Jul 22, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez (11) grounds into a fielder’s choice while knocking in a run in the fourth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
The Cleveland Guardians survived the five-week absence of Jose Ramirez caused by a broken left hamate bone. Will his return be enough to spur them to a third straight American League Central Division crown?
Ramirez will be in the lineup for the second day in a row on Thursday afternoon when Cleveland wraps up a seven-game homestand against the Minnesota Twins.
Guardians right-hander Gavin Williams (10-5, 4.00 ERA) takes on Twins righty Taj Bradley (9-4, 3.85) in the finale of the four-game series.
Ramirez had been on the injured list since fracturing his wrist on June 13 against the Detroit Tigers — requiring surgery to remove the hook on the hamate — before being activated Wednesday. He did not go on a rehab assignment.
The seven-time All-Star third baseman went 2-for-5 with two RBIs and a run in Cleveland’s 10-6 loss. The Guardians went 15-15 with him on the shelf, remaining in a neck-and-neck battle with the first-place Chicago White Sox.
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“I’m very happy to be back and thank God for be able to be back,” Ramirez said through interpreter Agustin Rivero. “I was a little anxious to be back with my teammates.
“The sensation of not being able to be in the lineup is something you can feel. It’s hard to explain, but it’s real.”
Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt wasted no time with the face of the franchise, putting Ramirez in his customary second spot in the batting order. He received a very warm ovation from the home crowd, then promptly singled and scored.
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“In the first inning, he showed you what we missed and his presence lifted up the whole group today,” Vogt said. “It was just fun to have him back, and it’s not a shock to see him come out of the gate this well.”
Ramirez was charged with an error when first baseman Kyle Manzardo failed to pick his throw off an Alan Roden grounder, but it hardly was significant as the Guardians lost for the first time in the series against division rival Minnesota.
Williams will pitch against the Twins for the third time this season, splitting his first two decisions with a 4.85 ERA. He has worked against them nine times (all starts) in all four years in the majors, compiling a 4-3 record and 3.27 ERA over 44 innings.
Minnesota pulled within three games of the Boston Red Sox for the final AL wild-card spot Wednesday, fueled by a four-RBI performance from Brooks Lee and three more by Trevor Larnach. Both also homered in the Twins’ top scoring night since July 4.
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It wasn’t all roses, though, as Bailey Ober continued their woeful stretch of starting pitching by giving up four runs in a season-low tying four innings.
The swoon began on July 18, when Bradley gave up five runs in five innings in a 6-2 loss at the Chicago Cubs that snapped his three-start winning streak. In four career games against Cleveland, he is 2-1 with a 1.54 ERA and 31 strikeouts over 23 1/3 innings.
CAF A-licensed coach Emmanuel King has been strongly linked with the vacant head coach position at El-Kanemi Warriors ahead of the club’s official unveiling of a new manager.
The Akwa Ibom-born coach is understood to be the leading candidate to take charge as the Maiduguri-based club prepares for the new Nigeria National League (NNL) season and its CAF Confederation Cup campaign.
King has built a solid coaching reputation in Nigerian football. He has previously managed FC ONE Rocket, Dakkada FC and Rovers FC, gaining valuable experience at different levels of the domestic game.
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Reigning Nigeria President Federation Cup champions El-Kanemi Warriors announced that they will unveil their new head coach as part of their plans to strengthen the team for the challenges ahead.
The club said the appointment is an important step in building a competitive side capable of competing successfully in both domestic and continental competitions.
Supporters and football fans are expected to follow the unveiling through the club’s official media platforms.
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While Emmanuel King has been widely linked with the role, the club has yet to officially confirm the identity of its new head coach.
The World Cup may be over, but there are some still upset over the controversy surrounding USMNT star Folarin Balogun’s red-card ban being suspended.
Norwegian Football Federation (NFF) President Lise Klaveness said she is going to ask her board to pursue a formal ethics complaint over the incident. She called on FIFA to acknowledge the decision to suspend Balogun’s ban as an error.
“We need our leader in FIFA to say that this was an error,” Klaveness told The Times. “If you start to adapt in such a way towards state leaders and state politics, you will move your behavior and the organization’s behavior, and also the red line of what states’ leaders should interfere with. And that happened.”
Norwegian Football Federation President Lisa Klaveness attends the European Football Women’s Gala 2023 at Antiga Fabrica D’Estrella Damm in Barcelona, Spain, on Nov. 6, 2023.(Cesc Maymo/WireImage)
Klaveness claimed that the proper process was not followed and that bending the rules could put the whole game at risk.
“First of all, it should not have happened. It is very important now to have honest communication around it. We all know that this verdict was influenced from external forces and did not have the proper process,” Klaveness said. “When you bend a rule like this, you’re on a slippery slope that will put the whole game at risk. It is a worry for the game when you compromise fundamental rules of the game.”
Klaveness called the case of FIFA suspending Balogun’s red card ban both “serious” and “worrying.”
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“This case was so serious and so worrying that I hope that it might contribute to bring people out a little bit and don’t fear to bring up cases,” she said. “I will bring it to a board meeting and discuss with my board, and then we do it. To me, it should be in the same sphere of ethical complaint.”
U.S. President Donald Trump look on before presenting the FIFA World Cup Winner’s Trophy to Spain after the Final – FIFA World Cup 2026 match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.(Pablo Morano/BSR Agency/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump reached out to FIFA President Gianni Infantino to ask the organization to review the decision to give U.S. soccer star Folarin Balogun a red card. The red card meant Balogun would have been suspended for the team’s knockout match against Belgium on Monday, but FIFA decided to suspend the one-game ban after Trump’s call.
Trump addressed the controversy earlier this month.
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“All I did was, I asked for a review, because I didn’t think it was a foul,” the president said. “And again, I’m good at this stuff. I didn’t think it was a foul. I thought it was two great athletes who crashed into each other and got entangled. That was not a guy punching somebody in the face or anything that would be different.
“I think it’s a terrible… if they wouldn’t allow a top player, maybe the best, maybe among the best on the team, to play, I think it would have had a big stain. I relayed it. I didn’t tell him what to do. I don’t believe he made the decision. I think it was a committee that made the decision, and they made the right decision because, No. 1, it wasn’t a foul, and you want to see a game with your best players.”
Trump said he took issue with the initial red card that was assessed to Balogun in the first place.
“If you would have taken him out, I think it would have really stained this incredible championship,” Trump continued. “We gotta have our best players and Belgium, Belgium’s got a great team by the way. We have our best players and they have to have their best. If we win or we lose, it’s fair. Otherwise, let’s say we lost to them, then we lost the game. It would be a terrible thing. I think they made a really brilliant decision.
The United States’ Folarin Balogun (20) walks off the pitch after losing to Belgium during their World Cup round of 16 soccer match in Seattle, Washington. Monday, July 6, 2026.(Ted S. Warren/AP Photo)
“I think the referee’s call was horrible and nobody talks about that. They talk about the red card like it’s fine. The referee’s decision to red card, I didn’t know what the hell a red card was and when I found out I said, ‘You gotta be kidding.’… I said, ‘Wow, that’s a lot of power, that’s terrible.’ And then I looked at his past and it wasn’t so great.”
While Balogun was able to play, the USMNT lost 4-1 to Belgium on Monday night, ending their World Cup run in the Round of 16.
Fox News Digital reached out to FIFA for comment but did not immediately receive a response.
AC Milan midfielder Luka Modric – who turns 41 in September – has signed a one-year contract extension.
The Croatian joined Milan last summer on a one-year deal with an option to extend after leaving Real Madrid.
After 13 years at the Bernabeu, Modric scored two goals in 37 appearances for Milan in a season when they finished fifth in Serie A and only reached the last-16 stage of the Coppa Italia.
“I am thrilled to stay at AC Milan, where you made me feel welcomed and loved from the very first day,” Modric said of his new deal.
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“After a season below our expectations, the desire to bounce back is immense. A new season and a new challenge await us – a project I believe in and that motivates me.
“I’m ready to continue to give everything again for this shirt and I’m so proud to keep wearing these colours. Can’t wait to return to San Siro and feel your roar.”
Modric has just played in his fifth World Cup, in which Croatia were knocked out in the last 32 by Portugal.
Since Modric became national team captain in 2016, Croatia had previously been runners-up and finished third in the World Cup.
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The 2018 Ballon d’Or winner won six Champions League titles and four La Liga titles at Real. Previously, he made 160 appearances for Tottenham Hotspur over four years in north London.
In a statement, Milan said: “A key figure in the Rossoneri midfield since his arrival, Luka has brought his experience and quality to the service of the team, both on and off the pitch, with humility and great passion.
“One of the finest and most iconic players in world football, the Croatian will continue his journey in the Rossoneri shirt with the ambition to reach new, important milestones.”
The 2026 3M Open continues on Friday with the second round at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine, Minn. You can find full 3M Open tee times for Friday’s second round at the bottom of this post.
3M Open Round 2 tee times: What to know
Tom Kim had been having a rough go of it on the PGA Tour since his last win in 2023. That is until two weeks ago.
That came in a season which has seen him only finish in the top 10 two other times. But with the wind behind his sails, Kim is teeing it up at the 3M Open hoping that wins come in bunches.
You can watch Friday’s second round of the 2026 3M Open from 4-7 p.m. ET on Golf Channel. PGA Tour Live on ESPN+ will provide exclusive early streaming coverage starting at 7:45 a.m. ET on Friday, in addition to featured group and featured hole coverage.
Check out the complete Round 2 tee times and groupings for the 3M Open below.
A British former world champion who has not fought in over years has announced his comeback to the sport.
Former IBF super-middleweight world champion, James DeGale, who became the first Briton to capture an Olympic medal and a professional world title when he outpointed Andre Dirrell in 2015, has announced he is making a return to the ring.
The 40-year-old southpaw will face 45-year-old former English welterweight champion, Marcus Portman, in Wolverhampton on Saturday, September 26. Although, it is believed that the bout will not be sanctioned by the British Boxing Board of Control.
Speaking to TalkSport, following the announcement of his ring return, DeGale admitted that he is not eyeing up a return to the world titles, but is instead hoping to secure a fight with either Jake Paul or a big-name ‘Misfits’ fighter.
“I can’t go out how I went out against Eubank, I’ve stayed in shape, and after Floyd, I want to have one more in boxing.”
“Boxing has changed since I left. There is Misfits, and the Saudis have come in.
“My world title days are done but there are fights out there like Jake Paul, Darren Till, Ty Mitchell, KSI and Tommy Fury.”
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The weight for DeGale-Portman is yet to be confirmed, but success in that contest could see ‘Chunky’ emerge as a potential dance partner for some of the Misfits stars.
While there has been an influx of players coming into the MLS over the recent few weeks, most notably Robert Lewandowski and Antoine Griezmann, there are also players making the move away from the top American league. This could reportedly be the case for the USMNT‘s Sebastian Berhalter, who is set to make a move across the pond, according to recent reports.
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Berhalter to Middlesbrough?
As reported by The Athletic’s Tom Bogert, the Vancouver Whitecaps star is set to join EFL Championship side Middlesbrough for a fee in the range of $2 million. Berhalter has been a revelation for the Canadian-based MLS side, recording 24 goal involvements over the last two seasons, with six of those coming from his own strikes into the back of the net this campaign.
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The 25-year-old will bring a certain level of experience to the Riverside Stadium in the upcoming season, having been a part of the USMNT’s Round of 16 exit at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, coming off the bench for the most part under Mauricio Pochettino’s reign. In the lone game that Berhalter started for his national team, he bagged a goal and an assist against Turkey.
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While the fee that was previously mentioned might not sound all too impressive given the qualities that Berhalter has shown over the last few seasons, it provided Vancouver with a last-chance effort to make some money off of their star player, according to Bogert, given that he could’ve left on a free transfer at the end of the season given that his contract was set to expire at the conclusion of the MLS campaign.
Former NFL linebacker and ex-ESPN analyst Emmanuel Acho claimed that Ryan Clark built ESPN’s “NFL Live” into the “juggernaut” it is today, and Wingo was not having any of it.
“Ryan Clark built NFL Live into the juggernaut it is today (along with Rutledge, Mina, and Spears), he didn’t ideate NFL Live, there’s a difference,” Acho posted.
Trey Wingo looks on during the first round of the American Century Championship on July 10, 2026, at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course in Stateline, Nev.(Matthew Huang/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Wingo, who hosted “NFL Live” for 15 years, from 2003 to 2018, clapped back at Acho’s claim that Clark built the show by posting a graphic showing its ratings over the years, which he said disproved Acho’s claim.
The graphic, which was based on numbers that ESPN reported, showed that the “NFL Live” averaged 688,000 viewers during a comparable early-season period in 2013 and 624,000 in 2012. It averaged roughly 486,000 in 2015, 492,000 in 2016, 449,000 in 2021 and 440,000 in 2025.
Wingo captioned his post on X, “’Let your apology be as loud as your disrespect.’ I think someone said that once.”
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The former ESPN host’s line about letting your apology be as loud as your disrespect referenced a spat in which Acho insulted former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel and later apologized to him.
Emmanuel Acho speaks onstage during the ADL Never Is Now Summit at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City on March 17, 2026.(Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for ADL)
Acho’s initial tweet was in response to OutKick’s Dan Zaksheske. Zaksheske began the thread of interaction by responding to a clip from “The Breakfast Club,” where the morning show hosts said Clark built “NFL Live.”
“NFL Live premiered in 1998 when Clark was 18 years old, four years before he entered the NFL and 17 years before he joined ESPN,” Zaksheske wrote on X.
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Acho responded to Zaksheske and agreed with “The Breakfast Club,” saying “And nobody was watching NFL Live then,” referencing the show’s existence before Clark joined it.
ESPN is parting ways with longtime NFL analyst Ryan Clark following an 11-year run at the network.(Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Wingo spent nearly 23 years at ESPN and was not retained in November 2020.
A large part of his tenure was spent hosting and building “NFL Live,” and was the host during its peak year in 2013.
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Clark joined ESPN in 2015 and spent more than 11 seasons with the network, overlapping for about five years with Wingo. As his time at ESPN progressed, he became an increasingly polarizing figure.
Feb 12, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, US; NFL reporter Ian Rapoport on the sideline before Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports.
In a short clip on social media, Rapoport offers his 2 cents on how things are going to unfold in the Twin Cities. “For the Minnesota Vikings,” the NFL insider says, “no doubt one of the biggest storylines of all of training camp. They have their quarterback battle, as well. Is it Kyler Murray? Is it J.J. McCarthy?” Rapoport indicates that the two-person battle will last through August and that there will be “wide-ranging ramifications for the organization.”
A touch general, perhaps, but Ian Rapoport is stepping into what can be a heated debate.
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Ian Rapoport on Minnesota’s QB1 Competition
Depending on who gets asked, the Minnesota Vikings are either moving through a farce or a competition. Just how wide the chasm is between Murray’s and McCarthy’s abilities (or lack thereof) largely influences the stance the onlooker takes.
Murray, no doubt, is a sensational talent. Few, if any, are so elusive. Even better, the man has an excellent arm, which is easy to overlook since he’s a smaller lad. Murray can zip the ball and put the pigskin into his receiver’s hands. Kevin O’Connell is desperate for a quarterback who is accurate; Murray fits that basic criteria.
Nov 2, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) runs the ball for a touchdown in the third quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images
Meanwhile, McCarthy is coming off a disappointing season. His playing time has taken a major hit due to injury. Combined, the knee, ankle, concussion, and wrist issues have robbed him of 24 games across a pair of seasons.
On the field, McCarthy has left something to be desired with his play. His completion percentage — an eyesore at 57.6% — points toward an inaccurate passer. So, too, does a 11/12 TD-to-INT ratio point toward somebody who simply doesn’t have it.
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But then there’s a critical reality: the kid is talented, works hard, and is only 23. Roughly two years ago, the Vikings opted to pick him at No. 10 overall, the highest a passer has ever gone in franchise history. Does it really make sense to quit on the kid after a pair of injury-filled seasons? Wouldn’t that be an instance of O’Connell’s franchise failing a passer?
A key reality to remember: humans are dynamic beings rather than static beings. McCarthy will grow and improve. What’s yet to be determined is by how much.
Consider, for instance, a scenario where Kyler Murray came to town as a quarterback who was ten steps ahead of J.J. McCarthy. Murray has since been taking steps forward as he gets coached up and learns the scheme. What happens, though, if McCarthy takes two or three steps for every step that Murray takes?
Doing so would mean that the race could get pretty close to the end of August. Again, that basic reality: the passers aren’t static. Whatever discrepancy existed in March of 2026 isn’t guaranteed to exist in August or September of 2026. Kick out the timeline even further — 2027, 2028, and so on — and the truth becomes even more pronounced.
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Nov 12, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) throws a pass against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Ian Rapoport thinks that the competition is going to be given a long life. Essentially, all of August since Rapoport points toward the battle taking place through the preseason. There then appears to be a suggestion that the battle could bleed into September. Quite possibly, the well-connected insider is exactly right.
To my eye, though, Rapoport is overshooting a touch.
Expect a QB1 decision to get figured out by August 31st. If so, then the starting quarterback will get a two-week runway to prepare for the Sunday, September 13th battle against the Green Bay Packers. The Week 1 game won’t be hindered by the pair of passers going toe-to-toe for the upcoming month. In fact, needing to directly compete for several weeks could be crucial toward each developing into the best version of themselves.
The Minnesota Vikings welcome rookies to town on Sunday, July 26th. Veterans arrive on Tuesday, July 28th. All eyes will be on Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy.
Davis Schneider has been recalled from triple-A Buffalo, the Blue Jays announced before Thursday’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays.
The infielder/outfielder was slashing just .153/.282/.296 with three home runs in 49 games for the Blue Jays before he was sent to Buffalo on June 30.
Schneider replaces Sean Keys, who has been sent back to the Bisons. Keys slashed .167/.189/.278 with one homer in 12 games for Toronto.
Meanwhile, the Blue Jays also recalled left-hander Adam Macko from Buffalo and placed lefty Patrick Corbin (left teres major strain) on the 15-day injured list.
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The Blue Jays play their series finale against the Rays at 3:07 p.m. ET / 12:07 p.m. PT on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+.
Phil Foden has committed his long-term future to Manchester City after signing a new contract that will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until June 2030. The deal also includes an option for a further year.
The England international, who joined City’s academy as a child, has become one of the club’s greatest homegrown success stories since making his senior debut in 2017.
Reacting to his new contract, Foden expressed his pride at continuing his journey with the club.
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“Committing my future to City means everything to me. Playing for this club is all I’ve ever wanted to do and it’s always an honour to wear the shirt.”
The 26-year-old has made 418 appearances for Manchester City, scoring 114 goals and providing 78 assists. During that time, he has helped the club win six Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League, three FA Cups, five League Cups, the FIFA Club World Cup, the UEFA Super Cup and two Community Shields.
Despite his success, Foden says his focus remains on adding more trophies.
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“It’s not lost on me that I’ve been lucky enough to be part of a historic period with so many titles won, but we’re always looking to the future and trying to win more.”
Foden also thanked everyone at Manchester City for their continued support throughout his career.
“I can only thank the club, staff, teammates and fans who continue to put their faith in me and trust that I give everything I can for City and I hope I’ll be able to repay you for years to come.”
The new contract ensures Manchester City retain one of the Premier League’s standout talents as the club prepares for another campaign under head coach Enzo Maresca, with Foden expected to remain a central figure in City’s ambitions.
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