Jul 26, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers pitcher Jacob deGrom (48) throws to the plate against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-Imagn Images
Texas Rangers right-hander Jacob deGrom will remain with the team after utilizing the no-trade clause in his contract, according to reports by The Athletic and MLB.com.
The team approached the two-time Cy Young winner about waiving his no-trade clause for a trade deadline deal that would send him to a contending team. The Atlanta Braves were mentioned frequently in reports that listed potential deGrom suitors.
However, deGrom, who has full approval on any trades during the five-year, $185 million contract he signed in December 2022, expressed that he’ll remain with the Rangers.
“I want to be here,” deGrom told reporters. “I believe in this group. … I signed here to help this team win a World Series. In 2023, the team was able to do that. I want to be part of that in the future.”
deGrom did not pitch for the Rangers during their 2023 postseason run to the franchise’s first World Series triumph. He made six starts at the season’s outset, but sustained a right elbow injury on April 28 that kept him off major league mounds until September 2024.
deGrom, who is under contract with Texas through the 2027 season, is 7-7 with a 3.96 ERA in 21 starts this season. He earned his fifth career All-Star nod last season and won consecutive Cy Young Awards in 2018-19 with the New York Mets. He also boasts the best ERA (2.67) among all active starting pitchers.
The 38-year-old has a career 103-72 record over 269 starts across 13 seasons, with 1,986 strikeouts and 374 walks over 1,653 1/3 innings.
The Athletic also reported that Rangers right-hander Nathan Eovaldi and shortstop Corey Seager could also be available for trades.
Eovaldi (10-9, 4.31 ERA this season) would have to waive his full no-trade clause. Seager (10 homers and 25 RBIs in 54 games this season), who just returned from a month on the injured list, has eight teams he can block a trade with, per his contract.
Jul 26, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers pitcher Jacob deGrom (48) throws to the…
BEREA, OHIO – MAY 27: Mike Hall Jr. #51 of the Cleveland Browns reacts after being injured during the Cleveland Browns OTA Offseason Workouts at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on May 27, 2026 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It is officially injury season in the NFL. Just as fans around the league get their first glimpse of the new team, the players who make up that team start to fall by the wayside. There is no silver bullet solution to keeping players healthy and on the field, for the most part it really just comes down to luck. But that doesn’t make it feel any better.
The one place that organizations and coaching staffs do have some control is over the preseason playing time. It’s been a constant evolution and a good amount of contradiction. As the league adds another preseason game, starters see less and less of the field during those games.
For the NFL Reacts survey this week we want to know what your theory of the case is in regards to preseason playing time. Should starting and key players be on the field as much as it takes to be in midseason form by Week 1? Should they be bubble wrapped for safe keeping until the games actually count? Maybe somewhere in between.
Get your vote in now and be on the lookout for results later this week.
BEREA, OHIO – MAY 27: Mike Hall Jr. #51 of the Cleveland Browns reacts after being injured during the Cleveland Browns OTA Offseason Workouts at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on May 27, 2026 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It is officially injury season in the NFL. Just as fans around the league get their first glimpse of the new team, the players who make up that team start to fall by the wayside. There is no silver bullet solution to keeping players healthy and on the field, for the most part it really just comes down to luck. But that doesn’t make it feel any better.
The one place that organizations and coaching staffs do have some control is over the preseason playing time. It’s been a constant evolution and a good amount of contradiction. As the league adds another preseason game, starters see less and less of the field during those games.
For the NFL Reacts survey this week we want to know what your theory of the case is in regards to preseason playing time. Should starting and key players be on the field as much as it takes to be in midseason form by Week 1? Should they be bubble wrapped for safe keeping until the games actually count? Maybe somewhere in between.
Get your vote in now and be on the lookout for results later this week.
#NFL #Reacts #Balancing #play #time #preseason">NFL Reacts: Balancing play time in the preseason
BEREA, OHIO – MAY 27: Mike Hall Jr. #51 of the Cleveland Browns reacts after being injured during the Cleveland Browns OTA Offseason Workouts at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on May 27, 2026 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It is officially injury season in the NFL. Just as fans around the league get their first glimpse of the new team, the players who make up that team start to fall by the wayside. There is no silver bullet solution to keeping players healthy and on the field, for the most part it really just comes down to luck. But that doesn’t make it feel any better.
The one place that organizations and coaching staffs do have some control is over the preseason playing time. It’s been a constant evolution and a good amount of contradiction. As the league adds another preseason game, starters see less and less of the field during those games.
For the NFL Reacts survey this week we want to know what your theory of the case is in regards to preseason playing time. Should starting and key players be on the field as much as it takes to be in midseason form by Week 1? Should they be bubble wrapped for safe keeping until the games actually count? Maybe somewhere in between.
Get your vote in now and be on the lookout for results later this week.
#NFL #Reacts #Balancing #play #time #preseason
BEREA, OHIO - MAY 27: Mike Hall Jr. #51 of the Cleveland Browns reacts after…
“I want to congratulate Alex on an amazing tournament,” world number three Pegula said.
“To see how far you’ve come over the last couple of years when we first played, to see the amazing fans that follow you every place you go, it’s not fun to play against but I think it’s amazing.”
The scoreboard showed a match time of one hour and 45 minutes, but it took nearly 24 hours to complete.
Pegula had won the first set 6-4 and Eala was up 2-1 in the second on Sunday when officials postponed the finish until Monday after lengthy rain delays.
The pair had waited through a three-hour delay before starting, and once the match was halted it was another five hours before officials called a halt for the day.
That also saw the ATP final between 10th-ranked American Taylor Fritz and 19-year-old Spaniard Rafael Jodar postponed.
Pegula opened the action on Monday with a nervy service hold for 2-2.
But she could make no inroads on Eala’s serve and Eala broke Pegula in the 10th game to take the set and force a third.
The final set was all Eala, to the delight of a vocal contingent of supporters.
Eala had been enthusiastically cheered all week as she made her way to the final with wins over second-seeded Elina Svitolina, third-seeded former world number one Naomi Osaka and defending champion Leylah Fernandez.
Eala is now projected to rise to a career-high 20th in the world.
“I want to congratulate Alex on an amazing tournament,” world number three Pegula said.
“To see how far you’ve come over the last couple of years when we first played, to see the amazing fans that follow you every place you go, it’s not fun to play against but I think it’s amazing.”
The scoreboard showed a match time of one hour and 45 minutes, but it took nearly 24 hours to complete.
Pegula had won the first set 6-4 and Eala was up 2-1 in the second on Sunday when officials postponed the finish until Monday after lengthy rain delays.
The pair had waited through a three-hour delay before starting, and once the match was halted it was another five hours before officials called a halt for the day.
That also saw the ATP final between 10th-ranked American Taylor Fritz and 19-year-old Spaniard Rafael Jodar postponed.
Pegula opened the action on Monday with a nervy service hold for 2-2.
But she could make no inroads on Eala’s serve and Eala broke Pegula in the 10th game to take the set and force a third.
The final set was all Eala, to the delight of a vocal contingent of supporters.
Eala had been enthusiastically cheered all week as she made her way to the final with wins over second-seeded Elina Svitolina, third-seeded former world number one Naomi Osaka and defending champion Leylah Fernandez.
Eala is now projected to rise to a career-high 20th in the world.
Published on Aug 03, 2026
#Washington #Open #Eala #creates #history #firstever #Filipino #player #win #WTA #Tour #title">Washington Open 2026: Eala creates history, becomes first-ever Filipino player to win a WTA Tour title
Alexandra Eala capped her giant-killing run at the Washington Open with a 4-6, 6-4, 6-0 victory over top-seeded Jessica Pegula on Monday to become the first player from the Philippines to win a WTA title.
Eala, ranked 28th, overpowered Pegula over the final two sets as play resumed in the final suspended after lengthy weather delays on Sunday.
“I feel so much love. My first chance at a title knowing it won’t be the last and already having achieved this milestone for my career,” Eala said on court. “I knew whatever happened after this match would have already been a win for me.”
Playing in her second final, after a runner-up finish at Eastbourne last year, the 21-year-old left-hander produced a rock-solid service display and an impressive array of winners to deny third-ranked Pegula a 12th career title and a third this year.
“I want to congratulate Alex on an amazing tournament,” world number three Pegula said.
“To see how far you’ve come over the last couple of years when we first played, to see the amazing fans that follow you every place you go, it’s not fun to play against but I think it’s amazing.”
The scoreboard showed a match time of one hour and 45 minutes, but it took nearly 24 hours to complete.
Pegula had won the first set 6-4 and Eala was up 2-1 in the second on Sunday when officials postponed the finish until Monday after lengthy rain delays.
The pair had waited through a three-hour delay before starting, and once the match was halted it was another five hours before officials called a halt for the day.
That also saw the ATP final between 10th-ranked American Taylor Fritz and 19-year-old Spaniard Rafael Jodar postponed.
Pegula opened the action on Monday with a nervy service hold for 2-2.
But she could make no inroads on Eala’s serve and Eala broke Pegula in the 10th game to take the set and force a third.
The final set was all Eala, to the delight of a vocal contingent of supporters.
Eala had been enthusiastically cheered all week as she made her way to the final with wins over second-seeded Elina Svitolina, third-seeded former world number one Naomi Osaka and defending champion Leylah Fernandez.
Eala is now projected to rise to a career-high 20th in the world.
Both have gone 3-2 in their last five. Phoenix lost a close one to New York their last time out (94-92); Chicago won a close one their last time out (84-83 vs. Las Vegas).
My Pick: Phoenix ML at +100
Chicago has been getting some incredible games out of Sydney Taylor and Kamila Cardoso. But if Skylar Diggins and Azura Stevens remain out, the Mercury defense gives them the edge. However, if they play…but then if Kelsey Plum can go, Phoenix will win regardless.
If she doesn’t, the +100 odds make picking the Mercury to win a solid value play.
Both have gone 3-2 in their last five. Phoenix lost a close one to New York their last time out (94-92); Chicago won a close one their last time out (84-83 vs. Las Vegas).
My Pick: Phoenix ML at +100
Chicago has been getting some incredible games out of Sydney Taylor and Kamila Cardoso. But if Skylar Diggins and Azura Stevens remain out, the Mercury defense gives them the edge. However, if they play…but then if Kelsey Plum can go, Phoenix will win regardless.
If she doesn’t, the +100 odds make picking the Mercury to win a solid value play.
Our Current Best Offers
Channel debug: betting
#WNBA #Bets #Monday #Aces #Storm #Mercury #Picks #Deadspin.com">WNBA Best Bets for Monday: Aces, Storm and Mercury Picks | Deadspin.com
Jun 8, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (22) reacts to a play with guard Jackie Young (0) in the first quarter of their game against the Seattle Storm at Michelob Ultra Arena. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images
If you had fun betting on the WNBA over the weekend, you are really going to enjoy Monday night’s schedule. We have the Dream hosting the Aces, the Storm taking on the Liberty, and the Sky facing the Mercury. Intriguing matchups, but how to bet on them… I’ve got a few ideas along those lines. Keep reading to see my WNBA best bet pick for each game (odds via DraftKings):
Las Vegas Aces vs. Atlanta Dream
On paper, this looks like an incredible matchup. Vegas and Atlanta have seen similar production in recent games. Over the last five games, the Aces have averaged 98.6 ppg and the Dream 97. On the defensive end, it’s been even closer (Atlanta 89.0, Vegas 89.8 ppg allowed).
As for the results, the Dream went 5-0 and the Aces 4-1. When these guys played on May 17, the Aces won a tight one, 85-84. So, if anything, we can probably count on this being an entertaining game. As for how to bet on it….
My Pick: Aces ML at -105
I expect this to be a competitive game that will/should go down to the wire with how both teams have been playing. Assuming that is the case, I’m going to trust the best player in the WNBA—A’ja Wilson—to come through with a clutch play for the win in the end.
Our Current Best Offers
Channel debug: betting
Seattle Storm vs. New York Liberty
Seattle has lost eight in a row, averages 82.5 ppg this season, and allows 88 ppg on the defensive end. As for New York, they’re a contender…right? Yeah, but there is more to this matchup.
Seattle has picked it up on the offensive end during the losing streak, scoring 89.5 ppg. On the defensive end, they have allowed 96+. Not good, right? Well, New York hasn’t been much better.
The Liberty have gone 4-4 over their last eight, scored 95.5 ppg, but allowed a league-worst 98.5 ppg in that stretch.
My Pick: Seattle +8.5 at -105
I’m not a big fan of Seattle’s play on offense, but New York is playing bad enough defense for them to be competitive in this game. New York will (should) win, but Seattle will stay within eight.
Our Current Best Offers
Channel debug: betting
Phoenix Mercury vs. Chicago Sky
The Sky and Mercury have both been quietly playing solid basketball. Phoenix isn’t scoring a lot (84.8 ppg over the last five, 12th; Chicago has averaged 91.8), but that should change as soon as Kelsey Plum is able to play. Both are playing solid defense (Mercury—84.8 ppg allowed; Sky—88.2).
Both have gone 3-2 in their last five. Phoenix lost a close one to New York their last time out (94-92); Chicago won a close one their last time out (84-83 vs. Las Vegas).
My Pick: Phoenix ML at +100
Chicago has been getting some incredible games out of Sydney Taylor and Kamila Cardoso. But if Skylar Diggins and Azura Stevens remain out, the Mercury defense gives them the edge. However, if they play…but then if Kelsey Plum can go, Phoenix will win regardless.
If she doesn’t, the +100 odds make picking the Mercury to win a solid value play.
#Olivia #Miles #case #MVP #stronger">Olivia Miles’ case for MVP is stronger than you think
These days, it feels like the WNBA’s most elite players are competing for MVP runner-up. That’s because A’ja Wilson — who has won the award in four of the last six seasons — continues to outdo herself, year after year.
This WNBA season, Wilson is averaging 26.8 points (the second-highest of her career) and 9.8 rebounds (the third-highest). She’s shooting 53.2% from the field (the second-highest of her career) and 43.8% from three (the highest). And, she’s averaging a career-high 3.2 assists per game.
Wilson has the highest plus-minus by a non-Minnesota Lynx player (the Aces are outscoring opponents by 8 points per game with her on the floor). And Las Vegas has the second-best record in the WNBA.
So, there’s no doubt she’d be very deserving of a historic fifth MVP award.
At the same time, the 23-year-old Olivia Miles has made as compelling a case for MVP as anyone. When you watch her play, she feels like an MVP. It’s in the way she carries herself, how she creates for others, and, above all, it’s in how she’s powered a team that has by far been the best in the WNBA.
The case for Olivia Miles for MVP
Let’s take a look at the numbers. Miles has the second-highest plus-minus in the entire WNBA (+8.6), trailing only teammate Natasha Howard. She’s averaging 19.7 points, the 8th-most in the WNBA (among players with at least 16 games). She’s shooting 50.2% from the field and 38% from beyond the arc. She’s averaging 5.8 assists per game (also the 8th-most in the WNBA).
While those stats are gaudy, they don’t tell the whole story. Miles affects every possession; she controls Minnesota’s pace, creates high-quality shots for Kayla McBride, Courtney Williams, and Natasha Howard, among others, and dictates how opposing teams prepare for the Lynx.
But Miles’ case most heavily rests upon just how good Minnesota has been. The Lynx are a ridiculous 24-5 with her in the lineup; they’re 1-2 without her. They have won a franchise-record 10 straight games, and during that stretch, Miles is averaging 21.5 points, 6 assists, and 4.5 rebounds, while shooting 45.5% from beyond the arc.
On Sunday afternoon, in a marquee match-up between the Lynx and the Indiana Fever, Miles was dynamic, tallying 28 points on a ridiculous 11-of-14 shooting to go along with 6 assists and 4 rebounds. Her and-one layup with just under a minute to play ultimately secured the win.
If the Lynx continue to separate themselves in the standings — they currently have a 4-game lead over the Aces — Miles’ case will be bolstered. Though it’ll be hard for anyone to win MVP with Wilson playing the way that she has, amazingly, Miles has a legitimate pathway to the award in her rookie season.
Regardless, it’s been a sensational season for the former Notre Dame standout. Miles, who was selected No. 2, has almost undoubtedly secured the Rookie of the Year award. And, most importantly, with her at the helm, the Lynx have a legitimate chance at their first WNBA title in the Napheesa Collier era.
#Olivia #Miles #case #MVP #stronger
These days, it feels like the WNBA’s most elite players are competing for MVP runner-up.…
#England #set #withdraw #support #Infantino #reelection #FIFA #Serbia #Wales">England set to withdraw support for Infantino re-election at FIFA following Serbia, Wales
England’s Football Association will join Wales and Serbia in withdrawing support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s re-election bid, a source familiar with the matter said on Monday, as the backlash against his failed plan to sell a stake in the World Cup intensified.
FIFA’s plan to unlock up to $4.2 billion from private investors by selling a roughly 20% stake in a new entity overseeing competitions including the World Cup ended in retreat on Friday after fierce resistance from stakeholders. With the idea abandoned, attention has now turned to the potential repercussions for Infantino, whose bid for another term as FIFA president from 2027 to 2031 faces increased scrutiny following the failed initiative.
Earlier, Wales became the first national federation to formally withdraw its support for Infantino, followed by Serbian FA on Monday.
“The Football Association of Wales hereby confirms its withdrawal of support for the candidature of Mr. Gianni Infantino, for re-election as FIFA President for the 2027 to 2031 term,” the Welsh FA said in a statement.
“The recent failures in good governance, processes, leadership, values, stakeholder management, communications and sound judgement have led us to a position where Mr. Infantino has lost the confidence of the FAW to remain at the helm of world football.
“Failing to put the best interests of football first is a failure we cannot accept.”
The Serbian FA said, “We remind you that we provided written support to Mr. Infantino on May 25 of this year, but after carefully assessing the events that have seriously damaged the reputation and credibility of both FIFA and its president in the recent period, this is the only logical and rational step.
“The Football Association of Serbia believes that the future of world football must be based on transparency, dialogue, mutual respect, and a partnership among all confederations and national associations.”
Reuters has contacted FIFA for comment.
INFANTINO UNDER PRESSURE
Infantino is under unprecedented pressure after regional confederations UEFA and CONCACAF said on Saturday they had lost confidence in his leadership.
European football’s governing body, which led the backlash to Infantino’s plans and welcomed the decision to scrap them, did not confirm media reports that it was preparing to take legal action against FIFA over the issue.
UEFA said it had sent a document preservation order, which stops the destruction of emails, files, or data when an investigation is expected.
Infantino said in April that he intended to seek re-election for a fourth term as FIFA chief. Since taking over from his Swiss compatriot Sepp Blatter in 2016, Infantino has been re-elected unopposed twice.
While his re-election for the 2027 to 2031 term had appeared a formality, experts told Reuters the fallout from the failed proposal exposed dissatisfaction among FIFA members and could complicate his path before the Congress in Morocco in March.
#Deadspin #Saints #JaLynn #Polk #retired #list">Deadspin | Saints WR Ja’Lynn Polk, 24, placed on retired list
Aug 8, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots receiver Ja’Lynn Polk (1) runs the ball during the first half against the Washington Commanders at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
The New Orleans Saints placed 24-year-old wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk on the reserve/retired list on Sunday.
A reason for Polk’s decision to retire was not yet known. Head coach Kellen Moore said Polk had been excused from the past two training camp practices for personal reasons. The receiver’s Instagram account also appeared to be deactivated or removed as of Sunday evening.
Polk was the 37th overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. As a rookie, Polk played in 15 games, making seven starts, and totaled 12 receptions for 87 yards and two touchdowns.
He did not play in 2025 due to a shoulder injury. While Polk was on injured reserve in September, the Patriots traded him to the Saints along with a 2028 seventh-round pick in exchange for a 2027 sixth-rounder.
–Field Level Media
#Deadspin #Saints #JaLynn #Polk #retired #list
Aug 8, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots receiver Ja'Lynn Polk (1) runs the…
It’s Sydney Taylor, the 25-year-old Chicago Sky guard who is amid a ridiculous offensive explosion that reached its pinnacle on Saturday afternoon.
Taylor is averaging 14.7 points and 1.6 assists per game, while shooting 45.5% from the field and 34.8% from three. She’s the second-leading scorer among rookies, and the bright spot for a Sky season that has come with its fair share of disappointments, headlined by an early-season Rickea Jackson ACL tear.
On Saturday, Taylor recorded her brightest moment as a pro, hitting a game-winning three-pointer over the Las Vegas Aces in a 29-point performance. That marked her fifth 25-point game of the season, and her latest offensive masterclass in her first pro season.
Taylor has been trending upwards as the season has progressed; she’s scored at least 14 points in every game since July 7th. She’s averaging 18.4 points on 47.3% shooting — and 39.3% from three — in 16 games as a starter this season.
The Sky have struggled — they’re 11-18 and out of the playoff picture — but Taylor has helped keep them in games all season long. Somehow, the undrafted rookie is the leading scorer on the roster. On Saturday, she carried them to perhaps their most impressive win of the season.
Sydney Taylor appears to be a shoo-in for First Team All-Rookie
Minnesota Lynx guard Olivia Miles likely has Rookie of the Year locked up. Miles, who was drafted second overall, is averaging 19.4 points and 5.8 assists, while powering the Lynx ot the best record in the league.
But after her, it’s Taylor who is the second-leading scorer among rookies — not No. 1 overall pick Azzi Fudd (who has been fantastic) nor other top performers like Seattle Storm rookies Flau’jae Johnson and Awa Fam. As such, it seems very likely that she’ll be one of the five players named to the All-Rookie First Team (Miles, Fudd, Johnson, and Fam all seem like likely candidates, too, though New York Liberty guard Pauline Austier makes a strong case as well).
In 2021, Taylor played just 6 minutes per game at UMass. But she played out a four-year career there, establishing herself as an elite scorer before transferring to Louisville for a fifth season. The Sky signed her ahead of the season, and she’s now one of the most promising parts of their future.
She’s also one of the best rookies in the class, and a legitimate candidate for Rookie of the Year.
It’s Sydney Taylor, the 25-year-old Chicago Sky guard who is amid a ridiculous offensive explosion that reached its pinnacle on Saturday afternoon.
Taylor is averaging 14.7 points and 1.6 assists per game, while shooting 45.5% from the field and 34.8% from three. She’s the second-leading scorer among rookies, and the bright spot for a Sky season that has come with its fair share of disappointments, headlined by an early-season Rickea Jackson ACL tear.
On Saturday, Taylor recorded her brightest moment as a pro, hitting a game-winning three-pointer over the Las Vegas Aces in a 29-point performance. That marked her fifth 25-point game of the season, and her latest offensive masterclass in her first pro season.
Taylor has been trending upwards as the season has progressed; she’s scored at least 14 points in every game since July 7th. She’s averaging 18.4 points on 47.3% shooting — and 39.3% from three — in 16 games as a starter this season.
The Sky have struggled — they’re 11-18 and out of the playoff picture — but Taylor has helped keep them in games all season long. Somehow, the undrafted rookie is the leading scorer on the roster. On Saturday, she carried them to perhaps their most impressive win of the season.
Sydney Taylor appears to be a shoo-in for First Team All-Rookie
Minnesota Lynx guard Olivia Miles likely has Rookie of the Year locked up. Miles, who was drafted second overall, is averaging 19.4 points and 5.8 assists, while powering the Lynx ot the best record in the league.
But after her, it’s Taylor who is the second-leading scorer among rookies — not No. 1 overall pick Azzi Fudd (who has been fantastic) nor other top performers like Seattle Storm rookies Flau’jae Johnson and Awa Fam. As such, it seems very likely that she’ll be one of the five players named to the All-Rookie First Team (Miles, Fudd, Johnson, and Fam all seem like likely candidates, too, though New York Liberty guard Pauline Austier makes a strong case as well).
In 2021, Taylor played just 6 minutes per game at UMass. But she played out a four-year career there, establishing herself as an elite scorer before transferring to Louisville for a fifth season. The Sky signed her ahead of the season, and she’s now one of the most promising parts of their future.
She’s also one of the best rookies in the class, and a legitimate candidate for Rookie of the Year.
#undrafted #WNBA #rookie #legitimate #Rookie #Year #candidate">An undrafted WNBA rookie is a legitimate Rookie of the Year candidate
A star has been born in Chicago, and it’s an undrafted rookie who was just a few years ago getting DNPs at UMass Amherst.
It’s Sydney Taylor, the 25-year-old Chicago Sky guard who is amid a ridiculous offensive explosion that reached its pinnacle on Saturday afternoon.
Taylor is averaging 14.7 points and 1.6 assists per game, while shooting 45.5% from the field and 34.8% from three. She’s the second-leading scorer among rookies, and the bright spot for a Sky season that has come with its fair share of disappointments, headlined by an early-season Rickea Jackson ACL tear.
On Saturday, Taylor recorded her brightest moment as a pro, hitting a game-winning three-pointer over the Las Vegas Aces in a 29-point performance. That marked her fifth 25-point game of the season, and her latest offensive masterclass in her first pro season.
Taylor has been trending upwards as the season has progressed; she’s scored at least 14 points in every game since July 7th. She’s averaging 18.4 points on 47.3% shooting — and 39.3% from three — in 16 games as a starter this season.
The Sky have struggled — they’re 11-18 and out of the playoff picture — but Taylor has helped keep them in games all season long. Somehow, the undrafted rookie is the leading scorer on the roster. On Saturday, she carried them to perhaps their most impressive win of the season.
Sydney Taylor appears to be a shoo-in for First Team All-Rookie
Minnesota Lynx guard Olivia Miles likely has Rookie of the Year locked up. Miles, who was drafted second overall, is averaging 19.4 points and 5.8 assists, while powering the Lynx ot the best record in the league.
But after her, it’s Taylor who is the second-leading scorer among rookies — not No. 1 overall pick Azzi Fudd (who has been fantastic) nor other top performers like Seattle Storm rookies Flau’jae Johnson and Awa Fam. As such, it seems very likely that she’ll be one of the five players named to the All-Rookie First Team (Miles, Fudd, Johnson, and Fam all seem like likely candidates, too, though New York Liberty guard Pauline Austier makes a strong case as well).
In 2021, Taylor played just 6 minutes per game at UMass. But she played out a four-year career there, establishing herself as an elite scorer before transferring to Louisville for a fifth season. The Sky signed her ahead of the season, and she’s now one of the most promising parts of their future.
She’s also one of the best rookies in the class, and a legitimate candidate for Rookie of the Year.
Despite fatigue, the 29-year-old is hoping to take his summer momentum into the North American hard court build-up before the final major of the season.
“The two months that I had was fantastic. Of course, I wanted to win Wimbledon, I wanted to win the final (against Sinner).
“But I played an opponent who also knows how to play in these moments, and he played a phenomenal match, a great match which could have gone a bit longer. I feel like it could have gone in the fifth set.
“I played a lot of tennis in that period. So I went on holidays for a week and then after started practicing and preparing myself the best I can for this swing.”
Zverev leads the tournament field, with Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime seeded second ahead of Australian Alex de Minaur, Daniil Medvedev and title holder Ben Shelton.
With rain marring the opening day in the French-speaking city, completed matches were a rarity, with China’s number 270 Jerry Shang defeating Daniel Vallejo of Paraguay 6-3, 6-3 before afternoon rains set in.
Despite fatigue, the 29-year-old is hoping to take his summer momentum into the North American hard court build-up before the final major of the season.
“The two months that I had was fantastic. Of course, I wanted to win Wimbledon, I wanted to win the final (against Sinner).
“But I played an opponent who also knows how to play in these moments, and he played a phenomenal match, a great match which could have gone a bit longer. I feel like it could have gone in the fifth set.
“I played a lot of tennis in that period. So I went on holidays for a week and then after started practicing and preparing myself the best I can for this swing.”
Zverev leads the tournament field, with Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime seeded second ahead of Australian Alex de Minaur, Daniil Medvedev and title holder Ben Shelton.
With rain marring the opening day in the French-speaking city, completed matches were a rarity, with China’s number 270 Jerry Shang defeating Daniel Vallejo of Paraguay 6-3, 6-3 before afternoon rains set in.
Alexander Zverev warned on Sunday of burnout and dropouts due to overly long ATP Masters 1000 events as he returned to the scene of his 2017 title in Canada.
The top seed and world number two told reporters in Montreal that he has his doubts about the wisdom of the 12-day Masters tournaments, which can seem as long and draining to players as a Grand Slam fortnight.
This edition of the elite Canadian hard court tournament is missing world number one Jannik Sinner, 24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic and Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz, who has not played since April due to a wrist injury.
“I think (the pullouts) are a result of the two-week Masters event. I think it’s just too long for some players, too much before the US Open,” Zverev said.
“I used to play more 500 events, 250 events when the Masters were shorter, but now I don’t do that anymore just because of time spent away and time spent on tournaments.”
Zverev said that he and his team also seriously considered bypassing Canada this year.
“We had a thought also of maybe skipping Montreal, but then we decided to play it
But the reigning Roland Garros champion and Wimbledon finalist last month added: “I need to play matches. I need to play tournaments.
“I don’t think maybe I’ll play my best tennis here, but the result of playing here, I think I’ll play better in Cincinnati and then hopefully my best tennis in New York,” he said, looking ahead to the US Open that starts on August 31.
Despite fatigue, the 29-year-old is hoping to take his summer momentum into the North American hard court build-up before the final major of the season.
“The two months that I had was fantastic. Of course, I wanted to win Wimbledon, I wanted to win the final (against Sinner).
“But I played an opponent who also knows how to play in these moments, and he played a phenomenal match, a great match which could have gone a bit longer. I feel like it could have gone in the fifth set.
“I played a lot of tennis in that period. So I went on holidays for a week and then after started practicing and preparing myself the best I can for this swing.”
Zverev leads the tournament field, with Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime seeded second ahead of Australian Alex de Minaur, Daniil Medvedev and title holder Ben Shelton.
With rain marring the opening day in the French-speaking city, completed matches were a rarity, with China’s number 270 Jerry Shang defeating Daniel Vallejo of Paraguay 6-3, 6-3 before afternoon rains set in.
#Deadspin #Astros #Carlos #Correa #ankle #surgery #ruling #return">Deadspin | Astros’ Carlos Correa (ankle surgery) not ruling out 2026 return
May 1, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (1) reacts after hitting a solo home run against the Boston Red Sox during the third inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
On May 11, Carlos Correa underwent what he thought was season-ending surgery on his left ankle.
On Saturday, he began working out on the field again, well ahead of the original six- to eight-month recovery timeline. That has the Astros’ third baseman optimistic his season isn’t over after all.
“We’ll see,” Correa said. “I wouldn’t be doing all this work if I didn’t think there was a chance.”
Correa has progressed to doing all baseball activities except hitting, and he said he could be cleared to do that, too, following a Tuesday doctor’s appointment.
“As soon as I got hurt, I got on this protocol,” he told reporters. “I started looking for all the information I could and how to speed up the process and the things I needed to eat and how I needed to sleep, the type of treatment we needed. We’ve been doing a great job with that. We’re in a good spot.”
Correa is not even halfway through his projected recovery timeline. Should he rejoin the Astros’ lineup for the stretch run, his bat and glove would be a big boost for a 57-55 Houston club that led the American League West standings by 1 1/2 games over the Rangers entering Sunday’s game.
While it’s unclear how he would slot in on defense, Correa’s bat would certainly be welcome among the top-heavy lineup. The three-time All-Star slashed .279/.369/.418 with three homers and 16 RBIs in 32 games this season prior to the injury, which occurred while Correa took pregame swings in the batting cage on May 5.
The 31-year-old is a career .275 hitter with 203 homers and 740 RBIs across 12 MLB seasons, including two stints (2015-21; 2025-present) with the Astros.
“I’m in a really good spot. A really good spot,” he said. “I don’t feel (the injury). Been progressing to running and sprinting, and it feels great.”
Jul 26, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers pitcher Jacob deGrom (48) throws to the plate against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-Imagn Images 
