11 days ago
MLB playoff games on TV today: Schedule, times, TV channels, live streams to watch ALCS, NLCS games originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The 2026 World Series could be set Monday night, with the Rays on the brink of advancing as they host Game 6 against the Guardians.
Tampa Bay's 3-1 win Sunday put Cleveland on the brink, needing a pair of wins at Tropicana Field to return to the Fall Classic for the first time since 2016. The Rays are trying to reach the World Series for the third time, but their most recent trip came in the COVID-shortened 2020 season when all the games were played in Arlington, Texas, so their fans mostly missed out that time.
The Rays got a brilliant pitching performance from Drew Rasmussen in Game 5 and will look for more of the same Monday with veteran Freddy Peralta on the mound. The trade-deadline acquisition started Game 2 of this series and was dominant, holding the Guardians to four hits in six scoreless innings of a 3-1 Tampa Bay win. He also pitched 2/3 of an inning in relief Saturday in Game 4.
Cleveland's pitching situation is unclear but it will be all hands on deck for Stephen Vogt as the Guardians hope their offense can get going the way it did to turn around the Division Series against the White Sox. Can they stay alive, or will the top-seeded Rays move on?
#Guardians #sporting #World
The 2026 World Series could be set Monday night, with the Rays on the brink of advancing as they host Game 6 against the Guardians.
Tampa Bay's 3-1 win Sunday put Cleveland on the brink, needing a pair of wins at Tropicana Field to return to the Fall Classic for the first time since 2016. The Rays are trying to reach the World Series for the third time, but their most recent trip came in the COVID-shortened 2020 season when all the games were played in Arlington, Texas, so their fans mostly missed out that time.
The Rays got a brilliant pitching performance from Drew Rasmussen in Game 5 and will look for more of the same Monday with veteran Freddy Peralta on the mound. The trade-deadline acquisition started Game 2 of this series and was dominant, holding the Guardians to four hits in six scoreless innings of a 3-1 Tampa Bay win. He also pitched 2/3 of an inning in relief Saturday in Game 4.
Cleveland's pitching situation is unclear but it will be all hands on deck for Stephen Vogt as the Guardians hope their offense can get going the way it did to turn around the Division Series against the White Sox. Can they stay alive, or will the top-seeded Rays move on?
#Guardians #sporting #World
12 days ago
The Tampa Bay Rays are one win away from reaching the World Series after defeating the Cleveland Guardians 3-1 in Game 5 of the American League Championship Series on Sunday. Behind another outstanding postseason performance from starting pitcher Drew Rasmussen and timely hitting throughout the lineup, Tampa Bay took a 3-2 lead in the best of seven series.
The Rays entered the matchup looking to build on Saturday's 7-3 victory, which evened the series at two games apiece. They delivered another strong performance in Cleveland, putting themselves in position to clinch the American League pennant on their home field.
Rasmussen was the biggest difference-maker Sunday, holding Cleveland to one run on four hits across seven innings. He consistently kept the Guardians' hitters off balance, limiting scoring opportunities and giving Tampa Bay's offense time to build an advantage.
The outing continued Rasmussen's impressive postseason run. His performance helped the Rays control the game from the early innings and put pressure on Cleveland to find answers against Tampa Bay's pitching staff.
Rasmussen's ability to work deep into the game also protected the bullpen, allowing the Rays to turn the final two innings over to their relievers with a lead.
#innings
The Rays entered the matchup looking to build on Saturday's 7-3 victory, which evened the series at two games apiece. They delivered another strong performance in Cleveland, putting themselves in position to clinch the American League pennant on their home field.
Rasmussen was the biggest difference-maker Sunday, holding Cleveland to one run on four hits across seven innings. He consistently kept the Guardians' hitters off balance, limiting scoring opportunities and giving Tampa Bay's offense time to build an advantage.
The outing continued Rasmussen's impressive postseason run. His performance helped the Rays control the game from the early innings and put pressure on Cleveland to find answers against Tampa Bay's pitching staff.
Rasmussen's ability to work deep into the game also protected the bullpen, allowing the Rays to turn the final two innings over to their relievers with a lead.
#innings
12 days ago
CLEVELAND — A pivotal ALCS Game 5 that looked on paper like a premium pitchers' duel dissolved into something much different on Sunday, as the Tampa Bay Rays took down the Cleveland Guardians 3-1 at Progressive Field to move within one win of a World Series berth. While the final score suggests a closely contested ballgame, the tale of the two starting pitchers tells otherwise.
When the AL Cy Young Award is announced next month, it's a safe bet that Yankees ace Cam Schlittler will take home the honor. Toronto's Dylan Cease appears to be the likeliest runner-up. Beyond that, both Rays right-hander Drew Rasmussen and Guardians rookie lefty Parker Messick have a strong case to be the third finalist, based on their fantastic regular seasons. Rasmussen ranked third in fWAR (5.0) and fourth in ERA (2.67) behind Schlittler and Cease; Messick ranked fourth in fWAR (4.9) and third in ERA (2.56).
These were the starting pitchers for Game 5 on Sunday. Rasmussen had tossed six innings of two-run ball in Game 1 — but in a Rays loss. Messick covered five innings and allowed three runs in Game 2 — but in a Guardians loss. With the series tied at two games apiece, Sunday's contest gave each frontline arm the tantalizing chance to push his club closer to the American League pennant.
Join or create a Yahoo Fantasy Basketball league for the 2026-27 NBA season
For neutral observers hoping for maximum October drama, the blueprint for a best-case clash could be found in July, when Rasmussen and Messick traded blows in a 1-0 Rays victory at Tropicana Field. In that one, Messick allowed the lone run across 7 ⅔ innings while Rasmussen yielded just one hit across seven shutout frames. If a similar game were on tap Sunday — this time with supremely elevated stakes — that would mean a timely hit or two would be required to seize a narrow victory. But such visions of a repeat nailbiter enforced by these elite starters were quashed in a hurry.
#messick #rays #Guardians
When the AL Cy Young Award is announced next month, it's a safe bet that Yankees ace Cam Schlittler will take home the honor. Toronto's Dylan Cease appears to be the likeliest runner-up. Beyond that, both Rays right-hander Drew Rasmussen and Guardians rookie lefty Parker Messick have a strong case to be the third finalist, based on their fantastic regular seasons. Rasmussen ranked third in fWAR (5.0) and fourth in ERA (2.67) behind Schlittler and Cease; Messick ranked fourth in fWAR (4.9) and third in ERA (2.56).
These were the starting pitchers for Game 5 on Sunday. Rasmussen had tossed six innings of two-run ball in Game 1 — but in a Rays loss. Messick covered five innings and allowed three runs in Game 2 — but in a Guardians loss. With the series tied at two games apiece, Sunday's contest gave each frontline arm the tantalizing chance to push his club closer to the American League pennant.
Join or create a Yahoo Fantasy Basketball league for the 2026-27 NBA season
For neutral observers hoping for maximum October drama, the blueprint for a best-case clash could be found in July, when Rasmussen and Messick traded blows in a 1-0 Rays victory at Tropicana Field. In that one, Messick allowed the lone run across 7 ⅔ innings while Rasmussen yielded just one hit across seven shutout frames. If a similar game were on tap Sunday — this time with supremely elevated stakes — that would mean a timely hit or two would be required to seize a narrow victory. But such visions of a repeat nailbiter enforced by these elite starters were quashed in a hurry.
#messick #rays #Guardians
2 months 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 months ago
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - An unorthodox pitching plan worked about as well as the Houston Astros could have hoped Friday. Their offense could not capitalize against another American League contender.
Junior Caminero cranked a walk-off, two-run home run against Bryan Abreu to send the Astros to a 3-1 loss in the opener of a series against the Tampa Bay Rays, who became the first American League team to clinch a spot in this year's playoff field. Houston, which entered the day with a three-game lead in the AL West, ended it with a 75-73 record.
Using an opener, three Astros pitchers combined to hold the Rays to two hits before the ninth inning. Jonathan Aranda hit a one-out double against Abreu. With first base open, the Astros opted to face Caminero, the AL home run leader, who crushed a first-pitch fastball 417 feet to ignite a celebration at Tropicana Field.
The Astros totaled nine hits. But they were 2-for-6 with runners in scoring position, with neither of the hits scoring a run, and stranded six men on base.
A 1-1 tie reached the ninth inning. The teams took different routes there. Rays starter Drew Rasmussen worked seven innings, navigating eight hits. One run against him scored on a fielder's choice. He threw 92 pitches before Tampa Bay turned to its bullpen.
#astros #houston #abreu #tampa
Junior Caminero cranked a walk-off, two-run home run against Bryan Abreu to send the Astros to a 3-1 loss in the opener of a series against the Tampa Bay Rays, who became the first American League team to clinch a spot in this year's playoff field. Houston, which entered the day with a three-game lead in the AL West, ended it with a 75-73 record.
Using an opener, three Astros pitchers combined to hold the Rays to two hits before the ninth inning. Jonathan Aranda hit a one-out double against Abreu. With first base open, the Astros opted to face Caminero, the AL home run leader, who crushed a first-pitch fastball 417 feet to ignite a celebration at Tropicana Field.
The Astros totaled nine hits. But they were 2-for-6 with runners in scoring position, with neither of the hits scoring a run, and stranded six men on base.
A 1-1 tie reached the ninth inning. The teams took different routes there. Rays starter Drew Rasmussen worked seven innings, navigating eight hits. One run against him scored on a fielder's choice. He threw 92 pitches before Tampa Bay turned to its bullpen.
#astros #houston #abreu #tampa
2 months ago
Detroit is still without a permanent general manager, and training camp opens Sept. 17. Shawn Horcoff is running day-to-day operations on an interim basis, with one significant restriction: he cannot make trades. Chris Ilitch has brought in an outside search firm, and the list of outside names has already been trimmed.
Most of the attention has gone to the candidates coming from other organizations. But three of the most credible Red Wings GM candidates already work in the building, and the Wings need to at least consider looking at them.
Steve Yzerman's tenure in Detroit was less than fruitful; fans and ******* ysts both tried to stay faithful to the so-called "Yzerplan." Yzerman stepped down on July 15 after seven seasons that produced zero playoff berths, and he remains with the organization as a senior adviser to Ilitch rather than having been fired outright. During his tenure there seemed to be no urgency to help the team make it back to the playoffs, even though they were within range the past three seasons.
Now, this is not the complete fault of Yzerman, as he was handcuffed by Chris Ilitch. Reports have come out that Yzerman needed approval from Ilitch on certain deals, more specifically signing Steven Stamkos as a free agent, just to see him put up productive seasons — 69 goals across two campaigns for the Nashville Predators, 27 in his first year and 42 in his second.
Yzerman's highlights of acquisitions for the team are trading for Alex DeBrincat and signing Patrick Kane coming off hip surgery. He also had his fair share of misses, such as Andrew Copp ($5.625 AAV/5 years), J.T. Compher ($5.100 AAV/5 years), Michael Rasmussen ($3.200 AAV/4 years), Vladimir Tarasenko ($4.750 AAV/2 years), and the list can go on. He made poor contract extensions and signed aging superstars to try and get any juice that they had left.
#chris
Most of the attention has gone to the candidates coming from other organizations. But three of the most credible Red Wings GM candidates already work in the building, and the Wings need to at least consider looking at them.
Steve Yzerman's tenure in Detroit was less than fruitful; fans and ******* ysts both tried to stay faithful to the so-called "Yzerplan." Yzerman stepped down on July 15 after seven seasons that produced zero playoff berths, and he remains with the organization as a senior adviser to Ilitch rather than having been fired outright. During his tenure there seemed to be no urgency to help the team make it back to the playoffs, even though they were within range the past three seasons.
Now, this is not the complete fault of Yzerman, as he was handcuffed by Chris Ilitch. Reports have come out that Yzerman needed approval from Ilitch on certain deals, more specifically signing Steven Stamkos as a free agent, just to see him put up productive seasons — 69 goals across two campaigns for the Nashville Predators, 27 in his first year and 42 in his second.
Yzerman's highlights of acquisitions for the team are trading for Alex DeBrincat and signing Patrick Kane coming off hip surgery. He also had his fair share of misses, such as Andrew Copp ($5.625 AAV/5 years), J.T. Compher ($5.100 AAV/5 years), Michael Rasmussen ($3.200 AAV/4 years), Vladimir Tarasenko ($4.750 AAV/2 years), and the list can go on. He made poor contract extensions and signed aging superstars to try and get any juice that they had left.
#chris
2 months ago
Thomas Stamm makes three changes from the defeat away to Heidenheim. Ahmet Muhamedbegovic, Nicolai Rapp and Jakob Lemmer come into the starting XI.
Uwe Rösler makes two changes to the eleven from the defeat in Osnabrück last time out. Enis ****** aj and Christian Rasmussen come into the eleven.
Dynamo Dresden (4-3-3): Schreiber; Sterner, Muhamedbegovic, Müller, Rossipal; Wagner, Rapp, Hauptmann; Lemmer, Vermeij, Bobzien
VfL Bochum (4-2-3-1): Horn; Olsen, Steinwender, Mets, Wittek; ****** aj, Pannewig; Miyoshi, Rasmussen, Holtmann; Hofmann
#muhamedbegovic
Uwe Rösler makes two changes to the eleven from the defeat in Osnabrück last time out. Enis ****** aj and Christian Rasmussen come into the eleven.
Dynamo Dresden (4-3-3): Schreiber; Sterner, Muhamedbegovic, Müller, Rossipal; Wagner, Rapp, Hauptmann; Lemmer, Vermeij, Bobzien
VfL Bochum (4-2-3-1): Horn; Olsen, Steinwender, Mets, Wittek; ****** aj, Pannewig; Miyoshi, Rasmussen, Holtmann; Hofmann
#muhamedbegovic
2 months ago
Yankees' Aaron Boone gets questionable job status update amid hot-seat rumor originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The New York Yankees have had Aaron Boone as their manager for nine seasons. While they've been a good team for most of those seasons, including a World Series appearance in 2024, they've not won a ***** le since his hiring.
For a storied franchise like the Yankees, this current drought without a ***** le since 2009 is a notable stretch without another World Series championship. Boone is trying to fix that this season. But what if the Yankees are bounced in the postseason again?
Karl Rasmussen of Sports Illustrated shared a hot-seat rumor about Boone that revealed the Yankees and Brian Cashman could finally run out of patience and move on from Boone if the 2026 season result isn't good enough.
"He's been given a long leash by Brian Cashman and the rest of the front office, but patience may run out if the Yankees don't make a deep postseason run this year," Rasmussen writes.
#cashman #seat
The New York Yankees have had Aaron Boone as their manager for nine seasons. While they've been a good team for most of those seasons, including a World Series appearance in 2024, they've not won a ***** le since his hiring.
For a storied franchise like the Yankees, this current drought without a ***** le since 2009 is a notable stretch without another World Series championship. Boone is trying to fix that this season. But what if the Yankees are bounced in the postseason again?
Karl Rasmussen of Sports Illustrated shared a hot-seat rumor about Boone that revealed the Yankees and Brian Cashman could finally run out of patience and move on from Boone if the 2026 season result isn't good enough.
"He's been given a long leash by Brian Cashman and the rest of the front office, but patience may run out if the Yankees don't make a deep postseason run this year," Rasmussen writes.
#cashman #seat
2 months ago
On August 17, satellite communications giant Viasat, Inc. (NASDAQ:VSAT) selected launch and ****** e systems provider Rocket Lab Corporation (NASDAQ:RKLB) to build the ****** ecraft bus for the U.S. ****** e Force's Protected Tactical SATCOM-Global (PTS-G) program. Under the initial "Swarm 1" production award, a $218.8 million prime contract won by Viasat in May, Rocket Lab will supply a geosynchronous configuration of its Lightning ****** ecraft platform (Lightning-GEO) to host Viasat's dual-band X/Ka-band anti-jamming payload. Stifel ****** yst Erik Rasmussen maintained a Buy rating on Rocket Lab following the news, citing a "meaningful share" of the award for Rocket Lab that presents a high eight-figure revenue opportunity and positions the company well for follow-on contracts.
Viasat and Rocket Lab present two fundamentally different financial profiles, with Viasat emphasizing scale and improving cash flow while Rocket Lab delivers significantly faster growth. Viasat, Inc. (NASDAQ:VSAT) generated approximately $1.2 billion in Q1 FY2027 revenue, down 1% year over year, primarily reflecting a 4% decline in its Defense and Advanced Technology segment while Communications Services remained flat. Its net loss narrowed to $52 million from $56 million in Q1 FY2026, helped by lower interest expenses following debt repayment. Adjusted EBITDA declined 7% year over year to $381 million, while free cash flow increased 19% to $72 million, excluding non-recurring items. This improvement helped reduce net leverage to 3.2x, down 0.4x, while quarterly awards increased 10% year over year to $1.3 billion.
Rocket Lab Corporation (NASDAQ:RKLB), meanwhile, posted record Q2 2026 revenue of $234.1 million, up 62% year over year, driven by rapid expansion in its ****** e Systems business. Although the company recorded a GAAP net loss of $49.25 million, gross profit increased to $84.57 million, while backlog surged 137% year over year to $2.36 billion. Cash reserves also climbed to $2.13 billion following an ATM equity offering. While Viasat generates roughly five times the revenue and stronger operating cash flow, Rocket Lab is growing at a much faster pace, rapidly scaling its high-margin ****** e Systems business alongside launch services.
Viasat's bull case is supported by strong cash flow generation, with $72 million in free cash flow, and a multi-billion-dollar backlog that provides visibility for continued debt reduction. Its ****** e Force PTS-G win also reinforces the strength of its defense business and could support future growth. However, the bear case centers on declining top-line growth, with revenue down 1% year over year. Heavy capital expenditures on satellite constellations, combined with existing leverage constraints, could limit the company's ability to respond quickly to changing market conditions.
#viasat #space #cash
Viasat and Rocket Lab present two fundamentally different financial profiles, with Viasat emphasizing scale and improving cash flow while Rocket Lab delivers significantly faster growth. Viasat, Inc. (NASDAQ:VSAT) generated approximately $1.2 billion in Q1 FY2027 revenue, down 1% year over year, primarily reflecting a 4% decline in its Defense and Advanced Technology segment while Communications Services remained flat. Its net loss narrowed to $52 million from $56 million in Q1 FY2026, helped by lower interest expenses following debt repayment. Adjusted EBITDA declined 7% year over year to $381 million, while free cash flow increased 19% to $72 million, excluding non-recurring items. This improvement helped reduce net leverage to 3.2x, down 0.4x, while quarterly awards increased 10% year over year to $1.3 billion.
Rocket Lab Corporation (NASDAQ:RKLB), meanwhile, posted record Q2 2026 revenue of $234.1 million, up 62% year over year, driven by rapid expansion in its ****** e Systems business. Although the company recorded a GAAP net loss of $49.25 million, gross profit increased to $84.57 million, while backlog surged 137% year over year to $2.36 billion. Cash reserves also climbed to $2.13 billion following an ATM equity offering. While Viasat generates roughly five times the revenue and stronger operating cash flow, Rocket Lab is growing at a much faster pace, rapidly scaling its high-margin ****** e Systems business alongside launch services.
Viasat's bull case is supported by strong cash flow generation, with $72 million in free cash flow, and a multi-billion-dollar backlog that provides visibility for continued debt reduction. Its ****** e Force PTS-G win also reinforces the strength of its defense business and could support future growth. However, the bear case centers on declining top-line growth, with revenue down 1% year over year. Heavy capital expenditures on satellite constellations, combined with existing leverage constraints, could limit the company's ability to respond quickly to changing market conditions.
#viasat #space #cash
2 months ago
DETROIT (AP) — Jonathan Aranda homered and Drew Rasmussen gave up three hits in six strong innings as the Tampa Bay Rays beat the slumping Detroit Tigers 4-1 on Monday night.
Tampa Bay had lost seven of its last 10, but never trailed against the Tigers, who have lost six straight and nine of 10 to fall behind in the race for the final AL wild card.
Rasmussen (14-5) allowed one run to win his seventh straight start. It is the second longest streak in franchise history, trailing only Blake Snell's nine-start streak in 2018.
Bryan Baker pitched the ninth for his 38th save.
Detroit starter Framber Valdez (8-9) gave up four runs — three earned — on eight hits in six innings. He walked two without striking out a batter.
#hits
Tampa Bay had lost seven of its last 10, but never trailed against the Tigers, who have lost six straight and nine of 10 to fall behind in the race for the final AL wild card.
Rasmussen (14-5) allowed one run to win his seventh straight start. It is the second longest streak in franchise history, trailing only Blake Snell's nine-start streak in 2018.
Bryan Baker pitched the ninth for his 38th save.
Detroit starter Framber Valdez (8-9) gave up four runs — three earned — on eight hits in six innings. He walked two without striking out a batter.
#hits
2 months ago
ESPN Founder Bill Rasmussen died Aug. 18 at 93 from the effects of Parkinson's disease. (Photo by Marc Serota)
In August 1978, Bill Rasmussen was stuck in traffic on Interstate 84 with his son, Scott, trying to solve a problem: They had plans for a sports cable network and enough satellite capacity to cover 8,760 hours a year. What could possibly fill all that time?
Scott offered an answer that sounded almost absurd: play sports all day.
From that traffic jam emerged the blueprint for what became the Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, soon known by its initialism, ESPN.
That brainstorm established Rasmussen, who died Aug. 18 at 93 from the effects of Parkinson's disease, as a founding father of around-the-clock sports television and helped change how generations of fans consumed sports.
#sports #rasmussen #died #TRAFFIC
In August 1978, Bill Rasmussen was stuck in traffic on Interstate 84 with his son, Scott, trying to solve a problem: They had plans for a sports cable network and enough satellite capacity to cover 8,760 hours a year. What could possibly fill all that time?
Scott offered an answer that sounded almost absurd: play sports all day.
From that traffic jam emerged the blueprint for what became the Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, soon known by its initialism, ESPN.
That brainstorm established Rasmussen, who died Aug. 18 at 93 from the effects of Parkinson's disease, as a founding father of around-the-clock sports television and helped change how generations of fans consumed sports.
#sports #rasmussen #died #TRAFFIC
2 months ago
ESPN co-founder Bill Rasmussen passed away at the age of 93.
Rasmussen brought his vision of a 24/7 all-sports network to life in 1979. Even though he left the network the next year, his impact in helping to launch the Entertainment and Sports Programming Network has far surpassed anyone's reasonable expectations of what could be possible.
In the wake of his passing, several pillars of ESPN's past and present stepped forward to pay tribute.
"Bill was a remarkable man – a visionary and an innovator who conceived the idea of a network entirely devoted to sports," said ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro in a statement released by ESPN. "Quite simply, none of us would be here today if it wasn't for Bill's passion and all the hard work and entrepreneurial spirit he put into building ESPN in the late 1970s – key aspects of our company culture that still carry on to this day."
"He was such a grateful person and every sports fan can be grateful for Bill. He wasn't a glass half-full guy; his glass was always overflowing with optimism. He greeted everyone with a smile and we can all smile knowing Bill's legacy," ESPN legend Chris Berman added in the ESPN announcement.
#rasmussen #even
Rasmussen brought his vision of a 24/7 all-sports network to life in 1979. Even though he left the network the next year, his impact in helping to launch the Entertainment and Sports Programming Network has far surpassed anyone's reasonable expectations of what could be possible.
In the wake of his passing, several pillars of ESPN's past and present stepped forward to pay tribute.
"Bill was a remarkable man – a visionary and an innovator who conceived the idea of a network entirely devoted to sports," said ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro in a statement released by ESPN. "Quite simply, none of us would be here today if it wasn't for Bill's passion and all the hard work and entrepreneurial spirit he put into building ESPN in the late 1970s – key aspects of our company culture that still carry on to this day."
"He was such a grateful person and every sports fan can be grateful for Bill. He wasn't a glass half-full guy; his glass was always overflowing with optimism. He greeted everyone with a smile and we can all smile knowing Bill's legacy," ESPN legend Chris Berman added in the ESPN announcement.
#rasmussen #even
2 months ago
The man who pioneered wholesale change in sports media with the founding of ESPN has died.
Bill Rasmussen, the entrepreneur who conceived the 24-hour cable sports network ESPN, died on Tuesday at age 93, the network announced. Rasmussen, along with his son Scott, famously came up with the idea for ESPN while stuck in traffic traveling to the Jersey Shore. Now, nearly 50 years later, ESPN is a behemoth prepared to broadcast the first Super Bowl in the network's history next February.
"Bill was a remarkable man – a visionary and an innovator who conceived the idea of a network entirely devoted to sports," ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro said in a statement. "Quite simply, none of us would be here today if it wasn't for Bill's passion and all the hard work and entrepreneurial spirit he put into building ESPN in the late 1970s – key aspects of our company culture that still carry on to this day."
Rasmussen's time at ESPN was essential but short-lived. The network launched in 1979 on the back of emerging satellite technology and funding from Getty Oil. The early days of ESPN were programmed with the flagship SportsCenter news and highlights show surrounded by a hodgepodge of live sports rights. Securing early-round NCAA Tournament broadcasts in March of 1980 proved to be a springboard for the fledgling network, helping bring ESPN into the mainstream.
Rasmussen left ESPN in October 1980 just over a year after its formal launch. Despite his brief tenure, his impact on the sports media industry was profound.
#sports #Media #died
Bill Rasmussen, the entrepreneur who conceived the 24-hour cable sports network ESPN, died on Tuesday at age 93, the network announced. Rasmussen, along with his son Scott, famously came up with the idea for ESPN while stuck in traffic traveling to the Jersey Shore. Now, nearly 50 years later, ESPN is a behemoth prepared to broadcast the first Super Bowl in the network's history next February.
"Bill was a remarkable man – a visionary and an innovator who conceived the idea of a network entirely devoted to sports," ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro said in a statement. "Quite simply, none of us would be here today if it wasn't for Bill's passion and all the hard work and entrepreneurial spirit he put into building ESPN in the late 1970s – key aspects of our company culture that still carry on to this day."
Rasmussen's time at ESPN was essential but short-lived. The network launched in 1979 on the back of emerging satellite technology and funding from Getty Oil. The early days of ESPN were programmed with the flagship SportsCenter news and highlights show surrounded by a hodgepodge of live sports rights. Securing early-round NCAA Tournament broadcasts in March of 1980 proved to be a springboard for the fledgling network, helping bring ESPN into the mainstream.
Rasmussen left ESPN in October 1980 just over a year after its formal launch. Despite his brief tenure, his impact on the sports media industry was profound.
#sports #Media #died
2 months ago
LAND O' LAKES, Fla. (AP) — Bill Rasmussen, who co-founded ESPN in 1979 after being fired from a public relations job in the World Hockey ******* ociation, died Tuesday. He was 93.
ESPN historian Mike Soltys said Rasmussen died at his Florida home from the effects of Parkinson's disease. Rasmussen announced in 2019 that he had been diagnosed with the degenerative disease in 2014.
"Bill was a remarkable man — a visionary and an innovator who conceived the idea of a network entirely devoted to sports," ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro said in a statement. "Quite simply, none of us would be here today if it wasn't for Bill's passion and all the hard work and entrepreneurial spirit he put into building ESPN in the late 1970s — key aspects of our company culture that still carry on to this day."
Rasmussen and his son Scott came up with the idea of a network carrying sports around the clock, and it would revolutionize Americans' TV-watching habits. But the pair didn't stick around long. They were forced out after only a year by ESPN majority owner Getty Oil.
Bill Rasmussen's original idea was a cable channel covering only Connecticut sports. Many cable operators in the state were skeptical, but someone suggested buying satellite time to reach a national audience.
#bill #only
ESPN historian Mike Soltys said Rasmussen died at his Florida home from the effects of Parkinson's disease. Rasmussen announced in 2019 that he had been diagnosed with the degenerative disease in 2014.
"Bill was a remarkable man — a visionary and an innovator who conceived the idea of a network entirely devoted to sports," ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro said in a statement. "Quite simply, none of us would be here today if it wasn't for Bill's passion and all the hard work and entrepreneurial spirit he put into building ESPN in the late 1970s — key aspects of our company culture that still carry on to this day."
Rasmussen and his son Scott came up with the idea of a network carrying sports around the clock, and it would revolutionize Americans' TV-watching habits. But the pair didn't stick around long. They were forced out after only a year by ESPN majority owner Getty Oil.
Bill Rasmussen's original idea was a cable channel covering only Connecticut sports. Many cable operators in the state were skeptical, but someone suggested buying satellite time to reach a national audience.
#bill #only
3 months ago
The IndyCar Series' first race in Markham, Ontario, Canada, will have a different look up front. Louis Foster starts from the pole position and Christian Lundgaard is second for the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham, a 90-lap race on the 12-turn, 2.19-mile layout.
These drivers crashed during practice or qualifying: Alex Palou, Caio Collet, Will Power and Josef Newgarden all start further back in the field than they'd like.
These drivers face 6-position grid penalties for excessive engine changes: Alexander Rossi, Christian Rasmussen, Marcus Armstrong, Will Power, Kyle Kirkwood and Pato O'Ward.
We will have leaderboard updates and highlights throughout, so please remember to refresh.
(*-drivers moved back 6 places on starting grid for excessive engine changes)
#drivers #markham #grid
These drivers crashed during practice or qualifying: Alex Palou, Caio Collet, Will Power and Josef Newgarden all start further back in the field than they'd like.
These drivers face 6-position grid penalties for excessive engine changes: Alexander Rossi, Christian Rasmussen, Marcus Armstrong, Will Power, Kyle Kirkwood and Pato O'Ward.
We will have leaderboard updates and highlights throughout, so please remember to refresh.
(*-drivers moved back 6 places on starting grid for excessive engine changes)
#drivers #markham #grid
3 months ago
The IndyCar Series' first race in Markham, Ontario, Canada, will have a different look up front. Louis Foster starts from the pole position and Christian Lundgaard is second for the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham, a 90-lap race on the 12-turn, 2.19-mile layout.
These drivers crashed during practice or qualifying: Alex Palou, Caio Collet, Will Power and Josef Newgarden all start further back in the field than they'd like.
These drivers face 6-position grid penalties for excessive engine changes: Alexander Rossi, Christian Rasmussen, Marcus Armstrong, Will Power, Kyle Kirkwood and Pato O'Ward.
We will have leaderboard updates and highlights throughout, so please remember to refresh.
(*-drivers moved back 6 places on starting grid for excessive engine changes)
#markham #christian #position #excessive
These drivers crashed during practice or qualifying: Alex Palou, Caio Collet, Will Power and Josef Newgarden all start further back in the field than they'd like.
These drivers face 6-position grid penalties for excessive engine changes: Alexander Rossi, Christian Rasmussen, Marcus Armstrong, Will Power, Kyle Kirkwood and Pato O'Ward.
We will have leaderboard updates and highlights throughout, so please remember to refresh.
(*-drivers moved back 6 places on starting grid for excessive engine changes)
#markham #christian #position #excessive
3 months ago
Perhaps never before has the Utah Open had such a Utah-centric leaderboard as it does after two rounds of the annual golf tournament, celebrating its 100th year this year at Riverside Country Club.
The top 11 golfers after 36 holes of the 54-hole tournament, sponsored by Larry H. Miller Company, are all Utah born-and-bred and each of the golfers is in his 20s with most having experience playing at one of the state's colleges.
Blake Tomlinson, a 27-year-old former University of Utah golfer, who won 2022 Utah Open, fired a 10-under-par 62 Saturday to take a two-stroke lead into Sunday's final round with a 16-under 128 total.
Two former BYU golfers, Carson Lundell and Simon Kwon, are tied at 130 with former Utah Tech golfer Jackson Rhees, while two more ex-Cougars, Rhett Rasmussen and Tyson Shelley, are tied for fifth, another stroke back at 131. Tied for seventh are ex-Ute Braxton Watts, former BYU golfer Keanu Akina and current BYU golfer Jackson Mauss, while another amateur, Parker Bunn, who plays for the Cougars, and Salt Lake's John Fox are tied for 10th at 133.
Tomlinson started off with two birdies and added three more to make the turn at 31. Then, on the back nine, he made five more birdies for another 31, just missing the Utah Open record of 61.
#open #year #cougars
The top 11 golfers after 36 holes of the 54-hole tournament, sponsored by Larry H. Miller Company, are all Utah born-and-bred and each of the golfers is in his 20s with most having experience playing at one of the state's colleges.
Blake Tomlinson, a 27-year-old former University of Utah golfer, who won 2022 Utah Open, fired a 10-under-par 62 Saturday to take a two-stroke lead into Sunday's final round with a 16-under 128 total.
Two former BYU golfers, Carson Lundell and Simon Kwon, are tied at 130 with former Utah Tech golfer Jackson Rhees, while two more ex-Cougars, Rhett Rasmussen and Tyson Shelley, are tied for fifth, another stroke back at 131. Tied for seventh are ex-Ute Braxton Watts, former BYU golfer Keanu Akina and current BYU golfer Jackson Mauss, while another amateur, Parker Bunn, who plays for the Cougars, and Salt Lake's John Fox are tied for 10th at 133.
Tomlinson started off with two birdies and added three more to make the turn at 31. Then, on the back nine, he made five more birdies for another 31, just missing the Utah Open record of 61.
#open #year #cougars
3 months ago
Welcome back to Rays Reacts. We asked, you voted. This time, we inquired on your confidence in the Rays starting rotation, which as a question conjures playoff considerations.
Practically, many teams skate by with just three plus starting pitchers, so personally I'm not too worried about how the rotation shakes out down the stretch. Despite losing Griffin Jax to injury — he recently got an injection in his elbow, and has resumed throwing at 120 feet — Rasmussen and Martinez are solid, Sugar Shane just pitched three clean innings in Durham on a rehab start, the Rays are settling Peralta into the Rays way, and Seymour is over-achieving expectations for a pitcher with 14 career starts at the MLB level.
I'm confident, but more importantly, how did y'all feel?
Minor concerns is fair!
Jax and McClanahan are indeed injured, Seymour was recently in the bullpen, and Peralta is new. It's reasonable to be concerned at least a little bit.
#seymour #recently
Practically, many teams skate by with just three plus starting pitchers, so personally I'm not too worried about how the rotation shakes out down the stretch. Despite losing Griffin Jax to injury — he recently got an injection in his elbow, and has resumed throwing at 120 feet — Rasmussen and Martinez are solid, Sugar Shane just pitched three clean innings in Durham on a rehab start, the Rays are settling Peralta into the Rays way, and Seymour is over-achieving expectations for a pitcher with 14 career starts at the MLB level.
I'm confident, but more importantly, how did y'all feel?
Minor concerns is fair!
Jax and McClanahan are indeed injured, Seymour was recently in the bullpen, and Peralta is new. It's reasonable to be concerned at least a little bit.
#seymour #recently
3 months ago
The start of this week in MLB had a lot at stake. GMs and front offices have been busy working on deals they hope will pave the way to a deep postseason run. Monday was the trade deadline, and several teams saw player movement. For most teams, acquisitions were made to chase a playoff berth, while others brought in prospects for the future.
Following the trade deadline, teams will be playing for crucial wins each day. Here are the top 10 starting pitchers after the MLB trade deadline.
MORE: 2026 MLB Trade Deadline deal tracker & **** ysis
Apr 12, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Drew Rasmussen (57) walks off the field after pitching against the New York Yankees in the third inning at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Rasmussen is having the best of his career. Entering the week, he has the fourth-best WHIP among MLB starting pitchers. He has been Tampa Bay's best starting pitcher.
#tampa #week
Following the trade deadline, teams will be playing for crucial wins each day. Here are the top 10 starting pitchers after the MLB trade deadline.
MORE: 2026 MLB Trade Deadline deal tracker & **** ysis
Apr 12, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Drew Rasmussen (57) walks off the field after pitching against the New York Yankees in the third inning at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Rasmussen is having the best of his career. Entering the week, he has the fourth-best WHIP among MLB starting pitchers. He has been Tampa Bay's best starting pitcher.
#tampa #week
3 months ago
The "Who Dey!" chant at Bengals games is one of the best parts of being a Bengals fan and a Cincinnati sports fan. When the Ruler of the Jungle leads The Jungle in the Who Dey chant before kickoff, that gets you going as a fan. After a big touchdown, that's when the "Who Dey!" chant is at its best.
So, where does the chant rank among NFL stadium chants? Sports Illustrated's Karl Rasmussen ranked the 10 best in the NFL, with the "Who Dey!" chant checking in at No. 6. If you've ever wondered how the "Who Dey!" chant came to be, here's how, according to Rasmussen:
The Bengals' chant originated in 1981, stemming from a popular local car commercial and a beloved beer, Hudepohl. Beer vendors at the team's former stomping grounds, Riverfront Stadium, used to offer the local beer by shouting "Hudy!" to fans. That eventually transitioned to "Who Dey," and it evolved further after fans incorporated the song played in commercials by Red Frazier's Ford of Cincinnati, which goes, "Who's going to give you a better deal than Red Frazier … ******* ody!" The combination of both resulted in the Bengals chant. "Who dey? Who dey? Who dey say is gonna beat the Bengals? … ******* ody!"
Rasmussen also ******* yzes the comparison between the "Who Dey!" chant in Cincinnati and the "Who Dat!" chant in New Orleans that Saints fans do in the Superdome. In fact, he ranked the "Who Dat!" chant No. 5, one spot above the Bengals. Of course, there's an ongoing debate between the two teams of which chant came first.
One of my favorite memories as a Bengals fan was being at the Bengals-Saints game in New Orleans four years ago. There were so many Bengals fans who made the trip for the game. Before kickoff, Saints fans started doing the "Who Dat!" chant. In response, Bengals fans started doing the "Who Dey!" chant. It was dueling chants, making for an awesome pregame environment.
#beer #best #jungle #orleans
So, where does the chant rank among NFL stadium chants? Sports Illustrated's Karl Rasmussen ranked the 10 best in the NFL, with the "Who Dey!" chant checking in at No. 6. If you've ever wondered how the "Who Dey!" chant came to be, here's how, according to Rasmussen:
The Bengals' chant originated in 1981, stemming from a popular local car commercial and a beloved beer, Hudepohl. Beer vendors at the team's former stomping grounds, Riverfront Stadium, used to offer the local beer by shouting "Hudy!" to fans. That eventually transitioned to "Who Dey," and it evolved further after fans incorporated the song played in commercials by Red Frazier's Ford of Cincinnati, which goes, "Who's going to give you a better deal than Red Frazier … ******* ody!" The combination of both resulted in the Bengals chant. "Who dey? Who dey? Who dey say is gonna beat the Bengals? … ******* ody!"
Rasmussen also ******* yzes the comparison between the "Who Dey!" chant in Cincinnati and the "Who Dat!" chant in New Orleans that Saints fans do in the Superdome. In fact, he ranked the "Who Dat!" chant No. 5, one spot above the Bengals. Of course, there's an ongoing debate between the two teams of which chant came first.
One of my favorite memories as a Bengals fan was being at the Bengals-Saints game in New Orleans four years ago. There were so many Bengals fans who made the trip for the game. Before kickoff, Saints fans started doing the "Who Dat!" chant. In response, Bengals fans started doing the "Who Dey!" chant. It was dueling chants, making for an awesome pregame environment.
#beer #best #jungle #orleans
3 months ago
In a surprise development on the first day of the U.S. track and field championships, Kenneth Rooks, the three-time defending national champion and Olympic silver medalist, did not advance to the finals of the steeplechase at Icahn Stadium on Randall's Island in New York City.
Rooks finished 11th in his heat and 20th overall, with a time of 8:46.26.
Meanwhile, training partners James Corrigan and Dan Michalski both advanced to the finals. Michalski was fifth overall with a time of 8:24.89, and Corrigan, a 2024 Olympian, was 13th overall, at 8:32.20. Former Weber State athlete Peter Visser also failed to advance despite running a personal record of 8:35.09.
In other developments for local athletes on the first day of competition, Jaslyn Gardner, a former BYU athlete, and Paje Rasmussen, the BYU school record holder in the 100 and 200, both advanced to the finals of the 100-meter dash.
Carlee Hansen, who just completed her senior year at BYU and trains under BYU head coach Ed Eyestone, advanced to the finals of the 1,500-meter run by finishing sixth overall with a personal-record time of 4:04.54. Sadie Sargent, a former BYU athlete, failed to qualify.
#former #advanced #athlete
Rooks finished 11th in his heat and 20th overall, with a time of 8:46.26.
Meanwhile, training partners James Corrigan and Dan Michalski both advanced to the finals. Michalski was fifth overall with a time of 8:24.89, and Corrigan, a 2024 Olympian, was 13th overall, at 8:32.20. Former Weber State athlete Peter Visser also failed to advance despite running a personal record of 8:35.09.
In other developments for local athletes on the first day of competition, Jaslyn Gardner, a former BYU athlete, and Paje Rasmussen, the BYU school record holder in the 100 and 200, both advanced to the finals of the 100-meter dash.
Carlee Hansen, who just completed her senior year at BYU and trains under BYU head coach Ed Eyestone, advanced to the finals of the 1,500-meter run by finishing sixth overall with a personal-record time of 4:04.54. Sadie Sargent, a former BYU athlete, failed to qualify.
#former #advanced #athlete
3 months ago
The first-place Tampa Bay Rays (58-42) will look to make it three straight this week against the struggling Toronto Blue Jays (46-55) tonight at Rogers Centre. Tampa Bay has dominated the first two games of this series, outscoring Toronto 19-3. With the Yankees rained out yesterday, the Rays' lead in the AL East is now two games. Meanwhile, the Jays are firmly entrenched in the AL East cellar, 12.5 games behind Tampa Bay.
Last night was all Tampa Bay beginning with a three-run first. The Rays pounded out a 12-2 victory, following up Monday's 7-1 win with another offensive explosion. Yandy Díaz led the charge, going 2-for-6 with a home run, three RBIs, and a run scored. On the mound, Drew Rasmussen earned the victory, allowing just two runs on seven hits over five innings while striking out five. Toronto starter Kevin Gausman never found his rhythm, surrendering five runs (four earned) on nine hits in only 3.1 innings, suffering his ninth loss of the season.
Griffin Jax (5-7, 4.08 ERA) gets the ball for Tampa Bay tonight seeking his sixth win of the season. Through 26 appearances, the right-hander has logged 75 innings with 77 strikeouts and a respectable 1.27 WHIP. He is looking to right the ship after a brutal outing last week in which he allowed seven runs on eight hits over just five innings in a 10-0 loss to the Red Sox in Boston. His previous two starts this month yielded better results: one run allowed in five innings against Seattle on July 11 and three runs over five innings against the Yankees on July 6.
It's a bullpen game for Toronto who counters with right-hander Braydon Fisher (3-3, 3.65 ERA). Fisher has quietly been one of Toronto's more effective pitchers this season but has yet to pitch more than 1.2 innings in any outing this season. He did throw one inning Monday against the Rays giving up a couple hits and a run. The Rays have limited history against Fisher, though Yandy Díaz is 2-for-4 (.500) with a 1.100 OPS against him.
Lets dive into tonight's matchup and find a sweat or two.
#fisher
Last night was all Tampa Bay beginning with a three-run first. The Rays pounded out a 12-2 victory, following up Monday's 7-1 win with another offensive explosion. Yandy Díaz led the charge, going 2-for-6 with a home run, three RBIs, and a run scored. On the mound, Drew Rasmussen earned the victory, allowing just two runs on seven hits over five innings while striking out five. Toronto starter Kevin Gausman never found his rhythm, surrendering five runs (four earned) on nine hits in only 3.1 innings, suffering his ninth loss of the season.
Griffin Jax (5-7, 4.08 ERA) gets the ball for Tampa Bay tonight seeking his sixth win of the season. Through 26 appearances, the right-hander has logged 75 innings with 77 strikeouts and a respectable 1.27 WHIP. He is looking to right the ship after a brutal outing last week in which he allowed seven runs on eight hits over just five innings in a 10-0 loss to the Red Sox in Boston. His previous two starts this month yielded better results: one run allowed in five innings against Seattle on July 11 and three runs over five innings against the Yankees on July 6.
It's a bullpen game for Toronto who counters with right-hander Braydon Fisher (3-3, 3.65 ERA). Fisher has quietly been one of Toronto's more effective pitchers this season but has yet to pitch more than 1.2 innings in any outing this season. He did throw one inning Monday against the Rays giving up a couple hits and a run. The Rays have limited history against Fisher, though Yandy Díaz is 2-for-4 (.500) with a 1.100 OPS against him.
Lets dive into tonight's matchup and find a sweat or two.
#fisher
4 months ago
The Green Bay Packers and Thrivent signed a long-term sponsorship agreement that makes the Minneapolis- and Appleton-based company the official financial services partner of the team.
"Both the Packers and Thrivent are committed to making a meaningful impact across the region, strengthening our communities and serving others while delivering exceptional service," Green Bay Packers President and CEO Ed Policy said of the deal, which was announced July 13.
Thrivent was created by the 2002 merger of Aid ****** ociation for Lutherans, founded in Appleton, and Lutheran Brotherhood of Minneapolis. Thrivent has a large Appleton campus; it has more than 2.4 million clients and $212 billion in ****** ets under management.
"This partnership allows us to grow awareness of Thrivent, share our purpose-based approach to finances, and engage people through high-visibility moments on and off the field. At the same time, our shared Wisconsin roots and belief in giving back make this a collaboration that will create lasting change through our new community impact program," said Terry Rasmussen, Thrivent president and CEO.
Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
"Both the Packers and Thrivent are committed to making a meaningful impact across the region, strengthening our communities and serving others while delivering exceptional service," Green Bay Packers President and CEO Ed Policy said of the deal, which was announced July 13.
Thrivent was created by the 2002 merger of Aid ****** ociation for Lutherans, founded in Appleton, and Lutheran Brotherhood of Minneapolis. Thrivent has a large Appleton campus; it has more than 2.4 million clients and $212 billion in ****** ets under management.
"This partnership allows us to grow awareness of Thrivent, share our purpose-based approach to finances, and engage people through high-visibility moments on and off the field. At the same time, our shared Wisconsin roots and belief in giving back make this a collaboration that will create lasting change through our new community impact program," said Terry Rasmussen, Thrivent president and CEO.
Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
4 months ago
Three former Oregon State Beavers baseball players have been selected to play in the 2026 MLB All-Star Game.
Travis Bazzana, Drew Rasmussen and Adley Rutschman will represent their respective teams in the contest July 14 in Philadelphia. It's the second straight year three former Beavers earned a nod as Oregon State's stamp on professional baseball continues to be among the most impactful in the country.
Bazzana, a rookie second baseman for the Cleveland Guardians, will make his first MLB All-Star appearance in his first season in the majors. The first overall pick of the 2024 MLB Draft, Bazzana made his big-league debut in April and has quickly become a staple in the Guardians' lineup and one of the most impactful second basemen in the American League.
The 23-year-old Australian boasts a .244 batting average in 225 at-bats through the 2026 season, hitting seven home runs and 26 RBIs in the process. He's stolen 12 bases. Defensively, Bazzana has made just five errors in 59 games for a .976 fielding percentage.
Bazzana spent three seasons in Corvallis with the Beavers from 2022-24 and collected as many individual accolades as any other player throughout his tenure. The former first-team all-American, Golden Spikes Award finalist and Pac-12 Player of the Year has continued his upward career trajectory through the Guardians' organization and has been awarded with his first major league all-star appearance for his work.
Travis Bazzana, Drew Rasmussen and Adley Rutschman will represent their respective teams in the contest July 14 in Philadelphia. It's the second straight year three former Beavers earned a nod as Oregon State's stamp on professional baseball continues to be among the most impactful in the country.
Bazzana, a rookie second baseman for the Cleveland Guardians, will make his first MLB All-Star appearance in his first season in the majors. The first overall pick of the 2024 MLB Draft, Bazzana made his big-league debut in April and has quickly become a staple in the Guardians' lineup and one of the most impactful second basemen in the American League.
The 23-year-old Australian boasts a .244 batting average in 225 at-bats through the 2026 season, hitting seven home runs and 26 RBIs in the process. He's stolen 12 bases. Defensively, Bazzana has made just five errors in 59 games for a .976 fielding percentage.
Bazzana spent three seasons in Corvallis with the Beavers from 2022-24 and collected as many individual accolades as any other player throughout his tenure. The former first-team all-American, Golden Spikes Award finalist and Pac-12 Player of the Year has continued his upward career trajectory through the Guardians' organization and has been awarded with his first major league all-star appearance for his work.
4 months ago
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - As the Yankees' offensive malaise deepened, Aaron Boone acknowledged the uncomfortable rinse-repeat of this 20-game slide.
Managers can shake things up to some extent, but "I'm not going to do extreme, weird things'' Boone said of his lineup decisions.
Getting back to "controlling the strike zone better'' is one way to do it, and Boone's club hasn't drawn a walk since Monday's fifth inning.
And it doesn't get any easier Thursday afternoon at Tropicana Field, with the Rays starting right-hander Drew Rasmussen and the Yankees going with a bullpen game.
Lefty and former Tampa Bay pitcher Ryan Yarbrough is likely to be a multi-inning choice for Boone as the Yanks try to salvage a split of this four-game set against the AL East-leading Rays, who own a five-game lead over Boone's club.
Managers can shake things up to some extent, but "I'm not going to do extreme, weird things'' Boone said of his lineup decisions.
Getting back to "controlling the strike zone better'' is one way to do it, and Boone's club hasn't drawn a walk since Monday's fifth inning.
And it doesn't get any easier Thursday afternoon at Tropicana Field, with the Rays starting right-hander Drew Rasmussen and the Yankees going with a bullpen game.
Lefty and former Tampa Bay pitcher Ryan Yarbrough is likely to be a multi-inning choice for Boone as the Yanks try to salvage a split of this four-game set against the AL East-leading Rays, who own a five-game lead over Boone's club.
4 months ago
VfL Bochum have officially pulled off the signing of Christian Rasmussen who joins on a contract valid until 30 June, 2030.
For the 23-year-old, Bochum is his second club in Germany, having moved from Ajax Amsterdam to Fortuna Düsseldorf last year.
Due to Düsseldorf's relegation to the third division last season, Rasmussen is a free agent and therefore joins on a free transfer.
The youngster has also made 34 appearances for the Danish national teams, from the U-16 to the U-21 levels, scoring nine goals.
“Christian brings high pace, a strong drive towards goal, and great determination in the final third.
For the 23-year-old, Bochum is his second club in Germany, having moved from Ajax Amsterdam to Fortuna Düsseldorf last year.
Due to Düsseldorf's relegation to the third division last season, Rasmussen is a free agent and therefore joins on a free transfer.
The youngster has also made 34 appearances for the Danish national teams, from the U-16 to the U-21 levels, scoring nine goals.
“Christian brings high pace, a strong drive towards goal, and great determination in the final third.
4 months ago
Midway through a career year on the mound, Bryan Baker is swooping to the All-Star Game.
The Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher, a former standout at the University of North Florida, was selected July 4 to the American League team for Major League Baseball's All-Star Game. He becomes the first player in Ospreys history to receive the call for the Midsummer Classic.
In his first season as the Rays' closer, Baker concluded the weekend in second in the majors with 23 saves, behind only Cade Smith (26 saves) of the Cleveland Guardians.
Baker has pitched in 36 games this season with a 1-0 record, a 1.83 ERA, 37 strikeouts in 34 1/3 innings and an 0.82 WHIP. Opposing batters are hitting only .143 against him.
He is among four Tampa Bay selections, with third baseman Junior Caminero, pitcher Drew Rasmussen and designated hitter Yandy Diaz.
The Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher, a former standout at the University of North Florida, was selected July 4 to the American League team for Major League Baseball's All-Star Game. He becomes the first player in Ospreys history to receive the call for the Midsummer Classic.
In his first season as the Rays' closer, Baker concluded the weekend in second in the majors with 23 saves, behind only Cade Smith (26 saves) of the Cleveland Guardians.
Baker has pitched in 36 games this season with a 1-0 record, a 1.83 ERA, 37 strikeouts in 34 1/3 innings and an 0.82 WHIP. Opposing batters are hitting only .143 against him.
He is among four Tampa Bay selections, with third baseman Junior Caminero, pitcher Drew Rasmussen and designated hitter Yandy Diaz.
4 months ago
Braves predicted to trade for $56M rival Cy Young winner to form star-studded duo with Chris Sale originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Atlanta Braves wrapped up the month of June with a loss to the St. Louis Cardinals. For Atlanta, the end of June is likely a welcome sight after a difficult stretch.
The Braves once held a 10-game lead in the NL East, but entering July, that advantage has shrunk to just 2.5 games. The Philadelphia Phillies are now right on their heels, making the division race much tighter.
"The Braves had been MLB's best team through the first two months of the season. They were formidable out of the gate, ending the month of May with a 40–20 record and a comfortable division lead. At that time, Philadelphia had only just begun to turn the corner on its woeful start to the season. The Phillies were 30–29, 9 1/2 games back in the division. Since then, the Braves have limped to a 9–13 record in June, while the Phillies have steadily improved, going 17–8 over their last 25 games," SI's Karl Rasmussen wrote.
The Braves know they have to turn things around quickly. General manager Alex Anthopoulos has already hinted that Atlanta plans to be aggressive at the trade deadline.
The Atlanta Braves wrapped up the month of June with a loss to the St. Louis Cardinals. For Atlanta, the end of June is likely a welcome sight after a difficult stretch.
The Braves once held a 10-game lead in the NL East, but entering July, that advantage has shrunk to just 2.5 games. The Philadelphia Phillies are now right on their heels, making the division race much tighter.
"The Braves had been MLB's best team through the first two months of the season. They were formidable out of the gate, ending the month of May with a 40–20 record and a comfortable division lead. At that time, Philadelphia had only just begun to turn the corner on its woeful start to the season. The Phillies were 30–29, 9 1/2 games back in the division. Since then, the Braves have limped to a 9–13 record in June, while the Phillies have steadily improved, going 17–8 over their last 25 games," SI's Karl Rasmussen wrote.
The Braves know they have to turn things around quickly. General manager Alex Anthopoulos has already hinted that Atlanta plans to be aggressive at the trade deadline.
4 months ago
The 2026 MLB All-Star Game is Tuesday, July 14th. Certain players have been elected as starters for the upcoming Mid-Summer Classic, and a handful of players are finalists to represent their respective leagues. However, there will be players who fall short of making an All-Star roster. As the league heads into Week 15, here are the top 10 starting pitchers.
MORE: MLB third base power rankings entering week 15
Wheeler continues to have success following last season’s shoulder surgery. He has been the second-best starter in Philadelphia’s rotation. The Phillies need him healthy heading into the end of the season.
Williams has blossomed into the best starter in Cleveland’s rotation. Entering the week, he is fifth in strikeouts among MLB pitchers. He will be a finalist for the AL Cy Young Award.
Rasmussen is having an outstanding season. Entering the week, he is second in WHIP among MLB starting pitchers. He will be among the pitchers on the AL All-Star roster.
MORE: MLB third base power rankings entering week 15
Wheeler continues to have success following last season’s shoulder surgery. He has been the second-best starter in Philadelphia’s rotation. The Phillies need him healthy heading into the end of the season.
Williams has blossomed into the best starter in Cleveland’s rotation. Entering the week, he is fifth in strikeouts among MLB pitchers. He will be a finalist for the AL Cy Young Award.
Rasmussen is having an outstanding season. Entering the week, he is second in WHIP among MLB starting pitchers. He will be among the pitchers on the AL All-Star roster.
