Why Caleb Downs is a premium prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft Football is increasingly a game dictated by numbers.The draft profile for Caleb Downs should begin there.Let’s start with these numbers, from charting data collected while I studied his 2025 college football season. Downs played 208 snaps aligned as a half-field safety, with another 97 snaps aligned as a middle-of-the-field safety. The Ohio State defender aligned as a boundary cornerback for 50 more snaps, a slot corner for another 168 snaps, and even played 41 snaps down in the box.But the pre-snap numbers are just a part of the story. A brief snapshot of a bigger picture.After the snap, Downs rotated to the middle of the field for 232 of those plays, played as a deep boundary defender for 114 of those plays — including several where he began aligned in the slot or as a boundary corner — and spent many other either as the pole runner between the safeties, dropped down in the flat, or even rushing off the edge or through the interior.Suffice it to say, Downs is one of the most versatile players in the 2026 NFL Draft.Which might make him the best.Downs began his college career at Alabama, playing under Nick Saban in his complex defensive system. But he stepped into the starting lineup as a freshman, recorded eight tackles in his debut, and ended the year as the SEC Freshman of the Year.When Saban announced he was stepping away from the game, Downs entered the transfer portal, and made the move to Ohio State. All he did while with the Buckeyes was become a two-time unanimous All-American, the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, and the winner of both the Lott Trophy (given to a college defensive player “for their personal character and athletic abilities”) and the Jim Thorpe Award (given to the best defensive back in college football).He also helped Ohio State win a title in 2024.Studying Downs between the lines, while that versatility stands out where he is at his best is down in the box, particularly working in zone coverage with his eyes on the offense. Watching Downs put his experience under both Saban and Matt Patricia to use as he works through route concepts is a thing of beauty, and will translate extremely well to the next level.Take this play against Texas where he is aligned to the right side of the offense, on the single receiver side:This is a third-down play, with the Buckeyes dropping into zone coverage. Downs matches the vertical release of the single receiver, turning him loose when that receiver breaks to the inside. As that happens, the safety drops down on the crossing route, taking that away from Arch Manning.When the quarterback breaks the pocket, Downs moves downhill slightly, but maintains a relationship to the back curling out of the backfield. That puts him in position to rally and tackle the back after the checkdown, forcing a fourth down for Texas.Here is another example of this in action, also from his game against Texas. He begins the play aligned as a linebacker, but bumps out in response to motion. He matches the release from the #3 receiver, but then slides outside to take the out route from the #2 receiver:Watch him on this play near the bottom of the screen, where he starts out in an inside alignment. He bumps out at the snap and matches the slant route from the outside receiver, but then peels off that and breaks on the checkdown from the running back:One last example of this in action comes from Ohio State’s game against Penn State. He is again in the box, on the right side of the offense. He matches a vertical release initially, then works to a potential wheel route, but when the quarterback breaks the pocket he crashes downhill on the crossing route:The pass is off the target, but if this was a good throw the receiver would have paid a price.Putting Downs in situations where he has his eyes towards the offense not only plays to his prowess in zone coverage, but it emphasizes one of his strengths: Being a wrecking ball working downhill against both the run and the pass. Watch this play against UCLA, where he works out of the slot and blows up a designed throw to the flat:Not only does Downs beat the blocker to the spot but he completely shuts this play down before it begins, chopping down the receiver for a loss on the play.Here is a similar moment against Purdue, only this comes on a middle screen:Downs begins this snap aligned across from the #3 receiver. Purdue motions the back out to the right, creating a “fast” 4×1, and Downs mirrors that movement pre-snap. But watch how he tracks the back and then explodes downhill, turning what could have been a huge gain into a short play for the offense.“Screenshot scouting” is best used sparingly, but it fits here:This is the state of play when the underneath throw is made. With three linemen releasing upfield, Purdue has a chance at a big play.Then there is what he can do against the run. Watch him work downhill on this run against Washington, holding the running back to a minimal gain in the red zone:This is textbook from Downs, as he works down to the edge, maintains outside leverage, and executes a pitch-perfect tackle in space.Watch him read this play off the left side of the offense against Miami:The safety reads this play better than the offense, slicing inside at the snap and hitting the back behind the line of scrimmage.His ability against the run often starts with a perfect understanding of leverage. As with that example against Washington, watch him work outside-in on this snap against Illinois, where he begins the play aligned across from the single receiver on the left side of the offense:Downs maintains outside leverage in relation to the running back, who initially thinks about bouncing this play to the outside. Only when the back commits inside does Downs make his move, breaking on the ballcarrier to hold this to a minimal gain.Watch him “run the alley” on this snap against Ohio:In man coverage situations, Downs was often tasked with matching tight ends, often players who were bigger than him. But he showed an ability to get to the hip of the receiver, often forcing throwaways or making the quarterback look in a different direction.Like on this play against Minnesota, where he works through traffic to get to a crossing route on a mesh concept, forcing a late throwaway from the quarterback:Downs is viewed by many as one of the best football players in the class, but the question is one of positional value. As a safety, he plays a “non-premium” position and his draft stock in many ways parallels what we saw from Kyle Hamilton when he came out of Notre Dame. While the two are different types of safeties — Hamilton’s versatility included more of deep safety role while Downs thrives in the box — the discussion is similar.Hamilton fell to No. 14 in the draft, will Downs have a similar fall?What could work in Downs’ favor is what we just saw from the Seattle Seahawks. Under Mike Macdonald the Seahawks changed the numbers in their favor on defense, playing with both safeties deep before the snap but relying on one of them to crash downhill when needed to stop the run.You can imagine Downs thriving in such a role, and with Seattle coming off a Super Bowl win, do not be surprised to see other teams try and replicate what Macdonald built in the Pacific Northwest.Downs might be one of the best players in the class.And he might be coming out at the exact right moment. #Caleb #Downs #premium #prospect #NFL #Draft

Why Caleb Downs is a premium prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft
Football is increasingly a game dictated by numbers.
The draft profile for Caleb Downs should begin there.
Let’s start with these numbers, from charting data collected while I studied his 2025 college football season. Downs played 208 snaps aligned as a half-field safety, with another 97 snaps aligned as a middle-of-the-field safety. The Ohio State defender aligned as a boundary cornerback for 50 more snaps, a slot corner for another 168 snaps, and even played 41 snaps down in the box.
But the pre-snap numbers are just a part of the story. A brief snapshot of a bigger picture.
After the snap, Downs rotated to the middle of the field for 232 of those plays, played as a deep boundary defender for 114 of those plays — including several where he began aligned in the slot or as a boundary corner — and spent many other either as the pole runner between the safeties, dropped down in the flat, or even rushing off the edge or through the interior.
Suffice it to say, Downs is one of the most versatile players in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Which might make him the best.
Downs began his college career at Alabama, playing under Nick Saban in his complex defensive system. But he stepped into the starting lineup as a freshman, recorded eight tackles in his debut, and ended the year as the SEC Freshman of the Year.
When Saban announced he was stepping away from the game, Downs entered the transfer portal, and made the move to Ohio State. All he did while with the Buckeyes was become a two-time unanimous All-American, the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, and the winner of both the Lott Trophy (given to a college defensive player “for their personal character and athletic abilities”) and the Jim Thorpe Award (given to the best defensive back in college football).
He also helped Ohio State win a title in 2024.
Studying Downs between the lines, while that versatility stands out where he is at his best is down in the box, particularly working in zone coverage with his eyes on the offense. Watching Downs put his experience under both Saban and Matt Patricia to use as he works through route concepts is a thing of beauty, and will translate extremely well to the next level.
Take this play against Texas where he is aligned to the right side of the offense, on the single receiver side:
This is a third-down play, with the Buckeyes dropping into zone coverage. Downs matches the vertical release of the single receiver, turning him loose when that receiver breaks to the inside. As that happens, the safety drops down on the crossing route, taking that away from Arch Manning.
When the quarterback breaks the pocket, Downs moves downhill slightly, but maintains a relationship to the back curling out of the backfield. That puts him in position to rally and tackle the back after the checkdown, forcing a fourth down for Texas.
Here is another example of this in action, also from his game against Texas. He begins the play aligned as a linebacker, but bumps out in response to motion. He matches the release from the #3 receiver, but then slides outside to take the out route from the #2 receiver:
Watch him on this play near the bottom of the screen, where he starts out in an inside alignment. He bumps out at the snap and matches the slant route from the outside receiver, but then peels off that and breaks on the checkdown from the running back:
One last example of this in action comes from Ohio State’s game against Penn State. He is again in the box, on the right side of the offense. He matches a vertical release initially, then works to a potential wheel route, but when the quarterback breaks the pocket he crashes downhill on the crossing route:
The pass is off the target, but if this was a good throw the receiver would have paid a price.
Putting Downs in situations where he has his eyes towards the offense not only plays to his prowess in zone coverage, but it emphasizes one of his strengths: Being a wrecking ball working downhill against both the run and the pass. Watch this play against UCLA, where he works out of the slot and blows up a designed throw to the flat:
Not only does Downs beat the blocker to the spot but he completely shuts this play down before it begins, chopping down the receiver for a loss on the play.
Here is a similar moment against Purdue, only this comes on a middle screen:
Downs begins this snap aligned across from the #3 receiver. Purdue motions the back out to the right, creating a “fast” 4×1, and Downs mirrors that movement pre-snap. But watch how he tracks the back and then explodes downhill, turning what could have been a huge gain into a short play for the offense.
“Screenshot scouting” is best used sparingly, but it fits here:
This is the state of play when the underneath throw is made. With three linemen releasing upfield, Purdue has a chance at a big play.
Then there is what he can do against the run. Watch him work downhill on this run against Washington, holding the running back to a minimal gain in the red zone:
This is textbook from Downs, as he works down to the edge, maintains outside leverage, and executes a pitch-perfect tackle in space.
Watch him read this play off the left side of the offense against Miami:
The safety reads this play better than the offense, slicing inside at the snap and hitting the back behind the line of scrimmage.
His ability against the run often starts with a perfect understanding of leverage. As with that example against Washington, watch him work outside-in on this snap against Illinois, where he begins the play aligned across from the single receiver on the left side of the offense:
Downs maintains outside leverage in relation to the running back, who initially thinks about bouncing this play to the outside. Only when the back commits inside does Downs make his move, breaking on the ballcarrier to hold this to a minimal gain.
Watch him “run the alley” on this snap against Ohio:
In man coverage situations, Downs was often tasked with matching tight ends, often players who were bigger than him. But he showed an ability to get to the hip of the receiver, often forcing throwaways or making the quarterback look in a different direction.
Like on this play against Minnesota, where he works through traffic to get to a crossing route on a mesh concept, forcing a late throwaway from the quarterback:
Downs is viewed by many as one of the best football players in the class, but the question is one of positional value. As a safety, he plays a “non-premium” position and his draft stock in many ways parallels what we saw from Kyle Hamilton when he came out of Notre Dame. While the two are different types of safeties — Hamilton’s versatility included more of deep safety role while Downs thrives in the box — the discussion is similar.
Hamilton fell to No. 14 in the draft, will Downs have a similar fall?
What could work in Downs’ favor is what we just saw from the Seattle Seahawks. Under Mike Macdonald the Seahawks changed the numbers in their favor on defense, playing with both safeties deep before the snap but relying on one of them to crash downhill when needed to stop the run.
You can imagine Downs thriving in such a role, and with Seattle coming off a Super Bowl win, do not be surprised to see other teams try and replicate what Macdonald built in the Pacific Northwest.
Downs might be one of the best players in the class.
And he might be coming out at the exact right moment.
#Caleb #Downs #premium #prospect #NFL #Draft

Sports news nfl April 15, 2026

Football is increasingly a game dictated by numbers.

The draft profile for Caleb Downs should begin there.

Let’s start with these numbers, from charting data collected while I studied his 2025 college football season. Downs played 208 snaps aligned as a half-field safety, with another 97 snaps aligned as a middle-of-the-field safety. The Ohio State defender aligned as a boundary cornerback for 50 more snaps, a slot corner for another 168 snaps, and even played 41 snaps down in the box.

But the pre-snap numbers are just a part of the story. A brief snapshot of a bigger picture.

After the snap, Downs rotated to the middle of the field for 232 of those plays, played as a deep boundary defender for 114 of those plays — including several where he began aligned in the slot or as a boundary corner — and spent many other either as the pole runner between the safeties, dropped down in the flat, or even rushing off the edge or through the interior.

Suffice it to say, Downs is one of the most versatile players in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Which might make him the best.

Downs began his college career at Alabama, playing under Nick Saban in his complex defensive system. But he stepped into the starting lineup as a freshman, recorded eight tackles in his debut, and ended the year as the SEC Freshman of the Year.

When Saban announced he was stepping away from the game, Downs entered the transfer portal, and made the move to Ohio State. All he did while with the Buckeyes was become a two-time unanimous All-American, the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, and the winner of both the Lott Trophy (given to a college defensive player “for their personal character and athletic abilities”) and the Jim Thorpe Award (given to the best defensive back in college football).

He also helped Ohio State win a title in 2024.

Studying Downs between the lines, while that versatility stands out where he is at his best is down in the box, particularly working in zone coverage with his eyes on the offense. Watching Downs put his experience under both Saban and Matt Patricia to use as he works through route concepts is a thing of beauty, and will translate extremely well to the next level.

Take this play against Texas where he is aligned to the right side of the offense, on the single receiver side:

This is a third-down play, with the Buckeyes dropping into zone coverage. Downs matches the vertical release of the single receiver, turning him loose when that receiver breaks to the inside. As that happens, the safety drops down on the crossing route, taking that away from Arch Manning.

When the quarterback breaks the pocket, Downs moves downhill slightly, but maintains a relationship to the back curling out of the backfield. That puts him in position to rally and tackle the back after the checkdown, forcing a fourth down for Texas.

Here is another example of this in action, also from his game against Texas. He begins the play aligned as a linebacker, but bumps out in response to motion. He matches the release from the #3 receiver, but then slides outside to take the out route from the #2 receiver:

Watch him on this play near the bottom of the screen, where he starts out in an inside alignment. He bumps out at the snap and matches the slant route from the outside receiver, but then peels off that and breaks on the checkdown from the running back:

One last example of this in action comes from Ohio State’s game against Penn State. He is again in the box, on the right side of the offense. He matches a vertical release initially, then works to a potential wheel route, but when the quarterback breaks the pocket he crashes downhill on the crossing route:

The pass is off the target, but if this was a good throw the receiver would have paid a price.

Putting Downs in situations where he has his eyes towards the offense not only plays to his prowess in zone coverage, but it emphasizes one of his strengths: Being a wrecking ball working downhill against both the run and the pass. Watch this play against UCLA, where he works out of the slot and blows up a designed throw to the flat:

Not only does Downs beat the blocker to the spot but he completely shuts this play down before it begins, chopping down the receiver for a loss on the play.

Here is a similar moment against Purdue, only this comes on a middle screen:

Downs begins this snap aligned across from the #3 receiver. Purdue motions the back out to the right, creating a “fast” 4×1, and Downs mirrors that movement pre-snap. But watch how he tracks the back and then explodes downhill, turning what could have been a huge gain into a short play for the offense.

“Screenshot scouting” is best used sparingly, but it fits here:

This is the state of play when the underneath throw is made. With three linemen releasing upfield, Purdue has a chance at a big play.

Then there is what he can do against the run. Watch him work downhill on this run against Washington, holding the running back to a minimal gain in the red zone:

This is textbook from Downs, as he works down to the edge, maintains outside leverage, and executes a pitch-perfect tackle in space.

Watch him read this play off the left side of the offense against Miami:

The safety reads this play better than the offense, slicing inside at the snap and hitting the back behind the line of scrimmage.

His ability against the run often starts with a perfect understanding of leverage. As with that example against Washington, watch him work outside-in on this snap against Illinois, where he begins the play aligned across from the single receiver on the left side of the offense:

Downs maintains outside leverage in relation to the running back, who initially thinks about bouncing this play to the outside. Only when the back commits inside does Downs make his move, breaking on the ballcarrier to hold this to a minimal gain.

Watch him “run the alley” on this snap against Ohio:

In man coverage situations, Downs was often tasked with matching tight ends, often players who were bigger than him. But he showed an ability to get to the hip of the receiver, often forcing throwaways or making the quarterback look in a different direction.

Like on this play against Minnesota, where he works through traffic to get to a crossing route on a mesh concept, forcing a late throwaway from the quarterback:

Downs is viewed by many as one of the best football players in the class, but the question is one of positional value. As a safety, he plays a “non-premium” position and his draft stock in many ways parallels what we saw from Kyle Hamilton when he came out of Notre Dame. While the two are different types of safeties — Hamilton’s versatility included more of deep safety role while Downs thrives in the box — the discussion is similar.

Hamilton fell to No. 14 in the draft, will Downs have a similar fall?

What could work in Downs’ favor is what we just saw from the Seattle Seahawks. Under Mike Macdonald the Seahawks changed the numbers in their favor on defense, playing with both safeties deep before the snap but relying on one of them to crash downhill when needed to stop the run.

You can imagine Downs thriving in such a role, and with Seattle coming off a Super Bowl win, do not be surprised to see other teams try and replicate what Macdonald built in the Pacific Northwest.

Downs might be one of the best players in the class.

And he might be coming out at the exact right moment.

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#Caleb #Downs #premium #prospect #NFL #Draft

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UEFA Champions League — Raphinha apologizes for gesture toward Atletico fans after Barcelona’s exit <div id="content-body-70866074" itemprop="articleBody">Barcelona forward Raphinha has apologized for his gesture toward Atletico Madrid fans after his team’s elimination in the quarterfinals of the Champions League.Raphinha, who didn’t play on Tuesday because of a hamstring injury, also criticized the refereeing, making the “robbed” sign with his hands, and later told reporters that <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/champions-league/raphinha-angry-refereeing-controversy-red-card-atletico-madrid-vs-barcelona-champions-league-complaint/article70863813.ece" target="_self">Barcelona was “robbed”</a> over the two legs.The Brazil star is likely to face punishment from UEFA for his actions at the Metropolitano stadium.While still on the field, he gestured toward Atletico supporters and made a gesture apparently indicating that the rival will be eliminated in the next round. He appeared to tell fans “you are out.”“I apologize for my gesture, which does not reflect my values or character,” Raphinha said on Wednesday in a comment to a DAZN post that showed him gesturing to the crowd. “It was an act in a moment of tension, in response to a fan who was disrespecting me.”Barcelona, seeking to return to the semifinals of the Champions League for the second season in a row, won 2-1 on Tuesday but it wasn’t enough to overcome a 2-0 loss at home in the first leg last week.Atletico goalkeeper Juan Musso said it was nonsense for Raphinha to say Barcelona was robbed.“I respect everyone’s opinion, but let’s not say that it was a robbery, because it wasn’t like that,” Musso said. “We won it on the field. We won 2-0 on the road. It’s a team that we respect a lot and are very motivated to play against. It’s a great team, but I think that to talk about robbery is just crazy.”Raphinha did not immediately apologize for his comments about the refereeing.“To me, it was ‘robbed’,” he told reporters on Tuesday. “Not only this match, but the other one as well. The refereeing was very bad. Incredible the decisions that they made. Atletico made a lot of fouls and the referee didn’t show a single yellow card.”Other players also criticized the refereeing over the two legs.President-elect Joan Laporta said Wednesday that the refereeing was “shameful” and “inadmissible,” and said the club planned to present a formal complaint with UEFA.Published on Apr 15, 2026</div> #UEFA #Champions #League #Raphinha #apologizes #gesture #Atletico #fans #Barcelonas #exit

Deadspin | Wade Meckler, Angels aim to leave Miami with series win Aug 6, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Los Angeles Angels outfielder Wade Meckler (53) greeted by third baseman Vaughn Grissom (5) after scoring during the seventh inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images Wade Meckler, a left-handed-hitting corner outfielder, is living his dream. Meckler, an Anaheim native who grew up a Los Angeles Angels fan, was drafted by the San Francisco Giants in the eighth round in 2022. Then, this past January, Meckler was claimed off waivers by the Angels. Finally, on May 22, Meckler made his Angels debut, hitting a three-run homer in his first at-bat. On Sunday, Meckler is expected to start in left field as the Angels complete their three-game series at the Miami Marlins. Miami won Saturday’s game 7-0 to tie the series. As for the 26-year-old Meckler, in 59 games for the Angels this season, he is hitting .305 with three homers, 20 RBIs and a .789 OPS. “He puts together great at-bats,” Los Angeles manager Kurt Suzuki said. “He works the count, puts the ball in play. He can bunt. He’s been awesome.” On the mound for the Angels, right-hander Grayson Rodriguez (3-4, 7.24 ERA) will start on Sunday. Rodriguez, 26, who was Baltimore’s first-round pick (11th overall) in 2018, went 7-4 with a 4.35 ERA as an Orioles rookie in 2023. The next year, he went 13-4 with a 3.86 ERA. However, Rodriguez missed the 2025 season due to an elbow injury, and he has struggled in 11 starts with the Angels this year. The Angels acquired him from Baltimore last November, trading away slugger Taylor Ward. Rodriguez, who has never faced Miami, mostly uses four pitches: fastball, changeup, curveball and slider. His fastball averages 96 mph, and he relies on that pitch 53% of the time. The Marlins will counter Rodriguez with right-hander Ryan Gusto (0-3, 4.80). Gusto, 27, was drafted by the Astros in the 11th round in 2019. The Marlins acquired him on July 31, 2025, in a trade that sent outfielder Jesus Sanchez to Houston. Gusto is 0-6 in parts of two seasons with the Marlins. Offensively, as detailed by MLB.com, the Marlins entered this series ranked second in the majors with the most runners thrown out on the bases with 47. Beyond that, Miami’s offense has slipped. Through July 9, the Marlins were averaging 4.62 runs per game, which ranked 11th in the majors. Since July 10, however, Miami is scoring just 3.09 runs, which ranks 29th. “We’re just not stringing a ton together like we usually do,” Marlins first baseman Kyle Stowers said. “Offensively, we can be better. I’m not necessarily sure what needs to change. If anything, we need to continue to create opportunities.” Miami’s run-scoring issues are more pronounced now that Liam Hicks has been traded to the Tampa Bay Rays. Even though Hicks is on the other side of the state, he still leads Miami in RBIs with 62. In addition, Marlins middle infielders Otto Lopez and Xavier Edwards have slumped over the past month-plus. Three weeks ago, Lopez, Miami’s shortstop, led the National League with a .345 batting average. Due to his slump, Lopez is no longer on top, hitting .317 entering Sunday. Edwards, Miami’s second baseman, hit just .247 in July, and he was batting .150 in August before breaking out on Saturday, going 2-for-4 with three RBIs. Lopez also broke out on Saturday, going 2-for-3 with two RBIs. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Wade #Meckler #Angels #aim #leave #Miami #series #win

#Deadspin #Wade #Meckler #Angels #aim #leave #Miami #series #win">

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Aug 6, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Los Angeles Angels outfielder Wade Meckler (53) greeted by third baseman Vaughn Grissom (5) after scoring during the seventh inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images

Wade Meckler, a left-handed-hitting corner outfielder, is living his dream.

Meckler, an Anaheim native who grew up a Los Angeles Angels fan, was drafted by the San Francisco Giants in the eighth round in 2022. Then, this past January, Meckler was claimed off waivers by the Angels. Finally, on May 22, Meckler made his Angels debut, hitting a three-run homer in his first at-bat.

On Sunday, Meckler is expected to start in left field as the Angels complete their three-game series at the Miami Marlins. Miami won Saturday’s game 7-0 to tie the series.

As for the 26-year-old Meckler, in 59 games for the Angels this season, he is hitting .305 with three homers, 20 RBIs and a .789 OPS.

“He puts together great at-bats,” Los Angeles manager Kurt Suzuki said. “He works the count, puts the ball in play. He can bunt. He’s been awesome.”

On the mound for the Angels, right-hander Grayson Rodriguez (3-4, 7.24 ERA) will start on Sunday.

Rodriguez, 26, who was Baltimore’s first-round pick (11th overall) in 2018, went 7-4 with a 4.35 ERA as an Orioles rookie in 2023. The next year, he went 13-4 with a 3.86 ERA.

However, Rodriguez missed the 2025 season due to an elbow injury, and he has struggled in 11 starts with the Angels this year. The Angels acquired him from Baltimore last November, trading away slugger Taylor Ward.

Rodriguez, who has never faced Miami, mostly uses four pitches: fastball, changeup, curveball and slider. His fastball averages 96 mph, and he relies on that pitch 53% of the time.

The Marlins will counter Rodriguez with right-hander Ryan Gusto (0-3, 4.80).

Gusto, 27, was drafted by the Astros in the 11th round in 2019. The Marlins acquired him on July 31, 2025, in a trade that sent outfielder Jesus Sanchez to Houston. Gusto is 0-6 in parts of two seasons with the Marlins.

Offensively, as detailed by MLB.com, the Marlins entered this series ranked second in the majors with the most runners thrown out on the bases with 47.

Beyond that, Miami’s offense has slipped. Through July 9, the Marlins were averaging 4.62 runs per game, which ranked 11th in the majors. Since July 10, however, Miami is scoring just 3.09 runs, which ranks 29th.

“We’re just not stringing a ton together like we usually do,” Marlins first baseman Kyle Stowers said. “Offensively, we can be better. I’m not necessarily sure what needs to change. If anything, we need to continue to create opportunities.”

Miami’s run-scoring issues are more pronounced now that Liam Hicks has been traded to the Tampa Bay Rays. Even though Hicks is on the other side of the state, he still leads Miami in RBIs with 62.

In addition, Marlins middle infielders Otto Lopez and Xavier Edwards have slumped over the past month-plus.

Three weeks ago, Lopez, Miami’s shortstop, led the National League with a .345 batting average. Due to his slump, Lopez is no longer on top, hitting .317 entering Sunday.

Edwards, Miami’s second baseman, hit just .247 in July, and he was batting .150 in August before breaking out on Saturday, going 2-for-4 with three RBIs. Lopez also broke out on Saturday, going 2-for-3 with two RBIs.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Wade #Meckler #Angels #aim #leave #Miami #series #win">Deadspin | Wade Meckler, Angels aim to leave Miami with series win

Aug 6, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Los Angeles Angels outfielder Wade Meckler (53) greeted by third baseman Vaughn Grissom (5) after scoring during the seventh inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images

Wade Meckler, a left-handed-hitting corner outfielder, is living his dream.

Meckler, an Anaheim native who grew up a Los Angeles Angels fan, was drafted by the San Francisco Giants in the eighth round in 2022. Then, this past January, Meckler was claimed off waivers by the Angels. Finally, on May 22, Meckler made his Angels debut, hitting a three-run homer in his first at-bat.

On Sunday, Meckler is expected to start in left field as the Angels complete their three-game series at the Miami Marlins. Miami won Saturday’s game 7-0 to tie the series.

As for the 26-year-old Meckler, in 59 games for the Angels this season, he is hitting .305 with three homers, 20 RBIs and a .789 OPS.

“He puts together great at-bats,” Los Angeles manager Kurt Suzuki said. “He works the count, puts the ball in play. He can bunt. He’s been awesome.”

On the mound for the Angels, right-hander Grayson Rodriguez (3-4, 7.24 ERA) will start on Sunday.

Rodriguez, 26, who was Baltimore’s first-round pick (11th overall) in 2018, went 7-4 with a 4.35 ERA as an Orioles rookie in 2023. The next year, he went 13-4 with a 3.86 ERA.

However, Rodriguez missed the 2025 season due to an elbow injury, and he has struggled in 11 starts with the Angels this year. The Angels acquired him from Baltimore last November, trading away slugger Taylor Ward.

Rodriguez, who has never faced Miami, mostly uses four pitches: fastball, changeup, curveball and slider. His fastball averages 96 mph, and he relies on that pitch 53% of the time.

The Marlins will counter Rodriguez with right-hander Ryan Gusto (0-3, 4.80).

Gusto, 27, was drafted by the Astros in the 11th round in 2019. The Marlins acquired him on July 31, 2025, in a trade that sent outfielder Jesus Sanchez to Houston. Gusto is 0-6 in parts of two seasons with the Marlins.

Offensively, as detailed by MLB.com, the Marlins entered this series ranked second in the majors with the most runners thrown out on the bases with 47.

Beyond that, Miami’s offense has slipped. Through July 9, the Marlins were averaging 4.62 runs per game, which ranked 11th in the majors. Since July 10, however, Miami is scoring just 3.09 runs, which ranks 29th.

“We’re just not stringing a ton together like we usually do,” Marlins first baseman Kyle Stowers said. “Offensively, we can be better. I’m not necessarily sure what needs to change. If anything, we need to continue to create opportunities.”

Miami’s run-scoring issues are more pronounced now that Liam Hicks has been traded to the Tampa Bay Rays. Even though Hicks is on the other side of the state, he still leads Miami in RBIs with 62.

In addition, Marlins middle infielders Otto Lopez and Xavier Edwards have slumped over the past month-plus.

Three weeks ago, Lopez, Miami’s shortstop, led the National League with a .345 batting average. Due to his slump, Lopez is no longer on top, hitting .317 entering Sunday.

Edwards, Miami’s second baseman, hit just .247 in July, and he was batting .150 in August before breaking out on Saturday, going 2-for-4 with three RBIs. Lopez also broke out on Saturday, going 2-for-3 with two RBIs.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Wade #Meckler #Angels #aim #leave #Miami #series #win

Unknown date 1998; West Layfayette, IN, USA; FILE PHOTO; Purdue Boilermakers quarterback Drew Brees (15) in action against Central Florida at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Photo By USA TODAY Sports

#Drew #Brees #emotional #career #heads #Hall #Fame">

Drew Brees is emotional looking back on his career as he heads into the Hall of Fame The Drew Brees story takes its next step in Ohio on Saturday with his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Brees’s story is one of overcoming, and overcoming on his way to great success.While “everything is bigger in Texas,” Brees’s home state, that wasn’t true of the soon-to-be gold jacket wearer, who stood at just six feet tall and just over 200 pounds in a time when quarterbacks were always 6’3” or taller with more girth. In a state where football is closer to a religion than a sport, in high school, Brees once thought about quitting football and focusing on baseball as his path forward.Instead of giving up the sport, an injury to the starting quarterback led him to high levels of success before another hurdle: a torn ACL and MCL late in his junior season. Brees was able to return for his senior season, winning a state title and the biggest awards, but his size and injury led him to be recruited by just two schools, Purdue and Kentucky, despite all of his success.Not exactly college football powerhouses, but even that was fitting for the Brees story.Brees chose the Boilermakers as a part of Joe Tiller’s first recruiting class in 1997. Heading into that season, Purdue had 12 straight seasons of losing records. Not only losing records, but only one of those years did the Boilermakers win at least five games. During Brees’ four-year tenure, three as the full-time starter, Purdue strung together four straight winning seasons, with four bowl game appearances, including two Alamo Bowl victories and a Rose Bowl appearance.In a different era than we see today, Brees was lighting up the box score in the Big 10 like a pinball machine. In three years as the starter, Brees completed over 60% of his passes (leading the conference twice), while throwing for over 3,300 yards each year (leading the conference all three seasons). Tossing (a lot) of touchdown passes to guys named Vinny Sutherland, John Standeford, Chris Daniels, Tim Stratton, and Isaac Jones, Brees was the engine that made things work at Purdue.Unknown date 1998; West Layfayette, IN, USA; FILE PHOTO; Purdue Boilermakers quarterback Drew Brees (15) in action against Central Florida at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Photo By USA TODAY Sports IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectDespite his unusually small size for the position, Brees’ success led him to the then-San Diego Chargers, being selected with the top pick in the second round of the 2001 NFL draft.While some fans only remember Brees as a part of the New Orleans Saints franchise, his four years as a starter in five seasons in San Diego saw a lot of success. After an 8-8 record in his first year as a starter, Brees led the Chargers to two winning seasons in his final three, throwing for over 12,000 yards as a part of the San Diego franchise.In those four years, Brees proved that he could overcome his limited height and size to become a successful NFL quarterback. Then, in the 2005 regular season finale, this play led to a dislocated shoulder, a 360-degree tear of his labrum, and the most shoulder anchors ever used in a surgery at that time.With another obstacle to overcome, Brees entered NFL free agency after having his throwing shoulder put back together with a major surgery. Much like his college recruitment, despite a proven track record, Brees was back to having only a few options for where to play.Infamously, at least down in South Florida, the Miami Dolphins backed away from their pursuit of Brees due to their concerns about his shoulder’s health. That is when the Saints swooped in, with the backdrop of the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, to recruit Brees to help lift their downtrodden franchise in the same way he did Purdue.The Saints’ 2006 return to New Orleans and Brees’ first home game for his new team, after playing away from the city the previous year, was an emotional one for everyone.The rest, as they say, is history. Impressive history, at that.As Brees did with the Boilermakers, the Saints started winning football games with a league-leading quarterback. Brees led the NFL in completions, completion percentage, passing yards, and passing touchdowns in multiple seasons. New Orleans had seven seasons of double-digit wins, multiple playoff appearances, and, of course, the 2009 Super Bowl championship.MIAMI GARDENS, FL – FEBRUARY 07: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints holds up the Vince Lombardi Trophy on the podium as head coach Sean Payton looks on after defeating the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV on February 7, 2010 at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Rob Tringali/Sportschrome/Getty Images) Getty ImagesNow, in the birthplace of football, Brees enters the Hall of Fame. Overcoming major injuries, his limited size, being lightly recruited, having to lift struggling teams on his shoulders (one that he now cannot even use to throw a football), and helping the City of New Orleans move forward after the devastation of Katrina, Brees cannot help but get emotional when he looks back.In an event in Canton, Ohio, the day before he is to be enshrined, Brees talked at a Raising Cane’s restaurant about his emotions as he looks back at his career:Brees noted to those in attendance that he’s cried no less than 50 times while writing his Hall of Fame speech, one that he promises will go longer than his allotted time. Brees started to tear up as he talked about some of the different people he would be mentioning in his speech.Showing off his impressive memory as well as his emotional connection to his career, Brees was asked about a favorite play that he remembers well. Brees said he remembers them all. Brees then shared what one of those plays would sound like when he called it in the huddle:Did you get all of that? Me neither.While Brees’ story has been one of overcoming, his former head coach, Sean Payton, saw greatness in the future for a Saints team that didn’t have a lot of it. Talking about playing in the Hall of Fame game in 2007, Brees recounted Payton’s message to the team and promise of more gold jackets for players on a team whose primary color is gold:Despite the shoulder surgery, Brees, along with fellow greats like Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers, was able to compete at a high level into his 40s. While trying to patiently wait to eat some of the Cane’s chicken in front of him, Brees noted how experience was such an advantage and recounted how he’s told Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford that his best years could still be in front of him:On Saturday, Brees enters the Hall of Football Immortals in Canton. Beyond that, Brees is still around football as a commentator and coaching his kids on the game. While overcoming obstacles has been a big part of the Brees story, perhaps he’s ready for a smooth ride for a bit. Given his history, if obstacles do pop up, we’d bet on Brees to take them on with all he has.As for Saturday, we can expect tears and maybe lots of them: #Drew #Brees #emotional #career #heads #Hall #Fame

mwasimuddin125 0

The Drew Brees story takes its next step in Ohio on Saturday with his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Brees’s story is one of overcoming, and overcoming on his way to great success.
While “everything is bigger in Texas,” Brees’s home state, that wasn’t true of the soon-to-be gold jacket wearer, who stood at just six feet tall and just over 200 pounds in a time when quarterbacks were always 6’3” or taller with more girth. In a state where football is closer to a religion than a sport, in high school, Brees once thought about quitting football and focusing on baseball as his path forward.
Instead of giving up the sport, an injury to the starting quarterback led him to high levels of success before another hurdle: a torn ACL and MCL late in his junior season. Brees was able to return for his senior season, winning a state title and the biggest awards, but his size and injury led him to be recruited by just two schools, Purdue and Kentucky, despite all of his success.
Not exactly college football powerhouses, but even that was fitting for the Brees story.
Brees chose the Boilermakers as a part of Joe Tiller’s first recruiting class in 1997. Heading into that season, Purdue had 12 straight seasons of losing records. Not only losing records, but only one of those years did the Boilermakers win at least five games. During Brees’ four-year tenure, three as the full-time starter, Purdue strung together four straight winning seasons, with four bowl game appearances, including two Alamo Bowl victories and a Rose Bowl appearance.
In a different era than we see today, Brees was lighting up the box score in the Big 10 like a pinball machine. In three years as the starter, Brees completed over 60% of his passes (leading the conference twice), while throwing for over 3,300 yards each year (leading the conference all three seasons). Tossing (a lot) of touchdown passes to guys named Vinny Sutherland, John Standeford, Chris Daniels, Tim Stratton, and Isaac Jones, Brees was the engine that made things work at Purdue.
Unknown date 1998; West Layfayette, IN, USA; FILE PHOTO; Purdue Boilermakers quarterback Drew Brees (15) in action against Central Florida at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Photo By USA TODAY Sports
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Despite his unusually small size for the position, Brees’ success led him to the then-San Diego Chargers, being selected with the top pick in the second round of the 2001 NFL draft.
While some fans only remember Brees as a part of the New Orleans Saints franchise, his four years as a starter in five seasons in San Diego saw a lot of success. After an 8-8 record in his first year as a starter, Brees led the Chargers to two winning seasons in his final three, throwing for over 12,000 yards as a part of the San Diego franchise.
In those four years, Brees proved that he could overcome his limited height and size to become a successful NFL quarterback. Then, in the 2005 regular season finale, this play led to a dislocated shoulder, a 360-degree tear of his labrum, and the most shoulder anchors ever used in a surgery at that time.
With another obstacle to overcome, Brees entered NFL free agency after having his throwing shoulder put back together with a major surgery. Much like his college recruitment, despite a proven track record, Brees was back to having only a few options for where to play.
Infamously, at least down in South Florida, the Miami Dolphins backed away from their pursuit of Brees due to their concerns about his shoulder’s health. That is when the Saints swooped in, with the backdrop of the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, to recruit Brees to help lift their downtrodden franchise in the same way he did Purdue.
The Saints’ 2006 return to New Orleans and Brees’ first home game for his new team, after playing away from the city the previous year, was an emotional one for everyone.
The rest, as they say, is history. Impressive history, at that.
As Brees did with the Boilermakers, the Saints started winning football games with a league-leading quarterback. Brees led the NFL in completions, completion percentage, passing yards, and passing touchdowns in multiple seasons. New Orleans had seven seasons of double-digit wins, multiple playoff appearances, and, of course, the 2009 Super Bowl championship.
MIAMI GARDENS, FL – FEBRUARY 07: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints holds up the Vince Lombardi Trophy on the podium as head coach Sean Payton looks on after defeating the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV on February 7, 2010 at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Rob Tringali/Sportschrome/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Now, in the birthplace of football, Brees enters the Hall of Fame. Overcoming major injuries, his limited size, being lightly recruited, having to lift struggling teams on his shoulders (one that he now cannot even use to throw a football), and helping the City of New Orleans move forward after the devastation of Katrina, Brees cannot help but get emotional when he looks back.
In an event in Canton, Ohio, the day before he is to be enshrined, Brees talked at a Raising Cane’s restaurant about his emotions as he looks back at his career:
Brees noted to those in attendance that he’s cried no less than 50 times while writing his Hall of Fame speech, one that he promises will go longer than his allotted time. Brees started to tear up as he talked about some of the different people he would be mentioning in his speech.
Showing off his impressive memory as well as his emotional connection to his career, Brees was asked about a favorite play that he remembers well. Brees said he remembers them all. Brees then shared what one of those plays would sound like when he called it in the huddle:
Did you get all of that? Me neither.
While Brees’ story has been one of overcoming, his former head coach, Sean Payton, saw greatness in the future for a Saints team that didn’t have a lot of it. Talking about playing in the Hall of Fame game in 2007, Brees recounted Payton’s message to the team and promise of more gold jackets for players on a team whose primary color is gold:
Despite the shoulder surgery, Brees, along with fellow greats like Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers, was able to compete at a high level into his 40s. While trying to patiently wait to eat some of the Cane’s chicken in front of him, Brees noted how experience was such an advantage and recounted how he’s told Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford that his best years could still be in front of him:
On Saturday, Brees enters the Hall of Football Immortals in Canton. Beyond that, Brees is still around football as a commentator and coaching his kids on the game. While overcoming obstacles has been a big part of the Brees story, perhaps he’s ready for a smooth ride for a bit. Given his history, if obstacles do pop up, we’d bet on Brees to take them on with all he has.
As for Saturday, we can expect tears and maybe lots of them:

#Drew #Brees #emotional #career #heads #Hall #Fame">Drew Brees is emotional looking back on his career as he heads into the Hall of Fame

The Drew Brees story takes its next step in Ohio on Saturday with his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Brees’s story is one of overcoming, and overcoming on his way to great success.

While “everything is bigger in Texas,” Brees’s home state, that wasn’t true of the soon-to-be gold jacket wearer, who stood at just six feet tall and just over 200 pounds in a time when quarterbacks were always 6’3” or taller with more girth. In a state where football is closer to a religion than a sport, in high school, Brees once thought about quitting football and focusing on baseball as his path forward.

Instead of giving up the sport, an injury to the starting quarterback led him to high levels of success before another hurdle: a torn ACL and MCL late in his junior season. Brees was able to return for his senior season, winning a state title and the biggest awards, but his size and injury led him to be recruited by just two schools, Purdue and Kentucky, despite all of his success.

Not exactly college football powerhouses, but even that was fitting for the Brees story.

Brees chose the Boilermakers as a part of Joe Tiller’s first recruiting class in 1997. Heading into that season, Purdue had 12 straight seasons of losing records. Not only losing records, but only one of those years did the Boilermakers win at least five games. During Brees’ four-year tenure, three as the full-time starter, Purdue strung together four straight winning seasons, with four bowl game appearances, including two Alamo Bowl victories and a Rose Bowl appearance.

In a different era than we see today, Brees was lighting up the box score in the Big 10 like a pinball machine. In three years as the starter, Brees completed over 60% of his passes (leading the conference twice), while throwing for over 3,300 yards each year (leading the conference all three seasons). Tossing (a lot) of touchdown passes to guys named Vinny Sutherland, John Standeford, Chris Daniels, Tim Stratton, and Isaac Jones, Brees was the engine that made things work at Purdue.

Unknown date 1998; West Layfayette, IN, USA; FILE PHOTO; Purdue Boilermakers quarterback Drew Brees (15) in action against Central Florida at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Photo By USA TODAY Sports

IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Despite his unusually small size for the position, Brees’ success led him to the then-San Diego Chargers, being selected with the top pick in the second round of the 2001 NFL draft.

While some fans only remember Brees as a part of the New Orleans Saints franchise, his four years as a starter in five seasons in San Diego saw a lot of success. After an 8-8 record in his first year as a starter, Brees led the Chargers to two winning seasons in his final three, throwing for over 12,000 yards as a part of the San Diego franchise.

In those four years, Brees proved that he could overcome his limited height and size to become a successful NFL quarterback. Then, in the 2005 regular season finale, this play led to a dislocated shoulder, a 360-degree tear of his labrum, and the most shoulder anchors ever used in a surgery at that time.

With another obstacle to overcome, Brees entered NFL free agency after having his throwing shoulder put back together with a major surgery. Much like his college recruitment, despite a proven track record, Brees was back to having only a few options for where to play.

Infamously, at least down in South Florida, the Miami Dolphins backed away from their pursuit of Brees due to their concerns about his shoulder’s health. That is when the Saints swooped in, with the backdrop of the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, to recruit Brees to help lift their downtrodden franchise in the same way he did Purdue.

The Saints’ 2006 return to New Orleans and Brees’ first home game for his new team, after playing away from the city the previous year, was an emotional one for everyone.

The rest, as they say, is history. Impressive history, at that.

As Brees did with the Boilermakers, the Saints started winning football games with a league-leading quarterback. Brees led the NFL in completions, completion percentage, passing yards, and passing touchdowns in multiple seasons. New Orleans had seven seasons of double-digit wins, multiple playoff appearances, and, of course, the 2009 Super Bowl championship.

MIAMI GARDENS, FL – FEBRUARY 07: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints holds up the Vince Lombardi Trophy on the podium as head coach Sean Payton looks on after defeating the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV on February 7, 2010 at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Rob Tringali/Sportschrome/Getty Images)

Getty Images

Now, in the birthplace of football, Brees enters the Hall of Fame. Overcoming major injuries, his limited size, being lightly recruited, having to lift struggling teams on his shoulders (one that he now cannot even use to throw a football), and helping the City of New Orleans move forward after the devastation of Katrina, Brees cannot help but get emotional when he looks back.

In an event in Canton, Ohio, the day before he is to be enshrined, Brees talked at a Raising Cane’s restaurant about his emotions as he looks back at his career:

Brees noted to those in attendance that he’s cried no less than 50 times while writing his Hall of Fame speech, one that he promises will go longer than his allotted time. Brees started to tear up as he talked about some of the different people he would be mentioning in his speech.

Showing off his impressive memory as well as his emotional connection to his career, Brees was asked about a favorite play that he remembers well. Brees said he remembers them all. Brees then shared what one of those plays would sound like when he called it in the huddle:

Did you get all of that? Me neither.

While Brees’ story has been one of overcoming, his former head coach, Sean Payton, saw greatness in the future for a Saints team that didn’t have a lot of it. Talking about playing in the Hall of Fame game in 2007, Brees recounted Payton’s message to the team and promise of more gold jackets for players on a team whose primary color is gold:

Despite the shoulder surgery, Brees, along with fellow greats like Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers, was able to compete at a high level into his 40s. While trying to patiently wait to eat some of the Cane’s chicken in front of him, Brees noted how experience was such an advantage and recounted how he’s told Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford that his best years could still be in front of him:

On Saturday, Brees enters the Hall of Football Immortals in Canton. Beyond that, Brees is still around football as a commentator and coaching his kids on the game. While overcoming obstacles has been a big part of the Brees story, perhaps he’s ready for a smooth ride for a bit. Given his history, if obstacles do pop up, we’d bet on Brees to take them on with all he has.

As for Saturday, we can expect tears and maybe lots of them:

#Drew #Brees #emotional #career #heads #Hall #Fame

India vs Sri Lanka XI LIVE Score, Tour match Day 3 updates: SLC XI 107/3; Gurnoor, Siraj, Prasidh pick wickets
IND vs SLC XI Live Score: Catch the scores, updates and highlights from Day 3 of the Tour match between India and Sri Lanka Cricket XI at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground, Colombo, on Sunday.
Updated : Aug 09, 2026 12:46 IST Devdutt Padikka scored a hundred on Day 2 of the warm-up encounter against Sri Lanka Cricket XI.
| Photo Credit:
BCCI@X

Devdutt Padikka scored a hundred on Day 2 of the warm-up encounter against Sri Lanka Cricket XI.
| Photo Credit:
BCCI@X
elcome to Sportstar’s live coverage from Day 3 of the Tour match between India and Sri Lanka Cricket XI at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground, Colombo.Despite Shubman Gill’s injury, the Indian batting order, led by Devdutt Padikkal’s century, has managed to match the effort of the host in the first innings.India will look to make the most of the deteriorating pitch to display its spin pedigree against the SLC XI. Stay tuned for live updates. Match info:Date: August 7-9, 2026Time: 10 am startVenue: NCC Ground, ColomboIndia squad: Shubman Gill(c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Devdutt Padikkal, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Saransh Jain, Auqib Nabi, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor BrarSri Lanka squad: Nishan Madushka(w), Nipun Dhananjaya, Ravindu Rasantha, Pavan Rathnayake, Ahan Wickramasinghe, Sonal Dinusha(c), Ramesh Mendis, Dilum Sudeera, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Isitha Wijesundera, Asanka Manoj, Anjala Bandara, Keshara Nuwantha
SLC 107/3
Nishan Madushka has retired. Nipun Dhananjaya has come out to bat after the Lunch. Prasidh begins proceedings after the break.
SLC XI 106/3 at Lunch
Lunch has been taken. Both teams had their moments. India picked up three wickets — all by pacers. Only three overs of spin in this session. Auqib Nabi had his first outing today. He conceded 27 runs in his five overs without picking a wicket. For Sri Lanka, opener Nishan Madushka has looked good.
SLC XI 105/3
So, spinners are here. Saransh Jain and Manav Suthar have been introduced into the attack. At least one of them will be playing in the first Test. Manav had a great debut Test, and he is most likely to be spinner that plays.
SLC 87/3
Nishan Madushka has scored his fifty at almost run-a-ball! Really good batting, trying to be proactive from the ball one. Found the gaps consistently.
SLC XI 81/3
Gurnoor Brar picks up his first wicket. Pavan Rathnayake tries to take on Brar but is caught in the outfield. He falls after scoring 16 off 32 balls. Brar has been really impressive, bowling consistent lines.
SLC XI 62/2
The pacers haven’t got much support off the wicket. The runs are coming rather easily for Sri Lankans. Auqib Nabi bowling in early 130s but not much movement for him.
SLC 43/2
Auqib Nabi has come out to bowl for the first time in this match. He concedes one boundary towards the square region in his first over.
SLC XI 26/2
Prasidh Krishna strikes! Straight, full and Pasindu completely misses line of the delivery, leaving the middle stump cartwheeling. Pasindu four off seven balls.
Siraj strikes!!
First wicket down for Sri Lanka! Big appeal for lbw as the ball moves in a touch from good length. Height may have been an issue but the umpire raises his finger. SLC XI 9/1 in 4.5 overs
No sign of Nabi
Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna return to take the new ball. The wait continues for Auqib Nabi, the injury replacement for Jasprit Bumrah. He is yet to deliver a ball in this warm-up contest.
Good morning!
India has declared at the overnight score of 357/6 against Sri Lanka Cricket XI. Nishan Fernando and Ravindu Rasantha walk out to open in the second innings. Published on Aug 09, 2026 #India #Sri #Lanka #LIVE #Score #Tour #match #Day #updates #SLC #Gurnoor #Siraj #Prasidh #pick #wickets — Devdutt Padikka scored a hundred on Day 2 of the warm-up encounter against Sri Lanka Cricket XI. | Photo Credit: BCCI@X

#India #Sri #Lanka #LIVE #Score #Tour #match #Day #updates #SLC #Gurnoor #Siraj #Prasidh #pick #wickets">

mwasimuddin125 0

IND vs SLC XI Live Score: Catch the scores, updates and highlights from Day 3 of the Tour match between India and Sri Lanka Cricket XI at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground, Colombo, on Sunday.

Updated : Aug 09, 2026 12:46 IST

Devdutt Padikka scored a hundred on Day 2 of the warm-up encounter against Sri Lanka Cricket XI. | Photo Credit: BCCI@X

elcome to Sportstar’s live coverage from Day 3 of the Tour match between India and Sri Lanka Cricket XI at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground, Colombo.

Despite Shubman Gill’s injury, the Indian batting order, led by Devdutt Padikkal’s century, has managed to match the effort of the host in the first innings.

India will look to make the most of the deteriorating pitch to display its spin pedigree against the SLC XI. Stay tuned for live updates.

Match info:

Date: August 7-9, 2026

Time: 10 am start

Venue: NCC Ground, Colombo

India squad: Shubman Gill(c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Devdutt Padikkal, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Saransh Jain, Auqib Nabi, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor Brar

Sri Lanka squad: Nishan Madushka(w), Nipun Dhananjaya, Ravindu Rasantha, Pavan Rathnayake, Ahan Wickramasinghe, Sonal Dinusha(c), Ramesh Mendis, Dilum Sudeera, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Isitha Wijesundera, Asanka Manoj, Anjala Bandara, Keshara Nuwantha

Published on Aug 09, 2026

#India #Sri #Lanka #LIVE #Score #Tour #match #Day #updates #SLC #Gurnoor #Siraj #Prasidh #pick #wickets">India vs Sri Lanka XI LIVE Score, Tour match Day 3 updates: SLC XI 107/3; Gurnoor, Siraj, Prasidh pick wickets

IND vs SLC XI Live Score: Catch the scores, updates and highlights from Day 3 of the Tour match between India and Sri Lanka Cricket XI at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground, Colombo, on Sunday.

Updated : Aug 09, 2026 12:46 IST

Devdutt Padikka scored a hundred on Day 2 of the warm-up encounter against Sri Lanka Cricket XI. | Photo Credit: BCCI@X

Devdutt Padikka scored a hundred on Day 2 of the warm-up encounter against Sri Lanka Cricket XI. | Photo Credit: BCCI@X

elcome to Sportstar’s live coverage from Day 3 of the Tour match between India and Sri Lanka Cricket XI at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground, Colombo.

Despite Shubman Gill’s injury, the Indian batting order, led by Devdutt Padikkal’s century, has managed to match the effort of the host in the first innings.

India will look to make the most of the deteriorating pitch to display its spin pedigree against the SLC XI. Stay tuned for live updates.

Match info:

Date: August 7-9, 2026

Time: 10 am start

Venue: NCC Ground, Colombo

SLC 107/3
Nishan Madushka has retired. Nipun Dhananjaya has come out to bat after the Lunch. Prasidh begins proceedings after the break.
SLC XI 106/3 at Lunch
Lunch has been taken. Both teams had their moments. India picked up three wickets — all by pacers. Only three overs of spin in this session. Auqib Nabi had his first outing today. He conceded 27 runs in his five overs without picking a wicket. For Sri Lanka, opener Nishan Madushka has looked good.
SLC XI 105/3
So, spinners are here. Saransh Jain and Manav Suthar have been introduced into the attack. At least one of them will be playing in the first Test. Manav had a great debut Test, and he is most likely to be spinner that plays.
SLC 87/3
Nishan Madushka has scored his fifty at almost run-a-ball! Really good batting, trying to be proactive from the ball one. Found the gaps consistently.
SLC XI 81/3
Gurnoor Brar picks up his first wicket. Pavan Rathnayake tries to take on Brar but is caught in the outfield. He falls after scoring 16 off 32 balls. Brar has been really impressive, bowling consistent lines.
SLC XI 62/2
The pacers haven’t got much support off the wicket. The runs are coming rather easily for Sri Lankans. Auqib Nabi bowling in early 130s but not much movement for him.
SLC 43/2
Auqib Nabi has come out to bowl for the first time in this match. He concedes one boundary towards the square region in his first over.
SLC XI 26/2
Prasidh Krishna strikes! Straight, full and Pasindu completely misses line of the delivery, leaving the middle stump cartwheeling. Pasindu four off seven balls.
Siraj strikes!!
First wicket down for Sri Lanka! Big appeal for lbw as the ball moves in a touch from good length. Height may have been an issue but the umpire raises his finger.
SLC XI 9/1 in 4.5 overs
No sign of Nabi
Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna return to take the new ball. The wait continues for Auqib Nabi, the injury replacement for Jasprit Bumrah. He is yet to deliver a ball in this warm-up contest.
Good morning!
India has declared at the overnight score of 357/6 against Sri Lanka Cricket XI. Nishan Fernando and Ravindu Rasantha walk out to open in the second innings.

Published on Aug 09, 2026

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