Here are the AP’s top sports stories that have moved or are planned to move today. All times U.S. Eastern. For up-to-the minute information on AP’s coverage, visit AP Newsroom’s Coverage Plan. Sports content can be found at http://newsroom.ap.org/page/APSports.

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UPCOMING

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FBN--INSIDE THE NUMBERS

DESCRIPTION: Blocked kicks have become a major factor in the NFL this season. There have been 16 blocked kicks in the first four weeks, the second most since 1991. By Pro Football Writer Josh Dubow. 950 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/01/2025 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text

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HKN--PUCK DROP-SEASON GUIDE

DESCRIPTION: The NHL season starts Oct. 7 with a tripleheader that includes the Florida Panthers raising a Stanley Cup banner for a second consecutive year. They are going for the league’s first threepeat since the New York Islanders’ early 1980s dynasty. Connor McDavid’s Edmonton Oilers and the Vegas Golden Knights are co-championship favorites. The league will pause for two weeks in February for players to compete in the Olympics. It’s the first time the NHL is participating in the Games since 2014. By Hockey Writer Stephen Whyno. 525 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/01/2025 6:00 a.m. EDT, Text

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FBN--NFL-LONDON 40TH GAME-BY THE NUMBERS

DESCRIPTION: The NFL will reach a milestone Sunday when the Minnesota Vikings face the Cleveland Browns at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. It will be the 40th regular-season game in London. Facts and figures to know.

UPCOMING: By 10/01/2025 6:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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BBO NATIONALS

DESCRIPTION: WASHINGTON — The Washington Nationals are expected to present Paul Toboni on Wednesday as the new person in charge of their baseball operations department after six consecutive losing seasons. By Howard Fendrich. 500 words. AP Photo.

UPCOMING: By 10/01/2025 11:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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FBC--THE OLD COLLEGE TRY

DESCRIPTION: WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — Tom Cillo entered his first college football game as nervous as any typical freshman, even if there’s hardly anything typical about Cillo. The 58-year-old nose tackle for Division III Lycoming College -- likely the only player in the country who draws a pension -- went out for the team over the summer because he was tired of asking himself “what if. “it’s time to put regret, not even in the rearview mirror, time to put it out of sight,” Cillo told the AP. By National Writer Will Graves. 900 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/01/2025 11:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, DigitalPlans, Text

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HKN--OLYMPIC BUBBLE

DESCRIPTION: Clayton Keller and Tage Thompson were left off the U.S. 4 Nations team. Same for Robert Thomas with Canada. They are just a few of many players on the bubble to make their national teams for the upcoming Olympics in Milan. By Stephen Whyno. 500 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/01/2025 4:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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HKN--STARS-RANTANEN PRESENCE

DESCRIPTION: FRISCO, Texas — Mikko Rantanen knows where he will be for quite a while now, after going from Colorado to Carolina to Dallas in a six-week span last season. The high-scoring winger has already become a big presence for the Stars, with a spectacular playoff performance and settled in for his $96 million, eight-year contract extension that was part of the deadline trade that brought him to Dallas. By Stephen Hawkins. 600 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/01/2025 4:15 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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BBO--POSTSEASON

FORMATS: Photo, Text

1. WITH: BBO--PADRES-CUBS

2. DESCRIPTION: CHICAGO — Manny Machado and the San Diego Padres try to avoid elimination when they take on Seiya Suzuki and the Chicago Cubs in Game 2 of their NL Wild Card Series. Chicago won 3-1 in the opener of the best-of-three series on Tuesday. By Baseball Writer Jay Cohen. UPCOMING: 500 words, photos. Game starts at 3:08 p.m. ET.

3. UPCOMING: By 10/01/2025 5:50 p.m. EDT

4. WITH: BBO--RED SOX-YANKEES

5. DESCRIPTION: NEW YORK — Carlos Rodón (18-9) starts for the New York Yankees and Brayan Bello (11-9) for the Boston Red Sox in the second game of their AL Wild Card Series opener. By Baseball Writer Mike Fitzpatrick.

6. UPCOMING: By 10/01/2025 9:00 p.m. EDT

7. WITH: BBO--REDS-DODGERS

8. DESCRIPTION: LOS ANGELES — Yoshinobu Yamamoto starts for the Los Angeles Dodgers, who try to close out Zack Littell and the Cincinnati Reds in Game 2 of their NL Wild Card Series. By Beth Harris. UPCOMING: 500 words, photos. Begins 9 p.m. ET.

9. UPCOMING: By 10/01/2025 9:00 p.m. EDT

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FBN--RAIDERS-DRAFT CLASS

DESCRIPTION: HENDERSON, Nev. — Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty finally had his breakout game and tackle Charles Grant could receive his first playing time Sunday at Indianapolis. But, so far at least, it’s been a quiet start for the Raiders’ 2025 draft class. By Mark Anderson. UPCOMING: 700 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/01/2025 8:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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BBO--DODGERS-OHTANI HOMERS

Ohtani hits 2 homers for Dodgers in playoff opener against Reds

SUMMARY: Shohei Ohtani hit two home runs for the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 1 of their NL Wild Card Series against the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday night. Ohtani’s first homer was a leadoff shot in the first inning. His second, a two-run drive in the sixth, extended the lead to 8-0. Ohtani hit a career-high 55 homers during the regular season, breaking his own franchise record. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has said the two-way superstar would probably start on the mound if the series goes to a decisive third game. Ohtani has yet to pitch in the postseason.

WORDS: 448 - MOVED: 10/01/2025 1:44 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:60d0cb6c596aba25651642b759a47224&mediaType=text

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BBO--REDS-DODGERS

Ohtani and Hernández power Dodgers past Reds 10-5 with 2 homers each in Wild Card Series opener

SUMMARY: Shohei Ohtani and Teoscar Hernández hit two home runs apiece, Blake Snell struck out nine over seven strong innings and the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Cincinnati Reds 10-5 in their NL Wild Card Series opener. Tommy Edman also went deep for the Dodgers, who tied a franchise postseason record with five homers and pounded out 15 hits as they opened their bid to become the first back-to-back World Series winners in 25 years. Ohtani, who had a career-high 55 homers in the regular season, homered leading off the first against Reds ace Hunter Greene and added a two-run shot off Connor Phillips with two outs in the sixth to make it 8-0.

WORDS: 619 - MOVED: 10/01/2025 1:07 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a910efbbe52c04198552b6937f1a3c62&mediaType=text

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BKL--WNBA FINALS-LOOKAHEAD

A’ja Wilson and Las Vegas chase a third WNBA title in four years as they face Phoenix in Finals

SUMMARY: A’ja Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces are looking to accomplish something only done once before by winning a third WNBA championship in four seasons. Standing in the way are the Phoenix Mercury, who are making their first championship appearance since 2021. The WNBA Finals will begin Friday in Las Vegas between the second-seed Aces and No. 4 seed Mercury. This year for the first time the two teams will play in a best-of-seven format as the league expanded its championship round from a five-game series.

WORDS: 568 - MOVED: 10/01/2025 12:39 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:0a1dbe00808ca88b903d64033f34917e&mediaType=text

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BKL--FEVER-ACES

Aces beat Fever 107-98 in OT of Game 5 of semis, advance to WNBA Finals to face the Phoenix Mercury

SUMMARY: A’ja Wilson scored 35 points and Jackie Young added 32 to lead the Las Vegas Aces back to the WNBA Finals. The Aces held off Indiana 107-98 in overtime in Game 5 of the semifinals. The second-seeded Aces, who won the league title in 2022 and 2023, will host the fourth-seeded Phoenix Mercury on Friday. Indiana, despite being decimated by injuries, made Las Vegas work for the win. Kelsey Mitchell, who scored 15 points, left the game with a leg injury. The Aces took the lead early in overtime and didn’t give it up.

WORDS: 344 - MOVED: 10/01/2025 12:22 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:229121a4d93bf652d9167fde2ca32495&mediaType=text

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BBO--RED SOX-CROCHET

Crochet pitches like an ace from bygone days and lifts Red Sox over Yankees 3-1 in playoff opener

SUMMARY: Garrett Crochet led the Boston Red Sox to a 3-1 victory over the New York Yankees in their AL Wild Card Series opener. He threw 117 pitches, the most in a postseason game in six years, striking out 11 batters and walking none over 7 2/3 innings. Crochet retired 17 consecutive batters after Anthony Volpe’s homer in the second. Acquired from the Chicago White Sox in December, Crochet has become Boston’s ace, earning a $170 million contract starting next year. He went 18-5 with a 2.59 ERA this season, leading the major leagues with 255 strikeouts and topping the AL with 205 1/3 innings.

WORDS: 927 - MOVED: 09/30/2025 11:50 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:63cb2adcc42c62f0f99f818f98cef1d6&mediaType=text

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BBO--YANKEES-BULLPEN

Boone defends his moves after Yankees bullpen falters again in playoff-opening loss to the Red Sox

SUMMARY: The New York Yankees’ bullpen has been one of their biggest weaknesses this season. It faltered again in their playoff opener and has them on the brink of being eliminated by the rival Boston Red Sox. Max Fried worked 6 1/3 scoreless innings in Game 1 of the AL Wild Card Series. But manager Aaron Boone removed Fried after he retired the first batter in the seventh. Reliever Luke Weaver walked the first batter he faced and allowed a double and a two-run single. David Bednar gave up back-to-back hits in the ninth to give Boston some breathing room.

WORDS: 771 - MOVED: 09/30/2025 10:58 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f9381a29efdcf039d084b79f224082af&mediaType=text

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BKL--LYNX-COLLIER

Napheesa Collier tells of private chat with Engelbert that she said exposed a problematic leader

SUMMARY: Napheesa Collier delivered a blistering assessment of the WNBA and its commissioner as she sat in front of the media with a prepared statement and disclosed private conversations she said she had with Cathy Engelbert that portrayed her as a leader who lacks accountability. The Minnesota Lynx star spoke Tuesday for more than four minutes on topics ranging from Caitlin Clark — and her value to the league — to inconsistent officiating, which she feels Engelbert and the WNBA haven’t addressed. Engelbert responded to Collier in a statement not long after the media session, saying she was disheartened by it.

WORDS: 964 - MOVED: 09/30/2025 10:45 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:201bb2fcfe53f086fe21dfd6170568ef&mediaType=text

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BBO--TIGERS-SKUBAL

Tarik Skubal’s 14-strikeout gem gives Tigers playoff momentum after late-season swoon

SUMMARY: Detroit pitcher Tarik Skubal delivered a standout performance in Game 1 of the AL Wild Card Series against Cleveland. Skubal tied a franchise postseason record with 14 strikeouts, leading the Tigers to a 2-1 win Tuesday. Despite a challenging September, Skubal’s determination helped Detroit gain early momentum in the best-of-three series. He allowed just one run on three hits over 7 2/3 innings. Skubal’s fastball averaged 99.1 mph, and he effectively used his slider. His performance was crucial for Detroit, which had struggled against Cleveland in recent matchups.

WORDS: 790 - MOVED: 09/30/2025 9:07 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ff062f2ca679040151174ecb23d75ea5&mediaType=text

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FBN--JAGUARS-49ERS-SIGNS

Niners’ Robert Saleh regrets ‘bad choice of words’ in sign-stealing compliment to Jags’ Liam Coen

SUMMARY: San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh has clarified his comments about Jacksonville coach Liam Coen’s staff being “elite at sign stealing in a legal fashion.” Saleh’s remarks last week led to a heated exchange on the field between the two coaches on Sunday after Jacksonville beat San Francisco. Saleh said Tuesday he intended to compliment Coen’s ability to position players for success. He admitted his choice of words was poor. Saleh stressed that Jacksonville’s actions were legal, but the Jaguars were still offended. Saleh and Coen haven’t spoken since the incident.

WORDS: 477 - MOVED: 09/30/2025 8:37 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:9836dc59209e1ffe269e9bfa8183e938&mediaType=text

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BKN--LAKERS-LEBRON RESTS

LeBron misses Lakers’ first practice of training camp due to minor injury, focus on long-term health

SUMMARY: LeBron James sat out of the Los Angeles Lakers’ first practice of training camp with a minor injury. James has “a little bit of nerve irritation in the glute,” coach JJ Redick said after the workout at the Lakers’ training complex. James will become the first player in NBA history to play 23 seasons when the Lakers open the regular season on Oct. 21 against Golden State. That game is the target for James and the Lakers, who will work together to manage the 40-year-old superstar’s workload against injuries and exhaustion, particularly during training camp.

WORDS: 231 - MOVED: 09/30/2025 8:32 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d65bcfa56b0ef04fbd2a19c67b6bf058&mediaType=text

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BBO--CUBS-SUZUKI DELIVERS

Seiya Suzuki’s home run helps the Chicago Cubs to Game 1 win over the San Diego Padres

SUMMARY: Seiya Suzuki watched the playoffs on TV after each of his first three years in the majors. He gets to play this time around, and he is determined to make the most of the opportunity. Suzuki hit a crucial home run to help the Chicago Cubs to a 3-1 victory over the San Diego Padres in Game 1 of their NL Wild Card Series. The usually reserved Suzuki pumped his right arm and yelled in celebration as he made his way to first base after his big swing. Chicago had just one hit before the Japanese slugger opened the fifth with a 424-foot shot into the bleachers in left-center on a 94.5 mph fastball from Nick Pivetta.

WORDS: 507 - MOVED: 09/30/2025 8:19 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:5227133b5fb64d64536b24454bb1d37f&mediaType=text

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FBN--NFL-INTERNATIONAL EXPANSION

The Vikings take a 10-day, 2-game trip to Dublin and London, an NFL first. How did they pull it off?

SUMMARY: The Minnesota Vikings are in the midst of a 10-day road trip to Europe that’s the first time an NFL team will have played consecutive international games in different countries. They lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Dublin last Sunday. They face the Cleveland Browns in London this week. The organization welcomed the assignment from the league for the opportunity to move two road games from difficult-to-play-in stadiums to neutral sites. The football side of the operation also embraced the challenge with full confidence in the support staff around them to ensure everything from nutrition to equipment could be transported.

WORDS: 998 - MOVED: 09/30/2025 7:48 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3caed2affdf31ce5626d95dc81b3ce3d&mediaType=text

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BBO--ANGELS-WASHINGTON

Ron Washington won’t return as Angels manager after 2 seasons cut short by health issues

SUMMARY: Ron Washington will not return for a third season as the manager of the Los Angeles Angels. The team announced the move on Tuesday. Washington missed roughly half of the current season after undergoing quadruple bypass heart surgery. The Angels said they will hire a new manager for 2026, which means interim manager Ray Montgomery also won’t get the job. The 73-year-old Washington was the oldest manager in the majors during his two seasons with the Angels, who hired him in November 2023. Los Angeles had the worst season in franchise history in 2024, going 63-99 after the free-agency departure of two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani.

WORDS: 609 - MOVED: 09/30/2025 7:34 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4f81d78c915d372264e3104ac9ac143e&mediaType=text

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BKL--WINGS-KOCLANES FIRED

Dallas Wings fire coach Chris Koclanes after going 10-34 in Paige Bueckers’ rookie season

SUMMARY: The Dallas Wings have fired coach Chris Koclanes after going 10-34 in his only season. That was with rookie star Paige Bueckers, who was named WNBA Rookie of the Year after being selected No. 1 overall in the draft. General manager Curt Miller, who just completed his first season with the Wings, says a change in leadership at this time was best for the organization. The team will have its fifth coach in a seven-season span. Koclanes worked with Miller in Connecticut on his staff from 2016-22 and helped the Sun reach the WNBA Finals in 2019 and 2022.

WORDS: 556 - MOVED: 09/30/2025 7:06 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:f464b1688047142afa0ad9023821523b&mediaType=text

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BBO--POSTSEASON PAYROLLS

MLB spending disparity on display in playoffs as $509 million Dodgers take on $121 million Reds

SUMMARY: Baseball’s economic disparity is evident in the playoffs. The Los Angeles Dodgers have committed more than $500 million in salaries and luxury tax this season. They face the Cincinnati Reds, who have a $121 million payroll. Six of the 12 postseason teams have payrolls of $200 million or more. The Dodgers lead with a $341.5 million payroll and nearly $168 million in luxury tax. The New York Mets, despite spending $428.8 million, didn’t make the playoffs. The Yankees, with the third-highest spend at $363.3 million, face the $200 million Red Sox. Cleveland has the lowest payroll among playoff teams at $103.9 million.

WORDS: 523 - MOVED: 09/30/2025 7:00 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:db083bd10bf754f3b74221a0aee196ec&mediaType=text

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SOC--CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ROUNDUP

Mbappé and Kane star as Real Madrid and Bayern Munich earn big wins in Champions League

SUMMARY: Kylian Mbappé has scored a hat trick and Harry Kane scored two as European heavyweights Real Madrid and Bayern Munich enjoyed big wins over tournament newcomers in the Champions League. Madrid shrugged off any travel weariness in a 5-0 win at Kairat Almaty in Kazakhstan, and Bayern eased to a 5-1 win at Pafos in Cyprus. Tottenham needed a late own goal to escape Bodø/Glimt with a 2-2 draw from the Norwegian champion’s first home game in the main stage of the competition. Liverpool lost 1-0 at Galatasaray, Atlético Madrid romped to a 5-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt, and Lautaro Martínez scored twice to lead Inter Milan to a 3-0 win at home over Slavia Prague.

WORDS: 651 - MOVED: 09/30/2025 5:57 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:46df3dac2d8f7b940b8272b02b378b83&mediaType=text

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BBO--TIGERS-GUARDIANS

Tarik Skubal’s 14 strikeouts propel Tigers past Guardians in Game 1 of AL Wild Card Series

SUMMARY: Tarik Skubal tied Detroit’s postseason record with 14 strikeouts and the Tigers beat the Cleveland Guardians 2-1 on Tuesday in Game 1 of their AL Wild Card Series. Will Vest got the final four outs for Detroit, surviving a tense ninth inning after Cleveland star Jose Ramírez got hung up between third base and home for the second out. The Tigers can advance to the AL Division Series for the second straight year with a win Wednesday. Detroit scored the go-ahead run in the seventh inning when Zach McKinstry’s safety squeeze scored Riley Greene from third.

WORDS: 757 - MOVED: 09/30/2025 5:05 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8837f7567eca7b81d86d21ae2b5e8685&mediaType=text

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HKN--WILD-KAPRIZOV

Minnesota Wild sign Kirill Kaprizov to richest deal in NHL history: $136 million over 8 years

SUMMARY: The Minnesota Wild have signed Kirill Kaprizov to the richest contract in NHL history at $136 million over eight years. The record-setting deal was done on Tuesday. Kaprizov will count $17 million against the Wild’s salary cap beginning next season. That’s the highest annual average salary since the league’s cap era began in 2005. Kaprizov’s contract surpassed Leon Draisaitl’s $14 million annual average with Edmonton. Alex Ovechkin’s 13-year, $124 million contract signed with Washington in 2008 was previously the highest total value. Only Ovechkin and Auston Matthews among current NHL players had more goals through 300 career games than Kaprizov.

WORDS: 954 - MOVED: 09/30/2025 4:33 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:df38df3d649600ff7d953da19ac8acbb&mediaType=text

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FBC--COLORADO-DEROGATORY CHANTS

Big 12 fines Colorado $50K for derogatory chants from fans directed at BYU, Deion Sanders apologizes

SUMMARY: Colorado coach Deion Sanders has apologized to BYU after derogatory chants by fans during a game over the weekend. The Big 12 Conference has reprimanded Colorado and issued a $50,000 fine for the expletives and religious slurs directed at Mormons. Sanders said the behavior doesn’t reflect the school’s values and expressed support for BYU, which is the flagship school for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark emphasized zero tolerance for hateful language. Colorado’s leaders also condemned the behavior, stating that discriminatory language has no place at their events.

WORDS: 414 - MOVED: 09/30/2025 3:45 p.m. EDT

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FBN--ON FOOTBALL-TUESDAY TAKEAWAYS

Key players are enduring serious injuries at an alarming rate across the NFL

SUMMARY: Even the best quarterbacks look average or worse when they don’t have time to throw. Just see Patrick Mahomes in his two Super Bowl losses. The Chiefs couldn’t protect him and were routed by the Eagles and Buccaneers. With so many offensive linemen going down at an alarming rate, more quarterbacks are facing immense pressure across the league. Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers were off to a 3-0 start before running into the winless New York Giants on Sunday.

WORDS: 850 - MOVED: 09/30/2025 3:36 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:8894c93fd1068c3e5bf672d5bd5a01ff&mediaType=text

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BBO--CARDINALS-BLOOM

Chaim Bloom takes over as president of baseball operations for the St. Louis Cardinals

SUMMARY: Chaim Bloom says the St. Louis Cardinals will be sticking to their roots to get back to October baseball. Bloom has been in line since last year to become the organization’s president of baseball operations. He spoke to the media Tuesday as he takes over a team that finished the season 78-84, fourth in the NL Central and missing the playoffs for a third consecutive season. Bloom served as an advisor to the organization this season. He is taking over for John Mozeliak.

WORDS: 566 - MOVED: 09/30/2025 2:53 p.m. EDT

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BBO--TRENDS

Flamethrowers rule mound as right-hander average 4-seam fastball reaches 95 mph

SUMMARY: Flamethrowers have dominated the mound in the major leagues this year. The average four-seam fastball among right-handed pitchers has reached 95 mph for the first time. According to MLB Statcast, average velocity has increased for seven straight seasons. Reliever Mason Miller, traded from Oakland to San Diego in July, reached 100 mph with a big league-high 422 pitches. A study released by MLB last December concluded that rising velocities and maximum effort are likely causes of the vast increase in pitcher injuries. Home runs rose to 1.16 per game, while stolen bases and strikeouts per team per game dropped.

WORDS: 636 - MOVED: 09/30/2025 2:44 p.m. EDT

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