Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter George Springer was struck in the head by a 96 mph sinker Monday evening against the Baltimore Orioles, forcing him to leave the contest.
Orioles pitcher Kade Strowd's first offering to Springer with one out in the ninth inning ricocheted off Springer's helmet, sending him to the ground, where he spent two minutes collecting himself and being treated before ultimately getting helped off of the field. Springer was replaced with pinch runner Leo Jimenez as Baltimore polished off an 11–4 win.
"It kind of got him in his shoulder, then helmet, which… thankfully, he was able to turn a little bit, too. I just had a chance to talk with him. He’s with the doc right now getting evaluated," manager John Schneider said postgame via Keegan Matheson of MLB.com.
Springer, 35, is slashing .293/.383/.510 this season with 18 home runs and 57 RBIs. He's been a focal point of the Blue Jays' in-season renaissance, which has given them a 5.5-game lead on the New York Yankees in the American League East division.
In 12 seasons with the Houston Astros and Toronto, Springer has made four All-Star teams and won a World Series title.
Just a day after he belted two home runs and broke Cincinnati Reds legend Johnny Bench's record for the most home runs by a catcher before the All-Star break, the Seattle Mariners backstop once again rewrote MLB's record book during his club's 10-7 loss to the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on Saturday.
Facing Cubs right-hander Daniel Palencia in the top of the ninth inning, Raleigh worked the count to 2-and-1, then belted a 99-MPH fastball over the seats in left-center field for a solo shot. Not only did Raleigh become the first player in MLB to 30 home runs this season, but he also set two records in the process.
Raliegh is the first catcher in MLB history—and first switch-hitter—to hit 30 homers before the All-Star break.
But that's not all. Raleigh, who has played 75 games this season, is also the fastest player to 30 home runs in a season since Barry Bonds and Luis Gonzales in 2001, according to MLB.
In terms of his own franchise, Raleigh joins Ken Griffey Jr. as the only Mariners players to reach 30-plus homers before the break.
He's on-pace for 64 home runs, which would break the single-season American League record for home runs in a season, set by New York Yankees star Aaron Judge in 2022. It would also shatter the record for the most long balls in a single season by a catcher, 48, set by Kansas City Royals backstop Salvador Perez in 2021.
Raleigh is deservedly the leading vote-getter among AL catchers in All-Star voting amid his career year.
يحل فريق برشلونة ضيفًا مساء يوم السبت، على خصمه ريال بيتيس، في إطار منافسات بطولة الدوري الإسباني لكرة القدم، موسم 2025/26.
تأتي تلك المباراة في خضم منافسات الجولة السادسة عشر من بطولة الدوري الإسباني لذلك الموسم، على ملعب “لا كارتوخا”.
ويحتل برشلونة صدارة الدوري الإسباني برصيد 37 نقطة، في حين أن ريال بيتيس لديه 25 نقطة حيث يحتل المركز الخامس.
ويفتقد برشلونة خدمات داني أولمو بعدما تعرض لخلع في الكتف خلال مشاركته في مباراة الجولة الماضية ضد أتلتيكو مدريد في بطولة الليجا. تشكيل برشلونة المتوقع أمام ريال بيتيس في الدوري الإسباني
حراسة المرمى: خوان جارسيا.
خط الدفاع: كوندي، كوبارسي، جيرارد مارتين، بالدي.
خط الوسط: دي يونج، إريك جارسيا.
خط الوسط الهجومي: لامين يامال، بيدري، رافينها.
خط الهجوم: ليفاندوفسكي.
ويمكنكم مطالعة مواعيد ونتائج جميع المباريات لحظة بلحظة عبر مركز المباريات من هنا.
Fifty-one years ago, baseball legend Hank Aaron broke what was thought to be an unbreakable record, belting his 715th career home run to surpass iconic Yankees slugger Babe Ruth for the most career long balls in MLB history at the time.
So with the MLB All-Star Game in Atlanta on Tuesday, July 15—7/15—it was the perfect time for MLB to tribute the late Aaron's monumental achievement.
And the league couldn't have come up with a cooler tribute.
After the bottom of the sixth inning, the lights went out at Truist Park, and fans were transported back in time to April 8, 1974 in hologram form on the field, which was projected with the original broadcast footage of Aaron's home run.
Words don't do it justice.
Fox announcers Joe Davis and John Smoltz, as well as fans on X, greatly enjoyed the tribute.
Making the tribute even better was the fact that Aaron's widow Billye was there to witness it.
Aaron, who passed away in 2021, is widely regarded as one of the best players to ever step onto a baseball diamond. He ranks in the top-five all-time in home runs, hits, runs scored, RBI and total bases.
The New York Yankees have made another move ahead of the July 31 trade deadline.
After acquiring third baseman Ryan McMahon from the Colorado Rockies on Saturday, the Yankees are bringing in Amed Rosario from the Washington Nationals in exchange for pitcher Clayton Beeter and outfield prospect Browm Martinez. The deal was first reported by YES Network's Jack Curry.
Rosario signed a one-year deal with the Nationals before this season and has slashed .270/.310/.426 with five home runs and 18 RBIs in 46 appearances. He has spent time with the Cincinnati Reds, Los Angeles Dodgers, Tampa Bay Rays, Cleveland Guardians and New York Mets before his arrival in Washington. He has made appearances at second base, third base, shortstop and in the outfield for the Nationals this season.
Beeter is a 26-year-old pitcher who has made five total appearances for the Yankees over the past two seasons. In two appearances for the Yankees this year, he gave up six earned runs in 3 2/3 innings pitched. For Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, he has pitched in 18 games this year with a 3.10 ERA and 33 strikeouts in 20 1/3 innings, surrendering just seven earned runs.
In the Dominican Summer League, the 18-year-old Martinez has slashed .404/.507/.632 with three homers, 16 RBIs and 13 stolen bases.
O lateral-esquerdo Ayrton Lucas, do Flamengo, deixou o gramado do Maracanã lesionado. O atleta, convocado por Dorival Júnior para a Seleção Brasileira, reclamou de um incômodo no joelho direito e foi substituído por Matias Viña.
continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasFora de CampoÀs vésperas de Flamengo e Fluminense, jornalistas analisam Tite e Diniz e definem o melhorFora de Campo09/03/2024DicasFluminense x Flamengo: odds, estatísticas e informações para apostar na semifinal do CariocaDicas09/03/2024NotíciasCarioca: como foram os últimos jogos entre Fluminense e Flamengo?Notícias09/03/2024
Os médicos do Flamengo irão avaliar a situação de Ayrton Lucas, que já começou o tratamento no banco de reservas.
➡️ Siga o Lance! no WhatsApp e acompanhe em tempo real as principais notícias do esporte
Estatísticas de Fluminense e Flamengo
O clássico Fla-Flu já aconteceu em 379 oportunidades e, apesar dos números equilibrados, o Flamengo leva uma certa vantagem sobre o Fluminense. O Rubro-Negro venceu, até aqui, 138 vezes, empatou 122 e perdeu 119 jogos para o Tricolor. Na última vez que os rivais se enfrentaram, no Estadual deste ano, o Fla venceu por 2 a 0.
O Fla terminou a primeira fase na liderança do Carioca, com 27 pontos, sendo oito vitórias, três empates e nenhuma derrota, enquanto o Flu foi o quarto colocado na tabela de classificação, com 21 pontos, sendo seis vitórias, três empates e duas derrotas.
continua após a publicidade
Além disso, enquanto o Flamengo balançou as redes 23 vezes e sofreu apenas um gol, o Fluminense marcou 17 e teve sua rede vazada 11 vezes.
Going into the transfer window, Tottenham Hotspur had one clear objective under new boss Thomas Frank – improve the quality and depth across all areas of the pitch.
That was certainly achieved during the £100m+ spending spree, with the hierarchy completing a deal in the region of £55m for winger Mohammed Kudus.
Much was made around his transfer after joining from rivals West Ham United, but it’s safe to say the Ghanaian has already adhered himself to the supporters in North London.
The 25-year-old has already opened his account for the Lilywhites, scoring the winner in the last outing against Leeds United – subsequently adding to his tally of four assists in the Premier League.
However, Frank’s side could have looked a lot different had they completed a move for one of their other targets instead of landing Kudus during the off-season.
How close Spurs were to signing Mbeumo this summer
After appointing Frank from Brentford over the summer, there were always going to be rumours over which players he would bring with him – but one stuck out more than the rest in the form of Bryan Mbeumo.
The Cameroonian international scored 20 times in the Premier League last campaign, with such form making him one of the hottest properties during the recent transfer window.
At one stage, it appeared as though the Lilywhites had a genuine chance of landing the 26-year-old, even reportedly making an offer for his services after the Dane’s appointment.
The player himself spoke about the 51-year-old’s appointment, wishing him the best in North London, which only fuelled speculation over a potential switch to follow his former manager across the capital.
However, it wasn’t meant to be, as Manchester United completed a £71m transfer for Mbeumo, a figure that was way over the original offer that was supposedly made by the Lilywhites.
After joining the Red Devils, the Cameroonian claimed that he only had his heart set on a move to United during the summer – subsequently dismissing any interest in following Frank.
Missing out on his signature will no doubt have been a disappointment to the fanbase, but they shouldn’t have to worry, with one player already in their ranks already similar to Mbeumo.
The Spurs star who is Frank’s next Mbeumo
The return of Fabio Paratici this week will give the fanbase an added reason to be positive after their impressive start to the 2025/26 campaign under Frank’s guidance.
Tottenham Hotspur director Fabio Paratici
He spent a couple of years in the role between 2021 and 2023 before stepping down, but he’s now been brought back into the club to fill the Sporting Director role once again.
It will no doubt hand him the responsibility of recruiting new players to add to the Dane’s early success, whilst overseeing those who could be offloaded.
However, he’s already showcased his tremendous work within the transfer market, conducting phenomenal business to land Dejan Kulusevski from Juventus for just £25m.
The Swede would have been an unknown quantity to many in North London, but he’s made himself a fan-favourite with his incredible performances prior to his recent injury setback.
He registered 10 goals and 11 assists across all competitions last campaign – the best return of his career – and certainly playing a huge role in the club’s Europa League success.
Such is the level of his quality, he was labelled as a similar player to Mbeumo by FBref – a huge statement given the performances of the former Brentford star in 2024/25.
When comparing their respective stats during the same time period, the Lilywhites gem managed to outperform him in numerous key areas, with Kulusevski highlighting the quality he possesses when fit.
The former Juve star, who’s been dubbed “incredible” by Jay Harris, completed more progressive passes per 90 (4.7), subsequently registering more key passes per 90 (2.5).
Kulusevski & Mbeumo – PL stats (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Kulusevski
Mbeumo
Games played
32
38
Goals & assists
11
27
Progressive carries
4.5
3.4
Progressive passes
4.7
3.7
Pass accuracy
74%
66%
Key passes
2.5
1.8
Passes into final third
2.3
1.6
Take-ons completed
1.4
1.3
Carries into final third
2.5
1.8
Stats via FBref
Such figures highlight the creative nature the Swede possesses, with such a feature massively adding to Frank’s side when he returns from his latest injury.
He also completed more take-ons per 90 (1.4), whilst notching more carries into the final third per 90 (2.5) – highlighting his desire to transfer the ball into dangerous areas whenever possible.
There’s no denying that a deal for Mbeumo would have further strengthened the Spurs first-team squad, but ultimately it would have been a huge risk paying such a fee after one impressive season.
With Kulusevski, the club have one of the most underrated players in the division, with the forward able to take his career to the next level under Frank in the years ahead.
Perfect for Kudus: Paratici wants to sign "one of the best STs" for Spurs
Tottenham Hotspur could be about to land a new talisman thanks to Fabio Paratici.
Liverpool have not one chance but two to win a game of football this week. Albeit that makes up just half of the four-game losing run that has sent the Arne Slot project into a spin.
How fickle football is. Yesterday’s heroes are today’s villains, and Liverpool know they need to demonstrate sharply a return to form as their Premier League title defence crumbles before them.
This seems rather dramatic, but the Reds are beset with problems, alright, and their issues are illustrated clearly by the miserable statistic of 21 goals shipped in 2025/26. League leaders Arsenal, conversely, have conceded three times across all competitions.
The forwards aren’t really firing, either, not on all cylinders, and there’s a real acceptance now that Liverpool have far-reaching tactical imbalances despite the record-breaking summer of spending, and by Slot’s own admission, they do not have the answers.
What Liverpool and Slot and the supporters need to rise from this rut is a talisman, something to spearhead a charge through so many obstacles. Could that, once again, be Mohamed Salah?
Mohamed Salah's role this season
This has unquestionably been the most challenging period of Salah’s Liverpool career. The 33-year-old has looked a shadow of his usual self, facing heavy criticism for quiet and wasteful performances on the right wing.
Football’s fickleness casts last year’s incredible achievements into the background, and this is unfair. Salah carried Slot’s early project to the highest peak of English football, shattering records and scoring 29 goals and providing 18 assists across the Premier League season. Other avenues lift that haul higher still.
But, equally, we cannot shirk from the Egyptian’s struggles, having watched this legendary forward struggle against a tide. Four goals and three assists from 13 matches is shocking by Salah’s standards, but it’s the squandered chances and lack of fluidity which have beggared belief.
Still, if ever there was a man to return to form, it is him, and Salah’s consolation goal against Brentford last weekend served as a timely reminder of his greatness.
The £400k-per-week superstar will play his part again this year, to be sure, but Liverpool need a new leader.
Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak have been signed on to take the baton as goal-getters-in-chief, but there’s another player under Slot’s wing who is proving himself the talisman to drive a pathway out of this mess.
Liverpool's new version of Salah
If Liverpool’s current “crisis”, as Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher has defined it, is to abate in time to make this a successful season, it’s clear that leaders are needed in more than just the forward areas.
Virgil van Dijk has come under fire for his recent displays, but he remains the galvanising force in defence, barking across the field as the club’s captain.
But the man emerging as the new leading light is Dominik Szoboszlai, who has looked the Anfield side’s best player across a range of positions this term, which is equally impressive and concerning.
It’s been over two years since Szoboszlai, 25, moved from RB Leipzig to Merseyside for £60m, and from the get-go, he’s provided bundles of energy and tenacity.
Slot’s decision to pull him deeper has proved a successful one, as Szoboszlai is not naturally prolific in front of goal and this deeper berth gives rise to his many other qualities.
Said by analyst Raj Chohan to be “Liverpool’s best performer currently”, the Hungary captain has raised his game, maturing while sharpening his technical skill and developing his defensive game.
Matches (starts)
36 (29)
9 (9)
Goals
6
1
Assists
6
1
Touches*
46.1
86.2
Accurate passes*
29.6 (86%)
53.3 (86%)
Key passes*
1.6
1.4
Dribble (success)*
0.6 (55%)
0.8 (54%)
Recoveries*
3.7
6.2
Tackles + interceptions*
1.4
3.0
Clearances*
0.4
3.0
Duels (won)*
2.8 (43%)
4.7 (55%)
The data shows us that Szoboszlai has made headway this season, more robust and more complete than his hitherto level. His physicality and ability to direct and offer dynamism in the build-up is something that, say Alexis Mac Allister has failed to match, and in this, Szoboszlai is stretching head and shoulders above his teammates.
It seems quite likely that, when Liverpool stabilise, Szoboszlai will be able to take his game to the next level, still driving things forward but surrounded by a collective competency that is simply not there right now.
Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai
Football is unforgiving. You cannot ride the coattails of your club’s former successes, standing on the shoulders of giants, some of whom might even remain within the first-team squad.
Liverpool were always going to need a period of adaptation, it was clear this would be a transitional season, lacking the fluency and muscle-movement spark of 2024/25 as Slot grabbed and sustained the final embers of Jurgen Klopp’s legacy.
Szoboszlai has retained all that high-octane Klopp-tailored quality while moulding his game into something Slot-esque too. To put it another way, he is more complete than he has ever been, and he is far outstripping his struggling teammates.
Slot must devise a solution to this pit into which Liverpool have fallen. So many players across the field need to step up.
Szoboszlai cannot stand any higher than he already is, and if the Reds are to turn a corner, they will owe much to the Hungarian machine’s quality and verve and unbreakable spirit.
Move over Salah: Slot's 5/10 Liverpool star is the new Jordan Henderson
Liverpool’s crisis deepened as they were condemned to a fourth successive Premier League defeat at Brentford.
The Milwaukee Brewers mounted an incredible comeback over the New York Mets on Sunday afternoon, overcoming a 5-0 deficit with a walk-off 7-6 win.
It was rookie outfielder Isaac Collins who capped things off in the end, blasting a 363-foot home run to right field and clinching the Brew Crew's MLB-leading ninth straight victory.
As the 28-year-old's eighth blast of the season went soaring out of American Family Field, cameras were able to capture his teammates' reaction in the dugout—resulting in an awesome behind-the-scenes video.
Check it out here:
They were justifiably stoked.
With the win, the Brewers remain in full control of the National League's top spot in the standings, sitting five games ahead of both the Philadelphia Phillies and the Los Angeles Dodgers. They'll ride their win streak into Pittsburgh on Monday to take on the Pirates for a 7:40 p.m. ET first pitch.
The Rays beat the Red Sox 7-3 on Sunday as Boston clings to one of the final two wild card spots in the American League. The loss was not due to a lack of effort by Trevor Story who scored on a close play at the plate on a base hit by Romy González in the top of the seventh.
Story hustled home and slid past the plate and into the ankles of home plate umpire Chris Segal. Luckily, no one was hurt and the two exchanged pleasantries multiple times with Story patting him on the leg and then slapping him five when the umpire reached down to offer him help up.
There's just something inherently amusing about a player giving a referee or umpire or official some skin.
It should be noted that this was in fact a low-five and not a high-five. While it wasn't exactly "down low," it was only possible because the throw from the outfield was too slow.
Boston has six games remaining on their schedule and good umpire relations could be a key to holding onto that wild card spot. It's no coincidence that that polite young man Shohei Ohtani plays for a first place team.