The Pulse Newsletter 
| This is The Athletic’s Daily Sports Newsletter
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Potent Brew: The Weirdest Best Team in Baseball
As we dive deeper into Major League Baseball’s regular season—now just six weeks and one day remaining—things are starting to take some unexpected turns. At the forefront of this rollercoaster ride is none other than the Milwaukee Brewers. Surprisingly, they’ve emerged as the winningest team in baseball, having just extended their remarkable winning streak to 13 games following a stunning comeback against Cincinnati. This substantial lead—six wins ahead of the Toronto Blue Jays—has left many scratching their heads.
A Season of Surprises
While Milwaukee’s competitive spirit isn’t entirely new, having made six postseason appearances in the last seven seasons, the how of their success this year is astonishing. Departures like Willy Adames, one of their top hitters, and elite closer Devin Williams—combined with a notably quiet offseason—led many to believe the team might fare poorly. Yet, here we are, witnessing a resurrection of sorts.
What’s the secret sauce? A couple of rookie hitters—28-year-old Isaac Collins and 25-year-old Caleb Durbin—have emerged as unexpected stars, collectively generating nearly five Wins Above Replacement (WAR), according to FanGraphs. Then there’s the transformation of former White Sox player Andrew Vaughn, who has taken on a role reminiscent of powerhouse hitters like Aaron Judge since joining the Brewers.
Pitching and Defense: A Winning Combination
The Brewers’ success isn’t limited to offense. The pitching staff has several standout performances too. Take Jacob Misiorowski, who faced a tough outing in his return from injury but had a stellar run prior. Chad Patrick, who’s been the most valuable rookie pitcher in the National League, has yet to officially make his mark in the majors. And let’s not forget Trevor Megill, who has excelled in the closer role.
Adding to their competitive edge is a defense that has led MLB in fielding run value as of late. This delightful concoction of talent and strategy is seeing the Brewers not only exceed expectations but thrive in the competitive landscape of the NL Central, much to the dismay of rival teams like the Cubs, trailing nine games behind.
Other Teams: Roller Coaster Realities
The Dodgers: Looking Over Their Shoulders
This year has not been as smooth for the Los Angeles Dodgers, who find themselves in a precarious position, potentially losing their grip on the NL West. Currently trailing the San Diego Padres, who recently edged ahead in the standings, the Dodgers’ pitching staff face uncertainties. Can stars like Mookie Betts navigate a decline? The race remains close, keeping everyone on the edge of their seats.
Tigers in Trouble?
Meanwhile, the Detroit Tigers, once comfortably ahead in the AL Central by 14 games, now only hold a 7.5 game lead as they face pressure from the Cleveland Guardians, reminiscent of last year’s Tigers who made a late playoff surge. Are the Tigers in danger of losing their position as well?
Yankees in Dismay
Then there’s the fall of the New York Yankees, transitioning from favorites to a wildcard hunt. Dropping to 25th in ERA over the past month has raised alarms throughout Yankee Nation. Can they pull themselves back to glory? The clock is ticking.
News to Know
NCAA’s Actions on Michigan
In recent news, the NCAA imposed penalties on Michigan due to a sign-stealing scandal orchestrated by former staffer Connor Stalions. While coach Sherrone Moore received a one-game suspension and hefty fines were levied, the absence of a postseason ban has raised eyebrows. This decision appears to be a calculated move to avoid penalizing current student-athletes for past misdeeds.
Premier League’s New Season
Another thrilling match kicked off the EPL season as Liverpool and Bournemouth competed, briefly halted due to a report of racial abuse in the stands. Despite this, Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo turned his frustrations into motivation, netting two goals during the match.
More Quick Hits
- Orioles’ Brandon Young came tantalizingly close to a perfect game, heading into the eighth inning before an infield single ended his pursuit.
- Keep an eye on Terence Atmane, ranked 136, who shockingly found his way to the semifinals of the Cincinnati Open—an incredible story of perseverance and talent.
- American Coco Gauff faced an unexpected upset, getting knocked out in the quarterfinals by an underdog foe.
- In the world of soccer, fans await the return of Lionel Messi to Inter Miami after a two-week injury hiatus.
Watch Guide
Whether it’s EPL, NFL, or MLB, there’s plenty of action to tune into:
- EPL: Wolves vs. Manchester City at 12:30 pm ET on NBC
- NFL: Browns at Eagles at 1 pm ET on the NFL Network
- MLB: Yankees at Cardinals at 7:15 pm ET on Fox
Pulse Picks: Investigative Series on Sports Stalking
This week, The Athletic released a thought-provoking series on the rising issue of stalking in sports. Key pieces explore harrowing accounts from athletes and delve into the troubling dynamics that complicate the relationship between fandom and personal safety.
- Carson Kessler highlighted the chilling account of a young athlete impacted by obsession.
- Nathan Fenno illuminated NFL’s Aaron Donald’s experiences with a persistent stalker.
- Charlie Eccleshare recounted historical stalking cases in women’s tennis, showcasing the dark side of fame.
Dive into these impactful stories, particularly as awareness around such issues continues to grow.
This edition of The Pulse Newsletter focuses on the surprising successes, harsh realities, and essential narratives shaping today’s sports landscape—keeping you informed and engaged with the latest developments.