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Yankees acquiring 3B Ryan McMahon in trade with Rockies

The Yankees are making an upgrade at third base, acquiring Ryan McMahon from the Colorado Rockies.

New York is sending two pitching prospects in exchange for the 2024 All-Star, LHP Griffin Herring and RHP Josh Grosz. MLB.com's Mark Feinsand was the first to report the trade.

The Rockies are currently a league-worst 26-76 and on pace for the worst record in major league history.

McMahon is in the fourth year of a six-year, $70 million contract. He's owed $16 million each of the next two seasons before becoming a free agent ahead of the 2028 season.

The 30-year-old is slashing .217/.314/.403 this season with 16 home runs, 15 doubles, and 35 RBI over 100 games. He's struck out a league-leading 127 times, but is still on pace for his fifth straight 20-plus home run season, and the sixth of his career.

It's a drop-off from his All-Star 2024 season in which he hit .242 with 20 homers, 28 doubles, and 65 RBI. McMahon had a career-best 4.0 WAR in 2021 with 23 home runs, 32 doubles, and 86 RBI in 151 games.

"Really excited," manager Aaron Boone said pregame. "Been an All-Star third baseman, really good defender. Has had some ups and downs offensively this year, I know over the last month he's been swinging the bat well. He's a presence and can really defend over there at third, and has for a number of years. We're excited to get him."

He later added: "I know there's real offensive potential there... The handful of times that we've played against them that I watch him, you're like, 'That's what it should look like over there.' He moves really well and has that prototypical good third base thing."

McMahon was drafted by Colorado in the second round of the 2013 MLB Draft out of Mater Dei HS in Santa Ana, CA and made his debut at age 22 in 2017. Over nine seasons and 1,010 games with the Rockies, McMahon owns a .240 batting average and .743 OPS with 140 homers and 452 RBI.

Defensively, McMahon has logged 696 games at third base, owning a .968 fielding percentage. He's also played 244 games at second base, 70 at first base, seven as a DH, and two at SS. He's played 100 games at third this season (.978 fielding percentage) and manned the hot corner for 152 games in 2024, leading the league in both assists (323) and errors (15).

The Yankees will bank on his glove at third base for at least the rest of the season, allowing them to slide Jazz Chisholm Jr. back over to second base full-time. This move also likely takes New York out of the running in the Eugenio Suarez sweepstakes. Either way, Boone believes the addition of McMahon will help the team defensively.

"I expect, and it needs to be one of our strengths, now bringing in a McMahon and with Anthony [Volpe], we need them to play the way they're capable of playing and how we expect them to play. If they do, that becomes a strength. We need that to happen," Boone said.

"I think you go around the diamond with us, I think we have a number of really good defenders, especially on most nights... Obviously, we're coming off a series where we did not play well in that regard, our last game was not good at all, probably cost us a game... There's no reason to think we can't be a really good defensive club moving forward, which I think we have been much of the year with some series mixed in where we've made mistakes."

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Sixers waive Ricky Council IV, open up roster spot

Sixers waive Ricky Council IV, open up roster spot originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The Sixers on Friday announced that they’ve waived Ricky Council IV.

Council’s 2025-26 season salary of approximately $2.2 million would not have become guaranteed until Jan. 10.

The 23-year-old wing first joined the Sixers as an undrafted free agent in 2023, signing a two-way contract. He had several impressive performances his rookie season that displayed immense athleticism and confidence.

Remarkably, Council led the injury-ravaged Sixers last year with 73 games played.

However, he only averaged 17.1 minutes and made two G League appearances for the Delaware Blue Coats. Sixers head coach Nick Nurse was publicly critical at times of Council’s play, including his rebounding.

“That’s really his forte, to play in the open floor,” Nurse said on Jan. 9. “We certainly are trying to encourage that from him. The biggest concern I have on that, however, is he’s got to get the rebound to do it. My big emphasis point for him and one of the things he needs to do more and better is rebound on both ends. 

“He can jump, he’s quick, he’s athletic, and that makeup should result in some more rebounding at both ends for him. Really trying to get him to get on the glass more so he can do more of that.”

Council’s shot selection and overall decline as a jump shooter were clear issues. He went 38.2 percent from the floor and 25.8 percent from three-point range last year.

After waiving Council, the Sixers are at 13 standard contracts, which is two below the maximum. Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey told reporters about two weeks ago that the team hopes to “work things out” with restricted free agent Quentin Grimes. Hunter Sallis, Dominick Barlow and Jabari Walker currently fill the Sixers’ three two-way contract slots. 

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Racing’s D-day looms as proposed chief Lord Allen faces ‘sliding doors’ moment

A ruling body with a board focused entirely on the long-term health and interests of the sport would be a first for racing

Around 80,000 people in Britain are employed in the horse racing industry. At least 1 million adults are estimated to have a bet on the horses in any given month of the year. And it is a very fair bet that on the morning of 13 November last year, no more than one in every 1,000 of them had even heard of Lord Allen of Kensington CBE, who was about to be unveiled as the new chair of the British Horseracing Authority, the ruling body of Britain’s second-biggest spectator sport.

Lord Allen had, after all, had very little recorded contact with the sport of kings over the course of either a glittering business career in broadcasting, his time as a Labour party insider under Ed Milliband’s leadership, or a dozen years in the House of Lords. But his lack of a racing background seemed less important than Lord Allen’s well-connected position in what had recently become the ruling political party, and his track record with events including London’s successful bid for the 2012 Olympics and, more recently, the Invictus Games. Beyond that, he could always learn on the job after assuming his new role on 1 June this year.

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From Promising Devils to the KHL: What Happened to Will Butcher and Ty Smith?

On July 25, 2024, Will Butcher signed with Barys Astana of the KHL. Just over a year later, another once-promising New Jersey Devils defenseman followed a similar path when Ty Smith announced he would also be heading overseas, signing with Dinamo Minsk.

What happened to these two highly regarded blueliners? How did their careers diverge so drastically from expectations?

Will Butcher began his NHL journey after being drafted by the Colorado Avalanche in 2013. However, he chose not to sign with Colorado, instead joining the New Jersey Devils in August 2017. In his NHL debut, Butcher made an immediate impact, tallying three points, becoming the first player in Devils history to do so.

He capped off an impressive rookie campaign in 2017–18 with 44 points and a spot on the NHL All-Rookie Team. In 2019, he earned a three-year, $11.2 million contract extension with the Devils.

But Butcher’s momentum didn’t last. His production declined in the following seasons. In 2022, he was traded to the Dallas Stars for future considerations. He later played for both Dallas and the Pittsburgh Penguins before leaving the NHL altogether.

Exactly one year ago, Butcher announced he had signed with Barys Astana of the KHL.

A few months later he went to play for EHC Red Bull Munich. Reflecting on his career abroad, Butcher told Derek O'Brien of The Hockey News:

“A few years ago, my wife and I went on holiday to Munich and were already impressed by the people and the city. I am convinced that my style of play fits in very well with Red Bull’s philosophy. From a hockey perspective, the team has also been successful in recent years.”

Now, Ty Smith is charting a similar course.

Drafted 17th overall by the Devils in 2018, Smith also flashed early promise. Like Butcher, he earned NHL All-Rookie Team honors and was viewed as a core piece of the Devils’ future blue line. Smith and Butcher only shared the ice for one season (2020–21), but both were seen as rising stars in New Jersey.

Yet, much like Butcher, Smith’s performance plateaued. Inconsistency and struggles to solidify his place in the lineup ultimately derailed his NHL career. Last week, he announced his move to the KHL, signing with Dinamo Minsk.

Although Butcher is five years older and their timelines didn’t fully align, their stories echo each other: two promising defensemen with strong starts, derailed by injury and inconsistency.

Once viewed as pillars of the Devils’ rebuild, both Butcher and Smith now continue their careers overseas, reminders of how quickly NHL careers can change.

Photo Credit: © Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

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Jack O’Callahan at 68: A Devil, An Olympian, A Legend

Yesterday, former New Jersey Devil Jack O’Callahan turned 68, celebrating a remarkable hockey journey that spanned both NHL ice and Olympic history.

O’Callahan played in the NHL with the Chicago Blackhawks and New Jersey Devils, but he’s best known for his role on the legendary 1980 U.S. Olympic team that defeated the Soviet Union in the “Miracle on Ice.”

Drafted 96th overall in the 1977 NHL Draft by Chicago, O’Callahan spent five seasons with the Blackhawks before joining the New Jersey Devils. He played two seasons in New Jersey, appearing in 80 games before retiring in 1989.

Standing at six foot two, the defenseman suited up for the Devils during a pivotal time in franchise history. He played with the 1987-88 Devils, who made a stunning playoff run that marked a turning point for the team. From that season through 2012, the Devils missed the postseason only three times.

Before his NHL days, O’Callahan made history as part of the U.S. Olympic team that shocked the world in 1980. Although he missed three games due to injury, he returned for the gold medal game, forever cementing his place in hockey lore.

O’Callahan wasn’t the only “Miracle on Ice” alum to wear a Devils sweater. Neal Broten and Mark Johnson also spent time in New Jersey. Broten scored the game-winning goal in the 1995 Stanley Cup Final and played for the Devils from 1994 to 1997. Johnson played five seasons with the team, from 1985 to 1990.

After hanging up his skates, O’Callahan transitioned into finance, co-founding Beanpot Financial Services with another former player, Jack Hughes.

He has also remained connected to the sport, making appearances at various hockey events. In 2010, he addressed the U.S. men’s Olympic team, telling ESPN that his message was simple:

“They may be great players, but players don't win championships—teams win championships. When we won in Lake Placid, the main reason was that we were a cohesive team. Everybody checked their egos at the door.”

His dual legacy, as a member of the Miracle on Ice team and as a New Jersey Devil, is firmly intact. Ahead of this season’s Four Nations Face-Off, Team USA coaches even named O’Callahan as a player they would’ve loved to coach.

Now 68, O’Callahan may not lace up his skates as often, but his impact on American hockey and Devils history continues.

Photo Credit: © Frank Becerra Jr. / USA TODAY NETWORK

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Why Islanders Darche Deserves Credit For How He Handled His Restricted Free Agents

The New York Islanders and forward Maxim Tsyplakov have avoided salary arbitration. The 26-year-old came to terms on a two-year extension worth $2.25 million, per Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman. 

Just a reminder, but had the Islanders and Tsyplakov gone in front of an arbitrator, given that he is 26, he would only be eligible for a one-year deal, as his unrestricted free agent years begin at age 27. 

Tsyplakov was the final Islanders player that was in need of a contract and getting Tsyplakov to agree to $2.25 million was a nice piece of work to close things out. 

According to industry sources, the Islanders and Tsyplakov's camp came close to an extension worth $3 million per season. But that potential deal didn't get done before former general manager Lou Lamoriello's time with the organization came to an end. 

Where Things Stand Between Tsyplakov & Islanders Where Things Stand Between Tsyplakov & Islanders Tsyplakov filed for player-elected salary arbitration on July 7.

New general manager Mathieu Darche deserves credit for how he's handled his restricted free agents.  

Darche made it clear that he wanted players who would be a pain to play against, and look no further than Alexander Romanov. The 25-year-old defenseman signed an eight-year extension worth $6.25 million. 

Was it a tad more than people expected, including Romanov? Sure, but Romanov not only fits the game plan and the club's timeline, but has emerged as No. 2 defenseman, and had he continued to develop, that price tag would have been much more in a few years. 

On the flip side, 25-year-old Noah Dobson and his camp wanted the Islanders to pay close to $10 million annually. While Darche made it clear that he wanted to keep Dobson, there was a line that he was not going to cross, and he didn't. 

While Dobson said he didn't request a trade, he did everything possible to force his way off Long Island and onto the Montreal Canadiens, using the need for a new deal as complete leverage despite not having any trade protection. 

The Islanders lucked out with what appeared to be an underwhelming trade, getting pick No. 16 (Victor Eklund), No. 17 (Kashawn Aitcheson), and Emil Heineman before Dobson signed an eight-year extension worth $9.5 million with Montreal -- taking less. 

Heineman, fresh off his first NHL season -- it was a tail of two halves with 10 goals and seven assists through his first 37 games before one assist in his final 25 games -- signed a two-year deal worth $1.1 million annually. 

With Tsyplakov, Darche could have stuck with the deal that was in the works before he took over, but he didn't. Despite information emerging that Darche honored Kyle Palmieri's two-year deal worth $4.75 million, there was still work to be done on that deal, which was hashed out when the contract was signed, not before it. 

Tsyplakov's camp probably realized, given his production this past season with 10 goals and 25 assists for 35 points in 77 games, that $2.25 million was likely as high as the arbitrator was willing to go. 

Although this is a two-year deal, it's undoubtedly a prove-it contract, especially given the amount of forward depth the club has leading up to training camp. Tsyplakov signed with the Islanders out of Russia because of the opportunity they presented. The opportunity that was there last season isn't as wide open this time around.

For a first-time general manager looking to set the foundation for long-term success, Darche needed to be smart here, and he was, which isn't a shock given his salary cap and contract negotiation experience from his time with the Tampa Bay Lightning. 

Forward Simon Holmstrom, off a breakout season with 20 goals and 25 assists for 45 points, signed a two-year deal worth $3.625 million annually, which will make him eligible for free agency. His upside is tremendous, and this deal will keep him a restricted free agent once it ends. 

Then, the Islanders will be set up to sign him to a long-term deal -- CBA for 2026-27 and beyond will limit contracts to seven years -- and while he'll get fair value, that potential contract will likely look like a steal if he keeps developing the way he has. 

Forward Marc Gatcomb, who demonstrated a nice offensive touch with eight goals and one assist in 39 games while playing a speedy, physical forechecking style, is a solid depth piece - an extra forward to have on the roster. While he didn't sign his qualifying offer worth $813,750 -- that would have been a two-way deal-- he signed a one-way contract worth $900,000. 

Defenseman Adam Boqvist, who head coach Patrick Roy absolutely loves, fits the system to a tee after coming over from waivers from the Florida Panthers. 

He recorded four goals and 10 assists for 14 points in 35 games and very well could beat out Scott Mayfield for the third-pairing spot, like he did last season. 

Boqvist signed a one-year deal worth $850,000, taking less than his $892,500 qualifying offer to get a one-way deal. 

Darche has officially completed the contract work the team needed, so maybe he can take a little -- just a little -- time off ahead of his first season as the club's GM. 

Stay updated with the most interesting Islanders stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.

PHOTO: Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

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MLS Suspends Lionel Messi for Missing All-Star Game

Major League Soccer suspended Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammate Jordi Alba for one game each after they missed Wednesday night’s All-Star Game in Austin, Texas, the league said Friday afternoon. “Per league rules, any player who does not participate in the All-Star Game without prior approval from the league is ineligible to compete …

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Penguins Prospect Ready To Break Out In Big Way

Pittsburgh Penguins prospect Ville Koivunen undoubtedly left a strong first impression with the NHL club this past season. In eight games with Pittsburgh to finish the year, the 22-year-old forward recorded seven assists. This included ending the season on a five-game point streak, where he recorded six helpers over that span.

Koivunen certainly earned his late-season call-up from Pittsburgh, too, as he impressed big time with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. In 63 games with the AHL squad in 2024-25, he recorded 21 goals, 35 assists, 56 points, and a plus-2 rating. Overall, it was a strong first full season in North America for Koivunen, and he certainly created more hype surrounding him in the process.

With how well Koivunen kicked off his NHL career with the Penguins this past season, there is no question that he is one of the Penguins' biggest breakout candidates heading into 2025-26. When taking a look at the Penguins' roster, the young forward should compete for a spot in their top six and also get power-play time. Thus, the possibility of him hitting a new level with the Penguins next season is absolutely there. 

It will be fascinating to see what kind of campaign Koivunen can have with the Penguins from here. There is no question that he has the potential to emerge as a very good NHL player, and he very well could cement himself as just that in 2025-26. 

Penguins Have Intriguing Target To Consider From BlackhawksPenguins Have Intriguing Target To Consider From BlackhawksThe Pittsburgh Penguins are currently in the middle of retooling their roster. Due to this, a number of their veteran players have been discussed in the rumor mill this off-season, including Bryan Rust, Rickard Rakell, and Erik Karlsson. 

Photo Credit: © Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

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Mets acquire LHP Gregory Soto in deal with Orioles

The Mets have made their first bullpen addition ahead of the trade deadline.

New York has acquired LHP Gregory Soto in a trade with the Orioles, as first reported by SNY's Andy Martino.

"This is a guy who is used to pitching in this league in high leverage, not to mention he's a lefty," said Mets manager Carlos Mendoza before Friday's game at the San Francisco Giants. "Upper-90s sinker. The slider. The biggest thing is his ability to come in games when there's high leverage and pressure there. Obviously a piece that will help us, and I'm excited about it."

Right-handed pitching prospects Cameron Foster and Wellington Arecena are heading to Baltimore as part of the deal, which is pending medicals.

Arecena, the 19th-ranked prospect in the Mets' system according to MLB Pipeline, is a 20-year-old right-hander who has pitched to a 2.38 ERA and 1.13 WHIP while striking out an incredible 84 batters across 17 appearances in High-A this season.

Foster is a bit older at 26, but he's also enjoying a strong season and recently made the jump to Triple-A. He's struggling a bit at the new level, but has a 2.97 ERA and 1.05 WHIP over 21 outings on the year.

This marks the third time in Soto's career that he's been traded.

He first broke into the league with the Tigers, but after four seasons he was shipped off to the Phillies, whom he spent a year and a half with before they traded him to Baltimore ahead of the 2023 deadline.

The 30-year-old has a 3.94 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 44 strikeouts, and 17 holds over 45 appearances.

He's been particularly effective against opposing southpaws, holding them to .138 average and .547 OPS.

Now in the Big Apple, he'll team up with Brooks Raley to give the Mets two steady left-handed options.

"Definitely helps," Mendoza said. "Grateful and thankful that the guys that have been here, they continuously help us. Whether it's righties, lefties, there's been a lot of new faces walking through those doors. We got Raley back and we see the impact right away.

"Another lefty allows me to deploy one of them earlier in the game and the other in the later innings. It's easier when they are both available to match up against some of the lineups we are going to be facing."

Soto is a free agent at the end of this season.

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Look Out For Alexis Joseph, A 2027 NHL Draft Prospect Whose Power Game Is MacKinnon-Esque

We are very, very early in thinking about the 2027 NHL draft, but if Canada's summer U-17 camp is any indicator, center Alexis Joseph is gonna be a problem for opponents from here on out.

Simply put, he's the kid that everyone has been talking about: scouts, agents and Hockey Canada folks have all been raving about him.

The first overall pick in the QMJHL draft this year, Joseph is gearing up to play for the Saint John Sea Dogs, where the youngster has the chance to put his name on the map like franchise alums such as Jonathan Huberdeau and Thomas Chabot.

Currently dominating at Canada's camp in Oakville, Ont., Joseph is looking forward to getting to Saint John, where his only experience to date was at development camp.

"I was just there for three days, but it's a great city," he said. "I want to learn more about the city, and I will in the next few months and years."

You don't need to be a high-level scout to see why Joseph has serious NHL potential in the future. The teen is already 6-foot-4 and 200 pounds, and along with some nice offensive vision, he can also move. Funny enough, power and speed are areas he still wants to improve in.

"I've worked on it this summer and last summer, and I'll continue to work on it," Joseph said. "It's a bit of weakness, my feet. I'm a big guy, and I'm young, so sometimes I'm not that fast. My power and speed is something I try to work on all year long."

You could have fooled me. Joseph's powerful game seems pretty advanced, and while he might not think he's fast, his size means he gets places just as quickly as smaller players – two of his strides can equal three of someone else's, after all. His power game looks great and is reminiscent of a certain NHL superstar that the teen already looks up to.

"The one guy I focus on is Nathan MacKinnon," Joseph said. "He's pretty good offensively, he's won a Stanley Cup and he's good defensively. He's hard to play against, and I try to be like him."

Alexis Joseph (Michael Hawkins-Saint John Sea Dogs)

Growing up in the suburbs of Montreal, Joseph played multiple sports, from mountain biking and dek hockey to soccer. Eventually, he had to make a choice.

"I was more of a soccer player growing up, but I had to forget soccer and focus on hockey," he said. "I was a defensive guy, like Sergio Ramos when he was with Real Madrid – but smaller."

Joseph is now pretty big, and at 16, there's a chance he could continue to grow. Based on the early returns at Canada's camp, the newest Sea Dog will be one to watch in the 'Q' this fall and when the World Under-17 Challenge kicks off on Halloween in Nova Scotia.

And while defenseman Landon DuPont is the top prospect for the 2027 NHL draft right now, don't sleep on Joseph: if he continues to develop into an elite talent, he'll be precisely the kind of big No. 1 center that tends to go very high on draft day.

Get the latest news and trending stories by following The Hockey News on Google News and by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com.

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Landen Roupp lands on IL with elbow injury, exacerbating Giants' pitching need

Landen Roupp lands on IL with elbow injury, exacerbating Giants' pitching need originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

SAN FRANCISCO — With the trade deadline approaching on July 31, the Giants already had a clear need in their rotation. That pursuit now comes with flashing red emergency lights. 

Landen Roupp was put on the IL on Friday with right elbow inflammation, pausing what had been a breakout season for the young right-hander and leaving a second hole in the rotation. Earlier this week, the Giants optioned struggling right-hander Hayden Birdsong back to the minors.

Roupp, Birdsong and Kyle Harrison competed for the final rotation spot this spring and it seemed that all would likely be part of the mix in the second half. Harrison is now with Boston, and there are real questions about whether the other two will contribute in the second half. The loss of Roupp — who won that competition — is particularly painful, as he had developed into a strong No. 3 starter behind Logan Webb and Robbie Ray. 

Roupp has a 3.11 ERA this season and has allowed just four earned runs in his last six starts. He threw five shutout innings in Atlanta earlier this week, giving the Giants hope at a time when they’re dealing with Birdsong’s command issues and Justin Verlander’s inconsistency. 

To fill the roster spot, the Giants recalled right-hander Tristan Beck, who potentially is a candidate to spot-start as they try to figure things out. They already were TBD for Sunday’s game against the New York Mets because of Birdsong’s issues.

Major League Baseball’s trade deadline is Thursday. The Giants already have made the flashiest move of the season by trading for Rafael Devers, but their biggest needs are now on the pitching side.

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‘Ridiculous:' Big leaguers side with Little Leaguer who was suspended for bat flip

‘Ridiculous:' Big leaguers side with Little Leaguer who was suspended for bat flip originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Jazz Chisholm Jr., known for playing with flair, noticed when a Little Leaguer was suspended in baseball’s latest bat flip flap.

“I thought that was ridiculous. You’re going suspend a kid for having fun?” the New York Yankees All-Star infielder said Friday. “Crazy.”

Marco Rocco, a 12-year-old from Haddonfield, New Jersey, tossed his bat in the air on July 16 after his sixth-inning, two-run homer in the final of the sectional tournament for Haddonfield’s under-12 team against Harrison Township on July 16. His father went to court and got the suspension eliminated.

“If it’s a game-changing homer, it’s fine. Even when I’m on the mound, it doesn’t irk me. It’s a human reaction and it’s good for the game, just like a pitcher doing a fist pump after a big strikeout,” said Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer, a three-time Cy Young Award winner. “I side-eye someone if they hit a solo shot and their team is down 5-0. That doesn’t jive with me. I don’t like it when opponents or teammates do that. I feel the same way about Little Leaguers.”

Rocco was ejected for what his family was told were actions deemed “unsportsmanlike” and “horseplay,” and an ejection results in an automatic one-game suspension.

His father, Joe, is a lawyer and his dad filed suit. Judge Robert G. Malestein of New Jersey Superior Court ruled in favor of the Roccos, and Marco played for Haddonfield against Elmora Little League in a 10-0 loss Thursday in the opener of a four-team, double-elimination tournament at the Deptford Township Little League complex. Marco went 0 for 2 with two strikeouts.

“I wish nobody would do a bat flip. I’m kind of traditional,” Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson said before adding, “But let him play.”

A staid sport for much of the 19th and 20th centuries, baseball has embraced emotion in recent years. José Bautista’s bat flip against Texas in a 2015 AL Division Series was featured in the video game MLB The Show 16.

“It’s a kid’s game, Whether you’re a kid or a major leaguer, we’re in a have-fun era,” Detroit Tigers catcher Jake Rogers said. “If you earn that moment, you earn that moment.”

AP Sports Writer Larry Lage contributed to this report.