SportsLine's model simulated the final two rounds of the British Open 2026 10,000 times and revealed surprising golf picks for Royal Birkdale

As promised, Shohei Ohtani is back in the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup to open the second half.The Dodgers star missed the 2026 All-Star Game due to continued irritation in his left knee, which required him to "have some interventions on his knee to put him in the best position for the second half of the season, as the Dodgers put it.Those interventions were initially report to be a drainage of Ohtanis knee, likely to be followed by an injection, but Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters Friday that Ohtani instead received only a lubricant injection in the knee, according to The Athletics Fabian Ardaya.Ohtani is batting in his usual leadoff position as designated hitter for the Dodgers on Friday against the Yankees. However, it might be a while before hes on the mound again, as Roberts said the teams expectation is he will next pitch on Wednesday against the Philadelphia Phillies.The Dodgers priority is always going to be ensuring Ohtanis health for the postseason, even if it means limiting Ohtanis time on the mound during the regular season. Its been a career best season as a pitcher for Ohtani so far this year, with a 1.79 ERA in 14 starts. That would rank second in MLB behind Jacob Misiorowski, if Ohtani had enough innings to qualify for the ERA title.Ohtani remains the overwhelming favorite to capture his fifth MVP award in six seasons.

Lionel Messi's 2026 World Cup has been historic, and his eight goals and four assists only scratch the surface. Aside from the goal contributions, Messi has been dominant in several ways through balls, take-ons, possessions won, and several other advanced metrics. It's absolutely incredible just how versatile the 39-year-old has been through seven games of the tournament. He's currently -800 to win his third Golden Ball award, and +100 to win the Golden Boot. Here's a deeper dive into the numbers behind Messi's brilliance this tournament, ahead of the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain on July 19. This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

SportsLine's Matt Severance shares his best MLB home run props picks for Friday, July 17

Historically and by historically were talking the last 40 years the winner of The Open Championship has been within four shots after Round 2. With Lucas Herbert, on the strength of his stunning 62, sitting at -8, that leaves 16 players in historical contention. Lets take a look at the contenders, and their chances to win:1. Lucas Herbert (-8)If there has ever been a disappointing 62, this is it. Herbert had a five-footer for par at 18 for a first-ever 61 in a major championship only for it to lip out. He handled the miss as well as anyone could It just wasnt meant to be, he said. But the pressure only increases from here, especially for someone whos never sniffed a major championship.Chance to win (per Data.Golf): 9.2%T2. Jackson Suber (-6)Like Herbert, Suber has never been in contention at a major. But also like Herbert, Suber has been swinging the club well as of late, with three top 10s already this year. He handled holding the first-round lead pretty well, firing a 1-under 69 to maintain a position near the top. It would be remarkable for someone whod never been to Europe before, let alone hadnt played links golf until Monday, to win The Open, but that is what Suber is trying to do.Chance to win: 3.1%T2. Cam Young (-6)Hes the best player on Tour never to have won a major. Hes ranked fourth in the world. And hes been in contention plenty at majors, with top-four finishes in all four. Thats the good. The bad? Has not winning gotten into his head?Chance to win: 9.3%T2. Ryan Gerard (-6)Gerard turned pro four years ago, but didnt get full Tour status until last season. Hes won once, finished T8 at the PGA Championship last year. That said, hes worked his way up to No. 28 in the world, ahead of the likes of Patrick Cantlay and Shane Lowry. Chance to win: 5.7%T5. Sam Burns (-5)Say hello to the other player who carded a 62 on Friday. Also, to a player who finished runner-up a few weeks ago at the U.S. Open and was T7 at the Masters. Burns has been knocking on the major door for a few years. He wasnt even supposed to be in England this week, expecting to be home for the birth of a child, but his daughter came early. Chance to win: 4.9%Bryson DeChambeau is driven by a rules offical on a buggy following day two of the The 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale.Richard Heathcote via Getty ImagesT5. Bryson DeChambeau (-5)It was all going smoothly for DeChambeau after carding a birdie at 18 to move within a shot of the lead. And then he got a tap on the shoulder, and eventually a two-shot penalty for a rules violation that happened hours earlier. Theres a question as to whether he will play tomorrow or withdraw in protest. But even with the penalty, hes still very much in contention. Chance to win: 4.8 % (11.5% before penalty)T5. Si Woo Kim (-5)Hes ranked No. 21 in the world, but when it comes to majors, Si Woo Kim is typically nowhere to be found. In 37 majors, he has just one top 10 a year ago at the PGA. Hes also missed the cut 17 times, including five times at The Open. So this is unchrated territory for him.Chance to win: 6.4%T8. Scottie Scheffler (-4)Scheffler got off to a great start, with four birdies on his first six holes of Round 1. But he hasnt done much since, carding just XX birdies in his last 30 holes. Its not that he hasnt had his chances. He leads the field in birdie opportunities under 10 feet. He just hasnt made many putts. Through his first 13 holes Friday, hed drained a total of 21 feet in putts before dropping a six-footer at 14 to that point his longest made putt of his round. And yet hes just four back. Chance to win: 11.2%T8. Tommy Fleetwood (-4)There will be no louder cheers than the ones for Fleetwood this weekend, who is not only looking for that elusive first major, but will be trying to do it just 17 miles from where he grew up. Chance to win: 7%T8. Jon Rahm (-4)While DeChambeau got a two-shot penalty, Rahm avoided one for chucking his club. Lucky him. Its hard to believe its been almost four full seasons since his last major victory, but its not like he hasnt knocked on the door with six top 10s in between. No one would be surprised if Rahmbo were hoisting the Claret Jug Sunday night.Chance to win: 5.3%T8. Robert MacIntyre (-4)Bobby Mac is a bit of a throwback, one who is capable of running the table and also flipping it over just depends on which way the putts are rolling. He has three top 10s at The Open, so he knows how to play links golf. (Would be a stunner if a player from Scotland didnt.) If hes going to win a major, conventional wisdom says this championship would be it. Chance to win: 4.1%T8. Alex Fitzpatrick (-4)Well, hes already won a U.S. Open so wait a second, Alex???? Lets be real about the younger Fitzpatrick brother: Some didnt like him getting his Tour card on the back of winning the team event with his older and more accomplished brother. That said, Alex has shown he belongs. Hes put himself in contention, albeit early, at both the PGA Championship and U.S. Open this year. And now, while his brother will miss the weekend at Royal Birkdale, he will start the weekend in contention.Chance to win: 2.9%T8. Matt Wallace (-4)The last time Wallace was in contention at a major was the 2019 PGA Championship. The last time he was in contention at The Open was never. Sensing a theme here. Chance to win: 1.5%T8. Bud Cauley (-4)Cauley was a prominent amateur whose pro career has never really taken off. But he did pick up his first career PGA Tour win just a few weeks ago at the RBC Canadian Open. So hes playing with some confidence. Chance to win: 1.6%T8. Thomas Detry (-4)Another newcomer to major contention, Detry did finish T4 at the PGA Championship a few years ago. But that is his only top-10 finish at a major.Chance to win: 1%T8. Francesco Molinari (-4)Remember him? The smiling Italian is best known for his 2018 Open Championship victory when, paired with Tiger Woods on the final round, shot a 69 to Tigers 71. That earned him a three-shot victory, becoming the first Italian to win a major championship. He hasnt been in contention much since, so this would be a shocker.Chance to win: 1%Lurking TXX. Rory McIlroy (-1)This feels like one of those backdoor top 10s McIlroy was famous for during his major drought. That said, weve seen that 62 is out there, and McIlroy is certainly capable of going on a heater. Hell probably need two heaters to get back in this thing.Chance to win: 1.4%

Its time for every England fan to sadly movefrom one Oasis all-timer to another. But before we skip from "Wonderwall" to "Don't Look Back in Anger" which, interestingly enough, follow each other on the ("What's The Story) Morning Glory?" album let me begin with a thought I'm almost certain is shared by the majority. I want it to be categorically known that I completely understand why teams might be opposed to playing in the World Cup's third-place match. Days after dealing with the emotions and the sadness and all the psychological walls you have to overcome in your own head you are being told to play for third. It is the definition of kicking someone when theyre down or the image of continuous rain on an already wet Saturday. This match, Saturdays fixture between France and England, is the football equivalent of an incredibly annoying classmate who would ask for more homework back when you were in school. It's the match version of Martin Prince from "The Simpsons." And the fact that both of these sides have to play it in the humidity of Miami makes it even more challenging. "Nobody of these [England] players, nobody of the French players wants to play this match," said England manager Thomas Tuchel at Fridays press conference. "They want to play in the final, they gave everything to be in the final. Everyone plays to win the World Cup. But it is what it is, so we have a day less to recover. But we will do it professionally, of course." "It is less important than the final," echoed France manager Didier Deschamps. "England does not want to play this game, and neither do we. But here we are." I prefer France defender Ibrahima Konates description of it, calling it a "chocolate medal," which is a perfect way to describe it. Its covered in bronze, much like a chocolate coin that breaks apart the moment you eat it. Or rather, since the match is being played in South Florida, the chocolate medal will obviously melt. Both teams wanted the real thing. Both came oh-so-close to tasting it. However, there are still some narratives in this third-place consolation prize. I guess I cant argue against the fact that this is Deschampss final match with Les Bleus. It will be a very emotional afternoon for the French side, as its 57-year-old coach will close the curtain on one of the most illustrious managerial tenures in the history of football. This man led France to a World Cup title in 2018 (two if you include his playing career in 1998), a runner-up medal in 2022, a Euros final runner-up medal in 2016 and a Nations League victory in 2021. To be impressed by his tenure is an understatement. Next to lead France will be its ultimate legend and Deschamps former midfield partner and World Cup winner in Zinedine Zidane. But thats for another day as Saturday will belong to Didi. Then theres Kylian Mbapp, who is still playing for the Golden Boot award, currently even with Lionel Messi on eight goals. Mbapp had another magnificent tournament where, sadly, the mighty defensive unit of Spain became his ultimate obstacle. I am sure returning to Madrid next month will be fun for him I say, sarcastically. But then again, he has Jos Mourinho to look forward to. But back to Tuchel and England, who will see Saturdays fixture as an obligation as opposed to a desired objective. After losing 2-1 in Wednesdays semifinal against Argentina, the Three Lions are emotionally and physically drained as this tournament has made a colossal effort, which ultimately became the most catastrophic disappointment. From the altitude of Mxico City to the heat and humidity of Miami against Norway and Erling Haaland, Englands campaign has been demanding, and players have suffered as a result, including multiple injuries to Jordan Henderson, Reece James, Declan Rice, Ezri Konsa and a Bukayo Saka, who never seemed quite at 100 percent. Against Argentina, however, that loss on Wednesday falling to goals from Enzo Fernndez and Lautaro Martinez, enabled by a masterclass of assist-creation from Lionel Messi will forever be imprinted in the minds of every English player and supporter. And its not necessarily the loss that will live in their memories, but rather the manner in which it happened. After the 55th minute, England led 1-0 and from that moment, Tuchel had two options. Two doors were opened for him. The question was which one would he choose? At one door, Tuchel could have continued to slay the dragon and pressed for a second goal. Or the other one, where instead of fighting fire with fire, he could choose to succumb to the pressures of the moment and just play a defensive game. And this, unfortunately, was the one thing that you can't do against Argentina. You just dont. Argentina is a hungry, relentless pit bull especially when it is losing and England teased it with a piece of wagyu steak. The Three Lions are, mentally and physically, battered and bruised with more questions than answers as they're forced to play in a consolation game. But I guess the symbolic angle is still there. England, after all, has never finished higher than fourth aside from winning it all back in 1966. So there is a slight attempt and hope of recovering some kind of catharsis. From an individual perspective, it could also offer an opportunity to players such as Kobbie Mainoo, the wonderful midfielder from Manchester United who has not seen a single minute of this World Cup. Marcus Rashford, who continues to deal with a precarious situation from a contractual standpoint with the same club, could also start. Then there are key stars: Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, Englands most important and dangerous players during this competition, have six goals each. They may also see this fixture as an objective to catch up in the Golden Boot race. For Kane, we will also be asking if this will indeed be his last World Cup. The answer, quite honestly, for me, is no. The Bayern Munich striker turns 33 in a few weeks and likely sees Messis inspiring journey of continually delivering magic for his nation. So instinctively, I dont see a reason for Kane to quit now. He will go down as Englands greatest striker, but the chance of immortality in 2030 still appeals to him. As for Tuchel, reports suggest that he will stay as England manager after the World Cup, despite the massive frustrations from pundits and fans alike. The criticism is more than justified because he did something we all hoped he wouldnt a reversal in mentality against Argentina. He opened the door, and La Albiceleste broke in. But alas, a strong performance against France could perhaps change the mindset of certain critics, myself included. However, this is all conjecture and wishful thinking, as I dont think a third-place victory will do much to sway opinion. In fact, it could do the opposite and only enforce a pre-existing opinion, because if we see a strong, physical and intense England for 90 minutes against France, the question might now transform itself into, "Where was this on Wednesday?" Whether anyone likes it or not, the third-place match will indeed happen, and Englands time at this World Cup will end. I'll take the advice that Sally gave Noel Gallagher to not look back in anger at least not today.

The U.S. Open champ and one of the pre-tournament favorites won't make the weekend at Royal Birkdale

President Donald Trump mocked Englands unusual late-game semi-final tactics for costing them a place in the World Cup final, moments after gushing over Argentinas Lionel Messi for his brilliant assist that contributed to his teams last minute winning goal.The president was delivering remarks at a reception in New York City on Friday, ahead of the competitions final in the city which is scheduled for Sunday.Two amazing teams, Spain and Argentina, he said of the final, before reflecting on Messis decisive cross which allowed the defending champions to snatch a 2-1 semifinal victory over England and book a place in the final against Spain.He continued: I watched that pass that Messi made, not knowing as much as the people in this room, but I know about sorts and I know a little bit about soccer but I watched Messi, and he was well guarded, right? And all of a sudden he is standing on the right, you understand what Im talking about? I dont know I just noticed it. Nobody talked about it, I just noticed it. I said, he is too well guarded by a great player. And then he moved to the right and the other player was just standing there.And he had plenty of time. He kicked it. It was within I would say a quarter of an inch of being perfect. And that was the end of the game. It was brilliant, he added.Riffing on the tournaments great players he named Portugals Cristiano Ronaldo and then Englands team captain Harry Kane.You have a great player in England, who I play golf with, you know that, right? And he is Harry, who has been fantastic, he said.Jibing at the England coach for adopting a defensive posture on field against Argentina, he continued: I think they perhaps made a mistake when they made him a defensive player what do I know about soccer?They took the league and they took their best player and they put him on defense! the president said to laughter in the room. But somehow, now weve got to be a little offensive, right? But no, Im not going to call it. Look, what do I know about coaching? But that was a little unusual.But Harry is a great guy, actually, he concluded.Watch above via Fox News.The post Trump Mocks England for Blowing World Cup Game: Got to Be a Little Offensive, Right? first appeared on Mediaite.

Spain is already under immense pressure to win its second men's FIFA World Cup ever; Lamine Yamal and Marc Cucurella have put added pressure on themselves ahead of the final against Argentina on Sunday at New York New Jersey Stadium. In an interview with YouTuber, El Partidazo de COPE, Marc Cucurella said that he would get "a little" tattoo of Spain manager Luis de la Fuente's face on his bicep if they were to win the World Cup. Cucurella also said that if Spain wins the World Cup, he will de la Fuente himself and retire from the national team. "With the Euro and World Cup trophies, you can't ask for more," Cucurella said. Cucurella is no stranger to making these types of stamens. The 27-year-old full back once said that he would rather shave his head than play for Real Madrid after coming up in FC Barcelona's youth academy, La Masia. Cucurella will play for Real Madrid next season, and still has a full head of hair. But Cucurella isn't the only one making bold promises. Lamine Yamal, Spain's teenage phenomenon, joined the fun by promising to grow out "a full beard and mustache for three weeks." Yamal has been clean-shaven since making his professional debut at 15 years old in 2023. These types of risky promises are usually reserved for the losers of a bet, but for Cucurella and Yamal, either one would be an indicator of a historic achievement. The 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina will kick off at 3 p.m. ET on FOX and FOX One.

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