May 14, 2022; Oakland, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) jogs to the dugout during the third inning against the Oakland Athletics at RingCentral Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles Angels superstar Mike Trout is recovering from a broken hamate bone in his left hand and recently had stitches removed from the reparative surgery, but he still isn’t close to returning.
Prior to Friday night’s game between the Angels and Pittsburgh Pirates — a 8-5 Los Angeles victory — Trout revealed that his hand is still bruised and has some wounds that are healing. As a result, he has yet to begin swinging a bat and is still dealing with some pain while throwing.
Trout is, however, working on his mobility and conditioning.
Mike Trout says he feels good. The stitches are out but his hand still has a big ugly purple wound, so that’s got to heal more before he can swing a bat. Once he starts swinging, he’ll be have a better timeline for a return.
Trout has been sidelined since July 3 when the initial injury occurred during an at-bat. The original timeline suggested he would be out for six to eight weeks and Angels manager Phil Nevin says that hasn’t changed. That puts his on-field return sometime between mid-to-late August.
In 81 games this season, Trout is batting .263/.369/.493 with 18 home runs and 44 RBI.
During Trout’s absence, the Angels have gone 5-6 but have won five of seven since the All-Star break. They are currently third in the AL West and four games back in the Wild Card race with a record of 50-48.
Nov 11, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams (13) watches game action against the Colorado Buffaloes during the second half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Wide receiver Dorian Singer transferred from Arizona to USC in December but Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams started that ball rolling months earlier.
While meeting with reporters at the Pac-12 Media Day on Friday, Williams revealed that he requested USC go after the breakout star during the Trojan’s 45-37 victory over Arizona last fall.
“He made a bunch of great catches (us), and I looked over at one of our coaches and said ‘After this season, are we gonna go get him?'” Williams said, via Justin Spears of the Tucson Star.
Singer shined in defeat that day, hauling in seven receptions, 141 yards and three touchdowns. It was his most impressive dominant performance during a breakout campaign that saw him finish the season leading the Pac-12 with 1,105 receiving yards. He also scored six touchdowns on the year.
Singer’s defection, which was sparked by his performance and Williams’ request, shows that the transfer portal and NIL deals have created a pseudo-free agency for college football.
Bryce Harper made his long-awaited return to the field on Friday night and Philadelphia Phillies fans were instantly treated to a highlight play.
In the bottom of the third inning with the Phillies trailing the Cleveland Guardians 2-0, shortstop Amed Rosario popped the ball up near the first base stands. The 30-year-old Harper, who has been recovering from Tommy John surgery, tracked it near the camera well and then made the play of the night.
With the ball fading away from him, Harper leaped into the well, made the catch and took a hard landing, helped slightly by the foul ball netting.
Harper managed to avoid injury on the play and stayed in the game.
“No fear out there,” Harper said after the game, via The Athletic. “Just trying to play the game and not play scared.”
It was an impressive showing for Harper, who was making his first-ever start at first base. He looked like a natural — someone who belonged there.
“They say the ball will always find you,” manager Rob Thomson said. “He didn’t look out of place. He was engaged in everything that was going on. He knew where he was supposed to be, for the most part. He looked really comfortable.”
Harper entered the night batting .295/.388/.415 (122 OPS+) with four home runs and 26 RBI on the year but now, it appears, the Phillies can also rely on his defense.
Florida A&M has suspended all football-related activity following the release of a rap video, “Send A Blitz” by Real Boston Richey, which was filmed in their locker room without authorization. It features FAMU signage and apparel, and the Rattlers’ logo.
“Earlier today, it was brought to my attention that a rap video was shot by a prominent rapper in the football locker room of Galimore-Powell Fieldhouse without proper authorization,” Simmons said in a statement. “The video contained graphic language that is not consistent with Florida A&M’s core values, principles, and beliefs, and an internal investigation is underway to determine who authorized the use of not only the athletic facility at Galimore-Powell, but also licensed apparel that potentially violates university branding and licensing agreements.
“Although I am a proud proponent of free speech and all forms of musical expressions, this football team (as ambassadors of Florida A&M University) has a responsibility to protect the University’s image. As a result of this unfortunate situation, as head football coach, I am effectively suspending all football-related activities until further notice.”
Simmons added that an investigation has been opened into how the locker room was accessed and the use of team apparel, which potentially violates the university’s branding and licensing agreements.
“It is a privilege to wear the Orange and Green and as a football program, our young men have failed to live up to the standards set before us,” Simmons added. They will all learn from this mishap and we will continue to work hard every day to become the best version of ourselves and continue making Rattler Nation Proud.”
The suspension of football-related activities comes four days before the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Media Day and 12 days before the team is scheduled to open fall training camp (August 2).
Aug 21, 2018; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Angels pitcher/designated hitter Shohei Ohtani in the dugout against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Shohei Ohtani has been one of the best pitchers in baseball this season. It seems Pittsburgh Pirates rookie Henry Davis didn’t get the memo.
Davis hit not one, but two home runs against Ohtani during the Pirates’ 8-5 loss to the Los Angeles Angels on Friday night. It’s the first time in Ohtani’s MLB career that a single player homered twice off of him in the same game.
In the top of the fourth inning, Davis drove a high off-speed pitch into the Angels’ bullpen to give Pittsburgh a 2-0 lead.
Then two innings later, the Pirates outfielder took the very first pitch of the sixth — a 97 mph fastball — opposite field for his second home run in as many at-bats.
.@Pirates rookie Henry Davis is the 1st player with a 2-HR game against Shohei Ohtani! 🤯
It’s not a bad way for Davis to garner the third and fourth home runs of his career. Davis also got a single off of Ohtani in the second inning for a 3-hit game.
Despite Davis’ heroics, the Angels still managed to outscore the Pirates 8-5 to claim the victory. An Ohtani walk to lead off the bottom of the fourth was the start of a 5-run inning for the home team. The Angels followed that up with a 3-run fifth inning to seal the win.
Ohtani has had an uncharacteristically tough July. In three games thus far, he’s already given up 14 earned runs for an ERA of 8.10.
Lionel Messi only needed one game to make his mark with Inter Miami.
Messi signed with MLS club Inter Miami in June, stunning many soccer fans in the process. His first match with his new team came on Friday night in Leagues Cup play against Cruz Azul of Liga MX.
Messi had a free kick in extra time and lofted a ball over the heads of the wall of players in front of him. His ball hooked into the top left corner of the net to give Inter Miami a 2-1 win.
May 26, 2022; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) reacts after a play against the Dallas Mavericks during the first half during game five of the 2022 western conference finals at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Draymond Green has never been afraid to speak his mind. But the Golden State Warriors star might have gone a little overboard with his recent comments against 2012 NBA Draft classmate Andrew Nicholson.
During the July 3 episode of “Podcast P with Paul George,” Green was asked by George about which player drafted ahead of him in 2012 was the “most ridiculous one” to the Warriors veteran.
It’s clear that sort of question comes loaded for the sake of content. However, Green took it to another level by naming Nicholson and going on an entire rant against the St. Bonaventure product.
“Andrew Nicholson was drafted over me at 19. When it comes to winning, half the battle is looking like a basketball player,” Green told George. “When you’re on a team, and you look at the other side of the floor, and if you see guys that don’t look like basketball players, you automatically lose respect.
“This guy doesn’t even really look like a basketball player. He has a weird body shape. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t have the body of Adonis. … That was one that really, really, really pissed me off.”
Green also mocked Nicholson’s speaking voice and his manner of walking.
Andrew Nicholson catching strays from Draymond 😭😭😭
A couple of weeks later, Nicholson made an appearance on “Hip Hop Hoops” to share his reaction to Green’s viral comments. The former Orlando Magic first-round pick began by calling the Draymond’s tirade a sign of insecurity, before mixing in a subtle jab at Green’s reading ability.
“Honestly, it’s kind of unfortunate and I see it as an insecurity on his end. … I didn’t know he was thinking about me for the last 11 years. I wasn’t thinking about you, I’m going to be honest with you,” Nicholson said.
Nicholson then went on to state that he’s always wished nothing but success for his fellow members of the 2012 NBA Draft class — Green included.
“The most unfortunate part about it is that … I see the guys in my draft class, [Anthony] Davis, [Damian] Lillard. Those guys who are actually succeeding. Draymond was one of them too. I was happy to see him succeed. Maybe it’s just the way I was raised, but I like seeing guys do well — even if they’re drafted above me, or drafted below me.”
Andrew Nicholson addresses the Draymond Green comments 👀
“I didn’t know he was thinking about me for the last 11 years. I wasn’t thinking about him to be honest…”
Players claiming that they’re better than other players is commonplace in sports. In fact, it’s often encouraged and seen as a sign of confidence. But insults against other players for their looks and mannerisms rather than abilities on the court feel a tad excessive.
Nicholson played five seasons in the NBA after finishing his physics degree at St. Bonaventure. He has played for several teams in Asia since leaving the NBA after the 2016-17 season.
Aug 28, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) jogs off the field after a game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Tom Brady has retired from the game of football (for now), but that doesn’t mean he isn’t still locked in on sports. The 7-time Super Bowl winner gave a shoutout to the US women’s national soccer team ahead of their 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup debut against Vietnam.
The former New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback shared the message on an Instagram story he posted on Friday. Brady also poked fun at himself in the process by hyping up the USWNT’s quest for a World Cup three-peat.
“It all starts tonight. Team USA is gearing up to do something I was never able pull off: a three-peat. I just wanted to give a shoutout to our squad as they go for their third straight World Cup. We’re all back here watching, cheering for you guys. So bring it home,” said Brady.
"Team USA is gearing up to do something I was never able to pull off … a 3-peat" 😂
TB12 showing love to USWNT ahead of the World Cup 🙌
The US women’s national soccer team can affirm their dominance of the sport with another gold medal run in Australia. The USWNT has won the gold in four of the eight FIFA Women’s World Cups since the tournament began in 1991.
Brady isn’t the only one who’s never pulled off a three-peat; it’s never been done in the tournament’s history. Germany had the first-ever chance at a three-peat in 2011 when they hosted the event, after back-to-back wins in 2003 and 2007. They were eventually upset in the quarter-finals by Japan, who went on to beat Team USA in the Final.
The USWNT has since been able to rebound from their 2011 defeat with resounding runs in 2015 and 2019. With a three-peat on the line, the Americans are seen by many as the favorite to win it all again in 2023.
Jul 15, 2019; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) goes to the dugout between innings against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
Aaron Judge on Friday shared an interesting update to the media regarding his recovery from a toe injury.
Judge has been out since tearing a ligament in his right big toe while making a catch at the wall against the Los Angeles Dodgers on June 3. He is working his way towards a return to the New York Yankees’ lineup but cautioned his fans.
Judge said Friday that he will not be pain-free when he returns. Instead, he will just try to manage the situation.
“It’s not going to be pain-free, but we’ll just get as close to manageable as we can,” Judge said, via Yankees reporter Bryan Hoch.
Aaron Judge on his return: "It's not going to be pain-free, but we'll just get as close to manageable as we can."
That’s not exactly what Yankees fans want to hear.
Sure, getting Judge back is a good thing, but having him healthy vs. playing through pain are two different things.
Judge was able to run the bases on Wednesday, which was a big step towards a return. He is set to face live pitching on Sunday. How Judge does after facing live pitching could help establish a timetable for a potential return.
The reigning AL MVP was batting .291 with 19 home runs and a 1.078 OPS over 49 games this season.
Mar 20, 2022; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr encourages his players during the fourth quarter against the San Antonio Spurs at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports
The Golden State Warriors went all-in on a veteran backcourt when they traded away Jordan Poole for Chris Paul this offseason. They have now added a young guard to learn from the veterans.
The Warriors are signing NBA Summer League star Lester Quinones to a two-way contract, according to NBA insider Shams Charania of The Athletic. The 6-foot-4 guard was one of the most impressive players on Golden State’s 2023 NBA Summer League roster this month. Quinones held averages of 21.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.4 assists across seven contests in both Las Vegas and the California Classic.
Guard Lester Quinones has agreed to return to the Golden State Warriors on a two-way NBA deal, per sources. Quinones will enter training camp with a strong opportunity for full roster spot. He averaged 21.9 PPG, 4.4 APG and 4.1 RPG in seven Summer League games for the Warriors.
The Dominican-American guard went undrafted in 2022 out of the University of Memphis. He eventually signed a two-way contract with the Warriors in March after serving as the first option on their G League affiliate Santa Cruz Warriors. Quinones played 18 total minutes in four NBA games with the Warriors last year.
Some Warriors fans are buzzing about the possibility of Quinones as the next Poole. Both play as confident combo guards with natural scoring ability.
Lester Quinones of the Warriors summer league fan really be something for the Warriors off the bench. Like his game. Heat check guy and similar to Jordan Poole’s game
The Warriors have never been afraid to feature young guards in their rotations over the years. Before Poole, names like Ian Clark and Quinn Cook played prominent roles on Finals-bound rosters as inexperienced prospects. Quinones will likely receive a similar opportunity from head coach Steve Kerr at some point next season.
Between Paul, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Gary Payton II, and free agent signing Cory Joseph, Golden State’s non-rookie guards own an average career length of over 12.2 seasons in the NBA. Quinones joins 2023 first-round pick Brandin Podziemski as the injection of youth in the Warriors’ backcourt this season.
Quinones is expected to compete for one of the final two guaranteed NBA roster spots the Warriors still have open.
