Walker Stuns Philly Crowd to Claim Home Run Derby Title
Jordan Walker pulled off a stunning comeback in front of a hostile Philadelphia crowd, belting six consecutive home runs on his final swings to overtake Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber and claim the Home Run Derby championship. Schwarber had put up 11 home runs during his 15-swing turn in the final round, sending the hometown crowd into a frenzy. But as Walker’s decisive blast sailed over the left field wall, those same fans went quiet and began heading for the exits. The 24-year-old Walker, who endured loud booing throughout the evening, appeared unfazed by the hostile atmosphere, making history as the first Cardinals player ever to win the event.
France vs. Spain: One World Cup Semifinal Spot Remains
Two of the tournament’s most dominant teams are set to collide Tuesday in Arlington, Texas, as France and Spain meet in the first of two World Cup semifinal matchups. Neither team has been behind on the scoreboard at any point this tournament. France has outscored its opponents 14-2, with Kylian Mbappé tying Lionel Messi’s tournament-leading eight goals. Spain has outscored opponents 10-1, with substitute Mikel Merino delivering the decisive goal in each of the past two matches. Teenage standout Lamine Yamal has been a key figure for Spain throughout the competition. This marks the first World Cup since 1990 where all four remaining teams are former champions. Defending champion Argentina and England face off in the other semifinal.
MLB Players Push Back on Salary Cap Proposal
Major League Baseball is edging closer to a potential work stoppage as players and management remain far apart on a new labor agreement. The current contract expires December 1, and a lockout is widely anticipated. Management’s proposal includes a salary cap intended to close the gap between high- and low-spending teams, but prominent players including Juan Soto, Bryce Harper, and Paul Skenes have voiced strong opposition. They contend the cap would suppress earnings and shrink opportunities for younger players. Negotiations started in May and are expected to resume following the All-Star break. Players are pushing for broader free agency and arbitration rights, and concern is mounting that the 2027 season could be shortened or lost entirely.
Harper Says FanDuel Used His Video Without Permission
Philadelphia Phillies All-Star Bryce Harper is speaking out after learning that a personalized video he created through the Cameo platform was used by FanDuel SportsBook without his knowledge or approval. According to a report from the Philadelphia Inquirer, the video was sent as a reward to a fan named Terry Thompson, who had placed $18.5 million in wagers with FanDuel. The video had FanDuel’s logo attached to it. Harper stated the company had “no right” to use its branding on his content, and said he had no idea about FanDuel’s plans or Thompson’s gambling situation. He raised the issue publicly on social media Monday, just hours before the Home Run Derby got underway.
Rams Lineman Gets Chance to Avoid Domestic Violence Charge
Los Angeles Rams left tackle Alaric Jackson, who was taken into custody on June 9 on suspicion of felony domestic violence, may be able to sidestep a criminal charge. A spokesman for the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office confirmed to the Associated Press that Jackson’s case has been directed toward a pre-filing diversion program open to qualifying individuals. This type of hearing serves as an alternative to misdemeanor criminal prosecution. While no charges are being filed at this time, the case has not been closed and could be revisited if new developments arise.
Spieth Returns to Royal Birkdale Chasing Major Magic
Jordan Spieth is back at Royal Birkdale this week, the site of his British Open victory nine years ago, hoping to rediscover the form that made him a champion. He claimed the claret jug at just 23 years old, at a time when he already had three legs of the career Grand Slam in hand. Today, Spieth remains stuck at three major titles and has managed only two PGA Tour wins since that breakthrough. He has said the Open victory gave him a clear picture of what his best golf looks like, and he still believes he can return to that level. The challenge, he says, has been waiting for the results to follow.
Jazz Guard Alexander Stretchered Off Court in Summer League
Utah Jazz guard Trey Alexander was removed from the court on a stretcher Monday night after suffering an apparent injury during an NBA Summer League contest against the Chicago Bulls in Las Vegas. Alexander, who had signed a two-way contract with Utah just last week, made contact with Bulls player Caleb Wilson while driving to the basket. After releasing the ball toward the hoop, he moved behind the basket clutching his side or abdomen before collapsing to the floor in visible pain. The 23-year-old was carried out of the Thomas & Mack Center on a stretcher. The Jazz had not issued a statement on the nature of his injury as of Monday night.
Schwarber to Lead Off for NL in All-Star Game
Philadelphia Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber will bat leadoff for the National League in Tuesday night’s All-Star Game, stepping into the designated hitter role after Shohei Ohtani withdrew from the event to undergo a knee procedure before the second half of the season. On the American League side, New York Yankees first baseman Ben Rice, outfielder Cody Bellinger, and Detroit Tigers outfielder Riley Greene all earned starting spots due to injuries to other selected players. Rice, who ranks third in the majors with 29 home runs, will start at first base after Toronto’s Vladimir Guerrero Jr. opted out to rest a bad back. Guerrero’s initial replacement, the Athletics’ Nick Kurtz, was also unavailable after spraining his thumb.
Mattingly Finds Himself in Awkward All-Star Spot
Don Mattingly admits he felt a bit of an odd situation when he was invited to serve as a coach under Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts at this year’s All-Star Game. Mattingly had previously served as bench coach for manager John Schneider with the Toronto Blue Jays before stepping away after the World Series, in which the Blue Jays fell to the Dodgers in seven games. He has since taken over as interim manager of the Philadelphia Phillies and has the team back in playoff contention. Tuesday’s All-Star Game is being played at Citizens Bank Park, the Phillies’ home stadium, meaning Mattingly will be coaching against Schneider and the Blue Jays staff on his own team’s home field.
AP Writers Tab Josh Allen as NFL’s Best Quarterback
Josh Allen has been named the top quarterback in the NFL heading into the 2026 season, according to a preseason survey conducted by Associated Press pro football writers. Allen, who won the 2024 AP NFL Most Valuable Player award, edged out Patrick Mahomes, who had held the top spot in each of the three prior surveys. A panel of eight AP writers ranked their top five quarterbacks, with first-place votes worth 10 points and subsequent rankings worth 5, 3, 2, and 1 points respectively. Allen collected five of the eight first-place votes.
