The Cubs have landed reliever-turned-starter Clay Holmes from the Mets and outfielder Tyrone Taylor in a trade deadline deal to fill two major needs, according to the New York Post. Jefferson Rojas, the Cubs’ No. 2 prospect, is headed back to New York.

The 33-year-old Holmes has been sidelined since the middle of May after a comebacker fractured his fibula, but he’s already three starts into his minor-league rehab assignment and will soon be ready for activation from the injured list. 

Advertisement

This season, Holmes had once again been quite effective prior to suffering the leg injury, and his work in 2026 advanced what’s been a highly successful transition from bullpen work earlier in his career. Holmes made the jump to starter after signing with the Mets as a free agent prior to the 2025 season. Across 40 starts and a pair of relief appearances for the Mets, Holmes has pitched to a 3.26 ERA/127 ERA+ with an FIP of 3.89. In his first season as a starter in 2025, Holmes was able to log a qualifying number of innings. 

Holmes is owed the balance of a $13 million salary for the remainder of the season. His contract includes a $12 million player option for 2027, but he seems highly likely to decline that option and re-enter the free agent market this coming winter. 

The Cubs rotation has been banged up all season, but it’s potentially crowded down the road. Matthew Boyd and Shota Imanaga are staples. David Peterson has mostly thrown well since the Cubs acquired him from the Mets. Kevin Gausman (acquired Sunday night) and Holmes have now joined the rotation. Colin Rea and Javier Assad are depth pieces who could be used in long relief. Edward Cabrera is expected to return from injury in mid-August. Ben Brown, who was great earlier in the season before his neck injury, has started throwing. Justin Steele is also continuing to rehab from Tommy John surgery. 

The Cubs have been seeking bullpen help, too, and have traded for power arm Ryan Zeferjahn. Further, given their newfound abundance of starting pitchers, it’s reasonable to believe they’ll move some of them to the bullpen. Hunter Harvey and Hoby Milner will likely return soon enough and the Cubs will still hope for a healthy return from closer Daniel Palencia.

With eyes on the playoffs, the Cubs could have a rotation of Gausman, Holmes, Boyd and Imanaga while Cabrera, Rea, Assad and Brown take bullpen roles. There’s always innings for pitchers, especially in the postseason.

Tyrone Taylor, meanwhile, is a rental and a good defender, and has been on a major heater over the last several weeks. The Cubs will hope he can keep that up as a fourth outfielder. And with Ian Happ’s struggles, maybe Taylor gets time in left field as a starter.

For the Mets, the seller’s move by lead executive David Stearns comes amidst a deeply disappointing season that’s seen them tumble from contending status in each of the last two seasons to last place in the National League East. They have already shipped out Luke Weaver, A.J. Minter and Huascar Brazoban over the deadline.

Rojas, a 21-year-old third baseman, is hitting .270/.339/.461 with 19 doubles, 15 home runs, 57 RBI, 58 runs and 17 steals in Double-A this season. MLB Pipeline ranked him No. 2 in the Cubs organization, praising his pitch-recognition and bat-to-ball skills.

Here are our grades for each team. 

Chicago Cubs: A-

The Cubs added a rental starter in Gausman, so they were likely trying to grab a pitcher under team control for another few seasons on Monday. Holmes isn’t that, as there’s a player option for 2027 that he’s unlikely to exercise. That’s the only reason for the minus being tacked on to that A. Holmes was outstanding in his nine starts before injury and could resemble a frontline guy the rest of the season and into the playoffs. That’s a big get for the Cubs. Taylor is helpful as well, especially with Happ’s significant struggles.

Advertisement

New York Mets: B

Holmes and Taylor were both gone after this season, so there was no reason for the Mets to hold onto them. As such, they were without a ton of leverage and did well to get the Cubs’ No. 2 prospect. That says more about the Cubs’ farm system, though, as Rojas isn’t a top 100 prospect overall. He’s a good get, not a great one. That means we can land on a B here and feel good enough.

Terence Crawford believes there are fighters out there who can test Shakur Stevenson, but does he consider Ryan Garcia one of them?

Stevenson remains undefeated in 25 fights, having captured world titles in four divisions. He currently holds the WBO super lightweight world title having comprehensively beaten Teofimo Lopez earlier this year, and is in search of the biggest fight to kick off his new promotional deal with Zuffa Boxing.

Speaking on The Real Report podcast, Crawford, a friend, mentor and training partner of Stevenson’s, highlighted the best in and around the 140lbs class.

“[Shakur Stevenson and Devin Haney] those two fighters are gonna make each other great and it’s gonna be a tough for both of them. Throw Keyshawn [Davis] in there, Tank in there, it’s gonna be hell as well. Those guys right there are holding the keys to 135 and 140.”

Asked if WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia should be in that mix, Crawford said no.

“Ryan Garcia ain’t gonna beat them guys.”

Crawford brushed off Garcia’s victory over Haney, subsequently overturned to a no contest when he failed a doping test, saying Haney ‘wasn’t as focused’ as he could’ve been.

Garcia remains adamant that he wants the Stevenson fight, however, the weight continues to be an issue, with Shakur only willing to go as high as a 144lbs catchweight for now rather than jumping straight up to welterweight. That same demand is preventing a clash with Haney.

In the meantime, Garcia is set to make the first defence of his title against Conor Benn on September 12 in Las Vegas.

Ankur Bhattacharjee and Yashaswini Ghorpade clinched the men’s and women’s singles title with contrasting wins at the 22nd Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships here on Sunday.

Bhattacharjee emerged a deserving 4-3 winner over Payas Jain after a hard-fought match.

Payas looked set for victory after opening a 7-4 lead in the deciding game.

However, Ankur called a timeout that disrupted his opponent’s rhythm, and fought back to level at 8-8.

He then edged ahead 10-9, and eventually sealed the title 11-9 when Payas’ return drifted long.

In the women’s final, Ghorpade delivered a commanding performance to defeat Sreeja Akula 4-1.

India dominated the championships, winning all but one of the gold medals on offer.

The lone title eluded the hosts was the men’s doubles, where Malaysia’s pair defeated Manav Thakkar and Manush Shah in the final.

Ghorpade dominated the opening two games, racing to an 11-6, 11-1 lead and putting Sreeja under immense pressure.

Sreeja responded admirably, taking the third game 11-8 to keep her hopes alive, but Ghorpade quickly regained control, claiming the fourth game 11-7 and moving within touching distance of the title.

The fifth game produced the most entertaining contest of the match, with both players matching each other point-for-point in a tense finish.

Although Sreeja fought hard and saved two championship points, she failed to benefit from crucial opportunities at the business end.

Yashaswini held her nerve to convert her third match point, sealing a 13-11 victory and the championship in style.

In the men’s doubles final, contrary to expectations, Malaysia’s Shen Qi Wong and Javen Choong delivered a clinical display, defeating India’s Manav Thakkar and Manush Shah, the world No. 2 pair, in straight games.

In the all-Indian women’s doubles final, Sreeja Akula and Syndrela Das delivered a commanding performance, defeating Yashaswini Ghorpade and Divyanshi Bhowmick 3-1.

The mixed doubles final featured a spirited comeback by India’s Manav Thakkar and Taneesha Kotecha, who defeated Malaysia’s Ai Xin and Richard Rui 3-2.

Results: Men’s Singles: Final: Ankur Bhattacharjee (Ind) bt Payas Jain (Ind) 11-8, 9-11, 7-11, 11-8, 4-11, 11-4, 11-9.

Men’s Doubles: Final: Shen Qi Wong/Javen Choong (Mas) bt Manav Thakkar/Manush Shah (Ind) 11-9, 12-10, 11-7.

Women’s Singles: Final: Yashaswini Ghorpade (Ind) bt Sreeja Akula (Ind) 11-6, 11-1, 8-11, 11-7, 13-11.

Women’s Doubles: Final: Sreeja Akula/Syndrela Das (Ind) bt Yashaswini Ghorpade/Divyanshi Bhowmick (Ind) 11-8, 11-13, 11-8, 11-6.

Mixed Doubles: Final: Taneesha Kotecha/Manav Thakkar (Ind) bt Ai Xin Tee/Richard Rui Zhe Yap (Mas) 11-8, 10-12, 10-12, 11-9, 11-5.

Nigeria’s final Group C match against Egypt could play a major role in deciding which teams reach the knockout stage of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

If Nigeria beat Egypt 1-0 and Zambia also defeat Malawi, the final positions will depend on the score in the Zambia-Malawi game.

A 1-0 win for Zambia would leave Malawi, Nigeria and Zambia level on goal difference. Malawi would then top the group on goals scored, with Nigeria finishing second, while Zambia would be eliminated.

If Zambia win by two or three clear goals, Malawi would be eliminated, with Zambia topping the group and Nigeria finishing second.

However, a 3-2 victory for Zambia would again leave the three teams level on goal difference. Malawi would top the group based on goals scored, while Nigeria would finish second and Zambia would be eliminated.

The biggest twist could come if Zambia beat Malawi 4-3. In that case, Nigeria would be eliminated, while Malawi would top the group and Zambia would finish second.

The permutations are based on the competition’s head-to-head rules. If three teams finish level on points, results against the fourth-placed team, Egypt in this case, are not considered when deciding the positions among the three tied teams.

This means Nigeria’s victory over Egypt would be important for qualification, but the final score between Zambia and Malawi could ultimately determine whether the Super Falcons top the group, finish second or face elimination.

Alexandra Eala became the first Filipino to win a WTA singles title as she beat top seed Jessica Pegula in a delayed Washington Open final.

The WTA showpiece was postponed from Sunday to Monday because of bad weather in the US capital.

Rain and lightning meant the start was pushed back on Sunday, before world number three Pegula took the first set 6-4.

Eala, 21, was leading 2-1 in the second set when further bad weather meant play was halted and then cancelled for the rest of the day.

And after play resumed on Monday, Pegula won just three more games as Eala wrapped up a 4-6 6-4 6-0 victory.

Pegula, 32, previously won the event in 2019 and 2021, but Eala secured the second set before racing through the decider behind a dominant left-handed serve and some fearless baseline hitting.

“I feel so much love,” she said. “I knew whatever happened, this match would have already been a win for me.

“My first chance at a title knowing it won’t be the last and already [I’ve] achieved this milestone for my career.”

Eala will jump from 28th in the world rankings to a career-high 20 and before the final Pegula described her as “the future of the tour”.

On Monday, the American added: “To see how far you’ve come over the last couple of years since we first played, to see the amazing fans that follow you every place you go, it’s not fun to play against, but I think it’s amazing.”

The victory extended Eala’s winning streak against top-10 opponents to five matches following victories over Elena Rybakina, Elina Svitolina (twice), and Iga Swiatek.

In the men’s final, world number 10 Taylor Fritz beat 19-year-old Spaniard Rafael Jodar 7-6 (7-2) 6-4.

The American, who was the third seed, claimed his 11th ATP title and his first since Eastbourne last year.

NBA player Terry Rozier departs after his arraignment hearing at Brooklyn Federal Court on charges tied to illegal sports betting and poker game schemes on December 8, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP)

NBA veteran Terry Rozier has asked a federal judge to throw out two of the four charges he faces in an alleged sports gambling scheme that rocked the US basketball world last year.

In a filing on Friday in US District Court in New York, Rozier attorney David Markus argued that a text message sent by alleged co-conspirator Deniro Laster showed Rozier did not agree to manipulate his performance for the benefit of bettors.

The text message also indicated that Rozier didn’t know anyone was betting on his statistics during a March 23, 2023 game he played for the Charlotte Hornets.

READ: Terry Rozier wants NBA return, but bail terms could complicate it

“Dont tell chum bout the bet,” a text from Laster reads, according to the filing, with Markus saying that “Chum” is Rozier’s nickname.

The recipient answered “Hell no,” according to the filing.

Prosecutors have alleged that Rozier advised co-conspirators he would leave that game early and allow them to make bets accordingly, but Markus said the texts “should end the case.”

“One does not hide a bet from the person who supposedly sold it,” Markus wrote.

Prosecutors responded with a filing in which they said they have “developed evidence from multiple sources that this text chain does not relate to sports gambling.”

Rozier was arrested in October 2025 and accused of manipulating his performance in the March 23, 2023 game. In May, prosecutors added two more charges, accusing Rozier of agreeing to a $100,000 bribe.

READ: NBA player Terry Rozier hit with new bribery charges

Rozier, a free agent who has played for the Boston Celtics, Charlotte Hornets and Miami Heat, has pleaded not guilty.

In December, his lawyers asked a judge to dismiss the initial charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering, but a superseding indictment was issued in May, maintaining those charges and adding two more.

On Friday, they sought dismissal of charges of bribery in sporting contests and honest services wire fraud conspiracy.

Markus also asked that the case, set to go to trial next February, be moved from the Eastern District of New York to the Southern District of Florida, where Rozier lives.

Two others charged in the sweeping case, former NBA player and assistant coach Damon Jones and self-described “gambling guru” Marves Fairley, have pleaded guilty to multiple charges.

The Boston Red Sox have acquired catcher Adley Rutschman from the Baltimore Orioles hours before Monday’s Major League Baseball trade deadline, ESPN reports. In return, the Orioles will receive a package of four players and a player to be named later, reports the Baltimore Sun. The return, headlined by right-handed pitching prospect Anthony Eyanson, also includes catcher Carlos Narváez, right-handed prospect Kyson Witherspoon and outfield prospect Enddy Azocar.

Advertisement

Rutschman, 28, is a former No. 1 overall draft pick out of Oregon State and a three-time All-Star. He had spent his entire professional career with the Orioles prior to this trade. This season, he’s enjoying a solid bounce-back campaign coming off an injury-compromised 2025 in which he posted the worst offensive numbers of his career. For that career, Rutschman has an OPS+ of 115 – the same as his 2026 figure – across parts of five big-league seasons. He’s averaged 20 home runs per 162 games played over that span, although his power has taken a dip in recent seasons. Rutschman is presently on the injured list with an inflamed wrist, but he could soon begin a minor-league rehab assignment. 

Rutschman is owed the balance of a $7.25 million salary for this season, and he’ll again be arbitration-eligible for 2027, the final season before he’s slated for free agency. 

The Orioles make the move despite being just 2 ½ games out of playoff position going into Monday’s slate of games. They do have rookie Samuel Basallo ready to take over as the team’s primary catcher moving forward. However, he’s on the IL with shoulder inflammation. In earlier deadline deals, the Orioles also traded starting pitcher Dean Kremer to the Twins and outfielder Taylor Ward to the Mariners. 

Once healthy, the switch-hitting Rutschman is primed to fill the catcher void for the division-rival Red Sox, who have surged back into contention thanks to a franchise-record 21-4 record in July. This season, Boston catchers — mostly Connor Wong and Narváez — have combined for an OPS of just .615, which ranks 25th in MLB. Rutschman, in contrast, has a .764 OPS this season and a .756 mark for his career. That additional year of control means that Orioles fans must watch Rutschman — the face of their recent deep rebuild — in a Boston uniform not only for the rest of 2026 but also the 2027 season. 

On the return side for Baltimore, Witherspoon, who turns 22 on Aug. 12, is the most notable addition for the Orioles. Coming into this season, CBS Sports ranked him as the No. 77 overall prospect. Here’s part of that write-up: 

“Witherspoon has an uptempo delivery that sees him pitch off a high front side and really hinge on his back leg before he looses the ball from a high-three-quarters slot. Despite the frantic aesthetics, he was able to rein in his control at Oklahoma, with his strikeout-minus-walk percentage improving from 13.4% to 25.9% year to year. Witherspoon certainly has the stuff to start at the big-league level — his arsenal includes a heater that sits in the mid-to-upper 90s, a cutter, and two breaking balls — so his future will hinge on his ability to maintain those control gains as a professional.”

This season, Witherspoon, the No. 15 overall draft pick in 2025 out of the University of Oklahoma, has a 4.78 ERA in 17 starts at the High-A level. Eyanson, age 21 and a former third-rounder out of LSU, is in his first professional season. In 68 ⅓ combined innings at the High-A and Double-A levels, Eyanson has a 1.32 ERA with 94 strikeouts and 26 walks. Azocar, 19, is enjoying what may shape up to be a breakout season in 2026. Across 85 games at the Single-A and High-A levels, he’s slugging .540 with 18 homers, 27 doubles, six triples, and 11 stolen bases while spending most of his time in center field.

Bryant suffered a hyperextended knee, bone bruise and small fracture during Monday’s training camp practice

Advertisement

Aug 3, 2026

at

2:54 pm ET

•

1 min read