machado

Machado Hidden Ball Attempt Backfires

San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado hidden ball trick went wrong Saturday night, leading to a run for the Boston Red Sox in the third inning. With Jarren Duran on third after Alex Bregman was caught in a rundown, Machado held onto the ball and tagged Duran after he took a lead. The play would have resulted in an out, but pitcher Wandy Peralta was standing on the rubber without the ball, triggering a balk that allowed Duran to score and put Boston ahead 2-1. Had Peralta been off the mound for example, at the rosin bag, the play would have been legal. “I thought it was a great baseball play.  I’ll take some responsibility,” Padres manager Mike Shildt said. “You just can’t be on the rubber when that happens. Manny’s IQ shows up again, but it’s something we didn’t work on.”

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Celtics Extend Head Coach Joe Mazzulla on Multi-Year Deal

The Boston Celtics have signed head coach Joe Mazzulla to a multi-year contract extension, the team announced Friday. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Mazzulla, 37, called the agreement “a blessing,” thanking his family, Celtics ownership, president Brad Stevens, and his players. “I look forward to competing for the Celtics and the city of Boston,” he said in a statement. The youngest head coach to win an NBA title since Bill Russell in 1969, Mazzulla has led Boston to the playoffs in each of his three seasons, including the franchise’s 18th championship in 2023-24. The Celtics have won at least 57 games each season under his leadership, surpassing 60 victories in the past two campaigns.

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CeeDee Lamb Draws Sideline Penalty in Cowboys’ Preseason Loss

Dallas Cowboys star CeeDee Lamb didn’t play in Saturday’s preseason opener against the Los Angeles Rams, but he still managed to make the highlight sheet. While celebrating a long completion from Joe Milton III to Jonathan Mingo, Lamb — standing with his back to the field — was struck by a sprinting sideline official. The collision, which occurred in the restricted white border area, resulted in a sideline interference penalty against Dallas in their loss at SoFi Stadium. “It’s a sideline interference,” referee Alex Moore explained. “Lamb was in the restricted area where we officiate the game. The official was focused on the play and ran into him. By rule, that contact is an automatic foul.”

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Jaguars’ Travis Hunter Makes Two-Way Preseason Debut

Jacksonville Jaguars rookie Travis Hunter made appearances on both offense and defense in his first preseason outing, fulfilling head coach Liam Coen’s plan. The first-round pick played 18 total snaps in the Jaguars’ 31-25 preseason-opening loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday. Hunter opened the game at wide receiver, logging 10 of the team’s first 11 plays and catching two passes for nine yards. He later switched to cornerback during Pittsburgh’s second offensive drive, taking five snaps without recording a defensive stat, though he did miss a tackle. Hunter returned for a few more defensive plays later in the contest. “I think he made a couple good catches on some option routes,” Coen said postgame. “He missed one tackle defensively, but offensively he made the right reads. I’ll need to review the tape to see more of his defensive work.”

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Jayson Tatum Spotted Walking Without Boot or Brace at Patriots Camp

Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum was seen walking without a boot or brace Wednesday while attending the New England Patriots’ joint training camp practice with the Washington Commanders. Tatum, recovering from May surgery to repair a ruptured right Achilles suffered in the Eastern Conference semifinals, is expected to miss most, if not all of next NBA season. His appearance marked a positive step in his rehabilitation, which has included weight room workouts at the Celtics’ facility. At camp, Tatum spent most of his time on the sideline, chatting with Patriots players and Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels. Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens has said the team will not rush Tatum’s return despite his steady progress.

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Daaron

De’Aaron Fox Agree to Four-Year, $229M Extension

The San Antonio Spurs have secured star guard De’Aaron Fox for the long term, agreeing to a reported four-year, $229 million extension that runs through the 2029-30 season. Fox, 27, is entering the final year of his five-year, $163 million contract. The new deal, confirmed by the team after initial reports, will take effect in the 2026-27 campaign. Acquired from the Sacramento Kings at last season’s trade deadline, De’Aaron said he’s motivated to contribute to the Spurs’ championship tradition. “You come in here and you feel the environment, the fans, and you see those banners,” Fox said. “There’s nothing you can do besides try to build on that.” An eight-year veteran, Fox owns career averages of 21.5 points and 6.1 assists. He averaged 19.7 points and 6.8 assists in 17 games with San Antonio last season.

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morrice norris jr

Lions’ Morice Norris Jr. Says He’s OK After On-Field Scare

Detroit Lions safety Morice Norris Jr. reassured fans on social media Saturday that he is fine after being taken off the field in an ambulance during Friday’s preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons. Norris reposted a gratitude message with a Bible verse on Instagram, writing, “Amen Amen,” and adding, “I’m all good man don’t stress,” while thanking everyone for their check-ins and support. The 24-year-old was in stable condition late Friday night after receiving about 20 minutes of medical attention on the field before being transported to an Atlanta hospital. The injury occurred early in the fourth quarter when Norris’ facemask made contact with Falcons running back Nate Carter’s midsection, causing his head to snap back during the tackle. Play briefly continued after the incident, but the seriousness was evident to teammates. “Usually you see a couple trainers out there,” quarterback Kyle Allen said. “It’s never good when they bring out the stretchers.”

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georges niang

Celtics Trade Georges Niang to Jazz, Add Chris Boucher

The Boston Celtics have sent forward Georges Niang and two future second-round picks to the Utah Jazz for rookie RJ Luis Jr., the teams announced Wednesday. In a separate move, Boston has reportedly agreed to a one-year, $3.3 million deal with veteran forward Chris Boucher, who spent the past seven seasons with the Toronto Raptors and was part of their 2019 championship run. Niang returns to Utah just a month after arriving in Boston in a three-team trade that sent Kristaps Porzingis to Atlanta. He played four seasons with the Jazz earlier in his career and averaged a career-best 9.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 79 games with Atlanta and Cleveland last season. The deal sheds the final year of Niang’s contract, saving Boston $8 million in luxury taxes and keeping the team under the second apron following Boucher’s signing.

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MLB Prediction Today: Los Angeles Angels vs Detroit Tigers

The Los Angeles Angels wrap up their three-game series against the Detroit Tigers on Sunday at Comerica Park. Read our full preview for the Los Angeles Angels vs Detroit Tigers matchup. Detroit has controlled the season series so far, but Los Angeles is looking to leave town on a high note. First pitch is scheduled for 18:40 PM.MatchPlug is your best plug for up-to-date betting picks and analysis. Betting Preview for Los Angeles Angels vs Detroit Tigers Betting on the Los Angeles Angels The Angels (55-61) are trying to stay in the AL Wild Card hunt but have dropped three straight games. They’re 4th in the AL West, sitting six games behind the final playoff spot. Right-hander Jack Kochanowicz gets the start. He has a 5.85 ERA this season, but the Angels have won his last two starts. Los Angeles’ offense remains dangerous with Zach Neto, Mike Trout, Taylor Ward, and Jo Adell all healthy and capable of going deep. Betting on the Detroit Tigers The Tigers (67-50) sit atop the AL Central with a six-game lead over Cleveland. They also own the second-best record in the American League, just one game behind Toronto. Casey Mize will take the mound. He’s posted a 3.50 ERA this year, but recent form has been shaky allowing 6 runs to the Mariners, 4 to the Pirates, and 3 to the Twins in his last three starts. MatchPlug Prediction for Los Angeles Angels vs Detroit Tigers Detroit’s home-field advantage is a factor, but Mize’s recent struggles open the door for an Angels win. If Kochanowicz can keep the Tigers’ bats quiet early, Los Angeles’ power hitters could take over. The Tigers have been strong in the AL Central, but the Angels’ lineup has the firepower to cause an upset here. Final Prediction: Los Angeles Angels ML

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MLB Prediction Today: Philadelphia Phillies vs Texas Rangers

The Philadelphia Phillies wrap up their three-game weekend series against the Texas Rangers on Sunday at Globe Life Field. Read our full preview for the Philadelphia Phillies vs Texas Rangers matchup. Philadelphia leads the NL East and has its sights set on another deep postseason run, while Texas is fighting to stay in the AL playoff picture. First pitch is scheduled for 19:35 PM. MatchPlug is your best plug for up-to-date betting picks and analysis. Betting Preview for Phillies vs Rangers Betting on the Philadelphia Phillies The Phillies (first in NL East) are aiming to close out the series strong after a dominant 9-1 win in Friday’s opener. Trea Turner, Kyle Schwarber, and Brandon Marsh all homered, while Cristopher Sanchez allowed just one run over six innings. Zack Wheeler gets the start, entering with a 9-5 record and 2.64 ERA. He’s logged 16 quality starts this year and regularly works deep into games, giving the Phillies’ improved bullpen a lighter workload. Betting on the Texas Rangers The Rangers remain in the AL playoff hunt but struggled in the opener, scoring just once in the first inning before being shut out the rest of the way. Merrell Kelly’s rocky debut hurt, as he gave up four runs and five walks. Patrick Corbin will start for Texas. He’s 6-7 with a 3.91 ERA, but recent outings have been short, failing to pitch six full innings in his last five starts, including just 4.2 innings last time out. MatchPlug Prediction for Philadelphia Phillies vs Texas Rangers With Wheeler in form and the Phillies’ offense firing, Philadelphia has the upper hand. Expect them to pressure Corbin early, get into the Rangers’ bullpen, and control the game from there. Final Prediction: Philadelphia Phillies ML

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