Yardbarker

Mike Santa Barbara

Mike Santa Barbara is a Wilmington, Delaware native (Yes, it's a real place) with over a decade of sports writing experience. A diehard Philadelphia sports fan, he has two dogs named after Flyers and cried real tears when the Eagles won Super Bowl LII. You can follow him on Twitter at @mike__sb.

Justin Verlander explains why his third Cy Young means more than the others

The 39-year-old caps off an incredible year, winning a World Series and now the Cy Young.

Marlins' Sandy Alcantara receives all 30 first-place votes to win NL Cy Young Award

On Wednesday, Alcantara was named the unanimous winner, becoming the first pitcher to win the Cy Young in the franchise's 29-year history. 

Phillies provide discouraging update on Bryce Harper's injury

Harper dealt with an elbow injury for most of the 2022 season.

Bears rookie DB says he was the 'steal' of the 2022 NFL Draft

The 23-year-old, who has started all 10 games for the Bears, retweeted a breakdown of his season stats while proclaiming he was the 'steal' of the draft. 

49ers lean on running game, defense in comeback victory over Chargers

Trailing by six at halftime, the 49ers outscored the Chargers 12-0 the rest of the way, sneaking away with the six-point victory to improve to 5-4.

Watch: Raiders QB Derek Carr driven to tears after loss to Colts

Carr bared his soul when discussing with the media what he and his teammates go through each week to play on Sundays. 

Watch: Philly fans cheer for Cowboys loss to Packers at 76ers game

A Cowboys fan happened to be in attendance and was greeted by the Philly faithful, as you'd expect, with boos.

Rams WR Cooper Kupp leaves game vs. Cardinals with leg injury

Wide receiver Cooper Kupp left the game early in the fourth quarter with a right leg injury; the Rams listed his return as "doubtful."

Bills QB Josh Allen comments on 'horrendous' second half in OT loss to Vikings

"Losing sucks. Sucks this way even worse," Allen said. "Horrendous second half. I gotta do better. We gotta do better." 

MMA world reacts to untimely death of Anthony 'Rumble' Johnson

Johnson had recently been dealing with an unspecified illness; he was 38. 

Seahawks fan in Germany expertly trolls Russell Wilson

The NFL played its first regular season game in Germany on Sunday when the Buccaneers took on the Seahawks in Munich. 

Michael Penix Jr. helps No. 25 Washington stun No. 6 Oregon, 37-34

Penix helped bring the Huskies back from behind three separate times in the second half thanks to a handful of big-time plays. 

Report: Phillies believed to have 'real interest' in free-agent SS Xander Bogaerts

The Phillies already have one of the highest 2023 payrolls in baseball, but after falling just two wins short of a World Series title, they seem ready to spend even more this winter. 

Orioles prospect named Arizona Fall League MVP

Heston Kjerstad led the league in hits (35), doubles (9), and total bases (61), batting .357/.385/.622 with five home runs and 17 RBI.

NFL players weigh-in on request for safer playing fields

On Saturday, NFLPA president J.C. Tretter published a letter calling for changes to playing surfaces throughout the NFL in the name of player safety. 

Seahawks LB Bruce Irvin will make international NFL history Sunday in Munich

Germany checks off the fifth country Irvin's played a regular season game in, setting a new NFL record. 

Titans QB Ryan Tannehill expected to return Sunday vs. Broncos?

Tannehill has thrown for 1,097 yards with six touchdowns and three interceptions, leading the Titans to a 4-2 mark in six starts. 

LSU's Harold Perkins has his own 'Flu Game' vs. Arkansas but doesn't know who 'MJ' is

The fact that Perkins was feeling under the weather makes his performance on Saturday even more herculean. 

Watch: Steph Curry drills shot from beyond half-court, but it didn't count

Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry showed off his range Friday night against the Cleveland Cavaliers, but it was all for not.

Astros fire assistant GM Scott Powers as front-office purge continues

Nearly a week after winning the World Series, the Astros have shockingly cleaned house in the front office. 

Ex-NHL ref Tim Peel: Lightning star Nikita Kucherov 'pouts' about getting hit

Peel's comments stemmed from an altercation between Kucherov and Florida Panthers' forward Matthew Tkachuk during a game back in October.

Darius Slay believes Eagles' secondary could make switch to wide receiver

Still undefeated at 8-0, the Philadelphia Eagles are starting to believe they can accomplish anything.

How do Geno Smith and Russell Wilson compare this season?

Nearly nine months removed from the Wilson trade, how does he stack up against Smith? 

Senators' Claude Giroux opens up about return to Philadelphia

Giroux got his first game against his former team out of the way last week in Ottawa and even tallied career goal No. 300 in a 2-1 loss. However, Giroux knows Saturday will be different. 

Watch: Baker Mayfield celebrates Panthers' victory by headbutting teammates without a helmet on

Baker Mayfield found a unique way to celebrate after the Carolina Panthers 25-15 win over the division-rival Atlanta Falcons.