A reliever performs well, then gets sent down. Weiss blames limit on pitchers for roster churn

July 28, 2026

The Atlanta Braves called up right-hander Elieser Hernández from the minor leagues, and a few days later he finally appeared in his first big league game since 2024. After throwing three scoreless innings in relief and earning the win at Baltimore, he was immediately designated for assignment. "I hate it, to be honest with you," Braves manager Walt Weiss said. "I wish the rules were different." What Atlanta did is fairly common now. If a pitcher works several innings of relief — even if he does so effectively — keeping him is essentially wasting a roster spot for the next ...

Tadej Pogacar’s cycling supremacy is such that few riders can even challenge him

July 28, 2026

PARIS — Tadej Pogacar's record-equaling fifth Tour de France title puts him among the greatest cyclists in the sport, and he could become the best of all in years to come. After Sunday's 21st and final stage in Paris, the 27-year-old Slovenian joined Belgian Eddy Merckx, Spaniard Miguel ...

Jets’ Glenn, Bucs’ Bowles and Bengals’ Taylor among NFL coaches facing hot-seat pressure

July 28, 2026

The heat is on several NFL coaches — and it has nothing to do with the soon-to-be steamy dog days of training camp. The regular season is still more than six weeks away, but some coaches already face questions about their job security. For a few, such as the New York Jets' Aaron Glenn, ...

Todd Gilliland competes surprising In-Season Challenge run by collecting $1 million paycheck

July 28, 2026

INDIANAPOLIS — Todd Gilliland reached the final round of NASCAR's second In-Season Challenge by taking advantage of all the right breaks. Daniel Suarez suffered an early tire problem in Round 1 at Sonoma and finished 31st. Carson Hocevar crashed early at Chicago in Round 2. Alex Bowman ...

WNBA to add an NBA-style replay center next season in a major officiating investment

July 27, 2026

CHICAGO — The WNBA will have a replay center similar to the NBA next season as the league continues to invest in officiating, Commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced at her state of the league press conference Saturday before the All-Star Game. Officiating has been a hot topic around the league for the last few seasons, with physical play being a major point of contention. The league put together a task force in the offseason to help clean up some of the physicality in the game. "This is one of the most significant investments we've ever made in our basketball operations, this ...

Dallas’ Azzi Fudd first rookie to win 3-point shootout at WNBA All-Star weekend

July 27, 2026

CHICAGO — Azzi Fudd had no idea she was the first rookie to win the WNBA All-Star 3-point contest. She put forth a stellar effort in the championship round to do it. Fudd, the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft by Dallas, scored 30 points in the finals to top Portland's Bridget Carleton. "I was shocked, that's crazy to be the first is definitely an honor," Fudd said of being the first rookie to win. Fudd's 30-point effort was tied for the second-most ever, equaling Sabrina Ionescu and Allie Quigley's total. Ionescu holds the record, scoring 37 points in 2023. Fudd hit her first six ...