CHICAGO (AP) — Ryne Sandberg, a Hall of Fame second baseman who became one of baseball’s best all-around players while starring for the Chicago Cubs, has died. He was 65. Sandberg announced in January 2024 that he had been diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer. He had chemotherapy and radiation treatments, and then said in August 2024 that he was cancer-free. But he posted on Instagram on Dec. 10 that his cancer had returned and spread to other organs. He announced this month that he was still fighting, while “looking forward to making the most of every day with my loving family and friends.”
BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Colorado coach Deion Sanders says he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of bladder cancer but after surgery his oncologist has considered him cured, so he plans to coach this season. Doctors at the CU Cancer Center/UCHealth University of Colorado hospital says Sanders had his bladder removed as part of the surgical plan. The 57-year-old Sanders spoke on the eve of fall camp as he enters his third season overseeing the Buffaloes. He brought his medical team with him to discuss his diagnosis. It was revealed that a section of his intestine was reconstructed to function as a bladder. His doctors say he won’t need radiation or chemotherapy.
Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase has been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave as part of a Major League Baseball investigation into sports betting. Clase, a three-time All-Star, becomes the second Guardians pitcher to be placed on leave in connection with a sports gambling probe. Luis Ortiz also is on non-disciplinary leave through Aug. 31. It was unclear if the cases were related in any way. The Guardians said in a statement they “have been informed that no additional players or club personnel are expected to be impacted.”
CHICAGO (AP) — Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred and Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper had a spirited exchange during a question-and-answer session between the commissioner and the team, according to a person with direct knowledge of the conversation. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation. Phillies slugger Nick Castellanos previously confirmed some details from the meeting in interviews with The Bandwagon and ESPN. Manfred met with the Phillies and Red Sox during their series last week in Philadelphia. The session with the Phillies lasted more than an hour.
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — A 55-year-old Texas man who told police he was in “an imaginary relationship” with WNBA star Caitlin Clark was sentenced to 2 1/2 years in prison after pleading guilty to stalking and harassing the Indiana Fever guard. Michael Lewis, from Denton, Texas, reached a deal with prosecutors in which he pleaded guilty to one felony count of stalking and one misdemeanor count of harassment. He will get credit for time served. Lewis was arrested in January after authorities alleged he sent hundreds of “threats and sexually explicit messages” to Clark between Dec. 12, 2024, and Jan. 11, 2025.
DETROIT (AP) — Arizona Diamondbacks All-Star third baseman Eugenio Suárez hopes he avoided major injury when he was hit in the right index finger by a pitch late in a 5-1 loss to the Detroit Tigers. Suárez is a candidate to be traded to a contender. He was hit by a 95.6 mph sinker from Will Vest in the ninth inning Monday night. He immediately doubled over in pain and quickly left the field. Suárez says “the X-rays were negative” and he's scheduled for more tests on Tuesday. He has 36 homers this season.
INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Chris Paul has returned to the Los Angeles Clippers, fulfilling a long-held dream. On Monday, he saw his No. 3 jersey in the home locker room at the Intuit Dome. Paul signed last week for an off-the-bench role, aiming to win an NBA championship with Kawhi Leonard and James Harden. He expressed excitement and disbelief, having envisioned this moment for a long time. Paul left the Clippers in 2017, playing for several teams before rejoining. His family remained in Los Angeles, and now Paul is thrilled to be back, ready to make up for lost time with them.
NEW YORK (AP) — Baseball's top spenders are struggling with injuries and roster challenges as the trade deadline approaches. The New York Mets, with a big league-high $326 million payroll, lead the NL East but have a losing record since mid-June. The Los Angeles Dodgers, spending just $200,000 less, lead the NL West but have also struggled since early July. The New York Yankees, third in spending, have lost their division lead due to a poor stretch since late May. Despite being playoff contenders, these teams haven't met expectations. Injuries have forced them to use numerous starting pitchers and adjust lineups frequently.
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Bubba Wallace spent three long years questioning everything about his racing world. He saw teammate Tyler Reddick win five times and post three top 10 finishes in NASCAR’s final standings while Wallace endured a 100-race winless streak. He also watched team co-owner Denny Hamlin make regular trips to victory lane while still chasing his elusive Cup title. The drought forced Wallace to contemplate what was wrong and whether he’d continue to be employed in racing. Then he realized there was more to life than racing and everything changed, including a life-altering Brickyard 400 victory Sunday.
The wave of lawsuits from college athletes seeking another season of eligibility seems to be slowing down. With fall football practice starting this week, players hoping for a judge's approval to play may be left waiting. Legal expert Sam Ehrlich says it's likely too late for athletes to file cases and get relief. Judges have provided inconsistent rulings, and the issue might end up in a higher court. Some athletes, like Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia, have won their cases. Others remain in limbo. The NCAA wants limited liability protection from Congress to address these eligibility lawsuits.
INTERLEAGUE
Final Detroit 5 Arizona 1
Final Colorado 8 Cleveland 6
Final Chicago White Sox 6 Philadelphia 2
Final Washington 2 Houston 1
Final Atlanta 10 Kansas City 7
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Final Baltimore 11 Toronto 4
Final Tampa Bay 4 N.Y. Yankees 2
Final Minnesota 5 Boston 4
Final L.A. Angels 6 Texas 4
Final Seattle 3 Athletics 1
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Final L.A. Dodgers 5 Cincinnati 2
Final St. Louis 7 Miami 1
Final Milwaukee 8 Chicago Cubs 4
Final Pittsburgh 6 San Francisco 5
Final San Diego 7 N.Y. Mets 6