Yardbarker

Zac Wassink

Zac Wassink is a longtime sports news writer and PFWA member who began his career in 2006 and has had his work featured on Yardbarker, MSN, Yahoo Sports and Bleacher Report. He is also a football and futbol aficionado who is probably yelling about Tottenham Hotspur at the moment and who chanted for Matt Harvey to start the ninth inning of Game 5 of the 2015 World Series at Citi Field. You can find him on X at @ZacWassink

EXPERTISE:

NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, Premier League, MLS, US Soccer, UFC

Yankees' Aaron Judge, Kyle Higashioka return from COVID-19 IL

New York Yankees star slugger Aaron Judge, third baseman Gio Urshela and catcher Kyle Higashioka all landed on the COVID-19 injured list earlier this month

Nationals' Stephen Strasburg to have season-ending neck surgery

Washington Nationals ace Stephen Strasburg hasn't pitched since June 1 because of what was first reported to be a neck strain and won't return until some time next year.

Texans' Deshaun Watson has 'no restrictions' amid sexual assault investigations

The Texans reportedly are willing to listen to trade offers for Watson, but nothing in the league's latest update on the matter guarantees he won't be on the commissioner's exempt list before Week 1 of the regular season in September.

'Big chance' Carlos Carrasco makes Mets debut Friday?

The New York Mets are reportedly in the market for some pitching help ahead of Friday's trade deadline but could add an arm to the rotation that same day without losing anything in the process. 

Brewers' Christian Yelich, Jace Peterson go on COVID-19 IL

In corresponding roster moves, Milwaukee activated outfielder Lorenzo Cain from the injured list and recalled utility player Pablo Reyes from Triple-A Nashville. 

Packers cut Blake Bortles after Aaron Rodgers reports to training camp

The news isn't surprising, as Bortles joined the Packers in May via a minimum-salary deal that included zero guaranteed money so he could get in some work behind Jordan Love.

Dodgers' Trevor Bauer has administrative leave extended again?

His future with the Dodgers remains unclear heading into August. 

Blues sign Pavel Buchnevich to four-year, $23.2 million deal after breakout season

In 2020-21, he recorded 20 goals and 28 assists for a career-best 48 points in 54 contests.

Ravens RB Gus Edwards tests positive for COVID-19

Edwards will miss at least the first 10 days of camp due to the league's coronavirus-related protocols.

Alex Ovechkin signs five-year, $47.5 million deal with Capitals

The 35-year-old who has only played with the Capitals since they drafted him first overall in 2004 declared ahead of Memorial Day he wants to retire as a member of the organization.

49ers plan to start Jimmy Garoppolo over Trey Lance

It was hardly a secret San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan planned to open training camp with veteran Jimmy Garoppolo as his starting quarterback.

Washington State coach Nick Rolovich vows to follow policies for unvaccinated personnel

Rolovich reiterated he won't publicly share why he's not getting one of the available shots but said roughly 75% of the Washington State roster is either fully vaccinated or has begun the vaccination process. 

Browns' Odell Beckham Jr. passes physical, not on PUP list

It's unclear how active Beckham will be throughout the preseason and if he will participate in any August exhibition games.

Report: Assistant coach Rick Dennison to remain with Vikings

Coaches can gain an exemption based on legitimate health or religious reasons, and it's unclear if Dennison agreed to get vaccinated or won't be permitted to have direct interactions with players.

Barcelona teenager Ilaix Moriba receives racist abuse online

Premier League champions Manchester City could pursue Ilaix this summer. 

Giants thinking 'long term,' won't rush Saquon Barkley back

There continue to be hints that New York Giants star running back Saquon Barkley will not be in the lineup when Big Blue opens the 2021 regular season.

Yankees acquire RHP Clay Holmes from Pirates

Holmes has gone 3-2 with a 4.93 ERA in 42 innings this season, and he accumulated a career 5.57 ERA during his four campaigns with the Pirates.

Cleveland claims LHP Alex Young off waivers from Diamondbacks

Cleveland has added some pitching help ahead of Tuesday's matchup against the St. Louis Cardinals. 

White Sox activate slugger Eloy Jimenez from IL

In a corresponding roster move, Chicago optioned infielder Jake Burger to Triple-A Charlotte.

UFC planning for Kamaru Usman-Colby Covington welterweight title rematch

UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman (19-1-0) stopped Colby Covington (16-2-0) in the fifth round of a classic match at UFC 245 in December 2019, and it appears the two will run it back later this year.

Packers to attempt to sign Davante Adams to extension with Aaron Rodgers returning?

With Rodgers reportedly closing in on an agreement that would see him return to the Packers for at least the 2021 campaign, the team "can make another run at trying to sign" Adams to a new deal.

Two new women make allegations against Texans' Deshaun Watson

Watson continues to deny any wrongdoing via his attorney.  

Packers, Aaron Rodgers close to agreement that lets QB leave after 2021 season?

It appears Rodgers is planning his own version of "The Last Dance." 

Saints two-time All-Pro WR Michael Thomas to start season on PUP list

The 28-year-old could be eligible to return for New Orleans' Week 7 game against the Seattle Seahawks coming off a bye week.

Mets GM updates timeline for Francisco Lindor return

We have a least a general idea of when to expect Lindor back on the field.