NEW YORK Brooks Raley grabbed Francisco Alvarez by the facemask and gave him a brief shake as he headed toward the dudout.After the Mets left-handed reliever exchanged pleasantries with each subject in the dugout, he belted out a line of Francisco Lindor's "My Girl" and settled in among the other pitchers along the railing.Raley is abundantly aware of his reality, as are many of his companions in the Mets bullpen, one of the lone strengths in a disastrous 2026 campaign.Sunday's outing was almost certainly Raley's last with the Mets. He has been a fixture of the team's bullpen and clubhouse for the last four seasons, through an injury-ravaged 2024 and landing back in Flushing one year later amid an unsettled future. On the eve of Monday's trade deadline, Raley, Luke Weaver and Huascar Brazoban, who are each receiving their share of speculation, each tossed a scoreless frame in the Mets' 2-0 loss to the Marlins on Sunday afternoon at Citi Field."I think guys feel it. This is a baseball season, you've got to handle things," interim manager Andy Green said. "For us, our ability to block things out and go out, compete and do what we need to do to win a baseball game. We didn't do that again today."Sure, it's heavy. It's friends walking out the door. At the same time, we got to do a better job playing baseball."Freddy Peralta is first domino to fall in Mets rotationThe series finale was beneath a cloud of uncertainty surrounding the construction of the team beyond Sunday. During the contest, Freddy Peralta was officially traded to the Rays for prospects Aidan Smith, Gary Gill Hill and Emilien Pitrie."I love Freddy. I haven't even had the chance to see him yet. I was managing the game, Green said. "He stepped out of the dugout to receive the news, did not return to the dugout at that point in time. Most guys popped in to see him as quickly as they could while the game was going on out of respect, but we had a game so that's where we were focused."A few miles south in Brooklyn, Clay Holmes was putting the finishing touches off his third rehab start with the Cyclones. The right-hander, who is a top trade candidate, allowed four runs (three earned) on seven hits in 5 innings.The destination for Holmes' next start is very much up in the air."I think we've got to get through the next 24 hours here, figure out what happens. Once we're on the other side of that, that will become much clearer. He has definitely lengthened out to the point where you would expect him to start a major league game going forward."The 36-year-old Robert Stock stepped in to help fill the void on Sunday afternoon, making his first major league start since 2021 and getting back on the big league mound after surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome in March. It was an encouraging display for Stock, who allowed one earned run on three hits with four strikeouts in five innings."His stuff is good. If he's in the strike zone, which he was today, he's tough," Green said. "It was really good to see. He should take a ton of pride in the way he threw the baseball today. It was really good."One last showcase of Brooks Raley, Luke WeaverBefore Sunday's game, Green received assurance that he could deploy his bullpen freely, so in a one-run game late that's what he did.And the Mets' high-leverage contingent performed just as they have all season long to keep the Marlins off the scoreboard.Raley, who is the likeliest to be moved as he approaches free agency, needed eight pitches to record three outs against the top of the Marlins' lineup. Luke Weaver, who might be one of the top relief options if available, given his control through 2027, tossed a perfect seventh with a strikeout of Griffin Conine. And Huascar Brazoban, whose handshakes and hugs in the dugout pregame sparked further speculation, worked around a two-out walk and used two strikeouts to toss a perfect eighth. "Those guys did a great job," Green said. "They kind of continue to prove who they are - some of the best relievers in baseball."The Mets reliever unit, which ranks ninth in ERA and seventh in WHIP in baseball this season, could soon be pillaged. Raley now has a sub-2.00 ERA with nine earned runs in 41 innings (1.96 ERA). Luke Weaver has only allowed one earned run in 32 innings since the calendar turned to May. Brazoban, who has three more years of control, continued his career season.For teams needing bullpen help, Sunday provided one last clear display that the Mets have a stacked inventory to be explored.This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Mets offer one last look at dominant bullpen arms available at deadline

Puahala makes U.S. judo cadet teamPearl City High School student Logyn Lynn Puahala will be among 20 U.S. judoka, ages 14-17, who will compete at the International Judo Federation Cadet World Championships in Guayaquil, Ecuador, from Aug. 20 to 23.Puahala, who is a member of the Hawaii Kaikaku Judo Club, won state titles in the 122-pound division in 2025 and at 139 in 2026.The 16-year-old won the 139-pound division at the USA Judo Junior Olympic Championships in June in Spokane, Wash.UH mens tennis adds Pollock to staffHawaii mens tennis coach Hendrik Bode has added Dan Pollock to his staff.Pollock previously served as the mens (2024-26) and womens (2024-25) tennis coaches at Hawaii Pacific. He took over at HPU after Bode left for UH.Pollock, a Hawaii Hilo alum, has coached at Division I schools Illinois-Chicago, Idaho, BYU, Utah, Butler and Maryland.

For the first scrimmage of training camp, the University of Hawaii football team aced the physical examination.The goal was to demonstrate grit and toughness in the first practice in full pads. Performances during the 52-play scrimmage would count toward separating second- and third-unit players.Youve got to be tough to play in this offense, especially going against our defense, said TJ Foilefutu, a 6-foot, 240-pound freshman running back from Peoria, Ariz. If youre going to play our defense soft, itll be a long day for you. Theyre coming. Theyve got some dawgs on defense.While speedy Cam Barfield and DeVon Rice are considered the top two backs, Foilefutu and 5-11, 230-pound Sitani Mikaele are sources of reserve power. Both repeatedly broke through arm tackles for large gains. On a dive, Foilefutu flattened a safety.I really had to focus on lowering my shoulder-pad level because that was a big thing I needed to improve on in spring ball, said Foilefutu, who graduated a semester early from Liberty High School and joined the Rainbow Warriors in January.As a Farrington High senior in 2023, Mikaele rushed for a state-best 1,557 yards and 18 touchdowns. He was on the scout offense while redshirting for UH in 2024,and then played on special teams in 2025. He said he learned from Barfield and Landon Sims, who completed his UH eligibility in December.It was good learning from Landon, Mikaele said of the power back with speed. He was a good example. And now Im taking all the things he taught me, and putting it all together, and being that player UH needs.During the scrimmage, Mikaele mixed round-house moves with jab steps.I was always physical, Mikaele said, but sometimes it catches (would-be tacklers) because they think Im going to truck them, but I (cut away) from them.The backs also set up the Warriors run-pass options. Quarterback Micah Alejado faked a handoff and then sprinted 23 yards. Backup QB Bjorn Jurgensen also took off on a 43-yard keeper.Its a fun part of our game plan, said Jurgensen, who transferred from Virginia in January.At Bishop Moore Catholic High School in Orlando, Jurgensen was a dual-threat quarterback.My high school coach figured I could run the ball pretty well, Jurgensen recalled. We ran some quarterback power and zone read with me. I can run a little bit. I feel thats a super power about me, honestly. When you look at me, you dont really see that. And then it just goes out of nowhere, which is really cool.Jurgensen also is an improvisational passer. On Saturday, he launched throws off side-arm, three-quarter and over-handed motions. He lasered an 8-yard scoring pass to slotback Audric Harris.Im just trying to make a play, Jurgensen said. Sometimes with the line in front of you, youve got to have a different arm slot to get to where you want to go. I feel thats a big part of why Im doing that. Just trying to get the ball out quicker to my guy. Weve got really good athletes on this team. If I can be like a point guard and get them the ball and let them make a play, Im doing my job.Alejado was in top form. In his first drive, he was 4-for-5 (with a 46-yard pass dropped in the end zone). Later, Alejado connected on a 38-yard scoring pass to Virginia Tech transfer Devin Alves.You have to track it over your shoulder and make a play, Alves said of Alejados arced throw. He put it to where only I could get it. I went up and made a play.Alves entered the portal in January.The first day I was in the portal (UH receivers) Coach (Jared) Ursua called me four times, Alves said. I knew they really wanted me here.Ursua said: I felt he had a lot of tools. He played corner, safety and receiver. Outside of Travis Hunter, there arent a lot of guys who have done that in college football. I knew he had special ability. I watched his high school tape and fell in love with him as a player.The projected starting defense played well, but most of the scrimmage was designed to give reps to the newcomers and developing players. Cornerback Jeremiah Hughes, a transfer from Michigan State, had a solid performance.I know right now theres going to be some ups and downs, defensive coordinator Dennis Thurman said. We have some guys who need to play, who need some game snaps, some practice snaps. They need experience. They need to play football. Until we do, there are times Ill be a little pissed. Just pour some water on me.

The New Orleans Saints wide receiver corps was shaken up by the news of Ja'Lynn Polk's sudden retirement on Sunday. Polk, 24, had been competing for snaps on the second-string offense ahead of guys like Trey Palmer and Bub Means and had the backing of quarterback Tyler Shough. But Polk decided to unexpectedly hang up his cleats after missing two days of training camp practices with what the team said were "personal reasons."It's a disappointing end to his time in New Orleans after the Saints traded with the New England Patriots to acquire him, but they didn't give up much. New England swapped its 2028 seventh-round pick for the Saints' sixth rounder in 2027. Getting a pick back a round later isn't a bad deal for a former second-round draft pick like Polk. It's just a shame he never got into a game to show what he could do. At least the Saints have plenty of other hands in the receiving room. Here's a look at the dozen wide receivers still on the roster:Chris OlaveJordyn TysonDevaughn VeleBryce LanceBarion BrownMason Tipton (on the PUP list)Trey PalmerBub MeansKevin Austin Jr.Ronnie BellBrock RechsteinerJalen Moreno-CropperBetween placing Polk on the reserve/retired list and the expected loss of defensive tackle Bryan Bresee to injured reserve, the Saints will have two open roster spots to work with. Expect some new additions in the days ahead.This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Updated New Orleans Saints WR corps after Ja'Lynn Polk retirement

One of the Green Bay Packers veteran offensive linemen is heading into the season with a new name: Offensive tackle Zach Bako-Bewele, formerly Zach Tom, has legally changed his last name.When speaking to reporters on Sunday, Bako-Bewele said that he chose to select a last name that represented more about his family history. Bako-Beweles name combines the Nigerian last names of his paternal grandparents.Especially when I start having kids and stuff, I want to have a name that I can pass down where it represents where they came from, where I came from, Bako-Bewele told reporters. People will see that name and have a good understanding of who I am and where I come from.Zach Tom is no longer Zach Tom. He legally changed his name to Zach Bako-Bewele, a combination of his grandparents Nigerian last names.Especially when I start having kids, I want to have a name that I can pass down where it represents where they came from, where I came from. pic.twitter.com/JDPkjnvhtU Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) August 2, 2026The name change was reflected by the team on Sunday, with Bako-Beweles name plate on his locker and his profile on the Packers website both being updated.Bako-Bewele, who was drafted out of Wake Forest in 2022, has spent his entire career with the Packers. Bako-Bewele signed a four-year extension with Green Bay last summer, earning a historic $30.2 million signing bonus.The 27-year-old is set to be the teams starting right tackle this season.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 30: Luis Garca Jr. #2 of the Washington Nationals reacts as he rounds third base after hitting a solo homer in the third inning against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on July 30, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesThe Yankees started their deadline dealing on Saturday sending off Camilo Doval to the Pirates, but that was an ancillary move to what their plans were. This team was always going to be buying, and it was only a question of who they would target and how many pieces they would get. Now the first domino has fallen, as theyve swung a deal with the Washington Nationals to get infielder Luis Garca Jr.Garca is having his best offensive season to date in his age-26 season, and hes been one of the best hitters across the National League. He leads the NL in slugging percentage with a .560 mark, and owns a 134 wRC+ in 104 games with 23 home runs clubbed. Garca doesnt walk much, only sporting a 4.3 percent walk rate, but he hits at a high enough clip to get on base decently still. In breaking the news, ESPNs Jeff Passan is also reporting that the Yankees have sent a package of four prospects over to the Nationals for Garca, and MLB.coms Mark Feinsand is reporting that said package consists of pitchers Ben Grable, Yovanny Cruz, Jack Cebert, and Jake Bird.Thats not a lot of prospect capital spent to improve an offense that has felt incredibly lackluster without their Captain Aaron Judge present. The fit on the field will be interesting to see as the Yankees have acquired a bat that plays predominantly on the right side of the infield. Garca has played 93 games at first base this year, where the team already has Ben Rice and Paul Goldschmidt working in a platoon, and played 129 games at second base last season where Jazz Chisholm Jr. currently sits. Well have plenty more over the next few hours as the trade details emerge and we get a picture of where hell fit in with New York, but the Yankees have undoubtedly added some life back into their lineup when theyve desperately needed it.

If the Indianapolis Colts are looking to give their pass rush a boost, that free agent market is now smaller. According to Mike Garafolo, the Houston Texans are signing defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, who was one of the top remaining pass rushers still available.Clowney has recorded at least 40 quarterback pressures in each of the last two seasons.Back to where it began for Jadeveon Clowney: The former No. 1 overall pick of the #Texans has agreed to terms with Houston, sources tell me and @RapSheet.After an 8.5-sack season with the #Cowboys, Clowney stays in Texas in a deal done by @NFLagentandy of @UpperEdgeSports. pic.twitter.com/B8ABbDaDTF Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) August 2, 2026Why is pass rusher a potential need for the Colts?This Colts' defense needs more pass rush consistency around Laiatu Latu this season. While Latu was productive, as a unit, the Colts ranked 30th in ESPN's pass rush win rate metric and struggled to get after the quarterback when not playing with a lead.GM Chris Ballard reshaped the defensive end unit this offseason, letting Kwity Paye, Samson Ebukam, and Tyquan Lewis leave in free agency, while signing Arden Key and Micheal Clemons. He also drafted Caden Curry and George Gumbs. That group will join Latu and Jaylahn Tuimoloau.However, while changes have been made, it remains to be seen how much this unit has improved. Competing for the starting role opposite of Latu are Key and Tuimoloau. Key has had steady production in his career, but hasn't produced at a high level, while Tuimoloau had a small role as a rookie.Whether or not the Colts had any actual interest in Clowney is not known.This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: A top free agent pass rusher no longer available for Colts

Seahawks and another Super Bowl? Why it's possible originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Seattle Seahawks had a picture-perfect last season. It doesn't get any better than winning the Super Bowl. Now, can they do it again?That's the question facing this team. Now, the Seahawks lost running back Kenneth Walker III. They still have their core and Sam Darnold as quarterback, but it's different. Things are going to be different when September rolls around.In a story for Bleacher Report, NFL analyst Alex Kay names one main reason each NFL team shouldn't be overlooked in 2026. In it, he give the Seahawks props and explains why they actually can go all the way again and be more than a one-hit wonder.Seahawks still have a good chance to go all the waySo, why can Seattle still go all the way? Kay says it's because their Super Bowl core is still there."The Seattle Seahawks suffered some roster attrition in wake of their Lombardi Trophy win, but they largely kept the band together this offseason and now find themselves in position to mount a valiant title defense," he says in the piece.The biggest departures were Walker, Boye Mafe, Coby Bryant and Riq Woolen. "While these losses will sting, the Seahawks did well patching the holes in free agency and the draft," he notes.Kay adds that adding new players, such as Jadarian Price, Julian Neal and veteran edge Dante Fowler Jr., means this team has "players who complement the pre-existing championship nucleus well."So, the Seahawks don't have everybody from their championship team back. But, they did what they needed to do, financially, and are a stronger team for it.More NFL news:Jets have one reason to expect a better year, NFL expert saysOne NFL team will be 'impossible to stop this season,' NFL analyst saysCaleb Williams, Ben Johnson already 'flourishing' before 2026 season

Yankees to send 4 pitchers to Nationals for Luis Garcia Jr. in huge trade originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The New York Yankees are in dire need of offensive help this season and have reportedly made a trade to address such an issue, the day before the MLB trade deadline.According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, the Yankees have acquired Washington Nationals first baseman Luis Garcia Jr. He'll come to New York, bringing his 23-homer power to the lineup in dire need of some help.But what did the Yankees give up to land the Nationals' power-hitter? According to Passan, the Yankees are giving up four players to land Garcia. But who are those four players headed to Washington?What four players did Yankees send Nationals for Luis Garcia Jr.?According to Spencer Nusbaum of The Athletic, the Yankees are sending the following package to the Nationals for Garcia: "RHP Ben Grable, RHP Yovanny Cruz, RHP Jack Cebert, RHP Jake Bird."This four-player prospect package includes Jake Bird, the 30-year-old pitcher formerly with the Colorado Rockies. The Yankees acquired him last year, and he has a 5.93 ERA this season in 36 games for them this season.According to MLB Pipeline, Jack Cebert is the Yankees' 14th-ranked prospect. The 24-year-old right-hander has a 4.03 ERA in 82.2 innings this season at High-A and Double-A.Ben Grable is the Yankees' 25th-ranked prospect, and like Cebert, is 24 years old. He has a 2.45 ERA in 36.2 innings as a reliever and could be up in the big leagues quite soon.MORE:Yankees predicted to trade for Marlins Liam Hicks by ESPNLastly, Cruz is a 26-year-old reliever who's made his big league debut this season with the Yankees, posting a 1.69 ERA in four outings for New York across 5.1 innings.It's an interesting prospect package for Garcia, as the Yankees are giving up four right-handed pitchers, including some players ready to help in the big leagues right now.But, considering the Nationals' shaky bullpen, these additions should help. From the Yankees' perspective, being able to land Garcia without giving up a top prospect is such a huge win.Garcia is hitting .283 this season with 2.3 bWAR, 23 home runs, 101 hits, an NL-best .560 slugging percentage, and an .873 OPS with a 136 OPS+.It's a huge offensive presence for the Yankees' lineup, and while the fit might be a work in progress, it's a nice addition for New York amid a dire need for their lineup.More MLB news:Phillies intrigued by Blue Jays trade idea for Jeff Hoffman and Daulton VarshoAstros among teams calling Giants about Logan Webbs trade availabilityYankees linked to Padres for potential rotation for bullpen swapDiamondbacks linked to Nationals Luis Garcia Jr. as perfect trade fitRed Sox predicted to trade for Tigers Gleyber Torres at deadline

After getting swept by the Astros, the Texas Rangers might not get the reinforcements they need at the trade deadline (Thomas Shea-Imagn Images).The trade deadline arrives at 5 p.m. Monday, and the Texas Rangers, swept out of first place by the Astros, have some decisions to make.HOUSTON The weekend that could have been a boon for the Texas Rangers instead turned into an unmitigated disaster at Daikin Park, a three-game sweep by the Astros that culminated Sunday with a 7-3 loss.The Rangers were knocked out of first place in the American League West on Friday, out of a playoff spot Saturday, and their performance might have convinced the front office not to expend any further prospect or financial capital before the trade deadline on a team that is 55-57.In any other season, one with at least one good team in the division, the Rangers wouldnt be considering additions. Their roster might have already been plucked over by real contenders.Yes, the Rangers are still contenders. Current trends, though, suggest that adding players is not the prudent move for a franchise short on prospects and with an ownership group unwilling to spend money like a team in the countrys fourth-largest market should.President of baseball operations Chris Young has pulled the trade trigger the past two seasons on teams in worse standing than the Rangers, but standing pat or even trading away some players might now be the Rangers best plan ahead of the 5 p.m. Monday deadline. I do feel confident that the guys that we have right now have the chance to still win the division, manager Skip Schumaker said. When youre in this position, this spot, I mean, were right there. So how could I not say that? Its not BS because we are right here.The buy-stay-sell question might have been answered Saturday, when Jacob deGrom allowed five runs in only 3 1/3 innings the day after Nathan Eovaldi allowed six runs in five innings. The Rangers top two starters have been inconsistent and are pitching through various ailments.The Rangers would have trouble winning the division or advancing in the postseason without their aces at their best. That would put more of a toll on the bullpen, which faltered again Sunday in a four-run seventh that broke a 3-all tie.While the Rangers added Chase Silseth on Wednesday, they need more than one arm to fix the bullpen. They also need a righty-hitting outfielder, the shortage of which showed itself Saturday. The defense was an issue in the series, not with errors in the linescore but plays that werent made. Even the umpires calls had an Astros tilt to them, including a called third strike Sunday in the seventh that squelched a Rangers rally and led to Schumaker and hitting coach Justin Viele getting ejected.Thats a big call youve got to get right, he said.If the Rangers decide to trade players, the list could begin with Joc Pederson. He leads the team in home runs and was the Rangers Player of the Month for July, but the Rangers could get some $6 million off the books by trading him.Any player on an expiring contract could become a trade option should the Rangers take that route. They have also received interest in left-hander MacKenzie Gore, who is under club control through next season.It might be hard to find a suitor for Corey Seager, deGrom or Eovaldi, who come with hefty contracts and medical concerns. The latter two also have full no-trade provisions. But everything is on the table after a 1-5 road trip and a disastrous weekend in Houston.This road trip just wasnt how we thought it would go, Schumaker said.Jeff Wilson, jwilson@alldlls.com