1 day ago
India is all set to take on Afghanistan in the opening T20I at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday, September 13.
Shreyas Iyer's side looking to build momentum after a mixed white-ball summer that included series defeats in Ireland and England.
Meanwhile, Afghanistan will be hoping to avenge defeat in the one-off Test at Mullanpur earlier this year. Ibrahim Zadran's side has the perfectly volatile combination of a spin-heavy bowling attack and a batting lineup that's still trying to figure out their place.
With Jasprit **** rah and Washington Sundar also cleared just this week, India will be keen to prepare mentally for the upcoming Asian Games and New Zealand. The venue will also play a big part in the match.
Arun Jaitley Stadium has hosted only a handful of T20Is despite its status as one of India's most-used grounds across formats, and their most recent appearance produced one of the highest totals ever recorded there when India piled up 209 against Namibia in February 2026.
#september
Shreyas Iyer's side looking to build momentum after a mixed white-ball summer that included series defeats in Ireland and England.
Meanwhile, Afghanistan will be hoping to avenge defeat in the one-off Test at Mullanpur earlier this year. Ibrahim Zadran's side has the perfectly volatile combination of a spin-heavy bowling attack and a batting lineup that's still trying to figure out their place.
With Jasprit **** rah and Washington Sundar also cleared just this week, India will be keen to prepare mentally for the upcoming Asian Games and New Zealand. The venue will also play a big part in the match.
Arun Jaitley Stadium has hosted only a handful of T20Is despite its status as one of India's most-used grounds across formats, and their most recent appearance produced one of the highest totals ever recorded there when India piled up 209 against Namibia in February 2026.
#september
1 day ago
According to ESPN, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is the 13th-best fantasy quarterback heading into Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season.
Mahomes is still recovering from his ACL surgery earlier this year and is expected to struggle early in the season. The six-time Pro Bowler has never been a top fantasy quarterback, but after a disappointing finish to his 2025 campaign, Mahomes has something to prove.
For fantasy managers with the two-time MVP in their lineup this week, here are Mahomes predicted stats against the Denver Broncos on 'Monday Night Football'.
On paper, Mahomes should be at a serious disadvantage in Monday's game. Starting offensive lineman Joshua Simmons is out for an undetermined amount of time with a back injury, which leaves Mahomes' blindside in the hands of rookie offensive lineman Khalil Benson. The former Indiana Hoosier went undrafted in 2026 and has now been thrust into the starting lineup to protect a generational quarterback talent.
That being said, I feel good about Mahomes' ability to produce on Monday. With reigning Super Bowl MVP running back Kenneth Walker III in the backfield, head coach Andy Reid can open up the playbook and give Mahomes plenty of opportunities.
#mahomes #week #starting #offensive
Mahomes is still recovering from his ACL surgery earlier this year and is expected to struggle early in the season. The six-time Pro Bowler has never been a top fantasy quarterback, but after a disappointing finish to his 2025 campaign, Mahomes has something to prove.
For fantasy managers with the two-time MVP in their lineup this week, here are Mahomes predicted stats against the Denver Broncos on 'Monday Night Football'.
On paper, Mahomes should be at a serious disadvantage in Monday's game. Starting offensive lineman Joshua Simmons is out for an undetermined amount of time with a back injury, which leaves Mahomes' blindside in the hands of rookie offensive lineman Khalil Benson. The former Indiana Hoosier went undrafted in 2026 and has now been thrust into the starting lineup to protect a generational quarterback talent.
That being said, I feel good about Mahomes' ability to produce on Monday. With reigning Super Bowl MVP running back Kenneth Walker III in the backfield, head coach Andy Reid can open up the playbook and give Mahomes plenty of opportunities.
#mahomes #week #starting #offensive
1 day ago
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - A second straight game without Yordan Alvarez reinforced a reality. The Houston Astros need more consistent sources of offense, with time running short for them to emerge.
A lineup missing its leading threat mustered five hits in a 3-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays on Saturday, undermining a determined start by right-hander Peter Lambert and ensuring a series loss to the American League's first playoff entrant at Tropicana Field.
The Astros, who entered with the fifth-fewest runs in the majors since the Aug. 3 trade deadline, scored three or fewer for the 21st time in 35 games in that stretch. The offensive downturn might be presenting a direr threat to their playoff hopes if not for an inept division. The loss left Houston with a 2 ½-game AL West lead over the Rangers, who entered the day four games under .500, pending Texas' result.
The Astros are 75-74 with 13 games remaining on their schedule. Yainer Diaz had three of their five hits Saturday, including a run-scoring single in the sixth inning. Isaac Paredes' solo home run in the first against Rays starter Ian Seymour, who worked six strong frames, provided their only other run. Houston hitters were 2-for-6 with runners in scoring position and stranded six men on base.
The first was Seymour's rockiest inning, as three straight batters reached. Daulton Varsho and Christian Walker struck out to defuse the threat. Richie Palacios' two-run single wrought the first blemish against Lambert in his six-plus innings. Nick Madrigal broke a 2-2 tie for the Rays with a pinch-hit sacrifice fly in the bottom of the seventh.
#houston #astros #rays #lambert
A lineup missing its leading threat mustered five hits in a 3-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays on Saturday, undermining a determined start by right-hander Peter Lambert and ensuring a series loss to the American League's first playoff entrant at Tropicana Field.
The Astros, who entered with the fifth-fewest runs in the majors since the Aug. 3 trade deadline, scored three or fewer for the 21st time in 35 games in that stretch. The offensive downturn might be presenting a direr threat to their playoff hopes if not for an inept division. The loss left Houston with a 2 ½-game AL West lead over the Rangers, who entered the day four games under .500, pending Texas' result.
The Astros are 75-74 with 13 games remaining on their schedule. Yainer Diaz had three of their five hits Saturday, including a run-scoring single in the sixth inning. Isaac Paredes' solo home run in the first against Rays starter Ian Seymour, who worked six strong frames, provided their only other run. Houston hitters were 2-for-6 with runners in scoring position and stranded six men on base.
The first was Seymour's rockiest inning, as three straight batters reached. Daulton Varsho and Christian Walker struck out to defuse the threat. Richie Palacios' two-run single wrought the first blemish against Lambert in his six-plus innings. Nick Madrigal broke a 2-2 tie for the Rays with a pinch-hit sacrifice fly in the bottom of the seventh.
#houston #astros #rays #lambert
1 day ago
Matchday 27 continued this Saturday (12) with six more games.
After the "crazy" 3-3 draw between Coritiba and Athletico-PR in the opening match of the round last Friday (11), the "rain of goals" continued in the Brasileirão.
The day began with Atlético-MG's solid 3-1 win over Fluminense in Belo Horizonte.
Both the Minas Gerais side and the Rio de Janeiro team fielded reserve/mixed lineups because of their continental deciders next week.
Galo need to overturn a 2-0 deficit at home against Santos in the Conmebol Sudamericana quarter-finals, while the Laranjeiras Tricolor travel to Argentina to face Platense holding a 2-0 advantage in the Libertadores quarter-finals.
#quarter #Friday
After the "crazy" 3-3 draw between Coritiba and Athletico-PR in the opening match of the round last Friday (11), the "rain of goals" continued in the Brasileirão.
The day began with Atlético-MG's solid 3-1 win over Fluminense in Belo Horizonte.
Both the Minas Gerais side and the Rio de Janeiro team fielded reserve/mixed lineups because of their continental deciders next week.
Galo need to overturn a 2-0 deficit at home against Santos in the Conmebol Sudamericana quarter-finals, while the Laranjeiras Tricolor travel to Argentina to face Platense holding a 2-0 advantage in the Libertadores quarter-finals.
#quarter #Friday
1 day ago
Mizzou volleyball found its rhythm early and never let it go Saturday, sweeping Wichita State 25-19, 25-13, 25-18 to close out another dominant performance at the Mizzou Tournament.
The Tigers controlled the match with a balanced offensive attack and stingy defense, finishing with a .347 hitting percentage while holding Wichita State to .177. Mizzou used contributions throughout its lineup, with Grace O'Reilly, Kimani Johnson and the Tigers' middle blockers helping fuel the three-set victory.
"Always great to play at Hearnes," Mizzou coach Dawn Sullivan said. "I thought it was a team kind of game tonight, and it was really fun to, one, just kind of see them find their rhythm out there."
Johnson set the tone in the opening set, recording five kills on six attempts as Mizzou pulled away for a 25-19 win. After Wichita State cut the Tigers' lead to 12-11, Mizzou responded with a block from Ceylin Kuyan and Lauren Larkin before gradually rebuilding its advantage.
Paige Felder sealed the first set with a kill, giving the Tigers an early 1-0 match lead.
#tigers
The Tigers controlled the match with a balanced offensive attack and stingy defense, finishing with a .347 hitting percentage while holding Wichita State to .177. Mizzou used contributions throughout its lineup, with Grace O'Reilly, Kimani Johnson and the Tigers' middle blockers helping fuel the three-set victory.
"Always great to play at Hearnes," Mizzou coach Dawn Sullivan said. "I thought it was a team kind of game tonight, and it was really fun to, one, just kind of see them find their rhythm out there."
Johnson set the tone in the opening set, recording five kills on six attempts as Mizzou pulled away for a 25-19 win. After Wichita State cut the Tigers' lead to 12-11, Mizzou responded with a block from Ceylin Kuyan and Lauren Larkin before gradually rebuilding its advantage.
Paige Felder sealed the first set with a kill, giving the Tigers an early 1-0 match lead.
#tigers
1 day ago
Dodgers news: What impressed Dave Roberts most about Josue De Paula's MLB debut appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
While the Los Angeles Dodgers will be without Shohei Ohtani for at least the next few games, Dave Roberts and company have found a way to replace his spot in the lineup in a must-watch way, calling up star prospect Josue De Paula from Double-A to DH in his place.
Discussing what he saw from De Paula's debut against the Miami Marlins, Roberts noted that he was really impressed with the 21-year-old's pitch selection, as he looked like a professional hitter despite his inexperience.
"I was very impressed. I'm not sure or certain 100%, but I don't think he swung at a ball out of the hitting zone, and so that's really impressive," Roberts said. "So to offer at ***** in the strike zone, not chase at all, earn a walk, get behind and line the ball to left field, get count leverage, hit a ball hard to the first baseman, I thought it was a fantastic night for him."
Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)
#impressed
While the Los Angeles Dodgers will be without Shohei Ohtani for at least the next few games, Dave Roberts and company have found a way to replace his spot in the lineup in a must-watch way, calling up star prospect Josue De Paula from Double-A to DH in his place.
Discussing what he saw from De Paula's debut against the Miami Marlins, Roberts noted that he was really impressed with the 21-year-old's pitch selection, as he looked like a professional hitter despite his inexperience.
"I was very impressed. I'm not sure or certain 100%, but I don't think he swung at a ball out of the hitting zone, and so that's really impressive," Roberts said. "So to offer at ***** in the strike zone, not chase at all, earn a walk, get behind and line the ball to left field, get count leverage, hit a ball hard to the first baseman, I thought it was a fantastic night for him."
Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)
#impressed
1 day ago
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Yordan Alvarez was out of the Houston Astros' lineup for a second straight game due to a sore right ankle Saturday.
Alvarez turned his ankle running the bases Thursday in Philadelphia and was not used off the bench in a close game Friday against Tampa Bay. Manager Joe Espada said that he was hopeful Alvarez could return to the lineup for Sunday's finale against the Rays.
"He came out and moved around, hit in the cages, but still sore," Espada said before Saturday's game. "More when he swings the bat and he's got to turn that right ankle once he's going to spin. So it's still not there."
This marks the first time Alvarez has been out of Houston's lineup in back-to-back games this season. He started 145 of the team's first 147 games prior to Friday, with 123 starts at DH and 22 in left field.
Alvarez entered Saturday leading the majors with a 1.017 OPS. A Triple Crown candidate, he led qualified American League hitters with a .310 average and ranked second in home runs (38), after Junior Caminero (40) of the Rays, and second in RBIs (96), behind Pete Alonso (97) of the Orioles.
#alvarez #Friday #sore
Alvarez turned his ankle running the bases Thursday in Philadelphia and was not used off the bench in a close game Friday against Tampa Bay. Manager Joe Espada said that he was hopeful Alvarez could return to the lineup for Sunday's finale against the Rays.
"He came out and moved around, hit in the cages, but still sore," Espada said before Saturday's game. "More when he swings the bat and he's got to turn that right ankle once he's going to spin. So it's still not there."
This marks the first time Alvarez has been out of Houston's lineup in back-to-back games this season. He started 145 of the team's first 147 games prior to Friday, with 123 starts at DH and 22 in left field.
Alvarez entered Saturday leading the majors with a 1.017 OPS. A Triple Crown candidate, he led qualified American League hitters with a .310 average and ranked second in home runs (38), after Junior Caminero (40) of the Rays, and second in RBIs (96), behind Pete Alonso (97) of the Orioles.
#alvarez #Friday #sore
1 day ago
If Carlos Correa is able to return to the Houston Astros lineup by the end of the regular season, he could play second base, The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal reports.
Correa, who turns 32 on Sept. 22, has been on the injured list since May 6 with a torn tendon in his left ankle that required surgery to repair. His 2026 season was believed to be over, as a result.
However, the 12-year veteran has been progressing well in his recovery and ran the bases earlier this week. The plan is for Correa to take up to 10 at-bats in live batting practice at the Astros' spring-training complex in West Palm Beach, Florida. If he doesn't deal with any setbacks, Correa could go on a minor-league rehab **** ignment with Triple-A Sugar Land next week.
Carlos Correa has reported to West Palm Beach and hit in the cages and took grounders there today, Joe Espada said. The plan is for Correa to start hitting on the field Monday.
In 32 games this season, Correa recorded a .279/.369/.418 slash average with 3 home runs, 8 doubles and 16 RBI. He played 23 games at shortstop and 14 at third base.
#season
Correa, who turns 32 on Sept. 22, has been on the injured list since May 6 with a torn tendon in his left ankle that required surgery to repair. His 2026 season was believed to be over, as a result.
However, the 12-year veteran has been progressing well in his recovery and ran the bases earlier this week. The plan is for Correa to take up to 10 at-bats in live batting practice at the Astros' spring-training complex in West Palm Beach, Florida. If he doesn't deal with any setbacks, Correa could go on a minor-league rehab **** ignment with Triple-A Sugar Land next week.
Carlos Correa has reported to West Palm Beach and hit in the cages and took grounders there today, Joe Espada said. The plan is for Correa to start hitting on the field Monday.
In 32 games this season, Correa recorded a .279/.369/.418 slash average with 3 home runs, 8 doubles and 16 RBI. He played 23 games at shortstop and 14 at third base.
#season
2 days ago
The Braves are rotating their lineup a bit to mitigate the Phillies' ability to play the matchup game. Instead of Harris batting cleanup behind Olson, Albies bats cleanup between the two as a deterrent against lefty relievers. Additionally, Mauricio Dubon replaces Mike Yastrzemski in left field.
Home cookin’ pic.twitter.com/esdWHepFee
Meanwhile, the Phillies shuffle their outfielders, facing the righty Mahle instead of the lefty Sale.
Saturday night in Atlanta#RingTheBell pic.twitter.com/G0Bj5r02hy
Game Time: Saturday, September 12, 7:15 p.m. ET
#Braves
Home cookin’ pic.twitter.com/esdWHepFee
Meanwhile, the Phillies shuffle their outfielders, facing the righty Mahle instead of the lefty Sale.
Saturday night in Atlanta#RingTheBell pic.twitter.com/G0Bj5r02hy
Game Time: Saturday, September 12, 7:15 p.m. ET
#Braves
2 days ago
Boston Red Sox have made a notable change to their lineup for Saturday's meeting with the Kansas City Royals, with Jarren Duran moving up the batting order as Boston looks to respond to three consecutive defeats.
Duran will remain in centre field for the second straight game, but interim manager Chad Tracy has opted to give the outfielder a different spot in the order for the latest Royals clash at Fenway Park.
Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images
Duran will bat seventh against the Royals after hitting eighth in Friday night's series opener, which Boston lost 3-2.
The Red Sox have also kept Duran in centre field, with Ceddanne Rafaela and Eli White both on the injured list. Roman Anthony and Wilyer Abreu will join him in the outfield for Saturday's contest.
#duran #boston #jarren
Duran will remain in centre field for the second straight game, but interim manager Chad Tracy has opted to give the outfielder a different spot in the order for the latest Royals clash at Fenway Park.
Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images
Duran will bat seventh against the Royals after hitting eighth in Friday night's series opener, which Boston lost 3-2.
The Red Sox have also kept Duran in centre field, with Ceddanne Rafaela and Eli White both on the injured list. Roman Anthony and Wilyer Abreu will join him in the outfield for Saturday's contest.
#duran #boston #jarren
2 days ago
Real Madrid are all set to take on Rayo Vallecano in their fifth La Liga match of the 2026/27 season in a little over an hour at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Having lost their previous league game to Real Betis, the Merengues will be eager to get things back on track and close the gap to leaders Barcelona, who are three points clear.
With kickoff not far away, Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has announced the starting lineup that will take the field against Rayo Vallecano.
And the biggest headline is that marquee summer signing Yan Diomande makes his first start for Real Madrid.
The €140 million arrival from RB Leipzig has been drip-fed minutes off the bench so far by the manager, but has been thrust into the team tonight, replacing Brahim Diaz on the right flank.
#madrid #take #betis
Having lost their previous league game to Real Betis, the Merengues will be eager to get things back on track and close the gap to leaders Barcelona, who are three points clear.
With kickoff not far away, Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has announced the starting lineup that will take the field against Rayo Vallecano.
And the biggest headline is that marquee summer signing Yan Diomande makes his first start for Real Madrid.
The €140 million arrival from RB Leipzig has been drip-fed minutes off the bench so far by the manager, but has been thrust into the team tonight, replacing Brahim Diaz on the right flank.
#madrid #take #betis
2 days ago
FC Köln welcome Werder Bremen to the RheinEnergieStadion on Saturday evening as both sides look to secure their second Bundesliga win of the season.
The Billy Goats were handed their first defeat of the season last time out, losing 4-1 away at VfB Stuttgart.
Bremen, meanwhile, make the trip to the Cathedral City after securing a fantastic 3-1 win against RB Leipzig last Saturday.
With kick-off at 18:30 CEST, here are the confirmed starting lineups.
FC Köln (4-5-1): Schwäbe - Castro-Montes, Simpson-Pusey, Lochoshvili, Mensah - Bülter, Krauß, Skhiri, Moore, Maina - Dallinga
#saturday #goats
The Billy Goats were handed their first defeat of the season last time out, losing 4-1 away at VfB Stuttgart.
Bremen, meanwhile, make the trip to the Cathedral City after securing a fantastic 3-1 win against RB Leipzig last Saturday.
With kick-off at 18:30 CEST, here are the confirmed starting lineups.
FC Köln (4-5-1): Schwäbe - Castro-Montes, Simpson-Pusey, Lochoshvili, Mensah - Bülter, Krauß, Skhiri, Moore, Maina - Dallinga
#saturday #goats
2 days ago
Las Vegas Raiders TE Michael Mayer signed a three-year contract extension with the Raiders Saturday, Sept. 12, worth $45 million. The extension includes $30 million in guaranteed money.
SOURCE: Ian Rapoport – NFL Network
Why It Matters: Mayer will be joining the starting lineup while Brock Bowers is sidelined, so he will have fantasy value over the next few weeks. He should see a decent amount of targets in Week 1 and can be a low-end No. 1 tight end in deeper leagues.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Extension for Michael Mayer
#rapoport
SOURCE: Ian Rapoport – NFL Network
Why It Matters: Mayer will be joining the starting lineup while Brock Bowers is sidelined, so he will have fantasy value over the next few weeks. He should see a decent amount of targets in Week 1 and can be a low-end No. 1 tight end in deeper leagues.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Extension for Michael Mayer
#rapoport
2 days ago
NEW YORK - Ben Rice's 3-for-4 night and key ABS challenge (reversing what would've been an inning-ending strikeout) set up Cody Bellinger's big three-run homer Friday.
But there was a lot more going on with Yankees' offense in that 6-4 win against the Mets.
With a deeper lineup since Aaron Judge's return, "it feels like there's a lot of places we can hurt you,'' said manager Aaron Boone, after a 13-hit attack that included another big night for Luis Garcia Jr.
Seamlessly fitting in to his new environment since last month's trade from Washington, Garcia's three hits raised his Yankee batting average to .314, with an .866 OPS in 33 games.
Naturally, there are some alterations to Saturday's Yankees lineup, against a lefty in Zac Thornton (3-5, 3.53), on a day game after a night game.
#since #york #cody
But there was a lot more going on with Yankees' offense in that 6-4 win against the Mets.
With a deeper lineup since Aaron Judge's return, "it feels like there's a lot of places we can hurt you,'' said manager Aaron Boone, after a 13-hit attack that included another big night for Luis Garcia Jr.
Seamlessly fitting in to his new environment since last month's trade from Washington, Garcia's three hits raised his Yankee batting average to .314, with an .866 OPS in 33 games.
Naturally, there are some alterations to Saturday's Yankees lineup, against a lefty in Zac Thornton (3-5, 3.53), on a day game after a night game.
#since #york #cody
2 days ago
Regular readers know that I've followed one of the great Cy Young horse races in recent memory, with Cam Schlittler going great start-for-great start with the Blue Jays' Dylan Cease. We got a little bit of separation this week, as the Athletics touched up Cease for four runs in five innings on Monday, and then Schlittler allowed just a solo shot in seven frames against the Rockies on Tuesday. Cam has crept just ahead by fWAR, enjoys a considerable lead in bWAR, and right now I think would end up at the top of most voters' ballots.
But something struck me in the aftermath of Cam's night against Colorado, the same night that Aaron Judge returned to the lineup. Cam Schlittler isn't just the Cy Young favorite, but he's built himself an MVP case. No pitcher has won the award since Clayton Kershaw for the 2014 Dodgers, and the last AL winner was 2011 Justin Verlander. Yordan Alvarez is in the hunt for the first Triple Crown since Miguel Cabrera, Bobby Witt Jr. is probably the best overall player in the league, and if Junior Caminero tops the AL in home runs and plays on the Junior Circuit's best team, he probably gets his share of votes too.
And yet here's the thing: Cam stacks up fairly against all three of them!
Let's take Yordan, who I think has the inside track on the award right now. Schlittler's 0.1 fWAR back, a difference that is literally negligible, and more than three-quarters of a win better by bWAR. Alvarez's candidacy is based around the Triple Crown, probably being the best hitter in baseball, and dragging what we thought was a finally-deflated Houston Astros team to a division ****** le. ****** py AL West or not, that is exactly the blueprint for an MVP, if one for a slightly older voter.
Should Alvarez not win the Triple Crown, he loses a bit of his case, though he's likely still the best hitter in the game on a division winner, one who will have played in the neighborhood of 155 games. That's the big thing both undercutting Witt's MVP claim while bolstering his position as best all-around player — the Kansas City shortstop has only played 128 games at time of writing, yet leads the league in fWAR and bWAR among position players. With a solid-but-not-spectacular 18 homers and 124 wRC+, the parts of his game beyond hitting are doing the heavy lifting there as well. All that and the fact that the Royals are so bad work against him when it comes to end of season awards though, and Bobby seems cursed to be the Dave Stieb of shortstops.
#schlittler #young #cease
But something struck me in the aftermath of Cam's night against Colorado, the same night that Aaron Judge returned to the lineup. Cam Schlittler isn't just the Cy Young favorite, but he's built himself an MVP case. No pitcher has won the award since Clayton Kershaw for the 2014 Dodgers, and the last AL winner was 2011 Justin Verlander. Yordan Alvarez is in the hunt for the first Triple Crown since Miguel Cabrera, Bobby Witt Jr. is probably the best overall player in the league, and if Junior Caminero tops the AL in home runs and plays on the Junior Circuit's best team, he probably gets his share of votes too.
And yet here's the thing: Cam stacks up fairly against all three of them!
Let's take Yordan, who I think has the inside track on the award right now. Schlittler's 0.1 fWAR back, a difference that is literally negligible, and more than three-quarters of a win better by bWAR. Alvarez's candidacy is based around the Triple Crown, probably being the best hitter in baseball, and dragging what we thought was a finally-deflated Houston Astros team to a division ****** le. ****** py AL West or not, that is exactly the blueprint for an MVP, if one for a slightly older voter.
Should Alvarez not win the Triple Crown, he loses a bit of his case, though he's likely still the best hitter in the game on a division winner, one who will have played in the neighborhood of 155 games. That's the big thing both undercutting Witt's MVP claim while bolstering his position as best all-around player — the Kansas City shortstop has only played 128 games at time of writing, yet leads the league in fWAR and bWAR among position players. With a solid-but-not-spectacular 18 homers and 124 wRC+, the parts of his game beyond hitting are doing the heavy lifting there as well. All that and the fact that the Royals are so bad work against him when it comes to end of season awards though, and Bobby seems cursed to be the Dave Stieb of shortstops.
#schlittler #young #cease
2 days ago
This could be interesting. Rookie running back CJ Donaldson is expected to come up from the New Orleans Saints practice squad for Week 1's road game with the Detroit Lions, reports Nick Underhill for NewOrleans.Football. While the Saints will have Travis Etienne Jr. and Kendre Miller in the lineup, veteran rusher Alvin Kamara is questionable to play and Audric Estime has been preemptively ruled out with a thigh injury. This would be one of three times the Saints can elevate Donaldson from the practice squad before they're required to promote him to the 53-man roster.
Donaldson is a bigger back, listed at 6-foot-1 and 230 pounds, and the Saints took time to figure out what he could do during the preseason and training camp by moving him around the formation as a fullback and halfback. That's a role he's familiar with dating back to his time in college with Ohio State and West Virginia. We know that rookie tight end Oscar Delp isn't playing in Week 1 due to a hamstring injury so maybe Donaldson does more than take some handoffs in short-yardage situations. He could get some opportunities to pave the way as a lead blocker and stand up blitzing defenders in the backfield.
But that doesn't mean he won't get some carries. Even if Etienne is going to take the lion's share of rushing attempts, Kamara isn't likely to see many touches if he does get the green light, being so soon removed from a preseason knee injury. Miller has missed 30 of his 51 possible games with New Orleans because of injuries. It makes sense to have Donaldson available in case of an emergency, if for no other reason than to keep Kamara from being rushed into some unfavorable situations.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Report: Rookie RB to be called up from Saints practice squad vs. Lions
#rookie #squad #injury
Donaldson is a bigger back, listed at 6-foot-1 and 230 pounds, and the Saints took time to figure out what he could do during the preseason and training camp by moving him around the formation as a fullback and halfback. That's a role he's familiar with dating back to his time in college with Ohio State and West Virginia. We know that rookie tight end Oscar Delp isn't playing in Week 1 due to a hamstring injury so maybe Donaldson does more than take some handoffs in short-yardage situations. He could get some opportunities to pave the way as a lead blocker and stand up blitzing defenders in the backfield.
But that doesn't mean he won't get some carries. Even if Etienne is going to take the lion's share of rushing attempts, Kamara isn't likely to see many touches if he does get the green light, being so soon removed from a preseason knee injury. Miller has missed 30 of his 51 possible games with New Orleans because of injuries. It makes sense to have Donaldson available in case of an emergency, if for no other reason than to keep Kamara from being rushed into some unfavorable situations.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Report: Rookie RB to be called up from Saints practice squad vs. Lions
#rookie #squad #injury
2 days ago
Chelsea welcome newly promoted Hull City to the Bridge today, though Hull have not been playing like newcomers, earning seven points from their first three games, keeping three clean sheets along the way. Can they resist our free-scoring attack? Let's hope not!
Xabi Alonso has made a couple changes to the usual early mix, with Maxence Lacroix taking a seat on the bench after starting every single game so far and Malo Gusto deployed at nominal left wing-back, at least according to the published lineup.
Here we go!
Chelsea starting lineup (3-4-2-1)
Martínez | Hato, Colwill, Fofana | Gusto, Lavia, James (c), Neto | Rogers, Palmer | João Pedro
Substitutes from: Penders, Acheampong, Lacroix, Chavarría, Barco, Quenda, Gittens, Estêvão, Welbeck
#Chelsea #lacroix #gusto
Xabi Alonso has made a couple changes to the usual early mix, with Maxence Lacroix taking a seat on the bench after starting every single game so far and Malo Gusto deployed at nominal left wing-back, at least according to the published lineup.
Here we go!
Chelsea starting lineup (3-4-2-1)
Martínez | Hato, Colwill, Fofana | Gusto, Lavia, James (c), Neto | Rogers, Palmer | João Pedro
Substitutes from: Penders, Acheampong, Lacroix, Chavarría, Barco, Quenda, Gittens, Estêvão, Welbeck
#Chelsea #lacroix #gusto
2 days ago
Borussia Dortmund entertain neighbors Paderborn on matchday 3. The hosts extended their perfect league start to the Bundesliga season with a narrow win over Villarreal in the Champions League. Meanwhile, Paderborn are yet to score on their return to the top-flight league.
Konstantinos Karetsas was discharged from the hospital after Tuesday's incident, but this game came too early for him. Ethan Nwaneri gets his first start in Niko Kovac's midfield for the Westphalian affair. Nico Schlotterbeck is also back in the lineup for the very first time.
Paderborn's striker Steffen Tigges starts on the bench in his return to his former club Dortmund. At the other end, goalkeeper Nahuel Noll hopes to continue his brilliant start to the campaign.
Here are the lineups as Borussia Dortmund aim to continue their perfect Bundesliga start.
BVB: Kobel; Gadou, Anton, Schlotterbeck ©; Ryerson, Veerman, Bellingham, Svensson; Nwaneri; Guirassy, Fabio Silva
#borussia #paderborn
Konstantinos Karetsas was discharged from the hospital after Tuesday's incident, but this game came too early for him. Ethan Nwaneri gets his first start in Niko Kovac's midfield for the Westphalian affair. Nico Schlotterbeck is also back in the lineup for the very first time.
Paderborn's striker Steffen Tigges starts on the bench in his return to his former club Dortmund. At the other end, goalkeeper Nahuel Noll hopes to continue his brilliant start to the campaign.
Here are the lineups as Borussia Dortmund aim to continue their perfect Bundesliga start.
BVB: Kobel; Gadou, Anton, Schlotterbeck ©; Ryerson, Veerman, Bellingham, Svensson; Nwaneri; Guirassy, Fabio Silva
#borussia #paderborn
2 days ago
An elite Denver defense is the Week 1 ******* ignment, and Mahomes gets it right out of the gate. He checks in 13th among quarterbacks in PFN's Week 1 rankings, and the matchup is clearly difficult. Still, you've given Andy Reid all summer to scheme. If you drafted Mahomes, you're playing Mahomes.
Mahomes faced this elite defense once last season, and Andy Reid made it pretty clear as to how he wanted to attack: 45 pass attempts and 14 rushes (one of which came from Mahomes).
They didn't bring in Kenneth Walker III to be a one-dimensional offense, and even if the long-term goal is to put their fate in the hands of their future Hall of Fame QB, it's fair to ******* ume we don't see that in September.
SET YOUR LINEUPS: PFN's Free Fantasy Football Start/Sit Optimizer
If you drafted Mahomes, you're playing Mahomes. There are a ton of players in this league where I'm happy to be a week late to starting rather than a week early, but this isn't one of those situations. The matchup is clearly difficult, but you've given Andy Reid all summer to scheme, and that's something I'm happy to bet on.
#week #elite #you 've
Mahomes faced this elite defense once last season, and Andy Reid made it pretty clear as to how he wanted to attack: 45 pass attempts and 14 rushes (one of which came from Mahomes).
They didn't bring in Kenneth Walker III to be a one-dimensional offense, and even if the long-term goal is to put their fate in the hands of their future Hall of Fame QB, it's fair to ******* ume we don't see that in September.
SET YOUR LINEUPS: PFN's Free Fantasy Football Start/Sit Optimizer
If you drafted Mahomes, you're playing Mahomes. There are a ton of players in this league where I'm happy to be a week late to starting rather than a week early, but this isn't one of those situations. The matchup is clearly difficult, but you've given Andy Reid all summer to scheme, and that's something I'm happy to bet on.
#week #elite #you 've
2 days ago
If you think Army is going to run over, around and through the South Florida defense the way the Black Knights did against Bryant in week one, think again.
There were a lot of positives to draw from as Army rolled up a school-record 648 yards of total offense and 569 rushing yards on the way to a 59-3 victory over Bryant. With a rout in progress, Army went deep into its bench and utilized 16 different ball carries, including three quarterbacks.
South Florida is not Bryant. The Bulls feature a defensive front that averages 6-foot-3, 293 pounds per man (Major Dillard is 330 pounds at nose, Asani Redwood is 300 at tackle and Michael Williams is 250 at end), compared to the Bryant squad that averaged 30 pounds less. Jump to the linebackers, and USF features a group that averages 6-3, 233 pounds, more than a dozen pounds heavier than the similar Bryant unit. You can also expect South Florida's defenders will be quicker to close off the edges, perhaps cutting off Army's success on the perimeter.
The Bulls held Florida International to 80 yards on 25 carries in a 19-9 win on the evening of Sept 5. FIU did roll up 301 yards of passing, on 62% of completed throws, but run-dominant Army has not been a passing threat for many years.
Based off last week's starting lineup (the Bulls do not release depth charts to the media), the South Florida defense fields nine starters who transferred in from other Division I schools. Linebackers C.J. Hicks (Ohio State), Grayson Howard (South Carolina and Florida) and Sam Robinson (Rutgers) played Power 4 ball, as did Redwood (West Virginia) up front. Corner Teddy Foster (Florida) and 'Star' Amanio Fortenberry (Kansas State) help anchor the secondary.
#south #Bulls #linebackers
There were a lot of positives to draw from as Army rolled up a school-record 648 yards of total offense and 569 rushing yards on the way to a 59-3 victory over Bryant. With a rout in progress, Army went deep into its bench and utilized 16 different ball carries, including three quarterbacks.
South Florida is not Bryant. The Bulls feature a defensive front that averages 6-foot-3, 293 pounds per man (Major Dillard is 330 pounds at nose, Asani Redwood is 300 at tackle and Michael Williams is 250 at end), compared to the Bryant squad that averaged 30 pounds less. Jump to the linebackers, and USF features a group that averages 6-3, 233 pounds, more than a dozen pounds heavier than the similar Bryant unit. You can also expect South Florida's defenders will be quicker to close off the edges, perhaps cutting off Army's success on the perimeter.
The Bulls held Florida International to 80 yards on 25 carries in a 19-9 win on the evening of Sept 5. FIU did roll up 301 yards of passing, on 62% of completed throws, but run-dominant Army has not been a passing threat for many years.
Based off last week's starting lineup (the Bulls do not release depth charts to the media), the South Florida defense fields nine starters who transferred in from other Division I schools. Linebackers C.J. Hicks (Ohio State), Grayson Howard (South Carolina and Florida) and Sam Robinson (Rutgers) played Power 4 ball, as did Redwood (West Virginia) up front. Corner Teddy Foster (Florida) and 'Star' Amanio Fortenberry (Kansas State) help anchor the secondary.
#south #Bulls #linebackers
2 days ago
Four matchups with a defense carrying a bottom-3 Defensive Impact grade have somehow produced 43.5 yards per game and 1.6 yards per route for Smith. He's 17th among wide receivers in PFN's Week 1 rankings, and I read that run as goofy variance and nothing more. With A.J. Brown in New England, we could get a spike performance right out of the gates.
The Commanders have held a bottom-3 Defensive Impact grade in consecutive seasons, and guess what?
For whatever reason, they've held Smith in check in four matchups over that stretch.
SET YOUR LINEUPS: PFN's Free Fantasy Football Start/Sit Optimizer
43.5 yards per game
#yards
The Commanders have held a bottom-3 Defensive Impact grade in consecutive seasons, and guess what?
For whatever reason, they've held Smith in check in four matchups over that stretch.
SET YOUR LINEUPS: PFN's Free Fantasy Football Start/Sit Optimizer
43.5 yards per game
#yards
2 days ago
Metcalf sits 34th among wide receivers in PFN's Week 1 rankings, which is what happens after the worst season of your career. The Falcons allowed seven receivers to clear 20 PPR points last season, so the setup is there, and so is the Michael Pittman theory. I'm going to be a week or two late to this party rather than early.
Let's call a spade a spade: Metcalf is coming off of the worst season of his career. His 850 yards were a new low-water mark and even that was inflated by two games where he had superhero singular plays that lifted his stat line (274 yards in games against the Ravens and Vikings, 576 in his other 13, good for just 44.3 yards per contest).
Aaron Rodgers is back at the helm and the team added Michael Pittman this offseason, a receiver who has effectively made a career off of what the Steelers asked of Metcalf in his first season with the franchise: short targets and hope.
SET YOUR LINEUPS: PFN's Free Fantasy Football Start/Sit Optimizer
Metcalf's 11.3 aDOT was, you guessed it, the lowest of his career, and featured just 24.2% of his looks coming deep downfield (15 or more yards), a rate that stood at 43.5% in 2024 with Seattle.
#season #week #receivers
Let's call a spade a spade: Metcalf is coming off of the worst season of his career. His 850 yards were a new low-water mark and even that was inflated by two games where he had superhero singular plays that lifted his stat line (274 yards in games against the Ravens and Vikings, 576 in his other 13, good for just 44.3 yards per contest).
Aaron Rodgers is back at the helm and the team added Michael Pittman this offseason, a receiver who has effectively made a career off of what the Steelers asked of Metcalf in his first season with the franchise: short targets and hope.
SET YOUR LINEUPS: PFN's Free Fantasy Football Start/Sit Optimizer
Metcalf's 11.3 aDOT was, you guessed it, the lowest of his career, and featured just 24.2% of his looks coming deep downfield (15 or more yards), a rate that stood at 43.5% in 2024 with Seattle.
#season #week #receivers
2 days ago
Kaiserslautern have a chance to go into the top three of the 2. Bundesliga standings when they face Magdeburg away from home on matchday 5. The hosts could also go above their opponents with three points.
Here are the two lineups for the 2. Bundesliga clash in Magdeburg.
1. FC Magdeburg: Reimann ©; Bockhorn, Heber, Garcia MacNulty, Nollenberger; Michel, Kwarteng, Hyryläinen; Iyoha, Żukowski, Atik
1. FC Kaiserslautern: Krahl; Elvedi, Gyamfi, Rasmussen; Asta, Sahin, Kunze, Murphy; Yardımcı, Ritter ©; Tazemeta
#three #bockhorn
Here are the two lineups for the 2. Bundesliga clash in Magdeburg.
1. FC Magdeburg: Reimann ©; Bockhorn, Heber, Garcia MacNulty, Nollenberger; Michel, Kwarteng, Hyryläinen; Iyoha, Żukowski, Atik
1. FC Kaiserslautern: Krahl; Elvedi, Gyamfi, Rasmussen; Asta, Sahin, Kunze, Murphy; Yardımcı, Ritter ©; Tazemeta
#three #bockhorn
2 days ago
Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha tips his teammate and compatriot Andrey Santos to turn heads this season.
The defensive midfielder was the club's first summer signing, completing a transfer from Chelsea for £48 million.
The Brazilian was later followed by another two midfielders in the shape Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba, as the Red Devils completely revamped the department.
(Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
Thanks to his relatively early arrival, Santos was a mainstay in Michael Carrick's starting lineup in pre-season, forming a solid partnership with Mason Mount prior to the latter's injury.
#matheus
The defensive midfielder was the club's first summer signing, completing a transfer from Chelsea for £48 million.
The Brazilian was later followed by another two midfielders in the shape Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba, as the Red Devils completely revamped the department.
(Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
Thanks to his relatively early arrival, Santos was a mainstay in Michael Carrick's starting lineup in pre-season, forming a solid partnership with Mason Mount prior to the latter's injury.
#matheus
2 days ago
Real Madrid host Rayo Vallecano in what should be a manageable game and a decent opportunity for José Mourinho to make some rotations, as he admitted during the pre-match press conference.
PREDICTED LINEUPS
Real Madrid predicted XI: Courtois; Dumfries, Konaté, Huijsen, Cucurella; Camavinga, Bernardo Silva; Güler, Bellingham, Vinicius; Mbappé.
Rayo Vallecano predicted XI: Cárdenas; Ratiu, Lejeune, Ciss, Pedrosa; Valentín, Bouaré; Tsitaishvili, Unai López, Álvaro García; Camello.
Camavinga, Bernardo Silva and Arda Güler will almost certainly feature in the starting lineup after being suspended for Real Madrid's match against Inter. Valverde could get some rest in this one.
#predicted #rayo #vallecano #bernardo
PREDICTED LINEUPS
Real Madrid predicted XI: Courtois; Dumfries, Konaté, Huijsen, Cucurella; Camavinga, Bernardo Silva; Güler, Bellingham, Vinicius; Mbappé.
Rayo Vallecano predicted XI: Cárdenas; Ratiu, Lejeune, Ciss, Pedrosa; Valentín, Bouaré; Tsitaishvili, Unai López, Álvaro García; Camello.
Camavinga, Bernardo Silva and Arda Güler will almost certainly feature in the starting lineup after being suspended for Real Madrid's match against Inter. Valverde could get some rest in this one.
#predicted #rayo #vallecano #bernardo
2 days ago
No. 18 Florida State hosted NC State Friday evening in its first ACC matchup of the season, ending the night with a 2-2 draw.
The Seminoles move to 4-1-2 on the season, while the Wolfpack move to 7-0-2.
FSU goalkeeper Kate Ockene entered the matchup after being named ACC Goalkeeper of the Week for her performance against Rice on Sunday.
Florida State's starting lineup featured Ockene in goal; Olivia Page and Claire Rain on the back line; Shaneil Buckley, Peyton McGovern, Joelle Jung and Sam Erbach in the midfield; and Nyah Rose, Tanner Strickland, Wrianna Hudson and Ryder Ajeto up front.
The Seminoles were still without Bridget Mutipula, Janet Okeke and Nyanya Touray, who are competing in the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup.
#goalkeeper
The Seminoles move to 4-1-2 on the season, while the Wolfpack move to 7-0-2.
FSU goalkeeper Kate Ockene entered the matchup after being named ACC Goalkeeper of the Week for her performance against Rice on Sunday.
Florida State's starting lineup featured Ockene in goal; Olivia Page and Claire Rain on the back line; Shaneil Buckley, Peyton McGovern, Joelle Jung and Sam Erbach in the midfield; and Nyah Rose, Tanner Strickland, Wrianna Hudson and Ryder Ajeto up front.
The Seminoles were still without Bridget Mutipula, Janet Okeke and Nyanya Touray, who are competing in the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup.
#goalkeeper
2 days ago
A fresh start, perhaps?
Lineups:
Kirby takes the mound tonight, hoping to be steadier than the uneven Jeffrey Springs. JP is back to leading off, and Birthday Boy Weston Wilson hits ninth. Taylor Ward is the DH tonight against the lefty Springs, and not to complain, but Arroyo would have been more fun.
Back in West Sacramento for three against the A’s. #TridentsUp pic.twitter.com/FcBpryS2RQ
your friday night plans ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/edUqfja3yE
#kirby
Lineups:
Kirby takes the mound tonight, hoping to be steadier than the uneven Jeffrey Springs. JP is back to leading off, and Birthday Boy Weston Wilson hits ninth. Taylor Ward is the DH tonight against the lefty Springs, and not to complain, but Arroyo would have been more fun.
Back in West Sacramento for three against the A’s. #TridentsUp pic.twitter.com/FcBpryS2RQ
your friday night plans ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/edUqfja3yE
#kirby
2 days ago
Here we go, folks! The Atlanta Braves went up to Philadelphia and got a split in a four-game series against the Phillies last week and now they'll have to hold serve against this same Philadelphia team a week later if they want to ensure that their hold on the NL East lead is as sturdy as possible as the calendar begins to wind down. Will Chris Sale continue to come up big for the Braves? Can Atlanta figure out a way to do some damage against Aaron Nola? Hopefully we'll be talking about a win for the Braves once the night is over!
Preview
Lineups
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#chris
Preview
Lineups
Join us in the comments section in the app, why don't you? Whether it's on iOS or Android, we got you covered.
Sign up for a user account and get:
#chris
2 days ago
The Los Angeles Dodgers put Shohei Ohtani on the 15-day injured list and moved Eric Lauer to the 60-day injured list, allowing Josue De Paula to enter the active roster.
The Dodgers needed to free up a position on the 40-man roster, since De Paula was not on it, and Lauer was the player to make way.
Additionally, since Lauer was not on the active roster and was on the 15-day IL, his move was not enough for De Paula to make the active roster.
Shohei Ohtani was officially placed on the IL, paving the way for De Paula to take his spot, both on the team and in the lineup as the designated hitter.
Sep 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) looks on during the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
#ohtani
The Dodgers needed to free up a position on the 40-man roster, since De Paula was not on it, and Lauer was the player to make way.
Additionally, since Lauer was not on the active roster and was on the 15-day IL, his move was not enough for De Paula to make the active roster.
Shohei Ohtani was officially placed on the IL, paving the way for De Paula to take his spot, both on the team and in the lineup as the designated hitter.
Sep 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) looks on during the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
#ohtani
2 days ago
Today, of course, is the anniversary of an event that means so much more than baseball. Twenty-five years ago, the September 11th attacks rocked the US, especially in New York. There are commemorations of all sort taking place around the country today. While the tragedy of that day in 2001 means more than baseball, in New York, the two baseball teams will honor the day in their own way: playing baseball. Starting tonight, the Subway Series is back for a weekend set, beginning on the 25th anniversary of 9/11.
To go to the baseball for a minute, Carlos Rodón will get the start for the Yankees in this one. For the season, Rodón's numbers are generally pretty good, but his habit of taking a little too long to put away batters tends to prevent him from going long. While the Yankees didn't have to use too many crucial arms, the bullpen did have to pitch a decent amount of innings yesterday, so they could use a good day from Rodón.
As for the rest of the lineup, Aaron Judge is back after getting last night off, while Anthony Volpe is at second again after his five RBI performance.
For the Mets, Nolan McLean will take the mound. He's been really good for them, posting a 3.06 ERA in 161.2 innings. Across his last dozen starts, the rookie has been even better, with an even lower ERA of 1.87.
Here's everything to know on how to catch tonight's action, and we hope you'll come join us in the game thread.
#back
To go to the baseball for a minute, Carlos Rodón will get the start for the Yankees in this one. For the season, Rodón's numbers are generally pretty good, but his habit of taking a little too long to put away batters tends to prevent him from going long. While the Yankees didn't have to use too many crucial arms, the bullpen did have to pitch a decent amount of innings yesterday, so they could use a good day from Rodón.
As for the rest of the lineup, Aaron Judge is back after getting last night off, while Anthony Volpe is at second again after his five RBI performance.
For the Mets, Nolan McLean will take the mound. He's been really good for them, posting a 3.06 ERA in 161.2 innings. Across his last dozen starts, the rookie has been even better, with an even lower ERA of 1.87.
Here's everything to know on how to catch tonight's action, and we hope you'll come join us in the game thread.
#back