The ball left Corbin Carrolls bat at 110 mph and was headed toward the right-center field gap before San Diego Padres center fielder Jackson Merrill made a sliding grab. The play from the first inning on Thursday night, Aug. 6, was the sort of tough-luck moment that sums up how Carroll has been feeling at the plate in recent weeks.For the better part of a month, the Diamondbacks have been playing as well as any team in baseball. Somehow, they have been doing it without much in the way of offensive contributions from Carroll or Ketel Marte, their top two hitters.For his part, Carroll says he still has a long way to go to feel the way he wants against right-handed pitchers, but he doesnt think the numbers he has been putting up lately he is hitting just .211 since the All-Star break accurately reflect how he has been feeling.I think if you look at the expected numbers since the break theyve been pretty good, Carroll said. I think we talked earlier in the year and I felt like the batted-ball luck had kind of gone my way. I kind of feel the opposite of that right now. I feel like a lot of balls Im putting in play are finding a man out there. Im trying not to get too caught up in that and go out there and keep playing and not press for results.Carroll is right about his expected numbers. Since the break, his expected average (.248) and slug (.469) are better than his actual average (.211) and slug (.469).He said he has been working in the batting cage using balls that generate extra ride, which has helped him keep from getting under balls and popping them up.Just hitting a few more balls on a line, he said. Thats probably been the biggest thing, I would say. Just a little less extreme with the ball flight, a few more line drives.Other than that, he credits a couple of days off after the All-Star Game with helping him deal with some nagging injuries.The little stuff adds up, he said. I havent had any off days. Only off days Ive taken have been because Ive not been able to go. I think having a couple of days over the break, that Wednesday and Thursday, has helped.Nick PiecoroPuk shut down for year; Gallen, Burnes updatesThe Diamondbacks will no longer have the services of left-handed reliever A.J. Puk this season, manager Torey Lovullo announced prior to the team's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday, Aug. 7. Puk has been shut down about two months after the onset of left shoulder discomfort during a rehab outing with Triple-A Reno in June. He had already been trying to come back from left elbow surgery last year. "He will just rest and recover through the rest of this year, through the offseason and get ready for a very healthy '27," Lovullo said. "He worked as hard as he possibly could, it just didn't work out for him this year."Right-handed pitcher Zac Gallen (elbow inflammation) met with Lovullo after recent imaging and threw a 25-pitch bullpen on Aug. 7. He reported feeling good.Right-hander Corbin Burnes (right shoulder strain) also threw a 25-pitch bullpen session.Outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (right adductor strain) needs his recent imaging evaluated after an injury setback, but Lovullo said he is "still on a very good path."Right-handed pitcher Ryne Nelson (strained right elbow) is feeling good after throwing off flat ground on Aug. 7. Reliever Ryan Thompson (strained back) will start his progression on Aug. 10 and outfielder Tommy Troy will take live batting practice on Aug. 8 to test out his injured shoulder.Right-hander Drey Jameson (hip injury) will throw in a facility game at Salt River Fields. Outfielder Jordan Lawlar (hamstring) will play in his third Double-A game on Friday and is set to play on Aug. 8, with the possibility of moving on to play rehab games at Triple-A Reno."We're getting very close with him," Lovullo said of Lawlar. "He's missed here. He's going to help this team win baseball games. And when he comes back, we need him at 100 percent where he can play the same type of back-to-back games."Right-handed pitcher Justin Martinez (elbow surgery recovery) was scheduled to pitch for Class A Visalia in a rehab outing in Fresno, and right-handed pitcher Michael Soroka is getting close to a return after throwing a bullpen session at Chase Field on Aug. 7.Lefty Blake Walston is pitching in games after long-term rehab from left elbow surgery and is set to throw two innings and 35 pitches in Reno.-Jose M. RomeroRoster moves bring Strowd back to bigsThe Diamondbacks recalled right-handed reliever Kade Strowd from Triple-A Reno on Friday, Aug. 7, after they optioned lefty Kohl Drake to Reno following his 3-inning effort on Thursday, Aug. 6 in a loss to San Diego."Kohl unfortunately hit some bumps in the road," Lovullo said. "We needed the extra reliever. We tapped into it a little bit (Thursday) with our length guy (three innings from Philip Abner). Strowd coming up here has been throwing the ball real good in Triple-A. He's able to give us multiple innings."-Jose M. RomeroArenado named award recipientDiamondbacks 3B Nolan Arenado was announced as the Diamondbacks' Heart and Hustle Award winner for the 2026 season, an honor handed out by the Major League Baseball Players Association.The award is annually given to active players who exemplify a true passion for the game and who best embody the spirit, values and traditions of the game of baseball. Arenado, in his 13th MLB season, will be presented the award prior to the Diamondbacks-Dodgers game on Saturday, Aug. 8. Former Diamondbacks Paul Goldschmidt (Yankees) and Jake McCarthy (Rockies) were the honorees for their respective teams. -Jose M. RomeroDodgers at Diamondbacks, 6:40 p.m., Cox, Ch. 34Diamondbacks RHP Merrill Kelly (8-9, 5.04) vs. Dodgers RHP Roki Sasaki (5-5, 4.64).At Chase Field: Kelly had been on a good roll until he gave up five earned runs at Cleveland on Sunday, Aug. 2. In that game, he had five strikeouts, four walks and ran his streak to 16 games pitching at least five innings. No team has given Kelly fits like the Dodgers. Kelly is 0-11 in 17 career starts against L.A., with 16 home runs given up in his career. ... Sasaki has won his past two starts and has clearly improved as a starting pitcher over last season. His numbers aren't out-of-this-world great, but the 24-year-old from Japan has made 19 starts after an injury-filled 2025. Opponents have 20 home runs off Sasaki in his 99 innings of work in 2026. He'll make his second career start and third appearance against the Diamondbacks.Coming upSaturday, Aug. 8:At Chase Field, 5:10 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Brandon Pfaadt (6-1, 3.66) vs. Dodgers RHP Yoshinobu Yamamoto (11-7, 2.76).Sunday, Aug. 9:At Chase Field, 1:10 p.m., Diamondbacks LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (10-4, 2.71) vs. Dodgers LHP Justin Wrobleski (11-3, 3.31).Monday, Aug. 10: At Chase Field, 6:40 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Michael Soroka (8-3, 3.07) vs. Rockies RHP Gabriel Hughes (0-3, 4.25).(This story will be updated with more information.)This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Dodgers at Diamondbacks updates. Carroll's tough luck; AJ Puk done

The Los Angeles Dodgers (69-46) look to stop a season-long six-game losing streak when they open a three-game weekend series with the Arizona Diamondbacks (61-55) at Chase Field in Phoenix.Aug 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Kyle Tucker (23) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run against the Chicago Cubs during the second inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn ImagesHow to Watch Los Angeles Dodgers vs Arizona DiamondbacksDate: Friday, Aug. 7, 2026Time: 9:30 PM ETChannel: Arizona Diamondbacks (NEW), MLB.TV Arizona Diamondbacks, Spectrum SportsNet LA (Los Angeles Dodgers)Stream: Fubo (TRY FOR FREE)Arizona settled for a split of its four-game series with the visiting San Diego Padres, dropping the finale 5-1 on Thursday night. The Diamondbacks got their only run in the third inning on Gabriel Morenos RBI single to cut into a 3-0 deficit but got no closer. Moreno finished with three of Arizonas eight hits while rookie Kohl Drake couldnt get out of the fourth inning after allowing three runs on six hits in 3.2 frames.The Dodgers had an off day on Thursday after dropping a 7-6 decision to the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on Wednesday. Los Angeles trailed 7-1 entering the eighth inning before Max Muncy belted a three-run home run and Shohei Ohtani added a two-run shot, his second long ball of the game. Eric Lauer was roughed up for six runs on 11 hits in just four innings.Right-hander Merrill Kelly (8-9) opens the series for the Diamondbacks, entering with a 5.04 ERA and 1.487 WHIP in 20 starts and 114.1 innings. Right-hander Roki Sasaki (5-5) takes the ball for Los Angeles and comes in with a 4.64 ERA and 1.303 WHIP to go with 101 strikeouts in 99 innings over 19 starts.Live stream Los Angeles Dodgers vs Arizona Diamondbacks on Fubo: Start your free trial now!With Fubo, you can watch live television without cable on your phone, TV, or tablet. Fubo carries a wide array of sports and entertainment channels, including local sports packages and top national channels like ABC, FOX, CBS, ESPN, FS1, MTV, Comedy Central, and much more. The best part is you can try it out today for free.Regional restrictions may apply. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation.

Aug. 20Today in sports historyToday is Aug. 20. On this date in:1912: Washington Senators ace Walter Johnson won his American League record 15th consecutive game, defeating Cleveland 4-2.1920: Representatives of the Akron Pros, Canton Bulldogs, Cleveland Indians and Dayton Triangles met in Canton, Ohio, and formed the American Professional Football Conference, a forerunner of the NFL.1938: Yankees legend Lou Gehrig hit the 23rd and final grand slam of his career, a major league record that stood for decades.1945: Brooklyn Dodgers infielder Tommy Brown homered at 17 years, 257 days old, becoming the youngest player in major league history to hit a home run.1961: The Philadelphia Phillies defeated the Milwaukee Braves 7-4 in the second game of a doubleheader, ending a modern major league-record 23-game losing streak.1974: California Angels pitcher Nolan Ryan struck out 19 Detroit Tigers over 11 innings, recording his third 19-strikeout performance of the season, but lost 1-0.1985: New York Mets phenom Dwight Gooden struck out 16 batters, became the first National League pitcher to record 200 strikeouts in each of his first two seasons, and extended his winning streak to 13 games.1989: Chicago Cubs rookie Jerome Walton extended his hitting streak to 30 games with an infield single against the Houston Astros.1991: Dan Marino signed a five-year, $25 million contract extension with the Miami Dolphins, making him the highest-paid player in NFL history at the time.1995: Australias Karrie Webb won the Womens British Open by six strokes for the first of her 41 professional titles.2000: Tiger Woods defeated Bob May in a three-hole playoff at Valhalla to win the PGA Championship, becoming the first golfer since Ben Hogan in 1953 to capture three major championships in one season.2004: Michael Phelps captured Olympic gold in the 100-meter butterfly at Athens, setting an Olympic record of 51.25 seconds.2006: Tiger Woods won the PGA Championship at Medinah, earning his third PGA title and 12th career major championship.2008: Jamaicas Usain Bolt won the Olympic 200 meters in 19.30 seconds in Beijing, breaking Michael Johnsons 12-year-old world record and completing a world-record sweep of the 100 and 200.2016: South Koreas Inbee Park won the first Olympic womens golf competition in 116 years, capturing gold by five strokes at the Rio Games.2016: Mo Farah won the Olympic 5,000 meters to complete a second consecutive 5,000-10,000 double, becoming the second man to accomplish the feat.2016: Neymar converted the decisive penalty as Brazil defeated Germany 5-4 in a shootout after a 1-1 draw, giving Brazil its first Olympic mens soccer gold medal.2023: Spain defeated England 1-0 in Sydney on Olga Carmonas goal to win its first FIFA Womens World Cup championship. USA TODAY NetworkThis story was created with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of information gathering, review, editing and publishing. Learn more atcm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Sports: Today in sports history, August 20

NEW YORK It sounds like Carlos Rodn will rejoin the Yankees rotation soon.The southpaw, out with elbow inflammation since June 30, is scheduled to make his first rehab start at Triple-A on Saturday. The plan is for Rodn to throw close to 50 pitches for the RailRiders.From there, Rodn may or may not make one more rehab start, manager Aaron Boone said Friday. Either way, the Yankees will activate the pitcher before hes fully built up and definitely probably piggyback him in his initial starts, Boone said.With a number of off days on the upcoming schedule and five healthy starters already in their rotation, the Yankees should be able to make that strategy work without taxing their bullpen. The long-held assumption has been that the Bombers will move Ryan Weathers or Will Warren to the pen anyway once Rodn returns, so either could be the piggyback pitcher while staying stretched out in this scenario.Rodn, 33, went 4-2 with a 3.30 ERA over nine starts before going back on the IL.He initially hoped to miss minimal time due to the inflammation, but hes been out over a month now. He said that multiple rounds of shots hes gotten PRP and orthovisc injections are to blame for the prolonged timeline.I always try to get back as quick as I can, Rodn said Friday. I feel like anybody in this situation would. I wouldnt say anything delayed me. We just had a plan with the injections, and when youre scheduling injections and trying to throw in between them, it kind of makes it harder to figure out when you can throw, when you cant. Because when you get an injection, you might need a day off. Obviously, you take the first day off. You might need a couple more days.So obviously, I would love to be pitching for our team right now. But right now, its just building pitch count and getting in games, and thats it.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 24: A tarp lies over the field prior to the game between the New York Yankees and the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium on May 24, 2026 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesSo the weather in New York City is currently atrocious. Theres a nasty weather system rolling through the area at the moment and its gotten to the point where the tarp is on the field and the New York Yankees have already announced that their series-opener against our Atlanta Braves will have a delayed start. Please be advised we do not intend to start tonights game on time. Information will be provided as it is received. New York Yankees (@Yankees) August 7, 2026Well have more information posted in here as it comes in but for now, just know that were going to have a later start than 7:15 ET tonight. Stay tuned![UPDATE (6:40 p.m. ET)]: Yeah, its pretty obvious why this game wont be starting on time. The press box at Yankee Stadium has trulyfor the birdsSmart bird. pic.twitter.com/VQ8tELXe0B Brendan Kuty (@BrendanKutyNJ) August 7, 2026[UPDATE (8:20 p.m. ET)]: New York City is under a Flash Flood Warning until 9:00 p.m. ET. 9:00 is also, coincidentally, when first pitch is scheduled, so there you have it. See yall at 9:00, folks!Tonights first pitch is scheduled for approximately 9:00 PM. New York Yankees (@Yankees) August 8, 2026Join the conversation!Sign up for a user account and get:Fewer adsCreate community postsComment on articles, community postsRec comments, community postsNew, improved notifications system!

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JULY 26: Munetaka Murakami #5 of the Chicago White Sox rounds the bases for a two-run home run in the first inning of the game between the Houston Astros and the Chicago White Sox at Rate Field on July 26, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Griffin Quinn/Getty Images) GettyThe Chicago White Sox ran into the Boston Red Soxs buzz saw over the last three days, resulting in a sweep for Boston.Thursday nights game went 13 innings before the Red Sox walked it off with a 12-11 victory. Chicago had several opportunities to close out the game, but Boston continued to fight back and secure the win.Now, the White Sox face a quick turnaround as they return home for a series opener Friday night against the Cleveland Guardians.White Sox Announce Murakami ChangeAfter starting at first base and recording six at-bats Thursday night, White Sox manager Will Venable is giving star rookie Munetaka Murakami the night off defensively.Murakami will serve as the designated hitter Friday as Chicago faces Guardians pitcher Parker Messick.The rookie struggled against Boston, going 1-for-13 with seven strikeouts during the three-game series. He started at first base in all three matchups.White Sox 8/7C. Meidroth 2B M. Murakami DH M. Vargas 1B R. Grichuk LF C. Montgomery 3B B. Doyle CF B. Montgomery RF E. Quero C L. Acua SSN. Schultz SP Underdog MLB (@UnderdogMLB) August 7, 2026Murakamis 2026 SeasonMurakami has brought plenty of excitement to White Sox baseball this season after coming over from Japan at age 26.He earned his first All-Star selection this season, and despite missing a brief stretch with an injury, hes batting .236 through 79 games with 67 hits, 24 home runs, and 51 RBIs. Hes also slugging .525 with a .895 OPS.White Sox Right NowChicago will look to bounce back after getting swept, but the team remains in a solid position with more than 45 games left in the regular season.The White Sox are 59-55 overall and lead the AL Central by 3.0 games over both the Minnesota Twins and Cleveland Guardians. That makes this weekends series a crucial one in the division race and the AL playoff picture.Like HEAVY's content?Be sure to follow us.This article was originally published on HEAVYThe post Chicago White Sox Announce Munetaka Murakami Change Before Guardians Series appeared first on HEAVY.

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - AUGUST 06: Adrian Morejon#50 of the San Diego Padres reacts after delivering a pitch against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on August 06, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesHouston Astros (59-57) at San Diego Padres (60-56), August 7, 2026, 6:40 p.m. PSTWatch: Padres.TVLocation: Petco Park San Diego, Calif.Listen: 97.3 The FanKeep it rolling. pic.twitter.com/pLmBrLjBqj San Diego Padres (@Padres) August 7, 2026Kicking off the road trip in San Diego : 8:40 PM :@SpaceCityHN & SCHN2 :@SportsTalk790 | Spanish: 102.9 HD2 #ChaseTheFight x @reliantenergypic.twitter.com/XdXWTlMU4P Houston Astros (@astros) August 7, 2026Please remember our Game Day thread guidelines.Dont troll in your comments; create conversation rather than destroying itRemember Gaslamp Ball is basically a non-profanity siteOut of respect to broadcast partners who have paid to carry the game, no mentions of alternative (read: illegal) viewing methods are allowed in our threadJoin the conversation!Sign up for a user accountand get:Fewer adsCreatecommunity postsComment on articles, community postsRec comments, community postsNew, improved notifications system!

The Arizona Cardinals played their first preseason game on Thursday in the Hall of Fame Game. They lost to the Carolina Panthers 33-30 on a last-second play. They had players step up andand improve their stock to make the roster. In Thursday's game, which Cardinals improved their stock?QB Carson BeckBeck was already a lock to make the roster, but his play has made some people start talking about him as the Cardinals' starting quarterback. That is far-fetched at this point, but the way he played, even if it was against backups and fringe roster players, showed that the NFL game isn't too big or fast for him. He was poised. He made good throws. He made good decisions. Fans can start envisioning him as an NFL starting quarterback, even if it is just a little hope. There is at least some evidence. He was 15-of-19 passing for 188 yards and a touchdown. WR Jalen BrooksBrooks had three receptions for 99 yards. Two came on deep downfield throws. He also had one pass broken up on third down that he should have caught. But he made plays, took a big hit and, as head coach Mike LaFLeur said postgame he "wasn't shocked at what we saw out of him," as he has been consistent all offseason and in camp. He really is making a case for the final roster. NT Andrew BillingsBillings is a monster of a man and played 12 early snaps. He had a sack and a pair of tackles for loss. He looked great. However, as a 10-year NFL vet with 90 career starts, that's how he should look against offensive linemen fighting to make a roster. That said, he and Roy Lopez should give the Cardinals some strength on the defensive interior. WR Reggie VirgilVirgil has been making some noise in training camp and continued that on Thursday, catching five passes for 66 yards. He also made a tackle on special teams, which is a role he will have to fill if he is going to make the roster. Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify,YouTubeorApple Podcasts.This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Rising stock: 4 Arizona Cardinals players who stood out vs. Panthers

Young Metsoutfielder Carson Benge was pulled from Friday's game against the Pirates for an undisclosed reason.Benge had gone 2-for-2 with two RBI in his first two at-bats, but in the bottom of the third, Ronny Simon lofted a flyball toward the corner in left field. Benge travelled a long way and slid feet first toward the corner, reaching up with his glove and making a catch. However, Benge seemingly jammed his wrist against the wall and was hunched over for a few seconds before tossing the ball back to the infield.Benge completed the half-inning, but was pulled from left field for Cristian Pache in the fourth inning.This story is still developing...Carson Benge makes the catch at the wall and gets the out! pic.twitter.com/gaS5jMgp2O SNY (@SNYtv) August 8, 2026

Fresno State soccer is ready to kick off its inaugural season in the Pac-12.In this week's Good Sports, Sydney Berger sits down with women's soccer head Coach Gabriel Bolton, who's leading the Bulldogs for the first time this season.For sports updates, follow Sydney Berger on Facebook, X and Instagram.