CLEVELAND (AP) Torey Lovullo has been involved with professional baseball as a player or coach for nearly 40 years. So, when it comes to the unwritten rules of baseball especially when a pitcher has a perfect game or no-hitter going the Arizona Diamondbacks manager knows if a line is being crossed.While some might think Tim Tawa trying to bunt during the sixth inning of Sunday's game while Cleveland's Gavin Williams had a perfect game bid going violated the unwritten codes of the sport, Lovullo said it was a perfectly acceptable decision.Not even close for me, Lovullo said after Cleveland's 5-0 win over Arizona. "Ive had this discussion with (Cleveland manager) Stephen Vogt before when he was in our dugout as a player. I play it clean and you can do basically anything in between the white lines for six innings. And then after that, you got to be careful. Its either black or white for me. I dont like gray stuff.Timmy asked if he could bunt. We all checked off on it, said absolutely. And they clearly took exception to that.Williams had retired the first 15 Arizona batters he faced, including nine via strikeout.Tawa took a called strike on the first pitch before fouling back a bunt attempt on the next pitch. After Tawa's bunt hit the screen behind home plate, Cleveland catcher Patrick Bailey and shortstop Brayan Rocchio voiced their displeasure over Tawa's decision.Tawa then lined the next pitch into right field to give the Diamondbacks first baserunner. Rocchio and Tawa exchanged words after Tawa was forced out at second base on a grounder by Ildemaro Vargas. However, Tawas hard slide caused Rocchios throw to first place for a potential double play go wide.The chirping between both teams continued though and reached a breaking point with two outs in the sixth, when both benches emptied after crew chief Lance Barksdale called for the grounds crew to put the tarp on due to heavy rain.Vogt and third-base coach Rouglas Odor charged from the dugout and began exchanging words with Diamondbacks players and coaches. The benches emptied for both teams, but calm was restored a couple minutes later as Vogt and Lovullo talked at home plate.I mean, when things happen on the baseball field, tempers can flare sometimes. I was upset just because there were people talking to our players that shouldnt be, Vogt said. When theres a perfect game going, some people are going to be very upset at that. But again, that wasnt the crux of my frustration.Also adding to the mayhem was the grounds crew trying to get the infield covered.Ive never had a tarp involved in a scrum with another team. Its a first for me, Lovullo said. Through some hard lessons and suspensions and fines, Ive learned the hard way to deescalate instead of amplify it. And in that case, I felt like that was my job. And I think Vogter and I got together and talked about it. And he saw it the same way I did.Williams allowed one hit in 5 2/3 innings with 10 strikeouts and one walk. The right-hander joined Chris Sale and Clayton Kershaw as the only pitchers in MLB history with double-digit strikeouts and one walk or fewer in at least five straight games.As for Tawa's bunt attempt, it was the least of his worries.I dont really have any reaction. It is what it is. I dont really care. My job is to get out and thats what Im trying to do, Williams said.Tawa was in an 0-for-21 skid before getting the hit and said he was trying to do anything he could to snap out of it.I understand the unwritten rules of baseball and thats a thing. And at the same time, Im just trying to get on base and help the team and gain some momentum, he said.Both teams were issued warnings about any retaliation after the hour, 34-minute rain delay. Tawa struck out in the seventh and reached on a fielder's choice in the ninth.___AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Jadeveon Clowney could have gotten paid to play elsewhere. He could have been paid top dollar to be a part of a rebuilding team as the anchor off the edge. But Clowney, who now returns to the Houston Texans after a seven-year hiatus, made it clear that returning to the place his career began made the most sense as a full-circle moment in his career."For sure, I was so excited," Clowney told KRPC 2 Sports' Aaron Wilson. "I had more opportunities. When I found out the Texans were interested, it was a no-brainer for me. It was comfortable for me to do that. I was excited to help the situation."Signed to a one-year deal with a maximum value of $8 million, the 2014 No. 1 overall pick returns to Reliant Stadium with the intent of becoming a part of an already elite pass rush behind Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter. And it's not like Clowney didn't have offers on the table. Last week, he visited the Cleveland Browns, who made an offer to bring back the three-time Pro Bowl defensive end for the new season. Cleveland wasn't the only previous team interested in Clowney, as the Seattle Seahawks also pursued his services. But for Clowney, who lives in Houston with his family and trains here during the offseason, coming back and playing for DeMeco Ryans seemed like a no-brainer. It was also a family decision, so staying close to those in his camp made the call easier. "It wasn't about the money," Clowney said. "It was about legacy and chasing a Super Bowl. I've got a lot of game left and I want to contribute."As he enters his 13th season, the 33-year-old hasn't slowed down. Last season with the Dallas Cowboys, the former South Carolina product posted a team-leading 8.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss in 13 games. Two years ago with the Baltimore Ravens, he recorded 9.5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss. "I was looking forward to playing for DeMeco," Jadeveon Clowney said in interview with me regarding playing for the two-time Pro Bowl linebacker. "Pretty exciting coach to play for. I reached out to him and told him I wanted to play for him." https://t.co/ZrXRwOTtuo Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 2, 2026"I was looking forward to playing for DeMeco," Clowney said. "Pretty exciting coach to play for. I reached out to him and told him I wanted to play for him."Clonwey also told Wilson he's excited to pair alongside Anderson and Hunter as the No. 3 option."I was excited about playing with those guys," Clowney said. "Good defense, and I can help contribute and a good chance to chase a Super Bowl. I know what it looks like. I can help this squad." The Texans open the season against the Buffalo Bills on Sept. 13.This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: 'It was a no-brainer!': Jadeveon Clowney excited for return to Texans

Aug. 2MITCHELL Club names were drawn, and opening-round matchups doled out on Sunday afternoon, as the 32 qualified teams learned their bracket placement for the 2026 South Dakota Class B amateur tournament.Back in Mitchell this season after a 2025 stop in Brandon, the 12-day tournament runs Aug. 5-16 at Cadwell Park.The tournament's opening session will include the Parkston Mudcats playing Elk Point at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, followed by Kimball/White Lake against Valley Springs. Opening-round games continue through the afternoon of Sunday, Aug. 9.Thursday kicks off the slate of four-game days with Dell Rapids PBR and Colome at 11 a.m., with Lesterville against Garretson also as part of the afternoon session. The evening session includes Wynot (Neb.) versus Lake Norden at 5:30 p.m., and the nightcap features Alexandria playing Crofton (Neb.)Groton and Lennox meet to start Friday's action at 11 a.m., trailed by Salem against Volga. Wessington Springs battles Clark at 5:30 p.m., and the Friday nightcap showcases Mount Vernon dueling Tabor.Saturday's slate begins with an 11 a.m. clash of the Parkston Rays and Hartford/Humboldt Gamecocks in a rematch of the 2025 title game. Perennial powers Winner/Colome and the Dell Rapids Mudcats meet in the first round for the second straight year at 1 p.m. Castlewood squares off with Canova at 5:30 p.m., followed by Burke and Redfield Dairy Queen to round out the day.The first round wraps up Sunday with Larchwood (Iowa) against Flandreau at 11 a.m. and the Hartford/Humboldt Wood Ducks versus Four Corners at 1 p.m.The second round of play will take place nightly from Sunday, Aug. 9, to Wednesday, Aug. 12, with the quarterfinal round being played Thursday, Aug. 13, and Friday, Aug. 14. The Class B semifinals will take place Saturday, Aug. 15, with the championship game tentatively scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16.New to the bracket drawing procedure this year, district champions and district runner-ups, also known as first representatives, cannot play each other in the first round.Class B state amateur tournamentAug. 5-16 at Cadwell ParkFirst roundWednesday, Aug. 5G1: Elk Point vs. Parkston Mudcats, 5:30 p.m.G2: Valley Springs vs. Kimball/White Lake, 7:30 p.m.Thursday, Aug. 6G3: Dell Rapids PBR vs. Colome, 11 a.m.G4: Lesterville vs. Garretson, 1 p.m.G5: Wynot (Neb.) vs. Lake Norden, 5:30 p.m.G6: Crofton (Neb.) vs. Alexandria, 7:30 p.m.Friday, Aug. 7G7: Groton vs. Lennox, 11 a.m.G8: Salem vs. Volga, 1 p.m.G9: Wessington Springs vs. Clark, 5:30 p.m.G10: Mount Vernon vs. Tabor, 7:30 p.m.Saturday, Aug. 8G11: Parkston Rays vs. Hartford/Humboldt Gamecocks, 11 a.m.G12: Winner/Colome vs. Dell Rapids Mudcats, 1 p.m.G13: Castlewood vs. Canova, 5:30 p.m.G14: Burke vs. Redfield Dairy Queen, 7:30 p.m.Sunday, Aug. 9G15: Larchwood (Iowa) vs. Flandreau Cardinals, 11 a.m.G16: Hartford/Humboldt Wood Ducks vs. Four Corners, 1 p.m.Second roundSunday, Aug. 9G17: G1 winner vs. G2 winner, 5:30 p.m.G18: G3 winner vs. G4 winner, 7:30 p.m.Monday, Aug. 10G19: G5 winner vs. G6 winner, 6 p.m.G20: G7 winner vs. G8 winner, 8 p.m.Tuesday, Aug. 11G21: G9 winner vs. G10 winner, 6 p.m.G22: G11 winner vs. G12 winner, 8 p.m.Wednesday, Aug. 12G23: G13 winner vs. G14 winner, 6 p.m.G24: G15 winner vs. G16 winner, 8 p.m.QuarterfinalsThursday, Aug. 13G25: G17 winner vs. G18 winner, 6 p.m.G26: G19 winner vs. G20 winner, 8 p.m.Friday, Aug. 14G27: G21 winner vs. G22 winner, 6 p.m.G28: G23 winner vs. G24 winner, 8 p.m.SemifinalsSaturday, Aug. 15G29: G25 winner vs. G26 winner, 5 p.m.G30: G27 winner vs. G28 winner, 7:30 p.m.ChampionshipSunday, Aug. 16G31: Semifinal winners, 2 p.m.

The Detroit Tigers decision to trade two-time Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal to the Los Angeles Dodgers is continuing to generate strong reactions across Major League Baseball. While the Dodgers are being praised for adding arguably the best pitcher in the sport, many around the league are questioning whether Detroit received enough in return.According to MLB insider Jon Heyman, one rival executive offered a brutally honest assessment of the trade, saying simply, They got bupkis. The remark reflects a growing belief that the Tigers failed to maximize the value of one of baseballs most dominant pitchers.MORE: Updated 2026 World Series odds following the Dodgers trade for Tarik SkubalReturn Leaves Many Questioning Detroits StrategyThere is no denying that Zyhir Hope is a talented prospect.He ranks among the Dodgers top young players and has the tools to become a productive major leaguer. However, many evaluators expected Detroit to demand a significantly stronger package for a pitcher of Skubals caliber.Perhaps the biggest surprise is who the Dodgers managed to keep.Los Angeles reportedly held onto pitchers Emmet Sheehan and Roki Sasaki, both of whom many believed would have been logical pieces in any blockbuster involving the games premier starter. Their absence from the deal has only fueled criticism of the Tigers front office.MORE: One player every MLB team will trade at the 2026 trade deadlineDodgers Protected Their Elite ProspectsFeb 24, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Josue De Paula against the Cleveland Guardians during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesThe deal becomes even more surprising when examining the Dodgers farm system.Los Angeles did not part with any of its consensus top three prospectsJosue De Paula, Mike Sirota, or Eduardo Quintero. All three outfielders remained in the organization despite the Dodgers acquiring one of the most valuable players available at the trade deadline.Instead, Detroits headline return was Hope, who is widely viewed as the fourth-ranked outfield prospect in the Dodgers system.That has left many wondering whether another club could have assembled a more compelling package if given the opportunity.Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 30: Luis Garca Jr. #2 of the Washington Nationals reacts as he lays his head on third base after hitting a RBI triple in the seventh inning against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on July 30, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesWith just over 24 hours left before the 2026 MLB Trade Deadline, Yankees fans had begun to grow anxious. The offense badly needed help, the bullpen was begging for reinforcements, and lets be honest, nobody would ever say no to more depth in the starting rotation (just ask the Dodgers!). Then, as they were watching Gerrit Cole and the Yankees bullpen walk a tightrope against the Cubs in a windy Wrigley, Joel Sherman posted this tweet.A left-handed hitting first baseman who can fake it at second and short (but isnt particularly good at either spot), Luis Garca Jr. was not a player who had been on most peoples radars; after all, the Yankees were desperate to add a right-handed bat, not someone else who needed to sit against southpaws. And yet, with the Yankees offense struggling against, well, everybody since Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, and Giancarlo Stanton hit the shelf, the Bombers clearly were looking for anybody whose bat had a pulse.Yankees fans didnt have all that long to wait, as just a few minutes after the game ended, Jeff Passan reported that the deal was done. Soon, the news broke that the Yankees were sending four pitchers to DC in the deal: Double-A arm Jack Cebert, the recently-promoted Yovanny Cruz, Futures Game representative Ben Grable, and 2025 Trade Deadline bust Jake Bird.BREAKING: The New York Yankees are acquiring infielder Luis Garca Jr. from the Washington Nationals, sources tell ESPN. Garcia, 26, leads the National League in slugging percentage and is hitting .283/.313/.560 with 23 home runs. Hes under club control through end of 2027. Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) August 2, 2026Immediately, the community began to discuss the deal.While the most common reaction was something along the lines of, Oh wow, a player who can hit the ball, I didnt know we were allowed to acquire them, others, however, focused on the fact that he is a first baseman/designated hitter, which the team theoretically has plenty of, even if in practice they dont.Others, in typical Pinstripe Alley fashion, promptly began looking ahead to the next few moves, recognizing that the move does not fill their gaping hole at offense against lefties.Perhaps unsurprisingly, the top-voted comment on our breaking news post was a straightforward celebration of the fact that we are now assured that neither Bird nor Camilo Dovaltwo Trade Deadline moves from last year that went bust, unlike David Bednarwill appear on a mound in Yankees pinstripes again.While there was some Ryan Jeffers discussion, as we dream of the Twins reversing their course and opting to sell, the main topic of conversation was shortstop George Lombard Jr., who is knocking on the door of a possible promotion from Triple-A.All in all, were going to have a lot to talk about over the next few days, as inevitably, this will not be the last move the Yankees make. But, as we wait for Jeff Passan, Ken Rosenthal, or Jack Curry to give us some more news, lets take a step back and reflect on this first step.What do you think of the Yankees new bat? Vote in the poll, and let us know in the comments section below!

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 1: Keon Sabb #3 of the Alabama Crimson Tide signals fourth down after a stop against the Indiana Hoosiers during the first quarter of the College Football Playoff Quarter Final Game at Rose Bowl Stadium on January 1, 2026 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by CFP/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesAlabamas safety Keon Sabb was one of the most productive defensive backs in the SEC in 2025, leading the Tide with 4 interceptions while earning first-team All-SEC and third-team All-American honors as a junior. He was a projected top-five safety in the 2026 NFL Draft before deciding to return to Tuscaloosa for one more season, a decision that gives Alabama a proven veteran leader on the back end of its defense.Preseason accolades have followed him into 2026. Sabb earned a spot on Athlon Sports preseason All-America second team at safety and has continued to be recognized as one of the premier defensive backs in the conference. His ability to read quarterbacks and close on the ball has made him a focal point of Alabamas defensive game plan, and hes regarded as one of the best returning safeties anywhere in the country entering the season.For Georgia, Sabb is the type of player who can single-handedly change the math on a passing down. A safety who knows how to bait quarterbacks into thinking a window is open when it isnt, and has shown he can finish those plays rather than just batting the ball away. When the Dawgs and Tide face off on October 10th in Tuscaloosa Georgias passing game will need to account for where Sabb is playing on any given snap, particularly on deep shots or intermediate crossers, since a mistake in his direction could easily end a possession.Not Keon Sabb unintentionally hiding himself behind the ref to bait Pavia into throwing what he thought was a soft spot pic.twitter.com/xeqGLCdsr7 Clint Lamb (@ClintRLamb) October 5, 2025The 61, 208 pound New Jersey native is also big and physical enough to make plays against the run and to create pressure at the line of scrimmage. Is expect the Michigan transfer entering his third season at Alabama to be moved around more, making him harder to account for and taking advantage of his instincts and football IQ.

If fans think it's hard to follow the ever-changing rules of college sports, they have to imagine being a coach, and trying to keep up while recruiting, evaluating, and building a roster. Kentucky basketball coach Mark Pope is trying to do all of those things while getting ready for a very important season for the Wildcats.Last week's ruling that players from the class of 2022 are entitled to a fifth season has, once again, shifted the rules for college coaching staffs, and with a roster spot still available, has Pope trying to see if anyone newly eligible can help the team. One such player could be Keyshawn Hall.Hall wasn't a highly-rated recruit, and ended up at UNLV as a freshman. He transferred to George Mason after one season and quickly established himself as a very good player, averaging 16.6 points per game. He averaged 18.8 points for Central Florida as a junior before transferring to Auburn for his senior season. There, he 19.3 points and 7.1 rebounds per game for the Tigers while shooting 38% from three point range. As a result, he was named third-team All-SEC.Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports reports that Hall is exploring a return to college and that Kentucky is one of several teams to have contacted him. Others include Indiana, St. John's, Kansas, and Gonzaga. The NCAA is appealing the court's decision, and there are still details to work out as far as their ability to transfer to a new school is concerned. However, adding a scorer who can play multiple spots and shoot it well from deep is never a bad idea. We will keep you updated as news develops.This article originally appeared on UK Wildcats Wire: Kentucky contacts All-SEC guard after eligibility rulint

Is there a future in coaching for NBA champion Karl-Anthony Towns?The Knicks' center swapped his jersey for a whistle today, hosting a basketball camp for some potential future pros.The camp took place at Basketball City along South Street and featured a variety of skill sessions, games and giveaways.Each camper also got to take a photo with the NBA champion.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JULY 29: Dalton Rushing #68 of the Los Angeles Dodgers calls for time after a play against the Seattle Mariners at Dodger Stadium on July 29, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesLOS ANGELES Dalton Rushing was a late scratch from Sunday evenings game against the Boston Red Sox, as the Dodgers catcher is dealing with minor arm irritation. He was replaced by Eliezer Alfonzo, who batted ninth in the final game of the homestand.The Dodgers catching depth has been tested since longtime starter Will Smith was sidelined in the first week of June with neck inflammation. Smith hasnt played since June 5, and though he has ramped up his baseball activities this week, its going to take considerable time for Smith to return behind the plate in Los Angeles.Manager Dave Roberts said Saturday that Smith is pain free and building up strength in the weight room, but didnt have a firm estimate on a return timetable.For me, its day to day, but I know Will is anxious to get back out there. But there has to be a progression, and games played, Roberts said. I just dont see before three or four weeks.Since Smith last played, Rushing has started 34 of 48 games behind the plate for the Dodgers, and held his own, hitting .235/.335/.475 with a 123 wRC+ and 12 home runs on the season. Rushing has -3 catcher framing runs and -4 catching run value on defense.Alfonzo has started eight games and before him Chuckie Robinson started six games at catcher. The duo has a combined six hits in 44 at-bats (.136) with two doubles (both by Alfonzo) and no walks.Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman did not address the teams potential need for a catcher, only speaking vaguely on Sunday about whats left ahead of Mondays 3 p.m. PT trade deadline.For us its trying to balance to keep one eye on the present, and one eye on the future, and balancing all of that, Friedman said. A lot of conversations on a number of different fronts. How likely is tough to say, but well continue to work through tomorrow.

World Series three-peat or not Dodgers owe $1.1B in deferred payments originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.For anyone wondering if MLB will face financial reckoning this winter, just look at the Los Angeles Dodgers' accounting books.Late Friday night, the back-to-back World Series champions acquired Tarik Skubal, arguably the sport's best pitcher, from the Detroit Tigers for three prospects. The Dodgers also added the final third of Skubal's one-year, $32 million deal.The Dodgers (69-42), who are streaking toward their fifth consecutive NL West pennant, had the league's second-highest total payroll of $311.7 million. The last-place New York Mets lead the league at $323.3 million.Shohei Ohtani is competing in the third season of a 10-year, $700 million deal. The hampered designated hitter/pitcher's contract calls for the Dodgers to pay $68 million in deferred payments from 2034-43.The Dodgers owe $1.1 billion in deferred payments to 10 players through 2047.MORE:MLB trade deadline tracker: Live rumors, news, updates before 2026 deadlineThe Dodgers may have created a dynasty, but the organization will pay a high price for its success over the next three decades.Shortstop Mookie Betts is owed $115 million and will be paid at least $8 million annually from 2033-44.Here are 10 players the Dodgers owe deferred payments to, the payment timeframe and the amount, according to Spotrac.com:Ohtani, 2034-43, $680 millionBetts, 2033-44, $115 millionBlake Snell, 2035-46, $66 millionFreddie Freeman, 2028-40, $57 millionWill Smith, 2034-43, $50 millionKyle Tucker, 2036-45, $30 millionTommy Edman, 2035-44, $25 millionTeoscar Hernandez, 2030-39, $23.5 millionTanner Scott, 2030-39, $21 millionEdwin Diaz, 2036-47, $13.5 millionWith the Dodgers stacking promissory notes, MLB officials continue to brace for contentious collective bargaining agreement negotiation sessions next offseason. The owners seek competitive balance, but the MLB Players' Union strongly objects to a salary cap.By adding Skubal, the Dodgers remain heavily favored to earn a third consecutive World Series title. Trust that the ownership group will enjoy the championship run. They will be paying for it for decades.More MLB news:After spring training debacle, Tigers rookie Max Clark enjoys cleaner MLB debutBold prediction: Upstart Nationals targeting first above .500 finish since 2019Mets fire sale pendingIs Orioles' cornerstone Adley Rutschman on MLB trade block?Angels' Mike Trout comes home, returns to MLB All-Star Game