Shohei Ohtani was left out of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ lineup on Thursday as a precautionary measure for a lingering left knee injury.
Manager Dave Roberts stated the decision was made to prevent the soreness from escalating into a more severe issue.
The 32-year-old is expected to make a swift return to action on Friday.
Pitching problems persist
The Japanese superstar’s left knee has already prevented him from taking the mound for nearly a month.
Dodgers officials previously maintained that the joint, located on his landing leg, only troubled him during pitching duties.
However, this recent flare-up while acting strictly as a position player raises potential concerns for the franchise.
Roberts noted that the current irritation stems from the designated hitter being on base seven times over the previous two nights.
“I appreciate the communication. I can’t read minds, the training staff can’t read minds, so just for him to communicate that allows for us to make a decision.”
Dave Roberts
Long road to recovery
The two-way phenom last pitched on 3 July, exiting a 110-pitch performance after tweaking his right biceps on a swing.
Shortly before the All-Star break, he received a lubricating injection in the troublesome left knee in an attempt to alleviate the persistent pain.
An attempt to throw a bullpen session in Philadelphia on 22 July further aggravated both the knee and his earlier biceps issue.
Despite these setbacks, president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman remains confident the star will pitch again this season.
Managing the pain
Medical experts have informed the two-time MVP that complete healing will require a full offseason of rest.
Consequently, the Los Angeles outfit is currently focused on pain management rather than a permanent mid-season cure.
The organisation is strongly resisting the temptation to place their prized asset on the injured list.
“It’s gotten better over the last few weeks markedly. To essentially take it out of his hands, shut him down, the player — you trust him.”
Dave Roberts
Free agent wide receiver Deebo Samuel has agreed to return to the San Francisco 49ers on a one-year deal worth up to $7m, following a single season with the Washington Commanders.
The versatile playmaker rejoins the franchise that drafted him in the second round of the 2019 draft, providing immediate relief for a depleted receiving corps.
San Francisco are currently managing early training camp injuries to receivers Ricky Pearsall and Christian Kirk, making the reunion a logical fit.
A temporary stint in the capital
The All-Pro pass-catcher spent the previous campaign in Washington after requesting a trade away from California last off-season.
Despite the change of scenery, he recorded a team-best 72 receptions for 727 yards and five touchdowns for the Commanders.
However, his trademark rushing ability was severely underutilised due to lengthy absences for fellow wideouts Terry McLaurin and Noah Brown.
The former second-round pick was limited to just 17 carries on the ground, representing his lowest rushing workload since an injury-hit 2020 season.
Reclaiming dual-threat dominance
The returning star enjoyed the most productive period of his career in the Bay Area, flourishing into a unique offensive weapon.
His crowning achievement came during a stellar 2021 campaign where he amassed 1,770 yards from scrimmage and 14 touchdowns to earn first-team All-Pro honours.
He will also offer significant special teams value to the 49ers, having averaged 30.1 yards across 15 kickoff returns during his brief stint in Washington.
Throughout his decorated NFL career, the dynamic athlete has secured 406 catches and rushed for over 1,200 yards while scoring 48 total touchdowns.
The New Orleans Saints have signed wide receiver Chris Olave to a four-year contract extension worth up to $132m, keeping him with the franchise until 2030.
The landmark deal includes $90m in guaranteed money, according to a statement from his representatives Drew and Jason Rosenhaus.
It represents the largest receiver contract awarded by the organisation since Michael Thomas signed a record-breaking five-year agreement in 2019.
Career year yields lucrative reward
The former Ohio State standout had been absent from recent training camp practices while awaiting a resolution to his unsettled contractual situation.
He was originally scheduled to play the upcoming NFL campaign on the fifth-year option of his rookie deal.
The 2022 first-round draft pick earned this historic payday following a sensational season where he registered 100 receptions for 1,163 yards and nine touchdowns.
Overcoming recent health concerns
This significant financial commitment arrives despite recent injury setbacks for the dynamic pass-catcher.
He sustained at least two documented concussions during the 2024 season, which had temporarily raised concerns regarding his long-term availability.
However, the 24-year-old finished the year fully healthy and subsequently cemented his status as a cornerstone piece for the Louisiana-based team.
A consortium led by former Newcastle United co-owner Amanda Staveley has entered talks to purchase a 25% stake in Championship club West Ham.
The investment group, which includes her husband Mehrdad Ghodoussi, has expressed a firm interest in acquiring the shares currently held by Vanessa Gold.
Discussions have progressed rapidly in recent weeks, with the prospective buyers having already secured the necessary global financial backing to facilitate an agreement.
Initial enquiries were made towards the tail end of last season, shortly before the East London side suffered a disappointing relegation from the top flight.
Potential for future majority takeover
While the immediate proposal concerns a quarter of the football club, the consortium remains entirely open to buying further shares to eventually become majority stakeholders.
Current control of the Hammers is primarily divided between major investors David Sullivan and Daniel Kretinsky.
This renewed interest in capital investment follows the departure of the British businesswoman and Ghodoussi from St James’ Park in July 2024.
The same investment vehicle had previously explored the possibility of purchasing a minority stake in Tottenham Hotspur during the previous campaign.
Sullivan steps back amid investigation
Any change in the boardroom arrives during a turbulent period for the recently relegated outfit, following Sullivan’s decision to step down as joint chairman in June.
His resignation was prompted by a joint investigation by BBC Panorama and the Times newspaper detailing allegations of sexually exploitative and predatory behaviour towards young women.
Seven women came forward to accuse the billionaire of abusing his power during business meetings to pressure them for sex, with the claims spanning decades from the 1980s onwards.
The 77-year-old, who built a substantial fortune through pornography, newspapers and football, has strongly refuted the historic accusations.
I categorically deny the claims.
In response to the severity of the situation, the Independent Football Regulator contacted the club seeking urgent information regarding his ongoing suitability for a leadership role.
England defender John Stones has joined Italian champions Inter Milan on a free transfer, signing a two-year contract following his departure from Manchester City.
The 32-year-old left the Etihad Stadium when his previous deal expired at the end of June, concluding a highly successful decade with the Premier League club.
“I have lived all my dreams out,” the centre-back stated after amassing a staggering collection of major honours in England.
A glittering decade in Manchester
During his trophy-laden spell, the versatile defender helped his former employers secure six top-flight titles alongside a maiden Champions League crown.
His domestic dominance also included two FA Cups, five League Cups and three Community Shields, supplemented globally by Club World Cup and Uefa Super Cup triumphs.
The former Barnsley prospect made 295 appearances and scored 19 goals for the Citizens after arriving from Everton for £47.5m in 2016.
Fending off European competition
Since becoming a free agent this summer, the seasoned international attracted widespread interest from heavyweights across the continent.
Both Chelsea and Juventus were reportedly monitoring his situation before he opted to link up with the reigning Italian champions.
The Nerazzurri claimed their 21st domestic crown last season and will begin their Serie A title defence against newly promoted Monza on Saturday, 22 August.
International pedigree
At international level, the defensive stalwart has accumulated 93 caps for his country.
He was a crucial part of the national squad that finished third at this summer’s World Cup tournament.
That impressive international run included a starting role in the quarter-final victory against Norway before suffering a narrow 2-1 semi-final defeat by Argentina.
Liverpool have opened formal talks with Paris St-Germain over the potential summer transfer of winger Bradley Barcola.
Initial discussions with the player’s representatives have prompted the Merseyside club to make an official approach.
The Anfield hierarchy are actively seeking a dynamic wide player to reinforce their attacking options ahead of the new campaign.
Following the departure of Mohamed Salah, the club hopes to make the French forward their third summer signing.
Recent arrivals Victor Munoz and Jeremy Jacquet have already strengthened the squad, but further incoming and outgoing movement is expected.
A history of Parisian arrivals
Should the highly-rated prospect move to Anfield, he will follow a well-trodden path between the French capital and Merseyside.
David Ngog famously signed his first professional contract with the Parisian club in 2006 before arriving in England two years later.
The fresh-faced teenager was brought in by Rafael Benitez and eventually made 94 appearances for the Premier League side.
Despite a promising start that yielded 19 goals, the French youth international struggled to reach his full potential and departed for Bolton Wanderers in 2011.
From Anelka to Sakho
Nicolas Anelka is another prominent forward to have crossed the channel on loan during the 2001 January transfer window.
The prolific striker, who ultimately scored 223 career goals, netted five times in 22 appearances to help secure a second-placed league finish.
Manager Gerard Houllier controversially opted against offering the European Championship winner a permanent contract, leading to his eventual departure to Manchester City.
More recently, Mamadou Sakho traded the Parc des Princes for Anfield in an £18m deal in 2013.
The commanding centre-back had already amassed over 200 appearances and won a domestic league title before making his high-profile switch to England.
Liverpool have made direct contact with Club Tijuana regarding a move for 17-year-old Mexican midfielder Gilberto Mora ahead of a potential transfer.
The Anfield club are attempting to steal a march on domestic rivals Arsenal by formalising their interest in the highly-rated teenager.
Any official transfer would have to wait until October when the youngster turns 18, in accordance with international Fifa regulations.
European heavyweights circle
Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid are also reportedly monitoring the situation closely following his impressive recent performances.
The versatile attacker caught the eye of top European scouts after starring for his national side on the international stage this summer.
Reports suggest a buyout clause in the region of £18.7m exists, though a final fee has yet to be officially determined.
‘A rough diamond with no ceiling’
Current Mexico manager Javier Aguirre has previously singled out the prospect for extensive praise, highlighting his maturity and tactical awareness.
“He’s the kind of Mexican player who knows what to do before the ball arrives, who always knows where to position himself to make himself available to his teammates.” Javier Aguirre
“This kid has no ceiling and is a rough diamond that we all have to help polish.”
Securing such an elite youth talent would represent a significant coup for the Premier League side as they plan for the future.
Football’s global governing body FIFA has announced contentious plans to sell a 21 per cent stake in its commercial operations to raise $4.2bn, prompting an immediate backlash from UEFA and other major confederations.
The proposal would see external investors take a slice of a newly created subsidiary named FIFA Forward Enterprise, which consolidates lucrative global events including the World Cup.
Following valuation forecasts by global bank JP Morgan Chase, the new commercial entity is estimated to be worth $20bn.
This unprecedented move represents a radical shift in how the sport’s biggest international tournaments are monetised.
Widespread backlash from governing bodies
The announcement was reportedly made without prior consultation, spreading shock and outrage across the sporting world.
By Wednesday evening, three of the six continental confederations had openly criticised the overarching commercial strategy.
European football’s governing body UEFA has been particularly vocal in its opposition to the proposed equity sale.
Despite the mounting criticism, the Zurich-based organisation insists it will retain absolute control over sporting decisions and structural governance.
Financial incentives for member associations
To secure the necessary approval from its 211 member associations and the 37-person Council, president Gianni Infantino is relying on substantial financial pledges.
The global federation has promised a massive $10bn in development funding for the upcoming 2027-2030 cycle.
This commitment represents a staggering increase from the $3.86bn previously budgeted for the ongoing 2023-2026 period.
Under the proposed restructuring, football development in every region of the world would theoretically benefit from the immediate influx of external capital.
The leadership has even reportedly offered a £30m incentive for member associations who back the deeply divisive initiative.