Latest news with #PED
Newsweek
8 hours ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Phillies Predicted To Demote Young Pitcher When Jose Alvarado Returns
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The entire Philadelphia Phillies season was flipped on its head earlier in the year when closer Jose Alvarado was suspended for 80 games and the postseason following a failed drug test. The Phillies responded by trading for closer Jhoan Duran to take Alvarado's place, but now, the star lefty is nearing a big league return. FanSided's Zachary Rotman recently suggested the Phillies could option Max Lazar to Triple-A when Alvarado returns from suspension in the near future. ARLINGTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 08: Max Lazar #60 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches during the ninth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field on August 08, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. ARLINGTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 08: Max Lazar #60 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches during the ninth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field on August 08, 2025 in Arlington, Texas."All of a sudden, the Phillies' bullpen has gone from a weakness to a potential strength. Jose Alvarado's return from the restricted list is bound to only make that strength even stronger," Rotman wrote. "Alvarado won't be on the team's postseason roster, and there are questions about how he'll perform after his PED suspension, but he'll get a chance to pitch down the stretch for the Phillies regardless, forcing Philadelphia to send someone down. Max Lazar is an easy candidate to be that guy. "Lazar is one of four Phillies relievers who can be optioned, and Philadelphia won't be demoting any of Jhoan Duran, Orion Kerkering or Tanner Banks to make room for Alvarado. Sending him down is the easiest and most logical move they can make when Alvarado is ready to go on August 19." Lazar is the obvious move to make when Alvarado returns. The righty isn't going to win the World Series for the Phillies, and he has options left on his contract. He's a solid innings-eater with a bright future in the big leagues, but the Phillies need as many high-leverage arms as possible in their bullpen. Lazar doesn't fit that mold as of now. It should be expected, barring an unforeseen injury, that Lazar ends the season in Triple-A. More MLB: Yankees Aaron Boone Provides Critical Aaron Judge Injury Update
1News
06-08-2025
- Automotive
- 1News
Govt on next steps to replacing fuel tax with road user charges
Cabinet has agreed on a set of changes as it looks to roll out electronic road user charges to all light vehicles as it seeks to replace petrol tax. A replacement of fuel excise taxes in favour of electronic road user charging is part of National's coalition agreement with ACT. Currently New Zealanders help pay for the roads via their vehicle licence (or 'rego') fee, road user charges (RUC) and the petrol excise duty (PED). Minister of Transport Chris Bishop said the transition will ensure all vehicles pay based on actual road use (including weight) regardless of fuel type. "Right now, New Zealanders pay Fuel Excise Duty (FED, or petrol tax) of about 70c per litre of petrol every time they fill up at the pump with a petrol car. ADVERTISEMENT "Diesel, electric, and heavy vehicles pay road user charges based on distance travelled." Bishop said as hybrid and petrol efficient vehicles become more common, the way New Zealand funds its roads needed to change. He said in 2015, there were 12,000 hybrid vehicles in the country, whereas now, there are over 350,000. "For decades, petrol tax has acted as a rough proxy for road use, but the relationship between petrol consumption and road usage is fast breaking down. Minister of Transport Chris Bishop. (Source: Q and A) "For example, petrol vehicles with better fuel economy contribute less FED per kilometre towards road maintenance, operations, and improvements. "As our vehicle fleet changes, so too must the way we fund our roads. It isn't fair to have Kiwis who drive less and who can't afford a fuel-efficient car paying more than people who can afford one and drive more often." ADVERTISEMENT Timeline Bishop said the transition will happen in stages, beginning with legislative and regulatory reform to modernise the current road user charges system and enable private sector innovation. "The current road user charges system is outdated. It's largely paper based, means people have to constantly monitor their odometers, and requires people to buy road user charges in 1000km chunks." Bishop said he expects to pass legislation in 2026, followed by an updated code of practice for road user charge providers and an upgrade in systems for both New Zealand Transport Agency and police. "By 2027, the RUC system will be 'open for business', with third-party providers able to offer innovative payment services and a consistent approval process in place. "At this stage, no date has been set for the full transition of the light vehicle fleet. That's a deliberate choice, as we're focused on getting the system right rather than rushing its rollout." The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, new report into submersible implosion, body found in Auckland park, and mixed injury news for the Warriors. (Source: 1News) ADVERTISEMENT Key legislative changes the Government is progressing include: Removing the requirement to carry or display road user charge licences, allowing for digital records instead. Enabling the use of a broader range of electronic road user charge devices, including those already built into many modern vehicles. Supporting flexible payment models such as post-pay and monthly billing. Separating NZTA's roles as both road user charge regulator and retailer to foster fairer competition. Allowing bundling of other road charges like tolls and time of used based pricing into a single, easy payment. "The changes will support a more user-friendly, technology-enabled RUC system, with multiple retail options available for motorists," Bishop said. "Eventually, paying for RUC should be like paying a power bill online, or a Netflix subscription. Simple and easy." Who currently pays road user charges? Vehicles that weigh more than 3500kg pay RUC. Lighter vehicles also pay RUC if they are powered by diesel, electricity or another fuel that isn't taxed at its source. ADVERTISEMENT Light electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids began paying road user charges last year. EVs that weigh more than 3500kg are still exempt from paying RUC, but will start paying them after December 31, 2025. 'Fairer and more efficient' - Motor Industry Association Motor Industry Association chief executive Aimee Wiley is supportive of the Government's plan, which she said will make for "efficient administration and compliance". "Converting the whole fleet to road user charges will be a major undertaking, and we will gain nothing if we do not make use of the latest technology to manage the system digitally and in real time. It'll make compliance much easier and administration less expensive." She said it is the "correct approach" to determine the technology platform for the new system before deciding the approach and timeframe for the transition. Overall, the association, which represents manufacturers and suppliers of new vehicles to New Zealand, said the move "places all vehicles on the same footing, making the system fairer and more efficient".
Newsweek
06-08-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
Jurickson Profar Contract Could be 'Worst Signing in Braves History'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Jurickson Profar has been a disappointment this season to say the least. Suspension aside, he's played 27 games for the Atlanta Braves and posted a 101 OPS+ through 127 at-bats. Eric Cole from House That Hank Built believes this could end up being one of the worst contracts in Braves history. "Profar's suspension alone is enough to consider signing him a mistake," Cole wrote. "However, when you take that in combination with some truly troubling trends with his batted ball metrics, you have the recipe for a deal that could go down as one of the worst in Braves history." CINCINNATI, OHIO - JULY 31: Jurickson Profar #7 of the Atlanta Braves in action during the game against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on July 31, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio. CINCINNATI, OHIO - JULY 31: Jurickson Profar #7 of the Atlanta Braves in action during the game against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on July 31, 2025 in Cincinnati, hard to pay someone $42 million over three years and watch them sit out for 80 games of the first year. While Profar isn't exactly lighting it up at the plate, he's producing league-average numbers. However, the Braves didn't shell out $42 million for league average. "It is easy to think that the reason for Profar's regression is because he is no longer on the juice," wrote Cole. "However, with his chronic knee issues and at his age, it is just possible that the Braves bought him past his prime. Bad deals like the ones handed out to BJ Upton and Derek Lowe ended up being disappointing, but between the $15 million a year he is making, how not tradable he is likely to be, and the the PED suspension, it is looking more and more like Profar is going to go down as what the Braves' worst signings of all time and could be even worse those deals before it is all said and done." It may be too soon to put this one in the category of worst trades in team history, but Profar certainly has a long way to go before he can prove to the fans and organization his contract was justified. More MLB: Phillies Players Admit New Closer Jhoan Duran Makes Their Jobs Much Easier
Washington Post
05-08-2025
- Sport
- Washington Post
Phillies' reliever Alvarado rejoins team following PED ban, will be eligible later this month
PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia Phillies reliever José Alvarado has rejoined the team following an 80-game suspension for violating baseball's performance-enhancing drugs policy. Alvarado was back in Philadelphia before Tuesday night's home game against Baltimore and is expected to begin a minor league rehab assignment soon. The Venezuelan left-hander is eligible to return to the big leagues on Aug. 19, but can't pitch in the postseason if the Phillies qualify due to Major League Baseball rules on PED bans.
Yahoo
05-08-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Phillies' reliever Alvarado rejoins team following PED ban, will be eligible later this month
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Philadelphia Phillies reliever José Alvarado has rejoined the team following an 80-game suspension for violating baseball's performance-enhancing drugs policy. Alvarado was back in Philadelphia before Tuesday night's home game against Baltimore and is expected to begin a minor league rehab assignment soon. The Venezuelan left-hander is eligible to return to the big leagues on Aug. 19, but can't pitch in the postseason if the Phillies qualify due to Major League Baseball rules on PED bans. Philadelphia led the NL East by 1 1/2 games over the New York Mets heading into Tuesday's games. 'I am fully aware that using prohibited substances is wrong and I would never intend to do so because I have always had great respect for the game, my organization, my teammates and the fans, all of whom I want to offer my sincere apologies,' Alvarado posted on Instagram. "I made a mistake and therefore, I have faced the consequences set forth by MLB. Going forward, my focus is on working hard to help the team win.' Alvarado was suspended on May 18 following a positive test for an external testosterone. Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said the positive test was caused by a weight loss drug Alvarado took during the offseason. The Phillies used several players in the closer role after Alvarado's suspension before acquiring Jhoan Duran in a trade with Minnesota for two top prospects last week. Alvarado had a 2.70 ERA, 25 strikeouts and seven saves in 20 appearances before the suspension. The 30-year-old will lose $4.5 million, half his $9 million salary this year as part of a $22 million, three-year contract he signed in 2023, as a result of the suspension. Alvarado is 19-26 with a 3.40 ERA in 399 relief appearances and one start over nine major league seasons with Tampa Bay (2017-20) and the Phillies (2021-25). He has 52 saves in 68 appearances and appeared in 21 postseason games over the last three seasons. ___ AP MLB:
