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Shohei Ohtani leaves mound with trainer after throwing 6 straight balls, including 2 wild pitches

CINCINNATI (AP) — Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani left the mound accompanied by a trainer during the fourth inning against the Cincinnati Reds. Ohtani threw six straight balls, including two consecutive wild pitches. After a conference on the mound, he departed with a 2-0 count against Spencer Steer. It was Ohtani’s seventh mound start in his comeback from his second Tommy John surgery on his right elbow. The Dodgers’ plan for Wednesday was for Ohtani to throw four innings. He threw 51 pitches, 32 for strikes, in three-plus innings. Ohtani remained in the game at designated hitter.

ESPN cuts ties with Shannon Sharpe following settlement of sexual assault lawsuit, AP source says

Shannon Sharpe will not return to ESPN, according to a person familiar with the decision. The decision follows his recent settlement of a lawsuit accusing him of sexually assaulting a woman during their relationship. Sharpe’s last appearance on ESPN was in late April when the lawsuit was filed. No details of the settlement have been released. The lawsuit sought $50 million. Sharpe called the accusations false and hoped to return for the NFL season. Instead, ESPN decided to part ways with the Hall of Fame tight end. Sharpe joined ESPN in 2023 after leaving FS1’s “Undisputed” and was a panelist on “First Take.”

Durán to Phillies and twin pitchers dealt on same day. Big names remain as MLB trade deadline looms

The Philadelphia Phillies have acquired reliever Jhoan Durán, signaling a willingness to pay for bullpen help as the MLB trade deadline approaches. Durán has a 2.01 ERA and 16 saves this season. He was traded for two top prospects. Also on Wednesday, the New York Mets added relievers Tyler Rogers and Ryan Helsley. He joins Edwin Díaz as a late-inning option. The Mets sent right-handers José Buttó and Blade Tidwell, along with outfielder Drew Gilbert, to the Giants. The Yankees added outfielder Austin Slater, while the Cincinnati Reds acquired third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes from the Pirates. More trades are expected before Thursday’s deadline.

Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas, 5 others charged with running illegal poker games at his LA mansion

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Federal prosecutors say former NBA star Gilbert Arenas has been arrested along with five other people on suspicion of hosting illegal high-stakes poker games at a Los Angeles mansion owned by Arenas. The U.S. Attorney’s Office said Wednesday that all six defendants are charged with one count of conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business and one count of operating an illegal gambling business. His attorney said he hadn’t had much time to speak with his client and couldn’t comment on the case. The 43-year-old Arenas is also charged with making false statements to federal investigators.

NYC gunman bought his rifle from his boss in Las Vegas

NEW YORK (AP) — Authorities say the man who killed four people at a Manhattan office building bought the rifle he used in the attack and the car he drove across country from his supervisor at a Las Vegas casino. Police say Shane Tamura fatally shot four people in the building that houses the National Football League’s headquarters on Monday before killing himself. New York police said Wednesday that Tamura’s supervisor at the Horseshoe Las Vegas legally bought the AR-15-style rifle he sold to Tamura for $1,400. Police said a search of Tamura’s Las Vegas apartment turned up a psychiatric medication and other drugs that had been prescribed to him. Police say he believed he had a brain disease linked to contact sports and accused the NFL of hiding the dangers of playing.

Coach Deion Sanders’ return to Colorado lifts team spirits after his battle with bladder cancer

BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Colorado defensive back Carter Stoutmire sees Deion Sanders as more than just a coach. Sanders has returned to the team after battling bladder cancer, and his presence has lifted spirits. Stoutmire, whose father played in the NFL with Sanders, expressed relief at his return. Sanders revealed Monday that doctors removed his bladder to combat an aggressive form of cancer. His return has energized the team. Defensive coordinator Robert Livingston praised Sanders’ leadership, noting his impact on and off the field. Sanders emphasized the importance of regular health checkups, a message that resonated with Livingston.

Phillies acquire hard-throwing reliever Jhoan Duran in trade with Twins, AP source says

CHICAGO (AP) — The Philadelphia Phillies have acquired Jhoan Duran, trading two top prospects to the Minnesota Twins for the hard-throwing reliever. A person with direct knowledge of the deal confirmed the move to the AP on condition of anonymity because it was pending a review of medical records. Duran has 16 saves and a 2.01 ERA in 49 appearances this season, striking out 53 in 49 1/3 innings. Catcher Eduardo Tait and right-hander Mick Abel were shipped off to Minnesota in the deal.

Nine pitchers, one shutout: How the Royals made history against the Braves with a 1-0 victory

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals have made history by using nine relievers to achieve a 1-0 shutout against the Atlanta Braves. That ties a major league record set by Cleveland in 2016. Sam Long secured the win by escaping a jam in the 10th inning. Salvador Perez then hit a single to score MJ Melendez for the victory. Injuries to the starting rotation forced Royals manager Matt Quatraro to rely on the bullpen, which delivered an outstanding performance. They combined to allow five hits and one walk while striking out 10.

Coaches race to master art of retention amid NIL, revenue sharing and transfer portal challenges

College coaches are racing to master retention as revenue sharing and NIL opportunities steer athletes toward the transfer portal. Arkansas coach Sam Pittman, who lost most of his 2023 recruits, says the transfer rate isn’t about treatment or development but possibly playing time or finances. At SEC Media Days, he emphasized loyalty, with players like Cam Ball staying committed. Florida coach Billy Napier highlights the importance of pitching the right message during recruiting. Coaches like SMU’s Rhett Lashlee and NC State’s Dave Doeren stress rewarding loyalty over enticing new players with higher offers.

Pirates send 3B Ke’Bryan Hayes to Reds for reliever Taylor Rogers, a prospect and cash

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Pirates have traded Gold Glove-winning third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes to the Cincinnati Reds for veteran reliever Taylor Rogers, shortstop prospect Sammy Stafura and cash. The 28-year-old Hayes gives the Reds an elite defender at the hot corner who is under contract for the rest of the decade. The 20-year-old Stafura, a second-round pick by the Reds in 2023, is considered one of the better prospects in Cincinnati’s system.