Can you name every MLB catcher to hit 30 or more home runs in a single season? Quiz clue: HRs / Year / Team. Good luck!
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The Houston Astros are adding some versatility to their depth options as they near yet another postseason berth. On Friday the A's announced that recently DFA'd Logan Davidson has been claimed by Houston. Davidson was the A's first round pick in 2019 at No. 29 overall, and he finally made his MLB debut this season in late May after years of grinding in the minors and working on his versatility to get a shot at the roster. Despite being selected in 2019, he was still hanging around the A's top-30 prospect list this season, which feels uncommon for players after so many years. His debut was certainly not one that players dream of. He entered the game as a pinch-runner in the bottom of the tenth inning, replacing an injured Nick Kurtz at third base. On the first fly ball to the outfield, he tagged up and was thrown out at home as his first play in the big leagues. He'd make up for that in his first start the next day, going 2-for-3 with a double, two RBI and a run scored in the A's lone win during the 1-20 stretch in May and June. He received limited playing time in his stint with the A's, and went 3-for-20 (.150) with a .261 OBP. In the minors this season, Davidson has batted .263 with a .412 OBP and seven home runs across 73 games played with the Las Vegas Aviators. Now 27, Davidson is a versatile defender that can fill in at a number of positions, getting the most playing time at first and second in the minors this season, while also seeing time at third, shortstop and left field. While Davidson has been claimed, he was also optioned to Triple-A Sugar Land. The Astros also placed left-hander Brandon Walter on the 15-day IL with left elbow inflammation, and designated Nick Robertson for assignment. Robertson had been with the Dodgers, Red Sox, Cardinals and Blue Jays the past two seasons, racking up a 5.30 ERA across 27 appearances with a 1.57 WHIP between the two years, but he has yet to pitch for the Astros this season. The 27-year-old right-hander has been with the Space Cowboys all season, making 31 appearances out of the 'pen with a 4.68 ERA and a 1.50 WHIP. In his 32 2/3 innings he'd struck out 36 batters, which is solid for an up-and-down guy, but he'd also walked 25 hitters and held a 17.2% walk rate. The question now is whether another club will scoop him up and add him to their own 40-man. He's kept the walks more under control in the past, so he may be worth taking a flier if there is roster flexibility.
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Treylon Burks may have already sealed his fate ahead of a make-or-break 2025 season. On Saturday, the No. 18 overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft suffered a broken collarbone while making an outstanding diving catch along the sideline during training-camp practice on a pass from rookie quarterback Cam Ward. The play was a distillation of Burks' pro career thus far, one that could be special if not beset by injuries. Burks has only appeared in 27 of a possible 51 career regular-season games. During his rookie season, Burks missed Weeks 5-9 with a foot/toe injury. He also suffered a concussion against the Philadelphia Eagles, forcing him to miss two additional games. In 2023, he was sidelined by a knee injury from Oct. 1 through Oct. 15, followed by another three-game absence the next month after he was carted off with a head injury in a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Last season, Burks was limited to five games after tearing his ACL during practice. He appeared to be in prime form on his spectacular grab during the play he was injured, showing off his tantalizing potential (and no lingering effects from his knee injury) by laying out to make the catch. But as has been the case throughout Burks' career, his giant step forward was met with two backward strides. In May, the Titans declined to pick up Burks' fifth-year rookie option, which would have paid him a projected $15.493 million in 2026, per Over The Cap. Over his first three seasons, Burks has 53 receptions, 699 receiving yards and one touchdown. Tennessee invested heavily in improving its wide receiver depth this offseason, insulating it from the effects of Burks' most recent injury. During free agency, the Titans added Tyler Lockett and Van Jefferson. They selected Elic Ayomanor and Chimere Dike in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft while also signing Ward's college teammate, Xavier Restrepo, as an undrafted free agent. Burks' path to playing time was already challenged by the offseason moves, but his broken clavicle could knock him out of the rotation for good. If Burks is ever going to live up to his draft status, it's become increasingly more likely it won't be in Tennessee.
The Boston Bruins are gauging trade interest in forward Pavel Zacha, according to The Fourth Period. Following a down season and a trade deadline where Zacha’s name was thrown around but was ultimately not moved, Bruins GM Don Sweeney is trying to move the 27-year-old Czech center. Zacha is playing in the final season of a contract that has a $4.75 million cap hit. Zacha, acquired from the New Jersey Devils in 2022 for Erik Haula, has been a solid pickup for Boston. He posted 21 goals and 57 points in 78 games in 2023-24, though his production dipped slightly to 47 points over a full 82-game slate last season. He can play up and down the lineup and has a strong two-way game. Who Has Shown Interest in a Zacha Trade? Two teams reportedly monitoring Zacha are the Vancouver Canucks and the Utah Hockey Club. Both teams are seeking top-six forward depth and would value Zacha’s steady offensive contributions. The Canucks have been busy all summer, signing and trading players. They have also been linked to Jack Roslovic talks in free agency, meaning they wouldn’t be adding both. Utah has been looking to make a splash this season and work their way up the standings in an attempt to compete for the playoffs. The Bruins would likely demand a notable return, but neither team is looking to send players back. The trade would likely involve a high pick or a mid-tier prospect. Zacha controls part of the process with an eight-team no-trade list. He’s owed just $3.75 million in actual salary each of the next two seasons, further boosting his trade appeal.
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford has missed the start of training camp due to a back injury, and the veteran will remain sidelined for longer than initially expected. Rams head coach Sean McVay told reporters on Tuesday that Stafford has experienced back soreness this summer. McVay suggested that the plan was for Stafford to sit out of L.A.'s first five practice sessions before returning, but the 37-year-old needs more time. McVay shared another update about Stafford on Saturday. The coach said the Rams will take things "a week at a time" with their two-time Pro Bowl quarterback and that Stafford will not begin practicing on Monday as the team had hoped. Stafford has dealt with a number of injuries throughout his career, but he is known for playing through them. While he also had a back issue last season, he still managed to play in 16 games. Stafford threw for 3,762 yards, 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions last season. He led the Rams to the playoffs, where they beat the Minnesota Vikings in the Wild Card round. L.A. lost to the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round. The Rams have a capable backup in Jimmy Garoppolo, but the latest ailment for Stafford may highlight a potential need for McVay's team.