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Paid leaves of Guardians pitchers Clase and Ortiz extended as MLB continues gambling investigation

CLEVELAND (AP) — Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz had their paid leaves extended indefinitely as Major League Baseball continues an investigation to gauge their possible involvement in gambling during games. Clase and Ortiz were initially set to sidelined until at least Aug. 31. MLB and the players’ union said in a news release they have agreed to extend the nondisciplinary paid leave “until further notice.” It’s possible the pitchers will be out at least until the end of the regular season, which concludes Sept. 28. The Guardians recently cleared out their lockers, a sign they were unlikely to return in the final month.

Road woes raise questions about Alabama’s direction under 2nd-year head coach Kalen DeBoer

Alabama hasn’t looked the same since coach Nick Saban retired. It raises speculation about the future of his replacement, Kalen DeBoer. The eighth-ranked Crimson Tide have dropped three of their last four following a 31-17 loss at Florida State, a game in which the Seminoles bullied Alabama on both sides of the ball. The Tide are now 2-5 away from home during DeBoer’s 14-game tenure — with four of those losses coming as double-digit favorites. DeBoer says he’s “not going to live in regret.” He adds that Alabama needs to “fix it and be better because of it and evaluate the film and move on.”

Szoboszlai stunner secures Liverpool win over Arsenal as Man City collapses to another loss

Dominik Szoboszlai has curled home a brilliant long-range free kick to earn Liverpool a 1-0 win over Arsenal in an early-season meeting between two of the likely Premier League title contenders. Manchester City was also expected to be challenging for the championship this season but collapsing to a 2-1 loss at Brighton for a second straight loss is another sign that Pep Guardiola’s team has lost its aura of dominance. Little separated Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield before Szoboszlai stepped up to an 83rd-minute free kick and whipped it into the top corner from about 30 yards (meters).

Oscar Piastri wins Dutch GP after Lando Norris breaks down in a key moment for F1 title race

ZANDVOORT, Netherlands (AP) — Oscar Piastri has won the Dutch Grand Prix after teammate Lando Norris’ Formula 1 title chances took a heavy blow when his McLaren broke down. Norris was chasing Piastri late in the race when the British driver reported a “funny” smell in his cockpit. Smoke poured from the back of the car and he had to stop. Max Verstappen passed the stricken Norris to cheers from the crowd for second place at his home Grand Prix, while Isack Hadjar of Racing Bulls took his first-ever podium finish in third.

Medvedev splits with longtime coach after US Open meltdown

NEW YORK (AP) — Daniil Medvedev has split with longtime coach Gilles Cervara after a disappointing year in the Grand Slam tournaments ended with his meltdown in a first-round loss at the U.S. Open. Medvedev, the 2021 U.S. Open champion, and Cervara both posted messages Sunday on Instagram, thanking each other for a successful partnership that included the Russian reaching No. 1 in the ATP rankings. Medvedev has won 20 titles but lost in the first round of the last three major tournaments, including twice to Benjamin Bonzi. Medvedev had a tirade during his latest loss to Bonzi after the chair umpire allowed Bonzi another first serve after a photographer came onto the court during the match.

Tennis fashion is exploding at the US Open. Luxury brands want in

NEW YORK (AP) — Before New York Fashion Week kicks off in Manhattan, some of the incoming brands are making an early first stop elsewhere — in Queens, on the blue hard courts of the U.S. Open. In a sport where brands like Nike and Adidas were once the only players, the logos of Gucci and Miu Miu have started to weave their way in. Tennis fashion has been surging, and the luxury fashion industry started to feel left out. Coco Gauff wore tennis dresses partially designed by Miu Miu for three tournaments over the summer. Lorenzo Musetti debuted his Bottega Veneta partnership, the Italian brand’s first with an athlete, with a white intrecciato jacket at Wimbledon in June.

Jessica Pegula is back in the US Open quarterfinals after a fourth-round romp

NEW YORK (AP) — Jessica Pegula is back in the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam tournament, which used to be her roadblock. The way Pegula is playing at this U.S. Open, it may be just another stop on the way back to the final. Pegula rolled into the last eight by routing fellow American Ann Li 6-1, 6-2 in just 54 minutes. The No. 4 seed hasn’t dropped a set this year at Flushing Meadows. Pegula had been 0-6 in Grand Slam quarterfinals before upsetting Iga Swiatek in that round last year en route to the final. She will face either two-time Grand Slam champion Barbora Krejcikova or another American, Taylor Townsend, on Tuesday.

Aaron Rodgers is cutting through the noise to build connections and reshape his legacy in Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Aaron Rodgers is embracing a new chapter with the Pittsburgh Steelers, focusing on building connections with teammates. The four-time MVP, who joined the team in June, encourages players to see beyond his public persona. Rodgers, known for his candidness and unusual interests, aims to be a “servant leader” for the team. His approach involves engaging with players across the roster, fostering camaraderie and humility. Rodgers’ presence already has made an impact, with teammates appreciating his genuine interest and leadership. As the season approaches, Rodgers is determined to make the most of his time with the Steelers.

Chicago Cubs agree to a 1-year contract with first baseman Carlos Santana, AP source says

The Chicago Cubs have added Carlos Santana, agreeing to a one-year contract with the veteran first baseman that puts him in the mix for the playoffs, according to a person familiar with the deal. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Sunday because the move hadn’t been announced by the team. The Cubs also claimed right-hander Aaron Civale off waivers from the White Sox before their series finale at Colorado. Right-hander Porter Hodge was recalled from Triple-A Iowa, and left-hander Jordan Wicks was sent down. Tom Cosgrove, another lefty, was designated for assignment.

Full of expectations, Arch Manning struggles as top-ranked Texas falls at No. 3 Ohio State

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Arch Manning struggled under the weight of heady expectations for three quarters against Ohio State. He nearly led Texas back in the fourth quarter, but it wasn’t enough as the Longhorns lost to the third-ranked Buckeyes 14-7. Manning accounted for 208 yards of total offense. He completed 17 of 30 passes for 170 yards with a touchdown and an interception along with 10 rushing attempts for 38 yards. After Texas fell behind 14-0, he completed 8 of 15 for 132 yards and a touchdown, including a 32-yard touchdown pass to Parker Livingstone in the fourth quarter.