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The Toronto Blue Jays today lost to the Philadelphia Phillies 2-0. Tomorrow they take on the Pittsburgh Pirates and have not announced a starter yet for that game. Today they made a lot of moves as they inch closer to finalizing their roster for Opening Day. One question at hand is who is rounding out the starting rotation which should be known relatively soon. Today they informed three players that they’ve made the roster and reassigned two.
- INF/OF Davis Schneider has made Opening Day roster
- DH Daniel Vogelbach has made Opening Day roster
- INF/OF/ Ernie Clement has made Opening Day roster
- 1B Spencer Horwitz optioned to Triple-A Buffalo
- OF Nathan Lukes optioned to Triple-A Buffalo
Blue Jays Moves By The Numbers
INF/OF Davis Schneider
Schneider this spring in 16 games hit .171 with a .596 OPS; he had a double, two home runs, three RBI, six runs scored, and four walks. In 35 games last season he hit .276 with a 1.007 OPS.
DH Daniel Vogelbach
Vogelbach signed a minor league deal on February 18th which included a spring training invite. In 13 games he hit .229 with a .884 OPS; he had two doubles, three home runs, four RBI, six runs scored, and six walks. Last season in 104 games with the Mets he hit .233 with a .743 OPS.
INF/OF/ Ernie Clement
Clement this spring in 16 games hit .356 with a 1.027 OPS; he had two triples, three home runs, eight RBI, eight runs scored, two walks, and two stolen bases. Last season in 29 games he hit .380 with a .885 OPS.
1B Spencer Horwitz
Horwitz in 16 games hit .125 with a .405 OPS; he had one double, seven runs scored, and seven walks. Last season in 15 games he hit .256 with a .726 OPS.
OF Nathan Lukes
Lukes in 16 games hit .450 with a 1.100 OPS; he had four doubles, one triple, six RBI, eight runs scored, five walks, and two stolen bases. In 29 games last season, he hit .192 with a .598 OPS.
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Pirates Make Shortstop Change vs. Giants
PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates had a few changes to their lineup, including one at shortstop, ahead of their second battle with the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park. Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who had started all but 17 games and every game in July at shortstop, isn't in the lineup against the Giants. Kiner-Falefa is amongst a number of Pirates players that MLB teams have reportedly shown interest in ahead of the trade deadline on July 31, including the New York Yankees and the Giants. Liover Peguero, who started first base the prior game, takes over for Kiner-Falefa and makes his second start of the season at shortstop, his first since May 7 vs. the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Spencer Horwitz, who didn't start last game due to the Pirates facing a left-handed starting pitcher, returns to first base and at the leadoff spot. Bryan Reynolds also comes back into the lineup after not playing in the series opener vs. the Giants, taking over in right field and batting third. Joey Bart also comes in at catcher for Henry Davis, after not starting the past two games, and will bat eighth for the Pirates. Tommy Pham stays in left field, but drops from leadoff to sixth in the batting order, while Oneil Cruz stays in center field, but drops down one spot in the lineup from fourth to fifth, rounding out the outfield for the Pirates. Nick Gonzales continues on at second base, but moves down a spot from third to fourth in the batting order, while Ke'Bryan Hayes stays at third base, but drops down two spots from fifth to seventh in the lineup for the Pirates. Andrew McCutchen, who hit the go-ahead two-run home run in the 6-5 win over the Giants in the series opner, stays at designated hitter and bats second for the Pirates. Left-handed pitcher Bailey Falter takes the mound for the Pirates and battles Giants right-handed starting pitcher Justin Verlander, who is in his 21st season at the MLB level. Falter bounced back with an incredible outing in the 6-1 series finale win over the Tigers on July 23, allowing just four hits and one earned run through seven innings pitched, matching a season-high. He has a 7-5 record through 21 starts, a 3.82 ERA over 108.1 innings pitched, 69 strikeouts to 35 walks, a .235 opposing batting average and a 1.18 WHIP. First pitch is set for 9:45 p.m. (EST). Pittsburgh Pirates Lineup vs. the San Francisco Giants 1B Spencer Horwitz DH Andrew McCutchen RF Bryan Reynolds 2B Nick Gonzales CF Oneil Cruz LF Tommy Pham 3B Ke'Bryan Hayes C Joey Bart SS Liover Peguero
NFL analyst says teams should be 'extremely scared' of this franchise in 2025
While the Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions and Washington Commanders have garnered a lot of attention lately, there is one NFC team that has quietly been flying under the radar. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost a one-score game to the Lions in the divisional round in 2023 and followed that up with another one-score loss to QB Jayden Daniels and the Commanders last season, proving how close they have been to the ultimate prize in the two seasons with Baker Mayfield under center. In an appearance on ESPN's "Get Up" Tuesday morning, analyst and former player Ryan Clark offered high praise for Mayfield and what the Buccaneers are capable of. "Baker Mayfield is a top-10 quarterback in this league," Clark said. "Baker Mayfield is a football player. And when I say that, I know people at home are gonna be like, 'Duh, he gets paid to play football.' No, not all quarterbacks are seen as football players. Not all quarterbacks are embraced in the locker room as one of us." Clark sees the Buccaneers as a team the rest of the league should be paying attention to because of who they have returning and the close calls in the playoffs the last two seasons. "This is a team that's been on the cusp the last two years," Clark said. "Now you think about some of the pieces they've added, the confidence in their quarterback and the way that he plays, and Todd Bowles with another year to understand winning at a high level at the head coach position. This is a team you better be extremely scared of because they're stacked and they're confident." Mayfield has been sensational during his time with the Buccaneers. Although he did throw 16 interceptions, Mayfield accounted for the third-most passing yards (4,500) in the league last season and has thrown the most TD passes (69) in the last two seasons, per StatMuse. To add even more incentive for Mayfield, the team restructured his contract, which is set to expire after the 2026 season, to include $30M in guaranteed salary for that season. The Buccaneers return a lot of production on both sides of the ball, in addition to bringing in first-round draft pick Emeka Egbuka, who topped 1,000 receiving yards twice at Ohio State and accounted for 26 total TDs. While Tampa Bay allowed the 17th-most points per game (22.7) last season, it returns the majority of its defensive production. On top of that, the offseason acquisition of veteran LB and two-time Pro-Bowler Haason Reddick, who agreed to terms on a one-year deal, should be a welcomed addition for a franchise that had some question marks on defense last season. The Buccaneers are projected to have the sixth-easiest schedule in the NFL this season and have the best chance to win the NFC South for the fifth consecutive season, according to ESPN Analytics. If Mayfield can cut back on his turnovers and the defense can create more pressure on opposing QBs, the Buccaneers could be a threat in the NFC once again as they look to put their recent nail-biting losses in the postseason behind them.
Oilers to Acquire a Top-Tier Goalie. An Official Trade Offer Is on the Table in a Blockbuster Deal
Minnesota Vikings Jeff Okudah Turning Heads At Training Camp
The Minnesota Vikings are looking to re-establish their defensive identity in 2025, and one of the surprises of training camp so far has been Jeff Okudah. Once labeled by some as a draft bust, Okudah is making waves under the guidance of new defensive coordinator Brian Flores. His performance, work ethic, and the strides he’s made in adapting to the Vikings’ system are quickly altering perceptions of both his potential and his fit in Minnesota. But Okudah’s story stretches far beyond just this training camp. His NFL career has been one of highs and lows, a testament to both his resilience and ambition. With Flores’ mentorship and a clear path to playing time, Okudah might finally be in the right place to thrive. A Challenging NFL Journey Jeff Okudah entered the NFL with monumental expectations. Selected third overall by the Detroit Lions in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Ohio State standout was viewed as a generational defensive back prospect. His college resume was nothing short of outstanding. At Ohio State, Okudah was a lockdown corner who excelled in press coverage, finished his junior season with three interceptions, and earned unanimous All-American honors. Experts heralded his technique, physicality, and ability to close on the football as elite traits that would translate seamlessly to the professional level. However, like many rookies burdened with high draft expectations, Okudah didn’t get off to the start he dreamed of. His rookie season was marred by injuries and inconsistent play, and Detroit’s overall defensive struggles compounded his growing pains. Things hit a low point during his second season in 2021 when he tore his Achilles just one game into the year. The injury sidelined him for the remainder of the season, raising serious doubts about his durability and ability to regain his form. Even upon returning to the field in 2022, Okudah showed flashes but struggled to secure a consistent role. With the Lions moving in a different direction, Okudah was traded to the Atlanta Falcons in 2023. Atlanta offered him stability and opportunities to play, but his performances didn’t fully live up to his potential, and he became a free agent after the 2024 season rather than earning a long-term extension. Now with the Minnesota Vikings, Okudah is under scrutiny once again. However, this time, there are signs that he may finally break through. Making Waves at Vikings Training Camp One week into the Minnesota Vikings’ training camp, Jeff Okudah has been a standout. Despite initial reservations about his role, Okudah has been running with the first team at nickel cornerback. For a defensive unit that prioritized upgrades in other areas this offseason, Okudah’s emergence has provided an unexpected boost in the secondary. Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores has already praised Okudah’s effort and attention to detail. “He’s been diligent on the field, off the field, in the training room, and in the weight room. He’s always looking to do extra film work,” Flores shared in a recent press conference. One hallmark of Flores’ defense is its reliance on intelligent, adaptable players who can read offenses quickly—and Okudah seems to be rising to the challenge. Flores also made it clear that Okudah’s work ethic and athletic ability are giving him an edge. “He’s getting more comfortable within the defense and has shown up positively in every way,” Flores added. For a player whose confidence was undoubtedly tested in previous seasons, this kind of recognition is both meaningful and motivating. What Okudah Brings to the Vikings’ Defense Okudah’s skill set is what originally made him such a highly valued draft pick. At 6’1” and 205 pounds, he has the size to challenge receivers physically at the line of scrimmage, as well as the speed to keep up in coverage downfield. These traits align well with Flores’ aggressive defensive philosophy, which often calls for corners to play in high-pressure scenarios. Playing in the nickel role can feel limiting to some defensive backs, but it requires discipline and versatility—two strengths Okudah is quickly proving he possesses. Nickel corners must be capable of switching onto slot receivers, dropping back into zone coverage, or even stepping up to help in run defense. It’s no easy job, but Okudah’s adaptability is allowing him to make steady progress. The Vikings are banking on Flores’ knack for turning overlooked talents into key contributors, and Okudah could be the next beneficiary. His ability to stay locked in during practice, both physically and mentally, is earning him trust within the organization. Why This Training Camp Feels Different for Okudah What sets this training camp apart from previous ones in Detroit or Atlanta is the environment. Under Flores, Okudah appears to be part of a system that prioritizes tailored assignments and coaching. The Minnesota Vikings’ staff isn’t asking him to be a savior; they’re asking him to play to his strengths. For a player trying to overcome doubts, this structured approach could be crucial. Additionally, Okudah’s own evolution as a professional is evident. The 24-year-old has dealt with more than his fair share of adversity and seems determined to erase any stigma attached to his draft pedigree. Watching him after practice, continuing reps or working on footwork solo, is a small glimpse into the kind of focus he’s bringing to this opportunity. What His Success Could Mean for the Vikings If Jeff Okudah continues to impress and locks himself into a starting role, the Vikings’ secondary might become more formidable than expected. With veteran safety Harrison Smith anchoring the defense and cornerbacks like Byron Murphy Jr. already contributing, Okudah’s emergence as a dependable nickel corner could provide the versatility needed to counter dynamic passing offenses. It’s also worth noting how Okudah’s trajectory could shape Brian Flores’ reputation. Known for squeezing maximum production out of his players, Flores has a chance to add another reclamation project to his résumé if Okudah lives up to his potential. Final Thoughts Jeff Okudah’s NFL story so far has been anything but linear, but he’s proving at the Minnesota Vikings training camp that the narrative is far from over. Under Brian Flores’ direction, Okudah seems to have found a system and coaching staff capable of helping him tap into his first-round potential. His development could be pivotal not only for the Vikings’ immediate defensive goals but also for reshaping how people view Okudah as a player. It’s still early in camp, and there’s a long season ahead. But for the first time in a long while, it feels like Jeff Okudah is writing a new chapter—one filled with promise, growth, and maybe even the redemption he’s been working toward since 2020.
Lakers' Bronny James Looks Like Completely Different Player for LA
Second-year Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James entered the NBA offseason as a completely new player, with significantly more confidence on the court. James was drafted in the second round last summer by the Lakers, though he only made spot cameos with Los Angeles. Instead, he spent most of his time with the G League team, getting repetitions among other NBA-caliber talent. He faced intense scrutiny as the son of LeBron James, arguably the greatest player of all time, and was criticized by the national media for allegedly being a product of nepotism. More news: Lakers' Luka Doncic Makes Major Offseason Announcement In Las Vegas this summer, Bronny James proved his critics wrong and showed a ton of growth on the court, which was noticed by Lakers' Summer League coach Lindsey Harding. “He’s been great,” Harding told the media, per Mike Trudell of Lakers.com “Having his time in the G League, getting more and more confidence and then coming here and taking more minutes and responsibility on his shoulders." During the showcase games, James averaged 14.3 points, 3.8 assists, and 2.5 rebounds over his 24.3 minutes per outing. "Handling the ball much more than he has in the past and making those decisions and reads for us, he’s taken that role on as a leader, that was also part of his growth," Harding said. "And then on the defensive end, where he had those moments where he can really pressure (the ball), pick up full court, be disruptive," Harding added. "That’s something where he can really have an immediate impact for our team this season.” More news: Lakers’ Luka Doncic Reveals Shocking New Fitness Regimen, Diet He shot an impressive 35.3% from three and guarded the opposing team's best player with energy and intensity. With a Lakers team lacking defensive guards, James could break into the rotation and eat into Gabe Vincent's minutes. Amid all of the scrutiny, he is proving his long list of doubters wrong and showing his true potential on the basketball court. More news: Former Lakers Center Nearing Deal With Surprise Team For more news and notes on the Los Angeles Lakers, visit Los Angeles Lakers on SI.
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