Meet the Mets pitcher making MLB fans mad over 'cocky' jumping strikeout celebration originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Much like famed reggae artist Marcia Griffiths, Mets reliever Jefry Yan feels like jumping.New York has had plenty of eye-catching athletes bear its colors in recent years, from Juan Soto to Edwin Diaz. Few have displayed the plyometrics quite like Yan, a gymnastic of sorts from the mound who happens to be armed with one of the hardest fastballs in the league.Yan made his big-league debut in the Mets' 6-5 win over the Guardians on Aug. 5. He shined from his post atop the hill, striking out two while getting out of a bases-loaded jam in one inning of work. Suffice to say, Yan's outing and the depth-defying stunts that accompanied it had the baseball world talking.With that, here's what you need to know about Yan, the latest showman to take hold of the spotlight in the Big Apple.TSN 140:Baseball's Greatest Players The Unicorns and 10 numbers that define themWho is Jefry Yan?Yan is a 29-year old relief pitcher for the Mets who made his MLB debut in Aug. 2026, 13 years after first emerging as a big league prospect while starring in the Dominican Summer League. A San Rafael del Yuma, Dominican Republic native, Yan's baseball journey has been anything but traditional. At 16, Yan signed with the Angels as an international free agent. At 19, he underwent Tommy John surgery. Yan was summarily released by Los Angeles following his operation. He proceeded to find work as a construction worker and delivery man in Arizona, putting his baseball dreams on ice for five years.Then, an opportunity; Yan signed a minor-league deal with the Marlins in 2021. The story goes that Miami discovered him while he was plying his trade for a men's league in his adopted home state of Arziona.Yan quickly surged up the minors, climbing to Double-A. He spent three years in the Marlins' system before departing to join NPB's Seipu Lions in Japan. Yan toiled during his lone season in Saitama, posting a 5.58 ERA in 30.2 innings. He returned stateside after the season, joining the Rockies. After being released by Colorado, Yan washed ashore in New York. The lanky hurler enjoyed a splendid run with the Mets' Triple-A affiliate, compiling a 2.40 ERA with 32 strikeouts in 15 innings. Soon, the Mets came knocking, promoting him to the bigs ahead of their series with the Guardians.MORE:What's wrong with Paul Skenes?Jefry Yan strikeout celebration videosYan is known for a lot of things. His fastball is fervent, racing past batters at velocities surpassing 100 mph. His changeup is similarly difficult to read, as evidenced by his first career strikeout.Yan's signature trait is his acrobatics, though. The Dominican side-winder adorns every K with a leap to the heavens. Sometimes, he kicks his legs out like a dancer. Other times, he focuses on vertical, rocketing himself up into the air while tucking his knees. He has even been seen firing off a fist pump or flailing his arms.We need a front row seat to the Jefry Yan experience pic.twitter.com/T637keQali MLB (@MLB) August 6, 2026Marlins LHP prospect Jefry Yan is animated after a strikeout in the Dominican Winter League. pic.twitter.com/YEDFS2N79k Prospect Dugout (@prospectdugout) November 3, 2023Either way, his celebration has become one of the most recognizable in baseball even if it took him half a decade to pull off the choreography in a big-league game.MORE:Ranking the 10 best prospects that were moved at MLB trade deadlineWhy Jefry Yan jumps after every strikeoutAs Yan's velocity flourished in 2022, The Athletic's Keith Law noted that Yan was throwing 91-92 when he signed with Miami so too did his penchant for strikeouts.So, he added a bit of flair to celebrate the occasion. Hitters have the bat flip, where they launch their cherished heirlooms skyward and hope to evade their glance before it comes cascading down. It's only right that Yan a strikeout artist who posted a 50.8 percent strikeout rate at Triple-A would have a maneuver to express his delight at sending a batter packing.In the past, that might have been enough to make Yan a marked man, subject to scorn and vitriol from the so-called arbiters of baseball's unwritten edicts. Now, though? Yan's exploits are increasingly par for course. Baseball is a lot better for it, too.People have accepted largely that this is just a good-natured human whos enjoying being on the field playing baseball, said Mets interim manager Andy Green of Yan's leaps, per MLB.com. Its more personality than I think were all accustomed to seeing after a strikeout, but we didnt have many Minor League teams take issue with him or his enthusiasm. I think they end up smiling at it if theyre not the one thats getting punched out.MORE:What to know about Yankees' top prospect George Lombard Jr.Where is Jefry Yan from?Yan hails from San Rafael del Yuma, a coastal town located on the eastern-most part of the Dominican Republic. He's the latest in a lengthy list of pitching standouts to emerge from the Dominican Republic's shores, joining Jhoan Duran, Camilo Doval, Seranthony Dominguez and Abner Uribe as Dominican-born relievers to shine at MLB level.MORE:Grading the Yankees' 2026 trade deadlineJefry Yan celebration controversyNot everyone is quite as enthused as Yan is when he embraces aerodynamics. Yan was made the subject of taunts when he took to the mound against the Guardians, with Jose Ramirez and Rhys Hoskins both mimicking Yan with the leap.Jose Ramirez mocking Jefry Yan strikeout celebration in the Guardians dugout pic.twitter.com/8UF32Sl3Qk Punchoutpitch (@Punchoutpitch) August 6, 2026The Guardians dugout mimics Jefry Yans celebration https://t.co/KNdaqbN5F5pic.twitter.com/rI5SjCan4o Mets'd Up Podcast (@MetsdUp) August 6, 2026Cleveland's crowd was similarly unconvinced by Yan's efforts, booing him relentlessly as he dealt from his pulpit.The verdict is in. Opposing fans DO NOT like Jefry Yan pic.twitter.com/5iaGvgHUhu Ben Verlander (@BenVerlander) August 6, 2026Yan seem unconcerned by his adversaries' verdicts postgame, though."They can do whatever they want," Yan said through an interpreter. "They're paying for tickets so if they want to yell at me or if they want to boo me, they can do whatever they want. I'm in my zone."The most important thing for me is to do my job, to focus on the hitter, attack the hitter, try to get ahead in the counts. Once I strike him out, that emotion or that celebration comes out on its own. Its very important obviously to respect the hitter. But I also want to have fun and enjoy the game the way that I always have.Per Sarah Langs, Yan threw five pitches that surpassed 100.0 mph on Wednesday, the most for any New York pitcher this season. If he keeps on authoring up similar outings, there's a good chance you'll be seeing more leaps from the fireballer.MORE:Grading the Adley Rutschman trade for both the Red Sox and Orioles

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The new Michigan football staff inherited a former five-star with a ton of upside, but one who hasn't seen the field yet in a real capacity.The only time that offensive tackle Andrew Babalola suited up in a winged helmet on the field at The Big House in front of fans was in the 2025 spring game, but he tore his ACL in fall camp, precluding him from seeing game action in his freshman year. Before his injury, he was pushing Evan Link for the left tackle position, and it was in no way a decided contest between the true freshman and the elder statesman.At Big Ten media days last week, head coach Kyle Whittingham gushed about Babalola's potential, noting that he has similar traits to his two first-round draft pick tackles, Spencer Fano and Caleb Lomu. Offensive line coach Jim Harding agrees with the assessment, but also notes, there's a lot of work it's going to take for him to get there."We recruited him at the last place. I think he's a really talented kid," Harding said."Now, he's also he hasn't played football in darn near 12 months.Tomorrow will be the first time he puts shoulder pads on in 12 months. Two days ago was the first time he put a helmet on in nearly 12 months. Socould he potentially -- I think there's a lot of guys in that room that can be high draft picks and things like that.But Andrew would be one of them, and we'll just see how he develops and see how he gets back towhat I think I saw on the fall camp (tape) last year."The encouraging news is that two practices in, Babalola has been a full go in both. In order to get an idea of what he's capable of, just like Whittingham, Harding went back to his high school, spring ball, and fall camp film and liked what he saw. But now, he's going to have to get back into form, given that, as Harding noted, Babalola hasn't played football in a year."I do. He was a full participant these last two days," Harding said."It is the first time I've seen him live.I went backin preparation for spring ball, just to take a look at their last fall camp, just to get an idea and not only the gamefilm. Butguys like himself -- Evan Link had missed the beginning part of spring ball.And so I didn't really have much to go off of, even in the way of the workouts in the winter.So I did go back, and he's an extremely talented kid.Like I said, he's a full participant, and he's certainly in the mix to be one of those top five guys."Fall camp is ongoing with eyes on the September 5 season opener against Western Michigan at The Big House.This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: Michigan tackle Andrew Babalola returns to practice

Los Angeles Sparks forward Rae Burrell (12) shoots a fadeaway jumper during a WNBA game against the Minnesota Lynx, Wednesday June 17th, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.MINNEAPOLIS -- The Sparks (11-18) will end their three-game road trip against the best team in the league.The Minnesota Lynx (25-6) have dominated the league all season long. Before the season started, many pundits thought that the Lynx would struggle with Napheesa Collier sidelined for an extended period.Rookie Olivia Miles had other plans.Miles would dazzle the league with her drives, playmaking, poise, and even shooting. The Lynx didn't skip a beat with Miles being the engine. The Rookie of the Year award is hers to lose and she's playing like an MVP (let's be honest here; A'ja Wilson is winning that award again but that's neither here nor there).And Collier has returned. In the four games that she's played, Phee has averaged 18.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists. Let's also throw in 1.5 steals and a block per game.The Lynx are motivated by that 2025 playoff heartbreak. They're looking like favorites to win it all this season.It'll take everything from the Sparks to get this win. They've lost seven of their last eight games but when they did play the Lynx on July 15th, they were able to hang until the end. Their match-up on Thursday will be even more difficult. As mentioned, Collier is back and the Sparks are playing the second game of a back-to-back.The Sparks lost the first game of that back-to-back against the Sky."We just have some things to figure out, I think," Sparks forward Cameron Brink said after the loss. "You know, we're not losing hope. We're just figuring stuff out right now."It was also a late run that did the Sparks in against the Sky. It's about keeping composure, not having those turnovers at the worst times, and being able to defend when they need it the most. The Lynx can pick them apart from all angles. They can shoot the three. Courtney Williams can kill from the midrange. Miles seems to get inside at will. Phee is a three-level scorer and can really only get better as she gets her sea legs back.It's never been about the talent with the Sparks. Nneka Ogwumike and Dearica Hamby are capable of double-doubles every night. Erica Wheeler is a steady hand. If Ariel Atkins is available (she got hurt in the fourth quarter of the Sky game and is listed as probable), she can defend the perimeter (and has been hitting open threes better as of late). Rae Burrell has become a dynamite scorer. Monique Akoa Makani is a combo guard and has potential as an excellent two-way player. And Brink can change the complexion of the game with her defense (of course, she has to be available). Consistency, however, has been a problem with these Sparks all season long.If they can put it all together on Thursday (even with the fatigue), the Sparks can upset the Lynx.Granted, it's a lot of "ifs" but it can be done.

Mac McClung has appeared in 17 total NBA games since going undrafted out of Texas Tech in 2021. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)Scott Taetsch via Getty ImagesMac McClung is the all-time leading scorer in the G League, where he became the first player to win multiple MVP awards. The 6-foot-2 guards viral hops carried over to the pros, so much so that he found himself a regular contributor in the NBAs All-Star Weekend, during which he was crowned as a three-time Slam Dunk Contest champion. His acrobatics vaulted him to a three-peat in the event.Unfortunately for McClung, despite his accolades and unquestioned drive, he hasnt been able to carve out a long-term role in the NBA.Now 27, McClung is headed overseas to begin an international career. He has signed with Spains Bsquet Girona in the Liga ACB, the club announced on Thursday. En @McclungMac s giron. Benvingut a Fontajau! pic.twitter.com/3PNEoOLNgR FIATC Girona (@BasquetGirona) August 6, 2026Bsquet Girona was founded in 2014 by three-time NBA All-Star and one-time NBA champion Marc Gasol, who serves as the clubs president.McClung burst onto the scene as popular prospect from Gate City, Virginia, the origin of his eye-catching highlight mixtapes. He went on to play at Georgetown and Texas Tech. He was part of a Red Raiders team that earned a No. 6 seed in the 2021 NCAA tournament before bowing out in the Round of 32.Then he went undrafted. Since, hes been grinding in the G League, earning a handful of fleeting NBA opportunities along the way.McClung has appeared in a total of 17 NBA games, suiting up for five franchises: The Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic and Indiana Pacers. Of those 17 games hes logged minutes in, 11 came this past season. Early in the 2025-26 campaign, the guard-needy Pacers signed McClung to a multi-year deal his first standard NBA contract except they waived him less than two weeks later. McClung played in three games for the Pacers, all losses. He averaged 6.3 points, 1.3 rebounds and 1.7 steals off the bench.He returned to Chicago, where he put on a show for the G Leagues Windy City Bulls and got eight games worth of run with the NBAs Bulls. He notably surpassed Renaldo Major for the most career G League points amid a 59-point outburst in March en route to earning MVP honors. He first won MVP with the Osceola Magic during the 2023-24 campaign. The season before that, he claimed a G League title with the Delaware Blue Coats.Just as he did with the G League's Magic two seasons ago, McClung took home the scoring title this time around with G Leagues Bulls. He led the league with 31.8 points per game, plus he averaged 7.9 assists while making 3.5 triples per contest.As for his most recent stint with the NBAs Bulls, he averaged 6 points, 1.1 assists and 12.6 minutes, shooting 39% from the field, including 25% from deep. In his final outing, he put up a season-high 13 points on 4-of-7 shooting in a loss to the Dallas Mavericks on April 12.McClung playing internationally doesnt close the door on a continued pursuit of lasting role in the NBA; however, it does mark a new chapter in his winding career.

The Washington Commanders revamped their coaching staff after the 2025 season ended. They fired offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and defensive coordinatorJoe Whitt and brought in David Blough and Daronte Jones to replace them, respectively, while retaining Larry Izzo as special teams coordinator. There was other coaching turnover as well, and in the midst of training camp, it seems the Commanders aren't done with hiring.According to Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports, Washington is hiring Nick Charlton as an offensive assistant. The #Commanders are hiring Nick Charlton as an offensive assistant, sources tell @CBSSports.Was most recently a pass game specialist with the Browns. Prior to Cleveland, was a college offensive coordinator under Jim Mora at UConn and a college head coach at Maine. pic.twitter.com/ibipvCMW6R Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) August 5, 2026Charlton began his coaching career right after graduating from Boston College. He started as a graduate assistant for the Boston College Eagles, where he worked for three years before accepting a wide receivers coaching offer from the University of Maine in 2015. He worked his way up the ranks over the next few seasons and was named head coach of the Black Bears in 2019. As Maine's offensive coordinator, the team reached the semifinals of the NCAA FCS playoffs, the farthest the team has ever gotten in its history.After three seasons as head coach at Maine, Charlton left to join Jim Mora's inaugural staff at the University of Connecticut. He was the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the Huskies for two seasons. He left in 2024 to join the Cleveland Browns as an offensive assistant and run game specialist, and in 2025 he was the Browns' pass game specialist.Once official, Charlton will replace Wes Welker, who is taking over as tight ends coach, and bring his years of coaching knowledge to the organization.This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders make an addition to offensive coaching staff

The Oregon Ducks are beginning to stack some important game day visits for the fall, and Dan Lanning just secured a visit with one of the top recruits available in the 2028 class.Five-star edge rusher Kameron McGee has locked in four game day visits for the upcoming season, including a trip to Eugene. McGee, the No. 1 recruit in the class according to 247 Sports, will visit Autzen Stadium on Oct. 10, when the Ducks host UCLA.Not only is the matchup important for the Ducks to get off to a good start in Big Ten play, but it's shaping up to be an important recruiting day as well. Alongside McGee, four-star athlete Jayce Halasz will also be in attendance.Oregon will be the third visit of the fall for McGee. The pass rusher from Chicago will begin his fall visits in Tallahassee with Florida State on Sept. 7 when the Seminoles host SMU. McGee will be in Texas the following week for the Longhorns' matchup against Ohio State. After coming to Eugene, McGee currently has one more visit scheduled to Georgia on Oct. 17 when the Bulldogs host Auburn.The 6-foot-4, 245-pound pass rusher has a terrific blend of physical and finesse rushing styles. He closes with elite speed off the edge and is a problem for offenses against the run as well. As a sophomore, McGee had 54 tackles, 21 tackles for a loss, 10.5 sacks and nine pass deflections to help Brother Rice finish with a 13-1 record and a state title.McGee hails from Brother Rice High School in Chicago, where the Ducks recently pursued and missed out on 2027 recruit Brayden Parks, who committed to Notre Dame. Although the Ducks couldn't land Parks, the program has established a reputation in the Midwest that seems to be attracting top-end talent.The Ducks hosted McGee for a visit back in April and remained in touch ever since. Oregon has been pursuing McGee for a year now, alongside Texas and Georgia, while Florida State has pushed hard since offering him in June.Contact/Follow@Ducks_Wireon X (formerly Twitter) and like our page onFacebookto follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions.This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: 2028 top recruit schedules trip to Oregon for game day visit

A week after Michael Brennan threatened to tie the Tours record for most consecutive made birdies in a round, Sahith Theegala challenged and eventually tied the mark for most birdies to open a round by carding six consecutive circle to start his Wyndham Championship. Theegala's attempt at the record seventh straight birdie came at the par-3 7th, where he bogeyed to fall back to 5 under through seven holes. And all that drama came within an hour after Beau Hossler signed his first round 61 to become the clubhouse leader the fifth such low score in three weeks. With course conditions primed for low scoring, Theegala could certainly challenge for a sub-60 score on Thursday. Golf Channel will be carrying live Round 1 coverage beginning at 3 p.m. liveWyndham Championship - Rd 1Watch the first round of the Wyndham Championship at Sedgefield Country Club in Greensboro, N.C.Brennan, who made eight straight birdies at the Rocket Classic, fell one shy of tying the record for most consecutive birdies at any point during a PGA Tour round. Mark Calcavecchia (2009 RBC Canadian Open) and Kevin Chappell (2019 A Military Tribute at The Greenbrier), who started their streaks on the back nine rather than hole No. 1, each recorded nine straight circles.

Report: Forest Eye Double Deal To Add To Defence & MidfieldNottingham Forest target Jhon Lucumi and Tijjani Reijnders in ambitious late-window planNottingham Forest appear to be moving with a certain clarity now, the sort that suggests a squad is being shaped to meet the demands of Oliver Glasner rather than merely patched together for another season. According to TeamTalk, Forest are exploring a notable double move, one aimed at the centre of defence and the centre of midfield, with Jhon Lucumi and Tijjani Reijnders both under consideration.The report states that Forest have shown clear interest in defender Jhon Lucimi and that the club have already sounded out the conditions required to complete a deal for the Bologna star. Whether that develops into a formal push, it reflects a sensible instinct. Lucumi is described as a solid addition who could bring greater defensive solidity and competition for places at the back, and that profile feels aligned with a side seeking greater certainty without sacrificing aggression.Photo IMAGOMore eye-catching, perhaps, is the mention of Reijnders. TeamTalk says the Manchester City midfielder has emerged as a realistic target to replace Elliot Anderson. It is an intriguing description of Forests ambition. Reijnders offers rhythm and progression, a player whose vision, energy and ability to dictate play make him an attractive option for Forests engine room. In a league increasingly settled by who can control transitions, that sort of midfielder carries rare value.Forest transfer strategy under Oliver GlasnerThere is, naturally, a complication. Man City are open to a sale of Reijnders if an offer of around 60million arrives, the report says, though there is a strong feeling that the player would prefer to remain at a club competing in European competition. That tension is familiar to clubs operating just beneath the established elite. Recruitment becomes part persuasion, part projection.Forests adjustment is also revealing. Spurs have made it plain they do not wish to sell the youngster, after earlier interest in Lucas Bergvall, prompting Forest to pivot towards the Man City man instead. Good recruitment departments do not merely identify targets, they move quickly when routes close.Jhon Lucumi and Tijjani Reijnders fit clear needsThe appeal of this potential double deal lies in balance. Both Lucumi and Reijnders fit the clubs desire to add quality without disrupting the balance of the existing group. That is often easier to write than to achieve, but Forests thinking seems coherent. Negotiations are expected to intensify in the coming days, and if they do, Forest may be testing how persuasive their project has become.Our ViewFrom a Nottingham Forest perspective, this is exactly the sort of report that stirs curiosity because it feels ambitious without being absurd. Lucumi makes immediate sense. Forest have needed authority at the back before, and a defender who can add greater defensive solidity and competition for places at the back sounds like a practical upgrade rather than a vanity pursuit.Reijnders is the one that really grabs the imagination. If there is any chance at all of landing a midfielder with that level of composure and technical quality, Forest should explore it fully. The obvious concern is the line about European football. If there is a strong feeling that the player would prefer to remain at a club competing in European competition, then Forest have to sell more than wages or minutes. They have to sell trajectory, coaching, and the idea that this team can rise quickly under Oliver Glasner.As a Forest supporter, that is the encouraging part. The club do seem to be thinking upwards. Pivoting from Bergvall when Spurs have made it plain they do not wish to sell the youngster suggests decisiveness, not drift. Even if only one of these deals happens, it would say something important about where Forest see themselves. For too long, survival was the horizon. Moves like these hint at something more demanding, and more interesting.

Davis became extension eligible Thursday, but it sounds like a new deal isn't coming any time too soon

India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal looked back at a memorable moment involving former captain Rohit Sharma as the team prepared for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka.Jaiswal shared a set of pictures from India's training session as preparations began for the two-Test series. However, it was his caption that caught the attention of fans.The left-handed batter referred to one of Rohit's well-known on-field instructions from India's tour of Australia."Because once a legend said 'jab tak khelega nahi, tab tak uthneka nahi'," Jaiswal wrote on Instagram.View this post on InstagramA post shared by Yashasvi Jaiswal (@yashasvijaiswal28) The caption was a reference to an incident during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Jaiswal was fielding at forward silly point when he briefly stood up before Steve Smith had completed his shot.Rohit, who was captaining India at the time, noticed it immediately and reminded Jaiswal to stay low until the ball had been played.Ae Jaisu, gully cricket khel raha hai kya? Neeche baith ke rah (Are you playing gully cricket? Stay down. Dont get up until the ball has been played!) Rohit was heard saying on the stump microphone. StarSportsIndia (@StarSportsIndia) The exchange quickly went viral and became one of the lighter moments of India's tour of Australia.Jaiswal's Instagram post brought back memories of that moment as India prepare for the Sri Lanka series.The Shubman Gill-led team has started training in Colombo ahead of the two-match Test series. Jaiswal is expected to open the batting with KL Rahul when India face Sri Lanka in the first Test at the Galle International Stadium on August 15.