Building Diamondbacks' Eduardo Rodriguez a Sturdy All-Star Case
Building Diamondbacks' Eduardo Rodriguez a Sturdy All-Star Case
Why Eduardo Rodriguez deserves the All-Star honor.Alex D'Agostino|
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Arizona DiamondbacksIf one were to examine the list of pitchers available to the Arizona Diamondbacks ahead of the 2026 season, Eduardo Rodriguez would not have been high on the list of potential All-Stars.
And yet, on June 30, Rodriguez might have the strongest All-Star case of any member of the pitching staff.
Diamondbacks' Eduardo Rodriguez deserves All-Star nod
There were signs that Rodriguez might present an upgraded version of himself this season, after back-to-back campaigns of 5.00-plus ERAs. He's healthier; he shed significant weight ahead of spring training; and he led Team Venezuela to its first World Baseball Classic title.
But to expect an ERA of 2.21 through his first 17 starts (102 innings) would have felt rash. But here he is, wearing the transitory ace crown for a decimated starting rotation and playing stopper in the midst of a team-wide slump.
The case has never been stronger.
"He got my vote," manager Torey Lovullo said of Rodriguez, when asked if he felt the left-hander deserved a bid.
"E-Rod has done everything he possibly can to deserve very strong consideration in my eyes. ... So we'll see what happens. It's out of our hands. We vote, the fans vote, and then Major League Baseball makes the decisions."
Rodriguez's ERA is not the best in a loaded National League, but it does rank fourth among qualified National League hurlers, trailing only Jacob Misiorowski, Chris Sale and Christopher Sanchez — three aces whose company is envied by all.
Rodriguez has the second-best batting average against (.219) among those four arms, and has thrown the second-most innings.
Though pitcher wins are not the stat they once were, he's been responsible for seven D-backs victories directly, and his seven-inning, one-run affair on Monday night was the sixth such time he's pitched seven-plus innings with one or fewer runs this season.
Teammate Geraldo Perdomo has no doubts about Rodriguez's All-Star case.
"For sure, definitely [he deserves it]. ... He deserves to be there for sure. He's one of the best pitchers in baseball so far this season so 100% he deserves to be there," Perdomo said.
"I think it's going to be the first time he's going to be in the All-Star game too. They haven't announced it yet, but I'm pretty sure he's going to be there so I'm happy for him."
Rodriguez himself isn't too worried about the accolades. He's just looking to go out and continue posting positive results.
"We ended up winning the game. I'm not really thinking about that. If it happens, it happens. For me, just go out there and try to help the team to win the game," he said.
"It would mean a lot... But right now I'm just thinking I'll go out there and make good pitches and keep winning games."
Granted, the National League has its fair share of prominent pitchers. After all, there are nine starting pitchers with ERAs in the 2.00s, several of whom have better peripherals than Rodriguez.
But every team needs All-Star representation, and although Corbin Carroll certainly deserves consideration, Rodriguez has been the most impactful member of Arizona's pitching staff this season. Only reliever Taylor Clarke has a better ERA (2.04), and non-closer relief pitchers tend to face an even tougher path to All-Star selections.
As it stands, it seems most likely Rodriguez will hear his name called, barring a disastrous next outing.
"He's a great guy, he's a great pitcher. He deserves the season we've had him so far," Perdomo said. "He's a great human being, the way he handles everything here in the clubhouse is amazing and I'm happy for him."
Published 7 minutes ago
ALEX D'AGOSTINOAn Arizona native, Alex D'Agostino is the Publisher and credentialed reporter for Arizona Diamondbacks On SI. He previously served as Deputy Editor for Arizona Diamondbacks and Arizona Cardinals On SI and covered both teams for FanSided. Alex also writes for PHNX Sports. Follow Alex on X/Twitter @AlexDagAZ.
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The Healthspan Revolution: How Science-Backed Branding is Transforming the Longevity Market
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By LA Times Studios Staff Contact June 30, 2026 1:59 PM PT - Click here to listen to this article
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As the wellness industry shifts its focus from merely extending lifespan to optimizing the quality of those years, a major consumer revolution is taking root. At a recent panel discussion, industry leaders mapped out the future of aging, highlighting how cutting-edge cellular science is moving out of specialized biotech labs and straight into the mainstream consumer market.
Anna Magzanyan, President of LA Times Studios and Nant Games, opened the session by highlighting a fundamental shift in modern wellness tracking. For decades, the industry was obsessed with basic lifespan, but today’s market demands a more vibrant, holistic approach to aging.
“Today I feel like the consumer is flipping the script a little bit,” Magzanyan observed. “They want a healthy life. They want to have the ability to live better, have more energy, mental clarity, vitality throughout the years. Longevity isn’t a futuristic concept, but it’s like the next major, I would say, consumer revolution.”At the center of this movement is NAD+, a critical cellular molecule rapidly gaining mainstream traction. However, in an increasingly crowded and noisy wellness marketplace filled with quick-fix social media trends, cutting through the hype requires strict adherence to scientific truth.
Understanding NAD+ and Cellular Health
To unpack the underlying science of aging, Magzanyan welcomed Mona Rosene, Global Director of Medical and Science Affairs at Niagara Bioscience. Rosene explained that the corporate buzzword of longevity needs to be reframed around “healthspan”—adding quality to years rather than simply extending a baseline timeline.
Rosene delivered an essential primer on NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), a crucial molecule found in every cell of the human body that serves two primary functions: ATP energy production and DNA repair. However, our natural supply steeply declines over time.
“NAD will fall, and it falls roughly 65% between 30 and 70,” Rosene warned. When levels drop due to a combination of natural aging and metabolic stressors—such as alcohol consumption, sun exposure, poor diet, overtraining, or travel-induced dehydration—cells can no longer function optimally. To combat this decline, Rosene’s company utilizes Naogaon, an NAD precursor and form of vitamin B3 that serves as a natural building block to natively restore cellular energy.
Cutting Through the Noise with Unbiased Science
With countless longevity brands surfacing on platforms like TikTok, building long-term consumer trust is a major hurdle. Rosene revealed that Niagara Bioscience differentiates itself and outperforms larger supplement players by prioritizing peer-reviewed data over shallow marketing.
- Scientific Transparency: The company backs its ingredients with an external research program spanning over 200 studies, including 45 human trials and over 60 patents.
- Unbiased Publication: “We lead with science,” Rosene stated. “We make sure that it’s unbiased. It’s published regardless of the outcome. So you’ll always see both sides of the story. And by doing that, that builds credibility.”
- Managing Inflammation: Rosene highlighted seven distinct studies proving their product decreases inflammatory markers, helping manage chronic baseline issues before they cause tissue damage.
The Next Frontier: Injections and Skincare
Looking ahead, Niagara Bioscience is actively expanding its portfolio to address how internal aging manifests externally. The company recently launched Nitrogen Plus, a pharma-grade option designed for IVs and injections, alongside Naija Nano Cloud, a specialized skin brand utilizing protected, water-soluble pillows to target fine lines, hydration, and skin texture.
When asked who the ideal audience is for NAD+ supplementation, Rosene suggested starting around age 30, depending heavily on an individual’s lifestyle stressors and activity levels. For those wondering if they have waited too long to begin protecting their cellular health, Rosene offered a reassuring takeaway: “No, better late than never.”
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Nebraska Running Back Mekhi Nelson Arrested on Allegations of Battery Involving Pregnant Girlfriend
Nebraska Running Back Mekhi Nelson Arrested on Allegations of Battery Involving Pregnant Girlfriend
Nebraska running back Mekhi Nelson was arrested in Key West, Florida, on Monday, after allegedly getting into an altercation with his pregnant girlfriend.
The Cornhuskers’ running back was arrested around noon and has been accused of aggravated battery involving a pregnant woman.
Both Nelson and his girlfriend gave responding officers differing versions of what had transpired between them. A
According to the woman, Nelson became agitated by how long she was taking to get ready, which led to an argument. As the dispute grew in intensity, she claims, she locked Nelson out of the room but eventually let him back in once she became concerned about how his shouting and banging on the door would be received by other guests at the resort.However, Nelson, she claims, became even angrier once inside the room, especially when she attempted to call her mother. The woman claims he grabbed the phone and flung it across the room. She further claims that Nelson tore her bathing suit and scratched her belly.
Nelson countered, telling officers that the argument had arisen over how another man, with whom his girlfriend also has a child, was talking to her. He also explained how he has anger problems that “flare up” when the subject of the other man’s behavior comes up.
The University of Nebraska says it is aware of the incident but has offered no further comment.“The Nebraska Athletic Department and football program are aware of the arrest of Mekhi Nelson in Florida. We have no further comment at this time,” the school wrote via KOLN.
Nelson tallied 147 yards and 102 receiving yards, along with two touchdowns in 2025.
The Voice in further chaos as Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones 'quit'
McFly's double act Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones have quit The Voice despite bosses desperate to keep them on for series 15, according to reports.
The 14th series of The Voice UK has been delayed multiple times, after the first part of the series - the auditions - were filmed in 2024.
ITV producers then faced the headache that could be an awkward primetime TV clash if it was to air this autumn as host Emma Willis would go head to head with herself on rival networks.
The presenter, 50, is set to host Strictly Come Dancing, after Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman stepped down last year.
Tom and Danny joined Will.i.am, Kelly Rowland and Tom Jones on the judging panel but now a TV insider has said talks to finalise a future line-up remain ongoing.
McFly's double act Tom Fletcher and Danny Jones have quit The Voice, according to reports
'Tom and Danny loved their time on the show, but a full series is a huge commitment,' a source told The Sun.
'Tom is back and forth from New York, working on taking Paddington: The Musical over there from London’s West End and he’s also in and out of the studio writing the eighth McFly album with Danny. As much as they would have liked to return to The Voice, sadly it’s impossible.'
The insider added filming is due to resume this autumn, but it is still unclear whether Emma will be returning to her hosting role.
The Daily Mail has contacted ITV and McFly's representatives for comment.
The Voice last aired in 2023 and Danny and Tom Fletcher led their act, Ava Manning, to victory.
The singer secured a Universal record deal, £50,000 in prize money, and a luxury holiday to Universal Resort in Orlando.
ITV have had a huge shake-up with their programme schedule with Celebrity Big Brother reportedly being axed.
The broadcaster had rested the star-studded reality show, hosted by AJ Odudu and Will Best, for 2026 with tentative plans to move it to ITV2 in 2027.
But now latest reports suggest it has been shelved completely due to the challenge of securing the right calibre of celebrities - who are all said to be picking Celebrity Traitors over the reality show.
ITV producers then faced the headache that there will an awkward primetime TV clash if it was to air this autumn as host Emma Willis could end up going head to head with herself
ITV have had a huge shake-up with their programme schedule with Celebrity Big Brother reportedly being axed (pictured presenters AJ Odudu and Will Best)
Celebrity Big Brother launched in 2001 as a brief, one-time spin-off for charity but the show's success saw 24 series air over the last two and a half decades, across three television broadcasters.
An insider told The Sun: 'Bosses face a huge challenge trying to sign up celebrities because so many of them are now pressing their agents to get them on The Celebrity Traitors.
'That is already causing problems for other big shows, like Strictly and I'm A Celebrity, which rely on star contestants because they now find themselves as second in the pecking order.
'So that is an even greater issue for a show like Celebrity Big Brother because now it's on ITV, it needs a certain calibre of contestant which are very hard to sign up now.
'ITV are already having to find two lots of stars to compete on I'm A Celebrity this autumn as well as its spin off show, The Wild Frontier, which is expected to air in early 2027 – which is exactly the same time ITV were hoping to drop the new series of CBB.'
But an ITV spokesperson told the Daily Mail: 'Big Brother returns to ITVX and ITV2 later this year. No decisions have been made for 2027 as yet.'
