Braves cut former Dodgers, Marlins reliever after one game originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Atlanta Braves made a notable roster move on Saturday morning.It involves a pitcher who threw three innings in yesterday's game but has already been designated for assignment after his first game with the Braves.The NL East club announced that right-hander Elieser Hernandez was DFA'd, while left-hander Connor Thomas was recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett.Hernandez signed a minor league contract with the Braves last offseason. In 100 Major League appearances, including 49 starts, he owns a 5.05 ERA while averaging 8.4 strikeouts per nine innings."With Carlos Carrasco now offto Hernandezs old KBO club, it is possible the Braves might view Hernandez as a replacement to fill Carrascos role as a veteran who is frequently recalled (and then DFAed and outrighted) when Atlanta needs a fresh arm," Mark Polishuk of MLB Trade Rumors wrote.MORE:Yankees' Jose Caballero is pushing the limit of the rules"The decision is up to Hernandez if he clears waivers, as he has the right to decline any future outright assignments in favor of free agency," Polishuk added.During 2025, Hernandez took his talents to South Korea and joined the Korea Baseball Organization's LG Twins.Friday's outing against the Baltimore Orioles was Hernandez's first since 2024. He split that season between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Milwaukee Brewers.More MLB news:How Aaron Judge is the real focus of the Yankees' trade deadline plansHave you ever seen a bounce throw to turn a double play?The Braves let their pitcher hit, and it worked out surprisingly wellHow Rays turned Tim Beckham bust draft pick into Junior CamineroBarry Bonds' nephew has a chance to be key pick in 2026 MLB Draft

'Absolute class' Van Dijk successor jets out to join Liverpool preseason tourLiverpool took an initial 31 players to the United States as part of their 2026/27 preseason tour. Three more in the case of Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak and Ryan Gravenberch are expected to jet out following the first fixture.All three were knocked out of the FIFA World Cup at the first knockout stage and are reaching the end of their scheduled summer breaks.Liverpool play Sunderland in Nashville on Saturday night before facing matches against Wrexham and Leeds United. Yankee Stadium will host the Wrexham game on July 30 before the clash against Leeds at Soldier Field on August 2.No Virgil van Dijk on preseason tourThe Reds under new head coach Andoni Iraola will then conclude their preseason preparations on home soil.Iraolas side will play AS Monaco and then two matches against Como - one behind closed doors - before the big kickoff against Newcastle on the opening weekend of the season.Its been confirmed that three of Liverpools biggest stars will NOT be joining the tour - and will instead only join in when the team gets back to Merseyside.Virgil van Dijk, winger Cody Gakpo and goalkeeper Alisson Becker will be playing no part in the Stateside programme and are not scheduled to jet out like Wirtz, Isak and Gravenberch.In the case of Van Dijk its understandable why he would be absent.It certainly makes sense giving Van Dijk more time off, given the demands placed on the 35-year-old centre-back for both club and country over the past 12 months, a report on the Athletic reads.Iraola therefore wont have long to get a look at Van Dijk but will no doubt be aware of his qualities already.Watch out for Mor Talla NdiayeIn the meantime there is a golden chance for one defender in particular to impress Iraola.Hopes are high around Mor Talla Ndiaye - an 18-year-old Senegal youth international recently tipped for FIFA World Cup stardom.Ndiaye was signed from FC Amitie in Senegal back in January - impressing Liverpool under-21 head coach Rob Page from the off with the Welshman calling him "absolute class".The elegant left-footer was even included in four Premier League squads by head coach Arne Slot - underlining the faith shown in him by decision-makers at Anfield.Bet 10, Get 30 in Free BetsOpen an account and place a qualifying bet of 10 at min odds of 1/5 (1.2) or greater.18+New UK/ROI customers. Min 5 deposit. Bet Credits available on settlement of qualifying bets, capped at 10 stake. Min odds 1/5 (1.20). Bet Credits expire in 7 days. Excl. Cashed Out/Free Bets/Boosted odds. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org30 FREECLAIM NOWNdiaye jets out to join preseason tourNdiaye jetted out to join his teammates on the preseason tour after a visa issue prevented him making the initial scheduled flight - taking the total number of players in the USA to 32.With that travel hiccup behind him the centre-back should be able to take his place in the lineup for the game against Sunderland on Saturday night.Liverpool are without Giovanni Leoni at this stage with the Italian not yet fit following his ACL injury last year.Joe Gomez and Jeremy Jacquet are likely to be entrusted with starting duties by Iraola but dont be surprised if Ndiaye ends up stealing the show in America.Given his qualities and preference to play on the left side of the defence there is every chance that Ndiaye can be groomed as a Van Dijk successor.

England players celebrate their win against Northern Ireland at the Hydro Arena [PA Media]England opened their Commonwealth Games netball campaign with a comprehensive 83-34 victory over Northern Ireland in Pool A.The 2018 champions flew into a 24-7 lead before Northern Ireland managed to slow England's scoring.However, the Warriors were unable to overcome the gulf as third-ranked England took the opportunity to rotate their squad in the second half.Experienced shooter Eleanor Cardwell came on after half-time to score 35 of her 37 shots, a higher amount than the Northern Ireland team combined, as England's class told.The Roses are seeking to regain the title they won in the Gold Coast after failing to make the podium four years later in Birmingham, but have experienced a rocky build-up to the competition.Only two of the Roses' 12-player squad have experience in the Commonwealth Games - Cardwell and captain Fran Williams - after injuries to gold medallists Helen Housby and Natalie Metcalf, who withdrew with a calf injury on Monday.The side's head coach Jess Thirlby stepped down from the role in March because of family reasons, leaving assistant Anna Stembridge to take interim charge for a second spell after a stint as head coach from 2011-2015.England will next play reigning champions Australia, who stormed to a 99-38 victory over Tonga, at 11:00 BST on Sunday.Hosts Scotland fell to a 74-44 Pool B defeat by 2022 bronze medallists New Zealand in the opening match of the competition.Empty cupboards to full hearts - Tonga's remarkable road to GlasgowResigning 'horrible' but right decision - ThirlbyThe feminist netball pioneer who set out to build 'physically perfect' womenScottish Thistles captain eyes netball impact at Commonwealth GamesCommonwealth Games daily scheduleCommonwealth Games medal table and resultsWhat are the Commonwealth Games?

Ireland's Rhasidat Adeleke secured qualification for next month's European Athletics Championships with an impressive 200m win at the Irish National Championships in Santry on Saturday. Needing to run 22.85 or faster to secure her place in Birmingham, Adeleke clocked 22.80 at Morton Stadium as she finished ahead of Lauren Roy, who was competing after being omitted from Commonwealth Games selection. Adeleke, 23, earned 400m silver at the 2024 European Championships in Rome but has struggled over the past year with injuries. "It's been a rough year. I didn't really have expectations, I just wanted to come out here in front of a home crowd and show up and whatever happens, happens," Adeleke told Athletics Ireland TV after clinching her first national outdoor 200m title with a championship record time. "I wouldn't be able to do it without this crowd. I knew that if I could do it anywhere it's at home."Thank you to everyone who supported me. So many people sent me such nice messages. Sometimes, you're in a bad place and think the worst of yourself and you see the people who are showing you love and support and it just lifts my spirits."Roy, who clocked 23.49 to beat Lorena Harrison to second, said she is excited for the Europeans after a breakout 2026 season."It's been so much fun this year and I'm still carrying my form all the way through, it's been a long season," said 25-year-old Roy, who will also compete in the 100m on Sunday. "I'm looking forward to going to the Europeans. Obviously the Nationals are very important but we're still building to the Europeans."While there was elation and relief for Adeleke, Sharlene Mawdsley - alongside whom she won European mixed relay gold in Rome - pulled up injured during the race.

Rangers sign ex-Marlins lefty who recently played in the KBO originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Texas Rangers have added a left-handed pitcher with parts of three seasons of Major League experience to the organization.The southpaw was recently released from his contract in South Korea with the Korea Baseball Organization's SSG Landers.According to Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News, Anthony Veneziano has signed a minor league deal with the Rangers."Texas has liked Veneziano as a depth arm for a while. They signed him to a minor league deal in December," Anthony Franco of MLB Trade Rumors wrote."He requested his release three weeks later to pursue an opportunity with the SSG Landers in the Korea Baseball Organization," Franco added.Veneziano posted a 6.10 ERA in 16 starts with the Landers before his release.MORE:Yankees' Jose Caballero is pushing the limit of the rulesIn MLB, he's spent time with the Kansas City Royals (2023-24), Miami Marlins (2024-25), and St. Louis Cardinals (2025).Veneziano owns a 3.98 ERA with 40 strikeouts in 40.2 big league innings. Texas could use him as a bulk reliever down the stretch.It's not a flashy signing for the Rangers, but Veneziano could be a solid innings eater if promoted from Triple-A.More MLB news:How Aaron Judge is the real focus of the Yankees' trade deadline plansHave you ever seen a bounce throw to turn a double play?The Braves let their pitcher hit, and it worked out surprisingly wellHow Rays turned Tim Beckham bust draft pick into Junior CamineroBarry Bonds' nephew has a chance to be key pick in 2026 MLB Draft

McLaren's Lando Norris won the Hungarian Grand Prix last season [Getty Images]McLaren's Lando Norris took his first grand prix pole position of the season, beating Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton by 0.012 seconds with the final lap of the session.Hamilton had been fastest on the first runs, by just over 0.1secs from Norris, but neither the seven-time champion nor team-mate Charles Leclerc could improve on their final attempts.But Norris pulled out pole, following one in the sprint in Miami, in a chaotic end to the session caused by a spin at the final corner by Red Bull's Max Verstappen.The four-time champion's error affected Mercedes drivers Kimi Antonelli and George Russell, who were forced to slow, ending up fourth and seventh.But Verstappen had got going again before Norris came around as the last driver on track to clinch pole in the upgraded McLaren.Malaysia set to host F1 race in OctoberHamilton was a second slower on his second run than on his first, and he also faces a potential investigation for impeding McLaren's Oscar Piastri at Turn One after he finished his final lap.Verstappen managed to take sixth, ahead of Russell and the second Red Bull of Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls' Arvid Lindblad and Audi's Nico Hulkenberg.Fernando Alonso made a major breakthrough for Aston Martin on the weekend they debuted their virtually new car by breaking out of the first session for the first time this season.Alonso will start 16th, 2.8secs off pole - but that was two seconds faster in relative pace than they had managed for some time.Alonso 'optimistic' after progressing to Q2Aston Martin team members celebrate Fernando Alonso's progress into Q2 [Getty Images]The veteran Spaniard, who is 45 next week, said: "I feel relieved a little bit, feeling that the team understood the weaknesses of the car and this is the first step in the right direction."We brought a few updates to this car early in the season, and it didn't work much. And we come from two years of disappointments of upgrades. So definitely there is a change in optimism in the factory and I feel optimistic."Alonso faces a decision this summer as to whether to continue his career after this season. He said that while he had no doubts managing technical partner Adrian Newey would lead the team to success in the future, he was not sure whether it would happen soon enough for him."No one should doubt Adrian Newey or the potential we have in Silverstone. It is a matter of time before we have the best chassis and it is a matter of time before Honda have the best engine in F1. It is a question of when."More to followAndrew Benson Q&A: Send us your questions

Jul 18, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) in the second half against the New York Liberty at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn ImagesIndiana Fever reserve guard Sophie Cunningham is averaging less than 10 points on the season, but has still managed to become one of the most popular players in the WNBA. Most recently, Cunningham has received a massive amount of support, as well as backlash, for her comments on transgender girls competing in sports with other girls.I got a lot of negative feedback about me hating trans. And Im like, I never once said that,' Cunningham, who some fans have dubbed MAGA Barbie, said. I think that I am here to extend love. But I also think with that love is truth, being honest. And I want to protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldnt have to go against biological men.After her comments caught fire on social media, Cunningham doubled down on them.I said what I said. I think its kind of common sense, she responded. And I think Ill always believe in that. I think its really important to protect children, and thats little girls who are also involved in that category. I stand on what I said.After her comments, Cunninghams shoe with Adidas completely sold out, and she took to X to share her gratitude.You guys really showed up! nothing but genuine love for yall, she posted.you guys really showed up! nothing but genuine love for yallhttps://t.co/2c4nLEeRna Sophie Cunningham (@sophaller) July 24, 2026Cunninghams success led to mixed reactions from fans on social media.Take this as sign #2 of how thewokeeraisdead. It is not 2020 anymore. You are not locked in an apartment or your moms house for weeks only leaving to get food or say hi to a relative via a pandemic and issues you overly & performatively backed out of white guilt, one person posted on X.Wokeism will always be around, but its dying on the vine. The main stream media is the only thing keeping it alive at this point, and boomers are the only people that watch it. You dont sell out shoes if most of the country is woke, someone else added.However, not everyone was supportive.And there it is. Another successful grift. Soon as her mediocre career is over well see her on Fox News saying our country is being invaded by illegals, one person wrote.Considering Cunninghams on-court production doesnt match her newfound popularity, itll be interesting to see if this is a flash in the pan or if she has staying power as one of the most marketable players in the WNBA.The post The woke era is dead: Sophie Cunninghams recent success causes a stir appeared first on The Comeback: Todays Top Sports Stories & Reactions.

Patriots Reveal Record-Setting Christian Gonzalez Contract Offer originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Robert Kraft is ready to pay Christian Gonzalez a lot of money.It's up to Gonzalez to accept what is going to be a record-setting contract offer from the New England Patriots.In fact, the Pats have already made such an offer.Kraft told reporters on Saturday that they've offered Gonzalez a deal that would make him the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL, and the highest-paid player in Patriots history.Robert Kraft on Christian Gonzalez: Patriots love him, made him offer as highest-paid CB, richest contract in franchise history, and hope he is with us for a long time. pic.twitter.com/bxRsdDkHvQ Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) July 25, 2026That doesn't give us an exact number, but we can deduce about how much that might be.MORE:Is Tom Brady having a mid-life crisis?What's the biggest contract in Patriots history?Right now, that honor belongs to defensive tackle Milton Williams.He signed a four-year deal for $104 million in March 2025.That works out to $26 million per year for Williams.Both the average and the total value are Pats records.What about Tom Brady?Brady took team-friendly deals his whole career.He maxed out at $25 million in salary for a season, and the largest individual contract he signed was for $72 million -- also impacted by the growth of NFL salaries and the cap over time.Who is the NFL's highest-paid cornerback?The highest-paid cornerback in the NFL is Trent McDuffie, who is on a contract with the Rams that pays him $31 million per year and $124 million in total.So for Gonzalez to break those marks, he'll shatter the Patriots' all-time amount.A four-year deal for $32 million per year would get him to $128 million in total value and break all the aforementioned records.More PatriotsLatest PatriotsnewsTom Brady's Patriots legacy: How legendary QB set new standardComplete history of Patriots championships

Giants predicted to make unexpected Luis Arraez decision by MLB trade deadline originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The San Francisco Giants are one of the more obvious sellers for the 2026 MLB trade deadline, and they have plenty of players who could draw interest.Of the players on the roster, Robbie Ray and Luis Arraez are the two most likely players to be traded this summer, as they're both in the final year of their contracts and will hit free agency after the 2026 season.CBS Sports' Mike Axisa is predicting that instead of trading Arraez, the Giants will instead make the unexpected decision to sign him to a contract extension despite all of the investments made into the team financially over the last few seasons.Giants predicted to sign Luis Arraez to an extension, not trade him"The Giants will extend Luis Arraez, not trade him," Axisa predicts. "... I boldly predict that president of baseball operations Buster Posey will pivot and instead sign Arraez to an extension. Let's call it three years in the $15 million-per-year range."If this prediction were to come true, it would be a big surprise. There might not be a player whom all of the Major League Baseball insiders expect to be traded more than Arraez.As a second baseman who has posted 3.0 bWAR this season with a .324 batting average, good defense, and is a fairly affordable rental, Arraez will have a ton of suitors lining up to make offers this summer.The Giants, as clear-cut sellers, have no reason to hold onto Arraez. That is, unless they work out a contract extension like Axisa is predicting will happen.MORE:MLB execs believe Padres will trade Mason Miller at trade deadlineThere are just a few issues. Firstly, the Giants don't have a lot of financial leeway to sign Arraez with the $100 million-plus invested into Rafael Devers, Matt Chapman, and Willy Adames right now.To make matters even more complicated, the Giants need to clear the way for Casey Schmitt and Bryce Eldridge to get everyday starting opportunities, and trading Arraez might be the easiest way of opening up more playing time.But that's not the only reason why this prediction would be a huge surprise. Arraez and the Giants reportedly haven't had extension talks. That's a huge hurdle to this prediction coming true, and no signs have pointed towards any extension talks manifesting yet.This prediction from Axisa would be a huge surprise if it came true, as the Giants trading away Arraez this summer is all but a guarantee at this rate. Even though in an ideal world, he signs long-term, it's just not a realistic option for the Giants in 2026.More MLB news:Braves injury update on Spencer Strider has execs pessimistic about a 2026 returnDodgers' Shohei Ohtani injury update essentially ends Cy Young chancesWhite Sox have strong interest in Mets Clay Holmes with scout attending rehab assignmentYankees send scouts to Cubs vs. Twins series amid trade interest in three playersPhillies would love to trade for Mets reliever Luke Weaver

The Brickyard 400 race weekend for the NASCAR Cup Series continues with qualifying on July 25 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.Track position is important at the 2.5-mile track, which adds importance to running well in qualifying.Bubba Wallace is the defending race winner.It's a big weekend for Erik Jones and Austin Cindric along the Chase cutline. Cindric is 16th, 33 points ahead of Jones in 17th.Qualifying is set to begin at 12:30 p.m. CT at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Follow the action with our live updates.NASCAR Indianapolis Brickyard 400 qualifying live updatesRefresh this page after 1:30 p.m. Eastern/12:30 p.m. Central for the latest qualifying updates.NASCAR Indianapolis entry list for the Brickyard 400Ross Chastain, No. 1 Trackhouse Racing ChevroletAustin Cindric, No. 2Team Penske FordAustin Dillon, No. 3Richard Childress Racing ChevroletNoah Gragson, No. 4 Front Row Motorsports FordKyle Larson, No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports ChevroletBrad Keselowski, No. 6 RFK Racing FordDaniel Suarez, No. 7 Spire Motorsports ChevroletChase Elliott, No. 9Hendrick Motorsports ChevroletTy Dillon, No. 10 Kaulig Racing ChevroletDenny Hamlin, No. 11Joe Gibbs Racing ToyotaRyan Blaney, No. 12Team Penske FordAJ Allmendinger, No. 16 Kaulig Racing ChevroletChrisBuescher, No. 17 RFK Racing FordChase Briscoe, No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing ToyotaChristopher Bell, No. 20Joe Gibbs Racing ToyotaJosh Berry, No. 21 Wood Brothers Racing FordJoey Logano, No. 22 Team Penske FordBubba Wallace, No. 23 23XI Racing ToyotaWilliam Byron, No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports ChevroletAustin Hill, No. 33 Richard Childress Racing ChevroletTodd Gilliland, No. 34 Front Row Motorsports FordRiley Herbst, No. 35 23XI Racing ToyotaZane Smith, No. 38Front Row Motorsports FordCole Custer, No. 41 Haas Factory Team ChevroletJohn Hunter Nemechek, No. 42 Legacy Motor Club ToyotaErik Jones, No. 43 Legacy Motor Club ToyotaTyler Reddick, No. 45 23XI Racing ToyotaRicky Stenhouse Jr., No. 47 HYAK Motorsports ChevroletAlex Bowman, No. 48Hendrick Motorsports ChevroletCody Ware, No. 51 Rick Ware Racing ChevroletTy Gibbs, No. 54 Joe Gibbs Racing ToyotaRyan Preece, No. 60 RFK Racing FordCasey Mears, No. 62 Beard Motorsports ChevroletCorey Heim, No. 67 23XI Racing ToyotaMichael McDowell, No. 71 Spire Motorsports ChevroletCarson Hocevar, No. 77 Spire Motorsports ChevroletDaniel Dye, No. 78 Live Fast Motorsports ChevroletConnor Zilisch, No. 88 Trackhouse Racing ChevroletShane van Gisbergen, No. 97 Trackhouse Racing ChevroletWhat channel is qualifying on today for the NASCAR Cup race at IndianapolisQualifying time:1:30 p.m. Eastern/12:30 p.m. Central on July 25 TV:truTV |Radio:SiriusXM and IMS RadioStreaming:HBO MAX; NASCAR.com and SiriusXM for audio (subscription required)Track:Indianapolis Motor Speedway (2.5-mile rectangular oval) in Speedway, IndianaNASCAR Indianapolis news, storiesWEEKEND SCHEDULE: NASCAR Indianapolis full weekend track schedule, TV schedule for the Brickyard 400, other racesNEXT YEAR: NASCAR moves 2027 Clash back to Daytona, per reportBOWMAN RETIRING: Alex Bowman, 33, to retire from NASCAR Cup Series after 2027 seasonThis article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: NASCAR Indianapolis qualifying live results, Cup Series Brickyard 400 starting lineup