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.

Watch: Senators' Claude Giroux tallies career goal No. 300 against former team

Adding to Giroux's special moment, the big goal came in his first game against his former team, the Flyers.

Astros' Yuli Gurriel had emotional reaction to being taken off WS roster following Game 5 injury

Gurriel batted .347/.360/.490 with two home runs and four RBI in the postseason. He finished 6-for-19 with a double and an RBI during the World Series. 

Phillies' Aaron Nola could be available for Game 6 in relief

It's win or go home for the Phillies as they head into Game 6 of the World Series Saturday night in Houston. 

Would Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr. ever sign with the Yankees?

In an interview with Dominican radio personality El Dotol Nastra, Guerrero killed any buzz about ending up in Yankees' pinstripes once he hits the open market.

Spencer Dinwiddie says ref called him profane name after tech

While it's unclear what may have caused the official to lash out, Dinwiddie said a clap "seemed to keep him irate" and that maybe the referee found that "disrespectful."

Luka Doncic joins exclusive club with continued early-season dominance

Doncic put his name next to the late, great Wilt Chamberlain with his performance Friday night.

Nike suspends relationship with Kyrie Irving, cancels final signature shoe

The fallout continues for Kyrie Irving, this time losing an endorsement deal following a suspension from the Nets.

Braves All-Star to play five games for Professional Venezuelan League

One Braves All-Star will be playing in abroad.

Saints' Alvin Kamara takes criticism of teammate Michael Thomas to heart

After playing only 10 regular season games since 2020, Thomas has come under fire from fans and media alike for being unreliable.

Watch: Prospect Victor Wembanyama shows why he's consensus No. 1 pick for 2023 NBA Draft

Whether or not Wembanyama turns into the NBA's next big thing remains to be seen, but it's clear he has all the tools to take the league by storm next fall. 

Kyle Schwarber sees similarities between 2016 Cubs and Phillies' uphill climb

Up against a Astros club hungry for redemption, the task in front of the Phillies is tall but not impossible. Kyle Schwarber has experienced it with the 2016 Chicago Cubs

Eagles' DeVonta Smith shares his thoughts about your fantasy football team

Despite being rostered in 99 percent of leagues, according to CBS Sports, Smith is ranked No. 34 among wideouts.

Justin Verlander earns first World Series win as Astros take Game 5 over Phillies, 3-2

Justin Verlander allowed only one earned run off four hits through five innings, clinching his first World Series victory in a 3-2 win over the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 5. 

Watch: Alex Ovechkin scores goal No. 786, tying Gordie Howe for most with one team

Future Hall of Famer Alexander Ovechkin hit another milestone in his pursuit of the NHL record for career goals.

Watch: Jeremy Pena becomes first rookie shortstop to hit World Series home run

Pena added to his "rookie firsts" accomplishments on Thursday night.

Watch: Justin Verlander sets MLB record after giving up 10th-career WS home run to Kyle Schwarber

On Thursday, Houston Astros' starter Justin Verlander made some dubious history during Game 5 of the World Series.

Rashod Bateman's season-ending surgery opens the door for veteran WR DeSean Jackson

On Thursday, the Baltimore Ravens learned that wideout Rashod Bateman was diagnosed with a Lisfranc injury requiring season-ending surgery. 

Chargers' Austin Ekeler has high praise for Cowboys RB Tony Pollard

Ekeler weighed in on the growing debate surrounding the Cowboys backfield and whether or not Pollard should overtake Ezekiel Elliott in the pecking order. 

Analyst believes Braves' free agent SS Dansby Swanson should seek $30 million per season

When MLB free agency begins after the World Series, several All-Star shortstops will hit the open market, including Atlanta Braves Gold-Glover, Dansby

Four Astros pitchers combine to throw second no-hitter in World Series history

In the 118-year history of the World Series, only the late Yankees hurler, Don Larsen, in 1956, had thrown a no-hitter in the Fall Classic. 

Watch: Maple Leafs' John Tavares scores a filthy goal in hat-trick effort vs. Flyers

Amid whispers of a career downswing, Maple Leafs captain John Tavares quieted his critics.

Jags QB Trevor Lawrence on new acquisition WR Calvin Ridley: 'His tape speaks for itself'

Lawrence will have to wait to join forces with his new receiver, but that doesn't mean he's not excited.