conyers and Hayden Rucci. All in all, Jon Embree has his work cut out for him.
    5. And Lastly, The Cheetah, and The Penguin. The Miami Dolphins duo had its worst year let last season, filled with drama on and off the field, poor line play, poor concepts, and abysmal quarterback play. But it cannot be forgotten how great this duo is and I fully expect them both to return to 2023 form. Hill is back and bought into the thing (until he isn’t then we can talk) and Jaylen Waddle is looking to emerge as a top receiver in this league. Which one of them will emerge as a leader on offense, or will both? Time will tell but I am excited to see the electrifying duo back and with their QB1.

These are the most pressing training camp stories in my eyes and ones that will shape the course of the 2025 NFL season for the Miami Dolphins. One that if things don’t go right, major chance is imminent. Some other small stories are Ewers vs Wilson for QB2, Malik Washington’s growth, Achane, and Jaylen Wright (!!!), amongst many others (Minkah’s return).

The Dolphins look to bounce back in 2025 and its almost here, let me know your favorite training camp story in the comments!

Oleksandr Usyk versus Daniel Dubois Part II can’t come soon enough

/0 Comments/in , /by

Oleksandr Usyk (23-0) versus Daniel Dubois (22-2) part two is the headliner for Saturday’s DAZN pay-per-view card at Wembley Stadium in London. The former is a -430 favorite on FanDuel, -300 on DraftKings and -370 on Caesars Sportsbook.

 

Both fighters stood face-to-face outside Wembley on Tuesday to promote the rematch. Usyk stared chillingly while Dubois yelled “and new” into his face. 

 

Usyk dwarfed Dubois in the first fight, yet it had tons of controversy because of the latter’s uppercut on the belt line or below it. The ref ruled it illegal and Usyk took almost four minutes to recover. Dubois was neutered the rest of the fight and KOed in the ninth round with a four-punch combo followed by an uppercut on the prowl. 

 

Usyk consoled him in the ring.  Then Dubois won the interim IBF title 280 days later, defeating Filip Hrgović. 

 

They both sat for a Face-off interview for DAZN that was published to their YouTube channel on Wednesday. Usyk said he wasn’t surprised by anything his rival tried back on Aug. 26, 2023, at Wroclaw Stadium in Poland. The man seated across the circular table said the same thing.

 

Usyk, age 38, said that number doesn’t matter and he feels around “23 or 24.” Still, he is running out of foes after consecutive wins against Tyson Fury, two straight over Anthony Joshua, plus victories over Dubois, Derek Chisora and Chazz Witherspoon. He’s said he’s only got two fights left, citing interest in spending more time with his wife and children. 

 

Dubois is back on a three-fight win streak, which includes savaging Anthony Joshua with a fifth-round knockout at Wembley Stadium, retaining the IBF title. He’s motivated by “hunger and desire” to atone for his underwhelming performance the first time and earn the status of undisputed heavyweight champion in the four-belt era.

 

The Ukrainian champ says the outcome is a matter of when rather than if. He is the superior boxer because of hand speed and footwork, but Saturday’s contest should be a much tougher ordeal, especially if the version of Dubois that shows up is the one that wiped out Joshua. Due to age and punches taken, the first fight was more of a schooling than a career threat for Dubois, and he’s been the best version of himself since.  Keep in mind what former cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew said in an interview published on July 10: “I think this might be the first time Oleksandr Usyk’s ever had to climb off the floor off a head shot.. but I think he gets the job done.”

 

A win for Usyk would pile on to a hall-of-fame level career. For Dubois, it would make him the man for beating the man who beat the man.

 

“I [don’t] want to give him my belts,” Usyk said.

 

Hamzah Sheeraz destroys Edgar Berlanga in the main event at Louis Armstrong Stadium and more

/0 Comments/in , /by

The Ring III lived up to the hype as fireworks detonated with Hamzah Sheeraz (22-0-1) stopping Edgar Berlanga (23-2) in round five of the main event.“Whoever was in the ring with me today, there was no stopping me, ” he said. The victory now makes Sheeraz the mandatory opponent for the WBO super middleweight championship. 

 

Berlanga had taunted him online with juvenile slights and had tried selling the pay-per-view card at the pre-fight presser by throwing money at Oscar De La Hoya, with whom he is also beefing.

 

Both fighters cautiously tested the other in the middle for two rounds before letting their hands go, throwing safety to the side in the third. A red mark beneath Berlanga’s right eye quickly formed while his hooks landed on Sheeraz’s nose.

 

The intensity stayed at 100° in the fourth, but Sheeraz took control with a vicious uppercut and three-punch combination. He subsequently ended the round by dropping Berlanga with a burst of hooks and crosses then via right and left missiles a second time while backing him up on the ropes. 

 

Berlanga’s team tried fixing and counseling him in his corner, but he was as shell-shocked as someone who confronts the grim reaper.

 

Next, Sheeraz stalked Berlanga into a corner and unleashed three heavy punches to the head before the referee intervened 16 seconds into the fifth round. 

 

Later in the evening, His Excellency, Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority and owner of The Ring  magazine, tweeted that Sheeraz “now deserves Canelo [Alvarez] in 2026.”

 

On top of that, Shakur Stevenson whooped William Zepeda in the co-main event, retaining his WBC lightweight championship in the most impressive victory of his career (24-0). This southpaw showdown had been a long time coming, and relentless pressure was no match for Stevenson’s high-grade defense and zipping combinations.

 

His test of adversity started at the end of the third as he lurched after catching a hard right hand from Zepeda. Then he was struck with a swift left hand while shoulder rolling in the corner of the fourth. He too easily gave up his positioning in the fifth, retreating to the corner, but humbled the challenger with a five-punch sequence.

 

From then on, Stevenson overshadowed Zepeda the rest of the fight with flawless timing on his baneful punches. The left uppercut was one of his most unforgiving tools when challenged in the pocket.  

 

Eventually, Zepeda was working harder to deliver partially blocked blows while Stevenson looked like he was training with a sparring partner. 

 

He won on the cards unanimously, 118-110, 118-110 and 119-109. At the post-fight presser, he said, “I came in here to prove a point.”

 

Katie Taylor defeats Amanda Serrano, remaining the undisputed champion

/0 Comments/in , /by

The trilogy concluded with Katie Taylor claiming her third straight win over Amanda Serrano, keeping her junior welterweight championships with a majority decision in a bout that was the opposite of the first two. After 20 minutes of a high-level chess match, Taylor said her name is connected to Serrano’s forever. 

 

Taylor is an orthodox fighter, and Serrano is a southpaw. Naturally, a matchup like this can result in crashing heads and gnarly cuts, which happened to Serrano in the second fight on Nov. 15. This time, both combatants were far more appreciative of defense, to the point of frustrating the bloodthirsty crowd inside Madison Square Garden. After the fade, Serrano said she was trying to keep her distance and fight smarter because going guns blazing failed twice. 

 

The first round was quiet with only three punches connecting, per Compubox data. There was a flash of the prior two clashes in round three as both stood in the pocket, discharging venomous strikes, but Taylor won the exchanges via combinations and her left hook.

 

The pace slowed back to third gear with both of them fighting on the outside. It was more favorable for Taylor as she maneuvered around almost every inch of the ring, landing counters. One of the more memorable tradeoffs was the pair landing left hooks in the corner at the end of round eight, followed by Taylor’s jab.

 

In the ninth, Taylor took control, totaling seven power punches to the head. She was told going into the 10th that she needed the round. Serrano was informed by trainer Jordan Maldonado that she was ahead but also needed the round. 

 

Taylor subsequently was the bolder and more accurate fighter, emitting left hooks and straight rights. 

 

The three judges scored it 95-95, 97-93 and 97-93. and all of them awarded the last two rounds to Taylor.

 

Serrano said she would have to watch the fight, but believed her team that she won.

 

At the post-fight presser, Taylor said, “The game plan tonight was not [to] let her feet set.” 

 

When asked about retirement or having more left in her, she said she didn’t know but wanted to enjoy the victory and reflect before deciding. 

 

Who Will the Miami Dolphins Add at Cornerback?

/0 Comments/in , /by
The Miami Dolphins are facing a critical need at cornerback as training camp approaches at the Baptist Health Training Complex in Miami Gardens, Florida, with rookies reporting on July 15, 2025, and veterans on July 22, 2025. The trade of Jalen Ramsey to the Pittsburgh Steelers for Minkah Fitzpatrick bolstered the safety position but left a significant gap in the cornerback room. Despite having young talent like Kader Kohou, Cam Smith, and Storm Duck, the Dolphins lack a proven starter to pair with their current roster. Below is an analysis of the potential free agent cornerbacks mentioned, based on available information and their fit with the Dolphins’ needs.
Mike Hilton:
Hilton, a skilled 5-9 nickel corner, made 10 starts for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2024 with a 92.0 passer rating against, indicating solid but not elite coverage skills. His experience as a slot corner could allow Kader Kohou to shift to the boundary, addressing one of Miami’s starting cornerback needs. The Dolphins have been linked to Hilton multiple times this offseason, suggesting interest from the team. His size limits him to nickel duties, but his veteran presence and ability to handle slot receivers make him a valuable option Miami. Hilton’s familiarity with similar defensive systems and his consistent performance (52 career starts) make him a low-risk, high-reward signing.

Asante Samuel Jr.:

Samuel, a 25-year-old former second-round pick by the Los Angeles Chargers, is a local product from St. Thomas Aquinas in Fort Lauderdale. He has six interceptions and 37 pass deflections in 50 career games (47 starts), showcasing playmaking ability and speed that align well with Miami’s defensive scheme. However, Samuel underwent neck surgery in April 2025, missing 13 games last season due to shoulder and neck injuries, which raises concerns about his durability. Samuel has a key medical check-up scheduled for some time this month, after which he plans to meet with multiple teams. If cleared, Samuel could be a high upside signing with potential to be a No. 1 corner, but his health is a significant question mark. A deal with Miami would likely materialize post-check-up, making him a riskier but potentially rewarding option.

Rasul Douglas:
Douglas, 30, started 15 games for the Buffalo Bills in 2024 but had a subpar season, allowing a 72% completion rate and a 122.0 passer rating against. However, his 2023 performance with Green Bay and Buffalo was exceptional, with five interceptions, three fumble recoveries, and a 74.4 PFF coverage grade, ranking him 12th among cornerbacks that year. His 6-2 frame and physicality suit Miami’s Cover 2 scheme, and he has experience with multiple teams (Philadelphia, Carolina, Green Bay, Buffalo). The Dolphins have maintained contact with Douglas, and he still seems to be the most likely signing. His recent struggles are a concern, but his proven track record and fit make him a strong candidate for a starting role. Douglas is frequently cited as a top target for Miami, with some projections including him in their 53-man roster.

Stephon Gilmore:

At 34, Gilmore is the oldest option, coming off a 2024 season with 15 starts for the Minnesota Vikings and a 94.1 passer rating against. While no longer in his prime, he remains a reliable veteran with 13 years of NFL experience, including a Defensive Player of the Year award in 2019. The Dolphins have shown interest, but his age and likely high salary demands make him a less appealing choice compared to younger or more affordable options. Gilmore could provide leadership and stability, but only at the right price. He’s a fallback option if other targets are unattainable.

Kendall Fuller:

Fuller, 30, was released by the Dolphins earlier in 2025 to save $2.7 million in cap space, a surprising move given his role as a 2024 starter. His inside-outside versatility, familiarity with Miami’s system, and solid 2024 performance make him an intriguing option for a return. Fuller’s release was not performance-related, per GM Chris Grier, and his experience (104 career starts) and leadership could stabilize the young cornerback room. While re-signing a recently cut player is uncommon, Fuller’s affordability and scheme fit make him a practical choice, especially with dwindling options. 

Xavien Howard:

Howard, a former Dolphins Pro Bowler, has been out of the NFL since 2023 due to a Lisfranc issue but has stayed in football shape. At 32, he offers familiarity with the organization and fanbase, with a solid 81.3 passer rating against in his last season (2023). His leadership and history as a franchise icon could boost morale, and a cheap, one-year deal minimizes risk. However, his year-long absence from competitive play raises questions about his current form, and the Dolphins’ prior decision to part ways suggests hesitation to rely on him as a starter. Howard is a sentimental but uncertain option compared to others with recent NFL experience.

Recommendation:

The Dolphins should prioritize Rasul Douglas for his proven track record, physical fit in their versatile defensive scheme, and ongoing dialogue with the team. His 2023 performance suggests he can be a reliable starter, despite a down year in 2024. If Douglas is unattainable, Asante Samuel Jr. offers the highest upside if cleared medically, given his youth, speed, and local ties. Kendall Fuller is a safe fallback due to his familiarity and versatility, while Mike Hilton could address the nickel role, allowing flexibility with Kohou. Stephon Gilmore and Xavien Howard are lower priorities due to age and uncertainty, respectively. With training camp looming, Miami must act quickly to secure at least one veteran starter to complement their young cornerbacks and maintain defensive stability.

The eve of Katie Taylor v. Amanda Serrano part three

/3 Comments/in , /by

Two of this generation’s fiercest warriors face off Friday at Madison Square Garden for the undisputed junior welterweight championship. It’s the main event of a loaded all-women’s card, which will be broadcast on Netflix, featuring four more championship fades. 

 

The first two bouts of this trilogy, at 135 pounds then at 140, could have gone either way, yet Taylor won both on the cards with split and unanimous decisions.

 

They were enthralling displays of speed, courage, and pain, leaving an everlasting mark on witnesses. This time, Serrano is the betting favorite, and Taylor says the former needs this fight more. 

 

The challenger proposed 12 three-minute rounds, but it made no sense for Taylor to agree when extra time per sequence could put her in more danger of Serrano’s devastating connections. Instead, it will be like the last two: 10, two-minute rounds.

 

The first fight was on April 30, 2022. Serrano had Taylor backpedaling and engaging in the middle, bloodying her nose in the fifth round as she unleashed all over the ring. The Irish champion took cruel punishment as she wobbled and saved herself from a knockdown with a clinch and from another in round 10.

 

Yet Taylor’s left hooks and blazing combinations peppered Serrano’s face, even as her balance staggered while still dazed in round six. She eventually returned the favor, drawing crimson streaks from her Puerto Rican foe’s face.  

 

The crowd roared with approval each time they abandoned their defense, viciously lashing at one another. The sequel, 930 days later, featured the same action.

 

On Nov. 15, Serrano stunned Taylor with a bruising left hand at the end of round one. Later a gross cut above the former’s eye from an accidental head butt in round four left her blind to combinations and left hands. Her coach accused Taylor of fighting dirty, saying, “That’s all she does.” The referee even called out Taylor at the start of round six, saying, “Watch the holding, you’re better than that,” and later sanctioned her hammerhead tactics with a point deduction in the eighth.

 

Taylor subsequently won most of the exchanges over the next two minutes but the final round’s brutality, as both fighters went for the kill, was one for the ages. 

 

Serrano said the world saw what happened at the April presser, perhaps implying some underhanded business despite her insistence that her comments didn’t equate to robbery.

 

On Wednesday, Serrano was asked if she would do something differently. She said, “I’m going to use my head, but not the way it was used on me…” She added that she wants to fight smarter and insists she didn’t lose the last fight. 

 

Taylor and Serrano’s legacies are bound like the spine of a book to its pages. A third fight like the first two would cement this trilogy as one of history’s best. Taylor said the upcoming date is the “proudest moment of my career.” Piling on to what makes this event special is that it could be a wrap for either of them, as Taylor cemented herself as a legend of the amateur ranks with two division championships as a pro, and Serrano was the top dog across seven weight classes.

 

When they were brought together for a final face-off at the end of Wednesday’s presser, both stared coldly into the other’s eyes. This is the first time MSG will headline an all-women’s card, and hopefully, after Friday’s legendary clash, many more. 

 

Junk has been showing his stuff for the Marlins

/0 Comments/in , /by

CINCINNATI, Ohio – Over 20,000 people have played in a Major League Baseball game. Every single one of their journeys is different, and Marlins starting pitcher Janson Junk’s is no exception. 

 

From Federal Way, Washington, and a former Seattle University player, Junk was drafted by the Yankees in the 22nd round of the 2017 MLB Draft–a round that no longer exists. It was the first step that shaped an underdog journey for Junk

 

“I’ve always had something to prove,” Junk told 5RSN. “I’m thankful the Yankees took me because they did teach me a lot.”

 

There’s a lot of growth that comes with jumping from the amateurs to the professional level, and Junk says the Yankees taught him a lot on how to evaluate himself from an analytical standpoint.

 

“College was more motivational, building that competitive nature. When I got to the bigs, analytics were getting really big, so it was good to see that my stuff was actually good.”

 

The first time Junk had to face adversity in his professional career was during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Minor League Baseball canceled its season. Teams began setting up alternate sites near their ballpark, where top prospects and other minor leaguers could stay fresh and be ready in case of a COVID-19 breakout amongst the big league team. Junk wasn’t invited, so he stayed back with his trainer, Kyle Rogers, in Washington to stay ready for the 2021 season.

 

Once 2021 rolled around and Minor League Baseball returned, Junk made his largest stride to that point with the help of an influential coach. “Daniel Vazquez was my pitching coach in AA at the beginning of the year; he’s one of the most influential, smart, relatable, good humans,” Junk said. “He’s just fun to be around and have as your pitching coach, and he helped me along the way that year, and luckily I had probably my best year.”

 

Junk pitched well enough that the Los Angeles Angels made sure he was in the trade package for Andrew Heaney, as Junk moved organizations for the first time in his career. After one month at AA-Rocket City, the day had finally come–Junk was a Major Leaguer. On September 3rd, 2021, Junk got the call. However, it wouldn’t last long, as Junk was optioned to AAA-Salt Lake City just mere weeks later. It was the start of a series of options back and forth between AAA and MLB, as Junk would be sent between the two levels a grand total of five times between 2021 and 2022.

 

“It was naive thinking that once you get there, you’re gonna stay there forever. It’s a typical saying that it’s easy to get there but harder to stay,” Junk said. “I had a lot of pressure in moments where I thought if I don’t perform well, I’m gonna get sent back down, then it’s like, what more can I do?”

 

After a year and a half in the Angels’ organization, Junk was traded to Milwaukee in October 2022 as part of a package for Hunter Renfroe. 2023 was more of the same for Junk, getting sent between AAA and Milwaukee, but 2024 presented a new challenge–getting moved to the bullpen.

 

“I enjoyed my time in Milwaukee; they were good to me, but I felt like I never got a good opportunity to show myself before I got moved to the bullpen,” Junk said.

 

After burning through all of Junk’s minor league options, the Brewers designated him for assignment right before the 2024 trade deadline. This would be a series of DFAs for Junk, which he called the roughest two months of his career. 

 

Now, in 2025, it seems like Junk has finally found stability with the Marlins. After moving from the bullpen back into a starting role, he leads the team in pitching WAR and is on the heels of back-to-back dominating outings, allowing two or fewer earned runs. 

 

There’s been a variety of reasons why Junk’s been able to have success with the Marlins, but his living situation is the most ideal it’s been since entering the big leagues.

 

“I really value my personal space and having my own space off the field…I have my wife (in Miami) living with me, which is our first year doing that, so it’s been a pleasure to have her support,” Junk said.

 

The new-era Marlins have caught the league’s attention over the past couple of weeks, having sported a 19-11 record over their last 30 games entering Wednesday’s contest. The new winning culture that’s been brought into the clubhouse has affected Junk in a positive manner, to no one’s surprise.

 

“It’s a great group of young, hungry guys that just mesh really well from position players, to the bullpen, to the coaching staff, it all just intertwines so well,” Junk said.

 

Junk’s 2025 season has been nothing short of impressive, as he sports a 3.12 ERA and 2.00 FIP between five bullpen appearances and four starts since his callup in May. With the Marlins surprisingly finding themselves in the mix for a Wild Card spot in July, Junk will be looked upon to lead the way for this rotation.