Arsenal struck first in the opening stages when Kai Havertz, who joined Cristiano Ronaldo on a historic UCL list with his goal against PSG, found the back of the net to give the Premier League champions a 1-0 lead. PSG responded in the second half as Ousmane Dembele, who boosted his Ballon d’Or chances, calmly converted a penalty in the 65th minute, leveling the match and setting up a tense finish between two of Europe’s top clubs.

With neither team able to find a winner during extra time, the final was decided from the penalty spot. Gonçalo Ramos, Desire Doue, Achraf Hakimi, and Lucas Beraldo all converted their attempts for PSG, while Arsenal saw Eberechi Eze and Gabriel miss crucial penalties. Gabriel’s decisive miss sailed over the crossbar, sending the French side into celebration as PSG secured a 4-3 shootout victory.

The triumph further strengthens PSG’s place among Europe’s elite and marks another milestone in the club’s modern era. After years of chasing continental glory, the Parisian giants have now established themselves as back-to-back Champions League winners, while Arsenal‘s wait for a first European Cup title continues despite an outstanding campaign.

“He’s really become a pitcher and he’s able to get you out in different ways,” Boone said after the game, according to MLB.com. “He doesn’t have to overwhelm you with stuff on a given night. It took him a minute tonight, but he found it and settled in.”

Rodon’s outing helped extend New York’s winning streak to five games and marked the sixth consecutive quality start by a Yankees pitcher. The veteran lowered his ERA to 3.32 while continuing to establish himself as a key part of a rotation that has been among the best in baseball over the past week, even as Boone recently shared concerning injury update on Max Fried.

Rodon settles in after rocky beginning

The night didn’t begin smoothly for Rodon. He surrendered a solo home run to Nick Kurtz in the first inning and faced additional trouble in both the second and third innings. At one point, Boone admitted he was unsure how long his starter would remain in the game.

However, Rodon gradually found his rhythm. “In the beginning, it wasn’t great, but there was a job to be done,” Rodon said. “It’s nice to pitch with a lead. This offense is pretty good. We go out there and attack the zone and let the defense do their job and win a lot of games.”

The left-hander completed six innings on 93 pitches, his longest start of the season since returning from offseason elbow surgery. He allowed only four hits while working efficiently through the middle innings and finishing his outing with three strikeouts.

Yankees rotation continues dominant stretch

While Rodon did not rely on his usual swing-and-miss stuff, he found success by pounding the strike zone and generating weak contact. He threw first-pitch strikes to 18 of the 22 batters he faced and induced nine ground-ball outs, showcasing another dimension of his game.

The outing was another sign of the Yankees’ recent dominance on the mound. Since Gerrit Cole‘s season debut on May 22, New York starters have produced six straight quality starts, helping the club build momentum as the summer months approach.

With both the lineup and rotation performing at a high level, New York appears to be hitting its stride. Rodon’s ability to adapt and succeed without relying solely on overpowering velocity offered another encouraging sign for a Yankees team that continues to strengthen its position among the American League contenders.

Across seven previous competitive meetings, Arsenal and PSG have each claimed two victories, while three matches ended in draws. Last season, PSG advanced past the Gunners in the semifinals, but Arsenal had previously earned a victory over the French side during the league phase, reinforcing how evenly matched these teams have been.

Arsenal could also join the exclusive list of unbeaten Champions League winners, adding even more weight to what is already a historic opportunity for Mikel Arteta’s squad.

The final also features two contrasting approaches. PSG arrive as reigning European champions under Luis Enrique, led by attacking stars such as Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Desire Doue. Arsenal, meanwhile, enter the match as Premier League champions after building one of the strongest defensive records in European soccer this season.

What happens if Arsenal beat PSG?

An Arsenal victory would crown the North London club as UEFA Champions League champions for the first time in club history. After already ending their long wait for a Premier League title, lifting Europe’s most prestigious trophy would complete a remarkable domestic and continental double for Arsenal.

Winning the Champions League would also secure Arsenal’s place in several major international competitions. The champions qualify for the UEFA Super Cup, the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, the FIFA Club World Cup, and the next edition of the UEFA Champions League.

What happens if Arsenal and PSG tie?

If the score is level after 90 minutes, the final doesn’t end in a draw. Instead, the match moves to extra time, consisting of two 15-minute periods. Should one team take the lead and remain ahead after the additional 30 minutes, that club would be declared champion.

If the score remains tied after overtime, the winner would be determined by a penalty shootout. The Champions League trophy must be awarded on the night, meaning there are no replays or shared titles.

What happens if Arsenal lose against PSG?

If Arsenal lose, PSG would successfully defend their UEFA Champions League crown and be officially crowned European champions once again, reinforcing their status as one of Europe’s dominant forces under Luis Enrique.

For Arsenal, defeat would mean finishing as runners‑up despite an outstanding season that included a Premier League title, echoing the disappointment of the 2006 Champions League final and delaying their pursuit of European soccer’s biggest prize.

“Canelo is a true competitor. It was great to see him last week. He’s excited. He’s excited to fight again,” Hearn said to Fight Hub TV. “And it’s a tough fight. It’s a tough fight to come back to. And by the way, if you are finished, you get beat in that fight.”

The comments stood out because much of the early reaction to the September 12 bout focused on whether Canelo should have pursued a bigger-name opponent.

The discussion also comes at a time when Canelo admitted frustration over missed Terence Crawford rematch, adding another layer to the scrutiny surrounding his late‑career decisions. Instead, Hearn believes Mbilli represents a legitimate threat, especially for a fighter entering the later stages of his career.

Mbilli continues earning respect before Canelo fight

Mbilli enters the fight unbeaten and widely recognized as one of the most aggressive pressure fighters in the super middleweight division. The Canadian-based contender has repeatedly argued that he presents a more dangerous challenge than several opponents Canelo has faced in recent years.

Hearn appeared to support that view while discussing the upcoming matchup, emphasizing that Mbilli’s style could create serious problems if Canelo is no longer performing at his peak level. “It’s a really good fight, and I’m looking forward to seeing Canelo back in the ring,” Hearn added.

Canelo remains motivated despite growing scrutiny

Canelo has dismissed suggestions that he is searching for easier fights following years of championship bouts across multiple weight divisions. The Mexican star recently described Mbilli as a champion-level opponent capable of delivering an entertaining fight for boxing fans.

If Canelo still has plenty left in the tank, he should handle the challenge. But if age and wear have finally started catching up to him, Mbilli may be the type of fighter capable of making that impossible to hide.

“We’re a big momentum-based team, and playing against the Padres for as long as I have, that’s part of the DNA here,” Buehler said, according to CBS 8 San Diego,while discussing the club’s recent stretch. “We catch momentum, have a good road trip, and hopefully do the same thing to them at their place.”

The Padres entered the week viewed as one of the biggest threats to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West standings, but the recent losing streak dropped them to third place in the division. Offensive inconsistency has continued to be a major issue throughout the season, especially during the sweep against Philadelphia.

Padres offense continues to search for consistency

Despite remaining competitive in the standings, San Diego’s offense has struggled to produce consistently. The Padres currently rank in the bottom half of MLB in both runs scored and slugging percentage, making it difficult for the team to capitalize on strong pitching performances.

Manager Craig Stammen recently defended hitting coach Steven Sousa Jr. while taking responsibility for the offensive issues himself. San Diego has struggled to sustain rallies during the recent skid, and several key hitters have yet to find prolonged rhythm at the plate.

Petco Park homestand could shift momentum for Padres

The Padres now head into an important homestand at Petco Park hoping to regain confidence before the division race begins to tighten further. Buehler’s comments reflected the belief inside the clubhouse that momentum still plays a major role in how the team performs over long stretches of the season.

With stars like Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado leading the lineup, San Diego still possesses enough talent to rebound quickly. However, the offense will need to improve if the Padres want to keep pace with the Dodgers and remain firmly in the playoff picture.

Brebbia, who previously pitched for the Atlanta Braves during the 2025 campaign, spent spring training with the Boston Red Sox before later joining the Minnesota Twins organization on a minor league deal. After exercising another opt-out clause following a difficult stretch at Triple-A St. Paul, the 35-year-old became available on the market.

The experienced right-hander posted a 6.20 ERA across 20 1/3 innings in Triple-A this season. Despite the rough overall numbers, Brebbia showed flashes early, allowing just one earned run with a 17-to-3 strikeout-to-walk ratio across his first 10 2/3 innings before struggling over his final appearances.

Rockies continue searching for bullpen stability

Colorado’s bullpen issues have become increasingly evident throughout the first two months of the season. The Rockies entered Thursday with a 4.51 bullpen ERA while sitting last in the NL West with a 20-37 record.

Injuries have also impacted the relief unit, with Jimmy Herget and Victor Vodnik both remaining on the injured list. Adding a veteran option like Brebbia gives the organization another experienced arm capable of potentially helping at the major league level later in the season.

Brebbia last appeared in the majors in 2025, splitting time between the Braves and the Detroit Tigers. He finished that season with a 7.71 ERA across 22 appearances.

Veteran reliever brings years of MLB experience

Across eight MLB seasons, Brebbia has pitched for the St. Louis Cardinals, San Francisco Giants, Chicago White Sox, Tigers, and Braves. During that span, he has recorded a career 4.04 ERA over 378 1/3 innings while establishing himself as a reliable middle-relief option for several playoff contenders.

Colorado now hopes a fresh opportunity and organizational change can help Brebbia rediscover consistency as the Rockies continue trying to reinforce an overworked bullpen.

According to The New York Post’s Jon Heyman, Holmes avoided surgery because the fracture didn’t involve displacement, allowing the injury to heal naturally. While the recovery process could take slightly longer without a procedure, the expectation is that Holmes could return to the Mets’ rotation in early August.

The injury occurred two weeks ago after Holmes was struck in the leg by a 111 mph comebacker off the bat of Yankees rookie Spencer Jones. Despite the scary moment, Holmes initially remained in the game after being checked by the training staff.

“We went out, checked him out, threw a couple pitches, was able to finish the inning, comes back in and he didn’t even give me a chance,” manager Carlos Mendoza said, according to NJ.com. “I’m good to go back out.”

Holmes emerged as Mets’ ace before injury

Holmes continued pitching after the line drive incident and faced seven additional batters before visibly showing discomfort during the fifth inning. Mendoza later explained that Holmes alerted the coaching staff once something no longer felt right. “He was like, ‘Yeah, something doesn’t feel right,’” Mendoza said. “And (then the) X-rays there shows the fracture.”

The diagnosis added another name to a growing list of injured Mets players during a difficult 2026 campaign. The organization has already dealt with injuries to key contributors including Lindor, Jorge Polanco, Luis Robert, and Kodai Senga.

Losing Holmes was particularly damaging because of the level he had reached this season. After transitioning into a larger role within the rotation, the right-hander posted a dominant 2.39 ERA with 45 strikeouts across 52 2/3 innings.

Mets continue battling through injury-filled season

The Mets have struggled to maintain consistency as injuries continue impacting both the lineup and pitching staff. Holmes’ absence forced additional pressure onto a rotation already dealing with uncertainty surrounding Senga and several bullpen arms.

Still, avoiding surgery represents a significant victory for New York considering the potential severity of the injury. A clean healing process could allow Holmes to return for the final stretch of the regular season and potentially contribute during a postseason push if the Mets remain in contention.

For now, the organization will continue monitoring Holmes’ recovery while hoping one of its most reliable pitchers can successfully return later this summer.

After allowing nine combined runs in his previous two starts, Skenes bounced back with another overpowering performance despite taking the loss. “That’s cool,” Skenes said according to MLB.com. “There’s a lot of baseball left.”

Following the game, the right-hander reacted calmly after learning he now owns the fourth-best ERA by any pitcher before turning 24 with at least 300 innings pitched, as manager Don Kelly recently reacted after Paul Skenes flirts with no-hitter.

The outing lowered Skenes’ ERA to 2.89 on the season while improving his career ERA to 2.12. The only pitchers ahead of him on the all-time list are names from baseball’s early decades, including Hall of Famer Babe Ruth.

Skenes dominates early against Cubs lineup

Skenes wasted little time establishing control against Chicago. The flamethrowing right-hander retired the first eight batters he faced and struck out seven of the first eight hitters, repeatedly generating swings and misses with his sweeper and overpowering fastball.

His seven strikeouts through the first three innings tied a career high, matching marks he previously reached during his rookie season. Skenes also continued his remarkable success in night games this season, entering Thursday with a 0.51 ERA under the lights compared to a much higher daytime ERA.

Despite allowing only three hits through four innings, Skenes admitted afterward that his pitch count climbed because of inconsistent command. “Coming out of the gate was pretty good,” Skenes said. “I think there were times throughout the game where it was kind of hit and miss, but for the most part found ways to get outs.”

Pirates continue searching for consistency behind Skenes

The Cubs finally broke through in the fourth inning after Michael Busch walked and Seiya Suzuki delivered an RBI bloop single to give Chicago a 1-0 lead. Skenes later ran into trouble again in the sixth inning before manager Don Kelly visited the mound with reliever Mason Montgomery warming in the bullpen.

Although Skenes exited after an infield error allowed another run to score, both sixth-inning runs were ruled unearned. Pittsburgh’s bullpen later surrendered additional insurance runs, including a two-run homer from Ian Happ, as the Pirates settled for a split in the four-game series against their NL Central rivals.

“I really enjoy being in those situations, and not to come through for the team there [in the first inning], it really stinks,” Alonso said after the game, according to reporter Luke Jones. “And then making a baserunning error like that in the eighth obviously stinks as well. Yeah, not a good one.”

The veteran slugger finished 1-for-4 in the series opener and was unable to capitalize in key scoring opportunities. Alonso’s baserunning mistake late in the game further compounded a difficult night for an Orioles offense that once again struggled to generate timely production.

Orioles continue searching for offensive consistency

Toronto struck first with a run in the third inning before Baltimore answered in the fourth to tie the game. However, the Blue Jays regained the lead in the eighth inning and held on through the ninth, handing the Orioles another close loss in a season filled with inconsistency.

Despite posting solid power numbers overall this year, Alonso has struggled to maintain offensive rhythm during recent games. The 30-year-old entered the matchup hitting .231 with 10 home runs, 33 RBIs, and a .740 OPS through 216 at-bats during the 2026 campaign.

Baltimore’s lineup has shown flashes throughout the season, but the club continues to search for sustained production against divisional opponents. The Orioles currently sit fourth in the AL East, trailing both Toronto and the New York Yankees in the standings.

Alonso looks to rebound as Orioles continue Blue Jays series

Alonso joined Baltimore this past offseason after spending the first seven years of his MLB career with the New York Mets, bringing veteran power and postseason experience to the Orioles’ lineup. While expectations remain high for the slugger, he acknowledged the need to improve in critical moments moving forward.

The Orioles will attempt to bounce back Friday night in Game 2 of their four-game series against Toronto. With the team continuing to fight to stay within reach in the AL East race, Baltimore will need more consistent production from the middle of its lineup, especially from players like Alonso.

Ireland had controlled long stretches of possession but struggled to break through until the second half, despite having taken an early lead in the 5th minute when captain Nathan Collins rose above everyone to score with a spectacular header.

The hosts continued to create chances, including a dangerous ball across goal from Collins that neither Troy Parrott nor James Abankwah could finish. Qatar, who had rotated heavily with four substitutions in the 78th minute, attempted to reorganize but were forced deeper as Ireland pushed for the winner.

The home side’s intensity grew in the final minutes as Ireland pushed to close out the match. Qatar’s late red card added a brief twist, but Ireland stayed composed to secure a deserved 1-0 win.

“In my opinion, it has nothing to do with him,” Stammen said about hitting coach Steven Sousa Jr., according to Marty Caswell of Foul Territory. “This is the Padres hitting. This is the Padres organization. How we go about taking at-bats, it’s on all of us, and more specifically on me.”

San Diego’s offensive numbers have fallen near the bottom of Major League Baseball despite the team holding a 31-24 record entering the weekend. The Padres currently rank tied for 25th in runs scored, 29th in slugging percentage, and sit last in MLB in both batting average and on-base percentage.

For San Diego, the one bit of relief comes off the field, as the club recently received a positive Joe Musgrove injury update, offering hope that pitching stability could help ease the pressure on a struggling lineup.

Padres offense continues difficult stretch

The Padres’ lineup has struggled to generate consistent production throughout the past week. Over their last six games, San Diego has scored only 14 total runs while posting a .190 team batting average and a .278 on-base percentage.

Much of the limited offensive production has come from Manny Machado, who has recorded two home runs and five RBIs during the stretch despite batting just .100. Meanwhile, Fernando Tatis Jr. has continued reaching base at a high rate, hitting .450 with a .560 on-base percentage over the last week, but the overall run production around him has remained limited.

The lack of offensive consistency has placed additional pressure on the Padres’ pitching staff as the team attempts to stay within striking distance of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West standings.

Padres look to rebound against Nationals

Despite the recent struggles, San Diego remains only 4.5 games behind Los Angeles in the division race and still has time to turn things around offensively before the summer stretch intensifies.

The Padres will have an opportunity to reset this weekend when they open a three-game series against the Washington Nationals, a team currently ranked 25th in Major League Baseball in team ERA.

For Stammen, however, the focus remains on improving the team’s overall approach at the plate rather than pointing blame elsewhere as the Padres attempt to snap out of their offensive slump.

The rookie outfielder entered the game stuck in a 1-for-20 slump before making an unexpected off-field adjustment earlier in the day. “I really haven’t been getting a ton of hits, so I just shaved it off and it worked,” Benge said after the game, according to SNY, referring to the decision to shave off his mustache before the series finale.

The 23-year-old responded with one of his most important performances of the season, coming through twice with two outs and two strikes. In the fifth inning, Benge fought back from an 0-2 count against Reds starter Andrew Abbott before lining a run-scoring single to center field. He added another RBI hit in the seventh inning to provide valuable insurance for New York.

Benge provides spark for struggling Mets lineup

Benge’s offensive breakout arrived at a crucial moment for a Mets team that had scored only six runs during its five-game losing streak entering Wednesday. Despite the recent struggles, the rookie has quietly enjoyed a productive month at the plate, batting .302 in May with six extra-base hits, 14 RBIs, and a .753 OPS.

The timely hitting helped New York finally generate offense after being held to two runs or fewer in six consecutive games. Benge’s ability to battle through difficult counts also stood out as the Mets searched for consistency throughout the lineup.

Meanwhile, Juan Soto continued his hot stretch with a first-inning home run off Abbott. The blast was Soto’s 12th homer of the season and his sixth over the last seven games. Eric Wagaman also contributed by recording his first hit with the Mets while homering in his first start for the club.

Mets bullpen helps secure key victory

New York relied heavily on its pitching staff to close out the win. Rookie Jonah Tong earned the victory after allowing just one unearned run across 3 2/3 innings despite issuing four walks.

Relievers Brooks Raley and Luke Weaver combined for 2 2/3 scoreless innings before Devin Williams escaped a bases-loaded jam in the ninth inning to secure his eighth save of the season.

For the Mets, Wednesday’s victory represented an important step forward after a difficult stretch, while Benge’s unusual pregame adjustment quickly became one of the team’s most talked-about storylines.

“It was incredible,” Sanchez said after the game, according to MLB.com. “It’s really special what we have here as a group, as an organization as a whole — the players, the staff, the medical staff. So it’s just really special to share things like this with this tremendous group that we have here.”

The left-hander extended his scoreless streak to 44 2/3 consecutive innings, surpassing Hall of Famer Grover Alexander for the longest scoreless streak by a Phillies pitcher since 1893.

The historic outing did not come without tense moments. Sanchez escaped multiple deep fly balls at Petco Park, including long drives from Gavin Sheets and Manny Machado that narrowly stayed inside the park. The streak officially became a franchise record when he retired Jackson Merrill to end the fourth inning.

Sanchez continues dominant run for Phillies

Sánchez’s scoreless streak dates back to the second inning of his April 30 start against the San Francisco Giants, and he has become one of baseball’s hottest pitchers during that span. The 2026 campaign has featured a dramatic turnaround for both Sanchez and the Phillies, who were struggling early in the season before finding momentum in recent weeks.

His streak now ranks among the longest single-season scoreless stretches in the Live Ball Era. Sanchez entered elite territory alongside legendary names such as Orel Hershiser, Don Drysdale, and Bob Gibson, while also producing one of the most dominant months by a starting pitcher in MLB history.

During May, Sanchez delivered one of the most dominant stretches of his career, throwing 39 innings with 45 strikeouts, just three walks, and no earned runs allowed. The Phillies starter combined elite command with swing‑and‑miss stuff, giving the club a steady, ace‑level presence in the rotation throughout the month.

Phillies rotation gaining momentum behind Sanchez

The Phillies continue to benefit from strong pitching performances across the roster, but Sanchez has become the centerpiece of the team’s recent surge. His latest outing helped Philadelphia secure another key victory while continuing to build confidence heading into the summer months.

Although Sanchez still trails Orel Hershiser’s all-time MLB record of 59 consecutive scoreless innings, the left-hander has already cemented his place in Phillies history. His next scheduled outing could move him even higher on the all-time leaderboard if the streak continues.

“It’s a bummer,” Roberts said, according to MLB.com. “He’s missed a lot of time and worked hard to get back, was in great shape, added that spark that we had hoped. I just feel bad for him because he wanted to be back with us and worked hard.”

Hernandez was diagnosed with a left oblique strain after appearing in just two games following his recovery from offseason elbow surgery. Roberts later revealed that an MRI showed a “significant tear,” and the Dodgers now expect the 34-year-old to miss approximately six to eight weeks.

Hernandez’s return ends almost immediately

Hernandez had just returned after missing the first 53 games of the season while recovering from left elbow surgery. The 34-year-old looked sharp immediately upon returning to the lineup, going 4-for-4 across his first two games, including a home run and two doubles against the Rockies.

However, Hernandez later admitted the injury actually began during batting practice before his season debut. The discomfort worsened during Tuesday’s game, especially while swinging and running the bases, forcing Hernandez to exit early despite his strong performance at the plate.

Dodgers turn to Alex Freeland amid injury setback

With Hernandez sidelined once again, the Dodgers recalled infielder Alex Freeland from Triple-A Oklahoma City to take his roster spot. Freeland is expected to receive opportunities at second base against right-handed pitching while the Dodgers continue adjusting their infield rotation.

Despite the frustration, the Dodgers remain hopeful Hernandez can recover fully and potentially return later this summer as the team continues its push toward another postseason run.

“Feeling good, cross off today, then get him into a rehab game fairly quickly,” Schneider said, according to The Athletic’s Mitch Bannon. “I just got to talk with him.”

Scherzer has been sidelined since late April while dealing with injuries to his right forearm and left ankle. Although the Blue Jays have not officially announced the date of his rehab debut, Schneider’s comments offered one of the most positive updates yet regarding the veteran’s recovery process.

Scherzer looking to bounce back after difficult start

Before landing on the injured list, Scherzer struggled through one of the toughest stretches of his career. Across five starts this season, the three-time Cy Young Award winner posted a 9.65 ERA and 1.607 WHIP with 10 strikeouts over 18.2 innings pitched.

Despite the rough numbers, there is still optimism that the 41-year-old can recover and stabilize Toronto’s rotation once healthy. Early-season statistics can often be misleading for pitchers returning from injuries or trying to regain rhythm, and Scherzer’s limited workload leaves room for improvement as the season progresses.

Blue Jays rotation continues adjusting without Scherzer

While Max Scherzer works toward his return, Toronto continues relying heavily on Kevin Gausman, Patrick Corbin, and Trey Yesavage in the starting rotation.

The situation became even more challenging after Dylan Cease was recently placed on the 15-day injured list, forcing Schneider and the coaching staff to adjust the remaining rotation spots. A healthy Scherzer could provide an important boost for a Blue Jays team trying to remain competitive as the season moves deeper into the summer.

Harris finished with four hits, including a two-run homer in the eighth inning that ultimately became the game-winning blast. The center fielder is now batting .304 with 12 home runs and an .865 OPS this season, continuing to establish himself as one of Atlanta’s most dangerous hitters.

Harris II stuns Braves with impressive home run

What made Harris’ home run especially remarkable was the location of the pitch. The blast traveled 423 feet to straightaway center field against a 91.5 mph changeup from Red Sox reliever Tayron Guerrero.

Harris later admitted he did not even care whether the pitch was technically a strike. “I just see ball, hit ball,” Harris said. “I didn’t really care if it was a strike or not. I was just trying to get a hit.”

Matt Olson breaks slump in Braves victory

While Harris delivered the highlight of the night, the Braves were also encouraged by Matt Olson snapping out of his recent slump with a two-run homer in the fifth inning. “Being able to contribute to helping the team win helps build some confidence for sure,” Olson said.

Recent concern had also surrounded Olson after he appeared uncomfortable following a swing earlier this month, but the slugger dismissed any idea that his elbow was affecting his performance.

“I did see all the hits on the board,” Boone said afterward, according to ESPN. “And I was like, ‘Man, you don’t see that very often.’” The Yankees finished with 24 hits and six home runs, marking their highest hit total since 2011.

More impressively, every player in New York’s starting lineup recorded at least two hits, the first time that has happened in franchise history despite generations of legendary Yankees lineups, all coming shortly after Boone recently shared a concerning injury update on Max Fried.

Yankees lineup overwhelms Royals pitching staff

The offensive outburst started early when Cody Bellinger launched a two-run homer in the first inning before Amed Rosario followed with a towering two-run shot of his own. New York never slowed down from there, continuously applying pressure against Kansas City’s bullpen-day approach.

Rosario finished with four hits and two home runs, while Trent Grisham, Ben Rice, Anthony Volpe, and Austin Wells each collected three hits. Aaron Judge added an RBI double, and Jazz Chisholm Jr. capped the night with a home run in the eighth inning.

The Yankees now lead Major League Baseball with 82 home runs this season, further establishing themselves as one of the league’s most dangerous offenses.

Boone praises complete team performance

Although the Royals struggled badly on the mound, Boone still acknowledged how rare it is for an entire lineup to contribute at such a high level in one game. Kansas City allowed 24 hits, tied for the fourth-most surrendered in franchise history, while New York recorded its highest road hit total since 1974.

The Yankees also became the first team in the majors this season to hit six home runs in a single game. The historic night provided another reminder of the offensive depth Boone’s club possesses when the lineup is clicking from top to bottom.

“Right now, they are in negotiations,” Floyd Schofield Sr. said in an interview with FightHype, explaining that both sides have remained in contact as they work through the final details. “We are waiting on the contract, that is all we waiting on.”

Davis has not recorded a victory since June 2024 after fighting to a draw against Lamont Roach Jr. last year and remaining inactive for more than 14 months due to legal issues outside the sport. Despite the long layoff, Davis still owns an impressive professional record of 30-0-1 with 28 knockouts.

Schofield emerges as frontrunner for Gervonta Davis return

Recent reports initially linked Davis to a rematch against Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz at super lightweight, but the WBA later ordered Davis to face mandatory challenger Schofield to maintain his lightweight championship status.

According to Schofield Sr., discussions between both camps had already started before the WBA officially stepped in. “Tank didn’t say that he didn’t want this fight,” Schofield Sr. added. “They are seeing if they can meet his demands, for how much he is going to possibly ask for, and we are going to go from there.”

The expected matchup would give the 23-year-old Schofield the biggest opportunity of his career as he attempts to hand Davis the first loss of his professional career.

Davis looking to reclaim momentum after long layoff

Davis’ inactivity led the WBA to move him to champion in recess status earlier this year, creating uncertainty about whether he would continue competing at 135 pounds.

A successful return against Schofield would immediately place Davis back into the lightweight title picture and help reestablish momentum after one of the most inactive stretches of his career.

“I’m pretty sure there’s going to be a conversation,” Mendoza said after the loss, according to SNY. “We’re going to need Petey to throw important innings for us, whether it’s a starter, whether it’s coming after an opener, or pitching out of the bullpen.”

The comments came after another difficult outing for Peterson, who allowed six runs on a career-high 11 hits as the Mets dropped their fifth consecutive game. The latest loss further highlighted how the Mets are struggling during the 2026 season, though Freddy Peralta remains confident. Meanwhile, Manaea continued his recent strong stretch by allowing just one run across three innings of relief while striking out six batters.

Manaea continues building momentum for Mets

Manaea’s recent performances have strengthened his case for a larger role within the pitching staff. “There’s a lot to like there,” Mendoza said. “The life on the fastball. I think you see the swing and misses, especially at the top of the zone.”

Mendoza also praised Manaea’s ability to escape trouble after entering with runners on base, while highlighting the effectiveness of his cutter, sweeper, and changeup combination.

Peterson focused on improving despite struggles

Peterson had entered Tuesday’s game on a solid run after winning three of his previous four outings in May. However, his struggles against the Reds resembled the difficult stretch he experienced earlier this season when he posted a 7.92 ERA in April.

“I haven’t thought about it,” Peterson said when asked about a potential role change. “I’m focused on going back and looking at what we did well, what we need to do better, and move forward.”

With the Mets continuing to search for consistency during a disappointing stretch, Mendoza suggested that further pitching changes could be necessary as the club attempts to stabilize both the rotation and bullpen.

“I was embarrassed because it didn’t even happen in the game,” Hernandez admitted after the matchup, according to ESPN. “I thought it was just weird tightness. Never done an oblique before, so I didn’t really know what I was feeling.”

Hernandez had only recently returned after missing the first 53 games of the season while recovering from offseason elbow surgery, something manager Dave Roberts opened up on when discussing Hernandez’s season debut. The 34-year-old quickly made an impact, going 4-for-4 with two doubles and a home run over his first two games back before exiting Tuesday’s contest in the fourth inning.

Hernandez reveals how injury worsened during game

Hernandez explained that the discomfort actually started during batting practice on Monday, but he initially believed it was minor enough to manage through treatment and rest.

“The homer swing felt awful,” Hernandez said. “The next at-bat I went out there, I swung and missed on the first pitch and didn’t feel great. After that I went into survival mode.”

The veteran said the injury originally only bothered him while swinging, but the pain eventually spread while running after his double later in the game. “When I hit the double, it didn’t just hurt to swing, it also hurt to run, so I knew that it was time to stop,” Hernandez added.

Dave Roberts hopeful injury will not become long-term issue

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts acknowledged the frustration surrounding Hernández’s latest setback, especially considering how strong he looked immediately after returning to the lineup. “It’s not a season-ending thing, so that’s something to be hopeful with,” Roberts said. “But yeah, it’s just a bummer.”

“That’s sad, because I think the people deserve the rematch,” Canelo said while speaking to reporters, according to Ring Magazine. “But things happen and I am going to look forward to my career.”

Crawford retired in December after defeating Canelo by unanimous decision while moving up two weight classes to capture the undisputed super middleweight championship.

The loss marked one of the toughest moments of Canelo’s career, though the Mexican star admitted the fight taught him valuable lessons heading into the next stage of his career, while Crawford recently said he believes Canelo still has something to prove.

Canelo shifts focus to Mbilli fight

With the Crawford chapter likely closed, Canelo is now fully focused on his upcoming September 12 clash against undefeated WBC super middleweight champion Christian Mbilli in Saudi Arabia. “I learned a lot,” Canelo said. “I learned my lesson, and this time I took the time to take care of my body, my injuries, and all my stuff.”

Canelo underwent left elbow surgery following the Crawford fight and spent several months recovering before returning to full training. The 35-year-old believes his body is now in a much better place as he prepares for another major test against one of boxing’s fastest-rising contenders.

Canelo says motivation remains strong despite legendary career

Even after accomplishing nearly everything possible in boxing, Canelo insisted his passion for the sport remains unchanged. “I’m disciplined, and that’s the most important,” Canelo said. “I love boxing. I love my sport and every time I step in the ring I break records.”

Canelo also addressed ongoing speculation surrounding a possible future fight against David Benavidez, though he made it clear that his focus remains entirely on Mbilli for now.

As one of boxing’s biggest global stars, Canelo understands the attention surrounding every possible matchup. However, despite missing out on a second fight with Crawford, he appears determined to continue building his legacy with another championship opportunity later this year.

According to MLB.com, Musgrove is moving closer to the next stage of his recovery process. “(Musgrove) was hopeful for an early-season return but experienced a setback after making one start in Spring Training. Could be nearing the start of a throwing progression,” the report stated.

Musgrove has been out since undergoing Tommy John surgery after suffering a torn UCL, an injury that developed following elbow discomfort during the 2024 Wild Card round.

Before the setback, he had been a key member of San Diego’s rotation after signing a five-year, $100 million extension with the club, at a time when Padres manager Craig Stammen recently confirmed Lucas Giolito’s debut.

Musgrove’s recovery moves forward cautiously

The latest development suggests Musgrove is nearing the beginning of a structured throwing program, a key milestone in his long rehabilitation. The Padres are expected to proceed carefully, given both the severity of the injury and his previous setback during the early stages of his return.

Padres rotation still adapting without Musgrove

The Padres are 2.5 games back of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who lead the NL West with a 34-20 record. Despite Musgrove’s absence, San Diego has opened the 2026 season in strong form, sitting near the top of the division standings, though sustaining that success will depend heavily on pitching depth and overall health as the year progresses.

If Musgrove continues progressing without setbacks, he could eventually rejoin the rotation later in the season, providing a potential late-year boost for a team aiming to challenge the Dodgers in the NL West.

“This is what I’ve always dreamed of doing, playing in the big leagues,” Ryan said during an appearance on the Baseball Isn’t Boring podcast. “I’m grateful for that every day that I get to do that. And I want to be the best version of myself. What am I going to do, think about trades and things that I have zero control over? That’s just wasted headspace.”

Ryan dealt with similar rumors during the 2025 season when Minnesota struggled before the trade deadline. At the time, he was even scheduled to pitch the day after the deadline passed, which added another layer of pressure to an already difficult situation.

Still, the right-hander responded with six strong innings against Cleveland and helped the Twins secure an extra-innings victory, coming at a time when the Twins had also made a surprising Matt Bowman decision after his strong Triple-A run.

Ryan remains one of MLB’s top trade targets

The 2026 season has only increased Ryan’s value around baseball. “I think you look back and just remind yourself… that the distractions are away from the actual game,” Ryan explained. “I’m here to play baseball, and I get to put on a big league uniform.”

Unlike other potential trade candidates such as Tarik Skubal or Freddy Peralta, Ryan remains under team control through the 2027 season. That contract situation gives Minnesota significant leverage if the organization decides to move him before the deadline.

The Twins are currently under .500, and if the club continues to slide in the standings, rival executives expect Minnesota to receive major prospect offers for their ace.

Braves and Cubs remain possible landing spots

Several contenders have already been connected to Ryan, including the Braves and Cubs. Atlanta could look to strengthen its rotation for another postseason push, while Chicago has continued searching for pitching help amid ongoing injury concerns.

Even with the rumors continuing to grow, however, Ryan appears committed to maintaining the same approach that helped him navigate last season’s deadline uncertainty.

“It was good to have him back,” manager Dave Roberts said, according to ESPN. “There’s a lot of emotion and adrenaline and anticipation. That’s probably the thing you got to guard against, but he did a good job managing those emotions.”

Hernandez missed the Dodgers’ first 53 games while recovering from surgery to repair a torn muscle and torn extensor tendon in his left elbow. The 34-year-old admitted the injury heavily impacted him throughout last season, even as he helped Los Angeles win another World Series title.

Hernandez battled through pain before surgery

Hernandez revealed the severity of the injury after returning to the clubhouse, explaining how difficult it became to play through the pain during the 2025 season. “It was a rough year,” Hernandez said. “The best description that I can put on it is every time I would get in my batting stance I would feel like I had a blowtorch on.”

Despite the injury, Hernandez appeared in all 17 postseason games last October while helping the Dodgers capture their second straight World Series championship. Roberts praised the veteran’s toughness and noted that many people didn’t fully understand how serious the elbow issue had become.

Dodgers counting on Hernandez’s leadership moving forward

Beyond his versatility, Hernandez’s return also restores one of the Dodgers’ emotional leaders inside the clubhouse. “I’m in charge of checking guys,” Hernandez said. “I think guys know if I’m on them, and I’m tough on them, it means I care a lot about them.”

Hernandez signed a one-year contract to return for his 10th season with the Dodgers and now rejoins a team chasing another championship run. His return also comes at an important moment as the Dodgers manage Muncy’s absence.

After the game, Astros manager Joe Espada praised his pitching staff for battling through an uneven start and maintaining control throughout the night. “Proud of our pitching,” Espada said, according to MLB.com. “We’ve been grinding, man, and our guys went out there and competed. That first inning, you would never have thought that was going to be the outcome of the game, but I tip my hat to Imai. He continued to pitch, he continued to compete.”

The no-hitter marked the fifth combined no-hitter in Astros history and the first for the organization since Ronel Blanco’s no-hit performance against the Blue Jays in April 2024, all coming after the Astros received a major season‑ending Carlos Correa injury update earlier in the month.

Imai delivers breakthrough outing for Astros

Imai entered the game with an 8.31 ERA and had struggled for consistency during the early portion of his first MLB season after arriving from Japan on a three-year deal during the offseason.

The right-hander immediately faced trouble Monday, walking the first two batters of the game before settling in and retiring 15 of the final 17 hitters he faced. He finished with six hitless innings while relying heavily on his fastball and slider combination.

Houston’s defense also played a major role, including standout plays from Jeremy Peña and Jake Meyers that helped preserve the no-hit bid deep into the game.

Santa caps historic debut for Houston

The Astros turned to 23-year-old rookie Alimber Santa for the final two innings in his major league debut, and the Dominican right-hander delivered six crucial outs to secure the historic finish.

Santa struck out Brandon Nimmo looking for the final out before Astros players stormed the field in celebration. The rookie later admitted he never imagined finishing a no-hitter in his MLB debut.

Meanwhile, Houston’s offense provided steady support behind the pitching effort, highlighted by home runs from Yordan Alvarez and Christian Walker as the Astros extended their winning streak to four games.

Following the defeat, Mendoza delivered a blunt assessment of the Mets’ current situation. “It sucks,” Mendoza said after the game via SNY. “I’ve been saying it, it’s not early anymore — we’re not putting ourselves in a good position, obviously. We gotta go out and do it.”

New York has now lost six of its last seven games and continues to struggle offensively, especially with runners in scoring position. The Mets finished 0-for-6 with RISP on Monday and have scored two runs or fewer in five consecutive games, even after the Mets were optimistic about the situations surrounding key players in recent days.

Mets offense continues to struggle without consistency

The Mets collected nine hits against Cincinnati but once again failed to turn traffic on the bases into meaningful offense. Their inability to hit for power has become one of the team’s biggest issues during this recent skid.

“We can sit here and make excuses with some of the guys we’re missing, but we have big-league hitters here and they are struggling,” Mendoza said. “We’re having a hard time putting rallies together, and the biggest thing is our inability to drive the ball out of the park.”

Marcus Semien provided one of the few bright spots offensively, hitting a solo home run in the sixth inning to end the team’s three-game homerless drought.

Mets face growing pressure as season slips away

Just weeks after showing signs of momentum during the Subway Series, the Mets have quickly fallen back into a difficult position in the NL East standings. Juan Soto missed Monday’s game due to illness, adding another challenge for a lineup that has lacked consistency throughout the season.

Meanwhile, the team remains stuck in last place as Memorial Day passes and the playoff picture begins taking shape. With the season approaching its one-third mark, the urgency inside the clubhouse is clearly growing as the Mets search for answers before the gap in the standings becomes even more difficult to overcome.

During the press conference in Cairo, Canelo made it clear he does not believe Mbilli can compete with him, regardless of age or timing. “He’s a good fighter but in my mind it’s 0% chance,” Canelo said. “He says it’s the perfect time because I’m old. I say to him, if I was 50 years old you still cannot beat me.”

Mbilli, however, embraced the challenge and promised fans they would see a different outcome in September. The WBC super middleweight champion insisted he brings far more to the ring than some of Canelo’s previous opponents, as he previously questioned whether Canelo can still handle elite pressure.

Mbilli confident ahead of biggest fight

Mbilli showed plenty of confidence during the faceoff and made it clear he is not entering the fight simply looking for respect. “You’re going to be surprised in September,” Mbilli said.

He also added, “I’m not Berlanga. I’m not Munguia.” The unbeaten champion also called the matchup the perfect opportunity to prove himself on boxing’s biggest stage.

Canelo returning after Terence Crawford loss

The September fight will mark Canelo’s first bout since losing his undisputed super middleweight titles to Terence Crawford last year. After Crawford retired, the division titles became split, with Mbilli eventually claiming the WBC belt.

Now, the Mexican superstar returns looking to reestablish himself at the top of the division while Mbilli attempts to secure the biggest win of his career.

After the game, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza was quick to highlight Tong’s execution and poise on the mound. “Very encouraging,” Mendoza said, according to The New York Post. “The velo, the fastball, the way it was playing, the changeup was good. He attacked. He gave us a chance.”

Tong worked three hitless innings with one walk, operating behind opener Tobias Myers and bulk reliever Sean Manaea as the Mets continued experimenting with rotation depth and workload management, with Mendoza also having reacted after Zach Thornton’s emotional MLB debut earlier in the week.

Tong gives Mets bullpen needed spark

The Mets have increasingly leaned on younger arms as part of a broader pitching evaluation strategy, with Tong becoming the latest prospect to receive an opportunity at the major league level.

He posted a 7.71 ERA in five appearances with New York last season, but his development in Triple-A has shown more stability, including a 5.68 ERA with 55 strikeouts over 38 innings this year.

Mets balancing development with rotation management

New York’s pitching approach has included openers, bulk innings, and expanded rest for starters as the coaching staff works to manage workloads and evaluate options.

Mendoza also noted the club’s confidence in veteran and young contributors alike, while the Mets continue to track progress from players returning from injury and rehab assignments across the system.

With more young pitchers expected to get opportunities, Tong’s performance could help shape future decisions in the Mets’ bullpen and rotation structure.

Lopez, who appeared in only a handful of games since joining the Cubs, was moved off the active roster as Chicago created space for Alcantara, who was already on the 40-man roster. According to 670 The Score’s Bruce Levine, Alcantara was present in the clubhouse ahead of the move being finalized.

Alcantara now returns to the major leagues after receiving 22 plate appearances across 13 MLB games over the past two seasons. In Triple-A Iowa this year, the 23-year-old has shown power potential with a .247/.339/.567 slash line, 15 home runs, and 60 strikeouts in 180 plate appearances, coming as Pat Murphy recently expressed frustration with Brewers players.

Alcantara gets another opportunity with Cubs outfield

The Cubs are expected to use Alcantara in a limited role initially, particularly against left-handed pitching, where he could spell Pete Crow-Armstrong in center field or Michael Conforto at designated hitter.

However, his long-term path to regular playing time remains uncertain, with established veterans ahead of him in a crowded outfield mix. Still, Chicago continues to evaluate internal options as the roster evolves.

Lopez loses roster spot after limited impact

Lopez was acquired from the Colorado Rockies for cash considerations in late April but struggled to secure consistent playing time, appearing in just four games during his stint with the Cubs.

A veteran utility infielder with experience at multiple positions, Lopez has hit .228/.298/.281 over 1,220 plate appearances since 2022 across several teams, settling into more of a depth role in recent seasons.

If he clears waivers, Lopez could either accept an outright assignment or explore free agency, though a return to the Cubs on a minor league deal remains a possible outcome given the organization’s familiarity with him.

According to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle, Webb has officially started his rehab assignment with Triple-A Sacramento as he continues recovering from a knee injury. The update comes at an important time for a Giants team that has struggled throughout the 2026 season and currently sits at 20-30 overall.

Webb, 29, remains one of the most important pieces of San Francisco’s rotation despite a difficult start to the year, posting a 5.06 ERA across eight starts with 42 strikeouts in 48 innings pitched, as the Giants reportedly are not considering a Rafael Devers trade despite their difficult season.

Webb could return soon for Giants

Even with his early-season struggles, Webb’s overall track record gives the Giants confidence that he can quickly regain form once healthy. The veteran pitcher has been one of baseball’s most durable starters over the last several years, making at least 32 starts in every season since 2022. Injury absences have rarely been an issue throughout his career.

As long as there are no setbacks during his rehab assignment, Webb could be trending toward a return to the Giants rotation in the near future.

Giants hoping Webb sparks turnaround

San Francisco has endured a disappointing campaign so far, falling to fourth place in the competitive NL West standings. Still, with plenty of games remaining in the season, the Giants hope Webb’s eventual return can help stabilize the pitching staff and give the club a chance to climb back into postseason contention.

Following the game, Muncy revealed that initial X-rays came back negative, although he admitted he was still dealing with pain after taking a 95.5 mph sinker from Brewers reliever Aaron Ashby. “Not feeling great right now, but it is a relief,” Muncy said, according to MLB.com. “We just got to monitor it the next couple days.”

The Dodgers slugger added that the protective wrist guard he has worn in recent seasons may have prevented a more serious injury. Muncy is not expected to play during the remainder of the weekend series while the swelling continues to be evaluated, coming as the Dodgers offered an update on Tyler Glasnow’s injury recovery.

Muncy optimistic after Dodgers injury scare

Despite the discomfort, Muncy sounded encouraged because the injury did not feel as severe as a previous wrist fracture he suffered in 2019 after being hit by a pitch. “I think we escaped the worst,” Muncy explained. “That’s why I’m feeling pretty optimistic about it.”

Manager Dave Roberts immediately removed Muncy from the game after trainers checked on him near first base. Roberts later confirmed that Santiago Espinal would handle third base duties while Muncy recovers.

Dodgers hoping to avoid losing key bat

If Muncy avoids a lengthy absence, it would be an important development for Los Angeles. The veteran infielder currently leads the Dodgers with 12 home runs and a .515 slugging percentage during a strong start to the season.

Roberts also expressed relief after the game while discussing the early test results. “I think right now, we are breathing a sigh of relief,” Roberts said.

After the game, Cole shared a simple but honest reaction about being back on the mound again. “It was lovely,” he said with a smile while reflecting on his long-awaited return, according to SNY.

The Yankees ace looked sharp throughout the outing, throwing six scoreless innings while allowing only two hits and striking out two batters, with the team also preparing a potential role adjustment involving Anthony Volpe and Jose Caballero. Cole also reached close to 99 mph with his fastball and generated several swings and misses during his 72-pitch performance.

Cole gives Yankees rotation major boost

Even though the Yankees could not hold the lead late in the game, Cole’s return was one of the biggest positives of the night for New York. “Really exciting to get him back and have him go out there,” manager Aaron Boone said after the game. “He was on point.”

Austin Wells provided the Yankees’ early offense with a solo home run, but Tampa Bay responded with a four-run eighth inning to take control and continue its strong recent run in the AL East.

Yankees hoping Cole changes division race

The Rays have now won eight of their last 10 games and sit 5.5 games ahead of New York in the division standings. Still, the Yankees believe Cole’s return could become a major turning point during the second half of the season.

For Cole, simply being back on a major league mound again carried special meaning after more than a year away from live MLB action. “It was almost like a second debut,” Cole said. “It was nice to get back in the fire.”

The matchup arrives with major pressure for both clubs. Bayern enters the game looking to complete another domestic double after already securing the Bundesliga title, while Stuttgart hopes to defend its DFB-Pokal crown and finish the season with another major trophy.

With the DFB-Pokal decided in a single-elimination format, there is no room for mistakes. Recent meetings between the two clubs have been highly competitive, and another close contest is expected with silverware on the line in Berlin.

What happens if Bayern Munich beat Stuttgart today?

If Bayern Munich defeat Stuttgart in the 2026 DFB-Pokal final, the club will be crowned German Cup champions and complete the domestic double after already winning the Bundesliga title this season. Bayern last achieved that feat in 2020.

A victory would also secure Bayern a place in the upcoming DFL-Supercup and add another trophy to an already dominant campaign under coach Vincent Kompany.

What happens if Bayern Munich and Stuttgart tie today?

The DFB-Pokal final cannot end in a draw. If the match remains level after 90 minutes, both teams will play 30 minutes of extra time. If neither side finds a winner during extra time, the trophy will then be decided through a penalty shootout.

What happens if Bayern Munich lose to Stuttgart today?

If Bayern Munich lose the final, Stuttgart will successfully defend their DFB-Pokal title and deny Bayern another German Cup trophy. Even though Bayern already secured the Bundesliga championship, a loss in Berlin would prevent the club from completing the domestic double and extend their wait for another DFB-Pokal title.

Speaking during DAZN’s coverage ahead of Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven, Crawford explained why he thinks Canelo decided against retirement. “Canelo won’t want to end his career on a loss like he did with me,” Crawford said. “I can see Canelo wanting to come back and prove himself.”

The September matchup will mark Canelo’s first fight since the loss to Crawford and could determine how much he still has left at the elite level of boxing. Many fans and analysts remain curious to see how the Mexican star responds after the defeat, especially after Jake Paul recently claimed sending a $200M offer to Canelo.

Crawford reacts to Canelo’s upcoming fight with Mbilli

Crawford also discussed the challenge awaiting Canelo against Mbilli, who has become one of the most dangerous fighters in the super middleweight division because of his pressure and activity inside the ring.

“Mbilli puts on a lot of pressure,” Crawford explained. “Canelo is an all-time great, and I’m excited to see how he bounces back.” The undefeated Mbilli enters the fight with growing momentum and will have a major opportunity to elevate his career against one of boxing’s biggest names.

Canelo prepares for another chapter in his career

Even after years at the top of boxing, Canelo appears determined to continue competing at the highest level. His return also keeps his Riyadh Season partnership active after reportedly signing a multi-fight agreement in 2025.

For Crawford, however, the decision is more about legacy and competitiveness than business. He believes Canelo still wants to prove he can return to championship form before eventually walking away from the sport.

According to MLB insider Robert Murray, multiple executives around the league expect the asking price for Skubal to be extremely high despite concerns surrounding his recent elbow surgery and contract situation. One executive suggested Detroit could seek a top-100 prospect, another top-15 organizational prospect, and additional pieces in return for the left-hander.

Another executive compared the situation to a move only an aggressive front office would pursue, mentioning teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers or San Diego Padres as possible fits. “He ups a team’s chances to win the World Series by a pretty big margin,” one executive told Murray while discussing Skubal’s impact in a postseason rotation, coming shortly after the Tigers got an encouraging update on his injury recovery.

Skubal’s health remains biggest factor in trade talks

Any potential trade involving Skubal will largely depend on his recovery after undergoing surgery earlier this month to remove a loose body from his left elbow. The procedure was considered minimally invasive, and Skubal has already resumed throwing bullpen sessions.

Before the injury, the 29-year-old continued establishing himself as one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball. Skubal posted a 2.70 ERA through seven starts this season and had already built a résumé featuring consecutive Cy Young Awards and four straight seasons with an ERA below 2.80.

Tigers could face major deadline decision

Detroit still hopes to remain competitive and avoid becoming sellers at the deadline, but the team’s recent collapse has created growing uncertainty around the organization’s direction.

If Skubal proves fully healthy before the deadline and the Tigers remain out of playoff contention, he could quickly become the most sought-after player available on the market. Several executives also noted that his contract value and remaining salary could impact the type of return Detroit ultimately receives.

For now, the Tigers appear focused on Skubal’s recovery while the rest of the league closely monitors whether one of MLB’s biggest trade possibilities becomes reality.

After helping Toronto secure a 2-0 victory on Thursday with another key home run, Springer delivered an honest message about his recent struggles and his commitment to improving. “I do it for the boys. I do it for the fans,” Springer said during a postgame interview with Sportsnet’s Hazel Mae. “I owe it to everybody to be better and to play better, and I will.”

The Blue Jays improved to 23-27 following the series, and Springer’s recent power surge could become an important development for a team trying to climb back into contention, as Yankees outfielder Trent Grisham also shared an encouraging injury update after his scare against Toronto.

Springer trying to break out of early-season slump

Despite the encouraging series against New York, Springer’s overall numbers remain below his usual standards. Through his first 50 games of the season, the veteran outfielder is batting .200 with four home runs, 10 RBIs, and two stolen bases.

Those struggles stand out even more considering Springer is coming off an excellent 2025 campaign in which he hit .309 with 32 home runs, 84 RBIs, and 18 stolen bases.

Part of the inconsistency may be connected to injuries. Springer previously fractured his big toe earlier this season after fouling a ball off his foot, although he has continued playing through the issue.

Blue Jays hoping Springer can spark offense

Toronto’s offense has lacked consistency for much of the season, making Springer’s resurgence especially important moving forward. The Blue Jays are still searching for momentum in a competitive AL East race, and a productive Springer would significantly strengthen the lineup.

For now, the recent series against the Yankees at least offered some optimism that the veteran outfielder may finally be finding his rhythm at the plate again.

The Yankees are expected to activate both Cole and infielder José Caballero before Friday’s matchup with Tampa Bay. “I know he’ll definitely be amped up,” Aaron Judge said about Cole, according to MLB.com. “I think he’s just excited to get back on the mound and pitch in front of this fanbase.”

Jones appeared in 10 games during his first MLB stint after being called up earlier this month when Jasson Dominguez landed on the injured list. The 6-foot-7 outfielder hit .167 with two RBIs, three walks, and 12 strikeouts, while also recording his first stolen base in the majors during Thursday’s loss against the Toronto Blue Jays, coming a day after Jose Caballero offered a promising injury update.

Cole set for Yankees return after Tommy John surgery

Cole’s expected return marks a major moment for the Yankees rotation. The former Cy Young winner has not pitched in a major league game since Game 5 of the 2024 World Series after undergoing Tommy John surgery in March 2025.

The Yankees have managed to remain competitive despite several injuries throughout the pitching staff, but Cole’s return could provide a massive boost as New York continues battling near the top of the American League standings.

Manager Aaron Boone recently said Cole had checked “a lot of the boxes” during his rehab outings, including an encouraging final appearance in which his fastball reached nearly 100 mph.

Yankees continue evaluating outfield and infield depth

Jones’ demotion also comes as the Yankees continue sorting through several roster questions. Trent Grisham remains day to day with left knee inflammation, although imaging reportedly showed no structural damage.

Meanwhile, Caballero’s return adds more flexibility to the infield. Boone recently praised Anthony Volpe’s strong play at shortstop while also noting Caballero’s versatility remains valuable for the team moving forward.

Following Thursday’s 2-1 win over the Washington Nationals, Williams explained the key adjustment that helped turn things around. “It’s basically my starting position. The way I’m starting with my hands. It’s a lot more comfortable for me,” Williams said, according to SNY. “I did change it in the past and now I changed it back.”

The veteran closer earned his seventh save of the season on Thursday after throwing another scoreless outing against Washington. Williams allowed just one hit while striking out one batter, continuing an impressive stretch that has helped lower his ERA to 4.32, a day after manager Carlos Mendoza reacted after Zach Thornton’s emotional MLB debut in the previous game.

Williams finding rhythm again with Mets

Williams’ turnaround has been noticeable after a difficult beginning to the season. During a rough four-game stretch in mid-April, he allowed eight earned runs across only two innings, creating early concerns about his role in the Mets bullpen.

Since then, however, Williams has looked far more like the dominant reliever the Mets hoped to acquire. Entering Thursday’s game, he had already posted 8.2 consecutive scoreless innings while allowing only one hit during that span.

The right-hander explained that returning to his previous hand positioning helped him feel more natural mechanically after experimenting with changes earlier in the season.

Mets hoping bullpen stability can spark turnaround

The Mets have struggled to find momentum for much of the 2026 campaign, making Williams’ recent improvement especially important. New York has dealt with injuries and inconsistency throughout the roster, but stronger bullpen performances could help stabilize the team moving forward.

If Williams continues pitching at this level, the Mets may finally have more reliability at the back end of games as they try climbing back into contention during the second half of the season.

Placed in Group L alongside Croatia, Ghana, and Panama, England will open their World Cup campaign on June 17 against Croatia in one of the most anticipated group-stage matches of the tournament. The new-look roster blends experienced leaders with several younger players expected to play major roles in the future of the national team.

Among the players selected for the 2026 tournament are Jordan Pickford, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, Declan Rice, and Kane, while several new faces are set to experience their first World Cup with England.

England introduces major changes from Qatar 2022 squad

England’s squad overhaul became especially noticeable through the number of established names left out of the 2026 tournament. Several veterans who played important roles during the Qatar 2022 campaign are no longer part of the national team setup as Tuchel continues reshaping the roster.

The players from England’s 2022 World Cup squad who are absent from the 2026 tournament include Kyle Walker, Harry Maguire, Jack Grealish, Raheem Sterling, Kieran Trippier, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mason Mount, Phil Foden, and James Maddison.

At the same time, England will rely on several players making their World Cup debuts, including James Trafford, Jarell Quansah, Elliot Anderson, Morgan Rogers, and Noni Madueke as the squad enters a new era around stars such as Bellingham and Saka.

Kane remains centerpiece of England’s World Cup ambitions

Even with so many roster changes, Kane remains the face of England’s national team heading into another World Cup. The Bayern Munich striker continues leading the squad after captaining England to the quarterfinals in Qatar 2022.

England enters the tournament with one of the deepest attacking groups in the competition, featuring Kane alongside Rashford, Ollie Watkins, Ivan Toney, Anthony Gordon, and Saka. Combined with the creativity of Bellingham, Eberechi Eze, and Rice in midfield, the Three Lions are once again expected to compete among the favorites in North America.

Projected starting XI for England

Jordan Pickford; Reece James, John Stones, Marc Guehi, Tino Livramento; Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Kobbie Mainoo; Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford.

According to Yankees reporter Bryan Hoch on X, imaging revealed no structural damage in Grisham’s knee. “It’s a relief,” Grisham said while also adding that he hopes to be available off the bench in an emergency situation.

The update comes as a major positive for the Yankees, especially with the team continuing to battle through several injury concerns across the roster. Grisham left Wednesday’s game after feeling discomfort while running the bases, immediately creating concern given how carefully teams manage lower-body injuries during the long MLB season.

Grisham hoping to avoid injured list stint

Even though Grisham is still expected to be monitored closely over the next few days, the early results suggest the Yankees may have avoided a much bigger problem. The veteran outfielder remained optimistic after the testing and is already hoping to stay available for the club in a limited role if needed.

Grisham is coming off a career-best 34-home run season in 2025, but he has struggled offensively this year. Through 49 games, the veteran outfielder is batting .174 with six home runs. Even so, the Yankees continue valuing his defense and experience in the outfield rotation.

Yankees continue managing key injuries across roster

The Yankees have dealt with multiple injury situations throughout the season, making every positive medical update important for manager Aaron Boone and the coaching staff. With several players already missing time, avoiding another injured list move would provide valuable stability for the roster.

New York will likely continue evaluating Grisham day by day before determining whether he can return to the lineup this weekend. For now, however, the initial diagnosis delivered much-needed relief inside the Yankees clubhouse.

Al Nassr controlled the match from the opening minutes and finally broke through in the 34th minute when Sadio Mane headed home from a corner to give the hosts a 1-0 lead. Kingsley Coman doubled the advantage shortly after halftime, continuing the team’s strong attacking performance.

Damac briefly responded through a Morlaye Silla penalty in the 58th minute, but Cristiano Ronaldo quickly restored control of the match. The Portuguese star scored from a free kick in the 63rd minute before adding another goal in the 81st to reach 973 career goals and seal the victory in front of a packed Al-Awwal Park crowd.

The final whistle confirmed Al Nassr as Saudi Pro League champions, with Ronaldo achieving his season‑long objective and lifting yet another trophy in his legendary career. The title was sealed by a narrow two‑point margin, with Al Nassr finishing on 86 points, just ahead of Al Hilal’s 84.

After Thornton surrendered a three-run homer to CJ Abrams in the opening inning, Mendoza liked the way the 24-year-old continued competing instead of letting the moment overwhelm him. “I thought he competed,” Mendoza said after the game. “Even after he got punched there in the first inning, he didn’t back down. He kept going after it.”

Thornton ultimately allowed four runs on four hits across 4.1 innings while recording three strikeouts and two walks. The rookie settled down after the early damage, retiring nine of the final 10 batters he faced while showing the composure the Mets hoped to see from him on the mound.

Mendoza highlights positives from Thornton’s debut

Even with the rough start, Mendoza pointed to several encouraging signs from Thornton’s outing. The Mets manager praised the young pitcher’s tempo and his willingness to continue attacking hitters despite an increasing pitch count.

Thornton also showed confidence when discussing his first appearance in the majors. “I feel as though I belong here,” he said. “My stuff’s going to play. So if I can just get in zone I’ll be alright.” The left-hander explained that he focused on simplifying things after the first inning and trusted his pitches more as the game continued.

Thornton shares emotional moment with father at MLB debut

Beyond the baseball side of the night, Thornton’s debut carried major emotional significance because his father, Paul, was able to attend the game only weeks after undergoing spinal surgery that temporarily left him unable to walk. “Super special,” Thornton said. “Just seeing him sitting there in his little wheelchair.”

Thornton called the experience everything he dreamed about growing up, and despite the loss, the debut became a meaningful moment for both him and his family.

The Mets have not yet confirmed Thornton’s next role with the team, but Mendoza’s comments made it clear the organization saw plenty of positives from the young pitcher’s first major league outing.

After the loss, Boone admitted the situation immediately raised concern for the Yankees. “I don’t want to speculate too much. For him to come out of the game definitely raises your eyebrow,” Boone said, according to SNY. “We’ll see what we have and go from there.”

Grisham stayed in the game briefly before Spencer Jones replaced him defensively in the fifth inning. The veteran outfielder later explained that the discomfort did not improve after the play and that he preferred not to risk making the injury worse.

Grisham to undergo imaging after awkward slide

According to Boone, the Yankees initially believed Grisham may have injured his calf before the discomfort was later identified near the side of his left knee. The team confirmed the outfielder will undergo imaging to determine the severity of the issue. “Just felt weird in my knee for a little bit,” Grisham said after the game. “It didn’t feel like something I should mess with.”

The Yankees have already dealt with several injury concerns this season, including issues involving Gerrit Cole and Max Fried earlier in the year. Any extended absence for Grisham would create another challenge for the team’s outfield depth.

Yankees continue waiting for offensive turnaround from Grisham

Grisham is coming off a career-best 34-home run season in 2025, but he has struggled offensively this year. Through 49 games, the veteran outfielder is batting .174 with six home runs.

Even with the offensive struggles, Boone has continued to trust Grisham because of his defense and experience. The Yankees will now wait for the imaging results while hoping the injury is not serious as they continue their strong start to the season.

Speaking on DAZN’s Inside The Ring, Iglesias suggested the matchup would be difficult to make and hinted that the Mexican star may avoid the risk. “It’s complicated with Canelo,” Iglesias said. “Canelo would not want to fight me. I would hope that he would give me the fight and allow me to demonstrate that Cuban fighters, and more specifically that Osleys Iglesias, is a different breed.”

Iglesias enters the conversation as one of boxing’s most dangerous emerging champions. He recently captured the IBF super middleweight title with an eighth-round stoppage win over Pavel Silyagin, improving his undefeated record to 15-0 with 14 knockouts.

Iglesias believes his pressure style is a major problem

Iglesias believes his combination of size, pressure, and punching power creates a difficult challenge for any fighter in the division. His recent run of knockout victories has fueled growing talk about potential unification bouts at super middleweight.

A possible future matchup could depend on the outcome of Canelo’s scheduled fight against Christian Mbilli on Sept. 12 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Mbilli, who now holds the WBC title, will look to test Canelo in a high-profile clash that could reshape the division.

Iglesias also weighed in on that fight, pointing to the stylistic contrast between both men. “It’s an interesting fight,” he said. “Mbilli is more combative, and Canelo is more selective, looking for his opponent to make mistakes.”

Canelo remains the biggest target at super middleweight

Even after his loss to Terence Crawford last September, Canelo remains the central figure in the super middleweight division and one of boxing’s biggest global stars. Any champion at 168 pounds continues to view him as the ultimate test.

For Iglesias, however, the focus is on proving he belongs at the elite level while continuing to build momentum as a feared knockout artist. Whether Canelo ever agrees to the fight remains uncertain, but the Cuban champion has already made his stance clear.

According to a team announcement shared on X, the Reds confirmed Suárez’s next step in his recovery. “The Reds today sent IF Eugenio Suarez to Triple-A Louisville on a rehab assignment,” the club posted.

The move suggests Suarez could be nearing a return to the major league roster, especially since position players can spend a maximum of 20 days on rehab assignments without being activated. His immediate placement at the Triple-A level also indicates he is progressing well in his recovery process.

Suarez is in his first season back with Cincinnati after previously playing for the club from 2015 to 2021. In 25 games this year, he is batting .231 with a .300 on-base percentage, along with three home runs, 11 RBIs, and 10 runs scored.

Suarez return could boost struggling Reds lineup

Cincinnati’s offense has struggled to find consistency this season, ranking near the bottom of the league in key categories. The Reds currently sit tied for 17th in runs scored, while also ranking 27th in batting average and 24th in on-base percentage.

The potential return of Suarez would provide an important boost to a lineup that has lacked production in key moments. His power and experience remain valuable assets as the team tries to stay competitive in the NL Central race.

Reds continue battling injuries while staying in contention

Injuries have been a major storyline for Cincinnati, with seven players currently on the injured list. Despite that, the Reds recently snapped a three-game losing streak with a 4-1 win over the Philadelphia Phillies, improving their record to 25-24.

Cincinnati now sits 4.5 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers in the division standings as they prepare to close their series with Philadelphia before facing the St. Louis Cardinals.

Suarez’s rehab assignment now becomes one of the most closely watched developments for a Reds team hoping to stabilize both its roster and its playoff positioning in the weeks ahead.

With two runners on base in the bottom of the ninth inning, Vitello removed right-hander Caleb Kilian and turned to left-hander Matt Gage to face Ketel Marte. Two pitches later, Marte launched a game-winning three-run homer into left field to hand San Francisco another frustrating defeat. “Went with a fresh arm, different look, and made the wrong decision, cost us the game,” Vitello told reporters afterward. “Obviously, it’s on me.”

The loss dropped the Giants to 20-29 on the season and overshadowed several strong individual performances earlier in the game. San Francisco’s bullpen had repeatedly escaped trouble before the ninth‑inning collapse, but the club also struggled offensively, finishing 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position. Despite the challenging campaign and outside noise, the Giants reportedly not consider a Rafael Devers trade.

Vitello explains late bullpen decision

Vitello’s decision came after Kilian had already thrown 25 pitches while working through multiple high-pressure situations. Marte’s switch-hitting ability also created a difficult matchup decision late in the game.

The Giants manager explained that he wanted to give Arizona a different look by bringing in Gage, who had performed well for San Francisco throughout the season. However, the move quickly backfired once Marte connected for the decisive home run.

Before the ninth inning, the Giants had managed to survive several dangerous moments. Kilian escaped a bases-loaded jam in the eighth inning, while Keaton Winn also worked through pressure situations earlier in the game with help from solid defensive plays behind him.

Rafael Devers, Landen Roupp provide positives despite loss

Even with the tough ending, San Francisco still saw encouraging performances from several key players. Rafael Devers delivered one of his strongest all-around games of the season, homering in the second inning shortly after Willy Adames also went deep.

Starting pitcher Landen Roupp added six solid innings while allowing only one run on seven hits and collecting three strikeouts in his first quality start since late April.

Still, the Giants could not capitalize offensively when opportunities appeared, and one late mistake from the bullpen erased much of the positive work done earlier in the night. San Francisco will now try to regroup quickly as the pressure continues building during a difficult stretch of the season.

According to MLB insider Jon Heyman on X, Bowman was granted his release largely because of roster limitations rather than performance concerns. “Matt Bowman was given his release by Twins, likely due to 40-man issues,” Heyman reported. “MLB deal elsewhere probably awaits.”

Bowman had been one of the organization’s most effective pitchers at Triple-A this season. Across 21.1 innings, the right-hander posted a 1.69 ERA with 25 strikeouts, only six walks, and a strong 54.5% ground-ball rate.

Bowman produced strong numbers in Triple-A

Even though Bowman never received an opportunity with Minnesota’s major league roster this season, his production in the minors clearly stood out. His ability to induce ground balls also made him an intriguing depth option for a pitching staff that has dealt with inconsistency at times during the year.

Another MLB opportunity could quickly emerge

Heyman also suggested that Bowman may not remain available for long. Given his strong Triple-A numbers and previous major league experience, another team could soon offer the veteran reliever an MLB contract.

For the Twins, the decision reflects the difficult balancing act teams often face with 40-man roster management during the season. Minnesota continues trying to climb back into contention, but moves like this can become necessary when roster spots are limited.

Meanwhile, Bowman now becomes an experienced pitching option on the market at a time when many contenders are searching for bullpen depth heading deeper into the season.

Mattingly, who recently addressed the Phillies’ surge, explained that the decision is focused on protecting the veteran catcher over the course of a long season rather than reducing his role within the lineup. “He wants to play, and he wants to be in there every day, and we appreciate that,” Mattingly said, via reporter Shaun Nestor on X. “But, again, I think sometimes you have to save guys from themselves and try to give them days here and there.”

Philadelphia later fell 4-1 to the Reds, dropping the club to 25-24 on the season. The Phillies have shown improvement under Mattingly recently, but the team is still searching for more offensive consistency, including from Realmuto, who is batting .220 with one home run, eight RBIs, and a .585 OPS across 100 at-bats this year.

Phillies using three-catcher setup to help Realmuto

According to Nestor, Mattingly has been taking advantage of carrying three catchers on the roster to reduce Realmuto’s workload while still keeping him involved with specific pitchers.

The strategy allows Philadelphia to balance rest with continuity behind the plate, especially for one of the club’s most experienced leaders. Realmuto has long been known for his durability and desire to play nearly every day, but the Phillies appear focused on keeping him healthy deeper into the season.

Phillies hoping rested Realmuto can help offense improve

Philadelphia’s offense has struggled to consistently produce during parts of the 2026 season, making Realmuto’s production even more important moving forward.

While his numbers remain below his usual standards, the Phillies believe additional rest could help the veteran catcher stay fresh both offensively and defensively.

The Phillies will now look to bounce back against Cincinnati as they continue trying to climb further above .500 and maintain momentum in the National League playoff race.

Manager Carlos Mendoza addressed the team’s recent defensive struggles after the game, pointing to routine mistakes that have hurt New York during an already difficult stretch of the season. “Not good. The past four days or so making errors on routine plays. We’re a good team defensively,” Mendoza said, via SNY.

The loss dropped the Mets further behind in the National League standings as injuries and inconsistent play continue creating problems across the roster. With Francisco Lindor currently sidelined because of a calf injury and hopeful he can return in a month, the team has struggled to find defensive stability and maintain momentum during games.

Mets’ defense collapses during pivotal inning vs. Nationals

The turning point came during a disastrous fourth inning for the Mets. After rookie pitcher Nolan McLean allowed traffic on the bases, Washington capitalized on a defensive breakdown that completely shifted the momentum.

With runners on second and third and one out, McLean induced what appeared to be a routine ground ball to Bo Bichette at shortstop. Bichette attempted to throw home for the force out, but catcher Luis Torrens failed to handle the throw cleanly as the ball rolled to the backstop. Two Nationals runners scored on the play, extending Washington’s lead and putting New York in an even deeper hole.

The Mets have now committed several costly defensive mistakes over the past few games, something Mendoza clearly believes must improve quickly if the team hopes to turn its season around.

Mendoza still believes Mets can recover

Even with the frustrating loss, Mendoza continues showing confidence in the roster. The Mets still have more than 100 games remaining in the 2026 season, giving the club plenty of time to recover if they can begin playing cleaner baseball.

The Mets now face growing pressure to stabilize things before the season slips even further away. If the Mets hope to climb back into contention, improving defensively will likely need to become one of the team’s biggest priorities moving forward.

“Canelo is very old right now. Canelo is not the same Canelo like 10 year before, five year before,” Mbilli told The Ring. “He’s still dangerous. He’s still a good fighter. I think he’s top three, top two of the division.”

Canelo recently received a $200M offer from Jake Paul, but despite remaining one of boxing’s biggest names for more than a decade, Mbilli believes the veteran champion may no longer be at his physical peak after turning professional at just 15 years old.

Mbilli believes his style could trouble Canelo

Mbilli pointed directly to his aggressive style as one reason he feels confident about a possible fight against Canelo. The unbeaten contender believes his pace, pressure, and punch volume could create difficult moments for the former undisputed champion.

“I don’t know if right now he can take my pressure and my punch because I throw a lot of punch, a lot of pressure,” Mbilli said. “I think I can win. Right now it’s time to take Canelo because he’s getting old.”

Mbilli still calls fighting Canelo a “privilege”

Despite his confidence, Mbilli also made it clear he still respects everything Canelo has accomplished during his career. “It will be a privilege to fight Canelo,” Mbilli said. “To have a big name like Canelo, I will be very happy.”

A fight between the two would likely become one of the biggest events in the division, especially as questions continue growing about Canelo’s future and how much longer he plans to compete at the highest level.