Dodgers manager Roberts expects Ohtani to get the at-bats he needs for playoffs by season’s end
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Shohei Ohtani doesn’t need to put up huge numbers in October for Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts to be thrilled with his success following his latest injury absence. Having two two-way star healthy and in the Los Angeles lineup to lead off will be plenty, and Roberts plans to monitor Ohtani’s workload. The defending World Series champions will have five days off during the wild-card rounds as they await their first-round playoff opponent. That will give Ohtani plenty of time to rest while he prepares. Ohtani will play the last five games of the regular season and Roberts says that’s enough.
Stephen Curry and Warriors agree to 2-year contract extension worth $116 million, AP source says
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Stephen Curry has agreed to a two-year contract extension worth $116 million that would take him through the 2028-29 season. That’s according to a person with direct knowledge of the deal who spoke to The Associated Press on Friday night. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the Warriors had not announced the terms of Curry’s contract. Curry was eligible to command up to $136 million, so he is giving his team a discount as he backs up his longstanding commitment to finish his career with the Warriors. He is a two-time MVP and the NBA career leader in 3-pointers.
International sweep puts Team USA in a 7-3 hole at the Presidents Cup
MEDINAH, Ill. (AP) — The Internationals delivered another sweep in foursomes and have the Americans on their heels in the Presidents Cup. Nick Taylor hit a 9-iron to a foot to save par on the 18th hole as he and fellow Canadian Corey Conners took down Scottie Scheffler and Sam Burns. British Open champion Ryan Fox holed two key birdie putts and closed out a par as he and Min Woo Lee toppled Collin Morikawa and Wyndham Clark. The sweep means the Internationals have a 7-3 lead. It’s their largest after two sessions since 1998. That’s the only year they won the Presidents Cup.
Saturday’s MLB clinching scenarios: Phillies trying to hold off D-backs for final NL wild card
Major League Baseball’s postseason is rapidly approaching, with the Los Angeles Dodgers seeking a third straight World Series title. The Philadelphia Phillies can lock up the final NL wild card with a win over the Rays and a D-backs loss to the Padres on Saturday. The Guardians (84-76) have a narrow advantage over the White Sox (83-77) in the AL Central, but Chicago owns the head-to-head tiebreaker. Both teams have already qualified for the postseason. The Rangers (79-81) and Astros (79-81) are fighting for the AL West, and Houston has the tiebreaker if the season ends in a tie. Houston could clinch on Saturday if it beats the A’s and the Rangers lose to the Twins.
Pope Leo XIV declines to credit himself for White Sox playoff return
PARIS (AP) — Pope Leo XIV is a lifelong Chicago White Sox fan but also knows better than to wade too deep into sporting rivalries. The pontiff trod very carefully when asked whether he had a hand in the team’s improbable return to the playoffs on Thursday. He smiled and said, “No comment.” But he also left no doubt that he was thrilled, by adding: “Great things happen in Chicago.” The pontiff’s diplomatic response reflects his awareness of the potential pitfalls of showing favoritism. In June, he declared, “the pope is for all teams,” but upset Barcelona fans by admitting he roots for Real Madrid. The club proudly shared the moment, leading to social media buzz about being “the team of God.”
Blue Jays star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. apologizes for comments about his $500 million contract
TORONTO (AP) — Toronto Blue Jays star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has apologized for comments he made about his $500 million, 14-year contract. In a Spanish language interview, Guerrero said he was being paid for his past achievements, not future performance. A clip of the interview became public on Wednesday. Guerrero faced criticism and expressed regret on Friday, saying he felt his fans and teammates deserved an apology. He promised to continue working hard to justify his contract. Guerrero has struggled this season with injuries and a slump in performance. His contract is the third-largest in baseball history.
49ers star pass rusher Nick Bosa will miss a few games after hurting his calf
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — San Francisco 49ers star pass rusher Nick Bosa injured his calf warming up for practice earlier this week and will miss a few games. Coach Kyle Shanahan said that Bosa got hurt before practice on Thursday doing “high knees.” Shanahan said Friday that the injury wasn’t believed to be long term but he would likely miss a few weeks starting with Sunday’s game against Arizona. The injury to Bosa is the latest to hit the defensive line for the 49ers.
George Russell starts on pole in Azerbaijan with a chance to cut Antonelli’s F1 lead
BAKU, Azerbaijan (AP) — George Russell starts the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on pole with a chance to cut into his Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli’s mammoth 81-point Formula 1 standings lead. Russell is on pole for the first time since the Austrian Grand Prix in June, which was also his last win, after going almost a full second faster than anyone else in qualifying on Friday. Charles Leclerc is second for Ferrari, with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri third, while Antonelli starts 16th on the grid after he hit the wall in qualifying.
Ireland team’s activities before Israel games delayed as pressure to boycott grows
The Ireland team’s press conference and training session the day before the first of its Nations League games against Israel hacve been delayed as pressure to boycott the matches grows. Journalists in Debrecen, Hungary – where Israel’s “home” game is to be played Sunday – have been left waiting Saturday after being told the press conference was being pushed back until after training. That was 15 minutes before it was supposed to begin. Training was also delayed, however, with Irish broadcaster RTÉ reporting the players were still in their hotel when it was supposed to begin. The team has been coming under increasing pressure to boycott the two games – the first on Sunday and the second, Ireland’s “home” game, in Backa Topola, Serbia on Oct. 4.
Tim Tebow pauses relationship with Christian organization accused of using predatory sales tactics
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Tim Tebow says he is “pausing his relationship” with Life Surge, a Christian organization that’s been accused of using predatory sales tactics to exploit its followers’ faith and financial insecurity. The 2007 Heisman Trophy winner who is currently a college football analyst with ESPN’s SEC Nation says his team is conducting an internal investigation. Tebow says he was “caught off guard” by the “Pablo Torre Finds Out” podcast that focused partly on Tebow’s speaking engagements with Life Surge.
Lee Beebe Jr. rushes for 203 yards and No. 4 Indiana holds off surprising Northwestern 29-23
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (AP) — Lee Beebe Jr. rushed for 203 yards, including a 70-yard burst that set up Josh Hoover’s game-sealing 1-yard TD run with 1:56 to play, and No. 5 Indiana held off surprising Northwestern 29-23. The defending national champion Hoosiers extended the Football Bowl Subdivision’s longest active winning streak to 20 games and the longest home winning streak to 19 — but it was a struggle until the final seconds. Northwestern was within 15-13 early in the fourth quarter but failed on a 2-point conversion. The Wildcats made a late field goal but couldn’t recover the onside kick.