LOS ANGELES At least publicly, despite the Dodgers looming presence in any potential Tarik Skubal deadline sweepstakes, the team's front office continues to downplay its need or desire to add high-end starting pitching. Even with Shohei Ohtanis timeline to return to the mound uncertain, Dodgers executives point to the production of young starters Justin Wrobleski, Emmet Sheehan and Roki Sasaki and the anticipated second-half returns of Blake Snell (who is on a rehab assignment) and Tyler Glasnow (who is expected to start one soon) as reasons for that confidence. "We talk about this a lot, of doing everything we can to win a World Series in that current year but also continuing to develop our young players," Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman told me on Tuesday. "Its difficult to both try to do everything you can to win in that current year but also be able to develop young players, because there is no replacement for the major-league level and the reps that it takes to get there. "So, its a delicate balancing act that weve been doing for years, and hopefully our system continues to produce high-end players that well continue to have to [balance] in the future." That balancing act wont get any easier over the coming year. At some point soon, perhaps at the Aug. 3 trade deadline, the Dodgers will have to address theirsurplus of outfield prospects, whether that means dealing some of them for other prospects or using them to upgrade the big-league roster with a difference-making piece (or pieces). There simply won't be room for all of them in Los Angeles. "This is far and away the deepest, most impressive group of outfielders Ive ever seen," Friedman told me. "Fortunately, right now its in Low-A, High-A, Double-A and Triple-A, so there hasnt been any real friction yet. But, its coming. And whether thats this July or this offseason, theres going to be a time where were going to need to redistribute that a little bit." Josue De Paula, the No. 4 prospect in baseball according to MLBs Top 100 rankings, is the most highly regarded of the Dodgers crop of minor leaguers. The Dodgers will have to put the 21-year-old on the 40-man roster after the season to avoid him getting plucked in the Rule 5 Draft, which he most certainly would. De Paula has 16 home runs, 27 steals and a .928 OPS at Double-A Tulsa. On his team are two other top-25 MLB prospects in outfielders Mike Sirota, who sports an OPS over 1.000, and Zyhir Hope, who has 21 homers and 18 steals. At Triple-A, outfield prospects James Tibbs III (who also plays first base) and Zach Ehrhard have been two of Oklahoma Citys most productive hitters. Meanwhile, 20-year-old outfielder Eduardo Quintero, another top-20 prospect according to MLBs rankings, is hitting over .300 at High-A Great Lakes. He plays on the same team as outfielder Charles Davalan, a 2025 first-round pick who has a .960 OPS over his first two minor-league seasons. They all happen to be in an organization with no immediate runway. Dodgers center fielder Andy Pages is a 25-year-old All-Star. Right fielder Kyle Tucker received a four-year, $240 million deal (with 2028 and 2029 player options) before the season. Left fielder Teoscar Hernandez is also signed through at least next season. The Dodgers dont necessarily have to sort out their excess of outfielders over the next week, but the deadline tends to spark action. "This time of the year sets up well for it because all teams are talking," Friedman acknowledged. "But its also one of those things that doesnt necessarily have to tie into the major-league team. It can, but it doesnt have to. It may also go to the offseason. But at some point, figuring that out both for our guys that we end up going with and the ones that we move, for them to have opportunity, is important." Its a nice problem for Friedman to have, and its one of the many reasons the Dodgers could logically make a push for Detroit Tigers ace Skubal or any piece they want. After years of spending exorbitantly, Friedman has built a team that doesnt necessarily have to buy. In fact, the Dodgers could even do some selling and still be in prime position to win a third straight World Series title. "The goal in the offseason is to be as aggressive as we can be to go into July with no real acute need," Friedman said. "Fortunately, right now, we feel really good not only about the talent of this group but also the way it meshes together." And yet, this is the same front office that sounded content to sit out of the top end of the free-agent market over the winter only to then sign the top player (Tucker) and closer (Edwin Daz) available. This is also the same front office that made deadline moves for Yu Darvish in 2017, Manny Machado in 2018 and Trea Turner and Max Scherzer in 2021. So, its hard to count the Dodgers out on any player who would significantly increase their odds of becoming the first team since the 1998-2000 Yankees to win three straight World Series championships, a desire that might be insatiable, especially with the uncertainty regarding the next collective bargaining agreement. In other words, even if the Dodgers dontneedSkubal, theyre as equipped as any team to acquire the prize of the deadline. That is,ifhe becomes available. The Tigers, despite a 51-57 record, entered Wednesday just five games back in the AL Central and 3.5 games back of a wild-card spot. In each league, only four teams are four or more games out of a playoff spot. With only days left until the deadline, a plethora of clubs have yet to pick a lane. "It does feel like there are a lot of teams who are trying to both buy and sell," Friedman said. "Thats great in theory, but its harder in actuality, and I think has a chance to create a real logjam in the typical flow of transactions. So, I do expect [most of the action] to be closer to the deadline, but I caveat that with saying I think I feel this way every year. And, I guess for the most part, they do go down to that last 24 hours." Ohtanis Biceps Also "Not 100 Percent" It remains to be seen if Ohtanis continued absence on the mound becomes the tipping point for the Dodgers to make a deadline splash, but theres more to his pitching hiatus than lingering knee discomfort. The two-way superstar hasnt pitched in a game since July 3, primarily due to a left knee issue that required an injection over the All-Star break. However, Ohtani acknowledged on Tuesday that his biceps is also "not 100 percent" and is another reason he has been limited to hitting for most of the month. "Just, similar issue with the knee," Ohtani said through his interpreter. "Do we consider pushing this? It is still July. So, I think the conversation would be a little different if were in August or September." In the same game as his last pitching start, Ohtani tweaked his right biceps on a swing and was replaced by a pinch hitter. He returned to hitting two days later on July 5 and has remained a mainstay in the lineup since, but the issue with his biceps popped up again during a bullpen session last Wednesday in Philadelphia. He hasnt thrown another bullpen since. "It just wasnt responding, nor was his knee," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. "There is an effect on the lower half to the compromising of the upper half, the arm. So, trying to mitigate that, we stopped the throwing, stopped the bullpens." Ohtani was hitting just .184 with no home runs in his first nine games to start the second half before homering as part of a three-hit day to start the Dodgers homestand on Tuesday. As of now, there are no plans to shut him down as a hitter to give his ailing body more rest. He said his knee is getting better, and his goal is to focus on hitting until the knee is feeling 100 percent. Right now, he said its closer to 90 percent, and theres no need to force the issue by having him pitch through the pain. The Dodgers are tied for the best record in baseball with the Milwaukee Brewers. They have an 11.5-game lead in the NL West, with reinforcements on the way. Kik Hernndez was activated on Tuesday, about a month ahead of schedule from his grade-3 oblique strain, and will provide depth primarily at third base and in left field. Meanwhile, Daz is slated to return Wednesday, Snell (elbow) is wrapping up his rehab assignment, Glasnow (back spasms) could be back next month, and catcher Will Smith (neck) has resumed baseball activities. But the longer Ohtani doesnt pitch, the more time hes going to need to build back up. Given Ohtani's importance to the lineup, have the Dodgers considered keeping him strictly as a hitter in October? "Everything that I've heard, that's not the option," Roberts said. "I guess anything's possible, but for me, it's highly unlikely. We're doing all this, No. 1, to make sure that he's in a good spot health-wise. But given where we're at in the calendar, if the knee continues to get better, the arm continues to feel better, I would expect him to pitch."

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JULY 11: Vinnie Pasquantino #9 of the Kansas City Royals looks on during batting practice prior to a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on July 11, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesIt has been a frustrating season for Vinnie Pasquantino, and last night was just another setback. Pasquantino exited Tuesday nights game against the Twins with hand soreness, and today the Royals placed him on the Injured List with right wrist soreness. Pasquantino previously missed a month after suffering a hamate fracture in mid-June. To replace him on the roster, the Royals called up outfielder John Rave. Pasquantino has struggled to get going in 2026, getting off to a very slow start. He hit .165 in April and couldnt get over the Mendoza Line until mid-May. He started to hit towards the end of the month until he injured his wrist on a swing during a June game against the Astros. He returned to the lineup in mid-July, and while he has hit .282 (11-for-39) in the 11 games since returning, he has not hit for power. Players with wrist and hand injuries commonly have a loss of power upon returning. For the season, Pasquantino has hit .232/.318/.345 with six home runs in 79 games, the tenth-lowest slugging percentage among all qualified hitters.Rave appeared in nine games earlier with the Royals, hitting .222/.333/.611. The 28-year-old left-handed hitter was batting .285/.396/.481 with 13 home runs and 18 steals in 77 games for Omaha.Jac Caglianone is likely to move back to first base to fill in for Pasquantino, with Salvador Perez also likely to see some time there.

STORRS, CONNECTICUT - NOVEMBER 19: Ivan Kharchenkov #8 of the Arizona Wildcats is defended by Eric Reibe #12 of the Connecticut Huskies during the second half at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion on November 19, 2025 in Storrs, Connecticut. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesNavigating a tough nonconference schedule a year ago helped set the stage for Arizonas return to the Final Four. If it aint broke, dont fix it.The UA announces its non-league slate on Wednesday, a 17-game schedule that features 10 contests at McKale Center at ALKEME Arena. That includes three exhibition games against Division I opponents.2026-27 Non-Con Schedule pic.twitter.com/bvvwok5vAI Arizona Basketball (@ArizonaMBB) July 29, 2026Like last season, Arizona will open play in Las Vegas in a Hall of Fame Series game, one of three on the schedule. The Wildcats will face longtime Pac-12 rival UCLA on Nov. 2 at T-Mobile Arena, the finale of a 3-game series that saw UCLA win in 2024 in Phoenix and the UA take the middle game last November in Los Angeles.Arizona also has HOF Series games at Madison Square Garden against St. Johns on Dec. 5 and at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix Dec. 19 against Arkansas.The regular season home opener is Nov. 5 against Cal Poly, followed by a matchup with NAU on Nov. 10 before heading to Auburn Nov. 13 for the return of a home-and-home series began last season. Five days later the Wildcats host UConn, which reached last years NCAA final.Arizona won at UConn last November, one of five wins over ranked opponents in nonconference play in 2025-26.Arizona is headed to the Maui Invitational for the 10th time the week of Thanksgiving, seeking its fourth title in the event. The Wildcats open the tourney Nov. 23 against Colorado State, then will face either Providence or VCU on Nov. 24. Their final game will be against either Clemson, Ole Miss, former Pac-12 rival Washington or current Big 12 foe BYU.The UAs other regular season home games are against LSU-New Orleans (Dec. 1), Tennessee Tech (Dec. 12), Northern Illinois (Dec. 21) and Incarnate Word (Dec. 29). Big 12 play is expected to begin Jan. 2.A change in NCAA rules allowed for a third preseason exhibition, with each allowed to be against Division I opponents. The Wildcats will host San Francisco (Oct. 13), San Diego State (Oct. 16) and Eastern Washington (Oct. 23) after opening the preseason Sept. 26 with the Red-Blue Showcase.2026-27 Arizona MBB nonconference scheduleOct. 13 vs. San Francisco (exhibition)Oct. 16 vs. San Diego State (exhibition)Oct. 23 vs. Eastern Washington (exhibition)Nov. 2 vs. UCLA (Las Vegas)Nov. 5 vs. Cal PolyNov. 10 vs. NAUNov. 13 at AuburnNov. 18 vs. UConnNov. 23 vs. Colorado State (Maui Invitational)Nov. 24 vs. Providence/VCU (Maui Invitational)Nov. 25 vs. TBD (Maui Invitational)Dec. 1 vs. LSU-New OrleansDec. 5 vs. St. Johns (New York City)Dec. 12 vs. Tennessee TechDec. 19 vs. Arkansas (Phoenix)Dec. 21 vs. Northern IllinoisDec. 29 vs. Incarnate Word

CHICAGO A year ago, the House settlement took effect, ushering in the revenue-sharing era in college sports. Schools could directly share up to $20.5 million with athletes, and that figure grew to $21.3 million this month, though there is no true cap on third-party NIL spending.Speaking at Big Ten Media Days on Wednesday, though, Ohio State coach Ryan Day argued the cap on spending should be even higher. He also noted the difference with above-the-cap dollars, which can come through third-party NIL deals.[ $19.99 gets you a FULL year of On3 | Rivals national coverage ]Day compared the current cap setup to a soft cap because of the ability for players to earn outside money beyond their rev-share deal. While he wasnt sure what impact it would have on the parity seen in the modern era, he argued a higher cap would be better for schools.I think we all would like to see more structure when it comes to the salary cap and then how things are handled above the salary cap, Day told reporters at the Hilton Chicago. Call it a soft cap. I think if youre talking about that, yeah. Do I think the cap should be higher? Absolutely.What does that mean in terms of parity and all that? I dont know. But I can tell you right now, we want to pay our players and we certainly would like to see that cap go much higher.Heading into the 2026 season, roster costs continue to soar in college football. Multiple schools are expected totop the $40 million mark this season, On3sPete Nakosreported, and Michigan coach Kyle Whittingham predicted $50 million could happen in the near future.SUBSCRIBE to the On3 NIL and Sports Business NewsletterWhile evaluating roster spending in college football, Ryan Day said its the nature of the market. But by increasing the cap, he argued programs could spend more competitively.If you look at the way it started and where it is now, every year its exponentially gone up higher and higher, Day said. Anytime you have sort of an open market every year, youre going to see that go higher and higher. So when you put a small cap on that, it makes it more and more challenging to compete and do things the right way.

Louisville football was represented by two different players on the All-ACC Preseason Team.Isaac Brown was one of two running backs named to the team Wednesday, July 29, alongside Miami's Mark Fletcher. Teammate Clev Lubin represented UofL on the defensive side. He was one of two defensive ends named preseason all-conference, the other being Will Heldt out of Clemson.Miami quarterback Darian Mensah was voted ACC Preseason Player of the Year. Brown finished third in the voting, behind Mensah and SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings.On Tuesday, July 28, Louisville was selected to finish third in the ACC preseason poll behind Miami and SMU. The Cardinals received four first-place votes from the panel of 188 (Miami received 165, Clemson seven, SMU six).Louisville's season will begin on Sept. 6 when the Cardinals travel to Nashville to play Ole Miss at Nissan Stadium. Last season, UofL went 9-4 overall and 4-4 in conference play.Reachsports trending writer Alaina Morris atamorris@gannett.comand follow her on X at @alainammorris.This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: 2 Louisville football players named to preseason All-ACC team

On Wednesday afternoon, the Detroit Lions announced that a third player has been added to its NFI list.Third-year lineman Giovanni Manu has been placed on the Active/Non-Football Injury list. Manu joins defensive back Christian Izien, who is on the Active/Non-Football Illness list, and offensive guard Christian Mahogany, who was placed on the Active/Non-Football Injury list.Manu, a 2024 fourth-round NFL draft pick, logged 69 offensive snaps last season, per Pro Football Focus. The 6-foot-7, 345-pounder started for the Lions at left tackle in Week 5 of last season at the Cincinnati Bengals. Manu has appeared in four NFL games thus far.The following player have been declared Active/Non-Football Injury: OL Giovanni Manu pic.twitter.com/mv0WWI9Uew Detroit Lions (@Lions) July 29, 2026Lions head coach Dan Campbell shared an update on Izien and Mahogany on Wednesday morning, indicating that it's not expected be long-term absences for either."Izzy just had a little flu bug. We're going to make sure he's good to go, hopefully by Friday we get him in practice here. Mahogany needs a couple of days and then he'll be ready," Campbell said.For moreLionscoverage, follow us on X,@TheLionsWire, and give ourFacebookpage a like.Follow Josh on X,@JoshOnLionsThis article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Detroit Lions add OL Giovanni Manu to NFI list

Following a historic 2024 season that saw the Washington Commanders reach the NFC Championship Game for the first time since 1992, they took a major step back in 2025. Washington finished just 5-12, which was good enough for third in the NFC East. However, injuries played a major role in the disappointing campaign. Franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels played in just seven games, while star wide receiver Terry McLaurin only played in 10. So was 2024 a one-hit wonder? Or can the Commanders bounce back from their disappointment a year ago? Let's check out their Over/Under win total odds for the 2026 season. 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. Washington Commanders Over 7.5: -125 (bet $10 to win $18 total)Under 7.5: +105 (bet $10 to win $20.50 total) What to know: In 2025, the Commanders had one of the worst defenses in football. They finished 32nd in total defense (384.3 yards allowed per game) and 28th in passing defense (242.5 passing yards allowed per game), allowing 52 touchdowns throughout the season. Because of that, Washington made a bunch of moves on the defensive side of the ball this offseason. Odafe Oweh signed a four-year, $100 million contract to anchor the pass rush, while veteran cornerbacks Amik Robertson, Ahkello Witherspoon and Rasul Douglas were brought in to help in the secondary. The Commanders also drafted Sonny Styles with the No. 7 overall pick in the NFL Draft. Meanwhile, major changes to the offensive side of the ball also took place. At the conclusion of last year, Washington parted ways with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury before naming David Blough their new OC. While the new internal addition might help, the Commanders' offensive success will ultimately come down to the health of Daniels. Odds: This upcoming season, Washington is +460 to win the NFC East, +3000 to win the NFC and +6000 to win the Super Bowl.

England fell short of winning its first World Cup title since 1966 but did finish in third place in 2026 its highest finish since its sole title. With Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham leading the way, the Three Lions were able to reach the semifinals for only the fourth time at the tournament. This summer, England started out strong with a 4-2 win over Croatia in Group L, followed by a scoreless draw with Ghana. A 2-0 win over Panama sealed first place in the group, which then saw a 2-1 win over DR Congo in the round of 32. A memorable 3-2 win over Mexico in the round of 16 followed a 2-1 quarterfinals win over Norway. That set up an epic semifinals clash with Lionel Messi and Argentina, in which the defending titleholders scored a late goal to deny England a spot in the final. In the bronze final, a pulsating 6-4 win over France sealed third place. So what's next for the players who led England at the World Cup? Harry Kane had a solid showing with six goals in seven appearances as captain for the Three Lions. He drew level with Gary Lineker's England record of six goals in World Cup knockout-stage matches. In the 21 defeat against Argentina in the semifinal, he made his 121st international appearance, becoming England's most capped outfield player, with only goalkeeper Peter Shilton having more caps. Still searching for his piece of silverware for England, Kane has been prolific on the club level. He's led Bayern Munich to two straight Bundesliga titles and won the 2024-25 Bundesliga Player of the Season award. He's led the league in goals in three straight seasons. With the Beatles' classic song of "Hey Jude" following every match, Jude Bellingham became one of the standout starts at the World Cup. He scored seven goals at the tournament including a memorable two-goal performance against Mexico in the round of 16 win. He followed that up with another brace against Norway in the quarterfinals. His seven-goal tally is the most ever by an England player in a single World Cup edition. Bellingham returns to Real Madrid, who'll be under Jose Mourinho his second time in charge at the club. He helped Madrid win the 2023-24 LaLiga title and Champions League title, but two trophyless seasons since then will put more pressure on Bellingham to deliver in Madrid. Anthony Gordon was a pivotal playmaker on the wings for England, especially during the knockout rounds. He provided both assists to Kane in the 2-1 win over DR Congo in the round of 32, and scored England's goal in the 2-1 semifinal loss to Argentina. Following three seasons in which he established himself as one of Newcastle United's most dependable stars, Gordon made a blockbuster move to Barcelona prior to the World Cup. Declan Rice battled some injury and fitness issues during the World Cup, but the Arsenal midfielder proved worthy at the World Cup with his set-piece contributions and steady play. With Kane sitting out the bronze match, he wore the captain's armband and scored a goal in the 6-4 win over France. Rice was one of the main reasons why Arsenal were finally able to win the Premier League after a 22-year drought and nearly captured a Champions League trophy before a loss on penalties to PSG. Expect Rice and the Gunners to be firmly in the mix for more silverware this season. Saka's role at the World Cup differed from his leading man performances at Arsenal, partly as he was plagued with some injury issues. Coming on as a substitute, he finished the tournament with three assists becoming just the third player to do so at a World Cup for England, after David Beckham and Harry Kane. In the bronze final against France, he scored a hat trick in the win. Much like Rice, Saka was key for Arsenal in its Premier League-winning season. He should once again be pivotal for the club as it aims to bring more silverware to North London. "Big Dan" became a bit of a folk hero during the summer as the 6-foot-7 center back shined as a defensive substitute and clearance specialist, especially in the win over Mexico. In that win over El Tri, Burn set a World Cup record for most clearances in a single game. Burn will be back in action with Newcastle United in the Premier League.

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 aboutSports Betting on FOX Sports. New users on Betr can use promo code FOXSPORTS to unlock up to $200 in bonuses plus a free pick. Get your free pick and $200 bonus with a packed day of MLB action. Yordan Alvarez can't be stopped. The Astros slugger added to his MLB-leading home run total last night with a solo blast. The Astros are going for the series sweep tonight against the Astros. The Braves and Mets meet again for the second game of their doubleheader. The Mets took the first two games of the series and look to complete the sweep later. Cam Schittler can lower his ERA and earn his eleventh win of the season as he takes the mound for the Yankees. Whether you're looking for a pitcher's duel or a slugfest, use the Betr promo code FOXSPORTS to claim up to a $200 bonus plus a free pick. How to Sign Up and Claim the Betr Picks Promo Code FOXSPORTS MLB Games Today