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Luis Garcia Jr. is an underrated part of the Washington Nationals elite offense

· Yahoo Sports

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JUNE 09: Luis García Jr. #2 of the Washington Nationals bats during the game between the Washington Nationals and the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Bryan Kennedy/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

We have talked a lot about the Nats offense this season, and for good reason. Between the star duo of James Wood and CJ Abrams, as well as supporting pieces like Curtis Mead, Jacob Young and Daylen Lile, the boys have gotten a lot of love here. However, one player I have not talked much about is Luis Garcia Jr., and I want to change that.

He has flown under the radar this year, but since the start of May, Garcia has been one of the Nats best run producers. Garcia has 29 RBI since the start of May, and 23 of those have come since May 24th. He always seems to come through with runners on base, and has been a great combination of contact and power in this Nats lineup.

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After a rough April, questions loomed about Garcia’s future with the team. Yohandy Morales and Abimelec Ortiz’s performances in AAA put the pressure on Garcia, who moved to first base this year. However, in May he hit .288 with an .818 OPS. In June, his average is only .222, but 7 of his 10 hits have been XBH, which is why he has an .833 OPS. 

At this point, we know who Luis Garcia Jr. is. He has a unique blend of contact skills and power. However, his awful approach prevents him from being a truly great hitter. That has remained the case this season, with Garcia chasing 42% of the time and walking just 3.4% of the time. Despite a solid .259 batting average, his OBP is just .283.

Just because he does not walk does not mean he is a bat hitter. Garcia still has an OPS in the mid .700’s and is on pace for 22 homers and over 100 RBI. The lack of plate discipline is quite frustrating, but that is just part of the package at this point. His ability to hit some of those bad balls makes it more palatable.

From a pure WAR perspective, Garcia is nothing special. He has 0.3 fWAR and 0.6 bWAR. His bat is slightly above average and he does not provide much value in the field or on the bases. However, his ability to drive in runners and be a presence around the Nats star duo does give him some value.

Another thing that Garcia has been doing to give him value comes off the field. When you are around the team, you can tell that Garcia is one of the leaders. Despite having just turned 26, Garcia is the longest tenured Nat and one of the veterans in the clubhouse. He debuted as a 20 year old back in 2020, so he has seen a lot in the league at this point.

One thing Garcia seems to do well is keep the guys loose. He always has a smile on his face, and is one of those guys that realizes baseball should be fun. Garcia is always chatting at the end of the bench and is the ringleader in the Nats new sunflower seed home run celebration.

While the leadership is great, you do need to provide value on the field. The best way Garcia does this is by driving in runs. He has been money in big moments. With the bases loaded, Garcia Jr. is 7/12 this season with 18 RBI. His average with RISP is all the way up at .317.

Garcia does not try to do too much with runners in scoring position. Rather, he just wants to get the bat on the ball and find green grass. He only has one homer with RISP, but he always seems to come through with that RBI single that scores two runners. That is exactly what he did last night.

I am still not sure if Garcia is in the Nats long term plans. His lack of plate discipline or defense really cuts into his value. However, he has been a solid ball player this year, especially since the start of May, where he has an .823 OPS. Garcia hits the ball very hard and makes a ton of contact. Even with his warts, there is value in that profile, especially with runners in scoring position.

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Panthers part ways with TE on Monday

· Yahoo Sports

The Carolina Panthers parted ways with a tight end on Monday.

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Per Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer, the team has waived Bryce Pierre. The 25-year-old had been placed on injured reserve during the offseason program.

A Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. native, Pierre split his collegiate career between Arizona State (2022 to 2023) and UCLA (2024). Over 23 games, he recorded 28 catches for 233 yards.

Pierre went on to sign with the Panthers as an undrafted free agent in 2025. He would go on to appear in all three of Carolina's preseason games that summer, totaling two receptions for 14 yards, and stick on as a member of the practice squad throughout the regular season.

With Pierre's departure, the Panthers are now down to five tight ends on their active roster—Tommy Tremble, Ja'Tavion Sanders, Mitchell Evans, Feleipe Franks and James Mitchell.

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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers roster moves: Panthers waive TE Bryce Pierre

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Ilia Topuria breaks silence following upset loss at UFC Freedom 250

· Yahoo Sports

Ilia Topuria has released a statement in the wake of his defeat to Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250.

'El Matador' plays a risky game with the confidence he exudes in the build-up to each of his fights, and it all caught up to him under the lights at the White House. Despite the loss, the Georgian showed some signs of promise throughout the fight, landing his trademark bombs inside the octagon and was likely moments away from victory on several occasions.

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However, it was Justin Gaethje who walked away with the corner stoppage victory, earning undisputed UFC gold at the ripe age of 38. For the first time since losing his title, undefeated record, and pound-for-pound status, Ilia Topuria has broken his silence. Topuria shared his immediate thoughts on social media, saying:

"Justin, congratulations," Topuria said in his first statement post-UFC Freedom 250. "You said you'd leave your mark on my face... and you did."

"You took the sight from my right eye in the first round, and by the end of the second, from my left too."

Despite fighting through drama in his personal life and sinking to his first loss in combat sports when the stakes were at their highest, Ilia Topuria isn't making excuses.

Topuria refused to blame external factors for his performance, instead giving Justin Gaethje his flowers.

"No excuses," Topuria continued. "I had one of the best camps of my life. I came in sharp, prepared, and ready. Last night was your night."

"That's the nature of this game. Glory and pain walk side by side."

As every true champion with high expectations does, Topuria has now set his sights on his imminent recovery and eventual return. If the stars align, the former champion would relish the chance to collide with Justin Gaethje a second time.

"I'll heal. I'll rest. And I'll return stronger, wiser, and far more dangerous," Topuria stated. "And trust me... this story between us is far from over. We will have our rematch."

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